Fix Logon Failure: User Account Restriction Error (IIS or Remote Desktop)

When connecting or accessing to remote computer or server with Remote Desktop Connection (RDC or “Terminal Services”) client (mstsc.exe) through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), the authentication when logging in with a user account with blank password or no password may fail. The Remote Desktop Connection client may return “The user name or password is incorrect” error even if the credentials provided is valid and correct.

Enable Press Ctrl+Alt+Del Secure Logon On Windows 7 or Vista

In Windows NT, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008, including its R2 variants, users have to press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys simultaneously and concurrently in order to gain access to logon screen securely. The mechanism is introduced as a security measure, which reduces the risk to attacks that attempt to intercept the users’ passwords. Requiring the action to press Ctrl +Alt +Del before users log on ensures that users are communicating by means of a trusted path when entering their passwords.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista does not require user to press Ctrl + Alt + Del keyboard combination before booting up or reaching welcome screen or logon screen. For users who want to implement the security setting that requires user to press Ctrl + Alt + Del shortcut combination to logon, just follow the trick below.

Delete or Disable Recent Search Entries History in Windows 7 (Explorer) Search Box

Windows 7 allows users to check for files in Windows Explorer via the tiny search box in Windows Explorer. Users can easily locate files by typing the relevant keywords in the search box instead of navigating through all the folders. The search box will scour all programs and all folders in users’ personal folder and also search through all e mail messages, saved instant messages, appointments, contacts, etc. Even though this search feature is useful and helpful, there is a small problem that might matter to some users. By default, Windows 7 will automatically store all the search queries in the history.

How to Disable and Turn Off Windows 7 Gadget Platform (Sidebar)

Gadgets which reside or sit on Windows Sidebar as container in Windows Vista had received a major overhaul and redo in Windows 7. Windows Sidebar is now replaced by Windows Gadget Platform, a new framework for creating and hosting mini-applications (gadgets) on the Windows 7 desktop. With the new platform, the sidebar no longer stick to the left or right side of the desktop, and the gadgets can be freely moved and roamed around all corner of the desktop.

Despite the much simplified gadget management, much streamlined user interface and there is no longer any sidebar settings, some Windows 7 users may not be using or utilizing gadgets, which now hosted and displayed on the Windows 7 desktop.

Fix Transparent or Invisible Desktop Icon Text After Installing DreamScene in Windows 7

Windows DreamScene, or animated desktop background feature, is no longer supported in Windows 7. However, there is hack to install DreamScene in Windows 7 by copying over the program files and registry keys from Windows Vista.

However, after enabling DreamScene and set a video clip to be the motion desktop background, the text of desktop icons will vanish, or become transparent and invisible, leaving only the text’s shadow visible. To fix and resolve the desktop icons’ text not visible, hidden or transparent issue, follow these steps: