Saving files painlessly in Windows 8 – Easier and faster than XP!

Windows 8 + saving files = @&*%$

That used to be my initial reaction…. Until I used the Libraries.

Note that I made the jump strait from Windows XP to Windows 8 and was used to save files easily and faster than most people. Thing is, I couldn’t save stuff the same way I used to in Windows 8… until I figured it out. It’s now easy and as fast. Here’s why and how:

Quick access gone?

When saving files in Windows 8, you’ll notice the big quick access shortcut buttons are gone (My recent Documents, Desktop, My Documents, My Computer, My Network) in the left side of the save prompt. In Windows XP, I used Tweak UI to customize those shortcuts to point strait at my data hard drive’s folders. Life was good… But, now, it’s even better!

Click for full view

[ Windows XP “Save as…“; customized with Tweak UI ]

Instead, in Windows 8 you have Windows Explorer’s tree view (folders listing) on the left. And that’s where the magic happens.

Click for full view

[Windows 8 Save Prompt with custom Library “My Picture” selected]

Libraries

Libraries are a bit weird, but they’re awesome: simply put, they are pointers/shortcuts that redirects you to specific locations. Using libraries, you can now have a LOT more than just 4 or 5 quick access shortcuts! As of writing, I already use 8 custom Libraries, in addition to the default 4 Windows libraries! :D

Creating a custom Library

Here’s how to create a custom Library: navigate to your Libraries, then right-click -> New -> Library. Name it, then go in its properties (Alt + Enter), choose a location and voilà!

Library Folder View

In case you didn’t already noticed, Libraries all use the same folder view. You might wanna read my previous article on this: Windows 8 folders view – Nasty frakin’ oversight from Microsoft?

In conclusion, using Libraries I can now save files strait to my most used locations without the hassle of clicking down the trees. Combined with Windows’ Recent places in the Favorites section, I usuallydon’t have to browse more than one or two folders when saving stuff.

Enjoy!

Sirus
sirusdark.ca

How to fix any Windows Problems

One word : System Restore

It’s the magic trick that allows you to fix pretty much any Windows problem you may encounter.

How?

Have a problem you didn’t have before? You tried everything possible to solve it and yet,  still have an issue? Just restore your system to a previous date where everything was running fine. That’s it!

Of course, make sure you have automatic restore points being created and/or have created some restore points prior to any system changes, upgrade or software install.

I always recommend though to try to fix and understand the problem before restoring the system. Sometimes you’ll easily solve the issue and if you can’t, at least you’ll learn something.

Windows XP

Where

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Scheduled

See references.

Windows 7/Vista

Where

Start > right-clicking Computer > Properties. Left pane > System protection > click System Protection tab > then click Create.

Schedule

Usually done automatically by Windows whenever an update or a software is install. Usually.

Windows 8

Where

Go on the desktop > right-clicking bottom left > System. Left pane > System protection > click System Protection tab > then click Create.

Schedule

Usually done automatically by Windows whenever an update or a software is install. Usually.

Enjoy!

Sirus
sirusdark.ca

References
-http://www.faqforge.com/windows/create-system-restore-points-in-win-xp-automatically/
-http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows7/create-a-restore-point
-http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4690-restore-point-create-windows-8-a.html

List of all Windows keyboard shortcuts

Here are links to Windows keyboard shortcuts. I STRONGLY recommend you start using your keyboard more: reduced wrist strain, increased productivity, you’ll reap the benefits in minutes. After a week or two, it’s for life.

Note that almost all shortcuts works on any Windows versions and are often very similar to other systems (Linux or Mac).

Windows XP Home & Pro

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301583

Windows Vista

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts#keyboard-shortcuts=windows-vista

Windows 7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts#keyboard-shortcuts=windows-7

Windows 8 & RT

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/keyboard-shortcuts

 

Enjoy!

Sirus
sirusdark.ca