On Screen Keyboard in Windows 8.1

There are many kind of keyboards available such as an external keyboard that plug into your PC and touch keyboard which is used to type in touch screen devices such as tablets. When you tap in the text field the on screen keyboard will automatically appear.

Image courtesy :winsupersite.com

The OSK (On Screen Keyboard) can be used in PC’s which running on Windows. The OSK Keyboard has all standard keys and by pressing group of keys allowing you to cycle through the keys on the screen using mouse or any other pointing device.

To access the on screen keyboard in Windows 8.1

• In touch screen—–> Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
• Using mouse——–> Move to the right edge and and then click Search
• In the search box enter On-Screen Keyboard and then tap or click On-Screen Keyboard.

The keyboard will remain in the screen until you close it.

You can also access the OSK within Sign In screem. For that click on Ease of Access button in the lower-left corner and then tap or click On-Screen Keyboard.

You can see several options when tap or click the OSK Options key. The options are:

• Use click sound: If you want to hear a sound when you press a key use this option.
• Show keys to make it easier to move around the screen: If you want the keys to light up as you type then use this option.
• Turn on the numerical keypad
• Hover over keys or Click on keys :you can select the method of inputting, whether it is click on keys or hover over the keys.
• Scan through keys: Use this mode if you want OSK to continually scan the keyboard. Scan mode highlights areas where you can type keyboard characters by pressing a keyboard shortcut, using a switch input device, or using a device that simulates a mouse click.
• Text Prediction: It shows the available options of words when you type.

By clicking on the keyboard button at the right lower corner of touch Keyboard you can switch to different keyboard layouts. If you are a tablet user then you can use thumb keyboard option which is more comfortable to use. Change the size of the thumb keyboard by pressing and sliding the three dots next to the Spacebar on the left side of the keyboard.

• Double-tap the Spacebar to insert a period and a space after a sentence.
• See similar characters by press and hold keys such as pressing and holding “e” reveals è, ē, é, ê, and ë.
• To switch to the numbers and symbols view tap he “&123” key. You can switch to and from the numbers and symbols view more quickly by pressing and holding the “&123” key, tapping the keys you want, and then releasing it.
• By double-tapping the Shift key turn Caps Lock on
• By tapping the Ctrl key and then tapping another key you can access shortcut keys
• Tap the Emoticon key for some fun characters.

See Also : What’s new in Windows 8.1

64 bit or 32 bit? What to choose and Why?

What is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit system? In which terms it is differentiated? And which one is better and why? There are some frequently questions asked by a normal PC user.

Actually the difference is in the fact that how processor handles the data in RAM (Random Access Memory). 64 bit can handle more RAM space and apps then 32 bit system. The difference is in the amount of RAM it can handle. 64 bit can handle more than 4GB memory and upto 128 GB!! But when you are using a 32 bit system it can only handle memory up to 4 GB. So adding memory more than 4 GB make no sense in 32 bit system.

This ability of 64 bit system i.e. the ability to handle more memory makes it more efficient when it comes dealing with processors.

How can you Identify your computer is running 32 bit or 64 bit windows?

• Right click on My Computer and select Properties
• Under system option you can view the system type.

In Windows XP do following

•  Right click on My Computer and select Properties
• If you can see “x64 Edition” is listed under System, you’re running the 64-bit version of Windows.
• If you don’t see  “x64 Edition” listed under System, you’re running the 32-bit version of Windows.

As 64 bit system is more efficient in dealing with processor the system will be more responsive while running several programs and can switch easily between them frequently.

To install a 64 bit windows you have to nee a 64-bit-capable processor. To check whether your processor is 64-bit-capable of running 64 – bit Windows do the following:

1. Open Control Panel and type ‘Performance Information and Tools’ and in the list of results click on Performance Information and Tools.
2. Then do following:

• Click View and print detailed performance and system information in Windows 7
• Click View and print details in Windows Vista

3. You can see the current type of operating system you’re currently running under  System option and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version              of Windows under 64-bit capable. (Note that if you are currently running 64 bit    version of windows then you won’t see the 64-bit capable listing).

In Windows XP do the following:

1. Right click on My Computer and click on Properties

• If it shows “x64 Edition” under System option then your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows.
• Otherwise your processor may be or may not be capable of running 64 bit OS. For that to know click here

Upgrading from a 32 bit windows os version to 64 bit and vice versa

While installing Windows 7 or Windows 8 you have 2 options like Upgrade and Custom installation. When we choose upgrade preserves your files, settings, and programs only if your system was previously running a 32 bit version of Os and you are Upgrading to other highest 32 bit version of Windows or you are using a 64 bit version of OS and you are Upgrading to other highest 64 bit version of Windows.

If you want to Upgrade from a 32 bit windows os version to 64 bit and vice versa you have to choose the Custom option while installing Windows and have to back up all your files. Then you need to restore it and reinstall all the programs.

Also see: Installation Guide for Windows 7

Also see: Installation Guide for Windows 8

Program Compatibility

Most programs that is designed for 32 bit will also work on 64 bit except some antivirus programs. The device drivers designed for 32 bit version will not work on 64 bit version. If you have a printer that has only driver designed for 32 bit then it will not work properly in 64 bit version. For that check your device manufactures site for the drive availability for your version.

Although programs that is designed for 32 bit will also work on 64 bit computer, but the Programs designed for 64 bit will not work on 32 bit computer and the same in the case of device drivers.

Besides 64 bit system provides better memory better memory accessibility and management it has advantages like Enhanced security features like Kernel p@tch Protection, support for hardware-backed data execution protection etc…

Performance of those programs that are specially written for 64 bit operating system is great.

Choosing the system

It will depends up on your priorities. If you want to take advantages of large memory (more than 4 GB) then you could go for 64-bit version. If you are using old software and hardware then its better to go with 32 bit as it can support all your program and devices.

Come back of Start button in Windows 8.1

The Windows 8 released on last year have opened a entirely new interface to the user. The one which is so uncommon to a desktop operating system. It was a new platform for the users to use and there were mixed opinions about the new OS version from Microsoft.

Also see : What’s new in Windows 8.1

There were a dual interface experience for users. But most PC users are missing the old start button that not in windows 8. If you click on left lower corner it will take you to the tile based start interface. In the older versions of Windows there were a start button which lists the programs and important folders for easy access to users. But once windows 8 arrived there is no start button and the users will have to switch back to the start screen or search from the popup to open a program.

So once the arrival of windows 8.1 occurred the traditional start button has arrived at its old position and is a good news for PC users. But that is not as the old start button. Here in the new start button if we click on it it will take you to the tile start interface.

If you right click on the button then it will show some administrative settings such as ike Power Options, Event View, Disk Management and Windows Shells. The button is not customizable at all. So Microsoft had adapted a change that might be some what helpful for PC users but the users who need old start buttn like in windows 7 might not be satisfied.

We can see the options like Programs and features, Device manager, Control panels etc… by right clicking the Windows start button. So here if you want to make a search of programs and folders you can go for search option it is here at start menu. There is also a shut down option just like in traditional start button. So by considering all these, Microsoft have somewhat try to satisfy the PC users who were missed the old start button in Windows 8.

Also see : Installation guide for Windows 8, windows 8.1

Windows 8 installation guide

Here I am going to explain how to install windows 8 on your PC.

1. Restart your computer with booting device inserted(DVD OR USB). Press DEL or F2 to enter setup. Change the booting Priority as we done in Windows 7 installation.

See the windows 7 installation guide.

2. After all the above steps save the configuration and enter into installation process.

3. Choose appropriate language settings and click next.

4. Click on install now.

5. Enter the product key to activate windows.

6. Accept the license terms.

7. Choose custom installation.

8. Select the partition in which you want to install Windows 8.

If we are only formatting a single drive then select the drive in which you want to install OS(probably c drive). Then click next.

OR

The window will show the existing partition in the system. Delete each partition. (Select the partion and click on delete option at the lower portion. Then it will add up all partition and shows the total space in the hard disk as single drive. From which we can create new partition by clicking the new option at the bottom right end.

9. Then by clicking the next button the installation will start.

10. After finishing all these steps windows will restart.

11. Next windows is preparing device ready for use. 

12. Windows will restart again.

13. Personalize your PC.

14. Customize settings. 

15. Sign in with an existing microsoft account or create new one.

16. While getting PC the screen color changes often.

17. Installation of native apps.

18. After whole these process Windows 8 start screen will appear and you can begin using Windows 8.

Windows 7 Installation guide

Some of you may be aware that how to install Windows 7 on a computer. But some of them are not. So here is the complete installation guide for Windows 7.

1.  Turn on (or restart) your computer and enter Del or F2 (depends upon your computer’s mainboard) to enter the system Bios with your booting device is inserted (DVD or USB).

2. Change the booting priority after entering the Bios. If your boot device is DVD then change the booting priority of CD-ROM drive to 1.

Change booting priority

3. Save all changes and enter the setup. After you complete this stage Windows 7 starts loading.

Loading Windows 7 setup

4. After this an installation menu will appear and you have to choose the language, time zone and the keyboard.

5. In the next window click on install now after you prepared for installation.

6. In the next step accept the license agreement.

7. As we are here installing the fresh copy of the OS select custom installation 

Custom Installation

8. Next is the most important step in installation. i.e. partition.

If we are only formatting a single drive then select the drive in which you want to install OS(probably c drive). Then click next.

OR

The window will show the existing partition in the system. Delete each partition. (Select the partion and click on delete option at the lower portion.

Delete Existing partition

Then it will add up all partition and shows the total space in the hard disk as single drive. Here 20 GB. We are now going to partition the drive in to 2. One having 14 GB and other having 6 GB. Click on the single partition that existing and click on the new option at the bottom right. There you can enter the size of new partition in MB. Here I am entering as 14000 MB (14 GB). Then click apply. Click OK in the coming pop up window.

9. Now the partition will look like this.

10. Next select the drive in which you are going to install the OS. Here Disk 0 Partition 2. Then after clicking the Next button the installation will start.

10. Next type a username and computer name for PC.

11. Next set an password for administrator account if you need. 

12. Enter the activation key.

13. Select recommended settings for updates.

14. Select time Zone.

15. Select the network.

16. Here is your Windows 7 Desktop.  You’re ready to use Windows 7.

————— Download Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit (x86) from here————

—————-Download Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit from here——————-

How to fix ‘not valid ISO’ problem in Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool

In order to make bootable version of any Microsoft operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, we can use Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. But sometimes if we browse and select the iso file the tool will show the error message that ‘the selected file is not a valid iso file’.

To solve this problem here I am familiarizing you with 2 powerful tools which deals with the CD/DVD Image Formats like ISO, .BIN, .IMG, .CIF, .NRG etc…. The tools are…

1. PowerISO

2.Magic ISO 

Now I am going to show you how to use these tools to solve the problem.

1. Open the PowerISO/Magic ISO 

2. Then go to file-> Image Properties

3. Select the image properties and click on the UDF check box

4. Then go to File -> save and save the iso file

That’s it now you can use the iso file without the error.

In PowerISO

In Magic ISO

Download PowerISO from here……

Download Magic ISO from here…….

How to remove Windows 8.1 preview watermark?

If we download and use a trial version of windows operating system then microsoft will add a watermark at the right corner of the screen in order to remind you that you are using a preview version of the OS. Many users downloads the windows 8.1 preview version and annoyed of this watermark. Then you are at the right choice.

Here I am explaining a technique to avoid this watermark. The method have been tested in both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 8.1.

1. Click on the below link and download the zip file.

zip file download from here

2. Unzip the downloaded file. As we are editing the files in the registry we have to have permissions to do that. So run the “Install_Take_Ownership” and this will add the contents of the file to the registry.

Run ‘Install_Take_Ownership’

Click ‘yes’.

3. Take Ownership of files.

Go to the directory ‘C:\Windows\System32\en-US’

here we have to edit two files and have to take ownership on them. They are…

• C:\Windows\System32\en-US\shwll32.dll.mu
• C:\Windows\System32\en-US\basebrd.dll.mu

Take Ownership

Right click on the file and select take ownership.

Take Ownership

4. Copy the respective files that are in the folder ‘Edited Files’ instead of the files that are in the given registry (2 files that we take ownership).

Copy the files

If you get an error message saying that the file is already in use, rename the file and then copy the new one.

5. Open Command Prompt

Right click on Command Prompt and Run as Administrator.

Open Command Prompt

6. Enter the command ‘mcbuilder’ and press enter

7. Restart your Computer

After restarting the computer the watermark will disappear.

8. Run ‘Uninstall Take Ownership’

Run ‘Uninstall Take Ownership’

If you have any trouble in these steps then try any of these

• Change the desktop wallpaper
• Replace the files in safe mode

 

 

Create bootable USB/DVD using Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool

When you are downloading the iso image for Operating System like Windows 8 or Windows 7, the iso image has to be copied to USB or DVD to install into your system. It means you have to make a bootable version of your Operating System.

Here I am going to mention about a tool that assist you in making bootable DVD/USB within 4 simple steps. Here is the steps.

Download the tool from here…….Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool

1. Run the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. Then a window showing an option for Browse will appear. Browse the iso file to burn.

Browse window

After browsing the iso file click “next’.

2. Then a window having the option to select the device to which the iso file have to burn will come.

Choose media type

3. After choosing media type a window will open like this

Begin Copying

click on ‘Begin Copying’.

4. Wait for a while for creating your bootable media.

Creating Bootable Media.

That’s it. Your bootable USB/DVD is ready.

Partitioning Hard disk without formatting

If you buy a new laptop or PC sometimes there will be only one partition for your hard disk (normally named C). So here the scenario is there is one drive for both OS and for storage of user data.  So as a method to organize your data we need to partition our disk (may 1 or 2 or more according to your HDD capacity).

The one method for partitioning the drive is at the time of installation of OS. But during the installation the whole data that is already in the C drive will be lost if no back up is created. If the size of the data for the back up is big then it will be inconvenient. So here is the method to partition the hard disk without formatting.

1. Right click on My Computer and select ‘Manage’

My Computer -> Right Click -> Manage

2. Now a new Window called Disk management will appear and in that window select Storage on left panel and then go to Disk Management.

Disk Management” class /> Storage -> Disk Management

3. This will display the drives present in your computer as below

Drive Information

4. Then select the drive that you want to partition. Then right click on it and apply ‘Shrink Volume’.

right click -> Shrink Volume class /> Select drive ->right click -> Shrink Volume

This will open a new window which contains information of how much space is there in selected drive, how much space available for shrink, space to enter the amount of volume to shrink and the remaining size of disk after shrink (all in MB)

Enter the amount of partition that you want to create from existing partition and press Shrink.

Enter Volume

5. After this wait for some time as the process take time to complete. The time will depend upon the size of new volume. After the completion of current process a window will appear and it will show an unallocated space having same size as we created now.

Right click on the space and select ‘New Simple Volume’

unallocated space ->Right Click ->New Simple Volume

6. A new Wizard will open and enter the required values such as NTFS file system, Volume label (D, E, F etc..) and click next.

Enter the Settings

Now a new partition will be created on the specific name.