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

• 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

Homepage

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.

The installer works smart by making the transformation process uninterrupted with Windows Update an incompatible system files. Although the mimicking is incomplete as XP lacks some features Vista has like Search Box in every folder, Windows Aero, Title Bar transparency, it should be enough to change your old desktop into a new, cool refreshing look without degrading performance. Some key features are:

• Vista-Look for Windows XP, MCE, or Server 2003
• Modification of the own system files
• Multilingual
• Completely choice for the modification files
• Check the files for compatiblity during the installation
• Backup from the original system files
• Remodification of the system files after Windows Update
• Rebuilding the original system files with un-installation

Homepage | Download

Firstly, if you haven’t patch your uxtheme.dll file to enable non-Microsoft release visual style to be loaded in Windows XP, get the patch by Windows X at Softpedia . Run the file, follow the instructions, install, and reboot your computer.

Once you’ve done that, download Ubuntu Visual Style made by FioreSSJ for Windows XP at DeviantArt. Copy appropriate files in the zip file to appropriate folder. As examples:

• Files in Wallpaper folder to C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper..
• Files in Cursor folder to C:\Windows\Cursors..
• Files in Fonts folder to C:\Windows\Fonts..

and the rest to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Ubuntu (create this ‘Ubuntu’ folder yourself)..

Next, load the Visual Style by clicking the file ‘Human’. Click Apply in the Display Properties window and see the result.

The transformation that depends on Visual Style, wallpaper, cursor, and fonts only is not good enough isn’t it? Now, it’s time for the icons and other system files.

Get Tango Shell Patcher which will integrate Tangerine Icons set used by Ubuntu 6.10 into your system files as easy as installing other piece of software. Run the file and follow the instructions ahead..and voila!

You’ll get the result like this:

However, the recent news is Windows XP is going to be retired in 2008 to make a way for Microsoft latest operating system, Windows Vista. This would mean if you buy a new computer in 2008, you will not see Windows XP but you will get Windows Vista installed instead.

According to BBC, Microsoft is keeping to a plan to stop selling the operating system due to low consumers resoponse to Windows Vista. A poll released in early April by Harris Interactive stated that only minority considers upgrading to Windows Vista in United States. So, starting from 2008, vendors such as Dell and Toshiba will no longer able to purchase license for the software.

Perhaps, it’s a good move by Microsoft to control the market with the new os and create the buzz, although I think most user would stay with Windows XP due to Vista’s high hardware requirements. There’s no significant change with Windows Vista in term of functionality, but the amazing aero interface will surely upgrade our computing experience.

Perhaps this update will force Microsoft to lower the price of Vista’s licenses to attract more users in the future, in which at that time, we don’t have no more reason not to buy Windows Vista when upgrading/buying new pc. Sayonara Windows XP..

To avoid registering your copy of Windows XP with Microsoft and force it into thinking you have completed the registration process, follow these steps below.

1. Disconnect your computer from internet connection (via dial-up modem, LAN, or wireless) before the installation of Windows XP.

2. After the installation is complete, avoid setting up internet connection when asked. Instead, click on the “Skip” button.

3. Click on the Start Button and select run. Type in ‘regsvr32 -u regwizc.dll’ (without quotes) and click OK. Then click OK again to close the confirmation dialog box which unregisters this dll file.

4. Go to ‘run’ again. This time, type in “regedit” (without quotes) and press enter. Look for this string: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion

5. Right click on the ‘RegDone’ string and select ‘Modify’. Type 1 in the ‘Value Data’ box, save and then close registry window.

6. Set your Internet Explorer homepage to anything than Microsoft’s sites (MSN Home,etc)

7. Reboot your computer, and then reconnect your LAN, Wireless, or modem. Voila!