Home > 2007
December 28, 2007
Set your preferences for the year to come
The New Year is a good time to check your preferences and make sure you continue to receive the Windows Secrets Newsletter. It will only take a minute — just follow the easy steps shown below. Read more »
IE 6 fix is just in time for the New Year
In this special, news-update edition of Patch Watch, I provide help for those of you who are afflicted by crashing in Internet Explorer 6. Some other things to watch out for are the new service packs for Office 2003 and Office 2007, which are bringing trouble with them this holiday season. Read more »
December 13, 2007
Have a question? Ask Fred Langa!
This week in Windows Secrets, our editor-at-large finally gets back to work. Many of you know that Fred Langa, after nine years of writing the LangaList e-mail newsletter by himself, and then merging with Windows Secrets and writing our lead story for almost a year after that, escaped to the wilderness on a five-month motorcycle journey through the width of the U.S. and back across Canada. Read more »
MagicJack promises dirt-cheap phone calls
Making phone calls over the Internet is nothing new, thanks to well-known providers like Skype and Vonage. But a simple USB device from an upstart, MagicJack, promises to bring voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to the masses for as little as $20 USD per year. Read more »
Windows Home Server is not ADS-friendly
I explained in my Dec. 6 article how Alternative Data Streams (ADS) on NTFS-formatted disks can be used to hide data on your computer. But copying such files to a shared folder on Windows Home Server can corrupt the streamed data, meaning applications on other PCs on the LAN don't recognize the file format. Read more »
Never leave home without it!
It's a classic story. Boy meets Girl. Boy and Girl spend the night together. Boy has to leave in the morning for a meeting, but asks for Girl's phone number. Girl clogs Boy's toilet and ends up leaving an unexpected present along with her number. Read more »
Is your ISP in cahoots with spammers?
Ever wonder if someone's mining your ISP's mail server for addresses? Here's one way to test for malfeasance at your mail server — and I'll show you several other ways to keep your e-mail address out of the wrong hands. Read more »
Will Vista SP1 improve your performance?
Microsoft says that Vista Service Pack 1 will improvement system performance, and many of you probably think. "It's about time!" This week, I give you a rundown of several improvements you can expect after you load Vista SP1, and a link where you can learn even more. Read more »
Office 2007 SP1 surprises Vista SP1 beta users
Many people were startled on Dec. 12 to see that Service Pack 1 for Office 2007 had been auto-installed, and their machines had been rebooted. Microsoft had said that Office 2007 SP1 would be made available on Dec. 11, but would not auto-install on that date — but the beta versions of Vista and several other Microsoft products didn't behave that way. Read more »
December 6, 2007
Hide sensitive files with Alternate Data Streams
Almost every small business and individual PC user has some sensitive or private files to keep away from prying eyes. If you're running a modern version of Windows, you can use a little-known feature called Alternate Data Streams to hide your confidential files inside other files or folders. Read more »
Microsoft to cut WGA 'kill switch' out of Vista
Microsoft has announced significant changes to its trouble-prone Windows Genuine Advantage technology, beginning with the upcoming Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista. Unlike Vista's behavior today, WGA will not disable functions of Vista SP1 if the instance is seen as "nongenuine," but will instead merely display hourly nag screens inviting users to buy another copy. Read more »
But, my mom said I could!
In real estate, location is important. In the stock market, patience is key. When asking your mom if you can take a chainsaw to school to cut your desk in half for show-and-tell, timing is everything! Read more »
The secret life of 3D Pinball
Of all the features in Windows XP that have gone missing in Vista, many of you most lament the passing of 3D Pinball. Really. Well, strap on your pearl-handled phasers, Space Cadet: here's a holiday treat that can help you cheat and hack 3D Pinball to your heart's content in both XP and Vista. Read more »
Use Process Explorer to dig into your system
Microsoft's Process Explorer tool is a convenient way to find in one spot a lot of information about running processes. In the last several months, I've covered in this column a lot of commercial and canned tools. Now I'll show you how to explore on your own. Read more »
Service Pack 1 for Office 2007 now due Dec. 11
Despite recent statements by Microsoft that Service Pack 1 for MS Office 2007 wouldn't ship until "early 2008," it's just been announced that the huge download will actually be released on Dec. 11, to the surprise of many. If your company makes any use of Office 2007, you need to look into the details of this upgrade and prepare yourself for any issues it may pose. Read more »
November 29, 2007
WGA: better, but still not good enough
When it was first released, Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) was widely criticized for spyware-like qualities and numerous false positives. Since then, Microsoft has given its anticopying program a number of changes, but they're not enough to give this tool a positive reputation. Read more »
Save energy without sacrificing after-hours tasks
In the Nov. 15 issue, I recommended putting your system on standby when you're not at the keyboard. But how can your system do all of your automated tasks if it's asleep? With a few well-chosen strategies (including the right BIOS or some helpful freeware), you can have your disk-maintenance cake and eat your energy savings, too. Read more »
How Disney really feels about Christmas
Ladies and gentlemen, Thanksgiving is over. It's officially the Christmas season. So put away the turkeys and break out the tinsel, the Christmas tree, the lights, the gift wrapping, the trips to the mall, the crowds, the invitations to in-laws — well, you get the picture. Read more »
Own any PC in 60 seconds or less
If someone can gain physical access to your computer, they can easily "own" it by either stealing it or breaking into it to access your data. This week, I show you how easily an intruder can reset any Windows password — and how you can protect your data if someone gets his hands on your system. Read more »
MS's update icons confuse Windows patchers
This month's security patches were fairly few in number, but bulky updates for Vista and OneCare have caused some "interesting" side effects. For some people, it wasn't until days after Patch Tuesday that notifications became visible that patches were ready for Vista machines. Read more »
November 15, 2007
Get Woody's new e-book bonus
Our contributing editor, Woody Leonhard, thinks Microsoft has done something right with its new product, Windows Home Server. The software shares all your files, photos, videos, and songs with everyone on your network, and it automatically backs up all your PCs. Read more »
Next issue: November 29
We're taking a break on Nov. 22, which is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Our next regular newsletter will be published on Nov. 29, the 5th Thursday of the month. We're ignoring our usual policy of skipping an issue on any 5th Thursday that occurs. Publishing an issue will allow us to explain to you any problem that may come to light with the patches that Microsoft released this week. Read more »
Simple tips save power and the environment
Computers and computer peripherals consume dramatic amounts of electricity every year, draining your budget and contributing to greenhouse gases. But for little or no money, you can reduce the number of watts your system and peripherals use, saving cash and limiting the environmental damage. Read more »
Handle Registry editing with caution
In a Nov. 8 article, I explained how to disable Windows' auto-run behavior to protect yourself from inadvertently running malware that might exist on USB drives or other devices you insert into your PC. Be aware, however, that careless Registry editing can make your system malfunction or even keep you from starting Windows. Read more »
Saving the world with dial-up
It's 1994. Who knew that in the day of single-word coffee orders and Netscape Navigator, the world of national security was such a struggle? Luckily for us, and Jack Bauer, things have progressed a little since those days. Sorry, terrorists. Jack's got his BlackBerry now! Read more »
Part eight: Regedit can fix Symantec problem
In this, my eighth and final column on my Housecalls across the continent, we see how editing the Registry resolves a Symantec networking problem. Symantec's Norton Antivirus requires a larger IRPStackSize than the default value in order to handle data in a peer-to-peer network. Read more »
Use disposable e-mail addresses to minimize spam
Spam is a major problem, so keeping your e-mail address private is paramount. This week, I tell you where you can get free, disposable e-mail addresses and how to automate the creation of those addresses. Read more »
URI patch for IE 7 needs action now
A new patch for Internet Explorer needs to be installed quickly, in addition to more Vista patches that you need to know about. Administrators of WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) also got yet another surprise this week — a poorly punctuated category name caused problems with the patching interface. Read more »
November 8, 2007
Get Woody's new e-book bonus
Our contributing editor, Woody Leonhard, thinks Microsoft has done something right with its new product, Windows Home Server. The software shares all your files, photos, videos, and songs with everyone on your network, and it automatically backs up all your PCs. Read more »
One quick trick prevents AutoRun attacks
The AutoRun function in Windows can launch installers and other programs automatically when you insert a CD or flash drive, but this convenience poses a serious security risk. Unfortunately, simply turning off AutoPlay, a separate feature, isn't enough to prevent AutoRun from introducing a rogue program into your system. Read more »
Your life vest clashes with your oxygen mask!
We've all been there. Flying these days has become increasingly drab, with long lines at check-in, privacy violations in the name of national security, and flight delays out on the runway. Read more »
Part seven: decluttering a PC frees up 6GB
In this column, the seventh in my series on Housecalls across North America, we see just how much space a proper PC housecleaning might free up. Nearing the end of my cross-country journey, I also take some time to ponder what I've accomplished during the trip. Read more »
Another batch of indispensable Windows utilities
My Oct. 25 column presented a very short list of the utilities I install on every new Windows XP and Vista computer. Hundreds of you wrote with suggestions for more must-have Windows utilities, and I've found a few that really ring my chimes — read on. Read more »
Apple's new Leopard OS shows Windows envy
The latest version of Mac OS X is out, and among its new features are a few security additions. While Apple continues to make fun of problems experienced by Windows users, the Cupertino company is just now catching up to some protective features Windows has had for a while. Read more »
November 1, 2007
Get Woody's new e-book bonus
Our contributing editor, Woody Leonhard, thinks Microsoft has done something right with its new product, Windows Home Server. The software shares all your files, photos, videos, and songs with everyone on your network, and it automatically backs up all your PCs. Read more »
Free software finds your security flaws
Computer security covers a host of areas — password policies, software patches, account restrictions, protection against malware and more. Fortunately, with the right software, you can get a complete security analysis of your system for free without hiring a costly consultant. Read more »
Microsoft is 'revisiting' warnings in OneCare
Associate editor Scott Dunn reported on Oct. 25 that Microsoft's OneCare security suite turns on "auto-install" without notifying users, causing some machines to unexpectedly install patches and reboot at 3:00 a.m. Microsoft's OneCare team has officially confirmed the behavior, saying, "We are evaluating user feedback and will be revisiting how we communicate the installation details of Windows Live OneCare as we are continually working to improve that experience." Read more »
Playing with your food? Paint with it instead!
We all know that an order of fries isn't the healthiest choice. Now this unique art video will make you think even harder before answering the question, "You want fries with that?" Read more »
Part six: schedule tasks without constant logons
Today's Housecall, in the sixth article of my eight-part series, shows how to set up Norton's LiveUpdate to run from a password-protected user account without constantly having to log on. After finishing in Toronto, I enjoyed more views of the Great Lakes as I made my way through the night to my native New Hampshire. Read more »
Lock down USB ports on your computers
USB ports offer great flexibility to let you easily add all sorts of new devices to your computer. But USB devices also pose a considerable risk, so this week I explain how you can secure your USB ports to prevent unwanted activity. Read more »
Microsoft server installs unwanted Desktop Search
The tool Microsoft provides to patch entire networks, WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) ended up causing more issues than it fixed this week. Despite the fact that many administrators had configured WSUS not to install new applications, the service silently installed Windows Desktop Search, which horribly slowed down many workstations. Read more »
October 25, 2007
Get Woody's new e-book bonus
Our contributing editor, Woody Leonhard, thinks Microsoft has done something right with its new product, Windows Home Server. The software shares all your files, photos, videos, and songs with everyone on your network, and it automatically backs up all your PCs. Read more »
Help us send you a better newsletter
We get some great tips from you, our readers, giving us insight into your thinking and the problems you face. But we've always wondered how many of our readers work in large organizations vs. small businesses, and we're giving you a chance to tell us the answer today. Read more »
PC rebooting? The cause may be MS OneCare
Installing Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft's downloadable security suite, changes the settings of Automatic Updates without notifying users or honoring their update preferences. This behavior may explain reports that Windows has been mysteriously installing patches and rebooting itself, even though users had completely shut down the Automatic Updates function. Read more »
U3 flash drives rendered useless on some PCs
Readers are adding more weight to our less-than-glowing reviews of U3 flash software. Many corporate IT administrators block U3 use completely, so if you use USB flash drives at work, you may want to avoid this platform. Read more »
Global crash reveals modern Internet addiction
Ever wonder what it would take to crash the Internet? In the Onion's mock newscast, we see what it would take to stop the World Wide Web and the repercussions such a catastrophe would have on mankind. Read more »
Part five: big power supplies need good fans
In today's Housecall, I help a Toronto reader choose and install a new power supply, focusing on the merits of large, slow fans over small, fast ones. On the way there, I indulged my historical imagination as I traversed the vast expanses of the Canadian plains and enjoyed views of the Great Lakes. Read more »
My must-have tools for Windows users
I just finished installing a whole passel of new PCs — both XP and Vista — and faced, once again, the age-old question: What do you really need on a new PC? After thrashing this over with copious co-conspirators, I narrowed the choices down to a small handful. Read more »
Driver Detective finds outdated software
You can avoid potential problems by keeping your Windows drivers up to date, and Driver Detective is my favorite way to do just that. In other news, readers have given me pointers for antirootkit resources, which I'm happy to share with you. Read more »
October 18, 2007
Get Fred Langa's wallpaper for your desktop
Our editor-at-large, Fred Langa, is back from a 5-month motorcycle tour of the U.S. and Canada. Through Oct. 24, all paid subscribers are eligible for a bonus download, Wallpaper of the Journey — 25 high-quality images Fred that you can use as desktop wallpaper. Read more »
Free software on USB enables portable computing
USB flash drives are good for more than just storing and transferring files — with the right software, your flash drive can become a tiny computer. Fortunately, you can find plenty of great software that not only runs on a USB flash drive, but is also completely free. Read more »
Get official and unofficial fixes for Excel
Despite the hotfix that Microsoft recently released for Excel 2007, as I described on Oct. 11, some math errors that you should know about still lurk in both Excel 2007 and Excel 2003. I'll bring you up to date and explain how you can get better results from Excel. Read more »
Go a little ape with human Donkey Kong
Almost everyone has heard of Donkey Kong, the 1981 arcade in which the heroic Mario makes a laborious climb to rescue his sweetheart Pauline while dodging moving obstacles from a barrel-hurling gorilla. (Ah, the good old days!) Read more »
Part four: WU, Symantec suite can slow PCs
This week, a Windows Secrets reader learns what has been hogging his computer's resources and causing sluggish performance. In this article — the fourth in a series of eight on my Housecalls with readers — we identify the Symantec/Norton security suite as the main culprit responsible for a PC's drastic drop in performance. Read more »
Good ways to protect your sensitive data
Protecting your data is paramount, especially with the ever-growing risk of Trojans and phishing attacks. This week, I tell you about three new tools that can help defend your data and ensure than any files you delete are not easily recoverable. Read more »
Internet Explorer 7: missing in action or not?
Internet Explorer 7 is back, having been missing in action after the IE team announced that WGA testing was being removed from the IE 7 download. In other post-Patch Tuesday news, Sun Java starts advertising Open Office, and I revisit my misgivings about the recent Outlook Express patch. Read more »
October 11, 2007
Get Fred Langa's wallpaper for your desktop
Our editor-at-large, Fred Langa, is back from a 5-month motorcycle tour of the U.S. and Canada. Through Oct. 24, all paid subscribers are eligible for a bonus download, Wallpaper of the Journey — 25 high-quality images Fred that you can use as desktop wallpaper. Read more »
Carry a flash drive instead of a laptop
You can avoid lugging a laptop everywhere installing your favorite apps on a USB flash drive and running them on any computer you want. I'll guide you in selecting a flash drive that's best suited for portable software and tell you which apps you should install. Read more »
Microsoft releases Excel fix but skirts issue
Microsoft has released hotfix packages to correct an Excel 2007 error that makes cells that contain values close to 65,535 act as though they contain 100,000. There's still some confusion, however, on whether these hotfixes should also be applied to older versions of Excel and whether they resolve all Excel 2007 calculation errors. Read more »
Is it time for Tomb Raider to die?
Even those who've never touched a gaming console in their digital lives have heard of Tomb Raider, the influential video game featuring the exploits of the heroic — and seemingly indestructible — Lara Croft Read more »
Part three: reduce caches to speed performance
This week, I travel through the Wild West to help our second Housecall winner hunt PC space hogs in Tacoma, Wash. My trip west took me from dramatic, wind-sculpted landscapes, whose colors ranged from deep red to muted adobe, to the lush green of the Pacific Northwest. Read more »
Several unpatched vulnerabilities this week
Microsoft released six security updates this week, so be sure to update your systems as soon as possble. Unfortunately, Microsoft left a few security problems unpatched in its products, and there are unrelated problems with Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, and Sun Java that you definitely need to be aware of. Read more »
Hold off on patching MS SharePoint
A pretty bumpy patch has just been released for SharePoint, but the rest of this week's patch lineup is pretty tame. We do have a few tricky issues to deal with, regarding updates for IE 7, Office 2003, and Vista, in addition to the other monthly security patches. Read more »
October 4, 2007
Get Fred Langa's wallpaper for your desktop
Our editor-at-large, Fred Langa, is back from a 5-month motorcycle tour of the U.S. and Canada. Through Oct. 24, all paid subscribers are eligible for a bonus download, Wallpaper of the Journey — 25 high-quality images Fred that you can use as desktop wallpaper. Read more »
Get free patching without Windows Update
My Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 articles about silent and flawed upgrades involving Windows Update have made many people wonder whether they should really trust Microsoft's installer. Fortunately, there are alternatives to Windows Update that will keep your system fully patched without costing you a dime. Read more »
A flustered Microsoft posts Windows Update trick
Our Sept. 27 story on problems caused Windows Update's stealth installs was widely circulated other news sites. In the wake of the media coverage and user complaints, Microsoft quickly cobbled together a response that confirms the problem and provides a manual fix. Read more »
How Halo 3 makes the world a better place
A video's catchy tune offers a humorously cynical — and not politically correct — summary of the world's ills that will be cured after the overhyped release of Halo 3. Read more »
Part two: finishing the first Housecall
In this second of eight installments about my travels, I finish helping a Windows Secrets reader decluttering his Startup folder, sorting out an IP address issue, and testing his laptop's firewall. In Part One last week, I described the beginning of my first Housecall (a free, day-long PC tune-up and tech session given to four contest winners). Read more »
Excel 2007 bug generates wrong numbers
Microsoft would have you believe that a recently discovered Excel 2007 bug amounts to little more than a display problem — a cosmetic glitch. You may be surprised to discover that the erroneous results can spread throughout your spreadsheets, because this bug is more than skin deep. Read more »
Three more rootkit scanners to consider
I'd like to introduce you today to three free rootkit scanning tools you can add to the ones I briefly reviewed on Sept. 20. Based on reader feedback, I'm covering this additional set of antirootkit tools and explaining some different schemes for rootkit detection. Read more »
September 27, 2007
Fred Langa is back! Get his pics
Editor-at-large Fred Langa has returned from a 5-month motorcyle tour of the U.S. and Canada. His all-new LangaList Plus column begins today in the paid version of the newsletter. Read more »
Now you can Digg this after you've Reddit
We've added special links to help you use Digg, Delicious, Reddit, and other social-bookmarking sites to point to your favorite articles. If you're not yet using bookmarking sites, today would be a great day to start taking advantage of the wealth of content they bring together. Read more »
Stealth Windows update prevents XP repair
A silent update that Microsoft deployed widely in July and August is preventing the "repair" feature of Windows XP from completing successfully. Ever since the Redmond company's recent download of new support files for Windows Update, users of XP's repair function have been unable to install the latest 80 patches from Microsoft. Read more »
Get the latest Windows updates securely
Reports of Microsoft's silent updates published on Sept. 13 and 20 Windows Secrets raised security questions for many readers. But with a little bit of know-how, you can keep risks to a minimum when getting updates using Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Read more »
Part one: heading to the first Housecall
In the first of eight columns on my motorcycle tour of the U.S. and Canada, I describe my findings with a reader in the American West. Unfortunately, this reader had a problem with his Temp folder. Read more »
Protect your privacy with simple changes
Protecting your privacy is becoming more difficult with each passing day. Google and other service providers may be recording your Web surfing, but you can easily configure your system to protect against such tracking. Read more »
Office 2003 service pack adds security
Office 2003 Service Pack 3 is out, bringing the security of Office 2007 to the 2003 platform. But, at the same time, there are a few "gotchas" with Office 2003 SP3 that you need to look out for. Read more »
September 20, 2007
New faces bring you more Windows info
You're starting to see some new bylines in the newsletter, and I'm happy as a bug in a rug to be getting some help around this place. Read more »
Protect yourself from silent Windows updates
Microsoft has confirmed Windows Secrets' Sept. 13 story that Windows Update periodically installs certain files even if you've selected a "do not install" option. Many companies and individuals require prior notification before any files are changed, so I explain today how you can completely prevent silent installs, if you wish. Read more »
Readers state concerns over Windows Update
The Sept. 13 issue of Windows Secrets reported that Windows Update sometimes installs files without notice, even if auto-install has supposedly been disabled. Many readers are dismayed to learn that their control over their computers is compromised and are asking how they can prevent this in the future. Read more »
Vista developers invent wild user interface
In this video spoof from the Codename Longhorn era, the former Windows Vista design team traces the steps consumers might take in customizing the user interface. (Everyone loves dogs, right? Right???) Read more »
Improve on Windows Explorer with Xplorer²
In response to my Aug. 9 column, many readers wrote with suggestions about making Windows work the way it did before it got all weirdified. Several of you recommended a simple, free, powerful, fast Windows Explorer replacement that solves many of your (and my) funky gunky problems. Meet Xplorer². Read more »
The best way to scan for rootkits
Rootkits can hide malware and backdoors, but you can use free tools to find out whether your PC is infected. Today, I briefly review three different rootkit scanners that can help you detect otherwise hard-to-find threats. Read more »
September 13, 2007
Microsoft updates Windows without users' consent
Microsoft has begun patching files on Windows XP and Vista without users' knowledge, even when the users have turned off auto-updates. Many companies require testing of patches before they are widely installed, and businesses in this situation are objecting to the stealth patching. Read more »
How to run Microsoft Update using Firefox
The Sept. 6 issue of Windows Secrets explained how to automate Internet Explorer 7 to access Microsoft Update once a month. But some readers expressed displeasure at the thought of using the dreaded IE 7 even for this relatively safe chore. Read more »
Nintendo promises Wii bit of excitement
We all know that gadgets are supposed to make our lives easier and more productive. Technology should give us time to pursue hobbies and interests, like tripping the light fantastic or playing ball in the park with the kids Read more »
Serious Visual Basic flaw remains unpatched
Microsoft patched four vulnerabilities this month, but you're still not entirely safe. There's a dangerous unpatched vulnerability, and the bad guys are actively exploiting it. Read more »
Only four patches this Patch Tuesday
This month's Patch Tuesday is a fairly boring Patch Tuesday! But just to keep you a little bit entertained this month, we do have Daylight Saving Time patches to deal with. Read more »
September 6, 2007
Unpatched software abounds on user systems
Readers of the Aug. 16 issue of Windows Secrets took our advice and used the Secunia Software Inspector service in droves. The results show that — even though our readers are more tech-savvy than the average computer user — thousands of you apparently still use computers with unpatched software. Read more »
How to fix problems Software Inspector finds
In the Aug. 16 issue, I pointed out that the Secunia Software Inspector may find multiple versions of unpatched products on your system. Older programs and Web sites may need the older versions of run-time software. But the old run-time code represents a security risk. Read more »
Danish engineers find low-tech speed limit fix
Making motorists stay within the speed limit is a problem in every country. But not every nation brings the same level of creative problem-solving to the issue as Denmark. With 70% of motorists going over the speed limit, traffic engineers decided that something had to be done Read more »
Sony renews rootkit debate with USB drives
The Sony Corporation seems bound and determined to install copy-protection software, including rootkits, no matter how many different products it has to use. Read on to find out about Sony software that you may have paid for, but you don't really want. Read more »
MS server error marks PCs as 'nongenuine'
Windows Genuine Advantage: now more genuinely annoying for genuine users of Vista. A software failure at Microsoft over the weekend falsely branded thousands of legitimate users' PCs as "nongenuine" and restricted some capabilities. Read more »
August 16, 2007
Next issue Sept. 6 — take a break!
Like a lot of people, we need a week or two off in the summer to recharge our batteries and then come back to work rejuvenated. That's why our next newsletter won't appear until Sept. 6. If any important developments occur that can't wait, we'll send you a brief "news update" to let you know. Read more »
Media players more dangerous than Windows
Windows users face the greatest security risks today not from flaws in Windows itself but from unpatched media players. That's because many Windows Secrets readers, according to an online test we sponsored, are running versions of Flash, Java, and QuickTime that are unpatched against the latest security threats. Read more »
Restrict application privileges for greater security
In recent columns, including in the Aug. 9 issue, I've told you how to limit user and application permissions in XP for greater security. Our readers have responded with their own questions and suggestions on running programs with greater or fewer privileges. Read more »
Is there a movie idea on your Start Menu?
Where does Hollywood get its ideas for those summer blockbusters? Producers don't just borrow from novels, plays, TV, and comic books, but also from major computer games like Tomb Raider, Mario Brothers, Wing Commander, and Doom. Read more »
Here's the real Start Menu entry
In last week's article, I explained a Registry change you can make if you inadvertently "improve" the Start Menu delay time, making menu items flash so fast you can hardly click them. I made a mistake. I said that the Registry entry you should change was: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Desktop In fact, I should've told you to navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop That's where the rogue MenuShowDelay setting resides. (The default, leisurely, value is 400.) Check out my Aug. 9 column for the rest of the details on the fix. Thanks to those who wrote in to scrub my flub. Read more »
How to get private, anonymous Web surfing
Many public proxy services exist that let you both surf the Net anonymously and bypass overly restrictive content filtering systems. This week, I tell you how to easily build an entirely private, anonymous proxy service that you control at your own leisure. Read more »
Internet Explorer flaw exposes FTP credentials
Among the patches Microsoft released on Patch Tuesday this week is yet another cumulative rollup for the company's Internet Explorer browser. But an IE flaw that's been present at least since 2004 is still unpatched, because Microsoft never released a patch for IE 6 and allowed the flaw to remain in IE 7. Read more »
Malware cocktails sure to hit unpatched PCs
Microsoft ranks 6 of the 9 patches released on Aug. 14 as "Critical," and only 3 as "Important" — but I'm rating all 9 of them as critical if you use the platforms that are affected. We must patch once again for three XML, GDI, and VML threats, along with the usual Malicious Software Removal Tool updates and a new fix for 64-bit kernel protection. Read more »
August 9, 2007
Google, Live, Yahoo run dubious scanner ads
You've heard of "adware" and "spyware" and the antispyware products that are designed to eliminate them. A third category of software — "rogue antispyware" — promotes itself deceptively and yet is allowed to advertise on such major search engines as Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft's Live.com. Read more »
Change user access one app at a time
In the "last issue, I explained how to use XP without administrator rights to simulate the safety offered Vista's User Account Control. Readers responded with their own tools and tricks to stop programs from gaining full (and therefore risky) access to your system. Read more »
Quite possibly the first duct-tape server
You always hear how endlessly useful duct tape is: it's water resistant, tears easily, and comes in a variety of colors. Just go online and you'll find numerous examples of duct-tape creativity, including entire articles of clothing made from this miracle product Read more »
How to stamp out Windows weirdification
I've bumped into a bunch of strange Windows settings lately while trying to clean up some of my clients' PCs. If your computer is behaving strangely, check my list to see if there's a straightforward solution to your maddening problem. Read more »
Your application software sorely needs updating
In my July 26 column, I invited readers to use Windows Secrets' link to test their PCs with Secunia.com's free Software Inspector. I'm happy this week to present the results and answer the many questions this generated from our readers. Read more »
Vista patching is a wee bit different
As we start our back-to-school time of the year, many of you are purchasing Vista machines. Vista handles patching just a little bit differently than the older versions of Windows, and I'll tell you how. Read more »
August 2, 2007
Make sure you get the e-mails you want
We've made some improvements in the systems that send you the Windows Secrets Newsletter. But, as they say, no good deed goes unpunished, so our upgrades meant that some readers didn't receive the last issue at all! Read more »
How to simulate User Account Control in XP
Vista users love to complain about the intrusiveness of User Account Control, but it does provide a degree of security. If you're using Windows XP, I'll show you what steps you can take to give yourself a similar level of safety. Read more »
Drive encryption not just for hard disks
I pointed out in our July 19 issue some programs that encrypt hard-disk partitions — a feature of the more-expensive Ultimate and Enterprise versions of Windows Vista. But these days, you may want protection for more than just hard disks, such as Flash drives. Read more »
Apple takes on iRack
Sure, Apple Inc. is famous for cool products with trendy designs. But what would happen if the high-tech corporation took on something different, something even bigger than it already has? That's the question MadTV asks in this skit about the most daring Apple product to date — the iRack. Read more »
Does the future of Windows include adware?
Microsoft recently filed for a patent that may change the way the company targets advertising at its customers. This week, I tell you how that technology might impact both your desktop and your privacy. Read more »
IE 7 allows Firefox exploit to work
In my July 12 column, I discussed a flaw in IE that was exposed installing Firefox. Now the tables have turned and the opposite is true with the latest releases of Firefox and IE 7. Read more »
How to clean up after MS's .NET patches
Let's review one more time the issues we've seen with Microsoft's July 10 .NET patches Hopefully, this will give you a bit more guidance to help you get your systems patched. Read more »
July 26, 2007
Vista 'resume' bug plagues laptop users
A Microsoft engineer slammed Vista's ReadyBoost feature as the source of a maddening bug, only to withdraw his charge the next day. Whether or not ReadyBoost is to blame for the bug — which brings laptops to a crawl when resuming from sleep or hibernation mode — the problem remains a mystery for many who use Vista. Read more »
More free ways to enhance Windows XP
Last week, I listed several products for bringing XP up to par with Vista, both functionally and visually. Readers responded with their own favorite utilities and improvements to give XP more of Vista's sizzle. Read more »
Fox News's image directory left wide open
A Web user looking through FoxNews.com on July 23 discovered that the site had left a user name and password wide open in a public area. The password was then posted on Slashdot, the giant news-for-geeks service Read more »
Stop random reboots and fix 'em for good
There you are, minding your own business, when your computer suddenly reboots without warning. The causes for spontaneous restarts are many — but there are ways to get Windows to help you identify the culprit. Read more »
'Important' patch 936357 is causing crashes
Microsoft's patch for Intel's Core 2 Duo chips, patch 936357, is locking up people's computers and making them unbootable. If you have Automatic Updates turned on, or you recently applied all of Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday updates, you probably have the bad patch, so follow along with me on what to do about it. Read more »
Test your PC for weak software versions
Several Windows Secrets editors have written in the past about Secunia.com's free vulnerability scanning service, known as the Software Inspector — in my case, on Jan. 4. In cooperation with Secunia, we've developed a way that you can test your system and help us determine just how secure Windows Secrets readers actually are. Read more »
July 19, 2007
Add Premium/Enterprise features to XP or Vista
In the last issue, I explained how to add Vista Business features to either Windows XP or Vista Home Premium. But you can also add features that are unique to Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate if you have Windows XP or Vista Business. Read more »
Get a great backup program for free
My lead story in the July 12 newsletter explained how you can get Vista Ultimate features in Windows XP or versions of Vista that aren't as expensive as Ultimate. Several readers have written in with even more ways to save money and get useful add-on programs that are free or inexpensive. Read more »
It's 2 a.m. — know where your icons are?
Ever wonder what happens when you leave your computer on overnight? Does it just sit idle until the screen saver kicks in? Read more »
How to power-search the Web easily
When search engines provide too much info, you need a way to find the right needle in a gigantic Internet haystack. This week, I give you three powerful tips to help you find exactly what you're looking for while eliminating useless search results. Read more »
Another user-trapping flaw found in IE
Even after all I've seen in this business of computers, every once in a while I come across something that surprises me. Learning about a flaw in IE that could prevent you from leaving a Web page was one of those times. Read more »
The fallout intensifies over .NET patches
Installation of the .NET patches distributed Microsoft on July 10 has caused many of you hours of frustration. I'm focusing today on the problems surrounding the .NET updates that all of us have faced so far this month. Read more »
July 12, 2007
Add 'business' features to XP or Vista
Do you want the features of Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate — even though you're running Windows XP or Vista Home Premium? I'll show you how to use free or inexpensive add-ons to get virtually the same high-end features without paying Microsoft's upgrade fees. Read more »
Readers find alternatives to costly ink cartridges
Any way you slice it, inkjet ink is an expensive commodity that requires frequent replacement. Fortunately, some readers have good ideas for economizing and getting the most ink for your money. Read more »
iPhone features lead to hilarious consequences
Apple's iPhone was released to much ballyhoo last month. No such product launch would be complete without a few parodies of its ad campaign Read more »
Make a quick tweak to protect your browser
Criminal Web sites are sneaky enough now to detect the operating system and browser you're using and tailor specific attacks against them. If you're using the Firefox browser, however, I'll show you an easy eay to foil almost all such threats. Read more »
Installing Firefox reveals new IE vulnerability
Here's something I thought I'd never see — installing Firefox actually makes Internet Explorer even more insecure. Depending upon whom you talk to, it's either IE or Firefox that has the real problem. Read more »
You need a road map to install .NET patches
With all of the .NET patches, Adobe patches, and Sun Java patches that have just been released, it's enough to make one yell "Uncle." A single PC might need as many as three different patches for Microsoft .NET, so let me advise you on how to handle them. Read more »
July 5, 2007
SkipRearm doesn't work, activation still broken
In a Mar. 15 article, I reported that a Registry key called SkipRearm seemed to allow Windows Vista's activation deadline to be pushed back many times. It now appears that this effect isn't caused SkipRearm but a different mechanism — and therein lies a story. Read more »
Epson's claims of cheaper ink are empty
Users of multi-color inkjet printer cartridges end up throwing away half of their ink, according to a study commissioned Epson. But a Kodak-sponsored study focuses on the bottom line, saying you'll pay more per page with printers that require a different cartridge for each color, such as Epson's. Read more »
Microsoft owns up to Vista Ultimate letdown
As reported last week, Microsoft's Vista Ultimate team has been missing in action when it comes to supplying the "Ultimate Extras" that were promised back in January for the new OS. But, since our June 28 story appeared, the team has finally broken its silence, making its first statement since Mar. 13. Read more »
Windows Live finds more than you think
Our Wacky Web Week column last week featured a spoof of a video ad for one of Microsoft's newest product ideas. But not every commercial needs a send-up to be funny Read more »
You have ways to ferret out running services
In the June 28 issue, I noted that Task Manager shows multiple instances of Svchost.exe, but it doesn't tell you what services each instance is running. Our savvy readers responded with a host of handy solutions, ranging from command-line tricks to free downloadable utilities. Read more »
SyncToy — free file sync for XP and Vista
In past columns, I've moaned about the lack of PowerToys for Windows Vista, seven months after Vista's release. There is one PowerToy, though, that's fully Vista capable, and it also works well with Windows XP — meet SyncToy. Read more »
Experts debate claims of 'undetectable malware'
Soon, I'll be making my annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for Black Hat Briefings and Defcon, my favorite security conferences (see my July 13, 2006, write-up). This year, presenters are not just talking about rootkits, but are describing even deeper topics that you need to know about, such as "driver-signing bypass" and "virtualized rootkit detection." Read more »
June 28, 2007
Microsoft evades promise of Vista Ultimate Extras
The Microsoft Corp. in January released Vista Ultimate, the priciest version of the company's new operating system, with the promise of additional downloadable "Extras," available only for the top-of-the-line product. Months later, buyers of Vista Ultimate have seen no new Extras since the mere handful that were offered around the initial Vista rollout. Read more »
Questions linger on the Svchost.exe bug
The problems discussed in our June 21 issue surrounding svchost.exe, a component of Microsoft Update that periodically consumes 100% of CPU time, raised questions about the related files that it touches. You can get more info on these files — if you know where to look. Read more »
Gamer takes a different look at MS Surface
The big buzz in sexy new technology lately is Microsoft Surface. The concept is to embed a fancy, highly graphical computer into a table top But not everyone is so excited the possibilities. Among the skeptics are the folks at The Sarcastic Gamer. Check out their twisted trailer extolling the virtues (or at least the vexations) of tabletop computing. Watch the video Read more »
How to supercharge your wireless router
Did you know that you can gain new wireless router capabilities without buying a new router? This week, I tell you about an alternative third-party firmware package that you can install to add numerous new features and improve your Wi-Fi performance. Read more »
Firefox needs NoScript to close vulnerability
While Firefox is my Web browser of choice, I still realize that it isn't 100% secure. Any piece of software that is even remotely popular is going to have hackers going over it trying to find ways to exploit it for their purposes — and that's led to a Firefox hole you should plug. Read more »
WGA's tricky install is no advantage
The latest back-door method Microsoft is using to install its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) marketing software has hit a nerve for many. The e-mails have been piling up on me since I wrote about that subject in my June 14 column. Read more »
June 21, 2007
Svchost.exe gets worse before it's fixed
Problems with an important Windows component, svchost.exe, can consume up to 100% of CPU time. Now, a beta release of Windows Live Messenger threatens to spread the problem to even more users, unless their systems are patched soon. Read more »
Free sub extension for ZoneAlarm customers
For months, ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite has claimed on its box to be "Vista ready," but users found otherwise. Fortunately, the company has now released a Vista version of the suite and promises to make it up to customers. Read more »
Don McMillan explains how not to use PowerPoint
We've all seen PowerPoint presentations run amok. The melange of fonts, the garish colors, the bullet lists that go on forever These mishaps are not lost on comedian Don McMillan. In this short clip, he provides some quick pointers for keeping your PowerPoint presentation from becoming a multimedia nightmare. Watch the video Read more »
Laptop protection while surfing made easier
Last week's Top Story described ways to protect your system when surfing the Web using unknown Wi-Fi hotspots. One reader adds to the pot with a handy trick for turning on and off file and printer sharing. Read more »
Vista time-saver #8 — tweaking the interface
Many of you responded to my last column, in which I speculated about why we have no PowerToys seven months after Vista's release. TweakUI rated high on readers' lists of most-missed PowerToys. This week, I'll tell you how to hack the Registry and tweak some parts of Vista's UI all yourself. Read more »
Browsers: the difference between 'safe' and 'secure'
Two events — an e-mail from a reader asking why I wasn't recommending Opera, and the release Apple of a public beta of Safari for Windows — have forced me to think about browsers this week. Most people consider a browser's features, performance, and looks, but I immediately wonder how secure it is. Read more »
June 14, 2007
Practice 'safe surfing' with public Wi-Fi signals
You see them everywhere your Wi-Fi laptop goes: unprotected wireless signals offering "Free Internet Access" or "Free Public Wi-Fi." But connect to them and you'll be disappointed. In a few cases, you may even have your computer hacked. Here's the scoop on how to protect yourself. Read more »
Connecticut teacher gets a second chance
You all know the story of how adult pop-ups almost sent a substitute teacher to jail for 40 years. In a follow-up to his original Feb. 22 story, our contributing editor Ryan Russell reports on a possible reprieve. Read more »
E-cards for any odd occasion
Everybody needs a way to mark those special occasions — birthdays, weddings, graduations, nervous breakdowns... And, of course, there are plenty of e-card Web sites to help you send just the right message, usually for a fee Read more »
VMware is a superior alternative to Virtual PC
Virtual machine (VM) technology lets you run more than one OS on the same system at the same time. Eventually, VM technology will become commonplace on desktops. You can get ahead of the pack learning to use it right now. Read more »
IE patched again, but is still insecure
This Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has once again fixed several flaws in IE — but, as usual, there are other holes still unpatched. As discovered earlier this month, IE is wide open to a pretty severe cross-domain flaw that can allow a hacker to do just about anything to your computer. Read more »
MS slyly installs WGA via updates, again
Microsoft was roundly criticized last year for downloading its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program, which tests for valid licenses, as though the software was a "critical security upgrade." I've just found that MS has started doing this again — this time, even if you're simply checking manually for new patches. Read more »
June 7, 2007
Readers win a Housecall from Fred Langa
Brian Livingston It's not every day that a motorcycle roars up to your house and its rider takes off his helmet to help you fix your ailing PC. But that's the experience several lucky readers of the Windows Secrets Newsletter will have when Fred Langa, our editor-at-large, brings his patented Housecall to their doors. Read more »
A crusade against bad EULAs
By Scott Dunn For at least a decade, InfoWorld veteran Ed Foster has been writing about the uses and abuses of end-user license agreements (EULAs). What began as examples of bad service agreements that were more funny than dangerous has become a crusade against complicated language and outrageous requirements and penalties. I talked to Foster about fighting the good fight. Read more »
Get OEM discounts when you upgrade your PC
Scott Dunn The May 24 issue continued our discussion of OEM software, explaining that any hobbyist can be a system builder and buy these products at a discount. Additional documentation from Microsoft's Web site makes it even more clear that you neither need to build a computer from scratch nor join the Microsoft Partner Program to qualify for the lower prices. Read more »
See the end of the world in 90 seconds
Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice. Or at least that's what Robert Frost wrote. The truth is nobody knows how the world will end. Still, that doesn't stop people from speculating One of the more amusing versions comes from the Flash artist known as Fluid. You can check out his Doomsday scenario at AlbinoBlackSheep.com. Please be aware that the animation contains adult language and national stereotypes that will be offensive to some readers, hilarious to others. Watch the animation Read more »
Vista time-saver #7 — resize pictures quickly
Woody Leonhard Rumors abound as to whether Microsoft will try to charge for key PowerToys utilities that it used to provide for free. I don't know the answer to that, but I really miss the Image Resizer PowerToy, and fortunately I've found a good, free alternative. Read more »
Firefox is becoming a more important target
Ryan Russell I have long held the position that the most popular program is the biggest target for viruses, malware, and browser exploits. Currently, Internet Explorer suffers from the largest number of browser exploits, but with some estimates putting Firefox's market share at over 25%, this situation could change. Read more »
More ways to get Microsoft products discounted
Scott Dunn Our May 10 and May 24 newsletters discussed the Microsoft Partner Program as it relates to system builders using less-expensive, OEM versions of Microsoft software. But the free service has more tangible benefits, including subscription programs for multiple copies of Microsoft software at a low price. Read more »
May 24, 2007
Is your security system up to date?
WindowsSecrets.com maintains a WSN Security Baseline page to keep you current on the bare minimum you need to protect your home or small-business systems against malware. This list is based on our analysis of the reviews and editor's choices from leading PC publications and Web sites, including PC Magazine, PC World, CNET, and others. Read more »
Microsoft licenses OEM software for single users
My story in the Apr. 26 newsletter reported on the sale of "OEM versions" of Windows, which can be purchased much more cheaply than even heavily discounted "educational" versions. Readers debated in the May 3 and May 10 issues the ethics of buying OEM versions of Windows, but there's clear evidence that Microsoft officially supports the sale of OEM licenses under certain conditions to any individual who's building a PC. Read more »
Make your own church marquee
Perhaps you've seen them while driving down the road — those backlit, block-letter signs in front of a church announcing the upcoming sermon or maybe just providing a thought for the day But why should religion get all the roadside fun? Now you can, too, with the online Church Sign Generator. Choose from five different designs, enter your text, and presto! — a photo of your custom sign appears. You can save the photo to your computer, or, for a few bucks, order magnets, stickers, and coffee mugs printed with your message. More info Read more »
More ways to avoid automatic credit-card charges
Tired of security firms, magazines, and other companies charging your credit card every time your subscription expires? Fortunately, Windows Secrets readers wrote in with many solutions to the dilemma presented in my May 15 story about this problem. Read more »
Make Vista load files 10 times faster!
Vista has a lot of new features you can take advantage of to improve its overall performance. This week, I'll tell you how to make Vista load files as much as 10 times faster, which in turn will make your entire system run faster. Read more »
What to do when Windows turns against you
The complexity of the Windows operating system makes it easier for bugs and flaws to creep in during its development. If you're not careful to protect yourself against this, your computer could be turned against you. Read more »
Internet Explorer patch is now a must-install
Even though Patch Tuesday has come and gone, we're finally getting the solutions for several issues that cropped up after the latest patch for Internet Explorer was released. The patch, MS07-027, is high-priority to install now, but you first need to know about two major problems. Read more »
May 17, 2007
Microsoft, McAfee, Symantec charge cards repeatedly
These days, most antivirus and other security products come with a subscription to update your virus definitions. Signing up usually means forced automatic subscription renewal, in which your credit card is charged every year, and it's not easy to opt out — but I'll show you how. Read more »
What code signing is and isn't good for
As I explained in my May 10 article, driver-signing requirements for the 64-bit version of Vista have slowed down developers, but not hackers. Readers wrote in, pointing out further complications, while cautioning that the practice of driver signing itself is still useful. Read more »
Practice your bunny-surgery skills online
If you've ever wanted be a surgeon, you've probably realized that your first attempts should be on something safe — for example, on a stuffed bunny. Now, you can do just that, without ever hurting the bunny! This Flash-based game is a demonstration of the services offered 10mg Interactive of Amsterdam. It lets you resuscitate a dead bunny, then shave and operate, saving its life — if you can. But, you may find surgery is harder than you thought. Even virtual surgery! Play the game Read more »
The reality of Microsoft's signed-drivers policy
Vista's 64-bit signed-driver debacle leads one reader to despair of Microsoft ever learning. Will customer protests of Redmond's approach lead the situation to be improved, or is this a case in which a mistake is set in stone? Read more »
Windows Home Server looks like a winner
As a card-carrying member of the 'Association of Windows Victims,' I never believe Microsoft's hype about software that's still sitting in the hopper. But I've been playing with the beta version of Windows Home Server for quite a while, and even though the final product isn't due out until the end of the year, I'm impressed. Read more »
Microsoft launches new security products
I attended Microsoft's ForeFront and Systems Center launch event on May 2 for the Redmond company's new security and management products. As you know, I work for a company that sells products in these areas, and I'm not performing a review, but I do want to present to you some of the information I gathered. Read more »
May 10, 2007
Driver signing is a failure for Vista
To back up its claims that Windows Vista is "the safest version of Windows ever," Microsoft requires developers to use digital signatures on all 64-bit drivers for Vista. This requirement, far from making the new operating system safer, actually does little to stop hackers but may be partially responsible for a shortage of drivers that are needed Vista users. Read more »
Readers' revelations on DEP and software discounts
Windows' Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature provides important protection against malicious code, as I described in my May 3 article. But additional free tools reported our readers make the feature even more accessible to users of Windows XP. Read more »
The world's first IT professional
We tend to take our company's helpdesk, IT, and support personnel for granted — until something goes wrong. But do you know how far back this venerable profession goes? Have you ever wondered how IT pros of ancient days helped employees with the earliest word-processing systems? This side-splitting video, recently posted on YouTube, takes a stab at answering those questions with a short sketch about the first "operating system" — the book! Play the video Read more »
How to spot your enemies on the Internet
With the large number of malware and phishing sites on the Internet, how can you tell which sites are safe? This week, I'll tell you how to use specialized browser toolbars that can add a lot of security to your system. Read more »
Dangerous .doc files and phishing attacks
Microsoft patched a lot of vulnerabilities this month, but there are still a few issues with Internet Explorer that need our immediate attention. This week, I'll tell you how to protect yourself against dangerous .doc files and phishing attacks. Read more »
Critical patches for Exchange and your workstations
The month of May brings spring flowers to the northern hemisphere — and seven critical patches to the whole world. Three of the patches should be your priority, plus one DNS patch and a way to finally get rid of your svchost.exe issues. Read more »
May 3, 2007
How DEP can protect your PC
Newer processors, such as those from Intel and AMD, support a useful feature that Microsoft calls hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP). Unfortunately, it's not enabled for all the software you may be running. Here's how to remedy that situation. Read more »
Readers contribute to the discount debate
Following last week's story on OEM software, readers raised legitimate concerns about OEM discounts and some crippled academic software. Other readers offered even more ways and places to get software with a whopping educational discount. Read more »
How many USB devices do you need?
Some days it seems like there's an invention for everything. A case in point: The Mouse Jiggler, a USB device that keeps your pointer in motion so your screen saver never kicks in when you wander away from your computer The device is being marketed to computer forensics experts and IT professionals who don't want a laptop to lock them out with a password-protected screen saver. There must be a lot of people out there who don't know how to disable password protection on their screen savers! Maybe you need yet another USB gizmo, but wouldn't it be a whole lot easier to just use the Display control panel? More info Read more »