Applications Won’t Install, Run Properly (“Access is denied”) in Windows 7: Fix

Microsoft has identified an issue with the Windows 7 RC1 (7100) build in which the folder that is created as the root folder of the system drive (%SystemDrive%) is missing entries in its security descriptor. The company says that this problem can cause the following to occur: “applications that reference folders under the root may [...]

The 7 Biggest Windows 7 RC1 Problems (and Fixes)

The Windows 7 RC1 roll-out, while smooth overall, hit a rough patch with some users. Problems run the gamut, from minor networking issues and gaming hiccups, to more serious boot failures and BSODs. Here’s a look at the top 7 annoyances plaguing early Windows 7 adopters, and the associated fixes.
1. Installation Fails
You won’t get [...]

Windows XP PCs Can’t See Windows 7 PCs on the Network: Fix

Several users have experienced an issue in which Windows XP PCs cannot see Windows 7 PCs on the same network and/or vice versa. Fortunately, this issue is usually due only to configuration issues and can be easily fixed:
Fixes
Change network setting to home or work If you have your group set to “Public” in the [...]

Windows 7 RC1: Crash (BSOD) When Waking from Sleep; Fix

Some users are experiencing crashes or blue screens of death (BSODs) under Windows 7 RC1 when attempting to wake systems from sleep (hibernation). The first response to this issue is generally to disable sleep mode, but there is another fix.
Fix
Enter your system’s BIOS mode. This is accomplished by pressing a specific key repeatedly as [...]

Windows 7 RC1: Sudden Unexpected Shutdowns; Fixes

Some users have begun to experience sudden unexpected shutdowns, generally after the computer is idle for some time, after installing Windows 7 RC1. These shutdowns occur most often when the power usage setting is set to default (balanced).
Fixes
Uninstall hardware drivers In some cases, this issue appears to be caused by installation of incompatible hardware drivers. [...]

Prepping Your System for Windows 7 RC1

Today, Microsoft released the first Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC1) [Download here]. Many users are likely to encounter a variety of issues, such as startup problems, application crashes, performance hiccups and more, after the update. Here’s a run-down of the best methods for preventing these issues and making your update experience a smooth one:
Backup First [...]

Windows 7 RC, Vista SP2 Hit Microsoft’s Private Servers

The official Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC)-the same build 7100 that leaked earlier–and the final build of Windows Vista SP2 have hit Microsoft’s private servers, and are now available to eligible users, specifically:

Microsoft Connect subscribers: members of the closed beta program
Technet and MSDN subscribers: paid account holders (accounts start in the $2500-range)

Subscribers are experiencing some [...]