Combine Drives/Partitions/Volumes in Windows | Without Third-party Software (Easy Guide)

When a hard disk drive needs an extra space to increase its size then it should be extended. The words Combine partitions means to extend a drive. This action will merge partitions and thus it will create a single drive. Windows 8/7/Vista has its built-in Disk management utility to resize partition safely and properly.  So you don't need to download any paid or free software to do this task.
You can also split a partition with the help of  the Disk Management.

If you are using Windows 7/vista or any beta version of Windows 8 you can follow the steps below. This tutorial will show how to extend a disk partition on a logical drive.

Combine Two Partitions:
Before starting the step-by-step process, suppose we are going to combine D: and E: partitions whose are not the system drive. And the size of the D: drive will be increased. These lines will help you for better understanding.

1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Administrative Tools > Computer management. Or you can right-click on Computer and select Manage to get the Computer Management.

Computer Management

2. In the the Computer Management window, Expand the Storage from the left-pane and click on the Disk Management. Within a moment it will load all your drives.

Disk Management

3. Now you need a partition which will be added to the targeted one (E: drive will be added to D:). The drive which will be added to another, should be back-up before this major change on  disk partitions.

4. So back up, delete the partition (deleting the E: drive ).

Delete Partition

5. After getting a Free space partition, move to the partition (D: drive) which will be extended and right-click on it. Select the Extend Volume and go Next. It may look like following screenshot.

Deleted partition | Free space 

6. Here the selected drive and its size are given. Select next from the bottom right.

Select the Free disk space

7. This may take a moment to combine two partitions into a single drive.

Combined partition

That's all. The size is increased and is able to manage your data like before.
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Change folder background in Windows 7/vista/xp [without software] hidden secrets

We like to customize folder and drive’s icon, color, view to give it a unique look. What about changing folder background? Usually we use software to do that. But here we’ll change the folder’s background without any software. To do so firstly we should know, what is the “desktop.ini” and how it works?

Folder Background

Desktop.ini is the file where system assigns the values of icon, info, background image source etc. The folder will gives info about itself or a thumbnail view which has the proper desktop.ini file. It is a hidden system file and it's possible to show by CASE: 2 step: 2 in this article. Nothing to worry about it because the system can automatically create a new one if the file is being damaged or absent. It just needs a reboot of the system.

Don’t like to read? Watch this video to change folder background.

Didn’t get a clear idea? Read the tutorial.

The following tutorial will show how to set an image as the background in a folder. This tutorial is divided into two CASEs according two different conditions.

CASE 1: Creating a desktop.ini file:

1. Go to the folder which background image will be changed.

2. Create a new text file and open to edit it.

3. Copy following two lines and paste them to the text file.

[AveFolder] 

IconArea_Image="C:\Users\user_name\my pictures\image.jpg" 

4. If you want a shadow effect for text give ShadowedText=1 and for applying same image to all sub directories give Recursive=1 like this.

[AveFolder]

IconArea_Image="C:\Users\user_name\my pictures\image.jpg"

ShadowedText=1

Recursive=1

ShadowText & Recursive

5. After creating, save the text file then rename it to desktop.ini and restart your PC.

The “IconArea_Image=” (CASE: 1 step 3) describes the source path of the background-Image. You should not select an image source path from removal disk. If you are setting up the image of your removal drive then your background-image source should describe a path of that drive.

Sometimes a message could come showing replacement of desktop.ini file. That means your working folder already has same file. It is better to cancel the replacement of this file and follow the CASE: 2.

CASE 2: Editing desktop.ini: 1. Go to Folder Option from Control panel or from explorer’s menu bar>folder option.

Folder Option from Control Panel

Folder option from Explorer menu bar

2. Select view tab and scroll down to find out hide protected operating system file and uncheck it. It is important to mark Show hidden files, folders and drives first from this view tab.

Folder Option>View tab

3. Find out the desktop.ini in the current directory and open it with a text editor, like: notepad.

Hidden desktop.ini

4. Paste the lines described in CASE: 1 step: 3, just after the [.ShellClassInfo]’s description lines.

[.ShellClassInfo] & [AveFolder]

5. Save and exit from desktop.ini
6. Restart your PC to take an effect on OS

Hide or Unhide Hard Disk Partition in Windows 7/Vista/xp with simple steps

Hiding a partition or volume from my computer or explorer is preventing that partition from displaying, but it doesn't mean erasing any data or deleting the volume. Windows OS Disk management system allows hiding drives except the System drive where the OS is installed and the System reserved volume. So, anyone who has administrative privilege or the administrator of the Windows machine can do this task. And the basic trick is, without any drive letter (Ex: C:, D:, E: etc.) Windows OS doesn't recognize any drive or partition and here we are going to remove that letter temporally.


To do this task you need administrator privilege. So, why don't you activate the administrator account and use it.

How to hide a drive: 
     1. Click right mouse on the computer and select Manage. Select the disk management under storage from the left pane. Or, you can also get the Disk management typing diskmgmt.msc in the run and pressing enter.

Disk Management

     2. From there click right-mouse on which drive you want to hide and select Change DriveLetters and Paths.

Change Drive Letter or Path

     3. Now select remove. Don’t worry! This action just removes the drive letter.

Remove drive

     4. Pressing on the Remove a warning message will be shown and accept it by clicking on yes. It’s just telling you that all programs installed on that drive won’t work or this drive is opened by another program.

Warning Message 

It’s done! Your selected drive is hidden now.

The hidden drive won’t be appearing to the administrator of the OS unless it is unbidden.

How to unhide the drive: 
    1. Open the Disk Management as shown above.

    2. Right mouse click on the drive which is hidden/removed. Tips: the hidden drive doesn’t contain any drive letter.

    3. Choose the Change Drive Letters and Paths and select Add to add drive letter or path to the hidden drive.

Add hidden drive

Assign drive letter

     4. At last choose a drive letter to assign the drive/partition and press on OK. Wow! The hidden partition is displayed in an explorer or my computer.

That's it! No data is lost or damage. Even the installed files are working again without any errors. From now you shouldn't need any extra software to hide or unhide your PC's drives. And if it helps you, why don't you share or rate this?

Recovering Folders Showing as Shortcuts, Hidden in USB/Memory-Card/HDD,

By connecting flash drives to the affected computer, often it shows flash drive containing just some folder's shortcuts. Sometimes it shows nothing though drive's properties show it has files in it. Even we get some inaccessible folder or file. This type of problem may also seen in our local drives (HDD partitions). Even paid anti-virus is unable to resolve those folders, they just scan and detect The AUTORUN worm which one will execute all programs. Then our important files remain hidden.

Hidden folders and Shortcuts by the Autorun Worm

Here we will see how can we solve this problem by using command line and batch file. Though the batch file is nothing but the executable file contains command lines. So solving the hidden and shortcut problem of USB or drives, we must have the administrator privilege as we will execute something.

Using Command line:

To solve/fix the folder's hidden or system file, the easiest way is to run a command line. You canapply this command to USB and local drive as well, need to change the drive_letter.

Go to Run, type cmd and hit enter. In command prompt just type:

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d drive_letter:\*.* 

And hit enter. Be sure you've typed the drive letter (e.g. j:,h: or D:) instead of "drive_letter" in the command line. My USB drive letter is J: and my command should looks like:

Command for unhide system-hidden files on a drive

All files and folders will be normal and you should be able to delete the shortcuts, created by the virus.

Command line details: Here atrib=attribute, "-"=remove attribute/permits, h=hidden s=system, r=read-only, a=archive, /s=sub directory, /d=directory, drive_letter=the letter of the drive shown in windows explorer (e.g. j:,h: or D:) and *.* is called the wild card for all files.

If you don't like to be a "command Ninja" then see below.

USB, MicroSD, MiniSD or other Mmory Cards issue:

     1. Connect your USB or memory card to the PC or laptop.

     2. Copy these lines and paste it into a "new text file"

@echo off

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d drive_letter:\*.*

3. In the 3rd line give the drive letter name (Example: J or K or L etc.) instead of "drive_name"

4. Save the text file as any_name.bat

5. Double click on the any_name.bat file and it will run in the command prompt and see the hidden files/folders come back.

6. Delete the shortcuts and unnecessary files and folders from USB drive.

Local drive issue:

1. Copy these lines and paste it into a "new text file"

@echo off 

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d D:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d E:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d F:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d G:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d H:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d I:\*.*

attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d J:\*.*

@echo complete.

2. Save the text file as a bat file (example: any_name.bat)

3. Run this bat file by double-clicking on it.

Thus you can solve this kind of problems with a *.bat file. You can save the *.bat file for solving this hidden problem.

Important: These tutorials are applied for Windows 7/Vista/xp. You must have the administrative privilege to run the command or execute the .bat file. Put the " : " after the j, k, or D (drive letters). These commands are not case sensitive.

Easy to Apply Same Folder View to All Folders in Windows

In Windows, you can choose the behavior of folders how they will look and work to suit your needs. Different user likes different folder views or layout and for this reason Windows has eight different views or layout for folders. The available views are Extra large icon, Large icon, Medium icon,Small icon , Lists , Details, tiles or a Content found in the layout. You can choose one and want to apply it to ll over the directories or sub-directories. If you set the folder view settings manually, It'll be very hard and time wasting task to go each folder and apply the changes. Yes, Windows OS has  option to get the same view to all folders. So user can choose a view and able to apply it to all others folders and sub-folders as well.

• Want to change the folder's icon or background? Read: How to Change Folder Icon and Background in Windows. 

These simple steps will show you how to apply the same folder settings all over the system except some 'special folder' in Libraries and Favorites.

Apply Same Folder View to All Drives and Folders:


     1. Open the Explorer or Computer and open  a drive.

     2. Make the changes for the folder from the top right corner or Layout pane. Which is located in the top right corner in the Windows 7/Vista and View section in Windows 8

Layout section under View

Layout section  Windows 7

     3. After making changes
          a. Windows 8: Click on View from the explorer ribbon and click on the Options. The Folder Options will pop-up.

View tab and Options Windows 8

          b. Windows 7/Vista/XP: Go to the Tools (using ) from the menu bar > Folder option and select the View tab. The Folder Option will pop-up.

Tools and Folder Options Windows 7

If your menu bar is not visible then click on Organize from the toolbar and select the Layout and tick on the Menu bar.

     4. From the View tab click on the Apply to Folders and all directories or sub-directories of all drives or folders will get the same view as the current one.

Apply to Folders

     5. If you want to apply some changes to the sub-directories just open any folder after entering a drive. Now follow the step 3 and 4.

Back To Default: Use the Reset Folders tab, available on Folder Option window, to revert at the default settings of the OS.

That's all! Apply it and make your working ground more comfortable with a easy look

Update Galaxy Note 2 to Hawkish Jelly Bean 4.1 Custom ROM FREE

                                             The Hawkish ROM, which is extremely popular among Galaxy S I9000, S2 and even S3 users, is now available for theSamsung Galaxy Note 2 handsets, so during the present tutorial we will be checking in how to install this Jelly Bean 4.1 based custom ROM on the mentioned phablet. I know that the Galaxy Note 2 is one of the most powerful Android based devices nowadays, but as you will see below, the Hawkish software comes with many features and capabilities that will customize and optimize your handset’s internal system, so that you will be able to receive even more power from your high end smartphone.

The update is being provided by those of xda-developers (the developer zohawkish is the one who had developed and tested the firmware for the Galaxy Note 2 so we have him to thanks) and as it is a custom ROM, the platform has nothing to do with Samsung. Furthermore, even if the Hawkish software is being based on the stock ZSALJA Android 4.1 Jelly Bean firmware, you will not get the default Android platform; your device will be updated with a custom ROM that has a custom interface and extra features that comes to improve the classic Android OS.

So, in order to conclude, once you flash this upgrade on your Note 2 you will be able to experience a new Android system, an improved one. Also, you will notice that many features, extra ones, are being installed and that the performances of your phablet were customized and optimized. Anyway, the best way from which you can make a proper idea about the Hawkish Jelly Bean 4.1 custom ROM is by taking a look over the image from below. I have listed there all the capabilities and features that will be added on your Galaxy Note 2. The list is long, but this is something that should make you decide to complete this step by step guide.

Galaxy Note 2 Hawkish Jelly Bean Features

Now that we know what the Hawkish firmware is capable of, let’s talk about the pre requisites. Yes, some preparation tasks are being required, or else you will not be able to apply the below steps that will take you through the installation operation. For easing your work I have detailed the pre requisites during a list, so you can easily take a look over the same. Before that, just backup the data of your Note 2. A backup must be performed before any complex procedure and the present one implies the same. If you don’t know how to make a proper backup, use our search engine and apply our backup and restore tutorials.

• You must begin by rooting your Samsung Galaxy Note 2. A custom update can be installed only on a rooted system.
• The warranty will get void, therefore be careful in what you do and try not to mess things up.
• If you will need to, you can restore the warranty and reset the flash counter by downgrading to the stock ROM, or by updating with an official update when available. Then, the root access will be revoked and the bootloader relocked.
• Once the OS is rooted, install a custom recovery image on your Galaxy Note2. CWM recovery should be what you need. This tool will be used for the flashing procedure, so the Jelly Bean update cannot be applied without using CWM recovery.
• Remember to backup the data as a wipe of the system will have to be performed.
• You need to use a computer, the phablet and its USB cord.
• On the computer you will download the update file, so internet connection must be enabled.
• On the handset, enable the USB debugging option.
• On the computer and device deactivate the antivirus tools and the Firewall protection.
• If your smartphone has less than 50% battery power left, first go and charge its battery, or else it might get turned off in the middle of the operation.
• This tutorial is being suitable only for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, so don’t try to update other devices with this Hawkish Jelly Bean 4.1 software.

How to Update.

1. You can get the ROM file from here; save it to the computer.
2. Then, use the Galaxy Note 2 USB cable and connect the phablet with the PC.
3. Copy the downloaded file from the PC to your handset. Do not extract the file.
4. Next, remove the USB cord.
5. We are done with the computer.
6. Turn off the device.
7. And reboot to recovery mode menu.
8. You can do this by pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home and the Power buttons together.
9. The recovery menu will now be displayed on your Note 2.
10. From there, you must first select “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”.
11. Then, return by selecting “+++go back+++”.
12. Select “install zip from sd card” and “choose zip from sd card”.
13. Take the update file which you have placed on your handset just a few minutes ago.
14. Flash the same and wait as the process should take a couple of minutes.
15. In the end, from recovery select “+++go back+++” and “reboot system now”.

Congratulations, your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is running the Hawkish Jelly Bean 4.1 custom ROM firmware. The update process is now over so you can safely use your phablet once more. Take your time and test the ROM, see how it performs and then return here and share your thoughts with us. Don’t forget to tell how the update operation worked, or if there were issues while trying to install the software on your Note 2. If so, we will try do come with the best solutions for you.

Galaxy Note 2 N7100 to Jelly Bean 4.2.2 SlimBean Custom ROM update

                                     Slim Bean built 5 for the Galaxy Note 2 N7100 is here so during the following lines we will be checking on how to install this Jelly Bean 4.2.2 based custom ROM on your phablet. By using this tutorial you will be able to learn more about custom firmwares, about how to prepare your device when looking forward in installing an unofficial update and also I will show you how to easily flash the SlimBean platform on your Note 2 and update your device to Android 4.2.2 OS, so all the aspects needed are being resumed here.

As mentioned this is built 5 of Slim Bean which means that you are about to flash the latest version of the ROM on your Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Furthermore, the SlimBean firmware is based on latest Android software, Jelly Bean 4.2.2, so you will be installing the same on your phablet. Also, the ROM comes with extra features, apps and capabilities and all just for improving the Android experience and for powering up the performances of your device.

The SlimBean ROM is stable so, if you complete this step by step guide, you will update your Note 2 with a smooth platform that comes with no bugs or issues. Anyway, the OS has been developed and offered by those of xda-developers so we have them to thanks for this tutorial (all the credits go to them). It should be clear by now that you will not apply an official Jelly Bean update on your smartphone; this is a custom system that is based on stock Jelly Bean platform, but the same is not OTA available.

Actually, a custom ROM is a free aftermarket distribution of the Android OS that comes to improve, customize and optimize the stock JB system. The ROMs are being developed by third party devs, so the updates are not released by Samsung. Now, the Slim Bean platform can be installed manually on your Note 2 only by using dedicated tutorials, just like the present one. You should be careful when completing the same as the update operation is being considered risky and complex, which means that if you somehow mess things up, you can end up in bricking your device.

Also, you need to previously prepare your handset for the flashing operation; that’s why you need to read and apply the lines mentioned during the following list; don’t skip this part as it is the most relevant one.

• This guide will work only for rooted phablets; so use a suitable root method and unchain your Galaxy Note 2 N7100.
• After gaining root access, install a custom recovery image on your smartphone; when flashing custom ROMs the stock recovery can’t be used.
• Be careful because the warranty will get void. For restoring the warranty you have to un-root the system, or you have to update / downgrade your Note 2 to stock / official Android OS (check our “update Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100” page for suitable guides).
• Also, consider in backing up the data which is saved on the phablet internal storage memory. A wipe of the system will be required, meaning that without the backup you will lose all of your personal saves and data. You have here, on Android.gs, backup and restore guides from which you can learn how to save the contacts, text messages, call logs, EFS folder, market apps and so on; don’t hesitate and use our tutorials.
• I recommend you to apply a Nandroid backup too.
• A computer, your device and its USB cable will be required; on the computer you will download the firmware file, then you will copy the same on your handset.
• For being able to perform the mentioned operations, you will have to uninstall the security programs that are running on both computer and smartphone.
• Also, you will have to enable the USB debugging option on your Note 2.
• Furthermore, your phone needs to be fully charged (at least ensure that there is more than 60% power left) or else it might get turned off while you will try to flash the Slim Bean ROM.
• This guide is compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100; don’t use this procedure if you have a similar or different Android based device.

How to Update 

1. From here download the SlimBean ROM file on your computer.
2. Don’t unzip the firmware file.
3. Connect your Note 2 with the PC (use the USB cable for establishing the connection).
4. Select the downloaded file and copy it from your computer to your phablet’s SD card.
5. Disconnect the devices, as the computer is no longer needed.
6. Turn off your device as it has to be rebooted into recovery mode.
7. For recovery mode just press and hold the Power, Volume Up and Home buttons for a few seconds.
8. From the recovery menu, you first have to apply a complete wipe; just select “wipe data factory reset” followed by “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvik cache”.
9. Return by selecting “+++go back+++”.
10. And select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
11. Pick the update file and start the flashing operation.
12. In the end, select “+++go back+++”, “reboot system now” and you are done.

Well done; you have successfully completed the tutorial which means that now, your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is being powered by the SlimBean Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean custom ROM firmware. I recommend you to test the new software as soon as possible in order to see if everything is working as expected or not. If there are problems, share the same with us and we will assist you as soon as possible.