Windows Tools that Moved

Windows XP has been with us almost eight months now and XP users are starting to request some XP specific tips. Don't let it be said that I'm not responsive to my listeners requests (I welcome and consider them all).

If you are using the new Windows XP and have been looking for some old favorite tools from your Windows 95/98 days, read onward my friend.

I use Windows Explorer probably more than any other tool in Windows. In previous versions of Windows, it was located in the Programs menu. With Windows XP (and Me, by the way), you have to dig in the Accessories menu to find it. Of course, you can always get to it in any version of Windows, including XP, via the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut.

How about Scan Disk? Scan disk has changed in Windows XP and is now called "Error Checking". To access it:

1. Click Start --> My Computer OR double-click on My Computer from the desktop
2. RIGHT click on your hard drive (C)
3. Click Properties
4. Click the Tools tab
5. Click the Check Now button

One last note for XP users. The Registry Checker tool featured in last week's tip is not available in XP. XP considers itself 'self-healing' and does not require some of the same tools we used in earlier versions of Windows.