My first issue with Windows 7
Well that didn't take long ... after getting my spiffy new OS system setup the way I wanted ... I set about the task of installing the programs and utilities that I need to maintain my site and the tools needed for the MVPS HOSTS file ...
So first thing I need is to setup a connection to the server that hosts my website. Ok ... where is the "My Network Places"? Seems it doesn't exist in Win7 ... huh? after Googling the issue for a while it seems "Web Folders" are no longer supported. Ouch! ... Ok since the "Server administrator" does not allow FTP connections ... now what?
In Windows Explorer, right-click Computer and select: Add Network location
This option fails when entering a website address (only accepts FTP)
Tried the "Map Network drive" option ... Entered the required information ... and it works I thought. The connection will allow me to see the various folders (left column in Windows Explorer) on my site, but the right (main) column is totally blank [ugh!] As a last resort I tried the "Open Site" option in my webpage editor - Office/FrontPage 2003 ... and that works ... a little querky, but it works.
It seems a known issue on Windows 7. There is no known (Microsoft supported) workaround for this issue. However ...
Web Folders workaround (do not apply to Home Premium - which is what I have)
http://www.techgremlin.com/2009/08/13/simple-workaround-windows-7-web-folders-bug/
Now that I can update my site I created a new page : Updating the HOSTS file in Windows 7
It's still a work in progress ...