New Resource Section

I have created a new page which I will use to list websites that offer solutions to common computer problems. I hope to create an extensive collection of really high quality information so the list will contain pages that I have found helpful.

Check out the page here

2 Ways to Backup the Windows 7 Registry

The Windows registry is a database which contains all of the configuration settings and options for the Windows Operating System. It is always a best practice to backup the system registry to a safe place before making any changes with the Windows Registry Editor.

There are 2 Methods for backing up the entire Windows registry, I recommend using both methods. The first method involves using the built-in System Restore feature, the second method involves opening the registry editor and exporting the entire registry. Combining the two methods provides coverage for a wide variety of problems that can occur from incorrectly modifying the Windows Registry.

Quickly Enable the Windows 7 Administrator Account

In Windows 7 there are Standard Users, who are regular users with limited functionality and there are Administrators, who are the users with the rights to perform important system tasks such as installing software and adjusting security settings. Additionally, there is a built-in Administrator account which is hidden by default. The built-in Windows 7 Administrator profile is created in addition to the default administrator profile during Windows setup and is hidden. The built-in admin account is created with full permissions and access on the system and is not limited by User Account Control (UAC).

Enabling the built-in Windows 7 Administrator account can be beneficial in situations where the computer is accessed by multiple individuals and there is an increased need for security. Typically, this hidden Administrator profile has no password by default so enabling it allows you to add a password to it.  Turning on the Administrator account can be performed using this tutorial on any version of Windows 7 with no additional software.

Changing the Default Port for Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop enables you to connect to your computer across the Internet from virtually any computer. By default, remote desktop connection uses the port 3389 to connect through which creates consistency between computers however, there are times when using a custom port number is required.

There is no facility for configuring which port settings Remote Desktop uses in Windows, which forces us to make the change manually in the Windows Registry using Regedit. Editing the registry can be harmful to your system so I recommend that you back up your registry before you begin.  Once you change the Remote Desktop default port, you will also need to allow the port through Windows Firewall and other firewall software packages. Read my instructions which detail how to add a Windows Firewall rule in Windows 7 or how to add a port to the Windows Firewall exception list in Windows XP when finished. Windows Firewall instructions Coming Soon!!

Auto Login to Your Windows 7 User Account

Having your Windows 7 user account automatically login for you can be extremely useful especially when you need to have a password protected account.  There are times when having a user password is essential such as when you want to enable remote desktop access to your computer unfortunately, you are then required to enter that password every time you start your computer. Luckily there is an easy fix!

You can enable Windows to automatically enter a user name and required password for you saving you form having to perform that that extra step.

Protect Your Computer With a Windows 7 User Password

In this post I will demonstrate step-by-step how to add a password to a user account in Windows 7.  This is a very basic tutorial but I think that many will find it to be quite helpful.

Adding a password to your user account is a simple yet important step towards keeping your system protected.  Adding a user password is not intended to prevent access to your system however, it can dissuade unwanted guests from trying to access your personal information.  This type of password also serves as a way to restrict access to important system functions (Program Installation) which require Administrator privileges on computers set up with Limited user profiles.

Enabling RDP with Concurrent User Sessions in Windows 7

Windows 7 lacks the ability to log into the same user profile more than once. Without the ability to have concurrent user sessions you are forced to disconnect another user in order to connect to a system.  This isn't an issue if you are the only one who uses the system but, what if the system is shared with other users? What if you use the system as a HTPC and you want to perform some maintenance tasks while the media continues to play?

Keep reading for instructions on how to easily patch Windows 7 to accept simultaneous user logins.