• [ Kill the Process, Use Killbox if your Access Denied ]

[In Windows Vista Run As Administrator, After Execution System Will Restart]

• %Windows\System\Sysctrls.exe
  [ No Exact Information about Files, search above related files in Program files Folder ]
  If you have any of these files in running process from task manger, end the process before removal.
  Note: if task manager is disabled, Download the following file, Click to Download - Enable Registry.reg [ Right Click - Save Target As/Linked Content As ]
  Open it with Regedit.exe [%system32\regedit.exe], then it Confirms Add to registry Yes or No, Confirm Yes, then click Ok.

Polish Windows Enthusiast web site Centrum XP managed to get a hold of the possible final art work for the Windows 7 product boxes. Not much has changed since Vista, still maintaining a similar form factor. The art work does put greater emphasis on the Windows logo with a stylish design featuring nature theme elements such as a fern leaf, butterflies, snow flakes, grass and the moon bursting out and silhouetted within the logo. I do like the design because of its simplicity and focus on the brand which is Windows logo but also the continuation in color scheme branding and identity which makes it easy for consumers of either Windows XP or Vista to clearly identify their upgrade paths. It seems Microsoft will also be providing well explained Anytime Upgrade packages for persons who purchase a particular edition of Windows 7 and would like to upgrade to a higher SKU and gain more features and functionality.

Windows 7 (FPP) retail packaging

Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade packages with stylish '7' numeral

Even Windows 7 Starter edition get its own Anytime Upgrade

What's missing is Windows 7 Home Basic which Microsoft is targeting along with Windows 7 Starter to emerging markets around the world. Mainstream markets such as the US will focus primarily on Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional since those are considered to be premium SKUs. Windows 7 Ultimate will continue to be available for power users who demand both business and consumer functionality.

Easier to open

Windows 7's packaging seems to also simplify opening the box. The Windows Vista box opens with a swing-out section that holds your DVD and manuals. The box has two security seals that need to be cut or removed before it can be opened. Windows 7 packaging seem to feature a DVD style casing which is much easier to open.

Resources

Windows Vista Packaging - What has changed?
Leaked Windows 7 box art is indeed real
Opening the Windows Vista Box Update
Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade – Unlocking more benefits with less effort
Announcing New Packaging for Windows Vista and 2007 Office System

 Thanks to Marcin for the correction!

Remote Access is a powerful feature that has been a part of the Windows platform for a very long time now. One time though, this was only a feature available only to businesses that provided such functionality for Desktop Support and employee access to resources at the office. With the release of Windows XP, Microsoft introduced two technologies, Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance. Remote Desktop focusing on business use and integration with Microsoft technologies such as Terminal Services for providing so-called dumb terminal access. To break it down further, a dumb terminal provides access to resources managed through a centralized server accessed through a client computer with a Display, keyboard and mouse, there is no need for a physical PC like you would have on your desk at home.

Remote Assistance which I will be taking a look at in this article is geared towards the home user, although it is still useful in business scenarios for help and support technicians. Remote Assistance allows you to do a number of things:

• Ability to share your Windows 7 Desktop with another user
• Ability to share control of computer peripherals: Mouse and Keyboard
• Peer to Peer connection without a relay server, meaning, Remote Assistance works just as well with two computers over a LAN (Local Area Network) just as it would over the Internet (WAN).

Remote Assistance in Windows 7 introduces a new feature called 'Easy Connect' which simplifies the process of connecting to another PC remotely with only a password, no file needed. When a connection is established between both computers, contact files are exchanged which creates a trust relationship. This further simplifies future connections that are made without the need for a password. Lets take a look at inviting someone for help using Remote Assistance Easy Connect:

There are multiple ways of inviting and offering assistance, lets take a look at connecting from the Novice side and accepting from the Expert side.

Click Start, Type: Assistance

Hit Enter

Inviting a friend or family member for help (click to enlarge)

Helper password which you will tell the Expert to gain access to your desktop.

Once you have established your connection with the Expert who will be assisting you with your problem, the Expert will connect to your machine with the password generated by Windows Remote Assistance. Lets take a look at connecting from that side of the fence:

Using the Easy Connect wizard to help a friend or family member. (click to enlarge)

Enter the password generated by the person requesting assistance.

Your Windows Remote Assistance session will now begin:

The above screenshot shows the person viewing the desktop of the individual in need of help.

Both persons can initiate a chat session to help communicate and explain the problem (click to enlarge)

Requesting and granting control of your desktop

A person seeking help can share their desktop which will allow their friend or family to use the mouse and keyboard to help solve their problem. In this scenario, adacosta doesn't know how to hide desktop icons, the Helper is showing them how to do so. (click image to enlarge)

You can quickly stop sharing your desktop by clicking the 'Stop Sharing' located on the Chat window.

Conclusion

Remote Assistance makes the troubleshooting experience on the PC seamless, taking away the lengthy phone calls typical of years ago in which you tried to explain what your PC is going through using psychic abilities to solve a problem or make a simple diagnosis. With Windows 7, Remote Assistance is even easier to use and help others.

Troubleshooting: If you experience problems trying to connect or invite, try these suggestions:

• Ensure that your network location is set to 'Home' in Network and Sharing Center'.
• Microsoft provides a tool for testing your router for Peer to Peer technologies such as:
  - Universal Plug and Play
  - Teredo (Network Address Translator)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/using/tools/igd/default.mspx

Resources

Improved Recovery Options in Windows 7
A Quick Look: Customizing your Windows 7 Installation
Windows Easy Transfer: Lessons Learned