Vista Shell Chat - 1/26/06

{Missed the first few min}

 

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [5] Todd, I'm in Mountain View Question: How is the metadata for files stored? (Keywords, Rating, etc.). And how can we store and access it?

A: metadata is stored in properties objects. There are some standard handlers that will be published in the API, or an application and create its own handler.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [31] When logging into a Domain with 5270, you do not see a "Domain" to log in to. If you donot qualify your login (Doamin Name\User ID) you cannot authenticate to a domain account. Will this be looked at soon?

A: This has been fixed. By default it will try to log you in to the domain that the computer is joined to. If you are intentionally trying to login with a local account you can preface it with wimply .\<username> to get around the domain. The updated UI also shows you what domain it is assuming.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert): A quick introduction, I'm Mike Adams and work on the Beta Shell team.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [29] Is the Credential Provider technology technically part of the shell team or part of the Windows Security team? Can we expect a return of the domain drop down?

A: Nope... The domain dropdown is not coming back. We have simplified the concept. By default, if you don't specify a domain name, you will login to the domain that the machine belongs to. The UI has changed so you will see automatically in which domain you want to login to. To login to the local machine, you can either type <machine name>\<account name> or more simply type .\

Mike (Expert):
Q: [29] Is the Credential Provider technology technically part of the shell team or part of the Windows Security team? Can we expect a return of the domain drop down?

A: The Provider interface was actually designed by the shell team since the majority of its methods are specifically geared towards displaying user tiles. Needless to say though, LogonUI and CredUI have developers from both Shell and Security working on them.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Can we expect any dramaitc UI changes in the February CTP (e.g. the revamped Start menu in the Dec. CTP)?

A: I don't think you'll see anything too much different UI wise in the Feb CTP (nothing as dramatic as the Dec one anyway).

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [41] I used lobe able to ht Ctrl-Alt-Del, type in my password and be logged in before my monitor lit up. Now I have to wait until I can see the UI to log in, have to use the mouse

A: You won't have to use the mouse... If the policy to not remember the last logged on account is not in use, the user tile with your name and password will be presented (in zoomed more).

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [13] will rar compressed files supported in future?

A: We currently don't have plans to add built-in support for the rar compressed format for Vista.

 

Mike (Expert):
Q: [30] Are you going to improve the UAC dialogs to give more information about what's running than "Run as DLL"

A: Yes. Most of the offenders for this were the way that old CPLs launched using rundll32. These have been updated to use their own exe to launch with that contains specific information for them. This still leaves open the issue of other programs that use rundll32 being obscured from what is actually trying to elevate. A final plan has not been decided on that yet.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [20] Has UAC been changed in the next CTP build to eliminate all of the redundant confirmations steps now needed for exectuing simple commands?

A: I assume you mean for instance in IE when you go to install an ActiveX control? We are working on this, but I don't think you will see too many changes in this area for the next CTP. There are fewer spots in the UI that require elevation now though.

Marie (Expert):
Q: [44] Will the CRTL + ALT + Delete function will be restored to task manager? Like before?

A: Sorry, not likely.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [38] Not a question, just a request - please make the cred prov documentation more than just the interface list and more like a programmers guide. Consider a fully working code sample.

A: The coding sample is coming, it just isn't done yet. There is a developer's documentation, I just don't know where it is available for download.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [49] I find there is no real classic shell mode I would really preffer in some enviroments to have vista look just like xp did in classic mode aka looking like win2k. I mean everyone one flip the switch converts contraolpanes task bar startment the works.

A: There is a Shell classic mode that is based on w2k. It is divided in two different aspect, a look and feel aspect (removing aero - glass and making the windows w2k look alike) and a functional parity, turning the different shell features to a w2k feature mode.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [36] What about the sidebar? It will be avaliable on feb CTP?

A: Actually this is a huge topic of discussion around here. It *most likely* will go in, but we aren't 100% sure.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [7] Hi, I would like you to take that god awful save file dialog box and change it back to the way it was in xp

A: The Xp version of the dialog is still in the product. However it does not expose some of the storage and organize features of Vista. what exactly makes this dialog god awful? how can we get to just awful, or perhaps cool in your opinion?

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [9] why has there been silence regarding the major issue with activation and this has halted our testing with build 5270. you can see lot of issues posted in the beta newsgroups regarding this activation bug.

A: Activation is really beyond the scope of today's chat. However we have been working to address some of these bugs and some have been fixed post 5270. Sorry I don't have a comprehensive list.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [21] The icons for hibernate and the popup-menu can be confusing in the start menu. Are you considering changing them!? How about being able to disable the hibernate butten to avoid accidental "shutdown"?

A: I can say that the confusion surrounding the hibernate/power down buttons has been bugged extensively. I don't know of a concrete answer yet but I am guessing you will still see subtle changes that make this area cleaner.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [46] Have you decided whether to include a way to make multiple credential providers specify their authentication "strength" so that they can be intelligently filtered by 3rd party providers? I and others requested this at the PDC.

A: They specify their authentication package, though it doesn't sound like that has the weight that you are looking for. The filtering has been implemented, but it is more designed for a filter to target its own provider. It is not currently meant as a way to try and filter out someone else's provider unless you know their GUID.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [60] The rumors said, there is a special team (another ms shell/GUI team), which develop a new/cooler/better GUI/interface beside of AERO? Is that true and can we expect this surface in Vista final release?

A: There are going to be GUI changes in Vista by the time the final release comes, but it'll be from the Shell, not any top secret *Mission Shell* team

Mike (Expert):
Q: [59] Mike Re 20 No. I am speaking about simply trying to run a program from the quick launch bar...it takes 3 clicks in 5270 compared to 1 in XP

A: Most programs from the quick launch bar won't require elevation unless they are specifically marked to require elevated privileges. You should notice improvements.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [48] Will it be possible to enable the glass effects and stuff in the new version?

A: It will depend on your hardware... Glass is by default turned on unless the system ratings decide that the machine cannot support it.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [37] How much WinFS functionality, if any, will be available in the initial release of Vista and the shell? Virtual folders? Searching? Metadata stored in a database?

A: short answer: None. However we do have searching and metadata storage, etc. in the build, but WinFS comes later.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [22] There will be any new feature in the feb CTP for Media Center?

A: Yes, it should actually work some now.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [2] I would like to have a button I can press immediatelly after pressing shut-off or re-start, so that I can stop the action.

A: The "Shutdown" counter has been removed and there is a Suggestion that has been submitted to bring it back.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [66] I want a true multilingual shell like Mac OS X. I.e. I open a control panel, choose a language et voila, upon the next logon the system appears in the chosen language. Will this happen in Vista?

A: Yes... This is the plan. It will however depend on the license you bought but we do have a single worldwide binary for Windows Vista and it will allow you to install different language pack changing the whole shell language pretty much on the fly.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [57] Will it be possible to enable administrative rights more easier when we want to run a program as admin. Now we need to change the propeties...?

A: You can always right click on a program and choose to run it as an administrator. You won't have to deal with properties to do it if you don't want to.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [72] Are we still going to see changes to the CTRL+ALT+DEL screen while you are logged in? Vista doesn't give the current logon information that XP/2000 does. (User Matt Schultz is logged on as matt@mydomain.com. Logon: 1/26/06 at 7:01 AM.)

A: My understanding is there are still changes to come to this area, in my experience I would say it would still change a lot.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [72] Are we still going to see changes to the CTRL+ALT+DEL screen while you are logged in? Vista doesn't give the current logon information that XP/2000 does. (User Matt Schultz is logged on as matt@mydomain.com. Logon: 1/26/06 at 7:01 AM.)

A: Yes, there have been a lot of changes here. It is exciting to find out what you all think once you see it!

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [23] Even though the feature is called Zip Folders, I would like to see zip files treated like regular files in most instances. (For example, not sorting along with folders). Any chance we'll see that?

A: Thanks for the suggestion. There have been some improvements made to Zip Folders in Vista along those lines. For example, we handle size calculations correctly now when displaying tool tips. As far as not sorting along with folders, we don't have any plans right now to change that. But we will definately take your feedback into consideration.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [70] Also there seem to be overlap functionalities that would be helpful either in Taskmanager or msconfig (like linking to or listing all the points of origins for a program's start (files, run once keys, ect. along the lines of Autorun?)

A: Don't know if this is what you're looking for, but check out the new Autoplay Control Panel. Naviage to Control Panel ->Autoplay
You can set defaults for all sorts of media you might insert into a machine via CD/Thumbdrive/etc.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [79] What's with the Windows Security dialogs every time you launch something like display settings? Will this go away in future releases?

A: No. This is the User Account Controls. When you set yourself as an Administrator, the system runs programs for you as a limited user and only elevates to run as a full administrator with your permission. This will help put you back in control of what programs are trying to install, or muck with drivers. This should help prevent such things as autorun files installing horrid drivers to cause havoc with your CD player, or spyware from installing keyloggers. Of course, if you allow it, we won't stop it from running.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [3] Hi Microsoft, can you talk about some of the bugs that have recently been fixed within Shell?

A: There has been a huge amount of work done with so many area's. I don't have specific bug numbers but you will see some great changes in: Start Menu, All Wizards, Startup/Logon, MMC, Taskbar, and Explorer. I know I'm missing stuff. If you can be more specific I might be able to answer better.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [67] Are there plans for allowing glass to work via remote desktop? (i.e. pulling the glass resources from the server machine and rendering the glass on the client)

A:
If your local system supports it, it should work.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [64] KC , I did not like the new save dialog box when it first was featured in NextStep OS, later in Project Rhapsody, And then In OSX which. it is one of personal preferrence. Also I dont like the fact that downloads go to /user/documents every time.

A: So getting to cool is out, how about getting to alright. The new look is consistent with the shell, but the ability to save metadata at the time you save a file is at least more functional. The fact that the new dialog is com based so you can easily add it to your custom application and take advantage of vista technology is somewhat interesting. I only wish I had an better answer for the UI, but you clearly stated that you dont like it anywhere... But I am going to try real hard to make you a believer in ours. 

Mike (Expert):
Q: [83] Mike - we mentioned this to Stacey and credprov - that the filtering allowed you to only present your own provider, but that would make it hard for two competing cred provs to cooperate since they don't know whether the other is "good enough"

A: The filter will let you block any provider. It gives you a list of all the provider GUIDs that the system is aware of and then you can choose which ones should be removed from the enumeration.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [78] Graphics performance (as measured by included games apps) seems slow. Solitaire and Freecell take 120+ seconds to deal the initial deck. I have latest XP drivers for my video adapter. Is it s'posed to be this slow or have I mis-configured something?

A: Perf is continuously getting better, I would think this is very dependent on your machine config but I have noticed a significant increase in perf in newer test builds.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [71] Any chance you could add back the W2K trick of hold shift key when you bring up a context menu and get the RunAs... functionality? Run Elevated doesn't cover all our use cases. We need to login as other users at times.

A: I am not aware of any plans to implement that. Runas will still exist as an executable so it can be done from the command line or with a shortcut.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: Will it be possible to make all folders automaticly be visible in Listvieuw, or other sizes, so users only have to set it up once?

A: Do you mean with Folder Options set to "show hidden" or are you refering to the issue that the settings don't span all views?

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [11] It'll be useful if when re-starting one could press an optional button with a varitey of choices such as the partition to re-boot to

A: This is a really great suggestion and we can take it to the PM's for you. Although we can not make any gaurantee as to if they will make the change in future releases, but they will hear your suggestions. Thanks.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [93] Rumors oare for a Feb. 21st release for the Feb. CTP. I know you guys never confirm/deny this kind o fthing, but is that "about right"?

A: You are right. We never confirm or deny that kind of thing.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [32] Can it be possible that File Scharing will block all files, untill users have a Virusscan installed?

A: It is possible to completely disable files sharing for a computer, but we hadn't ever considered adding a policy to prevent it from being enabled until a virus scanner is installed. Since most malicious files come through third party file sharing applications that enable sharing across the internet (and not files shared on the local network) that feature would probably need to be implemented by the internet/p2p file sharing programs.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [92] I don't like haveing to using my Mouse to Login is there work in progress to auto select the first user or the last logged in user if there are multiple users?

A: Yes... That is included in the newer logonUi. The last used account tile will be in zoomed mode and have focused by default...

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [96] Carl - Sorry, nothing specific atm. Your answer was good enough for me

A:

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [95] does build 5270 support 3rd party drivers from other devices other than floppy during initial install or is it me having problems? have been struggling with new nForce 4 Professional Chipset ... just getting SATA HDD being seen is not working for me.

A: Looks like a lot of people are having trouble with drivers, this is something we're looking into and the next Vista build will be much better.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [10] With build 5270 of Vista and placed into a Windows 2003 AD Domain, GPO's prompt the user to accept, o rreject and ask for an account with Admin rights. How can you control the interface from prompting the user for GPO's to process?

A: There will be group policies to override and set any of the UAC behaviors. This should make this situation better for you. There are a large number of new policies coming in the next CTP.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [113] What are some of your favourite things in the Windows Vista user interface?

A: I personally love glass and metal, the new start button, and the "flip" effect of windows. I also love the fade and pulsating effects of buttons and boxes

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [98] will glass be available when using virtual server or virtual pc to host vista?

A: That is a function of the virtual device driver of Virtual Server / Virtual PC, not the shell. Last I heard that wasn't going to be supported, though that is a question better asked of that team.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [119] A lot of users including myself have complained that using Windows Vista daily is very tiring on the eye, have you experienced this yourself or are we going to bed too late?

A: I definitely go to bed too late as well, so I may not be the best person to answer. As the visuals have gotten significantly smoother and faster, it has gotten better though.

Bryan Lipscy (Expert):
Q: [18] is there any work being done to make Vista more accessible to people who are sight-challenged? Specifically in the help menus and tag boxes, if I change the dpi setting, the help menu does not change.

A: Yes. There is extensive work being done to make Windows Vista more accessible to people with various challenges. Regarding the help menu dpi, this appears to be fixed in the latest build.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [106] Is the interface in Windows Vista based on the Windows Presentation Foundation or is it only using aspects of this pillar?

A: Some of it is (like the flip 3d effect) but most of it ins't at this stage.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [18] is there any work being done to make Vista more accessible to people who are sight-challenged? Specifically in the help menus and tag boxes, if I change the dpi setting, the help menu does not change.

A: There is a lot of work being done as we speak in this area...DPI orientated so absolutely.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [123] I am very disappointed that Windows Vista will not have independent desktop resolutions; can we expect this for a future release of Windows?

A: If you mean DPI, this is a current driver limitation. It is a concern and being looked at though.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [112] Will there be any way to create TRUE administrators (no UAC) outside of the built-in admin account? Sometimes I may need full and complete local admin access *and* be logged on as a user domain rights. Right now, I don't see any way to do this.

A: No, though you can disable UAC to make yourself a true administrator for some period of time. I would recommend switching it back on once you are done though. You can find it in secpol.msc

Mike (Expert):
Q: [111] Are GDI/GDI+ dead or is it still around as a fall back for rendering the Windows Classic UI?

A: They are definitely still there and are still used in a number of places. LogonUI uses some of GDI+ still.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [28] Will we be able to test MCE with Xbox 360 in future releases?

A: That is the plan...Now I just have to get one to test for myse...er my team.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [19] RSweeney - In WinXP I've noticed that one explorer window that has frozen temporarily due to network congestion will often cause other explorer windows to freeze as well. How does Vista handle network outtages?

A: The networking code that handles establishing connections, outages and retries is in a few layers below explorer. I'm not totally sure what improvements they've made. I do know that we have made improvements to explorer so that the UI does not freeze completely when displaying the contents of a folder takes a long time (due to the folder being really large, or the network being down, etc).

Mike (Expert):
Q: [128] I am very disappointed by Personalize Computer, separating the Display Properties tabs into separate windows I personally believe was a bad move, can we expect better innovation here in future builds of Vista?

A: This was partially done so as many tasks as possible that did not require you to be an administrator could be accessed individually.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [45] Why the user folders (Documents, Pictures, etc) are not directly accessible from the folder list in Explorer and Browse dialogs? In WinXP, the "My Documents" folder appears on the top of the list, but in Vista I just have the "Public" folder there.

A: The Navpane should have those folders in the common places section. have you checked there?

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [58] Will the option, which makes all the folder look like the current folder come back?

A: It has been requested by many people so we have a bug to bring it back... Probably not the next CTP build but probably the beta one.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [42] why is there no (capable) screen reader in Vista? I'm holding back trying to get screen reading software that costs at the minimum of $200 for daily use! Please please PLEASE make a capable screen reader available for daily use embedded into the OS!

A: Are you speaking of the magnifier? There are several bugs on this at the moment.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [146] I unable to add items to my own SendTo folder, even though I am logged in as admin. What's the issue? Right-click sendto Notepad is extremely valuabel...

A: I will forward it on to one of our testers to look into. You should be allowed to and I also am an addict of Notepad in SendTo.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [148] When Vista starts and loads the logon screen, the NumLock key is turned off. Is it possible to turn it on automatically so I can type my password faster?

A: I believe this is actually a BIOS setting handled before even getting to the logon screen. I would check those settings.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [115] Why is the move file dialog so large (size wise)? Wasn't sure which option to check as the choices seem to say both files were already on the desktop (where I was moving the file too). Could you change an option to say "overwrite with the one from ..."

A: The dialog is so large because of the components that the dialog host, and I will take your suggestion to the User Ed. team and see what can be done with the text. Thanks for calling this to our attention.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [140] When will they allow different desktops for different monitors?

A: Not in Vista I am afraid... But it is an interesting idea...

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [122] Would it make sense to add a Videos & TV link (optional of course) to the Start Panel or do you look at studies and usage to determine which links can be added to it?

A: I have asked for this and thier was a suggestion on it back in 5112. So far there are no plans that I know of to implement this. Feel free to submit another suggestion to get an updated answer.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [151] how customizable with the final shell be, just basic color type stuff like today or are there grander plans?

A: It depends on what you want to customize and whether you mean through menus or through code, the Shell is incredibly extensible and customizable. To really see what you can do take a look on MSDN around Advanced Shell topics.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [124] Carl - When I'm surfing on my folders, I need to change the sizes of the folders (pictograms) to my personal prefered settings, like Listview, or small, or details, etx, in every folder. I just want to click once

A: I see...This is something being worked on. Please send me mail for followup at [removed email]  and I'll check on it.

Bryan Lipscy (Expert):
Q: [155] being that MS is pushing further support of RSS and there will be full RSS support in IE7, is there plans for a RSS screen saver?

A: IE7 supports RSS feeds. There are no known plans for an RSS screen saver.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [163] Are there plans to make Parental Controls more visible?

A: This is somthing that MS is really looking into, so I would guess, yes, this is going to be more visible.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [153] Follow-up to 112: Can UAC be turned off for a specific user/groups through GPOs? If I could say "turn off UAC for members of this group" or something similar that would make me happy! If I disable it with secpol, is a restart required to take effect?

A: You can not target specific user/groups other than Admins and Standard Users. You can set different policies for local admins over other users though. Currently, it does not require a reboot, but I do not know if it will stay that way.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [157] More info on not accessing SendTO. I got there via cmd line (since it was hidden ?), and opening the folder via "Start .". On open I got access denied and couldn't even view the folder.

A: SendTo has been locked down because some options like SendTo a command line and others were a potentional security issue.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [135] What is Aurora and how will this be implemented in the user interface or is it just a tool for developers to learn and understand the capabilities of WinFX?

A: Aurora is one of the graphical elements of the Windows Vista brand. Expect to see it in several places... It is not a tool... That's about as much as I can say about it.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [159] Mike Adams, the numlock issue isnt a bios issue. It is on by default for me in XP

A: I'll investigate this but I'm still under the impression its a BIOS setting, it may also be keyboard driver connected. I know this has been bugged in the past so I'll take another look at it.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [16] Will it be possible to block users to log on, when I lock up the system?

A: Not currently... You will be able to do fast user switching on Vista.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [170] Will the Vista Shell finally fix the issue of applications taking over the foreground window while I'm typing away?

A: Shell is trying to. I don't know if we will for Windows Vista.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [27] Where did the list view go to in the Windows Explorer? The current options take up a lot of space and the order of accross and then down the page is not very intuitive.

A: This has been a huge request ( over 200 hits ). Unfortunately I don't know where it stands at the moment. I know there is work being done for something close to the old "list view" but I don't know what it will look like if used.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [55] I think the side bar was a good idea any idea when it will come back if it does do you know when?

A: It is definately coming back, but I can't say for certain if it will be in the next release to beta customers.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [40] I've been hearing the logon sound very late during the process. is this just with me or intended?

A: This is being fine tuned for Beta 2. It is not just you....

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [62] The Save dialog would be an order of magnitude better if it took up less screen real estate. It seems vista has made a poitn to decrease the usable space, and the save dialog box is a perfect example of this.

A: There are options that have been added to address this. Thanks for the comment, we hear you and I hope that you will like what we have done to respond to this request.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [51] Folders customization never keep their settings in Vista. Any Idea ? For example I wish to sort the folders or the files by "date was created" If I go back in this folder, the changes that I apply are lost. In folders options everything is set ok.

A: This is a known issue that is being worked on. I can think of at least 20 hits on this so stay tuned.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [129] Dialogue UI consistency is a known issue, what are some of the inconsistencies you are seeing and what changes can we expect as we move forward?

A: TaskDialog is helping to bring a lot of conformity in this area. It is an improving area.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [97] How can we start developing for the current Shell API? Does the release of Visual Studio 2005 have the binaries and documentation to make apps that will work with Vista Beta 2? Or if not, where can I get all this stuff? (I want to use custom Metadata etc.)

A: I can't answer about Visual Studio specifically, but we release an SDK with each CTP.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [103] There has been a lot of talk about what we are currently seeing in the most recent build of Windows Vista is the final user interface, is this true or is there more to expect by BETA 2 or RTM?

A: There will be more UI changes before RTM, stay tuned

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [101] It seems like there should be a quicker way (dedicated button) to get to locking your workstation. I also don't like it that the Start | ShutDown button doesn't confirm with the user.

A: Try the windows key + L to lock you machine.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [187] How is the UAP deactivation process (turn on/off) protected? Is it possible to bypass this protection with an simple registry entry or such? (for maleware, etc.)?

A: No, the ACLs on the registry location prevent it from being changed unless you are elevated. If you elevate a malicious app, it could turn it off, but it also can install outright at that point.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [188] How is the development of the sidebar coming along?

A: We've answered this earlier in the transcript

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [43] When it will be possible to disable searching inside ZIP'ed folders ? This takes a lot of time for no reason.

A: In Vista all your files are indexed ahead of time so that searching is faster. Your searches shouldn't be slowed down by zip folders anymore.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [195] Will date and time come back to logon screen? Is it a security issue showing them?

A: No... We have no plans to bring it back.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [179] An startmenu question: Is it possible to use the new search function in the startmenu like the run/execute command/action? In order that you can press windows key, then enter e.g. "cmd" or "calc" or "gpedit" and the app will start/load?

A: I'm currently able to use the Windows key + R to bring up the run line and type in cmd, etc... to bring up the app.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [202] Will Notepad have a function to let it always be visible on screen? Always on top?

A: I haven't heard anything about this

Mike (Expert):
Q: [190] so is this getting missed, or avoided? - asked the experts: we have recently heard about some animation in the shell, how much animation can we exect to see and where might we see it?

A: Just missed, though I don't really have an answer for you either. We don't have any specific information here.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [54] Will the search feature be fixed so that you can simply search for all files like "foo.dll" like you could in XP?

A: Search across the board is being worked on ( Start menu, Explorer, IE ) and improvements should be seen soon. Sorry I can't be more specific but this is a really big area with a minimum of 10 reports on it.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [208] Do you have internal testers dedicated to testing Vista without a mouse? Say Explorer navigation, usage of integrated programs?

A: Yes we do  An entire acessability test team.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [208] Do you have internal testers dedicated to testing Vista without a mouse? Say Explorer navigation, usage of integrated programs?

A: Yes, our testers are very particular about this.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [198] Is there a possibility to turn off fast user switching?

A: Not currently... Fast user switching is required to be able to unlock a workstation as administator.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [207] Dona, is there anything we can do to help get sidebar finished faster?

A: *most likely* sidebar is completely done and should be in the next build. I think you guys will have a chat with the sidebar folks pretty soon.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [196] When Windows come back from standby or screensaver to the login UI the old user's desktop is visible for a moment. It's a privacy issue, will you fix this in Vista?

A: We are trying to fix that indeed...

Mike (Expert):
Q: [209] Do you plan to loose restrictions on unsigned themes for vista? What is the reason behind signing requirement?

A: The theming engine gets called from some pretty privileged code in some spots.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [118] Why do some directories like (\Windows\Minidump) not show the "Securities" tab on the Properties dialog box?

A: I'm not sure of the exact reason why you don't see the "Security" tab for that folder, but generally, you won't see security tab if you don't have permission to read the permissions on the folder.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [154] Carl- No I mean a voice that reads to you everything on the screen. Currently there is a small application that can do it, but not very well at all and can't even read tags in html headers in IE. I'd use the magnifier, but it is way too buggy right now

A: Ah...thank you for the clarification. Both of these are being worked on. I don't know if you will see improvements next drop but it is a priority to get these area's functioning.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [208] Do you have internal testers dedicated to testing Vista without a mouse? Say Explorer navigation, usage of integrated programs?

A: Each tester is responsible testing accesibilty. Navigation without a mouse, or using a screen reader. Before the product is shipped we have to make sure that we meet the accessibilty bar. That being said some areas have to make trade offs, but those trade offs will always favor the customers needs.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [15] Will ALL menus be converted to the “enhanced” menus with the brown sidebar on the left with icons like the menus that expand out of the Start menu (see example at http://home.earthlink.net/~jasonw15/menu.jpg)?

A: Yes.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [219] What is the difference between an user account in the adminstrator group and the administrator account? What actions can only be done in the adminstrator account, or I'm able to do all administrator actions in an user account in the administrator group?

A: The local administrator account Administrator does not have UAC turned on and is being more and more limited as to when it can be interactively logged in as. You are able to do all administrator tasks as an account in the administrator group, just with prompting to protect the actual elevations. Safe Mode still leans on the built in administrator account as a back up if bad things happen to the accounts.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [213] Is there a way to have an application forcibly run on a specific processor only- with dual core processors coming up now, it would be nice to bind A-virus scanning to the secondary processor exclusively

A: You can assign a processor affinity in task manager after a process is running. There isn't any way except programatically to do that ahead of time.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [218] "Always on top" functionalitty is a long missing feature. Any plan to add it ?

A: At this point in the game, I really doubt it.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [88] Can we expect a better logon screen? Even 4074's logon screen was better than the current builds  (there are some old concept 3D logon screens I would like to see implemented)

A: The logonUI is changed completely for the next build... No 3D I am afraid but a lot of new graphics and extended feature.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [147] For the sidebar: can you guys PLEASE allow tiles? Gadgets just seem like total ripoffs from OSX, and tiles were far more functional!

A: We will be having a Sidebar specific chat soon. You can save those questions for that future chat. Date to be announced later.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [220] Dona, I asked: Will Notepad have a function to let it always be visible on screen? Always on top? and you responded that you haven't heard about it... Is this a good suggestion to post than?

A: Definitely, make the suggestion. We're always looking to add things our users want and need

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [218] "Always on top" functionalitty is a long missing feature. Any plan to add it ?

A: I just fielded a submittion on this. It's still active at this time so we are looking at it.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [216] Can we get in the next build a way to force glass on? I tried the regedit tricks from 5219 and that doesnt work. Cant get glass on a Nvidia 6600 (which should have it) and some systems with Intel Motherboard graphics.

A: This revolves around driver support for the video card, the list of supported cards will continue to grow. I believe the 6600 is on the newer list.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [234] will there be any updates to the compatibility mode? several programs that I use consistantl do not work in compatability mode an wont install in vista as an unsupported OS. will compatibilty mode bring the winxpsp2 more similar to the WOW mode?

A: Yes, I actually just noticed some improvements in this area myself a few days ago. I think you will notice improvements in the next CTP.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [237] What is the final splash screen for Vista gonna be like?

A: Hint: You're going to love it

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [230] What's the expected track of releases? Feb. CTP, Beta2, RC0...

A: We are targeting bi-monthly releases for the CTP. The last was in December.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [236] will there be a better aero looking startup screen coming? anything on black is getting old and looks ugly!

A: Yes

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [197] Will there be a way to directly start taskmanager with crtl-alt-del?

A: Nope... You can start it from the secure desktop by pressing CAD and then selecting Task Manager otherwise, the proper keyboard shortcut for the task manager is CTRL+SHIFT+ESC

Sam White (Moderator): There is about 15 minutes left in the chat.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [75] Will the Save As menu espcially for IE remember your last location you saved a file like it does in IE 6? It always wants to put them under my user account and I don't want them there I have network share I save all my downloads to.

A: There is a MRU list for saved locations, but applications can specify the default save in location. IE has no plan to change the save scenarios that I am aware of, but bugs do happen. 

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [247] Will we be able to create/set custom boot and/or logon screens?

A: Nope... No plans for custom login screens or boot screens at this stage.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [56] I submitted a suggestion to the shell team regarding the start ball (https://connect.microsoft.com/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?SiteID=4&FeedbackID=32749), and I would like to know if it was/is being considered or if it is too late.

A: All Suggestions are considered. Let me address something here...it's never too early or late to submit one of these. The one's we can't get to are pooled for the next release. Please please please send in your wish/suggestions!

Bryan Lipscy (Expert):
Q: [240] When should we start bugging against "Longhorn" appearing in Help/UI/Menues etc. instead of saying "Vista"?

A: Not yet.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [74] When listing directory contents, the shell tries to determine the icon for the file type, especially in the case of .exe, .jpg and so on... Can this be disabled for network drives? On slow connections this stops you from continuing your work...

A: There is an advanced folder option to always show icons and not thumbnails (Tools->Folder Options->View). THis should speed up the response since you don't have to hit the network to generate the icons.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [73] The "Views" dropdown has a slider that increases thumbnail size to a point, and then starts decreasing thumbnail size as you continue to drag it down. Does anyone else find that weird? is there a plan for changing this behavior?

A: This behavior has undergone some cleanup, and should no longer be "weird", the experience is now one that allows you to put more thumbnails in your explore view which is better.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [232] Running Vista I get about half the battery life compared to XP. Turning on power saving options helps some but Vista seems power hungry. Anyone else notice this?

A: Yes, we all have here internally  This is going to get improved.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [80] Will I be able to have my Start Menu stretch the length of my screen, or will it always be stunted? I do not find this ideal usage with a pen.

A: There was a bug that the start menu would continue to expand in certain scenarios, I believe this has been fixed and wasn't by design.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [235] Usability issue: tooltips pop up when mousing over the Quick Launch icons, covering up the other icons so you can't see them. It makes it very difficult to find what icon to click on. The tooltips should be repositioned (and/or optional).

A: Thanks for the feedback. I will make sure this gets to the feature team right away. Keep'em coming.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [86] A suggestion: please hide automatically all columns (like Keywords, Rating, Author, etc) from Explorer in Details View when no items in the folder have that information, so it does not display a lot of empty columns just wasting space

A: This was suggested a while back. Please submit a new suggestion on this and I'll be happy to push it.

Mike (Expert):
Q: [262] Can you implement a security feature, which protect your PC in order that critical system files/services/calls/etc. are unaccessible from/by unsigned apps/services/dlls/drivers/etc. by default, and ask the user to permit or deny the critical action?!

A: Yes we can, it is UAC or User Account Controls. You should be seeing it in the the CTPs currently.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [251] try three - asked the experts: so is this getting missed, or avoided? - asked the experts: we have recently heard about some animation in the shell, how much animation can we exect to see and where might we see it?

A: The idea is still getting tossed around, nothing definite yet...stay tuned

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [254] Sam, you said bi-monthly CTP's, which means Feb. CTP, April (possible Beta 2?), June RC0? August RC1? So is Vi moving along according to plan?

A: Without getting into specifics about Beta, RC, etc... we are currently on target as of today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [258] Is there a plan to integrate a higher resolution and better looking boot logo/screen (instead of the bad 640x480 pixel resolution..)? Especially for the PCs which have an EFI instead of an "old" bios..

A: Not in this release... We are trying to minimize the time you spend a boot screen. The boot animation is going to be slimmed down to increase performance at boot time. Maybe when more of the machine park will supprt EFi.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [279] I've seem several suggestions to make the on-screen keyboard accessible from the login screen, which is a great idea in several scenarios. Any chance we'll see this?

A: Yes... The On Screen Keyboard is an accessibility component and is available from the logon screen.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [275] sniem: Will that sidebar chat happen before we actually have seen a build with a current sidebar implemention??

A: Hopefully yes.

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [250] in the future, is there a possibility that when we type in the run dialog "Word", it will open up Office Word? Currently, you have to type in winword.exe but an average user may not know that call.

A: This is a known bug that is being worked on. This is part of the "Search" issue.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: [277] Have you already had to push things to the next release (R2) that you would have liked to see in Vista RTM?

A: If we put in everything we wanted to, we'd be shipping Vista in 2010, so yes

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [267] Adding to SylHan's idea: Please make the keyboard launchable from a clickable button on the logon screen! PLEASE

A: The accessibility options are available from Winkey+U, this will allow you to turn on an on screen keyboard.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [289] Olivier, its only available via the Windows+U key combo, which is utterly useless if there is no keyboard. How about making an onscreen button to open it if no keyboard is detected?

A: We have an icon for it that is accessible with a mouse... No need for a keyboard anymore.

RSweeney (Expert):
Q: [107] What are some of the requirements a developer should follow to ensure his/her Windows XP application is fully supported on Windows Vista?

A: Make sure your application runs correctly as a non-administrator. In general, don't use undocumented techniques because we change behavior all the time for things that are undocumented that may break your application.

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [87] Is there a possibility to set the desktop to full standard, no graphic items and no advanced rendering on the screen? I do believe the data workers would like that, no flickering or green bars running across.

A: Are you talking about our windows classic mode?

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [214] Will WordPad also get the new toolbar?

A: No

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [291] --- Resubmitting: Why the jump in installation size? Around 2GB, with user apps for Windows XP, almost 7.5 GB without user apps for 5270. Is there really that much more to the OS? I like 'pretty', but I NEED 'fast'. ---

A: 5270 was not really optimized... Wait until we finish our optimization work... We have pretty and fast as a target...

Carl Dietrich (Expert):
Q: [257] Can MS ditch the old user icons and backgrounds and continue to add really nice artwork for desktop backgrounds? Old artwork makes this look like a continuation from the NT days 10 years ago.

A: This is a continuing effort. I know there are some old icons buried deep down...focus is on the ones closer to the "surface" first.

Sam White (Moderator):
Q: [298] Will there be a BCDEDIT GUI for beginners with limited functionality?

A: There are some in MSCONFIG.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [285] Olivier, if vista is to spend 5 seconds in a boot screen, just have a boot screen loog good anyway . I dont want my boot screen to be ugly :-s)

A: Understood...

KC [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: [217] Re. 45: The Common Places folder is only visible in Windows Explorer itself, but not in open/save dialogs in other applications.

A: I think we have a solution for you... Stay tuned!

Mike (Expert):
Q: [307] Please make NotePad able to read all Cr/Lf/CrLf documents fine. Some files from unix systems are just missing a \n.

A: Wordpad handles these situations a lot better.

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [311] Trying again. Anything new about more color options and/or more themes for the Feb CTP or later?

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert):
Q: [283] will you be able to use dual video cards soon in longhorn(Gforce 6600GT) right now I can only use the one

A: We can't spoil the surprise.... 

A: Again this is dependent on supported hardware my understanding is selective dual cards will be supported but have to be the same card (no mixing and matching).

Mike (Expert):
Q: [311] Trying again. Anything new about more color options and/or more themes for the Feb CTP or later?

A: I don't know about the next CTP, but I know some glass color options were worked on a little while ago.

Sam White (Moderator): We are going to be ending the chat in a few minutes I'll be doing the drawing for some swag, so hang on. Winners will need to send their current shipping information to [Removed Email]

Olivier (Expert):
Q: [316] Olivier, I get the feeling that you might see my questions as a beratement of sorts. If so, my apologies  (You dont need to answer this one)

A: Yes...

Sam White (Moderator): The winners are Bryant Z and JohnnyQ. Congratulations! 

Bryan Lipscy (Expert):
Q: [319] Second Attempt: A computer in a domain - will it now be allowed to have multiple users logged into it? ie: fast user switching?

A: Yes

Mike (Expert):
Q: [314] Q307: Most of us do prefer Notepad over Wordpad

A: Most of us do to, but if you need to handle odd character sequences, that is what WordPad does better. I usually will open a file that doesn have full LF CR in wordpad than just copy and paste into notepad.

Dona [MSFT] (Moderator): Thanks for coming out, will see you next time!

 

Sam White (Moderator): Thanks for coming out today everyone. We appreciate it.

Olivier (Expert): Thanks all... This was a lot of fun...

RSweeney (Expert): Thanks a lot for all the questions and suggestions!

KC [MSFT] (Expert): It looks like our time is up, hope to se eyou next time. Good bye

Bryan Lipscy (Expert): Thank you everyone for an interesting chat.

Carl Dietrich (Expert): Thanks all...it's been great chatting with you. Keep those submittions ( and Suggestions! ) coming in. Have a great afternoon!

Mike (Expert): Thank you all for coming! I look forward to hearing more about what you think as more releases come ou!

Xi Wu (Expert):
Q: [300] Does anyone here use nvidia SLI with build 5270 does it work and is it supported?

A: SLI have a bug on setup with this build. We are working on a fix but I am not sure if it will be in the next CTP.

Mike Adams[MS] (Expert): Thanks for all the questions, this is always a learning experience for me as well.

Marie (Expert): Thanks for all hte questions. Bye