Curb PC Annoyances: Windows 7, Office, and Monitor Tips - castanedaevely1942

Sometimes manufacturers and software developers do strange things, like package a VGA cable with a monitor that should utilisation a HDMI or DVI connection, or change file formats along you, operating theater keep asking you to accept a EULA. I've latterly offered advice for how to deal with Internet hassles and work some random computing problems; this week I'll evidence you what to do when a vendor throws you a curveball.

Convince Windows 7 Television receiver Recordings to DVR-MS Format

Disdain a few seriously annoying bugs, the Windows 7 version of Windows Media Center is without a doubt the best yet. I mean my only real number complaint is with Microsoft's shift from the DVR-MS initialise to the newer WTV format for recorded Video shows.

WTV files are incompatible with the XP and Prospect versions of Windows Media Eye and Windows Media Participant. Put differently, if you want to lookout recorded shows connected the experient PCs in your household, you'rhenium sorta outta fate–merely only sorta. Microsoft in reality baked a WTV-to-DVR-MS converter right into Windows 7. Here's how to habituate it:

1. Open ai your Public Recorded Idiot box folder.
2. In good order-click the recording you deprivation to convert.
3. Choose Convert to DVR-MS format.
4. Wait.

Tricky, huh? The process bequeath probably pack anywhere from 5 to 30 transactions, dependant on the rush along of your figurer and the length of the show up. When it's through, you'll find a DVR-MS version of the recording right below the WTV one (the last mentioned doesn't get altered in any way). Look for a -DVRMS suffix added to the file make if you can't tell which is which. At present you can imitate the DVR-MS lodge to your laptop computer or any early system lengthwise XP or Prospect; it should play just fine.

Stop consonant Office From Asking You to Take on the EULA

A reader recently wrote me with an exasperating trouble: She installed Microsoft Office 2003 on her brand-newly Windows 7 system, and every unvarying time she runs it, a pour down-upwards forces her to accept Microsoft's End User License Agreement.

Dang it, Microsoft, she accepts already! She accepts!

Let's non revolve about wherefore this is occurrent. It's a Microsoft product, 'nuff said. Or else, let's fix it. Present's how (this works in Vista, too):

1. Run Windows Explorer and navigate to the booklet containing the Office executables (i.e., the actual programs, not their shortcuts). On my system that's C:, Program Files (x86), Microsoft Office, Office12. (Note: I use Office 2007. If you use Ofice 2003, the folder might be called Office11.)
2. Find the executable for any program that's exhibiting this problem. For this example, we'll employ Mindset.
3. Right-click the Outlook icon and choose Run as administrator. The program will load, and the EULA leave pop up as usual. Accept it–for what should be the last time.
4. Adpressed the program, wait a moment, and and so run it again wish you normally do (using the cutoff). Presto–no more EULA!
5. Repeat the process for any other offending Office programs.

Decide Between VGA, DVI, and HDMI for Your Monitor

A reader recently bought a new Dell system that came with a 21.5-inch LCD monitor. Although the monitor includes VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs, it included only a VGA cable's length–even though the setup instructions recommend a DVI or HDMI connection! He wants to roll in the hay why, and whether atomic number 2 should bother buying a different cable's length.

I'm going to answer in reverse.

I would indeed recommend using a different cable to connect your monitor to your PC. Even so, there's none need to bother with HDMI unless you're planning to watch Blu-ray movies (assuming your PC has both an HDMI video output and a Blu-ray of light drive). Even then, DVI also supports the HDCP protocol essential to view that rather secure video content. HDMI is really best for connecting a PC to an HDTV.

I'd go with a DVI cable. That'll give you a pure digital signal (VGA is analog) and a much sharper picture at higher resolutions. Your Dell ST2210 has a native resolution of 1920 by 1080, which you should utilize. Don't worry, a DVI cable won't be you a fortune. Sites like Meritline and Monoprice sell them for around $5 to $10, depending on length. (A six-walker should be fair to middling for most users.)

So, why Doctor of Osteopathy to the highest degree monitors come with only a VGA cable? Probably because VGA is still the most common case of video connector worldwide, and, consequently, the batch-produced cables are twopenny. Vendors could supplying DVI cables Eastern Samoa well, but and so at least one would be active to waste.

If you've got a hassle that needs solving, send off information technology my way. I can't promise a reaction, but I'll unquestionably study all e-mail I get–and do my best to address at least some of them in the PCWorld Scuffle-Free Personal computer blog . My 411: hasslefree@pcworld.com . You can also sign up to have the Hassle-Unimprisoned PC newsletter e-mailed to you every week .

Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/506758/hasslefreepc-34.html

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