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One great new feature of Outlook 2007 is the ability to zoom in or out on the text and images in the bodies of e-mail messages, calendar entries, tasks, and contacts. If you’ve ever had trouble reading stuff in Outlook because the text is too small, you’re going to love this. The Zoom command is simple to use, and the benefits are obvious to anyone who has spent a day squinting at their computer screen. It only takes a moment to learn how to Zoom, and doing so will let you eliminate one minor annoyance from your life.

But as always, you do need to be aware of a few things when you use this feature.

When you start using Zoom yourself, you will quickly find that text and images in the body of a message, contact, etc. will zoom in and out, but the menus, toolbars, and the like don’t change. Only the spot in the item where you could enter significant quantities of text and images is zoomable. So the body of a message, calendar entry, or task is zoomable. The notes field of a contact is zoomable. Everything else will stay the same size regardless of what you do with the zoom controls. (But keep reading to learn what you can do to make column headers and other interface elements more readable)

Additional things worth knowing before you start to use Zoom:

• The item you want to zoom must be open in its own window.
• The cursor must be located in an area of the item that is capable of zooming. Clicking in that area enables the zoom ability. So if for example, you want to zoom in on the body of a message, you point the mouse at a spot in the message body and click the mouse button. This selects the area and activates the Zoom command. If Zoom isn’t available for the area the cursor is in right now, the Zoom menu option is dimmed.
• The Zoom command appears in the Other Actions menu for messages, and in the Zoom group of the Format Text tab of the Ribbon for other Outlook items.

Zoom is an easy way to change the size of text and images in Outlook areas that are zoomable. You can’t use Zoom to do it, but you can still modify things like column headings and menus. just much more complicated and time consuming. So a good compromise for improving Outlook readability is to use the Zoom command wherever possible, and just accept minor annoyances like too-small column headings.

If you want to know how to adjust menus and other Outlook interface elements, go to http://www.living-with-outlook.com/change-fonts.html.

To learn more about using Outlook 2007’s Zoom command, visit http://www.living-with-outlook.com/zoom.html

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Just because Microsoft Outlook has been around for a while, that doesn’t mean Microsoft is finished updating it. Truth be told, there’s a continual stream of Outlook updates coming out of Microsoft. One thing Microsoft has been good about is continuing to make changes to supported versions of Outlook to fix bugs and protect you against the latest email marketing scams and other junk mail. The only problem with this is that you need to keep installing the updates that come out if you want to get their benefits. Keep reading to see how to check for and install updates, as well as find links to more extensive resources online.

Microsoft has put a lot of time and effort into making the update process as painless as possible. Unfortunately, it can still be confusing. In principle, the process is simple. You start by checking for updates, then downloading and installing (any of the updates you want) them if any are available. Right here is one place where people get confused.

You don’t have to install all the updates Microsoft offers you. One example would be updates for languages you don’t speak. It’s tempting to not install those. However, you are probably better off to just install any updates Microsoft offers you. It simplifies your life by saving you from having to evaluate each update that comes along and decide whether you want it or not.

I recommend that you check for updates about once a week. Patches normally come out only once a month, but if there is an emergency release, you won’t want to be without it for long. It only takes a moment to do if there aren’t updates available. If there are updates available, you want to get them installed as soon as possible. Setting up a recurring task to remind you to check is the best way to do this.

NOTE: Some companies have a policy about doing software updates that conflicts with the advice here. If your company does have such a policy, you should always follow company guidelines instead of general suggestions like these.

While incorporating ongoing Microsoft Outlook updates may be a pain in the neck, over time you will be rewarded with a better-running copy of Outlook and less spam mail than you would have to deal with if you didn’t install the updates. The reduced amount of spam mail alone makes keeping Outlook updated a net time saver.

Here’s an outline of the steps you need to follow to check for and install Outlook updates:

1. Go to the Microsoft Office Downloads home page.
2. Click the link that lets Microsoft figure out what updates you need.
3. Select the updates you want to install and download them.
4. Install the updates.

For step-by-step instructions on updating Microsoft Outlook, go to:

http://www.living-with-outlook.com/microsoft-outlook-updates.html

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The windows registry is the single most important part of your computer’s core operating system. The registry is what joins all the other software components in the computer together. When programs are installed their pieces are scattered into several folders and connected together through the registry. Settings in your programs, even the last state of your window and it’s size are all recorded in the registry.

If the registry gets corrupted your computer starts to act like it has a flu. When entries to parts of a program become corrupt you start to get illegal operation errors just before the program crashes. Often people turn their frozen computer off at the switch not properly shutting down windows and if the registry was being access (as it is usually always being accessed if a program is running) this could cause a corruption in the files being access. Usually the program will check the integrity of the entries used by the program as part of the start up routine but sometimes it doesn’t catch one or can’t overwrite the corrupt entry and this causes the program to freeze and eventually crash.

You can clean your registry with a windows registry scan. There are programs that will do a complete scan and even clean the registry for you removing corrupt or invalid entries that are slowing your computer down like trying to run through a hallway full of toys.

One such program worth investigating is Regcure by Parentologic. This program is discussed a lot on various PC related blogs and websites and is rated as one of the top registry repair tools available. To learn more about this product read our review of Regcure

Once the scanner does a full windows registry scan, you can hit one button and it will repair all the problems breathing new life into your computer once you reboot it!

The windows registry scan programs these days do much more than just clean the registry, they also optimize it, defragment it, and even monitor it in real time for problems. Some will even run a scan at intervals you specify such as every hour and it will work in the background so you don’t even realize it’s doing it. This is the best way to keep your PC running fast and crash free! Wouldn’t you like to have a computer that woke up every day in a good mood and stayed running optimally all the time?

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The heart of your computer. The registry.The Windows registry is the central complex brain that keeps every information and data about your computer. In older versions of Windows, all software programs maintained their own files for configuration settings. These files, known as INI files, were placed all over the hard-drive and it was impossible to keep track of them and make repairs when necessary. Later versions of Windows, Microsoft solved this issue by putting all data and information into one place, the Windows registry.

Why these problem pop-up withing your registry?

Several reason as to why issues could occur within the Windows registry. Some reasons includes:

Uninstalling programs and deleting files. When you uninstall softwares and applications or deleting unwanted files, part of the keys will get left behind inside the registry. Windows will continue to refer to these invalid keys during its operation, using up time and resources while slowing down the process of information. Usually, the cause of degradation of your registry is just by installing a new program and uninstalling the old one.

The use of tracking applications. There are applications that just install themselves through the internet that have several registry keys in folder under different software names. To fully delete these applications, you probably have to go through such complicated procedures of removing each one and everyone of these registry keys. Sometimes, you cannot finish deleting it all, and may find some left behind.

Virus infection. When viruses attack the computer by altering existing keys within the registry, or by generating new keys that are completely irrelevant and sometimes destructive. Doing so may create errors and slow down to the computer. Sometimes, there will be loss of important information.

What are the warning of issues caused by the registry?

Usually your operating system will have been snail paced by then and if the registry is badly needed of a maintenance, you'll be receiving error messages for unknown reasons. You will be getting these DLL erros, which just comes and go whenever. Sometimes, your computer will exhibit issues where it just crash out of nowhere. When these problem are arising, then it is time to take action to do something about it.

You should use a registry repair software?

Registry cleaner software is just a computer diagnostic tool that scan and repair for errors. It works by scanning the registry and file system, then locate the problem by fixing of any errors it come across.

Some of today’s registry repair software combines several new enhanced options that are capable of analyzing and automatically repair corrupt paths, files and registry keys. Because these programs are a real time saver and is great for people that don't want to manually fix their registry.

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Are you tired of straining your eyes with the tiny font sizes Outlook throws up on the screen? Would your life be just a bit easier if you could make Outlook’s font just a bit larger? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, I’ve got just the information you need. Keep reading to see what you need to do to change fonts in Outlook.

You can give your eyes a break by changing the fonts Outlook uses. Unfortunately, one thing we can’t adjust is the font size of messages other people have sent to you. That’s controlled by the person who creates the message and something Outlook won’t let us change. What we’re talking about here is things like the ability to change font size for column headings and Subject lines.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single “Make the text bigger!” control you could set. Instead, you need to adjust various settings in each view.

Here are the general steps for changing fonts in any view. They assume you are starting in the view you want to modify:

1. Open the Customize View dialog box. Typically you reach it by right-clicking an empty spot in the view and selecting Customize Current View in the shortcut menu that appears. Another way to open Customize View is through the View menu. In the menu bar, click View, then Arrange By, then click Custom.
2. Click Other Settings. This opens the Other Settings dialog box. This is where you customize the main fonts in this view.
3. Click Automatic Formatting to open the Automatic Formatting dialog box. Here you will enter settings for various types of items in this view. These settings override the ones you set in the Other Settings dialog box.
4. Click Format Columns (if this option is offered) to open the Format Columns dialog box. In this dialog box, you will adjust the format, width, and alignment of the columns in the view.

As you can see, changing the fonts in a view can be a bit of a project. Your best bet is to only make these kinds of changes if it will make a major improvement in your experience with Outlook. And if you do decide to do it, only do it with the views that are most important to you.

If you would like to see very detailed instructions on how to make these kinds of changes in Outlook’s Mail view, go to this page at http://www.living-with-outlook.com

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If you are one of the millions of people who are stuck with Windows Vista on your computer, there is good news.  There is a software program out there called Vista Smoker Pro and it allows you to improve the performance of Windows Vista.  Vista Smoker Pro is the follow up to XP Smoker Pro - the award winning software that boosts the performance of XP and has tons of rave reviews.  Learn more about Vista Smoker Pro and what it can do to speed up your computer. 

What does Vista Smoker Pro do? Vista Smoker Pro allows you to change various settings in the Windows Registry. These modifications can improve the performance for your PC drastically.  So if you are running a slow PC running Vista, you can install Vista Smoker Pro and improve your PC's speed.  With Vista Smoker Pro you will be able to increase performance, increase the security of Windows Vista, and prevent other users from changing your settings.  So if you have to share your computer with other people, you can prevent them from messing with your settings using Vista Smoker Pro. 

Vista Smoker Pro also has maintenance tools to help you keep your computer clean and tidy.  Vista Smoker Pro now includes “DriveFreeze” a new feature to lock down your removable storage devices so nobody can use them without your permission. You can lock down USB drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives, and floppy drives.

Okay, enough about why it’s so good, how do you get Vista Smoker Pro free?  You can download Vista Smoker Pro free when you try an advertiser product.  The advertiser will pay for your copy.  Watch this YouTube video showing you how to get free Vista Smoker Pro. 

Billions are spent each year by advertisers trying to get you to try their products.When you complete one advertiser offer, you can download your free legit copy of Vista Smoker Pro.  It takes less than 5 minutes to complete an offer so you can start improving your computer today in less than 5 minutes after you install it.  Get your free copy today.

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When it comes to transferring over files from your old computer to the new one you have many options out there.This guide is not a step by step guide for transfering, it's purpose is to let you know of some of the options you have.

One great source is this how transferring files from one computer to another site.  They cover many of the basics on doing a data transfer and let you know a little more in-depth the actual methods you can use.

People out there that do not have a whole lot of data may just want to consider buring the data over to a CD and then coping it over to the location they want.

If all you want is your user profile then you can use the built in Easy Transfer Wizard in Microsoft XP and Vista.  Don’t let the name fool you.  It often times can be a headache.If you have many custom settings and profiles that you want to transfer over you may want to consider buying a good data transfer program to help out.  Check out this PC to PC file transfer site for some good pointers and reviews on software.

One option many people who are computer savvy can do is just export all their data and then re-install the software on the new machine and import the data back in.This works very well for transfering over things like Internet Explorer.  Refer to the manufactures guide on how to do this or check out how to transfer files some great pointers.

Most programs wil work just fine on Vista but you should ensure they do before you install them.If you are unsure if your software is compatable with Vista just call the software maker.  Most programs do work well on Vista but you may need an upgrade.

As far as external devices like printers and the like you also may need to go to the manufactures website to get the latest drivers and software updates before you can install the printer.  If you have Vista you need to make sure you get the correct driver for the version you have.  32 bit or 64bit.  You can tell this by right clicking on the “Computer” icon under the Windows Start Menu and then select “properties”.  From there you can see what version you have.

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Since you’re reading this article, you’re most likely an Outlook user who is wondering either what the phrase, “compact Outlook data files” means, or you already know that, and are looking for instructions on how to do it. You’ve found the information you need. But let’s start at the beginning.

Unless all your stuff lives on an Exchange Mail server somewhere, your Outlook data is stored on your computer in one or more personal folders files, usually called .pst files The .pst refers to the file extension assigned to these kinds of files.

To recap, every Outlook data item (email message, task, contact, etc.) occupies space in a .pst file. So far so good.

So what happens to the .pst file when you delete an Outlook item? The deleted item goes to Outlook’s Deleted Items folder. The item is still occupying space in the .pst file since the item is still available when it is in the Deleted Items folder.

When you empty the Deleted Items folder, the item is gone. It can’t be recovered. Emptying the Deleted Items folder not only removes the item from the folder, it removes the item from the .pst file, which only makes sense. But something surprising happens here. While the item isn’t available in Deleted Items or the .pst file, the space it occupied in the .pst file isn’t freed up. Because of the way .pst files work, the space occupied by deleted items remains unavailable. So your .pst files will keep getting bigger and bigger, no matter how good you are about deleting old items when you don’t need them anymore.

As .pst files get larger, they cause two problems. First, they tie up an ever-growing chunk of your hard disk space. If you have lots of disk space available, that may not be an issue right now, but it will eventually become one, if for no other reason than that Outlook has limits on the size of .pst files it can handle.

The second reason this is a problem is that the bigger your .pst files grow, the slower Outlook works. And that only makes sense. As Outlook has to process bigger files to find the items it needs, it takes longer to get things done. That’s why you need to compact Outlook data files every so often.

How Often Do I Need To Compact My Outlook Data Files?

There are no hard and fast rules for this. If you feel that Outlook is running slowly, you should try compacting the files before taking more extreme measures. Unless you are having problems, such as Outlook running very slow, or you really need to free up disk space, you should try to compact Outlook .pst files once or twice a year. It’s not hard to do. It’s a simple 4 step (for Outlook 2003) or 5 step (for Outlook 2007) process that anyone can do.

Are you ready to compact your data files now? Just follow the step-by-stepinstructions on this “Why Compact Outlook Data Files?” page. It walks you through the process for both Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007. And once you’re done compacting your data files, I recommend you take a few minutes to look around the rest of the site. You’ll find lots of information on making living with Outlook easier and more fun.

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If you spend a lot of your day sending and receiving mail with Outlook 2007, you end up switching between the keyboard and the mouse hundreds of times. This is inefficient, because it causes you to take your hand off the keyboard, mouse around a bit, do some clicking, then put your hand back on the keyboard and resume typing. You would be much faster and more efficient if you didn’t have to constantly jump back and forth like that. Outlook keyboard shortcuts can save you from much of that switching back and forth, which allows you to get your work done faster. Applying the keyboard shortcuts for the commands you rely on most will certainly make working with Outlook faster and easier.

If you have previous experience with Outlook, you may already know about keyboard shortcuts. But when Microsoft introduced Outlook 2007, they added the Ribbon, which spawned a whole new style of shortcuts. You can take advantage of the new shortcuts are available when the Ribbon is visible. To start entering a new style shortcut, you press and release the Alt key.

Exactly what you press next depends on what you are doing at the time. The length of a new-style keyboard shortcut varies, depending on how many levels down in the Ribbon the command appears, so you may have to press several keys in sequence to complete an action. Still, this is a far faster and more efficient way to do things than clicking your way through multiple levels of the Ribbon to reach the command you want.

What follows are a few of the keyboard shortcuts available for editing messages:

• ALT, H, A, L – Left align the selected paragraph
• ALT, H, F, F – Select a list of fonts you can apply to the selected paragraph
• ALT, N, P – Open the Insert Picture dialog box so you can insert a picture at the cursor location

As the examples above show, there’s a huge variety of keyboard shortcuts available to make things easier for yourself when dealing with Outlook mail. It will definitely be worth your time to memorize a few of the more common shortcuts that you will use many times each day. The time and energy savings may not seem like much at first, but multiply the savings by how many times you repeat the same commands, and it could really add up. The benefits are clear. Now you just need to find a good source of information on the best keyboard shortcuts to apply.

The Living With Outlook website lists many of the top Outlook keyboard shortcuts for you to choose from. To learn the top Outlook mail shortcuts, including a cool procedure for sending a mail message without ever touching the mouse, go to http://www.living-with-outlook.com/keyboard-shortcuts.html

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A registry fixer is a tool that as the name suggests, helps you in maintaining a healthy and error-free registry. So, why is to so crucial to maintain your registry using a registry fixer? It is important to use registry fixers because the registry is a central database in your computer that stores all hardware, software and user configuration information that is required for your PC to operate. And, if the registry is full of errors, it will generate a lot of error messages on your PC and get in the way of your work. A registry fixer is actually a third-party tool that helps you automatically scan your registry for error messages – and then carries out repairs.

How Do You Obtain a Registry Fixer Tool?

There are several registry fixers available today. A simple search online using a Search Engine will show you some good options. An effective registry fixer comprises several features that you can use to enhance the health of your registry, and as a result – of your computer.

How Does A Good Registry Fixer Tool Help You?

A good registry fixer helps you perform a deep and thorough scan of the registry and weed out all errors, invalid entries, incorrect file paths, invalid shared DLLS, and several other unwanted entries from it. There are several spyware programs that add non-removable embedded keys in the registry that make these malicious programs difficult to get rid of. An effective registry fixer program goes deep within your PC’s registry and helps cut out these malicious spyware keys.

After the registry fixer scans the registry, all results are displayed on the screen. Many of the registry fixer programs give two choices to clean the errors detected – automatic and manual. The Automatic feature of a registry fixer helps you clean all the detected errors by just clicking a button. However, if you’re a skilled user, you can utilize the manual registry fixer option to sift through all the errors detected, choose the ones you need to repair, then fix them.

Additional Features of A Good Registry Fixer Tool

In addition to registry scan and repair, a registry fixer tool comprises several additional features. For example, a registry fixer helps you back up your PC’s registry. It is recommended that you backup the registry every time you use your registry fixer to perform registry repair. Decent registry fixers automatically back up the registry before performing any repair actions.

A decent registry fixer also includes the registry defrag feature. When the registry of your PC gets cluttered up with unwanted registry entries, its files also become fragmented. Moreover, when you uninstall programs and perform a registry scan and repair using a registry fixer tool, loads of empty registry keys may get left behind. When you use the registry defrag feature of your registry fixer tool, these empty keys are removed from the registry and the fragmented registry files are consolidated. This not only helps in compressing the registry but also helps in speeding up the data access process.

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