windows 8 BIOS setting

windows 8 BIOS setting

With Windows 8, you can access your computer’s BIOS settings on your screen without going through the procedure of pressing F2, F1, F10, or any other key sequence. This control in Windows 8 is known as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which is a synonym of Windows 8 BIOS setup utility. Though BIOS is a component of hardware, but Microsoft, with Windows 8, has handed over this control to users to enable them change the advanced settings on their computers. Since Windows 8 boot is relatively faster than its predecessors, accessing BIOS through key sequence is no longer a choice (in fact a headache) for users. So if you are one of those advanced users who want to customize Windows 8 BIOS settings, this is how you can go about it.

Step 1

Launch “Settings Charm” (Windows + I key combination) and navigate to “Change PC Settings”. From “PC settings”, click “General” and then “Restart now” from under “Advanced startup”.

Step 2

On the next screen, click/tap “Troubleshoot”

Navigate to “Advanced options”, “UEFI Firmware Settings” and then click “Restart”. Your computer will now boot up in to the BIOS settings.

Step 3

You will not be able to access the BIOS setup utility (UEFI) on an upgraded Windows 8 machine. To be able to access the BIOS, you will need to go old enroute which is using the “F2” key or the key dedicated by your computer manufacturer.

windows 8 recover pasword

windows 8 recover pasword

It is the most unfortunate thing on earth to forget your Windows password and not able to log on to your computer. It seems like you are locked out of your house which has everything from your essentials to non-essentials things required for living, causing the hell to break loose at once. Do not lose hope as it won’t help but what will definitely help is an attempt to recover or reset it. One thing Windows 8 really disappoints you on and that is, like its predecessors, it too doesn’t have improved password recovery options. Microsoft should have added some improved password recovery features in it to help it cut a corner in comparison to other devices.

Step 1: Using Password Hint

If you remember setting up a hint when you first set up your Windows 8 computer, it should you help you now when the password is forgotten. When you type a wrong password, Windows 8 should prompt you to use the “Password hint” to log on to it. The Password hint shows up, reminding you about what your Windows password could have been. If you are able to recollect your password, well and good! Type it in the “Password” box and login. If you still cannot get hold of your password, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Using Password Reset Disk

If you earlier created a password reset disk, you can safely reset your Windows 8 password. Type a wrong password and then insert your password reset disk into the drive. Click “Reset password” link below and using the “Password Reset Wizard”, reset Windows 8 password. This disk must have been created in advance or else you will need to resort to the next password recovery option.

Step 3: Ask Administrator to Reset Password

If your Windows 8 computer is a part of office or workgroup, ask your administrator to do the password reset. Once the password is reset, you can either customize it or continue to use it as is.

Step 4: Using Microsoft Account

If you are a Microsoft account (viz. Hotmail, Outlook, Windows Live ID) user, you can request a password reset on the Microsoft website, from a different computer connected to the Internet. On the other computer, open web browser and visit the “https://account.live.com/password/reset” link. Follow the on-screen procedure and reset your Windows password.

Step 5: Reset Password for a Standard User Account

If you are the admin user of this Windows 8 computer and the forgotten password belongs to a standard user account, you can easily reset it without any worries. Log on to your computer and then browse to “User and Accounts”. Select the standard user account and then change its password.

what's new in windows 8.1 oprating system

Windows 8.1 is built with a motive to bring modern computing experience to businesses and professionals with better mobility, security and user experience which is available in the form of preview version, with a goal of offering customers the best experience and the most powerful operating system for business tablets and modern PCs designed for today’s modern businesses.

Listed below are some new and updated features that would surely excite the users to get their hands on Windows 8.1.

Improved Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer 11 now supports faster loading of pages, simultaneous browsing of two or more websites, adding favorites viz. apps, app settings, tabs, and syncing across all your Windows 8.1 devices effortlessly. The brand new browser also include an anti-malware solution which scans all binary extension files before letting them execute on your computer.

Loaded with features in every corner

The Windows 8.1 comes with features loaded in every corner. From Miracast streaming to 3D printer support to the new & updated native apps, there’s something new and interesting in every corner you go. You could spend several days just exploring what Microsoft has stuffed in Windows 8.1. Every time you dive into the OS you find something unexplored in the corner.

Mobility: Productive and connected

Enhanced mobile broadband functionality, NFC based ‘tap to pair’ with enterprise printers, native wireless display capabilities and many other features that you can conveniently use with your Windows devices anywhere and can be fully connected and productive.

Broadband Tethering

All you need is to turn on your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband, and it enables your PC or tablet into personal Wi-Fi hotspot allowing other devices to connect and access the Internet.

Improved Biometrics

Windows 8.1 will be optimized for fingerprint based biometrics. It will include a common fingerprint enrollment experience that will work with a variety of readers (touch, swipe). Modern readers are touch based rather than swipe. Access to Windows Store Apps, functions within them, can be gated based on verification of a user’s biometric identity.

Desktop Screen

Many improvements have been made to support the users to make their work more experience more efficient and smooth. For the users who prefer mouse and keyboard to access applications, would be impressed by the quality.

Windows to Go

The Windows store is enabled by default with Windows to go in Windows 8.1. With Windows to go, the users may roam to any machine and access the Windows store using the Window store apps. The feature would benefit the Windows 8.1 users in many ways.

Metro Start button

The button is here to welcome you again and help you quickly snap utilities like “Control Panel”, “Task Manager”, “Computer Management”, “Desktop”, “Device Manager”, “Search”, “Run”, “File Explorer”, “Shut down/Restart/Hibernate/Sleep”, “Power Options” and more (hrrmph!). You can also pin your frequently used apps and programs to this Start menu for handy access to them. This button is likely to facilitate the needs but not completely.

Improved Search Charm

Get all the search results in one place from the web, your computer, apps like SkyDrive and more, previous searches, and more from the Bing search engine. The “Search Charm”, as we know is powered by Bing, is here to show your searches in a nice, fresh, graphical presentation. Whatever you search for, be it travel, books, music, videos, movies, people, celebrities, online virus scanner, weather, places, antivirus, fragrances, gadgets, cafes, recipes, restaurants, computers, printers, jewelry, clothes, or anything, you will see search results along with the images available for it, the related information, and updates etc. to help you get comprehensive details.

New SkyDrive

SkyDrive app now comes built in to Windows 8.1 which means it is the default storage place for all your files whether local ones which are saved on your computer’s hard drive or the ones which you save to SkyDrive. This is called the tight cloud integration which we have been talking about in our Windows 8 blogs. Have a look at the below mentioned highlights which Windows 8.1 SkyDrive offers

Highlights of Improved SkyDrive

1. 7GB of free storage
2. Single sign-in on all Windows 8.1 devices
3. iOS and Android support
4. Default Windows Phone support
5. Saved computer settings (most of)
6. Single storage place in form of built-in SkyDrive for all your files viz. local and the ones you save to SkyDrive
7. Multi-browser support
8. New camera roll (like the one which is there in Windows Phone) to instantly capture and upload images
9. Deep integration with Office 365 for better and intuitive work and play
10. New photo editing feature
11. Color enhancement feature to make your images look impressive
12. Impressive sync feature to help you stay updated on all your devices

Boot-to-Desktop

Those who have always found it annoying to boot in to Windows 8 Start Screen flooded with live tiles and apps, here is a solution for you. Windows 8.1 lets users directly boot their computers in to the desktop mode and not the usual Windows 8 Home screen. Another reason to be happy for Windows 8 customers is this capability which is definitely a thing to try for. Not only the desktop mode, users can even boot in to only the “Apps view”, “Start Screen”, or a single application.

Improved Windows Store

Windows Store has more than ever apps and a refreshing look. Users can easily discover, bookmark, edit, delete and do a lot more with your articles, books, apps, and more. Besides, Windows apps will now start getting automatic updates and app-based offers pushed through Windows Store. So, users need not manually update their apps and besides need not wait for the offers. In addition, users will get Bing-powered customized recommendations for popular apps, releases and more. There is also included a list of paid and free apps which lets users contemplate their options.

In Windows 8.1, you should not be able to snap two apps (if your monitor has high resolution, as much as 4 screens can be snapped side by side) side by side but also resize them as desired. Previously, this capability did not exist in Windows 8.

Improved Lockscreen

With Windows 8.1, you can now create and run a slideshow at the locked screen. Your personalized photo frame is here to entertain you while you are dancing in front of your computer, enjoying your coffee, preparing breakfast, doing laundry or other miscellaneous tasks. Besides, you can personalize the lockscreen the way you want with people, pictures, apps, sites and more.

Print android tablet print from

How to Print from Android Tablet

Talking about printing generally means traditional form of printing through computer and a printer. One generally does not think printing through Android tablets. However, with the advance in technology you can effortlessly use your tablet not only for calls and text but also for printing. Printing through your Android tablet needs to have a Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth both on your Tablet and Printer and once you have a wireless connection set up you can print documents, files, contacts etc from anywhere and everywhere over a Wi-Fi network. To enable print from your Android Tablet, here are few steps you can check out.

Step1:

First you need to download and install the print application on your Android Tablet and tap the “Print” icon from your home screen.

Step2:

Next you need to select the item(s) you need to print. Tap the “Print Button” at the top right hand corner of the screen.

Step3:

Then you need to tap “Choose” option on the next screen.

Step4:

Once you tap the Choose option, you get a list of name of the printers from which you should be able to print. Select the preferred printer by tapping on the “Print” button next to the name.

Step5:

Need to get back on the same page from where you have clicked the Choose option, tap “print” after selecting the number of copies from the drop down box.

When done, your selected item goes for a print and you get a printed sheet of your documents and contents.

samsung galaxy s4 connect tv

How to Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 to TV

Yay! You would love to browse the web and view your favorite multimedia content including YouTube videos, live cricket matches, news, movies, games, music and more on the giant screen of your HDTV because at times the 5-inch wide-screen Samsung Galaxy S4 doesn’t fit to be an ideal one to experience the richness of these contents. You can then connect your Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone to your HDTV and enjoy rich, web and multimedia content on your High-Definition TV right from your Samsung Galaxy S4. Besides, the connection will help you mirror your smartphone contents on to your HDTV.

Things you will need:

• Samsung Galaxy S4
• HDTV
• Samsung Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL)-to-HDMI adapter
• HDMI cable
• Cellular data connection (if desired to browse the web)

Step 1:

Connect your Samsung Galaxy S4 to your TV using the MHL-to-HDMI adapter. Plug the thin end (micro USB) of the adapter into the micro USB post of your Samsung Galaxy S4 and connect its charger (Galaxy S4’s) to an available (usually on the side) port on it (the adapter) and then run it into a power outlet (your Galaxy S4’s charger should be now connected to a power source to make the MHL adapter charge).
Now plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the MHL adapter and plug its other end (HDMI cable’s end) into the HDMI port of your HDTV. The physical connection is complete now. Move on to the next step now.

Step 2:

You can now begin to play your favorite movie on your Samsung Galaxy S4 and watch it on your HDTV’s big screen. If you want to connect to your Wi-Fi network and begin Wi-Fi mirroring on your TV from your Samsung device, then tap “Settings” from the Home screen, tap “Connections”, and then tap “Screen Mirroring”. Set the “Screen Mirroring” feature on, select your SSID device, and connect to it. The mirroring will begin and you can connect to your Wi-Fi network, browse the web and do a lot more.

P.S. For better audio quality, you can tweak some settings on your Samsung Galaxy S4 device and get going. To do so, tap “Settings”, tap “My Device”, “Accessory”, tap “Audio Output”, and then tap “Surround”. Exit all the screens and you are ready to experience a rich, sound quality for your multimedia content.

sumsung galaxy s4 direct format factory reset

sumsung galaxy s4 direct format factory reset

Samsung Galaxy S4 is a great smartphone for Wi-Fi networking, browsing, video streaming, music, movie, emailing, professionalizing, sharing a single Internet connection via tethering and more. Despite that Samsung Galaxy S4 users have observed to be facing numerous problems, especially with Internet connection which either keeps dropping off or gets disconnected frequently. Samsung Galaxy S4 devices have this known issue which really needs Samsung’s attention to fix it and provide users with a relief. Samsung may be in the process of acquiring a large database of problems in order to roll out a general fix, however, you cannot be on hold until then. Thus, you can fix your Samsung Galaxy S4 connection problems using these simple workarounds and continue using your device.

Step 1: Force Reset Samsung Galaxy S4

Press and hold down the “Power” button on your Samsung Galaxy S4 unless you see it turning off. Once the device has shut down, wait for a minute and then turn it on again by long pressing the “Power” button. Now that the Galaxy S4 device is reset, get connected to your data cellular connection or Wi-Fi for going online. If your device continues to drop Internet connectivity, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Hard Reboot Samsung Galaxy S4

Hard rebooting is also called wiping the cache partition of your Samsung device. Wiping cache partition does not wipe out your data but simply clears the temporary cache and resets your device. Simultaneously press and hold down the “Power”, “Volume Up” and “Home” buttons until your Samsung device starts vibrating. When it does start vibrating, release the “Power” button but keep holding down the other two buttons until you see the “Android System Recovery” screen. When you do see this screen, release these buttons. On this screen, tap to select “wipe cache partition” and then press the “Power” button to enter your selection. When done, your Galaxy S4 device will begin to wipe out the cache and reset. Wait until the procedure is finished. When done, your phone will reboot. Afterwards you can begin to reconnect to your Internet via cellular data connection or Wi-Fi and check back whether it works or not.

Step 3

If you have problem with Wi-Fi network authentication following you are unable to connect, access and browse the Internet wirelessly, then download and install the “WiFi Manager” app on your Samsung Galaxy S4 device. The app helps fix all the issues related to Wi-Fi authentication and connect you to your Wi-Fi network successfully. To download the app, tap the “Play Store” icon on your device and search for “WiFi Manager” or else visit this link on your mobile browser “https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kman.WifiManager&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsIm9yZy5rbWFuLldpZmlNYW5hZ2VyIl0.”. Install the app and follow rest of the instructions to do the needful. Add your Wi-Fi network and login details and you will be good to go.

Step 4

If the problem persists, take your Samsung Galaxy S4 to the nearby Samsung center or the shop where you purchased it from and ask for a replacement. This is probably a defective piece which needs to be replaced or else you will continue to face problems.

sumsung galaxy s4 factory reset (format factory)

How to Restore Samsung Galaxy S4 to Factory Settings

At times your Samsung Galaxy S4 device may act tough, not respond, or perform at snail pace when you play a video or listen to your favorite music. If you have power cycled your Samsung smartphone or has worked around it but it still hasn’t experienced any difference in its performance, then you may need to act tough on it. You can restore your Galaxy S4 to factory settings and wipe out any recently downloaded songs, videos, apps, documents, mails and more without wiping out your personal data. Backing up your data is essential before beginning to restore the device. Check out the steps given below and learn how you can restore your Samsung Galaxy S4 to factory settings without losing access to your photos, videos, movies, collection of songs, and more.

Step 1

Power cycle your Samsung device first by powering off and then on it again. To do so, press and hold down the “Power” button unless you see your device shutting down following the Samsung logo screen.

When done, restart your phone by pressing and holding down the “Power” button again. Now that your device has restarted, move on to back up your data.

Step 2

Shuffle through the menus on your Samsung Galaxy S4 Home screen and tap “Settings”. From the “Settings” menu, tap “Accounts”, and then tap “Backup and reset” from the menu.

Step 3

On the next screen, select “Back up my data” if it’s not already selected and also check the “Automatic restore” option. Back up whatever you want and then tap “Factory data reset” option at the end. On the “Factory data reset” screen, tap “Reset device” button at the bottom. When prompted, confirm the action by tapping “Erase everything”. Your Samsung Galaxy S4 device will begin to reset now. The process may take some time depending on the amount your device has. When done, your device will reboot. When prompted, select your preferred language, accessibility, Wi-Fi network or cellular data connection for Internet connectivity, date and time and customize all your settings. When done, restore your data backup and you will be good to go.

sumsung galaxy s4 screenshot

How to Take Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung S4 is a Smartphone designed with every possible feature that would make you work easy in your everyday life. Be it the air view, air shot or the moreover added screenshot feature, the S4 is there to help you at every step. The screenshot feature enables you to capture the current screen and save it to your gallery for your convenience. May be it’s a high score in a game that you want to show to your friends or some settings that you don’t want to write down, the screenshot feature enables you to do that without installing a third party application.

You can take Screenshots in your Galaxy S4 in two ways.

Method 1: Home button+ Lock key

Step 1:

Simply press the lock key and Home button at the same time for a couple of seconds until you hear a camera shutter sound, screenshot will be saved in your gallery.

Step 2:

Immediately after this you will see a white outline flash around your screen and the notification at the top saying Saving Screenshot. That’s it you have successfully taken a screenshot from your S4.

Method 2: Palm and Swipe feature

Step 1: (Turn on the palm motion)

Make sure that you turn on the “palm motion” and “capture screen” options by going to the “Settings” menu before taking a screenshot.

Step 2:

Swipe your hand across the screen in either direction (left to right or vice-versa). You will instantly hear a camera clicking sound and get a notification on your screen saying “screenshot captured” which will be automatically saved to your photo gallery.

Sumsung galaxy note 2 charging problem solution

How to Solve Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Charging Problem?

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is also referred to as N7100, which is known to be one of the most successful Smartphone of Samsung Galaxy range. Normally Samsung Note 2 doesn’t encounter much problem, but if it does there is always a solution.

Following are the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Charging problems that you may encounter:

Problems

• You Encounter Not Charging Warning / Notification Pop – Up.
• Phone heats up while charging. (This happens when any components gets short).

Let’s move towards Manual and Hardware solution of charging problem in Note 2.

Manual Solution

• Change Galaxy Note 2 charger and Check.
• Check any other battery in your Note 2.

Hardware Solution

• Clean dust on charging connector, you can do that simply with the help of a brush.

• Check whether the Charging pin in connector is in good shape or not. In order to verify, check voltage at the first pin and it should be 5V. If it isn’t then it means that the pin is broken from inside. You can check it after connecting charger.
• If the Pin is broken, change the Pin and Check voltage again.
• Now verify the connection between Charging connector’s 1st pin and Capacitor. If it is broken, place Jumper.

• Now Check Capacitor, if it is faulty, Change it.

• Now Clean charging connector strip and check for any lose ends. If it is lose, then change the strip.
• Check Board Charging connector.
• Now check Charging detection diode with the help of a multi meter. If it is damaged, replace it.

• If everything else fails, gently heat power IC. If it is still not working, replace it.

Galaxy Note 2 wi-fi problem

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Wi-Fi Problem

Another most common issue that is faced by many is Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Wi-Fi problem. Many have complained that whenever they try to connect to Wi-Fi the speed is either too slow, keeps on disconnecting or it doesn’t connect at all! These are surely some of the most intense issues, if you are a business personal who conducts his business online or the person who needs to be updated all the time. Besides that, all such issues also frustrate the users to masses.

This problem could either be due to your Samsung Note 2 Wi-Fi settings or it could either be because of your router’s settings. In the following lines you will get to know some of the most important troubleshooting steps that will assist you to masses in resolving this problem, these steps include:

Solution:

Here are some of the possible Samsung Note 2 Wi-Fi solutions:

• In some cases a simple restart of your Note 2’s Wi-Fi will get the job done!
• If the above step doesn’t work then you might also like to go with restarting your router or both.
• Go into settings section of your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and:
  • Choose “Advanced” option
  • Select “Always” in “Keep Wi-Fi on During Sleep”. Verify that Wi-Fi Timer is on and also check your IP address.
• If you are an AT&T user then check “Smart Wi-Fi app”, as it overrides your device setting.
• Go with Factory Reset option (It should be taken as a last resort, if everything else doesn’t work). Make sure to sync your device before you go with this option.

Galaxy s4 mic problem solution

Galaxy s4 mic problem solution

Samsung Galaxy S4 is surely new in this market, but you can encounter problems with it due to any of the reasons. One of the most common problems faced by Samsung Galaxy S4 users is the microphone issue which normally arises due to water damage or moisture. In this type of problem you can hear the voice of others on call, while they are not able to hear you.

In order to solve this problem, all you have to do is to:

Solution

• Dry your Samsung Galaxy S4 with a dry towel to eliminate any visible traces of water or moisture.
• Remove battery
• Clean all the openings (Headphone port, Charging port etc.) with the help of cotton buds in order to eliminate all possible traces of water and moisture completely.
• Put you phone into Rice bag or Silica gel packets for at least 48 hours in order to absorb any moisture.

• Check MIC hole for any dust or dirt.

• Now try Microphone again, if it doesn’t work then open your Samsung Galaxy S4 and check the microphone rubber cap and clean it and check again.
•  If it is dislocated reinsert it again, if it is cut or damaged replace it and check.

• Check MIC and its Connector, replace if Faulty. This is surely going to solve your problem.

Workaround

If you are looking for temporary workaround then all you have to do is to use speakerphone, as it uses different microphone in its operation.

Sumsung galaxy s4 network problem solution

Sumsung galaxy s4 network problem solution

Samsung Galaxy S4 is known to be one of the most successful and reliable product of Samsung’s smart phone series, but still you will never know when your device will encounter some problem in it. One of the issues that have been found in Samsung Galaxy S4 is the network problem.

Following are the most common Galaxy S4 Network problems that one might encounter, these include:

• No Network
• Signal Dropping Issue
• Low Signal

If your Galaxy S4 is encountering any such problems then all you have to do is to go with these manual as well as hardware fixes, as they will be able to solve your S4 network issue in the best possible manner. So let’s begin with,

Manual Solutions of Samsung S4 Network Problems

• Restart your Phone and check.
• Remove and Reinsert SIM card.
• Check with any other SIM card and verify whether it is the problem with your phone or your service provider.
• Verify the network mode of your phone, simply by going into its settings. This is important because service providers are either providing CDMA, 4G, 3G and 2G services.

Hardware Solutions of Samsung S4 Network Problems

• Open back cover and frame of your Samsung Galaxy S4 and check Antenna as well as Antenna Contacts for any physical or water damage (Antenna is at the back side of Galaxy S4 frame).

• If it is found to be water damage then clean and re-solder antenna contacts and antenna. Change antenna if it is faulty and Check.
• Now Check Continuity between antenna contacts and coil with the help of multi meter. If there is discontinuity in the path of Antenna contacts and coil place jumper, if that doesn’t work then change the Coil.
• Check external antenna connector for continuity, if there is discontinuity place jumper or replace external antenna and Check.
• In case you are using CDMA network, check antenna wire for any cut or damage.

• Now remove MMC and Strip assembly, as the network section is underneath that assembly.

• Now gently heat power amp, if it still doesn’t work then replace it.

If all that fails in resolving your Samsung galaxy s4 network problem, then upgrade your Android Operating System, but this happens in a very rare case, so this step should be tried in the end.

Galaxy S4 PCB