Prevent your mouse from waking Windows PC from Sleep Mode

Problem: Any slight movement from your mouse causes your computer to wake up from Sleep Mode.

Solution:

Thunderbird: Search is not working

Problem: Thunderbird search is not finding the messages you're searching for (blank search results, terms that you know exist in your emails are returning no results, etc)

Solution: Rebuild the Global Database

Close Thunderbird → %APPDATA%\Thunderbird\Profiles → XXXXXX.default → delete "global-messages-db.sqlite"

→ start Thunderbird → wait for indexing to finish rebuilding itself

Check the status of indexing:

Prevent iTunes from Opening Automatically (when you plug your device in)

Problem: When you plug in your Apple device, iTunes pops up automatically & starts syncing

Solution: Ctrl + , → Devices

Rename a Printer

Problem:  You want to rename one of your printers to make it easier to recognize.

Solution: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → R click (on printer) → Printer Properties → type in the new name next to the printer icon in the General tab→ OK

Windows Cannot Search/Find Anything inside a Google Drive Folder

Problem: You downloaded Google Drive for desktop and when you search for a file within its folder(s), Windows cannot find it.

Solution: R click (on the folder) → Properties → [General Tab] Advanced → UNcheck "Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties" → OK → (Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files) OK →

→ R click (on the folder) → Properties → [General Tab] Advanced → CHECK "Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties" → OK → (Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files) OK

Windows 8.1 Does Not Recognize Your Nexus 7

Problem: You want to load some files onto your Nexus 7 but Windows 8.1 does not recognize it.

Solution: Control Panel → Devices & Printers → R-click Nexus 7 → Properties → Hardware → Properties → Change Settings → Driver → Uninstall (OK) → Unplug Nexus 7 → Plug Nexus 7 back in & let it reinstall the drivers

Access the Device Manager in XP

Problem: You want to to access the Device Manager in Windows XP, but you don't know how to get to it.

Solution:
Start → Run → devmgmt.msc → Enter
Start → Control Panel → System → Hardware tab → Device Manager
Start → Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Computer Management → Device Manager (on L)

Change Drive Letters in Vista

Problem: Your drive letters spontaneously changed themselves upon restart & you want to change them back.  (Or perhaps you just want to change your drive letters)

Solution: Start button > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > (on the L) Disk Management > R click on the drive you want to change > Change Drive Letter and Paths

File Edit View Tools Bar

Problem: You're running Windows Vista & you want to see the hidden files/folders (or something else requiring the 'File Edit View Tools' Bar) and it's not there.

Solution: (Windows Key) + E > Alt

Tell whether your computer has the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows Vista

Problem: You don't know whether or your PC is running the 32 or 64-bit version of Windows Vista

Solution: Start > type in "msinfo32.exe" > Enter > look for "System Type"
If your system type is listed as....
x86-based PC = 32-bit version of Vista
x64-based PC = 64-bit version of Vista

Useful Links

Sony Vaio VGN-Z690 Drivers

View/update a list of drivers on Vista

Start > R-click 'Computer' > Manage > Device Manager (L pane) > R-click any device and select 'Update Driver Software...'