How to enable AHCI in Windows 7 after installation as ATA

OS Windows 7 To enable AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) after Windows 7 is installed with ATA mode, do the following: Start Windows 7 Run Registry Editor Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci Change the “Start” value from 3 to 0 Reboot and go to the BIOS immediately Set BIOS to AHCI The next time Windows 7 loads, … Read more

Gadgets Not Loading or Missing from The Desktop

If Windows Gadgets are not loading or are missing from the Desktop, try the following: Use Task Manager to end the sidebar.exe process Right-click on the Desktop and select Gadgets from the Context Menu to restart sidebar.exe Microsoft recommends disabling the Windows Sidebar and Gadgets because of security concerns. Microsoft Security Advisory (2719662): Vulnerabilities in … Read more

Unable to Print Multiple Copies

OS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Printer Lexmark T640 Go to: Start Button > Devices and Printers Right-click on the printer and choose “Printing Preferences” from the context menu that pops up Click on the “Output Options” tab Change “Output to:” from “Verify Print” to “Printer” Click OK Other Possible Fixes (These did not work for me, … Read more

Offline (The disk is offline because it has a signature collision with another disk that is online)

System Dell OptiPlex 760 Desktop OS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Issue I replaced a drive that had Windows Vista Business 32-bit so that I could do a clean install of Windows 7 and still keep Vista just in case. After Windows 7 was fully installed, I hooked up the original hard drive using an Apricorn … Read more

The file AdobePDF.dll on Windows Vista CD-ROM is needed

OS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Application Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) Web Premium Issue During the installation of Adobe CS3, a dialog box for Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional displays the following: File needed The file ‘AdobePDF.dll’ on Windows Vista CD-ROM is needed. Solution On the Adobe CS3 DVD, copy AdobePDF.dll_64 from \Adobe CS3\payloads\AdobeAcrobat8en_US\Data1.cab to the … Read more

Windows 7 XP Mode without Hardware Virtualization

System Dell OptiPlex 760 Desktop OS Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit Update May 2010: The current versions of Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 no longer requires hardware virtualization. Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 requires a processor capable of hardware virtualization, with AMD-V, Intel VT or VIA VT turned on in … Read more

Windows 7 XP Mode: Creating a “Seamless” shortcut to an XP Mode Application

OS Windows 7 When installing an application in the Windows XP VM, make sure to install it for “all users.” Usually the install will place a shortcut under “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\.” Shortcuts added in the Windows XP VM to “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\” will usually be seamlessly added to Windows 7 under … Read more

Create a Restore Point for Windows 7

OS Windows 7 I recommend that you create a restore point before you install applications and device drivers. Here are the steps to do so: Click on the Start button and right-click on “Computer” Select “Properties” from the Context menu to get to the System area of Control Panel Click on the “System Protection” link … Read more