Microsoft Launches Windows 8 RTM For Hardware Manufacturers

Microsoft released the latest version of their flagship operating system Windows 8.1 RTM to hardware manufacturers last week. According to a company spokesperson, this fast release of the new operating system is due to the fact that “Unlike past RTM moments, this milestone represents progress in Microsoft’s new rapid release cycle and optimizes the overall customer experience, while highlighting the handoff to OEM partners and wide array of devices expected this fall.”
The software giant also said in a press release that their partners in the hardware field are striving hard to create devices capable of running the Windows 8.1 operating system. The manufacturers are planning to launch a wide variety of devices at the end of this fall by the start of the holiday season. Due to the advanced features of the Windows 8.1 operating system, one could hope to see more devices releasing under the Windows brand in the smartphone and tablets section. Downloading Windows 8 apps and games by users is at an all time high and this clearly indicates the popularity of the Windows branding.
With more users upgrading their computers to Windows 8 operating system by downloading Windows 8 from the Windows Store, we could say that Microsoft has succeeded in creating a popular operating system. One of the major advantages of having a Windows 8 operating system installed in your system is that you will be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 operating system freely from the Windows Store. According to the Windows support sites, consumers will be able to get Windows 8.1 from October 17. Windows RT users will also be able to get a free upgrade to the Windows 8 operating system.
Microsoft promises that the new operating system is faster and better than the Windows 8 operating system with the new Internet Explorer 11 and super fast cloud connectivity. Microsoft released the new operating system as an upgrade to the existing Windows 8 operating system in an effort to make Windows 8 popular in the market and to compete against its rivals effectively. In their recent press release, Microsoft said that they are thankful to all the customers of the Windows 8 for pointing out the flaws in the Windows 8 OS, so they were able to release an update version so fast.
Windows 8.1 does bring a better experience for the user with the inclusion of the Start menu and other advanced features.

How To Fix Error Code 1603 In Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is a very popular instant messenger program that is in use, which allows users to chat with their friends and family around the world. This program usually installs very easily but can encounter a 1603 error that needs troubleshooting to fix. The 1603 error usually happens when an anti-spyware program is blocking the installation of the Windows Live Messenger program or can also occur when unnecessary files interfere with the installation of the program. The Windows Live help tips explained below will help you to get rid of the 1603 error to complete the installation of the program successfully.

Instructions

• Turn off any of the anti-spyware programs currently running in your computer. For example, if you are running Windows Defender, right-click on its icon which is located in the taskbar and select  Shutdown Microsoft Antispyware. If you are running any other anti spyware programs, you may refer to the manufacturer’s documentation to turn off the program.
• Try to download and run the Windows Live Messenger again. Make sure to clear the Temp folder and all the files related to the Windows Live program before downloading it again. If you are still running into the 1603 error, you may move into the next step to clean your hard drive.
• To do this, click on the Windows Start button and select Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, select Performance and Maintenance and select Free Up Space on Your Hard Disk. This will launch the Disk Cleanup utility.
• Check the boxes near to the following categories: Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files, Temporary Offline Files, and on Offline Files. Click on the OK button to delete the unnecessary files from these specified locations and select Yes to begin the disk cleanup process. After the cleanup has completed successfully, try to perform the installation again.

These are the simple steps to get rid of the 1603 error to complete the installation of the Windows Live Messenger program successfully. If you are unable to perform the installation even after following the above steps or if you are not sure of any of the steps discussed above, you may contact the Windows help and support team for further clarification. You may also refer to the Windows Live help modules in the Microsoft web site to know more on the steps.

Different Uses Of Outlook Repair Tool

While using the Microsoft Outlook email client application, users may come across different situations where they find it difficult to access certain email folders, download email attachments, and send or receive emails. Outlook can handle different email accounts all in one single platform and hence users find it really helpful to use Outlook to manage their different email accounts. Outlook stores all its data in .PST and .OST file formats. When these files get corrupted, Outlook will lose its stability and become non-functional.

Performing Outlook repair

To overcome such situations, Microsoft has included a built-in Outlook Repair Tool, to restore information and data from damaged and corrupted .PST and .MST files. Using this repair tool, one can easily repair .PST files in Unicode format for files created under Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010.
The repair tool is capable of reading .OST files created by all versions of Microsoft Outlook. As this feature packed tool delivers full control to the user, one is able to read corrupted .OST files, convert .OST files to .PST format, save restored data as a separate .MSG file or as a .EML file. This Repair tool is also capable of repairing various mail formats like plain text, RTF and HTML, as well as repair file attachments and object attachments.
Another use that you will find with this repair tool is that you can repair contacts and notes from corrupted .PST files, as well as repair alerts and calendars. Another useful feature of this repair tool is its capability to repair and preserve folder structure and types as well as selective saving of restored folders and objects.  It provides full support for drag and drop operations as well. You can also save data to multiple PST files without exceeding a specified volume and in addition, you can also repair password-protected PST files. Furthermore, you will be able to process encrypted or unencrypted .OST and .PST files.
Having said all this, you might still be wondering how to use this tool. It is exceptionally simple to use, and you will be guided through the entire process with a simple set of on-screen instructions. It is as simple as counting 1-2-3 to recover your email data and ancillary features, such as calendars, notes and attached objects. To know more about using the Outlook Repair tool, visit the Outlook Help page or get in touch with the Microsoft Support Center.

How To Retrieve The Local IP Address Of Your Computer

A computer connected to a network will have a unique identification number assigned to it, called the IP address. It is using this IP address that the different computers connected to a network communicate with each other.
Usually users don’t have to worry about this, as the DHCP of their local internet service provider does the job for them. But for people like system administrators, knowing the IP address is important. Read on to know how to retrieve the IP address of your computer using the instructions from the Windows Tech support team.

Instructions:

• One simple method to access your IP address is by navigating to the Windows Command Prompt interface. To open Command Prompt, click the Start button, select All Programs and then click Accessories and finally, select Command Prompt option from the list.
• An alternative method to open the Command Prompt window is by clicking the Start button and then typing CMD into the Search box field located at the bottom of the Start menu.
• You will receive a black window with a prompt (C:\Users\username>) on your screen. Type ipconfig into the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter key, to run the command.
• You will receive a long list of information on your Command Prompt window, out of which IP4 Address is your internal IP address that is used to communicate with your local network. The IP address of your computer is a numerical representation which looks similar to 192.168.1.100. 
• So if you find it difficult to use the command line interface, you can switch to the Control Panel method. Open your Control Panel window, double click Network and Internet and select Network and Sharing Center and further click on the Change adapter settings link located at the top left corner of the window.
• Select the type of network which is either Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection by double clicking on the link.
• You will receive the Connection window on which you need to locate the Details button and then click on it.
• The new window will list out the IP address information of your computer, out of which IP4 Address is your internal IP address that is used to communicate with your local network.

We hope you were able to locate your IP address using the above listed instructions. You can refer Windows Tech support forums for more tips and tricks.

Problems During Installation Of Windows 8

Windows 8 is the new flagship operating system from Microsoft that is designed particularly for the touch sensitive devices like tablets and touch computers. The operating system introduced the new retro user interface known by the name Metro that displays applications and files as tiles in the desktop. Through the new user interface, one can now easily get live updates about weather, sports etc directly from the desktop. The operating system allows fast downloads and updating of applications in the system.
Even though the software achieved much popularity just after its release, there are many flaws in the operating system that needs to be taken care of. Microsoft provides easy upgrading offer for Windows 7 users. Most of the users find the installation to be simple and easy to handle but sometimes the installation may become erroneous. Some of the major Windows 8 problems are discussed below.

Black or Blank Screen Error

Black screen error is one of the major problems that a Windows 8 customer faces just after installing the OS in the system. You may be wondering what causes this error even after the installation is successfully completed. This error occurs if one installs the operating system without the necessary driver updates. So update your drivers to their latest Windows 8 compatible versions before performing the installation. If you have already done the installation and you get this error, then using a bootable DVD or USB drive will solve the problem.

Missing Important Drivers and Files

This is the most common error a user gets when running the Windows 8 operating system. This occurs when the drivers are missing and the BIOS is not able to find the necessary drivers during installation. Mainly this error occurs due to the erroneous selection of the boot disk. To fix this issue, select the correct boot disk where the operating system is installed from the boot menu.

Failed Upgrade

Another problem faced by the user is a failed upgrade to the operating system. Many factors contribute to a failed upgrade of the OS- non-compatible hardware and driver software is the main reason for this error. One of the main reasons for this error to occur is not having a speedy internet connection.
If you would like to know more about the Windows 8 problems and their fixes, visit the Windows 8 support page.

How To Fix Issues With Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000

Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 is a webcam developed by Microsoft, which is compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or higher), Windows Vista, as well as with Windows 7. Features like 640 x 480 pixel video capture resolution, with 30 frames per second, sets it apart from other webcams.
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 helps you to share videos & photos, through Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery. The ease by which one can establish a video call with one touch of the Windows Live Call button is an added delight. Other features include LifeCam Dashboard, On-Device Storage, and Instant Messaging compatibility which makes it all the more convenient to use. The device is also optimized for Windows Live Messenger, and makes it easier to access. Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 comes with an inbuilt microphone, offering high quality sound, apart from capturing high quality videos, and photos.

Troubleshooting Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 

You might sometimes face trouble while installing the hardware on your computer. Follow these instructions to troubleshoot the problems in Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000. Installing Microsoft support drivers might also help fix many issues associated with your web cam.

• Go to your desktop, and open the Start menu. Enter devmgmt.msc in the Start Search box. If there appears a pop up window asking for administrator rights, enter the password in the required area. Press Enter to open the Device Manager window.
• Click on the Sound, video and game controllers option, and select Imaging Devices. You can see a sign with a black exclamation mark on a yellow triangle, against the device. This sign denotes that the device is not working properly.
• Right-click on the particular device that has the problem and select the Update Driver Software option from the popup menu. You will be directed to the Hardware Update Wizard window.
• Select Browse my computer for driver software option in the Update wizard window and click on the Browser link. A popup dialogue box will open with the Browse For option.
• Type in the following path, C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam\Driver32 into the Browse For field and click OK. 
• Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions in the wizard till it finishes the process. Close the wizard when the procedure is completed.

By following the above steps, you can fix the issues with Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000. Also make sure that you have installed all the Microsoft support drivers required for the proper functioning of your webcam. Visit Microsoft Help and Support Center for any further assistance.

Move Over Express, Make Way For Windows Live Mail

Are you still using Microsoft Outlook Express? Well it is high time that you switched to a much faster and easier mail option. Outlook Express was the predecessor to the Windows Mail, which later morphed into the Windows Live Mail. Outlook Express was a great news and email client, available for Internet explorer versions 4 to 6. It is also available on the Windows 98, all through to Windows Server 2003. However, this client is very old, and Microsoft has developed new email and news clients that are a lot faster, simpler to use, and has multiple features for customizing your account. You can add multiple accounts without having to switch identities on Windows mail.
Also known as Windows Live Hotmail, it is one of the best email clients available. It is based on a similar architecture to Express, but is more advanced and has many features, which are unavailable in Express. So if you want to migrate to the latest email client, here is how.

Instructions:

• Check if your system requirement matches those required for Windows Live Mail. The operating system on your computer should be at least the Windows XP SP2 or higher; even Vista should just as well. This also requires a decent internet connection and a good browser like Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
• Now download the application program. Go to the Windows Live Mail site, and download this program free of cost. Install the program following the installation wizard and prompts. The wizard is a tool that guides you through a systematic installation of the application. Wait until the installation process is complete and launch the application.
• Create a new email account. Start the process by selecting the Add An Email Account option present in the home screen of the program. Select a username, email address and a password to secure your account. Add any additional information that is asked to complete your user profile..
• It is mandatory that you be aware of your mail server settings before you begin. There are two servers’ i.e. an incoming mail server referred to as POP3 and an outgoing mail server commonly called STMP. Click on the box that asks if your server requires authentication, and finish with the wizard.
• You have successfully installed and configured Windows Live Mail.

Contact Microsoft chat support if you face any issues with installation. Experts at Microsoft chat support will help you diagnose all issues and provide solutions to resolve them.