A few cool tips for Windows 7

1. Add an additional pane to Windows Explorer

In Windows Explorer, activate an additional file preview pane to the right side of the window with this new shortcut. This panel is great for previewing images in your photos directory or for moving files from one directory to another.

Windows + + (plus key)
Windows + – (minus key)

2. Access hidden themes and wallpaper in Windows 7

When you first install Windows 7, it asks for your language, time and currency. If you choose United States, for example, the available desktop backgrounds and themes will include a United States section with scenery from U.S. locations.

Did you know there are many hidden background and themes from other English-speaking countries, like Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada? There are, and you can access them easily by following this tip.

1. Click Start and in the search box at the bottom type C:\Windows\Globalization\MCT and press Enter.

2. Windows Explorer will open and display a list of subfolders under C:\Windows\Globalization\MCT: MCT-AU, MCT-CA, MCT-GB, MCT-US, and MCT-ZA. Each subfolder has wallpapers for a specific country: AU for Australia, CA for Canada, GB for Great Britain, US for the United States, and ZA for South Africa.

For any of the countries whose wallpaper and themes you want to use, go into its Theme folder, for example, C:\Windows\Globalization\MCT\MCT-CA\Theme. Double-click the theme you see there (for example CA).

Windows 7 Canada theme
A Canada theme, ready to use.
Click to view larger image.

3. A shortcut will be installed to theme and wallpapers in the Personalization section of Control Panel.

Now you can use any of the countries themes you added. You’ll be able to use all the additional themes and wallpapers just by right-clicking the desktop, choosing Personalize, and choosing a background or theme. Each country you added will be listed in their own section.