Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Microsoft Windows 7 operating system

• 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

• Metro apps for the Windows 8 UI won't run on prior OSes

  The Windows 8 UI hasn't won any popularity contests, but there are workarounds for it, unlike for Windows 8 Metro apps and Windows XP or Windows 7.  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