Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Microsoft Windows 7 operating system

• What are the reasons to stay on Windows 7?

  Most organizations should perform a migration to Windows 10. Some applications aren't compatible with the new OS, however. Learn what to do in these rare circumstances.  Continue Reading

• How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?

  Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support.  Continue Reading

• How can you use PowerShell to enable automated software deployment?

  The quest to keep up with constant changes to software is tough for IT admins, but they can make their lives easier by automating the deployment process using PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• How do I open an .xpx file in Office 2002 SP3?

  An .xpx file can cause problems for Office 2002 SP3 users, but Microsoft does provide help in Windows 7 and with a free XPS viewer.  Continue Reading

• Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process

  An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?

  Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier.  Continue Reading

• What does Windows 8 startup offer fans of Windows 7?

  Easier file access across devices and faster Windows 8 startup are among the Windows 8.1 features that could win over Windows 7 users.  Continue Reading

• How do I create a bootable Windows 7 USB drive?

  Windows To Go only works for Windows 8 bootable USB flash drives; to create a virtual hard drive for Windows 7 installation, try Boot to VHD.  Continue Reading

• What are the concerns around the Windows 7 end of life?

  As the Windows 7 end of life arrives, IT admins must find extended support for the OS. Microsoft provides some help, but it won't always be free.  Continue Reading

• How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?

  To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password.  Continue Reading

• What options exist for installing Linux on Windows 7?

  A Windows 7/Linux dual-boot environment is just one approach for running Linux on Windows 7 machines. Which you use depends on storage preferences.  Continue Reading

• How do I use Windows Essentials to open DBX files?

  Outlook Express was supported only through Windows XP, so you'll need a Windows Essentials workaround or a third-party utility to read DBX files.  Continue Reading

• What new Windows 7 security tools are available?

  Even if you're looking at prior or later operating systems, tools for multiple Windows 7 security tasks abound and should be useful across OS versions.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows 7 differ from Windows 8 disaster recovery?

  See which Windows 8 disaster recovery and incident management features have improved from Windows 7 security elements. Some newer ones are now available for the older OS.  Continue Reading

• How do I revert the Windows 8.1 user interface?

  The Windows 8.1 user interface isn't popular among workers without a touchscreen, but one tool makes it easy to restore the familiar Windows 7 UI.  Continue Reading

• VDI, custom services mitigate Windows XP end of support

  Even after the Windows XP end of support, many IT shops still use the OS. Virtual desktops and custom support can help, but is it time to bite the migration bullet?  Continue Reading

• Check Windows Store apps for Windows 8 compatibility

  Microsoft provides a few ways to check Windows 8.1 app compatibility, because legacy and Windows Store apps can have Windows 8 compatibility problems.  Continue Reading

• How to allow multiple users to share an Excel workbook

  Public folders allow users to share an Excel workbook, but OneDrive and Windows 8.1 HomeGroups might be better.  Continue Reading

• How to restore PC connectivity to enterprise networks

  A Windows device is losing its connection to the enterprise network. Here are some likely suspects for PC connectivity problems.  Continue Reading

• How to map an FTP location in Windows File Explorer

  A network mapping problem in the Windows registry has almost as many solutions as causes. Start here when checking Windows File Explorer.  Continue Reading

• How to add Windows 8.1 Media Center to Windows 8 Pro after the fact

  Windows 8.1 Media Center isn't bundled with the OS, but it is possible to download the recording program and troubleshoot potential problems.  Continue Reading

• Watch Windows application compatibility when moving from Windows XP

  Our expert provides Windows application compatibility questions that you should answer when readying for a migration from Windows XP.  Continue Reading

• Don't dawdle: Windows 8 benefits may be reason enough to upgrade

  Are the supposed Windows 8 benefits enough to justify a migration? Our expert takes a look at potentially useful Windows 8 features.  Continue Reading

• A PDF reader reinstall might fix a doc that won't open in Windows 7

  To successfully open a PDF in Windows 7, you may have to overcome problems such as corrupt files or the PDF reader itself.  Continue Reading

• A Windows user profile can cause problems even if it's not corrupt

  Corrupt Windows user credentials can cause problems at login, but that's not the only thing that can interfere with a Windows user profile.  Continue Reading

• Yes, you can make a Windows disk partition read-only

  This week, our expert answers a question on mounting a disk volume as a read-only Windows disk partition, as in Linux. Just don't do it by accident.  Continue Reading

• Third-party products reskin the Windows 8 start menu for retro usage

  While Microsoft has backpedaled on the Windows 8 start menu, there are alternatives to getting it to resemble the familiar Windows 7 start menu.  Continue Reading

• How to remove a Windows.old folder

  Deleting a Windows.old folder seems simple, but it isn't. Our expert explains why Windows Desk Cleanup won't work.  Continue Reading

• How to protect Windows startup from a compressed Boot Manager file

  This week, our expert answers a question on how a hidden file can hinder the Windows startup process and how to restore the Windows Boot Manager.  Continue Reading

• Finding free alternatives for remote desktop apps and services

  Our expert takes a look at free software and infrastructure alternatives for Windows Remote Desktop for remote desktop access.  Continue Reading

• How to connect a Windows XP client to a Microsoft SQL Server one

  Incompatibilities can crop up when IT admins try to connect a Microsoft SQL Server instance to a Windows XP client. Here are ways to overcome them.  Continue Reading

• Why you should avoid a Windows 7 external hard drive installation

  Microsoft doesn't support Windows 7 external hard drive installation. Our expert explains why putting the OS on a USB drive is a bad idea.  Continue Reading

• How to resolve Windows file-sharing problems

  Windows file sharing isn't as easy as it sounds. Our expert explains how to deal with different OS versions, classic problems and Windows HomeGroup.  Continue Reading

• Windows Explorer folders: How to set folder displays

  This week, Ask the Expert takes a look at using Windows Explorer to organize files with folders and libraries.  Continue Reading