I was recently asked how to disable updating of virus/spyware definitions when running a command-line scan using Microsoft Security Essentials console tool MpCmdRun.exe. The option exists in the Microsoft Security Essentials user interface, but the setting is not obvious for some users. (more…)
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How to Disable Updating of Definitions When Running a Command-Line Scan Using MpCmdRun.Exe
How to Add UAC Shield Icon to Static (Right-Click) Context Menu in Windows 7
Most users customize the right-click menu by adding additional verbs in the registry in order to launch programs or scripts. Windows 7 lets you add the UAC Shield icon for static context menu items as well. If a verb you add to the right-click menu launches a program which runs elevated by default, then it’s a good idea to add the UAC shield icon so that users know that the task requires elevation. (more…)
Fix for Desktop Icons Layout Not Getting Saved Upon Restarting Windows
Windows saves the desktop icon layout when the user logs off, and the setting is read during logon. Recently I came across a case where the desktop icons rearrange to their default positions after a restart or logoff/logon cycle. This turned out to be a Permissions issue with a registry key, which kept Windows from writing to it. Are you experiencing the same problem in your Windows XP/2003/Vista/7 PC? If so, here is a solution that you can give it a go. (more…)
Microsoft Security Essentials MpCmdRun.Exe Command-Line Help Is Incorrect
The MSE console tool MpCmdRun.exe’s command-line help displays the parameters and flags to be used to initiate a scan. Here is the line that I’m talking about.
-Scan [-ScanType] Scans for malicious software
And the ScanType can be 1 (Quick scan) or 2 (for Full scan) (more…)
How to Restore .BKF Images Using Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7
Here is a walkthrough (with screenshots) on how to restore Windows XP NTBackup’s BKF images in Windows 7 using Microsoft’s Windows NT Backup Restore Utility. Note that our earlier article on How to Restore .BKF files Using NTBackup in Windows 7 and Windows Vista still works. You’re free to choose whichever method you find easier. (more…)
Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 Is Now Available
Earlier we wrote how to restore NTBackup .BKF images in Windows 7, for users who didn’t want to wait for Microsoft’s NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7. Now, Microsoft has made available the Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 in the form of a hotfix, that will restore the Windows XP NTBackup images (.BKF) in a Windows 7 PC. (more…)
File Association Fixes for Windows 7
This page contains the file association fixes for some of the common file types. These fixes are applicable for Windows® 7 systems only. (more…)
Fix for Error 100 Invalid Class String in Internet Explorer When Opening Organize Favorites
When you click the Organize Favorites option under the Favorites menu in Internet Explorer, the following error occurs and the Organize Favorites dialog appears blank as in the graphic below:
How to Install and Run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility if Windows Installer Fails to Work
If you’re greeted with the Windows Installer setup screen for an existing product everytime when you try to install a new program, you usually repair the existing application, or use the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility to remove the installer information of the existing application before reinstalling it. The problem is the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility Setup itself uses Windows Installer and hence it may not run in the above scenario. Here is an option which can be used to launch the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility without installing it. (more…)
How to Remove Blank Entries From the MSConfig Startup Tab in Windows XP
Sometimes after uninstalling software, you may end up with blank entries in the System Configuration Utility (MSConfig.exe) in Windows XP. This happens if the startup entry is present in the registry with blank value data. This article tells you how to remove those orphaned entries by editing the registry.
