Windows – Changing the Unlock Code and Activating
KB ID 0000667 Problem Some versions of Windows 8 (Windows 8 Pro for example) ask for the unlock code as soon as you install them, I installed Windows 8 Enterprise on my PC at home today, and I couldn’t even change my user photo, because Windows hadn’t activated. When I tried, this is what happened. Solution As I had not yet installed a Windows unlock code, it’s safe to assume it had it’s in built KMS code, so...
Windows – Change My Documents Location
KB ID 0000669 Problem I like to keep ‘My Documents’, ‘My Pictures, ‘Favorites’, etc, in one location so I can sync and back them up. Like previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 likes to put all that information into C:/Users/{username}. In Windows 7 you could just go from the Start Menu > {Username} and change the ‘Target’ or location, with Windows 8, there is no Start menu. Solution 1....
Windows – How to Join a Wireless Network
KB ID 0000676 Problem You can still right click the networking icon in your task tray and manually join a wireless network, but with the new UI there is a much more user friendly way. Solution 1. Bring up the Settings menu (Press Windows Key+I, or swipe in form the left on a tablet/tablet) > Select the available networks icon. 2. Select the wireless network you want to connect to. 3. If you want to always connect to this network...
Windows – Cannot Save the ‘Hosts file’
KB ID 0000674 Problem Windows did this with Windows 7 (and Vista). If you attempt to edit the hosts file you will see the following. You don’t have permission to save in this location. Contact the administrator to obtain permission. Would you like to save in the My Documents folder instead? Solution 1. You could run an admin command window, and use the EDIT command, but Notepad is easier. Open the Apps page (Windows Key+Q) >...
Remote Wipe Windows Mail Accounts
KB ID 0000681 Problem We have had the ability to ‘Remote Wipe’ phones using Exchange ActiveSync since version 2007. But now you can remotely remove your email account from a mobile device running Windows 8 (When connecting to Exchange with Windows Mail). Note: This WILL NOT remove any settings in Microsoft Outlook on the remote machine! Solution 1. Log into Outlook WebApp from another machine > Options > See All...
Windows – How to Disable ‘User Account Control’
KB ID 0000687 Problem We have had UAC since Windows Vista, and it is less annoying now than it was then, but still one of the first things I do is turn it off. Yes I know it’s there for a reason – but as far as I’m concerned if the annoyance outweighs the benefit, then its getting turned off. Solution Option 1 (Disable UAC via MSCONFIG) 1. Press Windows Key+R > type msconfig > OK. 2. Tools tab >...
Windows and Cisco (IPSEC) VPN Client
KB ID 0000693 Problem I’d been running Windows 8 for a while now. But was the first time I needed to use my Cisco VPN Client software. So I was not happy when this happened. Note: Using VPN Client version 5.0.07.0440 Secure VPN Connection terminated locally by the Client. Reason 442: Failed to enable Virtual Adapter. Solution As it turns out this is a known problem with Windows 8, and there is a work-around. 1. Press Windows...
Windows ‘Where’s the Startup Folder?’
Windows 8 Shell Commands for ‘Special Folders’ KB ID 0000709 Problem With Windows 7 (and earlier versions) you could simply find the startup folder from the start menu, now you don’t have one, (and its NOT on the Windows Key+X replacement menu either). Solution The simple answer to the question is, Your user Startup folder is located at; %appdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartup The All users Startup folder...
Windows 8 – Stopping ‘Sign in to your PC’ On Imaged Machines
KB ID 0000736 Problem When you have deployed Windows 8, you are presented with the option to sign in with a MICROSOFT ACCOUNT. That’s a good thing (generally), but that might be a leap to far for most IT departments at the minute! So you may want t stop your imaged machines asking in the first place. You may also want to stop the machine asking for a LOCAL ACCOUNT also. Solution 1. If you are using the System Image Manager to...
Windows 8 – Add Shutdown to the Start/Metro Menu
KB ID 0000744 Problem I wrote an article ages ago about ‘How to shut down Windows 8’ but what if you simply want a shortcut to save you the hassle, and have that on your start menu? Solution 1. Press Windows Key+R > In the run box type the following; %appdata%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms 2. In the window that opens > Right click > New > Shortcut. 3. Enter the following shutdown /t 00 /s 4. Call the...