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Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.
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The Complete Guide to Protecting Your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) [Updated]
On June - 18 - 20122 COMMENTS
![microsoft security essentials The Complete Guide to Protecting Your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) [Updated]](http://i2.wp.com/www.mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/microsoft_security_essentials.png?resize=256%2C256 "microsoft_security_essentials")
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) has been around for some time and has proved to be a popular, free anti-virus program. In this guide, I’ll show you how to configure MSE, what all the options mean, and some advanced tips to make the program run optimally for you.
Windows 8 Release Preview Available for Download
On May - 31 - 2012Comments Off
The Windows 8 Release Preview is ready for download in ISO format from Microsoft’s servers:
English
Product Key: TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF
Burn Windows 8 Release Preview ISO to a DVD
Follow this guide to learn how to burn an ISO to a DVD.
Create a bootable Windows 8 thumb drive
Use this method if you use a netbook (with no DVD drive) or just want to install Windows 8 from a thumb drive.
Install Windows 8 in a Virtual Machine
If you want to try Windows 8 from the comfort of your Windows 7/Vista/XP installation, consider installing Windows 8 in a virtual machine with VirtualBox.
Install Windows 8 Release Preview from a USB Drive [How To]
On May - 31 - 20124 COMMENTS
The quickest way to get Windows 8 installed is to take a blank PC (or empty partition) and install Windows 8 from USB.
What You’ll Need
- Blank partition/hard drive
- 4 GB USB drive (32 bit/64 bit ISO), 8 GB USB drive (64 bit ISO with developer tools)
To install Windows 8 Release Preview from a USB thumb drive, you’ll need to:
- Format your thumb drive and copy the installation files
- Boot from your thumb drive
- Install Windows 8
The Windows Command Prompt—Beginner’s Guide
On May - 14 - 20123 COMMENTS
Previously, we asked you if you use the Windows command prompt and many of you answered and stated you do not; for those that do use the command line interface (CLI), many use it infrequently. In this guide, we’ll go through the basics of the command prompt, show you examples of how you can use it, and show you how to customize it.
Extend the Trial Period of Windows 7 to Four Months [How To]
On April - 22 - 2012Comments Off
![windows 7 license expiration Extend the Trial Period of Windows 7 to Four Months [How To]](http://i2.wp.com/www.mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/windows-7-license-expiration.png?resize=310%2C193 "windows-7-license-expiration")
If you’re currently evaluating Windows, you can keep an eye on the expiration date of the license to ensure functionality is not reduced when the trial period ends. Windows Forums member and Windows Guides writer, Stu, shares the following commands to check the license status of your copy of Windows:
- slmgr /dli Current license information
- slmgr /dlv Detailed information on the current license
- slmgr /xpr Expiration date
He also shows us how to extend the trial period by 30 days, which can be done up to three times for a total of 120 days, with the slmgr /rearm command. Check the tutorial for more information on how to run these commands and interpret the results:
Remove Malware from Windows [How To] [Updated]
On April - 16 - 20129 COMMENTS
![tick Remove Malware from Windows [How To] [Updated]](http://i1.wp.com/www.mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/tick.png?resize=128%2C128 "Remove Malware from Windows [How To] [Updated]")
Windows Forums member and owner of Real Security, geohac, has updated his comprehensive guide to help users remove malware from their PC. In the guide, geohac covers steps you should take to prepare for removal such as disabling proxy servers (to give you a better chance at getting online and getting to the sites you need for virus removal software.) The guide then goes on to show you how to boot into safe mode to fight a virus (something we recommend ourselves) and then shows you which tools you should use to remove a virus (downloading these tools on a non-infected PC is the safest bet and making sure, if you have to use a USB drive to transfer the files, that you don’t put the same, now potentially infected, thumb drive back in the clean PC.)