Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Does Windows 10 provide the same user experience across all devices?

  Microsoft's universal apps can change to fit the device they're run on, but there are some screen resolution problems users may have to contend with.  Continue Reading

• Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows?

  Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and that's sort of true. Rather than releasing Windows 11 in years to come, the company will deploy perpetual updates to Windows 10.  Continue Reading

• How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?

  Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself.  Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.  Continue Reading

• What do I do if a user accidentally deletes the Recycle Bin?

  It used to be really easy for users to delete the Recycle Bin. Luckily, there are easy ways to restore it in most versions of Windows, and Microsoft has made it tougher to delete in newer OSes.  Continue Reading

• What options exist for customizing the Windows 8.1 taskbar?

  If you made changes or personalizations to your taskbar in Windows 7, you'll be happy to learn that many of the same customization options are available for the Windows 8.1 taskbar.  Continue Reading

• Is it a security risk to have Microsoft Windows PowerShell on my desktops?

  Microsoft Windows PowerShell is a versatile and powerful command-line tool for administrators, but it's probably not something users need installed on their desktops.  Continue Reading

• Can you provision desktop apps with Windows To Go?

  It's OK to install desktops applications on a Windows To Go image, as long as they're small enough to fit on the USB drive and can run locally.  Continue Reading

• Why do I see multiple svchost.exe processes running?

  You might notice multiple instances of Service Host running in your list of processes, and that's perfectly fine. It usually corresponds to a system service.  Continue Reading

• What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?

  The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup.  Continue Reading

• What are some common Office 2013 problems?

  Office 2013 problems can stem from an incomplete install, or your particular version or settings. Luckily, there are simple fixes for most issues.  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

• What are some of the biggest software patching myths?

  Desktop patch management is subject to its share of myths. Our expert penetrates the fog around waiting on software patching and Windows XP security.  Continue Reading

• Why doesn't closing a file return me to Microsoft Windows Explorer?

  If you open a Windows document in Windows Explorer rather than in the Microsoft Word interface, closing it launches File Explorer. The file hasn't moved.  Continue Reading

• What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?

  Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

  Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?

  Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring.  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 come Microsoft Internet Explorer collects my data?

  Some users have noticed that Microsoft Internet Explorer collects personal information through its AutoComplete feature. There is a way to turn it off.  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's the best way to deploy a Windows service pack?

  It's possible to deploy a Windows service pack with either Group Policy or Windows Server Update Services, but our expert says that one is better.  Continue Reading

• What security needs is Windows Defender best for?

  Windows Defender is included with Windows 8, but it isn't enabled by default, and enterprises will want more third-party antimalware protection.  Continue Reading

• How do I stop Windows 8 apps from collecting my data?

  Some users have noticed that Windows 8 apps cull personal information and display it in live tiles. See how to change settings to protect your privacy.  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

• When is a Surface Pro 3 tablet not suitable for work?

  Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 is good for mobile users and runs enterprise-grade apps, but its light weight and processor capacity pose some limits.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to remote wipe a user-owned laptop?

  Tools are now available to IT for a remote wipe of user-owned laptops. But set clear BYOD security policies and inform users.  Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Windows 8.1 shutdown when closing a laptop?

  It's all too easy to close a laptop or notebook when stepping away, but there are steps to take if you don't want an automatic Windows 8.1 shutdown.  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's the best way to delete a file or folder whose Windows path is too long?

  In addition to Copy as Path, the third-party Long Path Tool might be helpful for deleting a file or folder whose Windows path is too long.  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

• Windows malware must be top endpoint security priority

  The number of endpoint security vulnerabilities is daunting, but endpoint admins should first focus on updating patches against Windows malware.  Continue Reading

• Cover all OS bases for endpoint management, security

  It's not enough to have a traditional Windows game plan for security. Diverse devices require endpoint management policies and management buy-in.  Continue Reading

• SMBs might not need enterprise hard drive encryption

  Enterprise-grade hard drive encryption may be overkill for small and midsize businesses. Review options for full disk encryption of Windows systems.  Continue Reading

• How to create PDFs since Windows Fax and Scan won't

  While Windows 8 does include Windows Fax and Scan, it doesn't create PDFs of scanned documents. Here are some Windows 8 PDF reader workarounds.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 waits for specific Sysinternals suite support

  Microsoft's Sysinternals suite of free tools may not specifically support Windows 8 yet, but it is still very useful, even for admins supporting the latest OSes.  Continue Reading

• Hyperthreading, cache distinguish Core i5, i7 processors

  A laptop processor comparison differentiates Intel's chips by their cores, hyperthreading and cache, which affects speed.  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

• Strong password policies needed for one or many offices

  Although there are many tools and best practices for password policies across remote offices, it's important to remember the basics for Windows security.  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

• Setting criteria for comparing and selecting Web app monitoring tools

  There may not be one Web app monitoring tool that can do everything, but identifying the functions you need and negotiating with vendors can help.  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

• Older suites such as Microsoft Office 2007 can be run in Windows 8

  Windows 8 supports past versions of Microsoft Office, but installation problems may interfere with getting Office 2007 Ultimate to run in Windows 8.  Continue Reading

• How to create a Windows 8 live tile in the Windows 8 Start screen

  You can use an app to create a Windows 8 live tile in the Windows 8 start screen, but common development environments and languages are also useful.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 open source media player provides alternative for users

  Although the open source Songbird music player was discontinued, there are Windows 8 open source alternatives, such as Nightingale.  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

• Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data

  Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data.  Continue Reading

• Enemy at the gates? Antimalware screens unlucky coder's software

  This week, a developer asks our expert why antimalware protection is deleting his software. The cause might not be bad code, and there is recourse.  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

• Even without an optical drive, data on a disc can be accessed

  This week, our expert answers the question of how to get DVD data off a disc, even if the user's PC doesn't have an optical drive.  Continue Reading

• Can I plug a USB drive into a phone with a micro-USB connector?

  This week, our expert answers a question on how to connect a phone or tablet to a USB drive with a micro-USB connector.  Continue Reading

• LibreOffice, OpenOffice are tempting but differ from Microsoft Office

  Open source and free suites such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice could save organizations money, but not effort in comparison with Microsoft Office.  Continue Reading

• Why a preinstalled application updater may not make life easier for IT

  Manufacturers often set notebook drivers to update automatically, but if you want more granular control, be aware of the potential hassles.  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

• No touchscreen, no problem -- using a keyboard for Windows 8 interface

  The Windows 8 interface may seem daunting to those without touchscreens. However, it's possible to work around gestures using some keyboard commands.  Continue Reading

• Sorting fact from fiction about Windows 8 features

  Some people are confused about Windows 8 features such as Windows 8's interface and usability. Our expert looks for the cold, hard Windows 8 facts.  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

• Finding the best Windows 8 BitLocker alternatives

  Microsoft's BitLocker Drive Encryption works with only certain versions of Windows. Two alternatives to Windows 8 BitLocker, one free, could help.  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

• Understanding the errors behind a temporary Windows profile

  A Windows user finds that he has been issued a temporary Windows profile. Our expert shows how that can happen and how to fix the underlying problem.  Continue Reading

• Converting a Word document to PDF is easier than the other way around

  Our expert explains why it's easier to save a Microsoft Word document to PDF than convert it back, as well as options for trying.  Continue Reading

• How to delete a file or folder when the Windows path is too long

  Our expert answers a question on how to delete a file or folder when its Windows file name is beyond the Windows path length limit.  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

• Ways to detect and delete duplicate files in Windows systems

  Our enterprise desktop expert answers a question about some third-party tools for eliminating duplicate files in Windows desktops.  Continue Reading

• Copying Windows Explorer files without slowing down a system

  Our expert explains how to avoid overtaxing processors when copying Windows Explorer files. Process priority and a command should do the trick.  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

• How to get a preloaded Microsoft Office version to work

  This week, our expert answers the question of what to do when a preloaded Microsoft Office version stops working on a computer.  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

• Running multiple versions of Microsoft Office on one machine

  Our Ask the Experts feature returns, starting with an answer about whether it's a good idea to run multiple versions of Office on one machine.  Continue Reading

• Remotely wiping down multiple systems

  No one wants to manually wipe down hundreds of machines. Save yourself a lot of time with one of these tools.  Continue Reading

• How can I use a GPO to manage Windows user rights?

  There are several ways to manage Windows user rights. Learn how to manage these rights with GPOs and NTFS permission settings.  Continue Reading

• How do I track file access in Windows folders?

  These seven steps will teach you how to track file access and enable auditing in Windows XP and Windows Vista.  Continue Reading

• Set write permissions in Windows network folders

  Learn the steps to take for setting write permissions for users in Windows network folders while maintaining Windows security.  Continue Reading

• How can I use Group Policy to manage proxy servers?

  You can use Group Policy to manage proxy settings for VPN security. Learn how here.  Continue Reading

• File management on a Windows Server 2003 NAS system

  File management is sometimes a little more tricky than we'd like. Learn how to manage file ownership on a Windows Server 2003 NAS system here.  Continue Reading

• Windows server access management in Active Directory

  With so many ways to manage server access in Active Directory domains, you'll want to learn about some of these Windows security strategies.  Continue Reading

• Limit Windows Remote Desktop users' server rights

  How can you manage access to Windows Explorer and the DOS command prompt to control Windows Remote Desktop users network rights?  Continue Reading

• Manage Windows network access in Active Directory

  Learn how to manage network access and restrict users from logging onto your domain with Active Directory settings.  Continue Reading

• Folder/file management for Windows network security

  Learn how to prevent users from creating and deleting folders, and improve folder management and file management for Windows network security.  Continue Reading

• Group Policy Objects for Microsoft network security

  How can you set up access to a specific machine for some but prevent access to it by unwanted users? Here's how to manage Windows network security with Group Policy Objects (GPOs).  Continue Reading

• Data protection on Microsoft networks

  For the sake of data protection, sometimes you want to allow folder access only to certain users. Learn how to manage folder permissions in Microsoft networks.  Continue Reading

• Can I delete certificates from the CA?

  Learn how you can manage Microsoft security certificates and improve Internet Information Services (IIS) security.  Continue Reading

• How do I apply a Group Policy Object at the OU level?

  Learn how to apply a Group Policy Object at the organizational unit (OU) level with this advice from Wes Noonan.  Continue Reading

• How to grant Microsoft Windows network permissions

  Jonathan Hassell explains how to grant Microsoft Windows network permissions and how to give users admin rights in Windows Server 2003.  Continue Reading

• How to use GPOs to deny folder permissions

  You can use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to deny folder permissions in Windows. Find out how to manage folder permissions with GPOs with this advice from Kevin Beaver.  Continue Reading

• How can I detect IP addresses that connect to IIS?

  If you've ever wanted to detect IP addresses that try to connect to your IIS (Internet Information Services) servers, this advice can help.  Continue Reading

• How can I disable file transfer in MSN Messenger?

  Sometimes, you might not want to allow messenger programs like MSN Messenger to allow file transfer. Find out how to use firewall rules to block ports and secure file transfer in messenger programs.  Continue Reading