* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * W I N D O W S X P * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * U N O F F I C I A L G U I D E written by: paranoidxe date: september 2004 email: paranoidtsi@hotmail.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ====================================== II. WINDOWS XP - GENERIC FAQ ====================================== `````````````````````````````````````` This is a generalized FAQ designed to help you better understand the Windows XP operating system. This section is NOT FOR tweaks, tips, or troubleshooting this is simply a product FAQ. [1. What is Windows XP?] Well windows xp started off as a upgrade to Windows NT operating systems, but plans were changed, XP was designed to bring the stability of the NT Kernel into the home user field. XP is a operating system aimed for both business users and home users alike. [2. What does XP stand for?] Microsoft officially says 'eXPerience'. [3. When was Windows XP released?] The manufacturer version was released August 24th, 2001..but this went to manufacturers so new computers could come loaded, consumers did not see the retail product until two months later on Oct. 25th, 2001. [4. What editions of Windows XP are there?] Windows XP Home - aimed at home users Windows XP Professional - aimed at corperate/business users Windows XP 64-bit - designed for Intel Italium processors Windows XP Media Edition - aimed at users that want TV/Audio/Computing all rolled into one. [5. Is there no Windows XP Server?] That is correct, the latest version of server is Windows 2003 Server, which has pretty much all the features of XP plus more utilities for networking. [6. What are the differences between XP Pro and XP Home?] Professional has the following features that Windows XP Home does not: - Remote Desktop - Multi-Processor Support - Automated System Recovery - Dynamic Disk Support - EFS (Encrypting File System) - File-level access control - Group Policy, Domain Membership,Intellimirror, Roaming Profiles - RIS Support - IPSEC, Simple TCP/IP Services, Network Monitor, Multiple Roaming Feature, SAP Agent, SNMP are all networking features EXCLUSIVE to XP Pro [7. What are the possible upgrade paths with XP?] Upgrade to XP Home from > Windows 98, 98SE, ME Upgrade to XP Pro from > Windows 98, 98SE, ME, NT4, 2K Anything below Windows 98 is unsupported, and Windows XP Home Edition cannot upgrade from NT4/2000. [8. Is Windows XP a 16bit/32bit hybrid like Windows 95/98/ME?] There is no underlaying DOS support in Windows XP, it is 100% full 32-bit operating system just like Win NT4/2000. [9. So Can Windows XP run 16-bit applications?] Yes, Windows XP is able to run older 16-bit applications, but due to the way NT Kernel works, the support is not nearly as good as Windows 9x. [10. Will I have problems with games?] For the MOST part, if your games run in the Windows environment, then you should have no problem. On the other hand, games running in dos may have sound card problems or can cause stability problems because they may try to access hardware directly, which is forbidden by XP. [11. What is the final version number of XP?] 5.10.2600 [12. What is product activation?] Product Activation is microsoft's method of fighting software piracy, it identifies your computer through a generated Hardware GUID, so when you activate that GUID is tied with your cd key. If someone were to try to activate using your key, it would deny them and the XP product would no longer function after 14 days (30 on some). [13. Does product activation invade my privacy?] Only if you think a random generated hardware guid is invasion of privacy, Activation does NOT grab ANY personal information from your computer when you activate, so there is no worry. [14. I bought XP Home, I want to install it on two computers can I?] No, since Microsoft's license is PER-USER not PER-HOUSEHOLD you cannot do this. In order to successfully do this you need to get a extra license from microsoft, which is roughly the same price for the product you buy off the shelf anyway. [15. What is this XP Professional Corperate Edition I hear about?] Technically there is no XP Corperate Edition, it is XP Professional with no activation and is ONLY available with large volume licensing. What this does is helps network adminstrators install the product without being bothered to activate EVERY single node on the network when installing. [16. What file system does Windows XP use?] Windows XP has support for legacy file systems such as FAT32, and FAT16. To experience the most from XP (Pro especially) it is recommended you use NTFS, the file system that has long been used in NT4/2000. [17. What file system should I use with my XP?] If you plan on using XP and XP Only on your machine with no dual boots with other operating systems, I highly recommend NTFS. It is a superior file system that is more secure and is better maintained by Windows. If you need an older operating system like Windows 98, you will need to keep FAT32 for legacy support, as previous 9x versions do NOT support NTFS. [18. Can I do a clean install off of a upgrade CD?] Yes you can, during setup XP will verify if you have a previous operating system on the computer, if it can't find one it will ask you to insert a disk of a previous operating system in your drive to verify. [19. I choose FAT32, can I still use NTFS?] Yes, fortunately you can convert to NTFS later if you wish, but realize if you uninstall Windows XP and your previous operating system was 98/ME you WILL NOT be able to go back. Once you convert to NTFS, you cannot convert back to FAT32. [20. I have Windows 2000, should I upgrade to XP?] It is really user preference, if you can run acrossed Windows XP Pro for cheap then I say upgrade..otherwise Windows 2000 will be fine. [21. What are the system requirements for XP?] Pentium 133Mhz (300Mhz Recommended) 64MB Ram (128MB Recommended) 1.5GB HD Space (4GB Recommended) SVGA with 800x600 supported resolution CD or DVD Drive Keyboard/Mouse [22. Does Windows XP include a firewall?] Yes, but is very weak and is a in-bound only firewall. Service Pack 2 will upgrade the firewall slightly, but a 3rd party program is still a better option. [23. I want to dual boot on a freshly formatted drive how do I do it?] You need to first install the older operating system (i.e. Windows 98) then install Windows XP, XP should automatically detect Windows 98 on the machine and adjust it accordingly. [24. Should I do a clean install or upgrade install?] For the most part it is highly recommended to do a clean install, especially if your previous operating system is 98/ME. This will get things going as smooth as possible without many conflicts. The drawback is that programs, files, documents will need to be backed up or reinstalled. If you are using Windows 2000 or NT4 the upgrade path may not be so bad, but you will probably be leaving behind outdated files in Windows leading to pointless wasting of disk space, plus you could have a registry that is a mess. So for the most part, clean installation is the best way to go if you have the time and patience for it. [25. Where can I get a bootdisk for Windows XP Setup?] Some computers lack the ability to boot from CDs, you can use bootdisks instead, which can be obtained at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID= 55820EDB-5039-4955-BCB7-4FED408EA73F [26. What is product registration?] Unlike Windows ACTIVATION, product registration is completely optional. registration is like any other program's registration, you send in some info about yourself, microsoft sends you information on microsoft products. [27. How much does the retail versions of XP cost?] Windows XP Home - ~$100 Upgrade ~$200 Full Windows XP Pro - ~$200 Upgrade ~$300 Full [28. Will I have problems with activation if I change hardware?] For the most part, no. Usually the only time you will have a problem is if the hardware is major, like CPU or motherboard..in which case you have to call Microsoft to get it re-activated. Activation is not too sensitive when it comes to hardware switching, but it does happen. [29. What features does Service Pack 1 introduce?] - improved support for hardware (specifically USB2, Tablet PCs, Media Center) - added anti-piracy measure, blocks users from installing if using a specified popular pirated key. - (SP1a) complies with Sun/Microsoft suit, and does not install microsoft java virtual machine - complies with DOJ suit, allows users to select default email program, instant messenger program, media player, web browset, instant messenger, etc. - various bug fixes [30. What features does Service Pack 2 introduce?] Service Pack 2 introduces a slew of new security features which include: - Security Center - intregates 3rd party av programs and tells you when they need updating. It also controls Auto Updates. - Windows Firewall - replaces ICF in previous versions, enhanced configuration, and new adminstrative features. - IE 6.0 SP2 included - pop-up blocker, improved local zone security to help keep malicious programs out, add-on manager which makes it harder for hijackers and other malware to get installed - Outlook Express SP2 - setup to improve security, no more downloading HTML images in email by default - NX Processor support, which means Windows XP can effectively seperate data from applications, this means other programs will not be allowed to insert code into another boundary, this prevents modification of programs by other programs. [31. What took Microsoft so long to release Service Pack 2?] Orignally planned for 2003, SP2 was pushed back to 2004 because of a slew of internet security problems and attacks. Microsoft repositioned SP2 to not just be a security and bug fix..but to be a major security update. [32. What is the difference between SP1 and SP1a?] SP1 is no longer available, SP1 included Virtual Java Machine, but after the court case with Sun..this was no longer pausable, and it was removed for SP1a. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ====================================== I. WINDOWS XP - TIPS N' TRICKS ====================================== `````````````````````````````````````` `~` WINDOWS MESSENGER REMOVAL `~` Annoyed by WINDOWS MESSENGER allows RUNNING on YOUR machine and DO not WANT it ANYMORE then follow the steps below to PERMANENTLY remove windows messenger: - click start, run.. - type the following in the box RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove - press enter Windows messenger should now be removed from your system. Alternatively, you can disable windows messenger from loading each boot yet keep it on your computer by following these steps: - open regedit (start, run, regedit, ok) - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F3A614DC-ABE0-11d2-A441-00C04F795683} - delete the entire key - reboot your machine Finally, Systems with Service Pack 1 install can remove it easily by doing the following: - go to control panel - double-click Add/Remove Progrmas - click "Add/Remove Windows Components" from the left - uncheck "Windows Messenger" - click next, click finish - reboot your machine `~` SAVING ACTIVATION CODE `~` This prevents you from re-activating WINDOWs in the event of a reinstallation on the SAME MACHINE! This will not work if the MACHINE is running on different configuration on the reinstallation. To save your activation code: - copy wpa.dbl file from C:\Windows\System32\ - then when you are done reinstalling windows, boot into safe mode and copy wpa.dbl back to the system32 directory replacing any existing files. - reboot your computer and your system should be activated. `~` DISABLE NET BIOS OVER TCP/IP `~` This relieves some overhead on your network, just make sure no applications are depending on NETBIOS..which should be FEW and FAR between. To disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP follow the steps below: - open control panel - double-click Network and Dial-Up Connections - right-click your internet connection select properties - highlight TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) - click properties - click Advanced.. - click WINS tab - click 'Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP' - click ok `~` REMOVING MICROSOFT VJM `~` Microsoft Virtual Machine is no longer actively updated, as a result it is being exploited all the time. By removing Microsoft VM you can secure your machine up at least a little bit, after removing Microsoft VM you should visit java.sun.com to get Sun Java Runtime to replace the buggy virtual machine. To remove Microsoft Virtual Java Machine, follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type "advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection java.inf,Uninstall" click ok - click yes, reboot your computer - delete java folder located in your WINDIR (C:\Windows, example) - delete java.pnf from C:\%WINDIR%\inf - delete jview.exe/wjview.exe from C:\%WINDIR%\system32\ - delete the following key from the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Java VM HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AdvancedOptions\ JAVA_VM Java VM should now be successfully installed, for future java use, it is recommended to install Sun Java from java.sun.com `~` DISABLE PICTURE VIEWER `~` This disables the INTERNAL picture viewer within XP so that you can use something else. You aren't required to remove it, but its useless to have it there if you aren't going to use it right? There are two methods to disabling the internal picture viewer. Method #1 - Disable Picture Viewer/Thumbnail View This will disable both Picture Viewer and Thumbnail View in explorer, use this method if you do not need Thumbnail View: - click start, run.. - type in "regsvr32 /u shimgvm.dll" click ok - Windows will unregister shimgvm.dll, and picture viewer/thumbnail view will be disabled as well - to reverse this at a later time, change the run command to "regsvr32 shimgvm.dll" instead Method #2 - Disable Picture Viewer/Keep Thumbnail View This keeps thumbnail view functional, and disables picture viewer: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ ShellImagePreview\ - in the right pane, double-click string value '(default)', delete the value inside, press ok - reboot your computer `~` HIDE LOG-ON NAMES ON WELCOME LOG-ON `~` Using the method below will hide users from the log-on menu, while still having the account active on the computer. To do this: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\ Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList\ - create new DWORD value, name it the log-on name of the account (EXACTLY) and give it the value of 0 to hide it, 1 to unhide it. - reboot your machine `~` TURN OFF AUTOPLAY `~` This disables Windows ability to automatically play CDs as they are inserted into your cdrom drive. This saves some CPU power and allows you to launch CDs manually in the event you don't want it to automatically run. To do this: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit', click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create a new dword value 'NoDriveTypeAutoRun' - double-click NoDriveTypeAutoRun, change base to Decimal - give it the value of 145 - change it back to 177 to enable autorun again Also, in the same key create dword value 'CDRAutoRun', give it the value of 0. This disables Windows ability to automatically play CDR media. Finally, go to the following key using the registry editor: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\CDRom - create new dword named "Autorun" - give it the value of 0 Autorun should now be completely disabled on your machine. `~` SHRINK VOLUME CONTROL `~` By default sound volume is open in full form. To make it smaller simply open it and press Ctrl + S, the window will be smaller. Press Ctrl + S to reverse it. `~` REMOVE LOG OFF FROM START MENU `~` This removes log-off option presented on the start menu by default, to do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer - create new dword value "StartMenuLogOff" - give it the value of 1, reboot the computer - log-off should no longer be a option in the start menu `~` CHANGE TO W2K SEARCH STYLE `~` In Windows XP, the search function is rather complex compared to older versions of the function. To change it back to a Windows 2000 like style follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit', click ok - go to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ CabinetState - Create new string value named 'Use Search Asst' - give it the value of 'no' `~` TURN OFF LOW DISK SPACE NOTIFICATION `~` By default, if your disk space gets low Windows XP will annoyingly remind you that you are low on disk space. To prevent this annoyance follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword value on the right pane named 'NoLowDiskSpaceChecks' - give it the value of 1 - close regedit, reboot your computer `~` CANNOT DELETE AVI FIX `~` Sometimes a incomplete/corrupted or invalid AVI file cannot be removed from a XP system, in order to fix this you will need to do the following: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.avi\shellex\PropertyHandler - delete the value found - now try and delete the avi `~` UNINSTALL WINDOWS XP `~` If you are not satisfied with Windows XP and wish to go back to the previous operating system you have. This WILL NOT WORK if you PREVIOUSLY used WIN9X and upgraded to NTFS, OR you CLEAN installed Windows XP to where there is no previous point to go to. - run osuninst.exe from C:\Windows\System32\ - follow on screen instructions `~` LOCKING YOUR SYSTEM `~` This applies to Windows XP Professional only, there are a few ways to lock up your Windows XP system. Locking up your machine means if you leave your computer for a few minutes..come back you have to use a password to access your machine again. Method #1 Pressing WINDOWS KEY + L will instantly send you to the locked log-on screen. Method #2 Press Alt + Ctrl + Del, click Lock Computer. Method #3 Create a new shortcut on your desktop, start menu, or quick launch that points to '%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation', now whenever you click it it will automatically lock your computer. `~` RUN SYSTEM FILE SCANNER TO REPAIR FILES `~` If your system has invalid/corrupt system files that need to be replaced because of some unfortunate situation, this could potentially fix it. - insert your Windows XP CD, close any wizard that pops-up - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type sfc /scannow, press enter Windows XP will start to verify system files and copy ones that have been changed to match the orignal files. Please note, in some cases it will overwrite hotfixes installed on your machine and you may need to reinstall them after running SFC. `~` DISABLE HIBERNATE, SAVE DISK SPACE `~` By default, systems that support hibernate will have it enabled in XP systems, not only that windows will reserve the same amount of hard drive space as you have RAM to store files in hibernation mode. To disable this and gain some space back do the following: - click settings, control panel - double-click power options - click Hibernate Tab, uncheck 'Enable Hibernation' - click Apply `~` DISABLE/CUSTOMIZE COOLSWITCH `~` Coolswitch is a feature that you can use to switch quickly between applications by holding Alt then pressing Tab. This tweak can disable/ enable it as well as customize it. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - create new string value 'CoolSwitch' - put 1 for enabled, or 0 for disabled - create new string value 'CoolSwitchColumns' - make the value how many columns you want coolswitch to have on your screen when you engage it. - create new string value 'CoolSwitchRows' - make the value the amount of Rows you wish CoolSwitch to have `~` REGISTER W/O REGISTERING ON WINUPDATE `~` This is a old school tweak that really no longer applies to anything useful, but it is here for old time sake. At the beginning of Windows Update life you were required to register in order to use it, this tweak makes it appear like you have already registered. - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion - create a new string value named "RegDone" - give it the value of 1 `~` CHANGE REGISTERED NAME/ORGANIZATION `~` When installing Windows you may have entered a invalid name or a name that no longer ties to the user of the computer. To change the registered name and company that appears in the properties of my computer, do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion - modify the string values "RegisteredOwner" and "RegisteredOrganization" to whatever name you wish. `~` EXTRA WINDOWS COMPONENT REMOVAL OPTIONS `~` Windows XP actually hides some removable components, doing the following will make all components visable: - use explorer and go to C:\Windows\INF, open sysoc.inf - viewing the contents of this file will reveal SEVERAL "hide" texts, removing ALL of these will make it so when you go to add/remove windows components ALL hidden components will be revealed Accessibility Wizard - AccessOpt=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,optional.inf,Hide,7 Auto Update Windows - AutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,au.inf,hide,7 COM+ - com=comsetup.dll,OcEntry,comnt5.inf,hide,7 Communication Components - CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,hide,7 DTC - dtc=msdtcstp.dll,OcEntry,dtcnt5.inf,hide,7 Windows Messenger - msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,ide,7 Wordpad - MSWordPad=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wordpad.inf,Hide,7 Mulimedia Components - MultiM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,multimed.inf,Hide,7 Pinball Game - Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,pinball.inf,Hide,7 Tablet PC - TabletPC=tabletoc.dll,TabletSetupProc,Tablepc.inf,Hide,7 Terminal Server - TerminalServer=Ts)c.dll, HydraOc,TsOc.inf,hide,2 WMI - WBEM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wbemoc.inf,hide,7 `~` FORCE NOTEPAD TO REMEMBER SETTINGS `~` Under normal circumstances notepad will not remember settings in between sessions, to fix this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Notepad - create new dword values 'fSavePageSettings' and 'fSaveWindowPositions' - give them the value of 1 `~` ADD OPEN WITH NOTEPAD TO CONTEXT MENU `~` This tweak adds a "Open with Notepad" option to your context menu (right-click menu). To add this function: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit', click ok - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell - under shell create key 'open', edit (default) string to read "Open With Notepad" - under new key 'open', creat a new key called 'command' edit the string (Default) to read 'notepad.exe %1' - close regedit - you should now have the extra option to open with notepad `~` DISABLE COMMAND CONSOLE `~` Known also as Windows DOS, or MS-DOS..the command console is a dos-like interface that allows you to execute various commands in windows. You can disable this feature as well as prevent the execution of batch files by doing the following: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit', click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\System\ - create new DWORD value 'DisableCMD' - give it the value of: 0 - to enable 1 - to disable both DOS, and batch files 2 - to disable DOS, but keep batch files functional `~` DISABLE REGISTRY TOOLS `~` This will disable the functioning of the microsoft registry tools, once this is done it can only be undone by writing a new registry file to import to delete the key you are about to create. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\System - create new DWORD value 'DisableRegistryTools' - give it the value of 0 to enable, 1 to disable `~` ENABLE ACTIVE WINDOW TRACKING `~` This is a Unix X-Windows feature in which when the mouse is over a window it automatically becomes active. To enable this feature: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse - create new dword value 'ActiveWindowTracking' give it the value of 1 - create new string value named 'SnapToDefaultButton' and give it the value of 1 - delete or change the values to 0 to disable this feature. `~` TURN OFF TOOLTIPS `~` Applying these two registry hacks will prevent tooltips from appearing. Step #1 - click start, run.. - type 'regedit', click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ Advanced\ - modify or create DWORD value 'ShowInfoTip', give it a value of 0 STEP #2 - open registry editor again - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Default\Control Panel\desktop - modify UserPreferencemask binary value, delete the first two digits and change it to 3e, click ok - reboot your machine `~` CLEAR PREFETCH `~` Prefetch is used by Windows XP to improve performance, but after awhile it becomes filled with old program links that are no longer on your computer, by clearing it up every once and awhile you can improve your performance. - go to C:\Windows\Prefetch\ - delete all files here - reboot your machine Please remember that deleting it too frequently will hurt more than it will help performance. `~` ENABLE CONTIGUOUS FILE ALLOCATION SIZE `~` This improves performance of your file system, but usually only noticeable on disk intensive operations. To enable: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem - create a new dword value named 'ConfigFileAllocSize' - set the value to 200 `~` DISABLE AUTOMATIC UPDATES `~` This will disable automatic updating that may be enabled by default. To disable automatic updating: - right-click my computer, select properties (or control panel > system) - click 'automatic updates' tab, check "turn off automatic updating." - if SP1 is installed, uncheck 'keep my computer up to date' `~` MODIFY TASK TIMEOUTS `~` With these tweaks you can control how long it takes windows to kill a task. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop - create new string value named 'HungAppTimeout' - give it the value of 2500, this will cut wait time in half - create new string value named 'WaitToKillAppTimeout' - give it the value of 2000 - now go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control - create new string called 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout' - give it the value of 2000 - reboot your machine for changes to take effect WARNING: Setting these too low may cause system stability problems. `~` INCREASE MENU SPEED `~` By default, Windows XP shows menus at a quite slow pace when navigating through the start menu. To increase this speed follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop - create new string value named 'MenuShowDelay' - give it the value of 200 or 150 for quicker show of the start menu, or give it the value of 0 to make the menu appear instantly, setting the value to 1 makes it so it requires a extra click to open the menus. `~` FORCE APPLICATION CLOSE ON EXIT `~` By default Windows will wait for programs to close on their own when you are shuting down. This forces Windows to immediately terminate the programs that are slow to close, and decreases shutdown time. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop - create new string value named 'AutoEndTasks' - give it the value of 1 to enable, delete or give it the value of 0 to disable forced exit `~` DISABLE MINIMIZE/RESTORE ANIMATION `~` By default Windows will animate windows when you minimize them or restore them this is cute, but for most people it is just an annoyance. This will increase the rate your windows are restored/minimized as well as improve performance slightly. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics - create new string value 'MinAnimate' - give it the value of 0 to disable animation, 1 to enable it `~` DISABLE GROUP POLICIES `~` This is for users of Windows XP Professional, if you do not use the group policy editor then you can disable it if you do not use it to enforce policies on your computer. This reverses all policies applied, however if you have manually edited your registry then this will not affect anything. To disable group policy editor: - click start, run.. - type gpedit.msc, click ok - right-click Local Computer Policy, select properties - check 'Disable Computer Configuration settings' - check 'Disable User Configuration Settings' - click ok - confirm to warning This should improve log-on performance a little bit if any policy was set on the account you logged onto. `~` DISABLE ERROR REPORTING `~` By default, Windows XP will prompt you to send error reports to microsoft when applications crash. This is an annoyance for most. To disable error reporting: - open control panel - double-click system - click advanced tab - click 'error reporting' - check disable error reporting - click ok twice `~` DISABLE DESKTOP CLEANUP WIZARD `~` This will disable the desktop cleanup wizard that is normally set to clean your desktop every 60 days. To disable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Desktop\CleanupWiz\ - create new dword 'NoRun', give it the value of 1 `~` CONVERT FROM FAT32 TO NTFS `~` Please NOTE this cannot be undone once you convert from FAT32 to NTFS, also it ruins any chance of going back to Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 if you decide you do not like XP at a later time. - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type in the black box 'convert C: /FS:NTFS' - windows might ask you to dismount the drive, say yes and reboot your computer for the conversion process to begin. `~` DISABLE LAST ACCESS TIME STAMPS `~` By default on NTFS file systems, windows will automatically update the time and date stamp info about when you last accessed a file. On big drives this can slow down a system. To disable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem - create dword 'NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate' - give it a value of 1 - close regedit, reboot your machine `~` DISABLE PERFORMANCE COUNTERS `~` Windows XP automatically logs performance of your hard drives by default, the only way to disable it is to do the following: - click start, run.. - type cmd - in the box type DISKPERF -N - if you need to re-enable it then type DISKPERF -Y instead `~` DISABLE BUILT-IN ZIP SUPPORT `~` Windows XP comes with a weak edition of zip software built into the interface, it may in some cases interfer with the workings of a 3rd party application. To disable built-in zip support do the following: - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type in the black box 'regsvr32 /u %windir%\system32\zipfldr.dll - press enter 4 times - restart your computer (if you need it in the future type 'regsvr32 %windir%\system32\zipfldr.dll' to restore built-in zip functions) `~` DISPLAY VOLUME CONTROL IN SYSTRAY `~` In XP, the volume control is NOT in systray by default. To enable easy volume control from the systray do the following: - click start, control panel - go to sounds and audio devices - click volume tab - check 'place volume icon in the taskbar' - click ok `~` BYPASS RECYCLING BIN `~` If you are like me, the recycling bin is pointless since I know what I want to get rid of. You can change this by changing the bin setting to delete files immediately: - right-click on recycling bin, select properties - check 'do not move files to the recycle bin...' - click ok (you can also remove confirmation prompts by unchecking 'display delete confirmation dialog') `~` DELETE SHARED FOLDERS IN MY COMPUTER `~` Windows XP introduces shared folders inside my computer. You can remove this link by doing the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\DelegateFolders\ - delete key '{59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595f36b30ee)' `~` PREVENT THE USAGE OF CDBURNERS `~` This will prevent the usage of a cd burner under windows xp. Not sure if 3rd party applications will be disabled or not. - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create new dword value 'NoCDBurning' give it a value of 1 - close regedit and log off for changes to take effect `~` RESTORE MY DOCS, MY COMP, AND MY NETWORK ON XP `~` Windows XP does not have my computer, my documents, or my network places on the desktop, instead you are greeted with a blank desktop and a recycling bin icon. I'm sure many of you don't like this, here is the fix: - right-click a empty area on the desktop and select properties -OR- - navigate to control panel, and open display applet - click the desktop tab - press customize desktop button towards the bottom - click general tab - check the boxes of icons you wish to appear on your desktop - click ok twice `~` CREATE SHORTCUT TO SCHEDULED TASKS `~` To create a shortcut to scheduled tasks make the shortcut point to: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe ::{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF} `~` CREATE A MS-DOS BOOTDISK IN XP `~` Ironically you can still create ms-dos boot disks for whatever reason you need to by doing the following: - open my computer - right-click on your floppy drive (A:) and select format - check 'create an MS-DOS startup disk', click start - press ok - the format process will begin, upon completion press ok to format complete box, and click close `~` DISABLE XP PAGING FILE `~` In the event you have sufficient RAM, you can increase performance some by disabling the page file. You should have at least 1GB of RAM in order to do this without side effects. - open control panel, double-click system - click advanced tab - click settings button under performance - click advanced tab, again - click change in virtual memory - check 'no paging file' and press set - press ok - reboot the machine for changes to take effect `~` PREVENT ALTERING OF SYSTEM RESTORE `~` To prevent altering of system restore, do the following: - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\ SystemRestore - create new dword value 'DisableConfig' give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE SYSTEM RESTORE `~` System Restore is a execellent utility in the event you have messed up somewhere. However, for some it just slows down the system too much or they have a 3rd party program that backs up data for them. Follow the steps below to disable System Restore: - right-click my computer, select properties - click system restore tab - check 'turn off system restore' click ok - press yes to confirm - repeat, only uncheck the item mentioned to re-enable system restore `~` INSTALL NETBEUI PROTOCOL IN XP `~` In default configuration, netbeui is not a protocol that is allowable. However, it can be installed by doing the following: - insert your xp cd into your cdrom drive - use explorer, or my computer to browse to the following folder Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI - copy the file Nbf.sys to %SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers - then copy Netnbf,inf to %SYSTEMROOT%\Inf - now go to network connections, right-click the one you want to use Netbeui protocol, select properties - click general tab (if not already there), press install, select protocol and press add - select Netbeui protocol from the list and click ok - restart your computer when the installation is finished `~` DISABLE PREFETCHER FUNCTION `~` Although not a performance tweak in anyway, it may be worth it to disable prefetch feature in XP if you are troubleshooting. Prefetch is a new technology used by XP to launch applications quicker. To disable it: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\ Memory Management\PrefetchParameters - remember the existing value of EnablePrefetcher in case you wish to restore it later. - change the value to 0 to disable Prefetcher function - restart your computer for changes to take effect `~` RESET TCP/IP IN XP `~` TCP/IP becomes a core component to the XP operating system, therefore you cannot remove it and reinstall it. The only way to repair TCP/IP in XP is by doing the following: - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type in the following command 'netsh int ip reset .txt - press enter, TCP/IP should rebuild itself `~` STARTING SYSTEM RESTORE W/ CMD `~` If you cannot boot normally or use standard safe mode, then this is the trick for you. Please NOTE you CANNOT LAUNCH SYSTEM RESTORE IN RECOVERY CONSOLE!! - press F8 right before XP logo screen - select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, press enter - once in the command box type the following %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe `~` DISABLE XP BALOON TIPS `~` - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - create new dword value, name it 'EnableBallooonTips' - give it the value of 0 `~` DISABLE SYSTEM BEEPS `~` To prevent Windows XP from doing system beeps on errors, do the following: - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Sound - create a new string 'Beep' give it the value of no - log off or reboot your machine for changes to take effect `~` REMOVE 'ADD A PROGRAM FROM CDROM' IN ADD NEW PROGRAMS PAGE `~` - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Uninstall - create new dword value 'NoAddFromCDorFloppy' - give it a value of 1 `~` REMOVE ADD NEW PROGRAMS FROM ADD/REMOVE `~` - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Uninstall - create new dword 'NoAddPage' give it the value of 1 `~` HIDE ADD PROGRAMS FROM NETWORK IN ADD PROGRAMS `~` - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Uninstall - create a new dword value named 'NoAddFromNetwork' - give it the value of 1 `~` PREVENT ADDING OF PRINTERS `~` - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer - create new dword 'NoAddPrinter' give it the value of 1 `~` ENABLE/DISABLE WINDOWS FIREWALL (SP2 ONLY) `~` This applies to those with Service Pack 2 installed, to disable or enable the windows firewall follow the steps below: - open network connections - right-click the connection you want to enable/disable the firewall on, select properties - go to advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall uncheck 'Protect my computer and network by limiting...' this will disable it - check 'Protect my computer and network by limiting..' this will enable it `~` UNINSTALL SERVICE PACK FROM COMMAND PROMPT `~` To remove a service pack from command prompt do the following: - start, run - type cmd, click ok - type cd /d "%SystemRoot%\%NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst" - press enter - type spuninst.exe, press enter - close cmd window `~` ENABLE CLEARTYPE ON LOG-ON SCREEN `~` Normally you can enable cleartype font in a user profile, but it does not work for the log-on screen. To make it work on the log-on screen do the following: - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop - create new dword 'FontSmoothingType' give it the value of 2 - reboot your computer `~` PREVENT SHIFT OVERRIDE OF AUTO-LOGON `~` Under normal circumstances holding shift on a auto-logon session will put the screen back to log-on screen to log-on as another user. To disable this ability: - click start, run - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon - add string value 'IgnoreShiftOverride' give it the value of 1 `~` ENABLE CLASSIC WINDOWS STYLE `~` To get rid of the newest XP interface known as 'luna' follow the steps below: - open control panel, go to display applet - click themes tab - select Windows Classic in theme drop-down menu - click ok - close the display applet - right-click taskbar and select properties - click start menu tab - select 'classic start menu' - click ok `~` CLEAR UNNEEDED UNINSTALL ENTRIES `~` To delete items from add/remove programs, follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Uninstall - delete any unwanted keys below 'Uninstall' key `~` STOP CHKDSK FROM RUNNING ON BOOT `~` To prevent chkdsk from running on boot-up, do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ Session Manager - change 'BootExecute' entry to read autocheck autochk * - close regedit `~` REMOVE UNUSED SERVICES `~` To remove services listed under adminstrative tools, do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services - highlight the service you wish to remove and delete it The entry should now be removed from the list under adminstrative tools > services `~` AUTO RELOAD SHELL `~` Under normal circumstances your shell (explorer.exe) will close and the desktop will not reload. To fix this do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Winlogon - create new dword, or modify dword value named 'AutoRestartShell' - set the value to 1 to automatically have windows reload the desktop if it crashes again, 0 to keep the default setting `~` PREVENT CACHING OF ROAMING PROFILES `~` By default when a user uses a roaming profile, a copy of the profile remains on the local machine for increased performance in the event you want to retrieve it later. If you don't have many people use your machine then it might be beneficial to disable it to save disk space, but it will take a little longer to load profiles. To prevent caching do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon - create or edit dword value 'DeleteRoamingCache' give it the value of 1 to prevent caching, 0 to enable it. `~` RESET CONTENT ADVISOR PASSWORD `~` In the event you want Internet Explorer to no longer hold a content advisor password, you can reset it by doing the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies - delete key named 'Ratings' - reboot your machine internet explorer should no longer have a content advisor password. `~` ADJUST META-INFO LIFE ON FAT/NTFS SYSTEMS `~` By default, Windows XP will store meta-info on programs for a short period of time..mainly applies to 16-bit applications. To change the period at which XP stores this do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem - create new DWORD 'MaximumTunnelEntryAgeInSeconds' (default value is 15) - create new DWORD 'MaximumTunnelEntries' set it to 0 will disable tunneling. `~` PREVENT RECREATION OF "MY.." SUB-FOLDERS IN MY DOCUMENTS `~` Sometimes Windows XP will automatically recreate the 'My..' folders located in the My Documents folder. To disable this behavior do the following: - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type regsvr32 /u mydocs.dll, press enter - click ok to succeeded message - delete the 'my..' folders in 'My Documents' and they should not be recreated. `~` REMOVE SHORTCUT ARROWS `~` This will remove the little black arrow overlay on shortcuts on your desktop: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile - rename IsShortcut to IsNotShortcut, alternatively you can delete the value, but renaming it ensures you can restore it later. `~` RELOAD REGISTRY WITHOUT RESTART `~` This will reload your registry without rebooting windows, as a side effect it may cause some icons in the systray to no longer appear to do this: - press ALT + CTRL + DEL - click task manager - click processes tab, highlight explorer.exe, and click end process (your desktop will now disappear) - now click file, new task - type explorer.exe, click ok Your desktop will now appear, and your registry should be reloaded. `~` DELETE FILES, DO NOT SEND TO RECYCLE BIN `~` By default, Windows XP will send files to the recycling bin if you delete a file in explorer. To skip the recycling bin and immediately delete the file do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create new dword value 'NoRecycleFiles' - give it the value of 1 Alternatively, if you want to just skip sending SOME files to the recycling bin, highlight the files you choose and hold SHIFT then press delete. Press Yes to prompt, this will cause the files to skip the recycling bin altogether. `~` ENABLE ADVANCED SECURITY OPTIONS IN XP PRO `~` This will enable additional security features on XP Professional systems using the NTFS file system. To enable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ - create a new dword value 'ForceGuest' - give it the value of 0 `~` ENABLE LARGE DISK SUPPORT `~` This applies to XP without service packs installed ONLY. Other versions should fix this issue. By default, Windows XP will NOT handle drives beyond 137GB in size because it does not support 48-bit logical block addressing (LBA). To enable large disk support do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Atapi\Parameters - create new dword value 'EnableBigLba' - give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE BUILT-IN CDBURNING FEATURES `~` This disables the built-in burning features of XP. This DOES NOT disable 3rd party programs from burning however. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Policies\Explorer - create new dword named 'NoCDBurning' - give it the value of 1 to disable cdburning, 0 to enable `~` ENABLE/DISABLE BOOT DEFRAG `~` Windows XP has a feature that optimizes boot time by putting all boot files together allowing for quicker access times. To enable/disable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction - double-click 'Enable' string value - put Y to enable, N to disable - close regedit and reboot your machine `~` CLEAN UP ALL BUT MOST RECENT RESTORE POINT `~` This will clean up all older restore points created by system restore except for the most recent. This can significantly safe disk space on machines running XP for some time. To do this: - click start, all programs (programs), accessories, system tools, disk cleanup - select the drive (generally C:), click clean - click 'more options' once you get options on what to clean - click clean-up under system restore - click yes to prompt - click ok, click yes, click ok again `~` DISABLE MSN MESSENGER AUTO-RUN `~` This prevents MSN MESSENGER from automatically loading on boot, this differs from Windows Messenger. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\ - create new dword value 'PreventRun' give it the value of 1 - create new dword value 'PreventAutoRun' give it the value of 1 - now go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\10.0\ Outlook\InstantMessaging\ - create new dword 'ForceDisableIM' give it the value of 1 `~` PREVENT IMAGE VIEWER FROM STEALING ASSOCIATION `~` Windows XP has a intregated image viewer that is quite nifty, but there are plenty of other utilities out there that can do more. Doing this ensures that the intregated picture viewer does not try to steal associations from other programs that you prefer: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview\ - delete the value in the (Default) string - close regedit - to restore it later, change the (Default) value to read {e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066} `~` DISABLE LOW SPACE CHECKS `~` By default, XP will warn the user when disk space hits a low point. To disable this feature: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer\ - create or modify DWORD value 'NoLowDiskSpaceChecks' - give it the value of 1 `~` DELETE ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM ENTRIES `~` Sometimes invalid entries creep up due to corruption, removed manually, or other circumstances. To remove products from the add/remove list do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Uninstall - delete the key that is associated with the program that no longer exists on the computer. `~` HIDE ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM ENTRIES `~` You can also hide entries so others cannot play with it or remove it by normal means. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Uninstall - go to the key of the program you wish to hide - change the string value of "DisplayName", add Quiet in front of the value. For example if "DisplayName" read Acrobat, I'd change it to read "QuietAcrobat" - close and reload add/remove programs and the changes are immediately obvious. `~` DISABLE ADD/REMOVE WINDOWS COMPONENTS `~` To prevent unauthorized modification to Windows Components, do this to disable the ability to add/remove windows components: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Uninstall - you may need to make a new key 'Uninstall' under policies if it does not exist - add new DWORD 'NoWindowsSetupPage' - give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE CLEANUP WIZARD `~` By default, Desk Cleanup Wizard runs every 60 days, by following the steps below you can disable it: - click start, run.. - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Desktop\CleanupWiz - create or modify string value labeled 'NoRun' - give it the value of 1 to disable desk clean-up wizard `~` KEEP DESKTOP/EXPLORER SEPERATE `~` This will prevent the desktop from closing in the event explorer terminates due to a crash. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer - create new dword 'DesktopProcess' - give it the value of 1 `~` RESTORE ARRANGE ICONS BY DATE `~` An annoyance for some, the regular 'arrange icons by date' has been replaced by 'arrange icons by modified', this can be fixed: - open my computer, click view - scroll down to 'choose details' - uncheck 'date modified' - check 'date created' - click ok - now to apply this to all folders, click tools, folder options.. - click view tab, click Apply to All Folders - click yes, click ok `~` ENABLE AUTO-REDIAL `~` Back in Windows 98 Days windows had a feature to allow windows to automatically redial if you were to get disconnected by your ISP. to re-enable this feature in xp: - click start, run.. - type regedit - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Internet Settings - create new binary value or modify existing 'EnableAutodial' - give it the value of '01 00 00 00' to enable + DISABLE AUTOMATIC REMOTE CONNECTIONS ON BOOT + Windows XP can automatically connect to other computers when windows is started, this will disable this functionality, which will improve security: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Ole - create new string value 'EnableRemoteConnect' - give it the value of 'N' to disable `~` GET SCREEN RESOLUTION TO 640x480 `~` New users of XP will realize that 800x600 is now the smallest you can go, or so XP wants you to think. To get 640x480 follow these steps: - right-click a blank space on the desktop select properties - click Settings Tab - Click Advanced.., click adapter tab - click List All Modes.. - Scroll to the top, select the 640x480 mode you want - click apply, Windows will switch it to the new resolution, now click Yes when it asks to keep this setting. (Note: your monitor may display things off the screen, this is not a windows problem, you need to adjust your screen with the button on your monitor ment for adjusting) `~` FORCE UNLOADING OF DLLS AFTER PROGRAM CLOSE `~` By default Windows XP keeps DLLS in memory for a little while after program is closed. This can cause some unneeded RAM/VM usage on low-end machines. Please note, some programs MAY have stability problems if this is enabled, if you do experience problems just delete the value. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ - create new key 'AlwaysUnloadDLL' - open the new key, double-click '(Default)' String and give it the value of 1. `~` ENABLE DVD FUNCTIONS IN WMP `~` This will enable DVD functions in Windows Media Player: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\ Settings\ (if keys do not exist, create them) - create new string value named 'EnableDVDUI' - give it the value of yes Changes should take effect immediately, close and reopen WMP. `~` DISABLE STARTUP ERRORS `~` Windows XP normally notifies you of any problem that may be happening on your machine, specifically hardware. To disable the displaying of error messages to do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Windows - create new dword value 'NoPopupsOnBoot' - give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE FAST USER SWITCHING `~` Fast User Switching is a XP feature in which you can quickly switch to another user account without having to end any programs on that user's account so you can quickly switch back later. You can disable this by: - click start, (settings) control panel - click Classic view if not already done, double-click User Accounts - click 'Change the way users log on or off' - uncheck 'Use Fast User Switching' - click apply options Alternatively, there is always the fun registry way to do things: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Winlogon - create/modify dword value named 'AllowMultipleTSSessions' - give it the value of 0 to disable it `~` DISABLE INDEXING SERVICE `~` Unless you search a lot, Indexing Service is really not needed it is only there to provide quick searches. To disable indexing service: - click start (settings), control panel - click classic view if not done already - double-click Adminstrative Tools - double-click services - locate 'Indexing Service' - double-click it, click Stop, then change the startup type to 'Disabled' - click ok - now go to my computer, right-click on c:, select properties - verify 'Allow Indexing Service...' is unchecked, if not do it now - click Apply, select the option that includes all subfolders. - click ok (Windows XP will now remove Indexing Service abilities from the drive) - repeat these steps for any other hard drive on the machine `~` ENABLE CLASSIC LOGON `~` This will allow you to log-on with a Windows 2000 style log-on screen instead of the welcome screen XP introduces. As a side effect however, fast user switching will no longer be available. - click start, (settings) control panel - double-click User Accounts - click 'change the way users log on or off' - uncheck 'Use Welcome Screen' - click apply options `~` FORCE WINDOWS XP TO REMEMBER FOLDER VIEWS `~` By default, Windows XP is designed to only remember 400 folder view settings, this is quite a low amount for computer with gigs and gigs of storage space. To increase this limit ensuring Windows XP will remember all your folder views do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell - create new dword value 'BagMRU Size' - double-click it, select decimal now add the amount of folders you want Windows XP to remember. I personally gave it the value of 2000. - now go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam - create again, dword value 'BagMRU Size' - again double-click on it, select decimal and put in the same value you did before. - close and reboot your computer `~` RESTORE OLD DESKTOP ICONS `~` Windows XP only has recycling bin on the desktop when you first install XP, you can change this by doing the following: - right-click a empty portion of the desktop select properties - click desktop tab, click 'Customize Desktop..' - check the desktop icons you want to appear on the desktop, click ok `~` CREATE A NOTICE BOX BEFORE LOGGING IN `~` This will create a dialog to display a message before the log-on screen even appears. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Winlogon - create new string 'LegalNoticeCaption', give it the value of whatever you want the window caption to be. - create new string 'LegalNoticeText', give it the value of whatever you would like to say before the log-on screen appears. `~` GET RID OF THAT 'OPTIONS' BUTTON ON LOGON `~` This will get rid of the options button you have if you are using the Windows 2000 classic style log-on. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Winlogon - create new dword 'ShowLogonOptions' - give it the value of 0 `~` ENABLE AUTO-LOGON IN XP PRO `~` To enable automatic log-on: - click start, run.. - type control userpasswords2, click ok - click users tab, uncheck 'Users must enter a username and password to use this computer' - click apply, follow the auto-log-on wizard `~` KEEP CORE DRIVERS IN RAM `~` Windows XP likes to switch off between VM and RAM with system files, to keep it optimal and tell Windows XP to keep core drivers in RAM first do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\ Memory Management\ - create new dword or modify existing dword 'DisablePagingExecute' - give it the value of 1 `~` DEDICATE MORE RAM TO FILE CACHING `~` If you have a large amount of ram (512MB+) this might be beneficial on the performance of your XP machine. To do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\currentcontrolset\Control\SessionManager\ Memory Management\ - create new dword 'LargeSystemCache' - give it the value of 1 to increase caching performance, 0 to disable it `~` INCREASE L2 CACHE PERFORMANCE `~` Windows XP only reads 256K of L2 cache on a processor, in order to be more effective with larger processors you need to do this tweak. (NOTE: this DOES not HELP processors with the L2 Cache located on-die) This is useful for processors such as older Pentium IIIs, or the K7 Athlon computers. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\ Memory Management\ - create new dword 'SecondLevelDataCache' - give it the value in decimal the amount of cache your processor has - reboot your machine for changes to take effect `~` ENABLE NETWORK CARD ONBOARD PROCESSOR `~` Some of the better network cards have their own processor to process commands with, by default it is disabled and you CPU handles all the tasks. To enable this feature on network cards that support it: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters - create new dword value 'DisableTaskOffload' - give it the value of '0' to use the network card's processor `~` STOP AUTOMATIC SHARING `~` Did you know that XP automatically makes shares of your drives? To disable the automatic creation of these auto shares, follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\ Parameters - create new DWORD values 'AutoShareServer' and 'AutoShareWks' - give them a value of 0 to disable autoshares `~` REMOVE MY DOCS FROM START MENU `~` To remove my documents from the start menu: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword 'NoSMMyDocs' give it the value of 1 `~` REMOVE HELP FROM START MENU `~` Find Help within Windows completely useless like I do? Well let's remove it shall we. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create new dword 'NoSMHelp' give it the value of 1 `~` CHANGE PPoE MTU SIZE `~` This allows you to modify the MTU for PPoE connections in XP. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\ Ndiswan\Parameters\Protocols\0 - create new dword values in accordance below: 'ProtocolType' - 2048 value in decimal 'PPPProtocolType' - 33 value in decimal 'ProtocolMTU' - x value in decimal (where x is the MTU setting you want) `~` ENABLE AUTOMATIC BOOT OPTIMIZATION `~` Windows XP has a feature to automatically optimize boot files so that XP can load up as fast as possible. To enable/disable this feature: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction\ - create or modify string value 'Enable' - give it the value of Y to enable boot opt., N to disable `~` FORCE DEVMGR TO SHOW DETAILED INFO `~` Windows XP doesn't show all information possible about hardware by default, but you can enable it if you so wish: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\ Environment\ - create new string 'DEVMGR_SHOW_DETALS' - give it the value of 1 `~` SCROLL START MENU `~` By default, Windows XP will make a new column once the length is too long to display on the screen. Enabling this will make the Start Menu scroll down one long list: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Advanced - create new string 'StartMenuScrollPrograms' - give it a value of 'Yes' to enable scrolling `~` DISABLE BALLOON TIPS `~` This disables the balloon tips you see when you leave your cursor over a object for a certain amount of time. To disable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ Advanced - create new DWORD 'EnableBalloonTips', give it the value of '0' `~` DISABLE USER TRACKING `~` Windows XP automatically records tracking information including which apps a user runs and what files are being accessed. To disable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword 'NoInstrumentation' - give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE START MENU DRAG N' DROP `~` To disable drag and drop on the start menu: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword 'NoChangeStartMenu' - give it the value of 1 `~` DISABLE RECYCLING BIN `~` If you'd like to skip the safety net of the recycling bin and have objects deleted when you want them to, follow these steps: - right-click on recycling bin - select properties - check 'Do not move files to the Recycle Bin.' - then uncheck 'Display delete confirmation dialog' - click ok Now whenever you delete a item it will immediately get deleted without any prompts from windows. `~` BRING BACK FAVORITES MENU `~` To bring back favorites menu on the start menu, follow one of the steps below FOR CLASSIC USERS - right-click taskbar, select properties - click start menu tab - click customize by 'Classic Start Menu' - check 'Display Favorites' - click ok FOR XP STYLE WINDOWS - right-click taskbar, select properties - click customize by 'start menu' - click advanced tab - check 'favorites menu' - click ok twice `~` DISABLE REMOTE SHUTDOWN OF COMPUTER BROWSER `~` Its possible that a user can remotely shutdown the computer browser and use their own computer to control your machine. By doing this it is impossible for them to shutdown the computer browser service on your machine: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MrxSmb\ Parameters - create new dword 'RefuseReset' - give it a value of 1 `~` REMOVE NEW STYLE OPEN/SAVE DIALOGS `~` This will revert windows back to 98 style open-save dialogs without the places bar that you now see when you open/save programs. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\ - create new sub-key named 'Comdlg32' - open this key and create new DWORD 'NoPlacesBar' - give it a value of 1 `~` PREVENT SENDING OF ALERTS TO ADMINS `~` This prevents your machine from sending alerts to the adminstrator if the system ever crashes. This is completely pointless if you are the only user of the machine: - click start, run... - type regedit click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl - create or modify DWORD 'SendAlert' - give it the value of '0', 1 if you wish to enable Alerts `~` HIDE COMPUTERS NEAR ME IN MY NETWORK `~` This hides 'Computers Near Me' listing in My Network Places: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword 'NoComputersNearMe' give it a value of 1 `~` STOP EXPIRATION OF LOG-ON PASSWORDS `~` To prevent any annoyance in the future about resetting a password, you can take of the expiration of passwords by doing the following: - click start, (settings) control panel - click 'Classic View' (if not already done) - double-click Adminstrative Tools, double-click Computer Management - Go to Computer Management\System Tools\Local Users and Groups\Users - right-click on the username you wish to take expiration off of, select properties - check 'Password never expires' - click ok `~` REMOVE MY NETWORK PLACES FROM START MENU `~` To remove my network places from the start menu, do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword 'NoStartMenuNetworkPlaces' - give it a value of '1' to remove it `~` DISABLE TASKBAR GROUPING `~` Windows XP will automatically group together the same application if there are more than amount of instances running. To disable this: - right-click the taskbar, select properties - uncheck 'Group similar taskbar buttons' - click ok `~` SHOW QUICKLAUNCH `~` Useful for people like me who like to keep most frequently launched programs in quick launch, you can bring it back by doing the following: - right-click a empty space on the taskbar, select properties - check 'show quick launch' - click ok `~` DISABLE SYSTEM RESTORE START MENU FUNCTION `~` This will disable the ability to run System Restore from the start menu, this effectively will prevent a user from using System Restore to make or restore to a previous point. HOWEVER, this does NOT stop the automatic creation of Restore Points by Windows. - click start, run... - type regedit - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\ SystemRestore - create new DWORD 'DisableSR' - give it a value of 1 `~` DISABLE PASSWORD WHEN RESUMING FROM STANDBY `~` Windows XP will ask for your password if the computer is taken out of standby mode. To disable this functionality: - click start, (settings) control panel - click classic view (if not done) - double-click power options - click advanced tab - uncheck 'prompt for password when computer resumes from standby' - click ok `~` TURN OFF AUTOMATIC UPDATES `~` This will prevent Windows XP from automatically downloading updates from Windows Update when needed, and silently installing them on your PC. - click start (settings), control panel - click classic view, double-click Automatic Updates - check 'turn off automatic updates Please note, if this is disabled it is highly recommended that you visit Windows Update periodically to ensure that you have the latest updates. `~` CHANGE LOG-ON PICTURE `~` If you'd like to change the log-on picture associated with your log-on name on the welcome screen, follow the steps below: - click start, (settings), control panel - double-click User Accounts - click the account you want to change the picture for - click change picture - you can now select from Windows XPs default pictures, or click 'Browse for more pictures' to use a picture from your computer `~` DISABLE BUILT-IN ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT `~` Windows XP requires you to have the built-in adminstrator account on your computer, however access can be disabled to beef up security a bit: - right-click my computer, select manage - in left pane, go to Users and Groups, then click Users - in the right pane, right-click on the built in adminstrator account, select properties - check 'Account is Disabled', click ok `~` PERFORM EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN `~` If you need to force Windows XP to shutdown and quickly, then you may want to try a emergency shutdown. Please note, Windows XP will NOT wait for ANY process to end before it shuts down, it will immediately terminate the task. To perform a emergency shutdown: - press alt + ctrl + del - hold ctrl, click shutdown - you will get a warning message, click ok `~` CREATE A PASSWORD RESET DISK `~` In the event that you forget your password it migh be useful to make a reset disk: - press Alt + Ctrl + Del - click 'Change Password', click 'Backup..' - follow the wizard to create your emergency password disk `~` ENABLE CTRL+ALT+DEL FOR LOG-ON `~` For a extra security precaution, Windows NT4 used to require you to press Alt + Ctrl + Del to show the logon screen, this is removed in Windows 2000 and is still removed by default in XP. This keeps your computer more secure by preventing rogue programs from attempting brute force cracking, or having rogue programs spoof the windows logon screen. To enable this feature: - click start, run.. - type 'control userpasswords2' - click ok, click advanced tab - at the bottom check 'Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del' - click ok `~` CHANGING PRODUCT ACTIVATION KEY `~` If you tried to install Service Pack 1 and get a invalid cd key error, and you have since purchased a authentic key, here is the way to change it. - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ wpaevents - in the right pane double-clic 'OOBETimer' - change one digit to anything you wish, this will deactive windows - click ok, close regedit - now click start, run.. - type in %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a (may need quotations) - now select 'Yes, I want to telephone a customer service rep to activate windows' - click next - click change product key - enter the valid key, click update - click remind me later (if there is a prompt) - reboot your machine `~` CLEAR PAST NOTIFICATIONS `~` Windows XP can hide certain icons in your systray that are not active, you can see this list by: - right-clicking the taskbar, select properties - click 'customize' by 'Hide inactive icons' As you can see if you have had XP installed for awhile, there are many entries to applications that are no longer active on your machine. To clear the Past Item list, and clean it up a bit: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ TrayNotify - delete the following values from the right pane: IconStreams PastIconeStreams `~` LOCK THE TASKBAR `~` To lock the taskbar so it cannot be moved or modified: - right-click the taskbar - select 'lock the taskbar' You can also use regedit: - click start, run.. - regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Advanced - create or modify DWORD 'TaskbarSizeMove' - give it a value of 1 `~` DISABLE SIMPLE FILE SHARING `~` To disable simple file sharing options do the following: - open my computer or explorer - click tools, folder options - click view tab, uncheck 'Use simple file sharing' - click ok `~` DISPLAY ADMIN TOOLS ON START MENU `~` This will make it so Adminstrative Tools is accessible on either the Start Menu or All Programs: - right-click the taskbar, select propertie - click start menu tab - click customize next to start menu - click advanced tab - scroll to the bottom and check one of the following: Display on the All Programs Menu Display on the All Programs Menu and The Start Menu If you are using Windows XP in Classic start menu mode, or would like to enable this via the windows registry, do this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Advanced\ - create or modify DWORD 'StartMenuAdminTools' - give it a value of: 1 - for access on both All Programs/Start Menu 2 - for access on All Programs 0 - to completely disable `~` REMOVE THE SECURITY TAB IN WINDOWS XP `~` To prevent users from screwing around with security settings, apply this to your registry: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create new DWORD 'NoSecurityTab', give it a value of 1 `~` HIDE THEMES TAB IN DISPLAY SETTINGS `~` This will help prevent modifications to themes on your desktop, to enable this restriction: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies Explorer\ - create new DWORD 'NoThemesTab' give it a value of 1 `~` FORCE USE OF CLASSIC CONTROL PANEL `~` To FORCE and keep Control Panel in classic mode (like 2000/ME style) do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer\ - create new dword 'ForceClassicControlPanel' - give it a value of 1 From here on out, Control Panel should automatically appear in classic mode. `~` CONTROL THE SIZE OF THUMBNAILS `~` If you use thumbnails this might be useful for you, you can actually control how big or small they are by doing the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer - create new dword 'ThumbnailSize' - now create a value with multiples of 16, the smallest you can go is 32 the largest is 256, make sure you are using DECIMAL NOT HEX. `~` CLEAR SEARCH HISTORY `~` This is for Windows XP Search function, if you want to clear the files you have searched for that are listed in the history, then do the following: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Search Assistant\ACMru\ 5603, delete the key 5603 - now recreate the 5603 key - search history should be deleted `~` REINSTALL TCP/IP UNDER XP `~` TCP/IP is a vital component to internet connectivity in Windows..in fact in many operating systems. Reinstalling TCP/IP may help your internet connectivity problems. Reinstalling TCP/IP may be needed if spyware/viruses have infested and corrupted your winsock file. It is impossible to uninstall tcp/ip from windows xp, but it is possible to rebuild it to the state it was when you first installed windows, to do this: - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type 'netsh int ip \resetlog.txt' (where path is the directory you would like to save the log to, i.e. c:\temp) `~` DISABLE APPLICATION OPTIMIZATION `~` The application optimization (aka prefetcher) in windows xp is designed to speed up your most frequently ran programs, this may need to be disabled if you need to troubleshoot programs: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\ Memory Management\PrefetchParameters - create/modify DWORD value 'EnabelPrefetcher' - give it a value of 0 to disable, 1 to enable optimization `~` RUNNING PHONE DIALER ON XP `~` The phone dialer is so you can dial phone numbers on your computer with your modem..not really useful anymore..but if for some reason you want it on your machine here are the steps. To simply run dialer: - click start, run.. - type dialer.exe, click ok To add a shortcut to start menu: - click start, all programs, accessories - right-click on communication, select open - right-click select New > Shortcut.., follow the wizard - make the shortcut to "%programfiles%\Windows NT\dialer.exe" - click next, make a name for the shortcut, click finish `~` DISABLE PAGING FILE `~` First lets understand what the PAGE file is, the page file is a file used as virtual memory. Virtual memory is designed to mimic your computers physical RAM. Even if you have enough RAM, disabling the page file is NOT recommended because some programs depend on it. But if you wish to give it a shot here are the steps: - right-click my computer, select properties - or go through control panel, double-click system - click advanced tab, click settings under performance - click advanced tab, click change under 'virtual memory' - select 'no paging file' button, then click set - click ok `~` PREVENT WINDOWS XP FROM SEARCHING NETWORK `~` The overhead is very little for this task, but it might be worth it to disable this feature to save some performance: - open my computer or explorer - click tools, folder options.. - click view tab, uncheck 'automatically search for network folders and printers' - click ok `~` REMOVE 'ALL PROGRAMS' FROM START MENU `~` If you would like to remove All Programs from the start menu follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer - create new dword value 'NoStartMenuMorePrograms', give it a value of 1 `~` FORCE USE OF CLASSIC START MENU `~` If you prefer the style of Windows 98/ME/2000 start menu, where there is no recent launched programs, and no little log-on graphic..then follow the steps below: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer - create/modify dword 'NoSimpleStartMenu', give it a value of 1 `~` DELETING SP1 BACKUP FOLDERS `~` If you've installed Service Pack 1 and decided you don't want to go back, you can save some disk space (at LEAST 100MB) by deleting these folders: C:\Windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$ C:\ (i.e. 9602eb283b3928d0293) PLEASE realize after you delete these folders you CAN NO LONGER uninstall Windows XP Service Pack 1. `~` REMOVING SYSTEM TRAY `~` Do you need every space you can get on your taskbar? Well doing this tweak will remove the systray (icons next to the clock, and the clock): - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer - create new dword 'NoTrayItemsDisplay' - give it a value of 1 `~` RESTORE ATTRIBUTES COLUMN `~` Under normal circumstances, the Attributes column is not visable, If the attributes column is enabled you can actually see if it is Read-Only, Hidden, or System File right from explorer. to enable this: - click start, run.. - type regedit, click ok - go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Advanced - create new dword, 'ShowAttribCol' give it a value of 1 `~` RESTORING "SHOW DESKTOP" QUICK LAUNCH ICON `~` This will restore the little icon on your quick launch bar that quickly shows the desktop for you. In the event you are too lazy to minimize your windows. - right-click on the quick launch bar, select Open Folder - right-click select new > text file - open the new text file, copy and paste the following text: [Shell] Command=2 IconFile=explorer.exe,3 [Taskbar] Command=ToggleDesktop - click file - save as.., make sure "Save as type" is "All Files", name it Show Desktop.scf - click Save - close notepad `~` HIDE ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM ENTRIES `~` To hide add/remove program entries, for fun or to prevent other users from easily removing specific programs: - click start, run.. - type in regedit, click ok - head to HLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall - locate the program that you want to hide, highlight the key, now in the right pane rename String Value "DisplayName" to "QuietDisplayName" The listing should be immediately hidden with no reboot needed. `~` REVEAL ALL ADD/REMOVE WIN. COMPONENTS ENTRIES `~` By default Windows will not allow you to remove many of the components of the operating system, this will allow you to REMOVE MORE, of course there are still some components you will not be able to remove. To do reveal more entries do the following: - open my computer and browse to C:\Windows\Inf - open the file named "sysoc.inf", under "[components]" section remove all instances of the word "hide" and replace them with blanks, DO NOT remove the comas before and after. - After you are done doing this, save the file - results should be instant, if you have Windows Add/Remove Components already open you will need to close and re-open it for changes to take effect. `~` DISABLE USE OF ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS `~` This will prevent access to the add/remove programs applet, to do this: - click start, run.. - type in regedit, click ok - go to HCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Uninstall\ - add new dword value "NoAddRemovePrograms" - give the new dword a value of 1 - close, results should be immediate ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ====================================== II. WINDOWS XP - TROUBLESHOOTING ====================================== `````````````````````````````````````` `~` DISK CLEANUP STOPS RESPONDING `~` On Windows XP machines there may be a issue in which Disk Cleanup stops responding. This is microsoft's solution: - click start, run, type %temp%, click ok (windows will open your temp DIR) - click edit from the menu, click 'select all', press delete key, press yes to confirm. (windows will send temp files to recycling bin) - click start, control panel, double-click internet options - on general tab, click delete files - check "delete all offoline content" - click ok - click start, then select my computer - right-click the drive to clean, select properties - click disk cleanup to run the tool again `~` MY DOCUMENTS FOLDER MISSING FROM MY COMPUTER `~` This applies to Windows XP Professional. Sometimes it seems as though the my documents folder disappears from My Computer. This tweak fixes it: - click start, run.. - type 'regedit' click ok - go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\DocFolderPaths - Add a new string value with the name of your username (for example, Adminstrator) make sure it is EXACTLY like your username - double-click on it and point it in the direction of your "My Documents" folder. For example, C:\Documents and Settings\\My Documents - click ok - close regedit, reboot your computer `~` Service Pack 1 Setup Error, Service Pack 1 Setup Canceled errors when you try to install service pack 1 `~` This problem can occur when specific dlls are not registered properly with XP. Some programs can unregister these thinking they are privacy hazards. To resolve this: - click start, run - type regsvr32.exe licdll.dll, click ok - click start, run again - type regsvr32.exe regwizc.dll - install service pack 1 again `~` "ATAPI.SYS is already in use" error during SP installation `~` This problem occurs due to incompatible/invalid/incomplete RAID drivers on your machine. To fix this issue contact the manufacturer of your RAID card and get updated drivers. `~` "Invalid File Format." Error in WMP `~` This occurs when one of the following conditions exist: - the file format is corrupt/incomplete/invalid - the file format is not supported - wmp components are missing or corrupted - codec is installed, but not supported by wmp - codec is NOT installed, so WMP cannot play it If you do not have the proper codec, it is recommended you search for the codec online and install it. `~` STOP 0x000000D1 ERROR WHEN RESUMING FROM STANDBY `~` This is caused by sygate firewall incompatibility when Service Pack 2 is installed. In order to resolve this you need to update to the latest version. `~` EXPLORER CRASHES, I LOST MY DESKTOP HELP! `~` By default explorer is tied to the desktop, so if it crashes explorer will crash as well. To reload your desktop: - press Alt + Ctrl + Del - click File, New Task - type explorer, click ok Windows XP should reload the desktop for you, please note some icons will not be refreshed in the system tray..this is a side-effect just use Alt + Ctrl + Del, end the tasks associated with the missing icons and reload them manually. `~` SP1 Setup errors out with "The Product Key used to install Windows is invalid." `~` This error occurs when the user is running Windows XP with a invalid CDKEY. The CDKEY begins with FCK. In order to fix this you will need to contact microsoft about getting a valid key. `~` System Restore takes forever to create restore points, manual or automatic `~` This is most likely due to WMI being disabled in your services, in order to make restore points faster do the following: - click start, (settings) control panel - double-click Adminstrative Tools, double-click Services - click the 'name' column to organize services by name and scroll down to Windows Management Instrumentation - right-click on it and select properties - make sure the startup type is set to automatic, as well as make sure the service is started - if the service is not started, then click start - if the service is paused, click stop, then click start - when done, click ok System Restore should work considerably faster now. `~` internet explorer 6 will not open some hyperlinks `~` this is a symptom of a bad registration of urlmon.dll, to re-register it do the following: - click start, run.. - type regsvr32 urlmon.dll, click ok - click ok to successful message `~` Cannot move or resize the taskbar `~` This is caused by windows xp's lock taskbar feature, to disable it: - right-click on taskbar, uncheck 'lock the taskbar' Alternatively: - click start, (settings) control panel - double-click 'taskbar and start menu' - uncheck 'lock the taskbar' - click ok Another Alternative: - right-click taskbar, select properties - uncheck 'lock the taskbar' - click ok `~` "Windows Installer service could not be accessed." error `~` In order to fix this you need to unregister and re-register msiexec: - click start, run.. - type cmd - type msiexec /unregister, press enter - type msiexec /register, press enter `~` When installing SP1 errors with 'Setup Error The \ update.inf is not correct.' `~` This is caused when the Cyptographic Services is not active, to activate it: - click start, run.. - type cmd, click ok - type net start "Cyptographic Services" - now reinstall SP1 `~` "WMP cannot play this file" Error on Audio CD `~` If you insert a audio cd and you get this message its most likely caused by corruption of the library index file. To resolve this issue: - close wmp if already opened - use search to find Wmplibrary_v_0_12.db - once found delete it - now re-insert your audio CD, WMP should play it just fine `~` computer randomly reboots `~` This issue can be caused by the blue screen of death, by default microsoft has decided to hide it from you, to disable the automatic reboot: - right-click my computer, select properties - click advanced tab - click settings under 'Startup and Recovery' - uncheck 'Automatically restart' - click ok twice If your computer still randomly reboots try updating all your drivers, this will most likely be a driver conflict. If you get a blue screen make a note of the message and use microsoft knowledge base to get more information on your error message. `~` "access denied" error message when trying to access folders through explorer `~` This is generally caused by the file or folder not having proper ownership on the PC. In order to resolve this issue: FOR FOLDERS - log-on to a machine with adminstrative rights - right-click on the folder that you want to take ownership if, select properties - click security tab, click ok to message (if appears) - click advanced, click owener tab - in the name list select your username (or adminstrator if logged in), select "replace owner on subcontainers and objects" check box - click ok, click yes to prompt - click ok FOR A FILE - right-click the file, select properties - click security tab (click ok if message appears) - click advanced, click owner tab - in NAMES list, click ADMINSTRATOR, click ok - click add - in "Enter the objects name to select" list type in the user or group you wish to give access to - click ok - in group or user names list, click the account you want, and check the boxes with the permissions you want to give this user - click ok when completed `~` fixing a corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR) `~` Sometimes the MBR on a XP disk can become corrupted, though rare it does happen. Here are some suggestions in fixing a bad MBR: - boot with the windows xp setup cd and use recovery console - log-on with the adminstrative account - type in chkdsk /r /f - press enter If this does not work, you will have to either work with some 3rd party recovery programs or do a clean installation and start from all over again. It is recommended that you also do a diagnostics check on the hard drive to ensure it is in working order.