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Getting-Along-With-Your-Computer

Where's the setting for...?

There’s a lot to like in Windows 10, but some days it’s hard to find what I’m looking for, especially a setting.

I think eventually Microsoft will to do away with Control Panel completely and dump everything into the Settings app instead.

In the meantime, it’s a little like living out of a suitcase: stuff is scattered around everywhere.

All your settings in one place

If you want to find the settings you’re looking for the same day you start looking for them, activate the built-in, hidden tool called GodMode. This tool doesn’t give you any special powers. Instead it puts all the settings in one place. That’s so much easier.

Want to give this a try? Start by creating a new folder on your Desktop:

  • Right-click on an empty spot on the Desktop
  • Click New | Folder
  • Now copy this expression exactly:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Click again on an empty spot on the Desktop

Finish the job:

  • Right-click on the new folder
  • Click on Rename
  • Paste in the expression

You’ll end up with the Control Panel icon. But when you double-click to open it, you’ll see every setting from Control Panel and the Settings app.

You can change how that information is displayed by clicking on the View tab. If you don’t want to have to scroll through 200 items to get the one you want, use the search function in the upper right-hand corner.

I don’t especially like the term GodMode. If you want to call this little tool by another name, right-click on it, click on Rename, and call it what you like. I like ShamanMode.

A few words about your printer

When is a printer not just a printer? When it’s a scanner, too.

Who cares? Well, you do if:

  • You’re installing a new Printer/Scanner/Whatever
  • You already have one that works on your computer now, but you’re setting up a new computer

If the only thing your printer does is print, you’re usually fine just connecting it to your computer or to your network. Modern versions of Windows will recognize printers and load the appropriate drivers.

If you have a multifunction device, however, you’ll need to install the scanner software to make that work. If your multifunction device is on a network, installing the software will usually find the device and connect to it during the installation process.

If you’re just connecting it to a computer with a USB cable, don’t connect the printer until you’re prompted during the installation process.

Always download the software from the manufacturer’s site, not from one of the sketchy sites that claim to have all the drivers for everything. The manufacturer will have the most up-to-date software, and the instructions for installing it if you need them.

Changing from one ISP to another? Don’t forget to connect your network printer to the new network.

Fall Creators Update rollout continues

Did you receive the big Windows 10 upgrade yet? How did that go?

Are you still waiting? Check out my tips for a successful upgrade in last week’s column

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

The Technology Shaman, Cate Eales, has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible, and fun for over 30 years.

Cate lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric. She owns and operates Computer Care Kelowna, a mobile computer business providing on-site service for home and small business customers.

Cate is here to help you and your home or business computer get along.

E-mail Cate at [email protected] with comments, suggestions, or questions.

Computer Care Kelowna

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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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