Windows Xp Tips and Tricks- More Hidden Xp Tips and Tricks

Using the Windows Key-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T03:04:00.000-08:00

Using the Windows Key

The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a little-used treasure. Don't ignore it. It is the shortcut anchor for the following commands:

Windows: Display the Start menu
Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
Windows + F: Display Search for files
Windows + L: Lock the workstation
Windows + M: Minimize all windows
Windows + Q: Quick switching of users (Powertoys only)
Windows + Q: Hold Windows Key, then tap Q to scroll thru the different users on your pc
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
Windows + Pause/ Break: Display System Properties dialog box
Windows + Shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
Windows + Tab: Cycles through all open programs and taskbar buttons. Press [ENTER] to select.

Protect your data during a power outage-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T03:02:00.000-08:00

Protect your data during a power outage

I'm sure that many of you have been victims of data loss due to a power outage. In some cases, devastated by this event. Most people that need certain safe guards from power outages use a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). It used to be that a UPS would only be used at places such as data centers or critical business applications. Since the cost of a UPS has come down considerably over the years, this is now a cost effective solution for personal computers too.

A UPS is nothing more than a battery backup. So, knowing that the UPS is giving you 'battery' power during a power outage, you know that you are not going to be able to continue working on your computer, but you will have enough time to save the work that you've already started. That is its sole purpose.

If you have unsaved data and are away from your computer during a power outage, you can configure your 'Power Option' settings to ensure that your computer will go in to Hibernate mode before the battery backup power is gone. Once a computer enters Hibernate mode, it takes all of the data that is in memory and stores it on your hard drive. Here is how to configure this setting:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Performance and Maintenance>> Power Options.

In Power Option Properties, select the Hibernate tab.

Place a checkmark in the checkbox titled: Enable hibernation. Click Apply

Click the Power Schemes tab.

In the Power Schemes drop down menu, select Max Battery from the list.

In the "System hibernates" category, select a time that is less than your maximum backup battery life. Click Apply

Exit all windows.

Capture a Windows Screen-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:58:00.000-08:00

Capture a Windows Screen

If for whatever reason you would like to capture what is on your computer screen, Windows makes this task easy. here's how:

Press the Printscreen (prt scr) key. This will place a digital image of your screen on to the clipboard.

Open any image editing software such as:

Paint
Word
PowerPoint
Select Edit and Paste

The image will now be available to edit. From here you can print it, save it to a file or post it to the Web like the screen capture below.

Reinstall the Windows games-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:54:00.000-08:00

Reinstall the Windows games

Follow the instructions for your version of Windows. Unless you have the Windows installation files on your hard drive, you will need your Windows installation CD.

To reinstall Windows games in Windows XP and 2000

On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

Click Add or Remove Windows Components.

Select Accessories and Utilities, and then click Details.

Select Games, and then click Details.

Uncheck all games.

Click OK on any open window.

Click Next on the Windows Component Wizard window.

When the process finishes, click Finish.

Repeat steps 1-8, this time rechecking the Games check box.

To reinstall Windows games in Windows 98, 95, and Me

On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

On the Windows Setup tab, double-click Accessories.

Uncheck Games.

Click Apply, and then OK to close any open windows.

When the process finishes, repeat steps 1-4, but this time recheck the Games check box.

Microsoft Narrator-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:53:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Narrator

Microsoft narrator is an accessibility option to assist the hearing impaired. To activate this feature:

Select Start, Programs >> Accessories >>Accessibility >>Narrator. (Or press the Windows key plus the letter "U" to open the Utility Manager.)
Once you've read through the intro screen (or let the Narrator do it), click OK.
You'll now see a dialog box of Narrator options.

Assuming you want to leave Narrator running, select the desired options, then minimize its dialog box. And if you've opened the Utility Manager, feel free to close it.
To turn Narrator off, click the Exit button or right-click its taskbar item and select Close.

Uninstall Windows Updates-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:50:00.000-08:00

Uninstall Windows Updates

Method #1

Windows Update is a very important tool that serves to protect or improve upon your computers functionality. In some cases, you may encounter problems due to an update that did not install correctly. If this happens, here is how you can uninstall the update package:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Add or Remove Programs

Select the Change or Remove Programs button

Locate the offending update, click it to highlight it, then click the Change/Remove button

If it is an updated device drive that is causing the problem, here's how you can uninstall the updated driver and go back to the previous one.

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System

Click the Hardware tab

Select Device Manager

Double click the offending device

Click the Driver tab

Select Roll Back Driver

Method #2

Using System Restore, you can quickly and easily take your system back to a restore point before installing the update. Here's how:

Go to Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> System Tools>> System Restore

Tick the task that states "Restore my computer to an earlier time"

Click Next, then follow the onscreen instructions

Make a backup copy of your Windows XP Registry-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:48:00.000-08:00

Make a backup copy of your Windows XP Registry

Many of the tips and tricks here at 5 Star Support require editing the Windows Registry. In this tip, I will show you the correct way to perform a backup of your Windows Registry so that you can safely restore your systems registry files in the event something goes wrong.

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.

Once in the Registry Editor, choose File from the toolbar.

Select Export

In the resulting Export Registry File window (click image below), locate the "Save in:" selection menu. Choose a location for this file that will be easily found if needed.

Name the file whatever you would like (I use the days date) in the "File name:" text box.
At the bottom of the window you will see the Export Range category. Tick the "All" selection.

Click the Save button.

Monitor USB Bandwidth Usage-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

Monitor USB Bandwidth Usage

USB devices such as; digital cameras, mice, flash drives and keyboards all share the same bandwidth allocated by Windows. The Windows XP USB user interface does not support more than 10 host controllers. When the bandwidth reaches the 100% allocation, you will receive a "Stop Error 0x0000007E" message.

To check the bandwidth usage:

Go to Start>> Right click on My Computer.

Select Properties>> Hardware>> Device Manager

Once at the Device Manager, double click "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", then double click the first USB Root Hub listing .

In the resulting window, select Advanced.

Saving Space-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:43:00.000-08:00

Saving Space

All Windows Operating Systems have a folder on the hard drive where various applications temporary files are stored. On occasion, it is a good idea to relieve your hard drive of these unneeded files. There are a couple different ways you can find these files:

1. Open Windows Explorer and in the Address field type: %temp% (including the percent signs) [Enter]. You will then be taken to that folder.
2. Click Start>> Run, and type: %temp% [Enter] Any of these temporary files that are found using the above methods are safe to delete.

Note: Sometimes the files are still in use, so deleting them works best immediately following a reboot.

Full Screen feature-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:42:00.000-08:00

Full Screen feature

The Windows Full Screen Feature is very helpful when you are in search of a file within a very large folder. For instance, when you open your My Documents folder, press the F11 key on your keyboard to activate the Full Screen Feature. This will make the whole folder viewable within the screen instead of having to scroll down in search of your file. To revert back to your regular screen, just press the F11 key again.

Quickly Close All Windows-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

Quickly Close All Windows

If you have several windows open and you would like to close them quickly, you can hold down the CTRL button while clicking each taskbar button. With all of the buttons selected, right click the last button clicked and select "Close Group" (see illustration below).

Launch the On-Screen Keyboard-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:37:00.000-08:00

Launch the On-Screen Keyboard

Microsoft's on-screen keyboard utility is a virtual keyboard that allows people with mobility impairments to use the on-screen keyboard via a mouse or joystick.

To access the on-screen keyboard:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: OSK [Enter] or click OK.

The on-screen keyboard will now be displayed at the bottom of your screen. You can move it anywhere you would like just as you can with any other window.

Once you have the on-screen keyboard displayed, you can click the "Keyboard" button and select the type of keyboard to be displayed

Then, click the "Settings" button to select the mode you would like it to operate in.

Installing Fonts-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:35:00.000-08:00

Installing Fonts

Windows comes with a great deal of different fonts selections, but there are those of you that need more. Windows makes it easy to add new fonts to your system.

Once you have downloaded your font of choice:

Go to Start>> Control Panel.

Double-click the Fonts icon. If the Fonts icon is not visible, you may need to click Appearance and Themes first. Then go to "See Also" in the upper left of your screen.

Once you get to your Fonts window, you can either drag and drop your new font from its downloaded location into the Font window or, you can click on the File menu in the upper left of the Fonts window and select "Install New Font...". From here, you can browse to the new font location, click the font file and click OK. The font will automatically be copied into your Fonts folder.

Your new font will now be available for all Windows applications to use.

Access your favorite programs fast-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:33:00.000-08:00

Access your favorite programs fast

Windows makes it possible to access your favorite programs with a keyboard command. This is very helpful when you have a window open and you need to access a certain program quickly and you don't want to go to your desktop to access it. Here's how to set this up:

Right click any program, either in All Programs or on your Desktop.

Select Properties from the resulting menu.

Click the Shortcut tab.

In your programs Properties window, you will find the word "None" list in the Shortcut key text box.

Click once inside this text box and choose a letter on your keyboard that you would like to associate with your program (see Figure #1). In my case I chose the letter "F". Windows will automatically insert Ctrl + Alt + F into the text box making this your new keyboard shortcut command.

Click Apply and exit the Properties window.

Now whenever I use Ctrl + Alt + F on my keyboard, the chosen program will automatically launch.

Windows XP ClickLock Feature-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:29:00.000-08:00

Windows XP ClickLock Feature

If you are doing a lot of drag and drop of files and folders, you may want to consider using the ClickLock feature available in Windows XP. With this feature activated, you can left click and hold the click for a determined amount of time until the item that was clicked is locked. Then just release the left click and move your mouse to the location where you would like to drop the item, left click again and it will be dropped in to this new location. Here is how to activate the ClickLock feature:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Mouse Icon. You will then see the illustration shown below. In the Mouse Properties window, click the "Buttons" tab. Then, place a check mark in the little check box titled "Turn on ClickLock". Once this is checked it will activate the "Settings" button. By clicking the settings button, you will be able to control the speed in which it takes Windows to lock on to the selected item. It defaults in the center position and in most cases, this is fine.

Change Mouse Pointer Scheme-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:27:00.000-08:00

Change Mouse Pointer Scheme

If you would like to see your mouse pointer as something other than an arrow or hourglass, then you will appreciate to know that XP offers a number of alternative pointer schemes, such as Dinosaur, Ocean and Sports.

Open the Control Panel, double-click Mouse, and select the Pointers tab. (If you start in Category view, select Appearance and Themes, then click Mouse Pointers under "See Also.") Next to Schemes, click the down arrow and select a scheme to preview its pointers. Click OK to apply the scheme to your desktop.

Remap Your Keyboard-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:24:00.000-08:00

Remap Your Keyboard

If you would like to make a certain key function like a different key, you can use this simple little utility (below) to drag and drop your keyboard function changes. For example; you would like to make the Page Down key function as a Tab key. Not a problem, drag and drop the Tab key from the upper base keyboard layout down to the Page Down key in the remapped layout. Press the Save and Exit icon in the toolbar. You will then be prompted to make the change in your Windows registry and then reboot.

DOWNLOAD NOW (340KB)

Note: As always, prior to making changes to your registry, be sure to back it up.

Alphabetize Your All Programs Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:23:00.000-08:00

Alphabetize Your All Programs Menu

Have you ever searched your programs menu and found it difficult to find what you're looking for? That's pretty common. We all enjoy finding new programs and using them on our computers. The problem is that when you load lots of them, it can be very difficult finding them in the All Programs menu. It may help if you alphabetize the All Programs menu, here's how:

Go to Start>> All Programs

Right click any of the listed programs

From the resulting right click menu, select "Sort By Names"

All of your programs will now be alphabetically sorted.

Use your own picture for your User Account-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:19:00.000-08:00

Use your own picture for your User Account

If there are multiple user accounts on your computer. Windows makes it easy for your to use your own picture to be associated with your user account. Here's how:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> User Accounts

Select your account from the User Accounts window

You should be at the User Accounts windows that asks the question; "What do you want to change about your account? Select the "Change my picture" link.

At the "Pick a new picture for your account" window, Select "Browse for more pictures"

Navigate to the picture that you would like to use, then select "Open"

The selected graphic will now appear on the Welcome Screen and Start Menu.

Customize the Windows XP Start Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

Customize the Windows XP Start Menu

Windows XP makes it possible to keep your favorite programs within easy to find within the Start Menu. For those programs that you use a lot, you will not have to search through your favorites to find them, just simply Pin them to your Start Menu.

A handy tool to have pinned to the Start Menu is the Windows XP Calculator. So, let's use that as our example for today's tip.

To pin Calculator to the Start menu:

1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.

2. Click Accessories and point to Calculator.

3. Right-click Calculator and click Pin to Start menu.

4. Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.

That's it! This method will work for any program on your computer.

To remove the Calculator from your Start Menu:

1. Go to Start

2. Right-click Calculator and select Unpin from Start menu.

3. Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.

Assign a Keyboard Shortcut-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:13:00.000-08:00

Assign a Keyboard Shortcut

This tip provides instruction on how to create a keyboard shortcut for a program in Windows XP. This feature works only with program shortcuts on the desktop or the Start menu. This feature does not work if the desktop shortcut is a shortcut to another shortcut.

Right-click the desktop or start menu shortcut, and then click Properties.

On the Shortcut tab, click in the Shortcut Key box.

Press the keyboard combination that you want to use to start the program. The shortcut combination must consist of one character (a letter, number, or symbol) plus at least two of the following three keys: CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT.

Click Apply then OK.

Note: The default combination is CTRL+ALT; if you press only a character key, Windows XP automatically adds CTRL+ALT. To use other combinations of the three required keys, press those keys before you press the character key. A keyboard shortcut does not work if it conflicts with a keyboard combination that is used in the program that is currently active.

Disable Caps Lock-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:11:00.000-08:00

Disable Caps Lock

To disable the caps lock, follow the instructions below:

Open Notepad and insert the following information:

====Begin cut-and-paste (omit this line)
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]

"ScanCode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,02,00,00,00,00,00,3a,00,00,00,00,00
====End cut-and-paste (omit this line)

Save the file to your desktop and name it; DisableCapsLock.reg
To insert the information contained in this file, right-click and select "merge" or simply double-click the file. You must either restart your system or log off and back on again before the system will recognize the new mapping data.

You can delete the file from your desktop is you wish by simply right clicking and select Delete.

Note: Do not use if you've already remapped other keys, because you'll lose those remappings!

Works in Windows XP and 2000 only.

Create a customized default user profile-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-

2009-02-22T02:07:00.000-08:00

Create a customized default user profile

When you logon to Windows XP for the first time, Windows uses a template to store the information you have inputted to customize your Windows XP experience. However, if multiple users would like to have their own customized profile on the same machine, you would need to modify the default user profile to accommodate these new users.

Warning: Be careful when editing the default user profile. The change is permanent, so it is a good idea to make a backup copy of it so that it can easily be returned to its original configuration in the event something goes wrong.

How to create the customized default user profile:

Logon as Administrator, then create a local user account.

Note: Many of the files in the profile are hidden by default, you may need to turn on the option for showing hidden files and folders, here's how:

Go to Start>> My Computer>> Tools>> Folder Options.

Click the View tab

Under Advanced settings, click the Show Hidden files and folders option.

Click OK.

Logoff of the Administrator account, then log back on using the local account information that you've just created.

Note: Step #2 is important because if you change the default user profile while logged on as Administrator, you will cause permission issues.

Go to Start>> My Computer>> Local Drive (usually C:/) >> Documents and Settings>> Default User.

Modify the Template settings as you wish. This will make all new users share the same default settings.

Logoff the system, then log back on as Administrator.

You will now need to replace the current default user profile with the one that you have just created, here's how:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System>> Advanced tab

Under User Profiles, click the Settings button.

Under Profiles stored on this computer, click the profile that you've just created. Then, click the "Copy To" button.

In the "Copy To" window and under the "Copy profile to" option, click the Browse button.

In the "Browse doe Folder window, find your default user folder (C:\Documents and Settings\Default User folder)

Click OK.

Back in the "Copy To" window and under the "Permitted to use" option, click the Change button.

In the resulting window, click Everyone and then click OK.

Note: If the "Everyone" option is not listed, choose the Advanced option, then click "Find Now". You should now see the Everyone option. Click OK.

Now, when a new user logs on to the computer, Windows XP will use the customized default user profile.

Note: This template folder can be copied to any Windows XP based machine.

Launch a program minimized or maximized-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

Launch a program minimized or maximized

Windows XP lets you choose how you would like to display a program when launched. The choices you have are:

Minimized
Maximized
Normal

Here is how you can apply this setting:

Go to Start

Right click the program that you would like to launch

Select Properties from the resulting window

Select the Shortcut tab

Open the pull down menu in the "Run:" text box

Select the window launch option, then click OK

Your program will now launch the way that you have pre-selected.

Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:04:00.000-08:00

Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons

If you would like to remove the shortcut arrows from your desktop icons, here's how:

Warning: The following tip requires a registry edit. Mistakes made in the Windows registry can cause serious problems with your operating system. Be sure to make a backup copy of your registry prior to making any changes.

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.

Drill down to the following registry key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile
Delete the IsShortcut registry value.

Note: This may require a system restart.

Arrange two windows side-by-side-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:03:00.000-08:00

Arrange two windows side-by-side

If you would like to arrange two windows side-by-side, just click the taskbar button of one of the windows, then right click on the taskbar button of the second windows and select "Tile Vertically" from the resulting menu.

Disable password when returning from Standby-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:02:00.000-08:00

Disable password when returning from Standby

When resuming from hibernation or Standby mode, you can bypass the password prompt by going to:

Start>> Control Panel>> Power Options>> Advanced tab>> Uncheck the entry "Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby".

Switch Users without the Welcome Screen-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Switch Users without the Welcome Screen

If you would like to switch users quickly without going through the welcome screen to do it, here's an alternate method:

Press CTRL + ALT + Delete on your keyboard to access the Task Manager

Click the User tab

Right click the user you would like to switch to and then select Connect from the resulting menu.

Enable CD burning service-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:59:00.000-08:00

Enable CD burning service

Windows XP gives you the ability to burn CDs without adding additional software. However, this feature isn't enabled by default. Here's how to start the service:

Go to Start>> Administrative Tools>> Services.

Right-click IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service, then choose Properties.

Change the Startup Type to Automatic.

Select Start>> click OK.

Reboot your system

To burn files to a CD-R or CD-RW, individually select the desired files and/or folders and drag them to the CD burner device. Right-click the device, and choose Write These Files To CD. To empty the burn queue, simply right click the device and choose Delete temporary Files. IMAPI: Image Mastering Applications Programming Interface

Turn Off Autoeject-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:58:00.000-08:00

Turn Off Autoeject

When burning a CD and the data-writing is complete, Windows will automatically eject your CD. If this is an annoying feature to you, it can easily be disabled. Here's how:

Go to Start>> My Computer

Right click the appropriate CD/DVD drive, then select Properties

Select the Recording tab, then uncheck "Automatically Eject The CD After Writing"

Click OK (it may be necessary for you to reboot your system for this to take effect)

New Programs Highlight in Start Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:56:00.000-08:00

New Programs Highlight in Start Menu

By default, a new program that is loaded to your system, Windows XP highlights it in the Start Menu so that it can be easily found. If you find this annoying and would like to stop the new program from automatically being highlighted, here's how:

Right click the Start button

Select Properties

Choose the Start Menu tab and then click the Customize button

In the Customize Start Menu window, click the Advanced tab

Under 'Start Menu Settings' uncheck the "Highlight newly installed programs" entry

No To All Option-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:55:00.000-08:00

No To All Option

We all have seen the "Yes To All" option when saving files. Have you ever needed a "No To All" option? This is an undocumented feature, but it does exist. All you need to do is hold down the SHIFT key and click the No button. This will tell Windows Explorer "No To All".

Turn Off IE Clicking Noise-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:53:00.000-08:00

Turn Off IE Clicking Noise

Microsoft has added an audible clicking sound when activating a link. If you become annoyed by this clicking sound after awhile, you can turn it off. Here's how:

Start>> Control Panel>> Sounds and Audio Devices.

Select the Sound tab.

Scroll down to the section for Windows Explorer.

Click the event called "Start Navigation," and change the setting to "none" from the dropdown box.

Click OK to apply the change.

Unhide Components in Add/Remove Programs-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:51:00.000-08:00

Unhide Components in Add/Remove Programs

You can uninstall many Windows components using the Add or Remove Programs.

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Add/Remove Programs

While searching for old programs to delete from your system, you'll probably notice that some components are not there. Well, they really are there, Windows just has them hidden. The most common Windows program that is hidden and marked for removal by many PC users is MSN Messenger. Here's how you can tell Windows not to hide these components.

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: notepad.exe C:\windows\inf\sysoc.inf

In notepad, select Edit from the toolbar.

Click the Replace button.

In the "Find What" text area type HIDE

Leave the "Replace With" text area blank.

Click Replace All.

Exit the Replace window.

In notepad again, select File from the toolbar and click Save.

All of the hidden Windows components will now be visible in Add/Remove programs.

Move The Cursor Without A Mouse-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:48:00.000-08:00

Move The Cursor Without A Mouse

If you would like to try out using your mouse with only your keyboard, Windows makes this option available to you. The utility is called MouseKeys. MouseKeys uses your numeric keypad to control the mouse cursor. This can be a handy feature if you are needing better accuracy while designing graphics. MouseKeys allows you to move the cursor pixel by pixel across the screen.

Here is how to activate the MouseKeys feature:

Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Accessibility Options

Click the Mouse tab

Place a checkmark in the box titled: Use MouseKeys

Click the settings button to adjust the pointer speed

Click OK

Adding a special character-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:45:00.000-08:00

Adding a special character

If you ever find the need to use a special character such as; ® or ©. Instead of opening up your character map each time you need to insert one of these symbols, there are shortcuts available that can be a great time saver. Here's how:

Go to Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> System Tools>> Character Map.

Click the © symbol

At the bottom right corner, you will notice the keyboard shortcut used to insert this character.

Be sure to write it down for future use.

To insert the character using the keyboard shortcut:

Position the cursor where you would like to insert the special character.

With NUM LOCK key on, hold down the ALT key and use the number pad keys to type the character value.

Clear unwanted items from the "Open With" list-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:42:00.001-08:00

Clear unwanted items from the "Open With" list

When you right click a file, you may see an option called 'Open With', which lists a number of programs on your computer to open that file with. If you would like to remove some of these options from this list, here's how:

Warning: The following tip involves editing the Windows Registry. Please make sure that you make a backup copy of the registry prior to making any changes.

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: REGEDIT [Enter] or Click OK.

Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ FileExts

Click once on the 'FileExts' entry to empty its contents into the right pane.

Find the extension you wish to edit and click on the "+" sign to expand OpenWithList (see Figure #1)

Right click on the one that you would like to delete, then select Delete.

Note: Deleting the item from the above registry key may not remove it from the Open With list. Some items may still reside in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT registry key which is common for all user profiles.

Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ .xxx \ OpenWithList (Where .xxx is a file extension)

When you find the desired entry, right click and select Delete.

Clear unwanted items from the "Open With" list-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:42:00.000-08:00

Clear unwanted items from the "Open With" list
When you right click a file, you may see an option called 'Open With', which lists a number of programs on your computer to open that file with. If you would like to remove some of these options from this list, here's how:

Warning: The following tip involves editing the Windows Registry. Please make sure that you make a backup copy of the registry prior to making any changes.

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: REGEDIT [Enter] or Click OK.

Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ FileExts

Click once on the 'FileExts' entry to empty its contents into the right pane.

Find the extension you wish to edit and click on the "+" sign to expand OpenWithList (see Figure #1)

Right click on the one that you would like to delete, then select Delete.

Adding an item to the Send To menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:40:00.000-08:00

Adding an item to the Send To menu

If you would like to add an additional item to your Send To menu, you need to add a shortcut to the SendTo folder. Here's how:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: sendto [Enter]
Right click a blank space within the SendTo folder.
Click New>> Shortcut.
Follow the Create Short Cut wizards onscreen instructions to create a new shortcut.
Close the SendTo folder window.
This newly created shortcut will now appear in your Send To menu.

To delete a shortcut from the Send To menu:

Go to Start>> Run: Type in: sendto [Enter]
Find the item that you would like to delete.
Right click the item and select Delete.

Remove "Help and Support" link from XP Start Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:37:00.000-08:00

Remove "Help and Support" link from XP Start Menu

If you would like to remove the help and support link from the Start Menu, here's how:

Right click the Taskbar

Choose Properties

In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window, select the Start Menu tab

Click the Customize button

In the Customize Start Menu window, choose the Advanced tab

Uncheck the Help and Support option (see image below)

Click OK, then OK again to exit the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window

Configure Auto Updates- Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

Configure Auto Updates
Microsoft regularly releases security patches, programs, language packs, and bug fixes through its Windows Update site to keep your system in tiptop shape. On today's "Call for Help," we'll show you how to configure XP to automatically download Windows updates for you.

Here's how to configure Windows XP to automatically download updates:

Single-click the Start Menu and then the Control Panel.

Single-click the Performance and Maintenance icon and then the System icon.

On the System properties dialog, click the Automatic Updates tab.

Click the radio button next to the text labeled "Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed."

Click the Apply button.

The next time you're online and there happens to be an available update, you'll be prompted to install it.

How to disable/enable System Restore-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:12:00.000-08:00

How to disable/enable System Restore

This information is for your convenience. System Restore is part of Windows XP. If you need help with System Restore, contact Microsoft technical support.

To disable System Restore, you must log on to Windows XP as Administrator. To see the System Restore tab, you must be logged on as Administrator. Below, you will find instructions that will help you determine if you are logged in as Administrator.

Note: If you turn off System Restore, you delete all previous restore points. You must create new restore points once you turn System Restore back on.

To turn off Windows XP System Restore

1.Click the Start button.

2.Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

3.On the System Restore tab, check Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives as shown in this picture:

4.Click Apply. The following message appears:

5.This deletes all existing restore points. Click Yes to do this.

6.Click OK.

7.Proceed with what you need to do. For example, removing viruses. Restart the computer and follow the instructions in the next section to turn on System Restore.

To turn on Windows XP System Restore

1.Follow the steps in the previous section, but in step 3, uncheck Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives. Then click OK.

2.Create new System Restore points.

Make ur pdf files to speak-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Make ur pdf files to speak

Here r the shortcuts for hearing pdf files in abobe reader 6.0 or higher

ctrl+shift+b ---->to hear the whole topic
ctrl+shift+v ---->to hear the page

AUTO DELETE TEMPORARY FOLDER.!!-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

AUTO DELETE TEMPORARY FOLDER.!!
ll what i prefer is %temp% " without quotes.. at Start -> Run..
this opens ur temp folder n den u cal erase it neatly// still try dis one too..

First go into gpedit.msc

Next select -> Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Terminal Services/Temporary Folder

Then right click "Do Not Delete Temp Folder Upon Exit"

Go to properties and hit disable. Now next time Windows puts a temp file in that folder it will automatically delete it when its done! Note from Forum Admin: Remember, GPEDIT (Group Policy Editor) is only available in XP Pro.

Notepad Trick !-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

Notepad Trick !

Well quite old but here is d complete collection

Step 1: Open Notepad
Step 2: Write following line in the notepad.
this app can break
Step 3: Save this file as xxx.txt
Step 4: Close the notepad.
Step 5: Open the file again.

Voilla!!

1> Open Notepad
2> Enter four words separated by spaces, wherein the first word has 4 letters, the next two have three letters, and the last word has five letters
3> DON'T hit enter at the end of the line.
4> Save the file.
5> Close Notepad.
6> Reopen Notepad.
7> Open the file you just saved.

Open a note pad
type Bush hid the facts
save that file,
close it
again open and see...

Remove the Username and picture from Windows XP New Start Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:03:00.000-08:00

Remove the Username and picture from Windows XP New Start Menu
The User account picture can be removed by turning off the Welcome Screen. Or, by switching to Windows Classic theme. Follow the method described in this article if you want to remove the username and picture from the Start Menu, without disabling the Welcome Screen and Windows XP Theme.

For those who want to remove the user name and user account picture from Start Menu, in order to have a blank blue panel at the top, try this:

Start Windows Explorer and go to this folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures

From that folder, rename the BMP file which corresponds to your user account.
( For example, if your username is Robert, rename Robert.bmp to old_Robert.bmp )

Next, rename the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures
to something else, say...
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\No_Default Pictures

To remove the user name, follow these steps

Start regedit.exe and navigate to the this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft\ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer

In the right-pane, set NoUserNameInStartMenu value-data to 1

Close Regedit.exe and restart Windows.

You'll end up with a blue space at the top of the Start Menu.

To get back the username and the picture, reverse the above procedure.

For the New Start Menu, Windows XP looks for the .bmp file in the folder
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures

If the file is not found, it takes a picture from the "Default Pictures" sub-folder. By renaming the .bmp and the "Default Pictures" folder, you're giving no chance for Windows to fetch an image for the Start Menu

Remove Stored username and Passwords !-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Remove Stored username and Passwords !

To remove the Stored User Names and Passwords from your system, try this: Click Start, Run and type Control keymgr.dll

Remove the entries from the list.

The other ways to access this dialog are:

Type Control Userpasswords2 in RUN box, click Advanced, Manage Passwords
-or-
From Control Panel, select your User Account, click Manage your network passwords
It Works.

lock pc just by double clicking mouse-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:58:00.000-08:00

lock pc just by double clicking mouse
You can lock your XP workstation with two clicks of the mouse. Create a new shortcut on your desktop using a right mouse click, and enter 'rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation' in the location field. Give the shortcut a name you like. That's it -- just double click on it and your computer will be locked. And if that's not easy enough, Windows key + L will do the same.

System information-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:57:00.000-08:00

System information
system up time only for xp professional edition It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina. Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with Notepad. (Professional Edition only).

Shutdown Trick !-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-

2009-02-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

Shutdown Trick !

Imidiate rapid shut down window while shutting down window. open task manager(Ctr+Alt+Del), Select shut down tab. and press ' Ctrl ' key while select Turn Off from dis tab. Count 5 4 3 2 1 Voila!!! U r window will rapidly shut down.

Speed Up Ur Shut down !!

Start Regedit.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control.

Click on the "Control" Folder.

Select "WaitToKillServiceTimeout"

Right click on it and select Modify.

Set it a value lower than 2000 (Mine is set to 200).
and !
Like previous versions of windows, it takes long time to restart or shutdown windows xp when the "Exit Windows" sound is enabled. to solve this problem you must disable this useless sound. click start button then go to settings -> control panel -> Sound,Speech and Audio devices -> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Sounds, then under program events and windows menu click on "Exit Windows" sub-menu and highlight it.now from sounds you can select,choose "none" and then click apply and ok. now you can see some improvements when shutting down your system

GPEDIT.MSC And Autoplay-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:51:00.000-08:00

GPEDIT.MSC And Autoplay

A great tweaking file that comes with XP is gpedit.msc. Go to Start -> Run... and then type in 'gpedit.msc' and press enter. This is effectively the Policies Editor, and it comes in handy often. For example, if you hate CD autoplay like I do and want to permanently disable it, you can use this tool to do so. Just run gpedit.msc, then go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System. In here you can see the value 'Turn Off Autoplay'. Right-click on it and then click 'Properties'.

Automatically End Programs At Shutdown-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:48:00.000-08:00

Automatically End Programs At Shutdown

Don't you hate it when, while trying to shut down, you get message boxes telling you that a program is still running? Making it so that Windows automatically kills applications running is a snap. Simply navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop directory in the Registry, then alter the key AutoEndTasks to the value 1.

Performance Increase Through My Computer-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:42:00.000-08:00

Performance Increase Through My Computer

Easy enough tweak to usually find out about it on your own, but still, some of us still don't find it right away. So here it is:

Start > right-click on My Computer and select Properties.

Click on the "Advanced" tab.

See the "Performance" section? Click "Settings".

Disable the following:

Fade or slide menus into view
Fade or slide ToolTips into view
Fade out menu items after clicking
Show Shadows under menus
Slide open combo boxes
Slide taskbar buttons
Use a background image for each folder type
Use common tasks in folders

There, now Windows will still look nice and perform faster.

Safely Remove Hardware Icon?-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

Safely Remove Hardware Icon?
If you have an USB device attached to your system, you will notice an icon in the Notification area, which - when clicked - will give you the option to Stop your hardware, before you unplug it.
It is possible that you never unplug this hardware. So how do you get rid of the icon? As far as I know the only way is to right-click the notification area, and selecting Properties. Under the Notification area heading, click Customize. Find the Safely Remove Hardware icon and select Always hide in the Behavior column next to it (press OK and Apply to back out).

Speed up the Start Menu-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:37:00.000-08:00

Speed up the Start Menu

You can use this tip to speed up the Start Menu in Windows XP release candidate 1. You can customize the speed of the Start Menu by editing a Registry Key.

Click Start, and then click Run.

Type Regedit in the box, and then click OK.

Expand the menu in the left panel and select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop folder.

Scroll down in the right panel and double click on the MenuShowDelay file.

In the Value Data box, change to default value for the menu speed from 400 to a lesser number, such as 1.

Click OK.

Caution: Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. Before making changes to the registry, you should back up any valued data on your computer.

Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar

Do you want to quickly map a drive, but can’t find the toolbar button? If you map drives often, use one of these options to add a Map Drive button to the folder toolbar.

Option One (Long Term Fix)

Click Start, click My Computer, right-click the toolbar, then unlock the toolbars, if necessary.

Right-click the toolbar again, and then click Customize.

Under Available toolbar buttons, locate Map Drive, and drag it into the position you want on the right under Current toolbar buttons.

Click Close, click OK, and then click OK again.

You now have drive mapping buttons on your toolbar, so you can map drives from any folder window. To unmap drives, follow the above procedure, selecting Disconnect under Available toolbar buttons. To quickly map a drive, try this option.

Option Two (Quick Fix)

Click Start, and right-click My Computer.

Click Map Network Drive.

If you place your My Computer icon directly on the desktop, you can make this move in only two clicks!

Disable Dr. Watson-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Disable Dr. Watson

Watson is a debugging tool in windows , which sometimes becomes quite irritating when ever it pops up suddenly .

Here is a method to disable it , if it bugs you :

Dr. Watson can be disabled using the registry editor:

Start the registry editor (Start >> Run >> type "regedit.exe" >> Hit enter )

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ AeDebug

Click on AeDebug and click Del

Alternativly just set HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ AeDebug \ AUTO to 0

To re-enable Dr. Watson type "drwtsn32 -i" in run window.

Disable the Splash Screen-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

Disable the Splash Screen

Ever wonder what's going on behind that splash screen? Well, now you can find out!

Right click My Computer

Select Properties then click on the Advanced tab.

Next click Settings under Startup and Recovery.

Click Edit

You'll need to edit this file "BOOT.INI"
Add /SOS right after /fastdetect with a space between them.

The line should look something like this:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\Windows="Microsoft Windows Whistler Professional" /fastdetect /SOS

After you restart, the splash screen should be gone! You can set it back simple by removing the /SOS switch

Keeping XP up to date-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

Keeping XP up to date

It is a good idea to keep your system up to date with the latest security updates!

Click Start | Help and Support. Under “Pick a task,” click Keep your computer up–to–date with Windows Update.

Click Click Scan for updates

Click Yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers.

This will keep your system automatically updated with the latest security updates!

Note: You can also open Windows update by opening Windows Internet Explorer and clicking on Tools | Windows Update OR by clicking on Start | All Programs | Windows Update

Using System RestoreWindows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:25:00.000-08:00

Using System Restore

System Restore is a great utility should anything go wrong with your system. You can restore you system back to the last restore point.

Creating a Restore Point:
Access the System Restore Wizard through Help and Support Center. (Click Start | Help and Support. Click Performance and Maintenance | Using System Restore to undo changes | Run the System Restore Wizard.

Click Create a restore point, and then click Next.

In the Restore point description box, type a name to identify this restore point. System Restore automatically adds to this name the date and time that this Restore Point is created.

Click Create

Now if something ever happens to your system, you can always restore you system back to this restore point:
to return to this restore point, from the Welcome to System Restore screen of the System Restore Wizard select Restore my computer to an earlier time. Then select the date when the restore point was created from the calendar in the Select a Restore Point screen.

Disable BalloonsWindows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:21:00.000-08:00

Disable Balloons

Annoyed by those silly balloons that keep popping up?

Right-Click on Start and select Properties

On the Start Menu tab click Customize

Select the Advanced tab

Uncheck the box labeled Highlight Newly Installed Programs

Click OK.

Clear up that type-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:18:00.000-08:00

Clear up that type

ClearType is an effect that smooths the text fonts on a flat screen monitor. If enable at a high resolution on a CRT monitor, it will make things difficult to read.

Click Start | Control Panel

Click the Appearance And Themes tab

Click the Display icon | Appearance tab | Effects button

Check the box labeled Use The Following Method To Smooth Edges Of Screen Fonts and select ClearType

Click OK.

Finding the Registration Information-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:17:00.000-08:00

Finding the Registration Information

If you've bought a used computer with Windows XP and need to change the registered owner, or for any other reason:

Click Start | Run and type "regedit"

Follow the directory to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Right click on RegisteredOwner and select modify

Change any other needed values in this directory

Windows XP PowerToys-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Windows XP PowerToys

PowerTools are created by Microsoft to add to or enhance your Windows XP system.

You can download them here.

Windows Logo Key-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

Windows Logo Key

The Windows key does more than just open the start menu.

1.Tapping the Windows Logo Key Once Opens the start menu

2.Holding down the Windows Key and tapping:

D - minimizes the open windows. (Doing it again re-opens all the windows)

E - opens Windows Explorer

F - opens the File Search window

R - opens the Run window.

U - opens the utility manager

Break - opens the System Properties window.

F1 - opens the Help & Support Center window.

Compatibility Mode-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:07:00.000-08:00

Compatibility Mode

Ever tried to run software that was design for Win98 or WinME and had problems?

Perhaps running the software in Compatibility Mode will enable this software to function properly.

Right-Click on the shortcut to the problematic software and select Properties

Select the Compatibility tab and check the box marked Run This Program In Compatibility Mode For and select the OS from the dropdown list

Click OK.

Changing the Owner of the System -Windows Xp Tips and Tricks- Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

2009-02-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Changing the Owner of the System

The settings can be located using REGEDIT

Click Start | Run and type REGEDIT

Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | Software | Microsoft | Windows NT | CurrentVersion

Right-click on RegisteredOwner and select Modify

Change the Value data: to your the new owner name

Right-click on RegisteredOrganization and select Modify

Change teh Value data: to the new organization name

Create a Password Reset Disk

2009-02-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

Create a Password Reset Disk

Microsoft has enhanced security features in XP including the the ability to create a floppy

diskette to recover your password incase it is forgotten.

Click Start

Click Control Panel

Click User Accounts

Click on the account which you want to create a password disk

Click Prevent a forgotten password which starts the Forgotten Password Wizard . This is found under Related Tasks

Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and click Next

Enter the password in the Current user account password box

To use the recovery disk, at the Welcome screen

Click the user name whose password is on the recovery disk

Click the question mark button

This causes the Did you forget your password message to appear.

Click use your password reset disk

This will start the Password Reset Wizard.

Display Hibernate Option on the Shut Down dialog

2009-02-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Display Hibernate Option on the Shut Down dialog

For some reason, Hibernate isn't available from the default Shut Down dialog. But you can enable it simply enough, by holding down the SHIFT key while the dialog is visible. Now you see it, now you don't!

Missing Administrator account

2009-02-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Missing Administrator account

Once you have created regular user accounts, the default Administrator account vanishes from the Welcome screen, which you see when the computer starts up. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete twice at the Welcome screen to retrieve the standard logon dialog. You can log on as Administrator from here. To switch among accounts, just click the Log Off button on the Start menu. You'll then see the Log Off Windows dialog box. Click the Switch User button, and you'll be taken to the Welcome screen where you can select and log on to other accounts.

Speed up the Start Menu

2009-02-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

Speed up the Start Menu
You can use this tip to speed up the Start Menu in Windows XP release candidate 1. You can customize the speed of the Start Menu by editing a Registry Key.

Click Start, and then click Run.

Type Regedit in the box, and then click OK.

Expand the menu in the left panel and select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop folder.

Scroll down in the right panel and double click on the MenuShowDelay file.

In the Value Data box, change to default value for the menu speed from 400 to a lesser number, such as 1.

Click OK.

Caution: Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. Before making changes to the registry, you should back up any valued data on your computer.

Do Not Highlight Newly Installed Programs

2009-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Do Not Highlight Newly Installed Programs
Tired of that annoying little window that pops up to tell you that new software is installed? If it gets in the way when you’re logging off, turn it off completely.

To do this Click Start, right-click at the top of the Start menu where your name is displayed, and then click Properties.

In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, on the Start Menu tab, click Customize.

Click the Advanced tab, and then clear the Highlight newly installed programs check box.

Click OK, and then click OK again.

Now that message won’t be popping up when you least want to see it.

Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information

2009-02-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information
Something new in Windows XP, instead of using the command line program and typing ipconfig to find local area network information, you can use the following shortcut:

Click Start, point to Connect to, and then click Show All Connections.

Right–click the connection you want information about, and then click Status.

In the connection Properties dialog box, click the Support tab.

For even more information, click the Advanced tab.

To automatically enable the status monitor each time the connection is active, in the connection

Properties dialog box, select the Show icon in taskbar notification area when connected check box.

Increase BROADBAND

2009-02-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

Increase BROADBAND

make sure your logged on as actually "Administrator". do not log on with any account that just has administrator privileges.

start - run - type gpedit.msc

expand the "local computer policy" branch

expand the "administrative templates" branch

expand the "network branch"

Highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler" in left window

in right window double click the "limit reservable bandwidth" setting

on setting tab check the "enabled" item

where it says "Bandwidth limit %" change it to read 0

Turn of CD Auto Play

2009-02-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Turn of CD Auto Play
Open My Computer

Right click on your CD ROM and choose Properties

Click on the Auto Play tab

In the drop down box you can choose the Action for each choice shown in the drop down box

Go to Start->Run->gpedit.msc

Computer Config -> Administrative Template -> System

Double click Turn off Autoplay

Enable it.

Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons

2009-02-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons

Here's how you can remove those shortcut arrows from your desktop icons in Windows XP.

Start regedit.

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTlnkfile

Delete the IsShortcut registry value.

You may need to restart Windows XP.

Internet Connection Sharing

2009-02-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Internet Connection Sharing

To enable Internet Connection Sharing on a network connection:

Open Network Connections.

Click the dial-up, local area network, PPPoE, or VPN connection you want to share, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.

On the Advanced tab, select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box.

If you want this connection to dial automatically when another computer on your home or small office network attempts to access external resources, select the Establish a dial-up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the Internet check box.

If you want other network users to enable or disable the shared Internet connection, select the Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection check box.

Under Internet Connection Sharing, in Home networking connection, select any adapter that connects the computer sharing its Internet connection to the other computers on your network.

Taking Ownership Of a Folder

2009-02-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Taking Ownership Of a Folder

Sometimes when you reinstall WindowsXP, you can receive an Access Denied error when trying to open a previous user's directory.

To take ownership of that folder again:

Log on with an account that has administrator rights

Right click on the folder

Select Properties

Click on the Security tab

Click on the Advanced button

Click on the Owner tab

In the list of Names, click on your name

To take ownership, click on Replace owner on subcontainers and objects

Click OK and Yes

Hiding Manage My Computer

2009-02-19T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hiding Manage My Computer

If you want to remove Manage My Computer from My Computer

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Policies / Explorer

Create a DWORD value called NoManageMyComputerVerb

Set the value to 1

Reboot

Disable Windows Tour

2009-02-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

Disable Windows Tour

If you want to disable the Take Tour of Windows XP that comes up after you install WindowsXP:

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Tour

Create a new DWORD key called RunCount

Give it a value of 0

Editing the Boot.ini file

2009-02-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

Editing the Boot.ini file

The boot.ini file is a simple text file that is on the root of the boot drive.

You can edit this with any plain text editor like Notepad (may need to unhide the file first)

Right click on My Computer

Select Properties

Click on the Advanced tab

Under Startup and Recovery, click on the Settings button

Click on the Edit button

Running CHKDSK

2009-02-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

Running CHKDSK

One way to run a chkdsk (this is like Scandisk that was with Win9X), is to
Double click on My Computer

Right click on the drive you want to check

Select Properties

Click on the Tools tab

Click on the Check Now button

Check to Automatically fix file system errors - This is the same as running chkdsk /f

If you want to Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, check that box - This is the same as running chkdsk /R. It can also add a lot of time to the scan

Reboot if necessary

You can also run chkdsk from the command line with will give you more options.
The following switches are available:

/F - fix any errors
/R - identifies bad sectors
/V - with FAT32, displays a verbose output
With NTFS Volumes:
/I - Performs simpler check (stage 2)
/C - Skips the checking of cycles within folder structures
/X - Forces the volume to dismount if necessary. Intended for server administrators and should be avoided for normal use

Identify Faulty Device Drivers

2009-02-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Identify Faulty Device Drivers

If you are having problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,
often the problem is due to a faulty device driver.

One way to help identify them is through the use of the Verfier program

Start / Run / Verifier

Keep the default of Create Standard Settings

Select the type of drivers you want to confirm

A list of drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.

Reboot

If your computer stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with the problem driver

To turn off the Verifier, run verifier /reset

Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock

2009-02-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock

If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard

Open InitialKeyboardIndicators

Change the value to one of the following numbers

0 - All Keys off

1 - Caps Lock on

2 - Num Lock on

4 - Scroll Lock on

For multiple keys, add their values:

3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on

5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on

6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on

7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on

Log off and back on again

DOS Tips in XP

2009-02-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

DOS Tips in XP

Windows XP cmd tip (DOS isn’t dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder creation examples:

To create multiple folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command:

C:\> md this is a test

To create a folder several folders deep, use:

C:\> md this\is\a\test

Creating a folder with a long name requires the double-quote at the beginning:

C:\> md "this is a test

Bonus tip: Windows XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style CD command to change your present working directory:

C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc

Configure for Auto-Logon

2009-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Configure for Auto-Logon

If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,

Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes

Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer

Stopping the Messenger Service

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Stopping the Messenger Service

To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer,
you can disable the Messenger service.

Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel

Click Performance and Maintenance

Click Administrative Tools

Double click Services

Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"

Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties

Click the STOP button

Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK

Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages

2009-02-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages

To turn these off:

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system

If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages

Give it a value of 1

Repair Install

2009-02-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

Repair Install

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD

At the second R=Repair option, press the R key

This will start the repair

Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement

Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS

It will then check the C: drive and start copying files

It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.

You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)

When prompted, click on the Next button

When prompted, enter your XP key

Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name

The computer will reboot

Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install

Activate if you want (usually a good idea)

Finish

At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.

NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt

2009-02-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt

If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

At the first R=Repair option, press the R key

Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.

Typically this will be #1

Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.

CD i386
expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe

If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to C:\Windows

Take out the CD ROM and type exit

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

2009-02-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

At the first R=Repair option, press the R key

Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.

Typically this will be #1

Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file

Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it

Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

2009-02-19T21:04:00.000-08:00

Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

If you get the error:

Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

At the first R=Repair option, press the R key

Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.

Typically this will be #1

Enter in the administrator password when requested

cd \windows\system32\config

Depending on which section was corrupted:

ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found

2009-02-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found

If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,

If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.

For NTFS:

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

At the first R=Repair option, press the R key

Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.

Typically this will be #1

Enter in the administrator password when requested

Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Increasing the Folder Cache

2009-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Increasing the Folder Cache

The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.
To increase it:

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam

Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)

1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
5000 - 1388

Hiding the Last User Logged On

2009-02-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hiding the Last User Logged On

If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:

Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options

Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name

Set it to Enable

Poweroff at Shutdown

2009-02-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

Poweroff at Shutdown

If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to do this.

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1

You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

Stop Password Expiration

2009-02-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Stop Password Expiration

If you want to do this for all users, enter:

Start / Run / net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited

If you are getting an error message that your password is about to expire:

Right click on the My Computer icon

Select Manage

Go to Local Users and Groups / Users

Right-click on the user you want to change

Select Properties

On the General tab, check Password never expires

Click OK

Disable Explorer Thumbnail View

2009-02-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

Disable Explorer Thumbnail View

If you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View ,

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \

Change ClassicViewState to 1

Adding Environment Variables

2009-02-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Adding Environment Variables

Since any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,
to add environment variables to WindowsXP:

Right click on My Computer

Select Properties

Click on the Advanced tab

Click on the Environment Variables button

From here you can change it for the system or just the current user.

Enable / Disable the Task Manager

2009-02-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

Enable / Disable the Task Manager

Start Regedit

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr

Give it a value of 0 to enable it

Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it