Latest Windows How-To
- 22 January 2014
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How-Tos: Problems with OptionRom
One reader found that his PC wasn't able to boot in UEFI mode. He kept getting the error message: 'OptionRom Authenticate fail'. It turned out his graphics card isn't compatible with UEFI booting. Here's how to deal with problems with OptionRom.
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How-Tos: What is eye symbol in Windows 8 password boxes?
A new feature in Internet Explorer and Windows 8 allows you to see password characters as you type them in. It is a symbol that looks like an eye. Here's what it is and how to use it.
- 15 January 2014
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How-Tos: How to rotate your screen in Windows 7 and 8
Here’s how to rotate the Windows desktop to match your monitor’s orientation.
- 13 January 2014
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How-Tos: How to play AVI files in Windows
Windows Media Player should play .AVI files by default, but a variety of factors from installing other media players to Windows updates can cause them not to play. Here we show you how to fix the problem.
- 08 January 2014
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How-Tos: How to increase idle time in Windows 8
By default, Windows 8 is set to save power which means your PC screen turns off rather quickly. Here’s how to increase the idle time and stop your PC or laptop sleeping until you want it to.
- 03 January 2014
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How-Tos: How to preview PDFs in Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer displayed .pdf files as preview thumbnails on Zill Niazi's old Windows 7 laptop. But on a new laptop, also running Windows 7, it displays them only as icons. Can this be fixed?
- 02 January 2014
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How-Tos: How to fix a corrupt user profile in Windows 7 and Vista
Corrupt user profiles are a frustratingly common problem with Windows and there are various problems and solutions depending on the exact error message you receive. Here we show you how to recover from a corrupt user profile by either fixing the problem or creating a new account and transferring your user data across to the new profile.
- 01 January 2014
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How-Tos: Remove Microsoft account from Windows 8
We show you how to remove a Microsoft account from your Windows 8 PC, laptop or tablet, how to add a Microsoft account to your Windows 8 PC, laptop or tablet and how to check whether you're signed in with a Microsoft account in the first place.
- 31 December 2013
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How-Tos: Watermark on Desktop in Windows 8.1
What to do if there is a watermark and an error message on the desktop in Windows 8.1.
- 20 December 2013
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How-Tos: How to get virtual desktops in Windows with Dexpot
Dropping icons on your desktop is handy until you can’t see the wood for the trees. By using several virtual desktops, you can reduce the clutter and navigate through those icons more easily. Here's how to use Dexpot, which is free for home use.
- 19 December 2013
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How-Tos: How to stop pop ups in Windows 7 and Windows 8
We show you two great ways to get rid of pop ups in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
- 11 December 2013
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How-Tos: How to defrag in Windows 7 and Windows 8
We explain what is defragging, why you should do it, and how to defragment your hard drive in Windows 7 or Windows 8.
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How-Tos: Create bootable Windows 8.1 installation media
We show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive from which you can install or upgrade Windows 8.1.
- 06 December 2013
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How-Tos: How to upgrade Windows XP netbook
We explain how to keep your Windows XP netbook running once XP is no longer supported.
- 05 December 2013
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How-Tos: Use VirtualBox virtual PC to run Windows XP
We show one reader how to keep running Windows XP on his Windows 7 PC, even after Microsoft stops supporting XP.
- 26 November 2013
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How-Tos: Return missing tiles to Windows 8 Start screen
We explain how to return missing tiles to the Windows 8 Start screen.
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How-Tos: Change email address of Windows 8.1 account
If there is a problem accessing the email account associated with your Windows 8 PC, laptop or tablet, you need to change the account details. Here's how to change the email address associated with your Windows 8 account.
- 25 November 2013
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How-Tos: How to delete a Windows.OLD folder
We explain what is a Windows.OLD folder, and how you can delete it.
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How-Tos: How to share files over a network
Whether you want to connect Windows computers the traditional way to share files or use Windows 7 and 8's homegroups to share photos, videos, music and documents, we have the answers here. Both file sharing methods are covered. Here's how to share files over a network.
- 20 November 2013
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How-Tos: How to get rid of Modern UI from Windows 8.1
We show you how to get rid of the Modern UI, or Metro Interface, when using Windows 8.1
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Moto G vs Moto X comparison review: What's the best Motorola smartphone?
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17 best smartphones: The best phone you can buy in 2014
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Nexus 5 vs Moto X comparison review: Which Google Android smartphone should you buy?
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Motorola Moto G vs Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone comparison review: which is the best budget Android phone?
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New smartphones of 2014: best new phones launching in 2014
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New Fitbit Force wristband adds missing Flex features - display, altimeter, time, Caller ID; UK release date
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iPhone 6 release date: When will the iPhone 6 be launched?
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The 26 best role playing games ever
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Apple iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 to launch in September
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Kurio Phone is first smartphone for kids with stacks of safety features for parents
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Moto G vs Moto X comparison review: What's the best Motorola smartphone?
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Nexus 5 vs Moto X comparison review: Which Google Android smartphone should you buy?
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Motorola Moto G vs Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone comparison review: which is the best budget Android phone?
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New Nexus 7 review (2013); the new 7-inch Google tablet is very good
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LG G2 review: The best smartphone you can buy
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How to set any song as a ringtone on your iPhone: including in iOS 7
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How to format a write-protected USB flash drive or memory card
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Can you retrieve deleted texts from iPhone? Restore deleted SMS messages on iPhone
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How to play PS3 games on PS4: Is it possible?
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How to close running apps in iOS 7: iPhone now works like Android
Latest Videos
Misfit Shine Activity Monitor review - wearable gadget aimed at tracking aerobic activity
The Misfit Shine is a wearable activity monitor aimed at getting you to do that bit more exercise. It costs £99 and can be worn both as a watch and over your belt. Here's PC Advisor's Misfit Shine video review (includes 'acting').
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Advent Vega Tegra Note 7 video review: flawed but still a great budget Android tablet
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Video: Apple iPad mini 2 - a Retina screen arrives on the littlest iPad
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Moto G vs Moto X comparison review: What's the best Motorola smartphone?
Motorola, now owned by Google, has a couple of smartphones on the market but which is better for…
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Jawbone Up review: an easy-to-use activity tracker that lacks a display and wireless synching
Simple to use and easy to understand, the Up seems like a good fitness tracker, but it's let…
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Fitbit One long-term review: a great activity tracker at a sensible price
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Downloads
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QuickMove 1.5
Quickly get your PC organised with this handy file management tool
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PDFFill Tools 11.0
Create, convert, watermark, encrypt and process PDFs
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StereoPhoto Maker 4.52
Create, view and work with 3D images
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V-Radio 2.5.0
Browse and listen to 1,000 radio stations
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Google Play Movies & TV 1.0.1 for Android
Watch Google Play movies on your phone/ tablet