Network Activity Indicator for Windows 7

[roger_m]

There are two things missing from Windows 7 which really annoy me. The first is that you can't do a repair install when booting form your Windows 7 DVD. While you can do this from Windows, this is of zero use if Windows won't boot.

The second one is that the network icons no longer show network activity. At least for this, there is an easy fix.

From raymond.cc

On the whole, just about everybody who uses it, would say Windows 7 is a great operating system all round and a big improvement over Vista and XP. The visual additions and enhancements to the taskbar is something that helps give Windows 7 a clear edge over it predecessors.

Why then, after all the work on these extra visuals, did Microsoft feel the need to take the network activity icon in the system tray, and make it look so bland and lifeless?

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/get-back-...ond.CC+Blog%29

[Victek123]

Originally Posted by roger_m

The second one is that the network icons no longer show network activity. At least for this, there is an easy fix.

Some third party firewalls show network activity, but if you're not using one then this is useful.

[d0t]

There's a software called Net Limiter. It's not exactly what you are looking for but I guess it could help

[Robin A.]

Originally Posted by roger_m

The first is that you can't do a repair install when booting form your Windows 7 DVD. While you can do this from Windows, this is of zero use if Windows won't boot.

What is a "repair install"? Windows 7 can be "repaired" booting from either the installation disc or the "repair" disc.

[roger_m]

Originally Posted by Robin A.

What is a "repair install"? Windows 7 can be "repaired" booting from either the installation disc or the "repair" disc.

It works the same as doing an inplace upgrade - which is done from the Windows DVD once Windows has been started. It basically goes through and fixes any corrupt/missing files and registry entries. It is very good at fixing general Windows problems.

In the past it could be used to fixed issues such as BSODs or other problems which prevented Windows from booting. However, since with Vista and Windows 7 you can only do such a repair from within Windows, it's useless if Windows won't boot.

There is startup reapair in Vista and 7, which attempts to fix issues with Windows not booting, but usually it is not able to fix a non bootable Windows - whereas by doing a repair install, often such problems could be fixed. You can also start a system restore from the Windows DVD, however, quite often with a badly corrupted Windows, system restore won't work.

[roger_m]

Originally Posted by Victek123

Some third party firewalls show network activity, but if you're not using one then this is useful.

I wasn't aware of this. However it a few years since I have used anything other than the standard Windows firewall.