Who Knew Windows Could Do That?

Closet Applications

If you didn't install Windows yourself, or if you used a standard install option such as Typical or Compact, chances are you're missing out on some free software that's sitting idle on your Windows CD-ROM or in .cab files on your hard disk. Here are some of the Windows utilities I consider most useful. Note: The Windows 2000 Control Panel doesn't let you add or remove the components mentioned here, but the best ones are installed by default anyway.

Microsoft Backup: Though features vary from version to version, this is still a handy tool for making backup copies of all or part of your system. In most Windows versions, select Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Add/Remove Programs. Click the Windows Setup tab, scroll down the Components list, and double-click System Tools. In the System Tools dialog box that appears, check Backup, click OK as many times as needed, and follow the prompts on screen.

Unfortunately, Windows Me doesn't even list this utility as a setup option. If you installed Windows Me over a previous version, Backup may already be on your computer--just search for msbackup.exe or backup.exe and make a shortcut to it. Otherwise, pop in your Windows Me CD-ROM, browse to add-ons\MSBackup, and run msbexp.exe to install.

Character Map: If you've ever wondered how to enter a trademark or copyright symbol, find the right Wingding, or learn the keyboard shortcut for an em dash, this accessory is for you. You'll find Character Map in the System Tools section (to install it, follow the same instructions above for installing Microsoft Backup).

Magnifier: If you need to see details on your screen, you'll find Magnifier a boon. Follow the installation instructions for Character Map above, but double-click Accessibility instead of System Tools. Check Accessibility Tools, click OK as many times as needed, and follow the remaining prompts on screen.

System Configuration Utility: This valuable diagnostic tool lets advanced users isolate software that may be causing system problems, and it provides a one-stop checklist of all the applications Windows is launching at start-up. It's installed by default, but it doesn't appear as an individual icon, only as an item on the Tools menu in System Information. Find msconfig.exe in your Windows\System folder and make a shortcut to it. System Configuration Utility is available only for Windows 98, 98 SE, and me.

TweakUI: A lucky few Microsoft customers got this useful customizing Control Panel accessory on their Windows 98 CD-ROMs. Search for tweakui.inf, right-click it, and choose Install. If it's not there, get a free copy at our Downloads library.

Compressed Folders: If you have Windows Me, you don't have to acquire the acclaimed shareware WinZip. Instead, install this feature for making zip-compatible archives as easily as you would make and use folders. See the installation instructions above for Character Map--it too is in System Tools.