The important tools that don’t require much technical knowledge are ones you may already of used in DOS such as diskpart, format and chkdsk. Chkdsk searches a disk or file for errors and repairs them. Diskpart is a partition tool for creating / deleting partitions and format is exactly that, a format disk tool.

If you are having problems getting past boot up then try fixboot command. The other common problem is a virus infecting you master boot record or MBR and solution is to type in fixmbr although it is important to get it scanned with an antivirus program if you can as this can lead to partitions you might not be able to access.

Another Useful command is listsvc command which lists all services and drivers so if you have an idea where your problem may lie you can simply type disable / followed by which service you want to stop and same with enable / command.

You should be able to save yourself having to re-install windows so it’s worth having , even if you never use it.

More help is available at Microsoft site. Support.Microsoft.com/?kbid=314058

As with all tools which enable you to change registry please exercise caution, take it to a professional if at all unsure. Mark white http://www.sunspeks.com http://www.phone-bits.com

* by clicking an icon in system tray

You can set one screen corner for disabling screensavers and another for starting them. This way moving mouse into first corner will prevent any screensaver from starting. Moving mouse into second corner will start your default screensaver. Holding mouse in any other place of your desktop will make screensavers behave in usual manner. For you convenience, Hot Corners allow you to vary size of corners. This way you won't waste too much time positioning mouse precisely.

Alternatively, you can set a pair of keyboard shortcuts to quickly disable or activate a screensaver. You may prefer this method if you extensively use keyboard while working.

Another useful feature of Hot Corners is Power Management control. Not only it can prevent screensavers from starting, but it also won't let your monitor to go in power saving and power-off modes.

Hot Corners were created by South Bay Software, and are available for download from

http://www.southbaypc.com/HotCorners/

Another interesting tool is Galt Screen Control by Galt Technology. It definitely lacks variety of screensaver control methods available in Hot Corners. Nevertheless, it has many other features you may find useful.

There is only one way to disable screensavers using Galt Screen Control. You will have to right click application icon in system tray and select corresponding option.

But there's more in it than simply disabling screensavers. You can select an option that will disable them for 1/2, 1, 2, or 4 hours, giving you even finer control. This way you will never forget to enable screensavers back later. Galt Screen Control provides an easy and convenient way to launch or configure any installed screensaver. It requires you just two menu clicks. Furthermore, tool can select a random screensaver when you ask it. Alternatively, it can do it on each program startup or on an hourly basis.

You can download Galt Screen Control from

http://www.galttech.com/screenshots/screencontrol.html

Now that I've shared these little secret tools with you, it's time to show your screensavers their real master. Don't waste a second! Put them under control!