PC Hints and Tips » Windows XP

After I installed some new programs, my computer slowed considerably. Is there a way of going back to my old set-up?

Will — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:35:50 +0000

Before you make any major changes in Windows, you should always set a System Restore point that you can roll back to in the event of any problems arising. Points are often created automatically for you but it never hurts to create another, just to make sure. To use System Restore in Vista, click Start and type ‘restore’ (without the quotes) into the search box. In XP, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and click System Restore. From here, you can manually create a System Restore point or return your computer to a previous set-up.

Can you tell me how to use a photo I found on the web for my Desktop background?

Will — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:10:24 +0000

Simply right-click the picture and then click Set as Background.

Windows XP refuses to boot – what can I do?

Will — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:06:25 +0000

Insert your Windows Installation disc and boot from there. At the ‘Welcome to Setup’ screen, hit R to start the Recovery Console. Once this has loaded, type ‘fixboot’ (without the quotes), hit Enter and then try rebooting your system. This should solve the problem, if it doesn’t, repeat the process but this time type ‘fixmbr’ (again, without the quotes).

Rename multiple files

Will — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:10:14 +0000

In Windows XP, you can rename multiple files simultaneously. Select all the revelant files, then right-click and select Rename. Type in your chosen title and they will be all renamed according to what you entered, with a number in brackets to differentiate between them.

Lock your Desktop

Will — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:42:10 +0000

If you need to leave your computer in hurry but want to keep documents safe from prying eyes, you can lock your Desktop by pressing the Windows key and the L key at the same time.

Declutter your Taskbar

Will — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:07:22 +0000

When you have three or more files opened in the same application, WIndows saves space by combining them in a single Taskbar button. To prevent this from happening, right-click the Start button and select Properties. Click the Taskbar tab and deselect the option ‘Group similar taskbar buttons’.

Alphabetise the Start Menu

Will — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:23:47 +0000

If you’re struggling to find programs in the Start menu, you can reorder it alphabetically Just right-click any program in the menu and select ‘Sort by name’.

Pin shortcuts to the Start Menu

Will — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:39:54 +0000

You can move your most frequently accessed programs to the top of the Start menu. Click Start, All Programs, right-click the program shortcut you want and select ‘Pin to Start Menu’.

Display your photos as a screensaver

Will — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:38:50 +0000

To turn your favourite snaps into a screensaver, right-click the Desktop, select Properties and click the Screen Saver tab. From the drop-down list select My Pictures Slideshow, or click Settings to choose a different folder of photos on your hard disk.

Use single-click everywhere

Will — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:36:35 +0000

To cut your click rate in hald, open any folder, then go to Tools, Folder Options. In the ‘Click items as follows’ section, select ‘Single-clic to open an item (point to select)’ and click OK.