Solution Properties
Solution ID:
200427112205047
Last Modified Date:
Tue Mar 25 14:34:00 UTC 2025
Taxonomy Path:
Case category//How do I...//setting up
Author:
[email protected]
Common Windows computer tasks
Description

If you're not certain which of the following tasks to complete, or you're not confident about doing them, contact your IT support for help.

Safe mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of the operating system which switches off many non-core components in order to diagnose and fix problems. We may use Safe Mode to test functionality of Sage products to try and recreate any issues.

Mapped networked drive

Mapping a network drive is a way of assigning a letter to a shared drive or folder on another computer. You can then refer to the new drive letter rather than the full universal naming convention (UNC) path.

Hidden shares

A hidden share is a shared folder that you can't locate by browsing the network. To access a hidden share you must specify the exact UNC path including the $ sign. For example, \\server\share$

 NOTE: Because hidden shares are applied by adding a $ sign after the share name, they're often referred to as $ shares or dollar shares.

 The following sections explain how to complete certain computer tasks.

How to use Task Manager if your Sage software isn't responding

If you can't click on anything within the Sage software, to exit and return to your computer desktop you need to use Windows Task Manager.

  1. Press CTRL+ALT+Delete on your keyboard > Applications.
  2. Select the software that isn't responding > End Task > if applicable, End Now > File > Exit Task Manager.

Safe Mode

To start a computer in Safe Mode, turn on or restart your computer.
  1. When the computer starts to power on press the F8 key.

     TIP: Some computers may require you to tap the F8 key continuously until the startup menu appears

  2. On the startup menu choose Safe Mode with Networking then press Enter.
To restart a computer in normal mode after using Safe Mode, restart your computer and let it restart without touching any keys.

Manually registering and unregistering a file

 CAUTION: This involves making changes to the Microsoft Windows registry. Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require a reinstall of the Microsoft Windows operating system to correct them. Sage cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. If in any doubt, please refer the customer to their IT Administrator.

It may at times be necessary to register or unregister a file to solve problems with Sage software. You should only follow this procedure if you're certain it's the correct process to follow.

To register a file

  1. Close any software you have open > press the Windows key + R > type cmd > press Enter.
  2. At the prompt, type regsvr32 > press Enter > OK.

     TIP: If the file path contains spaces, you must add quotation marks at the start and end of the file path. For example, regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\Sage Payroll\PayAppData.dll"

To unregister a file

  1. Close any software you have open > press the Windows key + R > type cmd > press Enter.
  2. At the prompt, type regsvr32 /u > press Enter > OK.

     TIP: If the file path contains spaces, you must add quotation marks at the start and end of the file path. For example, regsvr32 /u "C:\Program Files\Sage Payroll\PayAppData.dll"

How to map a network drive

  1. Press the Windows key + E > Map network drive.
  2. Select the required drive letter > Browse > select the required shared folder.

     TIP: If the drive has been previously mapped on this PC, you can select the folder path from the drop-down list.

  3. Select the Reconnect at logon check box > Finish.

How to identify a computer name

  1. Press the Windows key + R > type cmd > press Enter.
  2. Type hostname > press Enter.
  3. To close the window > type exit > press Enter.

How to share a folder

  1. Press the Windows key + E > browse to the required folder to share.
  2. Right-click the folder > Share.
  3. From the drop-down list, choose the required users. 

     TIP: If the computer is a member of a domain, to add additional users choose Find people. 

  4. Choose the required permissions from the Permission Level > choose the required permissions > Share > Done > Close.

How to check administrator access

  • Press the Windows key + R > type cmd > press Enter > type net localgroup administrators > press Enter.

    All members of the administrator group are listed. If the name you use to log in to Windows doesn't appear, you don't have administrator access.

How to resolve software hanging

You should ensure you've sufficient space on your hard drive.

  1. Press the Windows key + E.
  2. Right-click the local hard drive > Properties.

If the free space is less than 100MB, you should make more space available by deleting files that aren't required.

How to increase the font size

  • Press the Windows key + R > type control > press Enter > Display.