Vista Program Compatibility: An Update

As you may remember, last week, I wrote an article about the Windows Vista Program Compatibility Wizard you can use if you're having trouble getting some of your programs to work on your Vista computer. (If you missed out on that tip, you can read it right here). After it appeared in the newsletter, I received several e-mails and even a few phone calls with questions about it. It seemed like a lot of you were having trouble finding the feature, so I thought I'd take some time today to clear all of that up. Here we go!

After so many of you told me you couldn't find the Program Compatibility Wizard, I got to thinking that maybe it wasn't available with every edition of Vista. I tested the tip on a Vista Home Basic computer and it worked just fine, so I thought maybe it wouldn't work for everyone. I thought that was strange, but I know it has happened with other things, so it was possible. But then I started researching it a little more and luckily, that's not the case at all. Keep reading as we solve this mystery!

In order to find the Program Compatibility Wizard, you have to be in a certain Control Panel view. In Vista, there is a Control Panel Home view and a Classic view and you must be in the Control Panel Home view to find the Wizard. If you happen to be in the Classic view, you won't be able to find it. So, to check on that, go to Start, Control Panel and look in the top left hand corner. You will see a dot next to whichever view you're in. If you're not in the right one, simply click on Control Panel Home and you'll be taken to the correct spot. You can then go to Programs and click on the option that says "Use an older program with this version of Windows." Then just follow along with the wizard and you'll be all set. I hope this clears up all of the confusion!

~ Erin

Re-Published by Computer Software Hardware Tips

Vista's DreamScene

Have you heard of the Windows Vista DreamScene? If not, allow me to tell you a little about it!

The Vista DreamScene is a tool that allows people to use videos and other optimized animations as desktop wallpapers. It's included with the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras package and it can be downloaded through the Windows Update service. The best part about DreamScene is the fact that it uses your video card for its display and not your processor. Therefore, your PC will still have enough resources available for performing other tasks. You can use any video for your wallpaper, as long as it's saved in the .wmv or .mpeg format.

DreamScene is now available and if you use the Windows Vista Ultimate edition, you can begin customizing your desktop today! Simply follow the steps below to get DreamScene installed on your computer. Again, before you continue, make sure you have the Windows Vista Ultimate edition. The Vista DreamScene cannot be installed on any other version. Here we go!
1.) Click on Start, type "Windows Update" in the search box and then hit Enter.
2.) Once the Windows Update loads, click Check for Updates.
3.) Under the Ultimate Extras section, check the Windows DreamScene option and hit Install.
4.) After the Windows DreamScene is installed, you may need to reboot your computer.
5.) After you reboot, right click on your desktop and select Personalize.
6.) Next, click on Desktop Wallpaper.
7.) Hit the Browse button and select the video file you would like to use. Then hit OK.

When you're finished, you will be able to enjoy one of your personal videos as your wallpaper. It doesn't get any better than that! If you still have some questions, you can take a tour through DreamScene to learn more about it. Click
here to do that and then just follow the instructions provided in the video. Once you're more familiar with DreamScene, I know you're just going to love it!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami