Tweaking Tools: August 2011

Download free Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 VHD Image files for Microsoft Virtual PC

If you are testing from the original Windows XP, Vista or 7 for free, you can give a try to free VHD images released by Microsoft.

Microsoft has free VHD images of Windows XP, Vista and 7 to be used with Windows Virtual PC to help Web designers and Web developers to test their websites in older versions of Internet Explorer was released.

As a result of VHD images are available for free download:

Windows 7 with 7 IE9Windows with IE7Windows IE8Windows Vista with XP with IE6

The VHD images contain full Windows set with the specified version of Internet Explorer. The images are patched with the latest security updates and are otherwise clean install of the operating system with very little changes.

These images are specially designed to run on Microsoft Virtual PC, and may or may not work in other hosting environments.

The password to login to all of these images Password1 and is the user name will be present when you first log in.

Windows XP installation image:

The Windows XP SP3 with IE6 VHD file contains and was fully patched until July 2011. This figure also includes the install files for IE7 and IE8. If you want separate base XP images for IE7 and IE8, you can copy the VHD, rename it and install the other version of IE.

You can download via following link:

Download free Windows XP VHD Image

Windows Vista Image:

The Windows Vista SP2 with IE7 VHD file contains and was patched through March 2011. The install files for IE8 and IE9 will are also available for installation on the image.

You can use following Links to download:

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 1

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 2

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 3

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 4

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 5

Download Windows Vista VHD Image for free-part 6

Due to the size of Windows Vista VHD, it is distributed across multiple files, you must all files for that version of Internet Explorer to download and unpack them to the same folder to extract the VHD file.

Windows 7 with IE8 image:

It contains Windows 7 SP1 with IE8 VHD file and was patched through March 2011. The installation files for IE9 will are also available for installation on the image.

You can use following Links to download:

Download Windows 7 with IE8 VHD Image for free-part 1

Download Windows 7 with IE8 VHD Image for free-part 2

Download Windows 7 with IE8 VHD Image for free-part 3

Download Windows 7 with IE8 VHD Image for free-part 4

Due to the size of the Windows 7 VHD, it is distributed across multiple files, you must all files for that version of Internet Explorer to download and unpack them to the same folder to extract the VHD file.

Windows 7 with IE9 is image:

It contains Windows 7 SP1 with IE9 is VHD file and was patched through March 2011. This image also has the ACT Toolkit 5.6, IECTT and expression Superpreview software installed.

You can use following Links to download:

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 1

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 2

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 3

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 4

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 5

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 6

Download Windows 7 with IE9 is VHD Image for free-part 7

How to use:

Once you have completed the download, double-click the .exe file to expand the VHD file. Start Virtual PC and create a new VPC, and refer to the files that you just expanded.

You can use Virtual PC after download topic:

[Direct download link] Official Links to download Windows Virtual PC for Windows 7

Note: You must have a minimum of 3.0 GB hard disk space free to expand the VHD file. All images and will conclude on 17 November 2011 completely unusable.

Note 2: You may be asked to activate OS if the product code is deactivated. This is the expected behavior. The VHDs will not pass genuine validation. Immediately after the start of the Windows 7 or Windows Vista images will they request to be activated. You can cancel the request and it will login to the desktop.

You can have up to two "rearm" (type slmgr-rearm command at the command prompt) that the process will extend for another 30 days every time or just shut down the VPC image and ignore the changes you have made from undo disks to reset the image back to its original state.

You have by doing one of these methods, technically a base image that never expire although you will never be able to save any changes on a permanent basis on these images for longer than 90 days.

Thanks to our reader "sumit_g" for sharing it. ..

Also check:

[Direct Download Links] Official, original and untouched Windows 7 ISO download with SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit)

[Direct download link] Official Links to download MUI language packs for Windows Vista and 7

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Mozilla Thunderbird version 6.0 final version, download link within

Thunderbird is one of the most popular e-mail client, developed by Mozilla. Its open source and can be used in Windows, mac and Linux.

Mozilla has just last released version of Thunderbird 6.0 that comes with many new features and improvements.

Some notable changes are:

Thunderbird is based on the new Mozilla Gecko 6 engineSeveral for Windows 7Support theme improvements for Windows 7 Jump listsSeveral fixes when import e-mail messages from Microsoft OutlookDefault mail client check box now works with newer Linux distributionsVarious and other user interface platform confirms improvementsNumerous fixes that improve speed, performance, stability and security

You can download via following link:

Download Thunderbird

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Simple Patch to Enable Aero Glass and all the other features in Windows 7 Home Basic and Starter Edition Download

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4t Tray Minimizer: Free Utility to minimize applications to System Tray in Windows

If you have many applications open in Windows, it can be the entire task bar with program buttons. Wouldn't it be great if you could all running applications in system tray minimize? It saves space on the taskbar.

By default, Windows does not come with this feature and you are forced to use 3rd party software. We have a free software "Power Menu" in shared past applications minimize to system tray:

Power Menu: Minimize any application to System Tray in Windows

Today we want to share another freeware which allows you to minimize all running applications to system tray in Windows.

"4t Tray Minimizer" is a free software that are 4 to window titlebar buttons added:

Minimize to system trayRoll up or unrolling a windowPin a windowMake a window transparent

You can use the window to system tray with the first button in titlebar minimize directly. 2nd button, you can collapse a window titlebar to her. 3rd button pins a window so that you can use that window always on top. 4th button makes the window transparent.

Also you can use the whole system tray to hide. You can enable this option by opening the application using, double-click the icon in the notification area, and then select "> View-System Tray-> hide System Tray" option.

You can set and change several keyboard shortcuts of different settings via "View-> options" menu of this program.

You can also customize which buttons should appear in the title bar of the window.

You can this useful utility download via following link:

Download Link

Homepage

Thanks to our reader "neetika" for sharing it. ..

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Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 using "8 Skin Pack"

We have a lot of transformation packs for Windows xp posted in the past which help you to make Windows XP look like Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X Lion, Ubuntu, etc:

We have also posted 2 detailed tutorials that help you convert Windows XP into Windows Vista and 7 without using customization packs:

Today we are going with a new transformation pack for Windows XP users "8 Skin Pack" that automatically your Windows XP to Windows 8 transforms.

8 Skin Pack is created by "hameddanger" @ DA. This customization pack installs Windows 8 theme, Boot screen, login screen, icons, wallpaper, etc to make Windows XP look like Windows 8.

The following is an example of Windows XP transformed into Windows 8 using this skin pack:

It can be installed in all editions of Windows XP, Media Center Edition and Server 2003 . It supports SP1, SP2 and SP3. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

You can download via following link:

Download Link

Note: Create a system restore point before you install this skin pack, so you can restore default look Windows in case you don't like the new look or face a problem.

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"Age of Empires Online" to Play Game free download

"Age of Empires" is one of the best and most popular game and now an online version is available for free to play.

Age of Empires Online is developed by Microsoft Game Studios for the Games for Windows-LIVE platform. Age of Empires Online invites players to make a living, growing online world, shared with friends and friendly rivals around the world. Marry fresh features with classic RTS gameplay, age of Empires Online tribute to the original game while the integration of a new look, feel and approach that appeals to long time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between.

The game has two of the largest ancient civilizations – the Greeks and Egyptians and offers more than 40 hours of gameplay for free!

The following functions are free to play:

Famous age of Empires gameplay, and downloadable to any PC for free!The largest ancient civilizations, including Greeks and Egyptians. Constantly new, exciting and evolving content.Quest, battle, chat and trade with other players.Build and show off your own custom Capital City. Enjoy historical settings with stunning images and a cool new art style.

System Requirements:

Processor: Dual Core, 2 Ghz or highervideo card: 128 MB Shader 2 card or later supportedmemory: Windows XP-1 GB, Vista and Windows 7 (32 bit)-1.5 GB, Windows 7 (64-bit)-2.5 GBhard drive space: 2.5 GB required for downloadsInternet: broadband internet required

Age of Empires Online game

Also check:

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See full Blockbuster Bollywood movies Online for free on YouTube and Yahoo! MoviePlex

If you live in India and love to watch Bollywood movies, here is a excellent news for you.

Today we are going to share 3 awesome sites on the Internet where you full-length Bollywood blockbuster movies can look absolutely free and legal.

So no need to buy movie DVDs or cinema hall tickets, just sit back in front of your computer and enjoy the free movies.

So without wasting time, here are the links to free Bollywood moviesview:

1. YouTube movies channel

YouTube offers a free channel "films" where you can watch free movies. There are various film categories to choose from as new releases, Drama, documentary, Horror, Action Adventure &, classics, Comedy, Mystery & voltage, Science Fiction, romance, family, crime, & Animation Cartoons.

YouTube-movies

If you click "all categories" link, you get a subcategory "Indian Cinema".

YouTube Indian Cinema

It contains films in various Indian languages like Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and Polish.

2. YouTube box Office channel

"Box Office" is a new YouTube channel that features a new full-length Bollywood blockbuster movie per month. These films are ad-supported. A 15 second video ad is displayed after every 10 minutes of the film. You cannot hide or go by these ads. But you need these ads don't mind if these ads not much longer.

YouTube-box office

3. Yahoo! MoviePlex

"MoviePlex" is a brand new video streaming service of Yahoo! similar to YouTube's Box Office, Yahoo! shows MoviePlex blockbuster Bollywood's full-length movies absolutely free and no ads.

However, the start and we can see ads in the future. The films are also currently very limited in number and more films will be added in the coming days. You can look to Aakrosh Dil Baccha Hai Ji, Rock On, Rann, Lamhaa, Crook, Rakht Charitra part 1 and 2 atm.

Yahoo! MoviePlex

Also check:

Search and listen to Bollywood Songs Online for free using Google Music Search

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[FIX] Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 lists incorrect RAM on Computers with Integrated GPU

Finally, Microsoft has an irritating problem since long time in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 is recognised.

Many times Windows 7 contains incorrect RAM on computers that are a chipset with Integrated GPU have. Now Microsoft has released a hotfix to resolve this problem.

SYMPTOM:

Assumes that you have a computer running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. The computer is running on a chipset that reserves memory for a integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) that aperture range memory-mapped i/o (MMIO) does not support. For example, the computer has an Intel GMA 3600 GPU installed.

In this situation, Windows reports that less memory is installed on the computer, then actually is installed on the computer.

CAUSE:

This problem occurs because Windows locks the primary surface and then use the CpuTranslatedAddress address to shadow the primary surface. It is therefore the primary surface assigned exclusively from a segment of memory that is visible to the CPU.

Most integrated Gpus have a MMIO aperture range. In this situation, you must have Windows memory at startup are reserved, and expose the reserved memory as a dedicated memory segment. By default, must be a primary surface are located in a segment of memory that is visible to the CPU. This is a segment of linear memory space that exposed the GPU using a CpuTranslatedAddress address.

SOLUTION:

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. This hotfix only to systems that have the problem that is described in this article occurs.

After you install this hotfix, support Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 primary surfaces of Gpus that do not yet have a MMIO aperture range.

You can use the following link download hotfix:

Hotfix Download

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Google launches Games in Google +, play now play for free using your Google Account +

If you have a Google + -user and use the function games missing, here is a great news for you!

Google has launched free games for the social networking website Google +. You can play for free as angry birds, Bubble Island, Dragon Age, crime city, Sudoku, etc.

According to Google, Google + games are there when you want them and gone when you don't. When you're ready to play, wait for the Games page click on the button of the games at the top of your stream. You can see the latest game updates from your circles, browsing the invites that you have received and watch games those people that you know recently have played.

The Games page is also where your game performance is displayed. So you are comfortable sharing your latest high score-can see your circles only the updates if they are interested in playing.

If you're not interested in games, it is easy to ignore them. Your stream will remain focused on conversations with the people you care about.

Google has begun to gradually to play roles in Google +. It takes some time to make them fully available to everyone in Google +.

You can access the Games page directly via the following link:

Google + Games

If Google still has not been enabled for your account to play, you will get following message:

We're glad you want to play on Google +. Don't worry, your turn is coming up! We are currently testing with a small number of Google users +. Please check back soon. In the meantime, why not start a meeting place?

You'll have to wait until Google can play for you ...

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[FIX] Windows 7 not read Dvds burned using Windows XP

If you use Windows 7 and the sometimes not to read your DVDs, here is a solution for you.

Microsoft has found a problem in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 that caused failure in reading Dvds burned using Windows xp and a hotfix to solve this glitch released recognised.

SYMPTOM:

Consider the following scenario:

A Windows XP-based computer, you can write data to a DVD.You do not complete the DVD.You try to read the DVD on a computer that is running Windows 7-based or based on Windows Server 2008 R2.

In this scenario, the data will not be visible.

CAUSE:

This problem occurs because the DVD is missing session data about internal. This ensures that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 for the treatment of the DVD as invalid.

WORKAROUND:

To work around this problem, finalize the DVD on the Windows XP-based computer.

SOLUTION:

You can use the following link download hotfix:

Hotfix Download

Thanks to our reader "Kelly" for sharing it. ..

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Microsoft Releases performance Update USB storage devices in Windows 7 to improve

Microsoft has released a new update for Windows 7 and Server 2008 r2 users who have a new feature to these operating systems.

This new update you can increase the maximum transfer of USB storage devices in Windows that will help in improving performance of USB devices. After you install this update, you can increase the transfer of the maximum size of 64 kilobytes (KB) to 2 MB (megabyte) to USB to improve performance.

You just need to follow these simple steps to USB storage devices performance in Windows 7 to improve:

1. First download and install the update by using the following link:

Update download

2. Now regedit Type RUN or start menu searchbox and press Enter. It will open the Registry Editor.

3. now go to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\usbstor

4. Under usbstor key, create a new key VVVVPPPP so the final path would be:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\usbstor\VVVVPPPP

5. Now in the right pane, create a new DWORD value MaximumTransferLength

6. Double click this new DWORD value set Base , to decimal and value data 2097120set

That's it. Restart the system and get ready to enjoy enhanced performance USB storage devices in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.

PS: If you have a ready-made registry script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract and run the extracted REG-file. It will ask for confirmation, accept:

Download registry script

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Download new Windows 8 Concept Boot screen for Windows 7

We have an animated Windows 8 shared boot screen for Windows 7 in the past:

We also have a Metro UI inspired boot screen for Windows 7 which our favorite was shared:

Download Windows 8 Metro UI inspired minimal boot screen for Windows 7

But now we are going to share another boot screen for Windows 7 users who now become our favorite to is. Its a concept boot screen and we love the animation.

This Windows 8 concept boot screen is created by "Anunkasan" @ DA. The following is an example of this Boot screen:

You can enjoy this boot screen using steps to follow:

1. first, download the boot screen pack via following link:

Download Link

2. extract the RAR file with WinRAR or 7-zip. Now run "Windows 7 Boot Updater". Its an excellent software to change Windows 7 boot screen. More info and download links can be herefound.

3. Now you can select the desired boot screen file from the extracted folder using "file-> Load boot skin ..." menu and apply.

4. reboot your system and enjoy the Boot screen.

Also check:

Transform Windows 7 in Windows 8 (vNext) without using Customization Pack

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[UPDATE] Transform Windows XP into Mac OS X Lion using "Lion skin Pack 3.0.

UPDATE: New 3.0 released version that comes with updated theme, icons, login screen, new toolbar, Installer and some situations.

We've blogged about "Lion Skin Pack" for Windows 7 that your Windows 7 look like Mac OS X Lion makes:

Transform Windows 7 in Mac OS X Lion using "Lion Skin Pack"

If you are a Windows XP user, you can also enjoy Mac OS X Lion interface using the transformation pack that we are going to share in this topic.

"Lion Skin Pack for XP" is an excellent customization pack for Windows xp created by our friend "hameddanger" @ DA that XP in Mac OS X Lion transforms.

This pack is changing almost everything in to transform Windows XP in Mac OS X Lion. Changing the login screen, Boot screen, wallpaper, theme, start button, icons, etc. It also installs a few utilities to Mac functionality to offer.

It can be installed in all editions of Windows XP, Media Center Edition and Server 2003 . It supports SP1, SP2 and SP3. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

You can download via following link:

Download Link

Note: Create a system restore point before you install this skin pack, so you can restore default look Windows in case you don't like the new look or face a problem.

Also check:

Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 using "8 Skin Pack"

Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 using "Windows 8 M3 Starter Kit"

Transform Windows XP into Ubuntu 11.04 nicely narwhal using "ubuntu Skin Pack"

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[FIX] A program does not remove or cannot install new programs in Windows

Many times Windows users face this annoying problem. They cannot to remove an existing program completely. She appears error message or the program files remain on hard disk even after a successful uninstallation.

Sometimes they also get problems during the installing a new software. Windows blocks the installation and they are not able to setup process to complete.

To solve all these problems, Microsoft has released a new Fixit.

This Fixit new diagnoses problems automatically install and uninstall programs on your computer can occur. Assists with programs that are not correctly delete and programs will block the installation of new program installations.

What it fixes:

Removes bad registry key on 64-bit operating systems.Windows registry keys that define the upgrade (patching) data corrupted.Issues that prevent new programs are installed.Issues that prevent programs that is completely removed and the blocking of new installations and updates.Use this troubleshooter for an uninstall only if the program fails to remove using the windows add/remove programs function.

You can download the Fixit via following link:

Download Link

Thanks to our friend "Rob margel" for sharing it. ..

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Microsoft asks, what is your Inbox-like?

Who are you? A Piler, Filer or a Deleter? No No, we do not ask you this. The Microsoft who wants to ask it to you.

Actually, Microsoft has launched a new website "what is your Inbox if?" that helps you in finding what kind of e-mailer you are.

Its a Metro UI inspired marketing promotion website of Microsoft for Windows Live Hotmail created. The powered by HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3.

When you open it, it contains 3 options to choose from:

Fortunately, messSorted and orderedLean and light

If you select happy mess, you're a Piler. You almost every e-mail. Who cares if his of yesterday or the ' 90s, its all good.

If you select sorted and organized, you're a Filer. You like a well organized Inbox. If your email is in order, you are in order.

If you select lean and light, are you a Deleter. You don't like a lot of email in your Inbox. You want to just read the things that are important and trash the rest.

You will surely have fun in checking out this new website:

What is your Inbox-like?

So who are you? Piler, Filer or Deleter?

Thanks to our reader "jaycee13" for sharing it. ..

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Download Google Desktop music player for Windows 7

If you remember a few months back, Google launched music Beta website that invitations only and available to u.s. citizens.

Google launched music Beta Website, invitation only trial version

Google music you can make your personal music collection everywhere can listen, keep everything in sync, and forget the tangle of cables and upload files.

"Vhanla" @ DA now has a cool Google Desktop Music Player created for Windows 7 that allows you to use Google Music service like a desktop application. You can access and control it with multimedia keyboard, buttons on the taskbar, and as a widget.

Features list:

Uses Webkit Engine Supports Multi media keys (Play, Pause, Stop, next and previous) Windows 7 taskbar support (for buttons: play, pause, next and previous) MiniPlayerMetro UI with support for Aero Snap

Currently in development, so you might get errors while using this app.

You can download via following link:

Download Google Desktop music player for Windows 7

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[UPDATE] How to Get good old 3D Pinball game, InkBall, Hold 'em, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Calendar, and ClipBook Viewer in Windows 7?

UPDATE: Added Windows Movie Maker.

Microsoft has many classical features removed from Windows 7 as Classic start menu, Quick Launch toolbar, etc. Although most of them can be enabled with 3rd party apps or simple registry hacks:

[AIO] How do I get all the good old Classic properties back in Windows 7

There are 6 more classic programs that also have been removed from Windows 7, but most of the people do not notice them. The programs are:

3D Pinball GameInkBall GameHold 'em GameWindows film MakerWindows CalendarClipBook Viewer

3D Pinball game is a great game and Microsoft removed from Windows 7 without reason. Also Windows Calendar is a very useful application but Microsoft removed the forcing people to use Windows Live Essentials pack.

Our DA member of the group "scritperkid2" has shared this classic applications files that can be copied to Windows 7 to enjoy this missing programs in Windows 7.

Just follow the instructions to the programs back in Windows 7:

3D Pinball game in Windows 7 to get:

After download ZIP file, extract and copy the folder Pinball to "C:\Program files\microsoft Games" folder. If you've installed Windows 7 in a different disk partition, change drive letter c: to the correct one.

Download 3D Pinball game for Windows 7

InkBall game in Windows 7 to get:

After download ZIP file, extract and copy the files into the folder "C:\Program files\microsoft games\inkball". If you've installed Windows 7 in a different disk partition, change drive letter c: to the correct one.

InkBall game for Windows 7 download

Get Hold 'em game in Windows 7:

After download ZIP file, extract it and run the install.bat file:

Download game Hold 'em for Windows 7

Get Windows Movie maker in Windows 7:

After download ZIP file, extract and copy the appropriate folder to the folder "c: Program Files \". If you've installed Windows 7 in a different disk partition, change drive letter c: to the correct one.

Windows Movie Maker for Windows 7 download

You can also download and install Windows Live Movie Maker, which is an advanced version of the default Windows Movie Maker is:

Download Windows Live Movie Maker

Or check after free alternatives for Windows Movie Maker:

Ultimate collection of free alternatives for Windows Movie Maker

And if you want the good old Windows Movie Maker 2.6 version, check box after:

Get the good old Movie Maker 2.6 on Windows Vista and 7

Get Calendar in Windows 7:

After download ZIP file, extract and copy the unzipped folder to the folder "c: Program Files \". 64-bit users copy the unzipped folder "c: \Program Files (x 86) \" folder. If you've installed Windows 7 in a different disk partition, change drive letter c: to the correct one.

Download Windows calendar for Windows 7

ClipBook Viewer on Windows 7 to get:

After download ZIP file, extract and copy the file CLIPBRD.exe to "C:\Windows\System32\" folder. If you've installed Windows 7 in a different disk partition, change drive letter c: to the correct one.

ClipBook Viewer for Windows 7 download

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[Giveaway] Get a chance to win free license for AnyPic Image Converter worth $ 29.90

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Download Windows Vienna Concept Boot screen for Windows 7

If you don't know about "Windows Vienna", can you some interesting details. Microsoft usesBlackcombfirst "If" the code name for Windows 7, in early 2006 it was renamedVienna"" and finally Vienna was renamed Windows 7 in 2007.

We have a few shared interesting boot screens for Windows 7 in the past:

Today we are going to another awesome animated boot screen for Windows 7 users share. It is created by "oliver182" @ DA who created it using a video clip of Vienna animation years ago found.

The following is an example of this Boot screen:

You can enjoy this boot screen using steps to follow:

1. first, download the boot screen pack via following link:

Download Link

2. extract the ZIP file with WinRAR or 7-zip. Now run "Windows 7 Boot Updater". Its an excellent software to change Windows 7 boot screen. More info and download links can be herefound.

3. Now you can select the desired boot screen file from the extracted folder using "file-> Load boot skin ..." menu and apply.

4. reboot your system and enjoy the Boot screen.

Also check:

Transform Windows 7 in Windows 8 (vNext) without using Customization Pack

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[AIO] Ultimate Tutorial for customizing the Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7

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As you all know AskVG.com is always the first website which shares interesting tweaks and customization related stuffs. We have posted so many tutorials in past which help you in customizing Desktop context menu in Windows Vista and 7. Many of them allow you to add new items to Desktop context menu and some of them allow you to remove existing items which you find unnecessary.

We are proud to say that we were the first to post about adding your favorite program shortcut in Desktop context menu, adding cascading menus in Desktop context menu, adding restart Explorer option and many other exclusive tutorials.

Today in this article, we are going to list all such tutorials in a single place for your convenience. It'll help you in reading all these tutorials quickly and easily and will also make sure that you have not missed any of them.

So without wasting any time lets make an ultimate list of all these tutorials:

Add Program Shortcuts in Desktop Context Menu:

Following tutorials allow you to add your desired program's shortcut in Desktop context menu. You can add your favorite browser shortcut, media player shortcut or any other shortcut to access it quickly and easily:

Add Favorite Website Link in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial helps you in adding your favorite website links in Desktop context menu. You can add AskVG.com or any other website link to open it directly in your favorite web browser:

Add AskVG.com or Other Website Links in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista, Server 2008 and 7

Add Your Name in Desktop Context Menu:

Customization lovers can also add their name or any other desired text in Desktop context menu for fun:

How to Add Your Name in Windows 7 Desktop Context Menu

Add Cascading Menus in Desktop Context Menu:

You can also add groups of shortcuts in Desktop context menu. For example, you can add a folder "Browsers" which will contain all web browsers shortcuts installed in your system. Having a group of shortcuts saves space and doesn't make your context menu look weird.

Hacking "Screen Resolution", "Gadgets" and "Personalize" Options in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial allows you to hack the default 3 options "Screen Resolution", "Gadgets" and "Personalize" present in Windows 7 Desktop context menu. You can change their text, icons and positions in context menu. You can even remove them according to your requirements:

Hacking “Screen Resolution”, “Gadgets” and “Personalize” Options in Windows 7 Desktop Context Menu

Remove "Next Desktop Background"Option from Desktop Context Menu:

When you use Desktop SlideShow feature in Windows 7, it automatically adds a new option "Next Desktop Background" in Desktop context menu which makes the whole context menu a bit wide. If you don't like this new option, you can remove it using following tutorial:

How to Remove “Next Desktop Background” Option from Windows 7 Desktop Context Menu?

Add "Show/Hide Hidden Files" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial allows you to add "Show/Hide Hidden Files" option in Desktop context menu so that you can enable or disable "Show Hidden Files" option in Folder Options quickly and easily by just right-click on Desktop and select the option:

$D:\Program$

Add “Show / Hide Hidden Files” Option in Desktop and Explorer Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7

Add "Show/Hide File Extensions" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial allows you to add "Show/Hide File Extensions" option in Desktop context menu so that you can enable or disable "Show Known File Extensions" option in Folder Options quickly and easily by just right-click on Desktop and select the option:

Add “Show / Hide File Extensions” Option in Desktop and Explorer Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista, 7

Add "Show/Hide Checkbox" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial allows you to add "Show/Hide Checkbox" option in Desktop context menu so that you can enable or disable "Show Checkbox to Select Items" option in Folder Options quickly and easily by just right-click on Desktop and select the option:

Add “Show / Hide Checkbox” Option in Desktop and Explorer Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7

Add "Kill Not Responding Tasks"Option in Desktop Context Menu:

It'll add a new option "Kill Not Responding Tasks" in Desktop context menu which allows you to immediately kill or end tasks which are not responding:

How to Add “Kill Not Responding Tasks” in Desktop Context Menu Under Windows Vista and 7

Add "Restart Explorer" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

Many times we need to restart Explorer to complete a software installation or some other reasons. This tutorial helps you in adding a new option "Restart Explorer" which restarts Explorer immediately as soon as you select the option:

Add “Restart Explorer” Option in Desktop and Explorer Context Menu under Windows Vista and 7

Add "Restart uxsms" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

Many times we need to restart uxsms service to fix Windows Aero related problems. This tutorials adds a new option "Restart uxsms" in Desktop context menu which restarts uxsms service automatically:

Add “Restart uxsms” Option in Desktop and Explorer Context Menu under Windows Vista and 7

Add "Network Connections" Option in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial helps you in adding "Network Connections" shortcut in Desktop context menu:

How to Add “Network Connections” Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu Under Windows Vista and 7

Add "God Mode"Option in Desktop Context Menu:

"God Mode" is a secret Windows component which shows all Control Panel items in a single place. This tutorial adds a shortcut to God Mode in Desktop context menu:

How to Add Windows 7 “God Mode” Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu?

Add Change Sound, Task manager and Other Shortcuts in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial helps you in adding many useful system shortcuts in Desktop context menu:

Add “Change Sound”, “Change Cursor” and Other Shortcuts in Windows Vista and 7 Desktop Context Menu

Add Change Wallpaper, Change Theme and Other Shortcuts in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial adds various useful shortcuts related to Desktop customization in Desktop context menu:

Add “Change Wallpaper”, “Change Theme” and Other Shortcuts in Windows Vista, 7 Desktop Context Menu

Add "Aero On / Off"Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu:

This tutorial allows you to add a shortcut to quickly turn Windows Aero on or off in Desktop context menu:

Add Aero ON / OFF Shortcuts in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu Under Windows Vista and 7

Remove Display Driver Entry from Desktop Context Menu:

When we install display driver like nVidia, Intel, etc, it adds a new entry for it in Desktop context menu. This tutorial helps you in removing that extra entry from Desktop context menu:

How to Remove nVidia and Other Display Driver Entries from Desktop Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista, 7

Customize "New"Item in Desktop Context Menu:

Following tutorials help you in customizing "New" item present in Desktop context menu:

Free Software to Add Program Shortcuts in Desktop Context Menu:

Also check following 2 free utilities created by AskVG readers which allow you to add your favorite program shortcuts in Desktop context menu automatically:

That's all for now. We'll keep updating the list whenever we post a new tutorial to customize Desktop context menu. So stay tuned and keep visiting AskVG...

Also check:

A Complete Tutorial to Customize Desktop Context Menu in Windows XP Using Resource Hacker

If you like this, you might also like other similar articles in following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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Get Windows 8 start screen in Windows XP, Vista and 7 using the "Omnimo 1″ Rainmeter skin Suite

UPDATE: 4.1 new version released with many fixes and new features.

Windows 8 has new "getting started screen" who Windows Phone 7 home screen appears. It shows basically live tiles of the programs installed in Windows 8.

Windows 8 features new Metro style "Start screen" with Live-tiles

Recently we shared getting started screen homepage inspired for Web browsers:

Get Windows 8 start screen Look-Like "Metro style Home page" in Mozilla Firefox, IE and other Browsers

Now the turn of something more interesting and awesome!

"Omnimo 4.1", is that a Windows Phone 7 inspired multi-functional interactive desktop information center on the basis of Rainmeter. It is created by our friend "fediaFedia" @ DA. This suite will turn your desktop into a productive and attractive workarea, provide only the information you need. Each interactive tile gives you information at a glance, and can easily be adapted to your needs.

A new version 4 is now released. In this release you will find that there was a lot of improvements in performance, Visual interaction and the inner workings of the project, as well as better adaptation capacities. One of the more important ones is the ability to replicate the start screen of Windows 8 -you have a screen in the intro to the traditional WP7 layout or the new, fresh, select Windows 8 a.

How to use:

1. easily download and install Rainmeter first via following link:

Download Rainmeter

2. is now available for download Omnimo skin suite via the following link:

Download Omnimo

3. double click the rmskin Setup. file, the extraction can take a minute or two, after that you'll be accompanied by the Intro.

4. you can also download after 50 + Panel pack to use with Omnimo:

Omnimo Panel Pack download

If you select this, you might also be interesting for other similar articles in the following section: Software, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

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Download free Windows 8 Metro theme for WinRAR Archiver

WinRAR if you use Windows and want to feel that they have 8 Metro UI, here is something interesting for you.

We have a Windows 7 theme for WinRAR shared in the past:

Free download Windows 7 theme for "winrar" Archiver

Today we are going to share Windows 8 Metro theme for WinRAR that all icons in WinRAR with new simple and clean icons matching with Windows 8 Metro UI will change.

"Metro theme" for WinRAR is created by "silviu-Eduard" @ DA.

The following is an example of this awesome skin in action:

Simply download the file, rename it to Windows 8. theme .rar and run it. It will be the theme that can be applied by selecting "> Options-themes-> Metro RAR" in WinRAR to install window.

Download theme

WinRAR download

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PC-Monitor: Safe Monitor and manage your Computers from iPhone, iPad, Android or Windows Phone 7

"PC Monitor" is a free and small application that lets you monitor and manage (right) your computer from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Windows Phone 7. The monitoring process is very secure and makes use of SSL-connection for the computer and mobile device.

You simply need to install the free software on your computer that you want to check, and then you can use your mobile device with the help of the small PC Monitor app check.

You can almost everything from your PC monitor. You can check RAM and CPU usage, you can hard disk content, services-view list. You can even view all logged in users.

It also allows you to check of processes, scheduled tasks, etc on the computer system. In fact, you can logoff, reboot, Hibernate or remote system shutdown.

Features list:

View the status and uptime of all computersView the current CPU usage and use history ChartView the current available memory and use history ChartView the external IP address and location on the map using the GeoIPView status and browse the local hard disksView the services status setting run processesView event logs View the scheduled tasks status setting all users (local and external) view hardware details such as temperatures and fan speedsStart logged incontinue, pause, and stop a serviceKill a processStart and a planned taskLog from all logged-in user (local or remote) stop Command prompt supportRestart, wake, shutdown, power off, suspend, or sending in your computer and install Windows hibernationCheck updatesGet warned when a computer offlineGet warned when a computer starts up, shuts down, suspends or resumesGet a message when the battery level of a computer is low

It supports Windows XP, Vista and 7. Also be Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2008 R2 supported.

The free version you can check up to 3 computers.

You can download via following link:

Download Link

Thanks to our reader "Fee" for sharing it. ..

If you select this, you might also be interesting for other similar articles in the following section: mobile phones, Software.

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Microsoft Releases Updates to Fix Office 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installation errors

Microsoft has released an update to solve various problems that occur during the installation of Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Office 2010released.

SYMPTOM:

When you use Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) install using Microsoft Update, you receive the following error message:

Code 78F Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

If you are downloading and the SP1 package from Microsoft Download Center, you receive the following error message:

The installation of this packed failed.

The Officesuitewwsp1-x-none_msplog .log file that is generated during the installation contains an error message that resembles the following:

Error 1935. An error occurred during the installation of Assembly component. HRESULT: 0x80131047.

CAUSE:

This update fixes the error message that is reported during product installation from the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel. SP1 does not need to be installed for the error message should be displayed.

This problem may occur if the Windows Installer encounters a reference to a drive that no longer exists, or to a removable media device that contains no readable media. For example, this problem may occur when the Windows Installer a reference to a blank DVD or CD drive.

WORKAROUND:

Before you install Office 2010 SP1, put a readable DVD or CD into the optical drive, or connect a USB drive.

SOLUTION:

You can solve this problem, download and install the following update before you install Office 2010 SP1. This update reduces installation problems of updates installed on Microsoft Office 2010.

Download Update (32-bit)

Download Update (64-bit)

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Download Windows 8 Metro UI inspired Desktop Sidebar for Windows Vista and 7

We here at AskVG love the new Metro ui introduced by Microsoft in Windows Phone 7 and 8 for Windows. Are clean, minimal and easy on the eyes.

There are so many 3rd party software and skins available that this Metro UI have implemented and we have shared many of them in the past:

Today we are going to a Desktop Sidebar for Windows Vista and 7 that Metro feel on your Windows desktop sharing.

You can use the sidebar in action in the following screenshot:

When you "Metro Sidebar" run for the first time, it asks you to set the background color and favorite browser to select. You can set them later using the icon in the notification area.

To exit the navigation column, right-click the icon in the notification area and select Exit.

Since it is the first version of the Sidebar, it provides very limited functionality. We hope that the developer will be adding more features and gadgets in future versions.

You can download via following link:

Download Link

Homepage

Thanks to our reader "Karl" for sharing it. ..

If you select this, you might also be interesting for other similar articles in the following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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[Giveaway] Free download Wondershare LiveBoot 2012 worth $ 59.95

Hello everyone

We're back with another awesome giveaway for our readers.

"Wondershare" offers "LiveBoot 2012" lifetime license free to absolutely all AskVG readers. In general, the cost $ 59.95 but now you can absolutely free.

Wondershare LiveBoot 2012 rescues fast you of every conceivable PC crash disaster. Regardless of your computer/hard drive being crushed, not at startup or cant be a window for other reasons, Wondershare LiveBoot 2012 can take them all. Integration with the latest Microsoft WinPE technology LiveBoot, bootable CD or USB drive you can use any computer startup, as well as computer startup problem, rescue data, backup and restore file or system, clone and deep wipe the drive, manage disk, etc., about 40 + auxiliary functions in total. The user-friendly interface simplifies the complex repair procedures in just a few clicks for both beginners and experienced users!

Features list:

Boot up any computer with a bootable CD/USB driveRescue data from crashed or damaged computerPartition, format, clone, and deep wipe hard driveRescue crashed Windows and hard driveInstall Windows easilyReset Windows user/admin password

It supports Windows XP, Vista and 7. Both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows are supported.

You can use the free license code via the following link:

Get FREE license key

Just enter your name and email ID and you will get the free license code within a few seconds in your Inbox.

This offer is exclusive to AskVG readers only!

The offer will expire on August 12, 2011...

If you select this, you might also be interesting for other similar articles in the following section: Giveaways.

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[Guide] What is the difference between a theme, Themepack, skin, visual style and msstyles?

There are many people who get confused between different terms and customize Windows. Actually offer some websites free Windows themes download and some offer free skins. Some of them offer .themepack files and some offer. msstyles files for download. In the war? Which files you must download and what not?

We received many e-mails regularly ask "what is a themepack file?", "what is a visual style?" and so on ...

Today we are going in this topic, clear all the confusion! We will tell you what all these different terms mean?

So without wasting time, let's start with the Guide.

In this tutorial, we define the following conditions:

ThemeSkinThemepackVisual stylemsstyles

All the above mentioned conditions are often used to a Windows theme and we will know what the difference between them is:

Theme vs skin:

Themes and skins are basically the same. When we talk about Windows, we always usethemeterm "", on the other hand, when we talk about applications such as WinRAR, Winamp, Yahoo! Messenger, etc, we use the termskin"". For example, download free themes for Windows or download free skin for Yahoo! Messenger.

If we use a 3rd party software for customizing Windows look, we use the term "Skin". For example, download free WindowBlinds skin for Windows, etc.

So refer to the same theme and skin.

Themepack:

Themepack is a new file type introduced by Microsoft in Windows 7. Basically a collection of wallpapers, icons, sounds and color settings for customizing Windows 7 look-n-feel. Themepack as a kind of theme, you can consider.

Microsoft releases many themepacks regularly for Windows 7 which can be downloaded using the following topic:

[Official Windows 7 themes Update]

Visual style and msstyles:

Visual style and msstyles are the same. Actually visual style is a type of theme and msstyles is a Windows file type that refers to a visual style.

Visual styles are only used for Windows. Most of the time, when we have a 3rd party theme for Windows download, are actually a visual style.

You can see if the downloaded file is a visual style or not by looking at the file extension. If its a. msstyles file, are a visual style.

The problem is that nobody uses the term "Visual Style". Almost all of the terms and conditions of use the term "Theme", which is why people get confused.

Visual style vs theme:

Since both visual style and theme are used in Windows, what is the difference between them?

Visual style the entire Windows appearance. It can change the window frames, start menu look, dialog boxes, menus, etc. A visual style has the power to fully customize Windows UI.

On the other hand, a.Theme file can only change window color, sounds, icons, wallpapers.

Theme vs Themepack:

Themepack is a new file type in Windows 7 was introduced. On the other hand, there is a theme file type since the days of Windows 98 or older.

Both are almost the same thing only the extensions are different.

We hope the above explanation will clear your doubts. Please feel free to ask any questions in your comment ...

Also check:

If you select this, you might also be interesting for other similar articles in the following section: Vista Themes, Windows 7 Themes, XP themes.

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Transform Windows 7 in Windows 8 (vNext) without using Customization Pack

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NOTE: Since Windows 8 is currently under testing, its UI is going to change in future builds. We'll update this tutorial whenever a new feature or GUI change occurs in Windows 8. So keep checking this tutorial regularly.

Finally, the wait is over. After getting so many requests to post a tutorial to transform Windows 7 into Windows 8, today we are happy to announce it. This is the 4th tutorial of our "Transform Windows" series. You can take a look at other 3 tutorials using following links:

Although we have posted about a few 3rd party transformation packs in past which help you in making Windows 7 look-like Windows 8:

But this tutorial like previous tutorials has been created for people who love to do the task manually and want to use selected things to convert Windows 7 into Windows 8 so that they can have an idea what they are going to do with their system.

NOTE: Please create a Restore point using "System Restore" before applying anything mentioned in this tutorial so that you can restore your system back to default if you don't like the changes.

After following this tutorial, you'll get the same Windows 8 look in your Windows 7. Following is a list of things which are going to change after following this tutorial:

Windows Theme or Visual StyleIconsBoot ScreenLogin Screen or Welcome ScreenSoundsCursorsRibbon UI in Windows ExplorerStart Screen with Live TilesWallpaperUser Picture Tile in TaskbarAero Auto-Colorization FeatureWindows 8 Watermark on DesktopExtras

So without wasting time, lets start the tutorial:

Windows Theme or Visual Style

Recent Windows 8 builds have featured a new Aero Lite theme. We have shared lots of themes for Windows 7 which provide similar UI.

You can download your desired one using following topics:

Icons

Currently Windows 8 icons are same as Windows 7. We'll update this section as soon as Windows 8 comes with new icons.

Boot Screen

The testing builds of Windows 8 come with new animated Betta Fish boot screen. If you can remember the same Betta Fish was used in Windows 7 Beta builds.

You can get this boot screen using following links:

[Animated] Download Windows 8 Milestone 3 “Betta Fish” Boot Screen for Windows 7

Download Windows 8 Milestone 3 “Betta Fish” Boot Screen for Windows 7

If you don't like the default Betta Fish boot screen, you can try following minimal boot screen with Metro feeling:

Download Windows 8 Metro UI Inspired Minimal Boot Screen for Windows 7

Login Screen or Welcome Screen

Windows 8 login screen contains new background image and also shows current date and time.

To get Windows 8 login screen in Windows 7, first download the background image using this topic and then use any tool mentioned in following topic to apply the image as login screen background:

Ultimate Collection of the Best Free Tools to Customize Windows 7 Login Screen

To get the date and time on login screen, check following topics:

Get Windows 8 Like Date and Time Display on Windows 7 Login Screen

Download Windows 8 Metro Logon Clock Screensaver

Sounds

Currently Windows 8 sound scheme is same as Windows 7. We'll update this section as soon as Windows 8 comes with new sound scheme.

Cursors

Currently Windows 8 cursors are same as Windows 7. We'll update this section as soon as Windows 8 comes with new cursors.

Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer

Windows 8 also features Office 2010 Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer. You can get the Ribbon UI in Windows 7 Explorer using following article:

Get Windows 8 Look-Like Ribbon UI in Windows XP, Vista and 7 Explorer using Styler Skin

Start Screen with Live Tiles

Microsoft has featured a new Start Screen in Windows 8 which looks similar to Windows Phone 7 home screen. It basically shows live tiles of the installed programs in Windows 8.

You can get it in Windows 7 using following articles:

Get Windows 8 Start Screen in Windows XP, Vista and 7 Using “Omnimo 4? Rainmeter Skin Suite

Pulmon: Free Utility to Get Windows 8 Style Live Tiles with Metro UI on Windows Desktop

Mosaic: Get Windows 8 Style Live Tiles with Metro UI on Windows XP, Vista and 7 Desktop

Win8Menu: Get Windows 8 Look-Like Tablet UI with Sidebar Panel in Windows 7

Wallpaper

You can download some cool Windows 8 wallpapers using following links:

Download Top 10 Unofficial Windows 8 Wallpapers

Download Original Microsoft Windows 8 Milestone 3 Build 7989 Wallpaper

Download Remix Version of “Lets Not Leak Our Hard Work” Wallpaper found in Windows 8

Download New Wallpaper Found in Latest Windows 8 Milestone 3 Build

Download Original Microsoft Windows 8 Milestone 3 Build 7910 Wallpaper

User Picture Tile in Taskbar

Microsoft has integrated Windows Live service in Windows 8 shell. Now Windows 8 shows user picture tile in Taskbar notification area.

You can get it in Windows 7 using following topics:

UserTile: Free Utility to Get Windows 8 User Picture Tile (Avatar) in Windows 7 Taskbar

Get Windows 8 Look-Like User Picture Tile (Avatar) in Notification Area of Windows 7

Aero Auto-Colorization Feature

One of the most interesting feature of Windows 8 is "Aero Auto-Colorization" which is the ability to automatically configure the color of Aero elements, like the Start Menu, Windows Explorer windows, and the taskbar based on the desktop wallpaper.

You can get the same effect in Windows 7 using following free tools:

Aura: Get Windows 8 Aero Auto-Colorization Feature in Windows Vista and 7

Aero Color Show: Free Tool to Get Windows 8 Aero Auto-Colorization Feature in Windows 7

Windows 8 Watermark on Desktop

Watermark aka Windows build number is shown at the right-bottom of Desktop in Windows testing buils. You can get Windows 8 watermark in Windows 7 using following topic:

How to Show Windows 8 Watermark (Build Number Info) on Windows 7 Desktop?

Extras

Following are some software and skins which will provide Windows 8 Metro UI feeling in Windows 7. You should definitely have a look at them:

That's all for now. After following all the above mentioned steps, you'll get Windows 8 look-n-feel in Windows 7.

If you like this, you might also like other similar articles in following section: Windows 7, Windows 7 Themes.

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