Keep track of your programs in Notepad

I keep a log on my computer of what software I have installed and any important changes to settings, with a clever trick for adding a date and time automatically.

Click on the Start button, All Programs, Accessories and then Notepad. Type .LOG. The full stop is important. Save the file to the Desktop with a name link Events.txt.

You can leave the file on the Desktop or drag it with the right mouse button to the Quick Launch area and then left-click on Move here.

Each time you open this log file the current time and date will be added at the bottom automatically. Enter some information about what has happened and close the file, remembering to save when asked. This can be very helpful when diagnosing problems, and I also use it as a place to store serial numbers in case the software has to be re-installed.

Andrew White

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