Backup function is provided so the operation can be undone. Apart from that, you may also opt to wipe out junk stored in Windows application such as cached data in Internet Explorer consisting history of visited urls, etc.

To use this program, choose autoclean and it will get the job done. If you want to exclude specific entries, you can do so by adding them into the exclusions list.

Download | Homepage

For Technet plus and MSDN subscribers, they are able to download the newly integrated Windows Vista With Service Pack 1 to save 6 hours of upgrading Windows Vista when doing a clean install of the operating system.

What about non-subscribers?

:::Direct Download Link for Windows Vista (All) Splitsreamed With Service Pack One (Alternatives):::

1) Users can try the alternative such as through torrent or P2P and like always they have to use their original key regardless its OEM or Retail for the product to continue to work.

2) Thanks to University Technology Malaysia, you can also download the 32-bit version ISO from their server using your preferred download manager at the moment and it’s free.

Download link: Windows_Vista_SP1.iso

MDF: MD5 b09267740ddd1a08d80b04ec6bbc232a

Via lowyat.net

• Windows Vista users might realize that the infamous Windows Sidebar “Note Gadget” could be useful because it helps users to store data in form of notes.

• However, the display size of the note is limited. There is no function to export them into text files for other use too so this “gadget” is certainly not for heavy computer usage.

::: Solution :::

Flashnote is a software that stores information in text form which resides in Windows system tray.

It is resizable, consists of wide space where you can easily paste and store your quick notes, offers options for customizing the notes formatting and contains other important functions such as exporting your notes as database.

This freeware improves your productivity by making information copying/managing task easier. It consumes little memory (around 5MB); a good software especially for a slow computer.

As mentioned in their website:

Flashnote is NOT a personal information manager (PIM). Flashnote is NOT a substitute for Notepad or some other text editor. Flashnote is a fast rough copy utility that can be used any time during work process and without fear of damaging important data. You’ll find it a real help for your computer work.

I bet you’ll find it to be helpful in other type of works too as it did to mine. Try it out!

Homepage | Download Flashnote

Most of the reason for this problem would likely because of scratched CD/DVD and there were also minor cases where it was due to copy protection being used on those media.

To solve the problem stated in the title of this blog post, you need to evaluate several software for Windows-based PC and see which one is able to solve your misery.

The first software I’d recommend is Isobuster. It supports CD / DVD/ BD / HD DVD formats and common file-systems. It is free (fully functional demo) and are able to copy files from discs with bad sectors.

Other software that has similar functions with Isobuster is Blindwrite6 which is capable of retrieving files from CD/DVD with bad sectors and also create an .iso (image file) in your hard disk to reproduce a working copy of your media to avoid the problem above. (Screenshot below). The major drawback of this software is it is limited by a time trial unless you buy yourself a copy of it.

If the two software above failed you, the last effort on my recommendation would be to use CloneCD. CloneCD is quite useful when you accidentally applied certain type of Copy Protection when writing your disc, which according to the way it works, might report bad sector at 99% during file transfer process although the file you wish to copy could be run perfectly from the disc.

In short, CloneCD backs up your music, data, or navigation CDs, regardless if they are copy protected or not.

The above are only general ideas on how you could work out the problem.

You could also, for example be creative by using Camtasia to record video file played on your computer screen if you cannot copy the video file directly from your disc for personal use.

Software links: IsoBuster | Blindwrite | CloneCD | Camtasia

2) If Cd-Key Reader doesn’t help you do the dirty work, Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.51 is a good alternative which serves the same purpose. The Magical Belly Keyfinder is a freeware that retrieves your Product Key used to install Windows and Microsoft Office from your registry. It was tested to be compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT4, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Windows Vista, Office 97, Office XP, and Office 2003.

I personally have tried the two software and they both worked for me.

DriveImage XML could be the best alternative for you. DriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program from Runtime specially developed for imaging and backing up partitions and local drives. Best of all, it’s a freeware.

This program enables you to:

• Backup local drives and partitions to image files
• Browse these images, view and extract files
• Restore these images to the same or a different drive
• Copy directly from drive to drive
• Schedule automatic backups with Task Scheduler

DriveImage XML uses Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Services (VSS) so that you are able to create safe ‘hot images’ even from drives currently in use.

Images are stored in .xml files which are not propertiery and readable by any program which support the format, allowing you to process them using third party tools. You are also able to restore images to drives without having to reboot.

However, before you sing your praise or do anything with this software please do note that Runtime doesn’t offer any technical support so please refer to the program file help, F.A.Qs and documentation for a trouble-free backup process.

You can also refer to the video tutorial below for further understanding on how it works.

System Requirements:

Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista

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Is there any shortcut to this?

The method below was applied using Windows Vista, but I think you can do it with Windows XP or some earlier Windows versions as well. To create a hidden folder without having to mess up with the file/folder viewing setting…

1) Firstly, on your desktop press Right Click -> “New” -> “Folder”

2) Rename the folder and press Alt0160 simultaneously (use Alt key plus the numbers in numpad). You will see the folder name disappear.

3) Right-click on the folder, and clock on “Properties” -> “Customize”. Change the folder icon into none.

Voila!

The folder will reappear when you highlight all the icons on your desktop or click on the spot where the ‘hidden folder’ is located.

A good read if you want to optimize your Windows Vista or Windows XP (is also available) in my opinion since it’s readable offline and the guide itself is very comprehensive that I call it as the bible for Vista.

Download ‘Windows Vista Bible’ : Click here