Vista Tips, Tricks, and Tweaks

All Windows systems have many possible configurations. Depending on individual usage patterns, there are a variety of ways to make a Vista system easier and quicker to operate. Here are some tips and tweaks that I like.

Make file extensions visible

I have made this recommendation for every Windows version so far and I am not stopping with Vista. Why Microsoft persists in the default policy of hiding file extensions is beyond me but they are easily made visible.

1. Open "Computer" and click "Organize"
2. Select "Folder and Search Options"
3. Select the "View" tab and open the "Advanced Options" list
4. Find "Hide File extensions for Known File Types" and uncheck it

Show hidden files and folders

While you have the above list open, you may also want to select "Show Hidden Files and Folders". Personally, I want to be be able to see hidden objects but you may feel that it's better to protect them by leaving them hidden. However, there are times when you may want to make them visible and it is worth knowing how to do it even if you generally want to keep these system objects out of sight and harm's way.

Restore the Run line to the Start menu

One of the first things different in Vista that I noticed was that the Run line was missing from the Start menu. Since I am a frequent user of the Run function, I restored it to the Start menu. Actually, the new search function in the Start menu basically supersedes Run but from habit I like Run anyway. You can get Run back temporarily by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key+R. To put Run permanently back in the Start menu :

1. Right-click on the Start menu and choose "Properties"
2. Select the "Start Menu" tab and click on the "Customize..." button
3. Check the "Run command" option

Restore the Menu Bar to Windows Explorer

Another noticeable change in Vista is the new look for Windows Explorer. Navigation is different and the menu bar is gone. Most functions formerly found in the various menus like File, Edit, etc. can be found elsewhere but my first reaction was to get the Menu Bar back. Over time you get used to the new setup but I still like the Menu Bar sometimes. A temporary method is to press the Alt key. A more permanent display is enabled this way:

1. Open the "Organize" menu
2. Click "Layout"
3. Put a check by "Menu Bar"

Using the "Organize" feature

As mentioned in the preceding tip, a new menu called "Organize" is present in the upper left of a Vista Explorer window. A number of functions can be accessed there as shown in Fig. 1.

Go up one level in Windows Explorer

In XP, Windows Explorer has an "Up" button that will take you to the next-higher folder in the path. Vista no longer has this function but has "bread-crumbs" and a "Back" button. However, you can go up one level by using the keyboard combination Alt + Up Arrow.