Short cuts and other tips Vista Tips Discuss Short cuts and other tips in the Windows Vista forums; Felix, do you need a different key for the 5 OS's? I am a little confused on that one, I did a clean install, used my key from my ...

[TurboStorm]

Felix,
do you need a different key for the 5 OS's? I am a little confused on that one, I did a clean install, used my key from my DVD mailed to me, and it installed the Ultimate version. The email I recieved for the RC1 download link, had a different key.
Maybe this weekend I will try each one of the versions, see which one works best.

TurboStorm

[felix8406]

TurboStorm, yes u do need a separate key if u want run a different version of Vista. The key that u received is for the ultimate version. The only reason behind it, that I can think of, is that Microsoft wants a complete test, rather than just a test on a specific version. The logic might be that if u can run the ultimate version and discovered bugs, the fix for those bugs can be apply to the other versions as well. But please keep in mind that this is just my opinion and that there might be other reasons. Do give it a try and see what happens, u have nothing to loose anyway...plus u get to try the version that will fit ur needs. Happy computing!

[felix8406]

Also the User Account Control (UAC) helps eliminate security problems; its behavior can really get in ur nerve. When performing task(s) that need security permission elevation, Windows blanks out the desktop, restricts its access, and brings the elevation prompt up front. Depending on ur system, this can slow down ur computing minutes significantly. Although the idea behind this feature is understandable due to problems with malware, viruses, hackers, etc., it could be a pain in the back side when setting up ur system.
There’s a solution however; U can disable the secure desktop blanking feature and re-enable after completing ur setup.
1.Click the Start
2.Type gpedit.msc in search area and press Enter.
3.Click the gpedit that pops up and allow the program to run by clicking Continue in the security box.
4.On the Group Policy Object Editor window, expand Computer Configuration, if not already expanded.
5.Expand Windows Settings, Security Settings and Local Policies.
6.Click on Security Options.
7.On the right pane, scroll to the bottom of the listing, and double-click on "User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation."
8.Select Disabled, and press OK.
9.Close the Group Policy Object Editor. Happy computing!

[crabby]

An easier way to disable UAC would be to go to users in the control panel and do it from there. Does your way keep UAC enabled but emove the prompt only?

crabby

[Znod]

Originally Posted by TurboStorm

Felix,
do you need a different key for the 5 OS's? I am a little confused on that one, I did a clean install, used my key from my DVD mailed to me, and it installed the Ultimate version. The email I recieved for the RC1 download link, had a different key.
Maybe this weekend I will try each one of the versions, see which one works best.

TurboStorm

The same key will work for all Beta versions. So, you now have 2 keys that will work on all Beta versions. All Betas are Vista Ultimate Betas.

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by crabby

An easier way to disable UAC would be to go to users in the control panel and do it from there. Does your way keep UAC enabled but emove the prompt only?

crabby

It maintains the UAC enable, but prevents Secure Desktop from locking the desktop, which could be a hassle, especially for people with older video cards....refresh rate can be very slow.

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Znod

The same key will work for all Beta versions. So, you now have 2 keys that will work on all Beta versions. All Betas are Vista Ultimate Betas.

Just wanted to add that the DVDs (x64 or x86) include copies of all versions of vista, but the product key is Vista Ultimate only.

[felix8406]

Here’s a tip for selecting a list of files and folders on explorer. Instead of holding down the Ctrl key to select every other file (or even the Shift key to select consecutive files) on a list, u can use a column of checkboxes instead. U can select an item or items by clicking a checkbox, then you can copy, cut or move those items.
1. Open Explorer (U can right click Star and click on Explorer).
2. On the upper left hand side on Organize, drop down the arrow .
3. Select Folders and Search Options.
4. Select the View tab.
5. Scroll down until u see “Use check boxes to select items”.
6. Check the checkbox and click Apply and OK.

To select a file, u simply check the checkbox next to the left of the filename. U can then copy, cut, delete, send to.., etc. doing a right click on any one of the selected files. Happy computing!

[felix8406]

IE gives u the ability to open multiple tabs with different pages within them automatically when it starts. For example u can have www.vistababble.com, www.cnn.com, www.goggle.com to open automatically.
To setup; select Tools, Internet Options, and the Home Page section, enter all web address u want IE to open. Separate each address by using the Enter key. Click apply. Happy computing!

[felix8406]

Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility that can help u reduce unnecessary files, free up disk space and help ur computer run faster. If u installed Vista as a clean install over another another OS, including Vista itself, u can run clean up to delete those files left behind by ur old OS if u no longer have a need for them. It will also remove temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes other uneeded files. To access Disk Cleanup go to the Control Panel and click System and Maintenance (or Performance Information and Tools if in Classic View). Click "Open Disk Cleanup". If prompted for administrator confirmation, Continue. Select the hard disk drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK. Click Disk Cleanup tab, then check boxes next to the file(s) you want to delete. When you are finished selecting the files you want to delete, click OK, and then click Yes to confirm the operation. U can also remove all, except the most recent restore point by clicking on the More Options tab...that's a personal choice, which I don't recommend, but it is there nevertheless. Happy Computing!