Windows – CrocoTIPS https://crocotips.com Thu, 09 Nov 2017 15:15:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.3 What Version Of Windows Do I Have https://crocotips.com/what-version-of-windows-do-i-have/ https://crocotips.com/what-version-of-windows-do-i-have/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:59:10 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=416 Some programs or drivers require specific versions of an operating system. Windows doesn’t display details about its version on desktop or on an accessible window, but you can find it in just a few steps. You can find these details in system’s settings or using a software which will display these details about your computer. Windows 7 Method 1: Using My Computer 1 Go to Properties Right click on Computer, then click on Properties. 2 View the results The new window will display the name of your Windows version, such as Windows 7 Ultimate etc. Also, it displays the platform

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]]> Some programs or drivers require specific versions of an operating system. Windows doesn’t display details about its version on desktop or on an accessible window, but you can find it in just a few steps.

You can find these details in system’s settings or using a software which will display these details about your computer.

Windows 7

Method 1: Using My Computer

1 Go to Properties

Right click on Computer, then click on Properties.

2 View the results

The new window will display the name of your Windows version, such as Windows 7 Ultimate etc. Also, it displays the platform of your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit).
 

Method 2: Using Control Panel

1 Go to Control Panel

Click on Start, then click on Control Panel. Alternatively, if you don’t see it, you can type Control Panel in the search box and the link to this section will appear.

2 Go to System and Security

Click on the menu System and Security.

3 Click on System

Now click on the System link. A new window will appear and you can see the version of your current Windows installation, as well as other details such as RAM memory and system type (32 or 64 bit).

Method 3: Using winver command

1 Click on Start

Then type winver
Then press Enter.

2 View the results

This window will display the numbered version, such as 6.1 (Build 7600) and the name of the version such as Windows 7 Ultimate.

Method 4: Using Sandra Lite

1 Download Sandra Lite

Download and install the program called Sandra Lite (free).

2 Go to Software

After installation, open the program Sandra Lite. Then go to Software section.

3 Click on Operating System

After you click on Operating System section, the program will start to grab info about your computer’s configuration.

4 View your Windows version

In the new window you will see the complete version of your Windows with name and number, such as Windows 7 Ultimate 6.01.7600

Method 5: Using Ctrl+Alt+Del

1 Type the command

Press CTRL+Alt+Del in the same time and a new window will appear.
In the bottom you will see the name of your Windows version.

Method 6: Using MS-DOS

1 Access MS-DOS

Click on Start, then type cmd in the search bar, then press Enter.

2 View the version number

In MS-DOS, type ver
Then hit Enter and the number of version will appear.

Windows 8

Because Windows 8 has 2 different desktop environments (Classic and Metro), if you aren’t used with these 2, i think is easier to use a specialized program to find your Windows 8 version. This is useful for beginners to Windows 8, although i will present multiple methods to find your Windows 8 version.

Method 1: Using Sandra Lite

This program can be used to display information about your hardware and software configurations, is good to keep it installed.

1 Download Sandra Lite

Download the program and install it. Sandra Lite is free.

2 Go to Software section

After you install and start Sandra, go to Software section.

3 Go to Operating System

Click on the Operating System menu. Then wait until the program will grab and display the information about your PC.

4 View the results

After a few seconds, you will see the detailed info about your Windows version such as Windows 8.1 Pro 6.3.9600.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

1 Go to Control Panel

Right click on the Start button, then click on Control Panel.
If you are on the Metro interface, go with the mouse hover the bottom-right icon to activate the vertical Charms menu, then click on Search icon.
Then search for Control Panel and enter into it.

2 Go to System and Security

3 Go to System

Then click on System.

4 View the results

Now you can view details about the Windows version and additional info such as installed RAM memory and system type.

Method 3: Using winver command

1 Go to Run

Right click on Start, then choose Run.
If you are using the Metro interface and you don’t know how to switch to the classic Desktop, then go with the mouse hover the small button from the bottom-right side, then click Search, then search for Run word, then click on Run.

2 Type winver

Type winver
Then press Enter or Ok.
 

3 View results

Now you can view details such as version name and number, e.g Windows 8.1 Pro version 6.3 (Build 9600).

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]]> https://crocotips.com/what-version-of-windows-do-i-have/feed/ 0 How To Change Icon Size (for Desktop) In Windows https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-icon-size-for-desktop-in-windows/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-icon-size-for-desktop-in-windows/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:50:57 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=412 By default, Windows comes with a defined size of the icons of the desktop. But you can resize them in both ways: increase or decrease the size. Often, you need to decrease the size because Windows shows large icons. Windows 7 Method 1: Using Desktop 1 Right click on Desktop When you are on the Desktop, right click, then choose View, then select one of the available sizes: large, medium or small icons. 2 The result As you can see, this is a fast way to change the size of the Desktop’s icons with a few clicks. Method 2: Using mouse scroll

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]]> By default, Windows comes with a defined size of the icons of the desktop. But you can resize them in both ways: increase or decrease the size. Often, you need to decrease the size because Windows shows large icons.

Windows 7

Method 1: Using Desktop

1 Right click on Desktop

When you are on the Desktop, right click, then choose View, then select one of the available sizes: large, medium or small icons.

2 The result

As you can see, this is a fast way to change the size of the Desktop’s icons with a few clicks.

Method 2: Using mouse scroll

This method is better because you can choose a custom size for icons.

1 Select icons

Select all icons with your mouse. Left click and keep it pressed, then select all icons.

2 Release the left click

Then release the left click button of your mouse. The icons should remain selected, like in this image.

3 Resize icons

Then keep pressed the Ctrl key on your keyboard and in the same time scroll with the mouse wheel: up to increase the size and down to make the icons smaller.
The smallest size for icons using this method.

Method 3: Through Control Panel

This method is not very convenient because requires logoff/login in order to apply changes.

1 Go to Control Panel

2 Go to Appearance

Click on Appearance and Personalization.

3 Click on Display

4 Change the size

Then change the size of the icons by choosing one of the options: smaller (100% – the default one), medium (125% size) or larger (150% size).

5 Click Apply

Then click Apply.
You need to logoff and login in order to apply these changes.

Windows 8

Method 1: Mouse scroll

1 Hold Ctrl + mouse scroll

Click once anywhere on your desktop, then hold the Ctrl key and scroll with the mouse. Scroll forward to increase the size or scroll backward to make the icons smaller.

Method 2: Select a View mode

1 Right click on Desktop

Right click on your Desktop, then choose View.

2 Choose the new size

Choose between large, medium and small icons.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-icon-size-for-desktop-in-windows/feed/ 0 How To Add My Computer To Desktop in Windows https://crocotips.com/how-to-add-my-computer-to-desktop-in-windows/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-add-my-computer-to-desktop-in-windows/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 07:37:58 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=406 In some Windows versions, such as 8/8.1, some essential shortcuts are missing from the desktop. Because we often use them, it would be nice to have them on Desktop. In this tutorial we will learn how to add My Computer icon onto your Desktop. Windows 8 1 Go to Desktop If you are on Metro (Start) interface, press Windows + D keys to go to desktop – other methods are described on this page. 2 Go to Personalize When you are on your Desktop, right click, then choose Personalize. 3 Change desktop icons Then click Change desktop icons 4 Add Computer icon to desktop Then

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]]> In some Windows versions, such as 8/8.1, some essential shortcuts are missing from the desktop. Because we often use them, it would be nice to have them on Desktop. In this tutorial we will learn how to add My Computer icon onto your Desktop.

Windows 8

1 Go to Desktop

If you are on Metro (Start) interface, press Windows + D keys to go to desktop – other methods are described on this page.

2 Go to Personalize

When you are on your Desktop, right click, then choose Personalize.

3 Change desktop icons

Then click Change desktop icons

4 Add Computer icon to desktop

Then choose Computer, then click Apply and Ok.

5 Result

The Computer icon is on your desktop. You can re-arrange them with drag&drop.

Windows 7

1 Go to Personalize

Right click on Desktop, then choose Personalize.

2 Change desktop icons

Then click on Change desktop icons

3 Add the icon to desktop

Select the Computer item, then click Apply and Ok.

4 Result

The (My) Computer shortcut is on your desktop.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-add-my-computer-to-desktop-in-windows/feed/ 0 How To Turn Off Sleep Mode On Windows 7/8 https://crocotips.com/how-to-turn-off-sleep-mode-on-windows-78/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-turn-off-sleep-mode-on-windows-78/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 07:30:24 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=403 Your computer can enter into the Sleep mode after a certain time of inactivity. By default, this option is enabled after a brand new Windows installation. In this guide you will learn how to disable/enable the Sleep mode. Windows 7 1 Go to Control Panel Click Start, then go to Control Panel 2 Go to Power Options Search for Power Options, then click on it. 3 Change plan settings For the plant that is currently selected or checked, choose Change plan settings 4 Change settings At Put the computer to sleep, choose Never and your computer will not enter in the Sleep mode. Also, you can choose

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]]> Your computer can enter into the Sleep mode after a certain time of inactivity. By default, this option is enabled after a brand new Windows installation.

In this guide you will learn how to disable/enable the Sleep mode.

Windows 7

1 Go to Control Panel

Click Start, then go to Control Panel

2 Go to Power Options

Search for Power Options, then click on it.

3 Change plan settings

For the plant that is currently selected or checked, choose Change plan settings

4 Change settings

At Put the computer to sleep, choose Never and your computer will not enter in the Sleep mode. Also, you can choose another time interval. Then click Save changes.
In addition, in the same way, you can disable the turning off of the display.

Windows 8

1 Go to Search menu

Press Windows + Q keys to be able to use the Search function.

2 Search for Power Options

Search for Power options, then click on it.

3 Change settings

For the selected plan, click on Change plan settings

4 Turn off Sleep

At Put the computer to sleep, select Never.
Then click Save changes.
Also, you can choose a different time interval if you don’t want to completely disable the Sleep mode.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-turn-off-sleep-mode-on-windows-78/feed/ 0 How To Enter in BIOS – Windows 8/7/XP https://crocotips.com/how-to-enter-in-bios-windows-87xp/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-enter-in-bios-windows-87xp/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 07:23:46 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=400 BIOS is a driver/software which runs every time when a Windows computer starts. When you start a computer, the BIOS runs first. What is doing? BIOS is checking the main hardware components (processors, memory, motherboard, sound card ..) to see if they are working properly and if there are any errors. Usually, there aren’t any errors and the computer will continue to load the operating system. Why do you need BIOS? You can make different basic adjustments for hardware configuration, such as the boot order (where the computer will look to load the first program), change date and time for

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]]> BIOS is a driver/software which runs every time when a Windows computer starts. When you start a computer, the BIOS runs first.

What is doing? BIOS is checking the main hardware components (processors, memory, motherboard, sound card ..) to see if they are working properly and if there are any errors. Usually, there aren’t any errors and the computer will continue to load the operating system.

Why do you need BIOS? You can make different basic adjustments for hardware configuration, such as the boot order (where the computer will look to load the first program), change date and time for PC , set a password at BIOS level.

1 Restart the computer

The classic and the universal way is to access the BIOS settings when you start the computer. During the start process, the PC will display a message just for a few seconds telling you that you can press a certain key to enter in BIOS.

There isn’t an universal key to enter in BIOS, so it depends what brand of computer or laptop do you have.

When the PC starts, you need to read which key you have to press in order to enter into BIOS menu. If you don’t se the key, restart the PC until you see it.

2 Press the special key

During the start, the computer will display which keyboard key you must press in order to enter into BIOS. Depending by the instructions from the start-up process, press the keyboard key to enter into Setup or BIOS.
Common keys used to enter into BIOS (CMOS) menu:

  • F2
  • Del
  • F10
  • F12
  • Esc

3 The BIOS

The BIOS menu will look like this.
In this menu you can navigate with arrow keys and if you need to exit, go to Exit, then press Enter or follow the instructions from the screen.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-enter-in-bios-windows-87xp/feed/ 0 How To Change Boot Order https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-boot-order/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-boot-order/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 07:18:47 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=398 When a computer starts, it loads the BIOS sequence, then it will boot the operating system from a location (hard drive, DVD/CD-ROM, USB ..). The boot location is defined in BIOS (also called CMOS) menu. The BIOS sets the boot order, this means it will look on those locations and if will find a valid file, it will start it from there. For example, if you have the Hard Drive first (in the boot order), the computer will start the Windows operating system. If you have a bootable DVD/CD or USB and you want to reinstall Windows, you can’t because

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]]> When a computer starts, it loads the BIOS sequence, then it will boot the operating system from a location (hard drive, DVD/CD-ROM, USB ..).

The boot location is defined in BIOS (also called CMOS) menu.

The BIOS sets the boot order, this means it will look on those locations and if will find a valid file, it will start it from there.

For example, if you have the Hard Drive first (in the boot order), the computer will start the Windows operating system. If you have a bootable DVD/CD or USB and you want to reinstall Windows, you can’t because the Hard Drive is first and the computer will load the installed operating system and will not check for the next devices mentioned in the boot order. So, to install a new Windows from DVD/CD or USB, you must put these devices first, in BIOS->Boot order.

Tip: in order to start the PC faster, let the Hard Drive first at the boot order, after you finish your new Windows installation from a CD, USB etc..

1 Go to BIOS

Enter into BIOS menu. Here you will find the Boot menu and you can change the order.
See here how to enter in BIOS menu. Usually, press Del or F2 when the computer starts.

2 Go to Boot menu

Using the arrow keys, go to the Boot menu.

3 Change boot order

With arrow keys, go to the device that you want to be first, at boot order.
Then press + or – to move it up or down.
For example, I pressed + to move the CD-ROM drive first.

4 Save changes

Then Exit by Saving changes.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-change-boot-order/feed/ 0 How To Open Windows Explorer https://crocotips.com/how-to-open-windows-explorer/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-open-windows-explorer/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 06:54:14 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=390 Windows Explorer displays the list with essential files from your Windows operating system, at the highest level, then you can double click on each item to view its files. To read more about what is Windows Explorer you can read this article. Often you will find references to open a file or folder in Explorer more, or simply open File Explorer (the same thing as Windows Explorer). There is nothing complicated, Windows Explorer looks like a regular window, for example My Computer. Method 1: Windows + E This is the simplest method. 1 Press these keys Press Windows + E keys 2 Windows Explorer

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]]> Windows Explorer displays the list with essential files from your Windows operating system, at the highest level, then you can double click on each item to view its files. To read more about what is Windows Explorer you can read this article.

Often you will find references to open a file or folder in Explorer more, or simply open File Explorer (the same thing as Windows Explorer).

There is nothing complicated, Windows Explorer looks like a regular window, for example My Computer.

Method 1: Windows + E

This is the simplest method.

1 Press these keys

Press Windows + E keys

2 Windows Explorer is open

Method 2: Search

1 Search Windows Explorer

Click Start, then search for Windows Explorer.
Then click on Windows Explorer

2 The result

Windows Explorer is now opened.

Method 3: Click on shortcut

1 Shortcut

In some Windows editions, the shortcut for Windows Explorer (File Explorer) is already on your Taskbar.
If you have it, just click on it.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-open-windows-explorer/feed/ 0 How To View How Much RAM Memory Your Computer Has https://crocotips.com/how-to-view-how-much-ram-memory-your-computer-has/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-view-how-much-ram-memory-your-computer-has/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 06:47:29 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=386 This article is intended for those who want to see how many RAM memory is available on their computers. This information may be very useful when you need to decide which type of operating system you will install: 32-bit or 64-bit. If you have 4 GB RAM memory or more, you should install a 64-bit version, because your computer will work faster. otherwise, if you have less than 4GB RAM, you should install a 32-bit version. Windows 7 Method 1: via My Computer 1 Go to Properties Go to Desktop, then right click on Computer icon, then click Properties. 2 View the result In this window

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]]> This article is intended for those who want to see how many RAM memory is available on their computers.

This information may be very useful when you need to decide which type of operating system you will install: 32-bit or 64-bit. If you have 4 GB RAM memory or more, you should install a 64-bit version, because your computer will work faster. otherwise, if you have less than 4GB RAM, you should install a 32-bit version.

Windows 7

Method 1: via My Computer

1 Go to Properties

Go to Desktop, then right click on Computer icon, then click Properties.

2 View the result

In this window you will find details about your RAM memory.

Method 2: Using Sandra

This is a free program which displays detailed information about computer’s hardware.

1 Download Sandra

Download Sandra Lite (free), then install it and start it.

2 Go to Hardware

Click on the Hardware section.

3 Go to Overview

Then wait a few seconds until Sandra will gather the data about computer’s hardware.

4 View RAM

You can see how much RAM do you have on your PC.

Windows 8

Method 1: via Windows Explorer

1 Open Windows Explorer

Click Windows + E keys.

2 Computer Properties

Right click on This PC, then click Properties

3 View RAM

Method 2: via Control Panel

1 Go to Control Panel

Click Windows + X, then click on Control Panel
(to see other methods to access Control Panel check this guide)

2 Go to System and Security

3 View RAM

Then click on System or click on View amount of RAM and processor speed

4 Result

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-view-how-much-ram-memory-your-computer-has/feed/ 0 Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Operating Systems https://crocotips.com/difference-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-operating-systems/ https://crocotips.com/difference-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-operating-systems/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 06:41:27 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=384 These terms refer to the ability of computer’s processor to handle a large amount of RAM memory. In short, 64-bit (x64) is better than 32-bit (x86), because 64-bit can use more efficiently a larger amount of computer’s RAM memory, so your computer and programs will work faster. When to install a 32-bit Windows operating system? When you have less than 4GB RAM memory. What is the difference? A 64 bit operating system it is able to use more than 4gb of RAM memory. Conclusion: if you have at least 4GB RAM memory, go with a 64-bit version of Windows. All 32-bit

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]]> These terms refer to the ability of computer’s processor to handle a large amount of RAM memory.

In short, 64-bit (x64) is better than 32-bit (x86), because 64-bit can use more efficiently a larger amount of computer’s RAM memory, so your computer and programs will work faster.

When to install a 32-bit Windows operating system? When you have less than 4GB RAM memory.

What is the difference?
A 64 bit operating system it is able to use more than 4gb of RAM memory.

Conclusion: if you have at least 4GB RAM memory, go with a 64-bit version of Windows.

All 32-bit programs will work on a 64-bit operating system.

Reference: answers.microsoft.com

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]]> https://crocotips.com/difference-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-operating-systems/feed/ 0 How To Create Bootable USB from ISO File https://crocotips.com/how-to-create-bootable-usb-from-iso-file/ https://crocotips.com/how-to-create-bootable-usb-from-iso-file/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 06:33:57 +0000 http://www.crocotips.com/?p=380 Windows operating system can be installed from a CD/DVD or from other devices such as an USB. In order to install Windows, you have to create a bootable device with Windows setup kit on it. Then, you must enter into BIOS and set this device the first at the boot order menu. The, when you restart the computer, you can install the Windows operating system on your PC. If you don’t create a bootable media device (USB, DVD ..), you cannot install Windows. So, there are different program able to create bootable USB flash drives and you can use them to install a fresh

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]]> Windows operating system can be installed from a CD/DVD or from other devices such as an USB. In order to install Windows, you have to create a bootable device with Windows setup kit on it. Then, you must enter into BIOS and set this device the first at the boot order menu. The, when you restart the computer, you can install the Windows operating system on your PC.

If you don’t create a bootable media device (USB, DVD ..), you cannot install Windows. So, there are different program able to create bootable USB flash drives and you can use them to install a fresh new Windows on your computer.

Method 1: Using Rufus

Rufus is a small, fast and free program which allows you to burn or write ISO files on an USB. You can create bootable USB with Windows or other programs that may require to be loaded from a bootable media.

Rufus allows you to create bootable USB not only with Windows, but also with other programs that require to be started from a bootable device.

1 Download Rufus

Download, install and start the program.

2 Select the USB drive

By default, Rufus is able to detect the USB device connected to your PC. But is recommended to check it again, because you will format this drive and you don’t want to be another drive such as C:\ where is installed your current operating system.

3 ISO

Select ISO from the menu.

4 Browse ISO

Browse the ISO file containing the Windows installation kit. Then double click on your ISO file, to add it into Rufus.

5 Start

Click Start

6 Click Ok

The program will alert you that the content of that USB drive will be erased before writing the selected ISO file. Click Ok.

7 Wait

Wait until the bootable USB is created.

8 Close

When is Done, click Close and you will be able to use your bootable USB stick with an ISO file on it.

Method 2: Using ISO to USB

This program can create bootable USB only with Windows installation kit (you must have it as ISO file).

1 Download ISO to USB

Download and install this small program. It is free.
Then start it.

2 Select ISO file

Click Browse, then select your ISO file from the hard drive.

3 Bootable

Check the option Bootable

4 Burn

Click Burn to write that ISO file on USB.

5 Click Yes

The program will notify you that the content of USB will be erased before creating your bootable USB.
Click Yes

6 Wait

Then wait until will finish to create it. Then click Close.

Method 3: Using Windows USB/DVD Tool

It can create bootable USB and DVD with Windows 8 and 7, from ISO files.If you want to install older versions of Windows, go with Rufus (free).

1 Download the program

Download, install and start Windows USB/DVD Tool. It is a free program.

2 Choose file

Choose the ISO file from your hard drive. Then click Next.

3 Choose USB

Select USB

4 Select device

Select your USB flash disk which is connected to PC.

5 Begin

Click Begin

6 Confirm Erase

The USB device will be completely erased before writing the new ISO file. Click Erase USB device

7 Wait

Then wait until the program will create the bootable USB.

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]]> https://crocotips.com/how-to-create-bootable-usb-from-iso-file/feed/ 0