Windows XP Pro Tips and Trick

How to Change the Default Icons for Folders in Windows XP

2011-09-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

How to Change the Default Icons for Folders in Windows XP
You cannot customize the default icon for a folder in Windows; however, you can make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon. To make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon:
·   Open My Computer and browse to the folder that you want.
·   Right-click the folder, and then click Create Shortcut. If you are prompted to place the shortcut on the desktop, click Yes.
·   Right-click the shortcut you created, click Properties, and then click Change Icon.
·   Click the picture of the icon you would like the shortcut to use, click OK, and then click OK.
No Icons Available
If you click Change Icon, and there are no icons available, use the Browse button to find Shell32.dll:
·   Right-click the shortcut you created, click Properties, and then click Change Icon.
·   Click Browse, type %systemroot%\system32\shell32.dll in the File name box, click Open, click the icon you want to use, click OK, and then click OK.

How to Change Column Settings in Windows Explorer

2011-09-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

How to Change Column Settings in Windows Explorer
This article describes how to change the column settings in Windows Explorer. To change which columns are displayed, or change the width or order of the windows and folders in Windows Explorer:
·   In Windows Explorer, click the folder, and then click Choose Details on the View menu.
·   Click to select the check box of each item that you would like to add to the current view, or click to clear the check boxes of items that you do not want.
·   To reorder your columns, click the item (but do not clear the check box), and then click Move Up or Move Down until the items are in the order that you want. Click OK.
Note: You must click Details on the View menu in order to display the details of the files in the selected folder.
To change the width of the columns, use the appropriate method:
Method One
·   On the View menu, click Choose Details, and then click the name of the column that you want to adjust. In the Width of selected column (in pixels) box, enter the size thatyou want, and then click OK.
Method Two
·   Widen columns manually by positioning the mouse pointer between two border buttons of the column headings, the pointer turns into a double arrowhead.
·   Click and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the column to the desired width.

To set wizard options:

2011-09-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

To set wizard options:
·   For users with low vision, click the I am blind or have difficulty seeing things on screen option, and then click Next.
·   Select the scroll bar and window border size that is comfortable, and then click Next.
·   Select the icon size that is comfortable, and then click Next.
·   Select the high-contrast color scheme that is comfortable, and then click Next.
·   Select the size and color of the mouse cursor that is comfortable, and then click Next.
·   Adjust the cursor blink rate and size that is comfortable, and then click Next.
·   Click Finish to apply your settings.
Turn Off, Display, and Select an Animated Character in Search Companion in Windows XP
This article describes how to turn off, display, and select a different animated screen character in Search Companion.
How to Turn Off the Animated Screen Character
·   Click Start, and then click Search.
·   In the Search Companion dialog box, click Change Preferences.
·   In the How do you want to use Search Companion box, click Without an animated screen character.
The screen character is no longer displayed in Search Companion.
Note: You can also right-click the screen character, and then click Turn off the animated character in the You rang box.
How to Display the Animated Screen Character
·   Click Start, and then click Search.
·   In the Search Companion dialog box, click Change Preferences.
·   Click With an animated screen character in the How do you want to use Search Companion box.
The screen character is displayed in Search Companion.
How to Select a Different Animated Screen Character
·   Click Start, and then click Search.
·   In the Search Companion dialog box, click Change Preferences.
·   Click With a different character in the How do you want to use Search Companion box.
·   Click Back or Next in the Which character would you like to use box to view the characters.
·   When the character that you want is displayed, click OK.
The screen character that you selected is displayed in Search Companion.
Note: You can also right-click the screen character, and then click Choose a different animated character in the You rang box.
Troubleshooting
If the Search Companion dialog box is not displayed, press F3 to open it.
You can also open the Search Companion dialog box when you press F3 in Windows Explorer, My Computer, or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Click the options that you need on the Narrator dialog box:

2011-09-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

Click the options that you need on the Narrator dialog box:
·   Click Announce events on screen to have new windows, menus, or shortcut menus read aloud when they are displayed.
·   Click Read typed characters to have typed characters read aloud.
·   Click Move mouse pointer to the active item to have the pointer follow the active item on the screen.
·   Click the Voice button to adjust the speed, volume, or pitch of the voice.
The Control Panel Accessibility Program
You can use the Accessibility Program in Control Panel to enable and configure
features that assist users who have low vision. To open the Accessibility dialog box:
·   Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options.
·   In the Accessibility Options dialog box, select the Display tab to have access to options for visually-impaired users.
·   Select the Use High Contrast check box to change the screen display to use colors and fonts designed for easier reading.
·   Click the Settings button to select a high-contrast color scheme for your Windows XP system. The default high-contrast scheme is High Contrast Black (Large).
·   Choose a scheme from the drop-down list in the High contrast appearance screen;
picking a scheme with the word "large" or "extra large" in the scheme name is typically best.
·   Use the Cursor Options section of the dialog box to change the appearance of the cursor so that it is easier to see:
·   Adjust the Blink Rate to change the speed of the cursor's blinking action.
·   Move the slider bar between None and Fast until you find the blink rate that makes it easy to spot the cursor on the screen.
·   Adjust the width of the cursor by moving the Width slider bar between Narrow and
Wide until you find the width that is easy to see.
The Accessibility Wizard
If you prefer the wizard interface to enable features, open the Accessibility Wizard.
To open the Accessibility Wizard:
·   Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Accessibility, and then click Accessibility Wizard.
·   When the wizard starts, click Next to begin setting accessibility options.
Use the wizard options that apply to features for users with low vision. The following three options are displayed on the Text size options screen:
·   Use usual size text for Windows: This option makes no changes to the standard Windows appearance scheme.
·   Use large window titles and menus: This option is the same as selecting the High Contrast option in the Accessibility program in Control Panel.
·   Use Microsoft Magnifier, and large titles and menus: This option turns on Magnifier. Click Next after making your selection. On the next screen, the options thatare displayed depend on the choices that you selected in the previous screen. Click Next to continue.
Note: After you have completed the first part of the Accessibility Wizard and the Set Wizard Options section, completes the process to set the Accessibility Features

To update Magnifier options:

2011-09-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

To update Magnifier options:
To use the change position of the Magnifier window feature:
·   Place the pointer inside the magnification window. The insertion point becomes a hand. Use a drag-and drop operation to move the window to the desired area on your desktop.
To use the change size of the Magnifier window feature:
·   Move the pointer over the edge of the magnification window. The insertion point becomes a double-pointed arrow. Use a drag-and drop operation to move the magnification window border to resize the window.To use the invert colors of the Magnifier window feature:
·   In the Magnifier Settings dialog box, select the Invert colors check box.
To use the set the magnification level feature, In the Magnifier Settings dialog box,
select a magnification level. The default magnification level is 2.
To use the set Magnifier tracking options feature:
·   Select the check box next to each tracking option that you want to use.
To magnify the area around the pointer as it moves on the screen:
·   Select Follow mouse cursor.
To magnify the area at the insertion point:
·   Select Follow keyboard focus. When you press TAB or use the arrow keys, the focus moves to reflect the current screen position.
To display the magnified area that surrounds the insertion point while you are typing:
·   Select Follow text editing.
To Use Narrator to Provide Audio Assistance for the Screen Display
Narrator is a text-to-speech utility for users who are blind or who have low vision.
Narrator is designed to work with Notepad, WordPad, Control Panel programs, Microsoft Internet Explorer, the Windows desktop, and Windows Setup. Narrator may not work correctly in other programs. Narrator reads what is displayed on your screen: the contents of the active window, menu options, or the text that you have typed. You must have text-to-speech capabilities installed on the computer to use Narrator. Narrator is not available for all languages and is currently only supported on the English version of Windows XP. Narrator has a number of options with which you can customize the way in which screen elements are read.

The Start Menu Accessibility Programs

2011-09-07T03:20:00.001-07:00

The Start Menu Accessibility Programs
The Start menu contains visual enhancement utilities that you can select.
To use the Accessibility program:
· Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Accessibility.
· Select one of the following features:
Magnifier: With this feature, you can enlarge the screen display.
Narrator: This feature provides audio assistance about the items that are displayed on the screen.
To Use Magnifier to Enlarge the Screen Display
Magnifier is a display utility that makes the screen more readable for users who have low vision. Magnifier creates a separate window on which a magnified portion of the screen is displayed. You can also change the color scheme of the magnification window for easier visibility. You can move or resize the Magnifier window, or use a drag-and-drop operation to move it to the edge of the screen and lock it in place.
Magnifier is intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with slight visual problems. When Magnifier is open, you can arrange the Magnifier window, and use the Magnifier Settings dialog box to set Magnifier options

2011-09-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Excels Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut key
Action

Menu equivalent
comments

Version
Ctrl+A

Select All

None

All
Ctrl+B

Bold

Format, Cells, Font, Font Style, Bold

All
Ctrl+C

Copy

Edit, Copy

All
Ctrl+D

Fill Down

Edit, Fill, Down

All
Ctrl+F

Find

Edit, Find

All
Ctrl+G

Goto

Edit, Goto

All
Ctrl+H

Replace

Edit, Replace

All
Ctrl+I

Italic

Format, Cells, Font, Font Style, Italic

All
Ctrl+K

Insert Hyperlink

Insert, Hyperlink

Excel 97/2000
Ctrl+N

New Workbook

File, New

All
Ctrl+O

Open

File, Open

All
Ctrl+P

Print

File, Print

All
Ctrl+R

Fill Right

Edit, Fill Right

All
Ctrl+S

Save

File, Save

All
Ctrl+U

Underline

Format, Cells, Font, Underline, Single

All
Ctrl+V

Paste

Edit, Paste

All
Ctrl W

Close

File, Close

Excel 97/2000
Ctrl+X

Cut

Edit, Cut

All
Ctrl+Y

Repeat

Edit, Repeat

All
Ctrl+Z

Undo

Edit, Undo

All
F1

Help

Help, Contents and Index

All
F2

Edit

None

All
F3

Paste Name

Insert, Name, Paste

All
F4

Repeat last action

Edit, Repeat. Works while not in Edit mode.

All
F4

While typing a formula, switch between absolute/relative refs

None

All
F5

Goto

Edit, Goto

All
F6

Next Pane

None

All
F7

Spell check

Tools, Spelling

All
F8

Extend mode

None

All
F9

Recalculate all workbooks

Tools, Options, Calculation, Calc,Now

All
F10

Activate Menubar

N/A

All
F11

New Chart

Insert, Chart

All
F12

Save As

File, Save As

All
Ctrl+:

Insert Current Time

None

All
Ctrl+;

Insert Current Date

None

All
Ctrl+"

Copy Value from Cell Above

Edit, Paste Special, Value

All
Ctrl+'

Copy Fromula from Cell Above

Edit, Copy

All
Shift

Hold down shift for additional functions in Excel's menu

none

Excel 97/2000
Shift+F1

What's This?

Help, What's This?

All
Shift+F2

Edit cell comment

Insert, Edit Comments

All
Shift+F3

Paste function into formula

Insert, Function

All
Shift+F4

Find Next

Edit, Find, Find Next

All
Shift+F5

Find

Edit, Find, Find Next

All
Shift+F6

Previous Pane

None

All
Shift+F8

Add to selection

None

All
Shift+F9

Calculate active worksheet

Calc Sheet

All
Shift+F10

Display shortcut menu

None

All
Shift+F11

New worksheet

Insert, Worksheet

All
Shift+F12

Save

File, Save

All
Ctrl+F3

Define name

Insert, Names, Define

All
Ctrl+F4

Close

File, Close

All
Ctrl+F5

XL, Restore window size

Restore

All
Ctrl+F6

Next workbook window

Window, ...

All
Shift+Ctrl+F6

Previous workbook window

Window, ...

All
Ctrl+F7

Move window

XL, Move

All
Ctrl+F8

Resize window

XL, Size

All
Ctrl+F9

Minimize workbook

XL, Minimize

All
Ctrl+F10

Maximize or restore window

XL, Maximize

All
Ctrl+F11

Inset 4.0 Macro sheet

None in Excel 97. In versions prior to 97 - Insert, Macro, 4.0 Macro

All
Ctrl+F12

File Open

File, Open

All
Alt+F1

Insert Chart

Insert, Chart...

All
Alt+F2

Save As

File, Save As

All
Alt+F4

Exit

File, Exit

All
Alt+F8

Macro dialog box

Tools, Macro, Macros in Excel 97 Tools,Macros - in earlier versions

Excel 97/2000
Alt+F11

Visual Basic Editor

Tools, Macro, Visual Basic Editor

Excel 97/2000
Ctrl+Shift+F3

Create name by using names of row and column labels

Insert, Name, Create

All
Ctrl+Shift+F6

Previous Window

Window, ...

All
Ctrl+Shift+F12

Print

File, Print

All
Alt+Shift+F1

New worksheet

Insert, Worksheet

All
Alt+Shift+F2

Save

File, Save

All
Alt+=

AutoSum

No direct equivalent

All
Ctrl+`

Toggle Value/Formula display

Tools, Options, View, Formulas

All
Ctrl+Shift+A

Insert argument names into formula

No direct equivalent

All
Alt+Down arrow

Display AutoComplete list

None

Excel 95
Alt+'

Format Style dialog box

Format, Style

All
Ctrl+Shift+~

General format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, General

All
Ctrl+Shift+!

Comma format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, Number

All
Ctrl+Shift+@

Time format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, Time

All
Ctrl+Shift+#

Date format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, Date

All
Ctrl+Shift+$

Currency format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, Currency

All
Ctrl+Shift+%

Percent format

Format, Cells, Number, Category, Percentage

All
Ctrl+Shift+^

Exponential format

Format, Cells, Number, Category,

All
Ctrl+Shift+&

Place outline border around selected cells

Format, Cells, Border

All
Ctrl+Shift+_

Remove outline border

Format, Cells, Border

All
Ctrl+Shift+*

Select current region

Edit, Goto, Special, Current Region

All
Ctrl++

Insert

Insert, (Rows, Columns, or Cells) Depends on selection

All
Ctrl+-

Delete

Delete, (Rows, Columns, or Cells) Depends on selection

All
Ctrl+1

Format cells dialog box

Format, Cells

All
Ctrl+2

Bold

Format, Cells, Font, Font Style, Bold

All
Ctrl+3

Italic

Format, Cells, Font, Font Style, Italic

All
Ctrl+4

Underline

Format, Cells, Font, Font Style, Underline

All
Ctrl+5

Strikethrough

Format, Cells, Font, Effects, Strikethrough

All
Ctrl+6

Show/Hide objects

Tools, Options, View, Objects, Show All/Hide

All
Ctrl+7

Show/Hide Standard toolbar

View, Toolbars, Stardard

All
Ctrl+8

Toggle Outline symbols

None

All
Ctrl+9

Hide rows

Format, Row, Hide

All
Ctrl+0

Hide columns

Format, Column, Hide

All
Ctrl+Shift+(

Unhide rows

Format, Row, Unhide

All
Ctrl+Shift+)

Unhide columns

Format, Column, Unhide

All
Alt or F10

Activate the menu

None

All
Ctrl+Tab

In toolbar: next toolbar

None

Excel 97/2000
Shift+Ctrl+Tab

In toolbar: previous toolbar

None

Excel 97/2000
Ctrl+Tab

In a workbook: activate next workbook

None

Save time with quick computer shortcuts

2010-07-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

As a new mom, Rachel Brown is always looking for ways to save time. "When I have the chance to sit down at my computer, I need to get at what I'm working on as quickly as possible," says Brown, who uses her computer to keep in touch with family and friends.

Brown discovered the power of shortcuts and keystrokes while she was still working. "Before taking my maternity leave, I worked in a bilingual environment," she explains.

"I learned the keystrokes for the French accents that were essential in all of my correspondence." She also learned a few other time-saving tricks such as highlighting text, using the Bold function, and creating new documents. If you're looking to work more efficiently in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Internet Explorer, the key is using programmed shortcuts.

Driving around your desktop

To...	Use this shortcut
Select a file/folder/icon	Type the first letter of the file. If you have several files starting with the same letter, continue hitting the letter key until your cursor lands on the file or folder you want.
Search for a file/folder	F3
Rename a file/folder	Select the file/folder, click F2, and then re-type the name
Find out when the file or folder was created, by whom, and how big it is	Select the file, right-click, and then click Properties
Display the Start menu	Ctrl + Esc
Create a shortcut on your desktop to your favorite file/folder	Drag the file/folder icon to your desktop
Scroll between open items	Alt + Tab, then hold down Alt while clicking Tab to reach the desired file or program

Working with Word

To...	Use this shortcut
Select text	Shift + Right Arrow, Left Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow to highlight text
Copy selected text	Ctrl + C
Cut selected text	Ctrl + X
Paste selected text	Ctrl + V
Undo your last action	Ctrl + Z
Select all the text within your document	Ctrl + A
Bold text	Ctrl + B
Italicize text	Ctrl + I
Underline	Ctrl + U
Decrease font size	Ctrl + Shift + <
Increase font size	Ctrl + Shift + >
Change font	Ctrl + Shift + F, then use the arrow keys to reach the new font
Change font size	Ctrl + Shift + P, then use the arrow keys to reach the new font size
Create page break	Ctrl + Enter
Create new document	Ctrl + N
Open My Documents window	Ctrl + O
Close a document	Ctrl + W
Save a document	Ctrl + S
Print a document	Ctrl + P
Preview what you're about to print	Alt + Ctrl + I

Accelerating Excel

To...	Use this shortcut
Move right to left, cell by cell	Tab
Move up and down, cell by cell	Enter
Erase data in current cell	Backspace
Return to the beginning of the row	Home
Enter the date	Ctrl + ; (semicolon)
Enter the time	Ctrl + Shift + : (colon)
Start a formula	= (equal sign)
Check the spelling of titles or words within the cells	F7
Find out about the style within the cell	ALT + ' (apostrophe)
Display the Format Cells dialog box	Ctrl + 1
Apply the general number format	Ctrl + Shift + ~
Turn numbers into dollars	Ctrl + Shift + $
Make numbers a percentage	Ctrl + Shift + %
Apply a border	Ctrl + Shift + &

Expediting Internet Explorer

To...	Use this shortcut
Add sites to your Favorites	Go to the site. Hit Ctrl + D to add to your Favorites. Select Favorites and then Add to Favorites to create a separate folder for the site or to add it to a list already formed.
Select a home page	Go to the Web page that you would like to make your home page. Open the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Under Home page, click Use Current.
Use the History function if you visit a few select sites constantly	Select the History button on your top navigation (a green arrow on a clock face). Select the site that you would like and double-click. If the History button is not visible, go to the View menu, select Explorer Bar, and then click History to access.
Customize your toolbar to the tools you use most frequently	Right-click your top navigation. Select the icons that you use or go to the View menu, select Toolbars, and then click Customize.

A final piece of advice from Brown: Have the Help Line numbers for all the products you use nearby. "At work you rely on your IT person to solve problems that come up, but at home you need to fix these on your own and those phone numbers become extremely useful," she says.
The more you use these tools, the more time you will save. Have fun and explore the options available to you.

Change the Font or Size of Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts

2010-04-19T04:26:00.001-07:00

Change the Font or Size of Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts

You can use keyboard shortcuts to access the Font box and the Font Size box on the Formatting toolbar and then quickly change the font or size of selected text.

Here's how you do it:

1. Select the text you want to change.

2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+F to access the Font box or CTRL+SHIFT+P to access the Font Size box.

3. Press UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to select the font name or size you want.

4. Press ENTER to accept the font name or size.

Editor's Note: This tip works in the following Office 2000 programs: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft FrontPage®, PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and Word.

Windows XP : Cleaning up unwanted startup programs

2010-04-15T06:04:00.001-07:00

Many freeware and commercial software programs have a habit of setting themselves up to run automatically upon Windows startup. This can contribute to the gradual decline in startup speed that most Windows XP systems (and windows PCs in general) experience. Also, having programs that you only use selectively, or not at all, load automatically is a waste of system resources that could be better used for other things.

To top it off, many internet nasties such as spyware programs, viruses and Trojan horses will install themselves into one of the automatic start locations on your system in order to make sure that they are run on startup. So the point is, take a look at what is currently running every time you load your PC, and disable what you don't need or can't identify.

To do this: The first place you should go is 'start\programs\startup' which is a directory Windows XP uses to launch application shortcuts on boot-up.

If you remove the shortcuts from this directory, the applications will not load on startup. This directory can also be a repository for various badness such as spyware and virus software, so if there are files here which are not shortcuts and you don't recognize them, you may wish to consider removing them anyways, as Windows will not place critical files in this directory.

The next location for removing unnecessary startup files is the handy MSCONFIG utility that has been resurrected from the graveyard of Windows 9x especially for XP.

Go to 'start\run' and type 'msconfig' to access the utility.

The 'startup' tab in MSCONFIG provides access to several other applications that are started at boot up and are running in the background. By examining their Filenames and directories, you should be able to get a feeling for what is necessary and what is not. Be aware than several viruses and worms have a habit of disguising themselves with authoritative sounding Windows system file names.

The other method for removing these programs is through the programs themselves, as many applications, for example MSN messenger, contain the option to remove the software from startup.

Shutdown XP Faster

2010-04-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

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.
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 should see some improvements when shutting down your system.

Learn How to Protect Your Computer

2010-04-13T00:29:00.001-07:00

At some point you are going to need your computer repaired. Hardware and software issues will always happen at some point.

I’m sure you already new this but almost half of all computer repairs are actually the end users fault. That’s right it’s your fault. Close to half if not more of all computer repair jobs have to do with removing spyware or viruses from computers. If the person had protection in the first place they would not have to pay a few hundred bucks to get it repaired.

I already have Anti-Virus so I’m good

This is 100% false. In fact many people out there think that just because they have anti-virus software installed they are protected. End users need at least three things to be protected while on-line. If you are missing just one of them your system is at risk. Those three must haves are a good firewall a good anti-virus client and a lastly spyware protection. If you don’t have all three then at some point and time you will be infected with something.

The sad truth is most people out there want to save a buck. They go out and download a free anti-virus client and call it quits. I’m not knocking free software but there is not one free anti-virus client that can match the protection of most paid software. Yes they do work but for many you do not get live protection, it’s only after you are infected that the software kicks in and removes the threat. By that time it may be too late. Another misconception is not having to re-purchase your software. Every year you have to pay to re-new your client software. If not then you are leaving yourself open to all the latest threats.

For the most part people do have an anti-virus client installed and by default in XP and Vista you have a firewall. While the Vista firewall is decent the XP one is really lacking and you should not really on it. The one thing most people skip out on is spyware protection. Spyware is more prevalent on the net nowadays then viruses are. The reason is simple. Spyware is where these crocks can make a ton more money. Rather then just crashing your system, why not have a thousand pop-ups and push fake anti-virus software onto people? That’s why spyware has taken over as the leading threat online.

What can I do about It.?

This one is simple. Go out and pay the 3o bucks for an anti-spyware program. If you need virus protection and a firewall then add anther 20 bucks onto that and you’re good to go. It’s a very wise investment and the next time your co-worker complains about being infected you will be glad you did.

About Author

This article was written by Spyware Removal Hell. Our goal is to rid the world of Spyware and inform people about the dangers before they fall victim. Please take a second to read a bit more about us on our Spyware Removal site or visit our Spyware Removal Software page.

Windows RUN Commands...

2010-04-08T00:44:00.001-07:00

Wanted to Browse fast in windows. Remember these commands.
This will really save a lot of time of your. There are many commands which you might have never seen or never knew.
There are certain properties of windows which you hardly know exist in windows. Here is a list of 112 run commands.

Windows Run Commands

Accessibility Controls------- access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard------- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs------- appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools------- control admintools
Automatic Updates------- wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard------- fsquirt
Calculator------- calc
Certificate Manager certmgr.msc
Character Map charmap
Check Disk Utility------- chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer------- clipbrd
Command Prompt------- cmd
Component Services------- dcomcnfg
Computer Management------- compmgmt.msc
timedate.cpl------- ddeshare
Device Manager------- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*------- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter------- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility------- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment------- dfrg.msc
Disk Management------- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager------- diskpart
Display Properties------- control desktop
Display Properties------- desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)------- control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility------- drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility------- verifier
Event Viewer------- eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool------- sigverif
Findfast------- findfast.cpl
Folders Properties------- control folders
Fonts------- control fonts
Fonts Folder------- fonts
Free Cell Card Game------- freecell
Game Controllers------- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)------- gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game------- mshearts
Iexpress Wizard------- iexpress
Indexing Service------- ciadv.msc
Internet Properties------- inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)------- ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)------- ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)------- ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)------- ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)------- ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS)------- ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)------- ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)------- ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed) jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed)------- javaws
Keyboard Properties------- control keyboard
Local Security Settings------- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups------- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows------- logoff
Microsoft Chat------- winchat
Minesweeper Game------- winmine
Mouse Properties------- control mouse
Mouse Properties------- main.cpl
Network Connections------- control netconnections
Network Connections------- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard------- netsetup.cpl
Notepad------- notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)------- nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager------- packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator------- odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard------- osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)------- ac3filter.cpl
Password Properties------- password.cpl
Performance Monitor------ perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor------- perfmon
Phone and Modem Options------- telephon.cpl
Power Configuration------- powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes------- control printers
Printers Folder------- printers
Private Character Editor------- eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)------- QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings------- intl.cpl
Registry Editor------- regedit
Registry Editor------- regedit32
Remote Desktop------- mstsc
Removable Storage------- ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests------- ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)------- rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras------- sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks------- control schedtasks
Security Center------- wscui.cpl
Services------- services.msc
Shared Folders------- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows------- shutdown
Sounds and Audio------- mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game------- spider
SQL Client Configuration------- cliconfg
System Configuration Editor------- sysedit
System Configuration Utility------- msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)------- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)------- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)------- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)------- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)------- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)------- sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties------- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager------- taskmgr
Telnet Client------- telnet
User Account Management------- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager------- utilman
Windows Firewall------- firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier------- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure------- wmimgmt.msc

Accessibility Controls --------- access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard --------- accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard --------- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs --------- appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools --------- control admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed) --------- acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed) --------- acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed) --------- acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed) --------- imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed) --------- photoshop
Automatic Updates --------- wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard --------- fsquirt
Calculator --------- calc
Certificate Manager --------- certmgr.msc
Character Map --------- Charmap
Check Disk Utility --------- chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer --------- clipbrd
Command Prompt --------- cmd
Component Services --------- dcomcnfg
Computer Management --------- compmgmt.msc
Control Panel --------- control
Date and Time Properties --------- timedate.cpl
DDE Shares --------- ddeshare
Device Manager --------- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)* --------- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter --------- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility --------- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment ------- dfrg.msc
Disk Management -------- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager --------- diskpart
Display Properties ----------- control desktop
Display Properties ----------Desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected) --------- control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility ------------ drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility ------------ verifier
Minesweeper Game -------- winmine
Mouse Properties --------- control mouse
Mouse Properties ---------- main.cpl
Nero (if installed) --------- nero
Netmeeting ------------- conf
Network Connections ---------- control netconnections
Network Connections --------- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard ---------- netsetup.cpl
Notepad --------- notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed) ------- nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager ---------- packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator ------ odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard --------- osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) --------- ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express ------------- msimn
Paint ------------ pbrush
Password Properties -------- password.cpl
Performance Monitor ------- perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor --------- perfmon
Phone and Modem Options ------- telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer --------- dialer
Pinball Game --------------- pinball
Power Configuration --------- powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes ------- control printers
Printers Folder --------- printers
Private Character Editor --------- eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed) --------- QuickTime.cpl
Quicktime Player (if installed) ------------- quicktimeplayer
Real Player (if installed) ------------- realplay
Regional Settings ----------- intl.cpl
Registry Editor --------- regedit
Registry Editor -------- regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook -------- rasphone
Remote Desktop --------- mstsc
Removable Storage --------- ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests --------- ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) ---------- rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras ------------ sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks ----------- control schedtasks
Security Center ----------- wscui.cpl
Services -------------- services.msc
Shared Folders ----------- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows ------- shutdown
Sounds and Audio ------------ mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game -------- spider
SQL Client Configuration --------- cliconfg
System Configuration Editor --------- sysedit
System Configuration Utility --------- msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) ---------- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot) ---------- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) -------------- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting) ----------- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) ------------ sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) ------------ sfc /cachesize=x
System Information ----------- msinfo32
System Properties --------- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager ------------ taskmgr
TCP Tester ------------ tcptest
Telnet Client --------- telnet
Tweak UI (if installed) ------------ tweakui
User Account Management ------------ nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager --------- utilman
Windows Address Book --------- wab
Windows Address Book Import Utility ----------- wabmig
Windows Backup Utility (if installed) ------------ ntbackup
Windows Explorer ------------- explorer
Windows Firewall ---------- firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier ------------- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure ----------- wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player ----------- wmplayer
Windows Messenger ------------ msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard (need camera connected) --------- wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool ------- syskey
Windows Update Launches -------------- wupdmgr
Windows Version (to show which version of windows) --------- winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard ------------- tourstart
Event Viewer ----------- eventvwr.msc
Files and Settings Transfer Tool ---------- migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool -------- sigverif
Findfast ---------- findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed) -------- firefox
Folders Properties ---------- control folders
Fonts ---------- control fonts
Fonts Folder ------------ fonts
Free Cell Card Game ------- freecell
Game Controllers --------- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) --------- gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game ----------- mshearts
Help and Support ------- helpctr
HyperTerminal ----------- hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard ---------- iexpress
Indexing Service ---------- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard -------- icwconn1
Internet Explorer ---------- iexplore
Internet Properties --------- inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard ------- inetwiz
Java Control Panel (If Installed) --------- jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) --------- javaws
Keyboard Properties ----------- control keyboard
Local Security Settings --------- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups ------------- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows ---------- logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool ----------- mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed) ------------- access.cpl
Microsoft Chat ------------- winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed) ----------- excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed) ----------- frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker ----------- moviemk
Microsoft Paint ------------ mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed) --------- powerpnt
Microsoft Word (if installed) ---------- winword
Microsoft Syncronization Tool ---------- mobsync

list of shortcuts to help you move faster in Ms Outlook

2010-04-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

Alt + . (period) Open the Address Book with the To field selected

Alt + A Open the Action drop-down menu

Alt + B Open the Address Book with the BCC field selected

Alt + C Select message recipients for CC field

Alt + D Switch to Daily calendar view

Alt + E Open the Edit drop-down menu
Alt + F Open the File drop-down menu

Alt + G Open the Go drop-down menu

Alt + H Open the Help drop-down menu

Alt + I Open the Find tool bar / Open the Insert drop-down menu

Alt + J Move to the Subject field

Alt + K Check names in the To, CC, or BCC field against the Address Book (cursor must be in the corresponding message header field)

Alt + L Reply All

Alt + M Switch to Monthly calendar view

Alt + N Open the Accounts drop-down menu

Alt + O Open the Format drop-down menu / Switch to Today calendar view

Alt + P Open the Message Options dialog box

Alt + R Reply / Switch to Work Week Calendar view

Alt + S Send

Alt + T Open the Tools drop-down menu
Alt + V Open the View drop-down menu

Alt + W Forward an item / Switch to Weekly calendar view

Alt + Y Switch to Daily calendar view

Ctrl + 1 Go to Mail

Ctrl + 2 Go to Calendar

Ctrl + 3 Go to Contacts
Ctrl + 4 Go to Tasks

Ctrl + 5 Go to Notes

Ctrl + 6 Go to Folder List

Ctrl + 7 Go to Shortcuts

Ctrl + 8 Go to Journal

Ctrl + A Select all

Ctrl + B Bold when editing a rich text message

Ctrl + C Copy

Ctrl + D Delete an item (message, task, contact, etc.)

Ctrl + E Activate the Find drop-down menu / Center Align when editing a rich text message

Ctrl + F Forward

Ctrl + J Open a new Journal Entry from the selected item (message, task, contact, etc.)

Ctrl + K Check names in the To, CC, or BCC field against the Address Book (cursor must be in the corresponding message header field)

Ctrl + M Send/Receive all

Ctrl + O Open

Ctrl + P Print

Ctrl + Q Mark the selected message Read

Ctrl + R Reply

Ctrl + S Save a draft message

Ctrl + T Tab

Ctrl + U Mark the selected message Unread

Ctrl + V Paste

Ctrl + X Cut

Ctrl + Y Go to Folder

Ctrl + Z Undo

Ctrl + Backspace Delete the previous word

Ctrl + End Move to the end

Ctrl + Home Move to the beginning

Ctrl + Shift + A Open a new Appointment

Ctrl + Shift + B Open the Address Book

Ctrl + Shift + C Create a new Contact

Ctrl + Shift + E Open a new folder

Ctrl + Shift + F Open the Advanced Find window

Ctrl + Shift + G Flag message for follow up

Ctrl + Shift + J Open a new Journal Entry

Ctrl + Shift + K Open a new Task

Ctrl + Shift + L Open a new Distribution List

Ctrl + Shift + M Open a new Message

Ctrl + Shift + N Open a new Note

Ctrl + Shift + O Switch to the Outbox

Ctrl + Shift + P Open the New Search Folder window

Ctrl + Shift + Q Open a new Meeting Request

Ctrl + Shift + R Reply All

Ctrl + Shift + S Open a new Discussion

Ctrl + Shift + U Open a new Task Request

Ctrl + Shift + Y Copy a Folder

Shift + Tab Select the previous message header button or field

F1 Open Outlook Help

F3 Activate the Find toolbar

F4 Open the Find window

F7 Spellcheck

F9 Send and receive all

F10 Select File from the Outlook toolbar button

F11 Activate the "Find a contact" dialog box

F12 Save As

Alt + F4 Close the active window

Removing Multiple Boot Screens

2010-04-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

If you are getting unwanted multiple boot screen
Then Follow these Steps.

Right Click on My Computer
Select Properties
Select Advanced Tab
Select Settings In the Startup & Recovery Section(3rd grp)
Select the operating system which u want.
And Click OK.
Further again press the setting and click on Edit.
It will open boot.ini File.
Now u can delete those o/s which you don't want to be displayed.

Note: For deleting operating systems from boot.ini file, keep it mind that you can't delete that o/s which is selected by default there. Before making any changes make a copy of boot.ini file.

Set Accessibility Features for People Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision in Windows XP

2010-02-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

Set Accessibility Features for People Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision in Windows XP

Windows XP offers several features to make it easier for users with low vision to operate their computers. You can access and enable these features from the Start menu, the Control Panel, or the Accessibility Wizard. This article describes how you can set the Accessibility features in Windows XP for people with low vision.

Synchronize

2010-02-24T04:50:00.000-08:00

Read Permissions
The Read Permissions permission allows or denies the user form reading permissions about the file or folder, such as Full Control, Read, and Write.

Change Permissions
The Change Permissions permission allows or denies the user from changing permissions on the file or folder, such as Full Control, Read, and Write.

Take Ownership
The Take Ownership permission allows or denies the user form taking ownership of the file or folder. The owner of a file or folder can change permissions on it, regardless of any existing permissions that protect the file or folder.

Synchronize
The Synchronize permission allows or denies different threads to wait on the handle for the file or folder and synchronize with another thread that may signal it. This permission applies only to multiple-threaded, multiple-process programs.

Delete Subfolders and Files

2010-02-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

Delete Subfolders and Files
The Delete Subfolders and Files permission allows or denies the user from deleting subfolders and files, even if the Delete permission is not granted on the subfolder or file. This permission applies only to folders.

Delete
The Delete permission allows or denies the user from deleting the file or folder. If you do not have Delete permission on a file or folder, you can delete it if you are granted Delete Subfolders and Files permissions on the parent folder.

Write Attributes

2010-02-24T04:19:00.000-08:00

Write Attributes
The Write Attributes permission allows or denies the user from changing the attributes of a file or folder, such as read-only or hidden. Attributes are defined by the NTFS file system.
The Write Attributes permission does not imply creating or deleting files or folders, it includes only the permission to make changes to the attributes of a file or folder.
To allow or deny create or delete operations, see Create Files/Write Data, Create Folders/Append Data, Delete Subfolders and Files, and Delete.

Write Extended Attributes
The Write Extended Attributes permission allows or denies the user from changing the extended attributes of a file or folder. Extended attributes are defined by programs and may vary by program.
The Write Extended Attributes permission does not imply that the user can create or delete files or folders, it includes only the permission to make changes to the attributes of a file or folder. To allow or deny create or delete operations, view the Create Files/Write Data, Create Folders/Append Data, Delete Subfolders and Files, andDelete sections in this article.

Create Files/Write Data

2010-02-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

Create Files/Write Data

The Create Files permission allows or denies the user from creating files in the folder (applies only to folders). The Write Data permission allows or denies the user from making changes to the file and overwriting existing content (applies only to files).

Create Folders/Append Data

The Create Folders permission allows or denies the user from creating folders in the folder (applies only to folders). The Append Data permission allows or denies the user from making changes to the end of the file but not changing, deleting, or overwriting existing data (applies only to files).

List Folder/Read Data

2010-02-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

The List Folder permission allows or denies the user from viewing file names and subfolder names in the folder. The List Folder permission affects only the contents of that folder and does not affect whether the folder that you are setting the permission on is listed. This applies only to folders.
The Read Data permission allows or denies viewing data in files (applies only to files).

Read Attributes

The Read Attributes permission allows or denies the user from viewing the attributes of a file or folder, such as read-only and hidden. Attributes are defined by the NTFS file system.

Read Extended Attributes

The Read Extended Attributes permission allows or denies the user from viewing the extended attributes of a file or folder. Extended attributes are defined by programs and may vary by program.

Traverse Folder/Execute File

2010-02-24T03:22:00.000-08:00

For folders:

The Traverse Folder permission allows or denies the user from moving through folders to reach other files or folders, even if the user has no permissions for the traversed folders (applies only to folders). Traverse Folder takes effect only when the group or user is not granted the Bypass Traverse Checking user right which checks user rights in the Group Policy snap-in. By default, the Everyone group is given the Bypass Traverse Checking user right.

For files:

The Execute File permission allows or denies program files the are running (applies only to files).

Setting the Traverse Folder permission on a folder does not automatically set the Execute File permission on all files in that folder.

Permissions for Files and Folders

2010-02-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

Folder permissions include Full Control, Modify, Read & Execute, List Folder Contents, Read, and Write. Each of these permissions consist of a logical group of special permissions that are listed and defined in the following sections.
Note: This article assumes that you are using Windows XP on a domain. By default, simplified sharing is enabled in Windows XP if you are not connected to a domain, which means that the Security tab and advanced options for permissions are not available.
If you are not joined to a domain and want to view the Security tab, view the Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and Folders section in this article.
File and Folder Special Permissions
The following table describes file and folder special permissions.
Special Permissions Full Control Modify Read & Execute List Folder Contents Read Write
Traverse Folder/Execute File yes yes yes yes no no
List Folder/Read Data yes yes yes yes yes no
Read Attributes yes yes yes yes yes no
Read Extended Attributes yes yes yes yes yes no
Create Files/Write Data yes yes no no no yes
Create Folders/Append Data yes yes no no no yes
Write Attributes yes yes no no no yes
Write Extended Attributes yes yes no no no yes
Delete Subfolders and Files yes no no no no no
Delete yes yes no no no no
Read Permissions yes yes yes yes yes yes
Change Permissions yes no no no no no
Take Ownership yes no no no no no
Synchronize yes yes yes yes yes yes
IMPORTANT: Groups or users who are granted Full Control on a folder can delete any files in that folder, regardless of the permissions that protect the file.

Note: Although List Folder Contents and Read & Execute appear to have the same special permissions, these permissions are inherited differently. List Folder Contents is inherited by folders but not files, and it only appears when you view folder permissions. Read & Execute is inherited by both files and folders and is always present when you view file or folder permissions.
Note: In Windows XP Professional, the Everyone group does not include the Anonymous Logon group.

To change visual effects, follow these steps:

2009-11-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance, click Settings.
Click the Visual Effects tab, and then do one of the following:
Click Adjust for best performance to have Windows automatically adjust the settings for best performance.
Click Adjust for best appearance to have Windows automatically adjust the settings for best appearance.
Click Custom, and then click to select the check boxes for those items that you want to turn on. Click to clear the check boxes for the items that you want to turn off.

Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and Folders in Windows XP
In Windows XP, you can apply special access permissions to files or folders that are located on NTFS file system volumes. Special access permissions are customizable sets of permissions. This article describes how to set, view, change, or remove special permissions for files and folders.

To have Windows choose the best paging file size

2009-11-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

To have Windows choose the best paging file size, click System managed size. The recommended minimum size is equivalent to 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your system, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size. Example, if you have 256 MB of RAM, the minimum size would be 384, the maximum size would be 1152.
For best performance, do not set the initial size to less than the minimum recommended size under Total paging file size for all drives. The recommended size is equivalent to 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your system. Usually, you should leave the paging file at its recommended size, although you might increase its size if you routinely use programs that require a lot of memory.
To delete a paging file:

Set both initial size and maximum size to zero, or click No paging file. Microsoft strongly recommends that you do not disable or delete the paging file.

To Optimize Memory Usage
You can choose to optimize your computer's memory usage. If you use your computer primarily as a workstation, rather than as a server, you can have more memory devoted to your programs. Your programs will work faster and your system cache size will be the default size that came with Windows XP. You can also specify to set aside more computer memory for a larger system cache, if your computer is used primarily as a server, or if you use programs that require a larger cache.

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings under Performance.
Click the Advanced tab, and then do one of the following under Memory usage:
Click Programs if you use your computer primarily as a workstation, rather than as a server, to have more memory devoted to your programs.
Click System cache if your computer is used primarily as a server, or if you use programs that require a larger cache.

To Change Visual Effects
Windows provides several options to set the visual effects of your computer. For example, you can choose to show shadows under menus, which gives them a 3-D look. You can tell Windows to display the entire contents of a window while you move it on your screen.
To make large text more readable, you can choose to display the smooth edges of screen fonts.Windows provides options for enabling all of the settings (for best appearance), or none of the settings (for best computer performance). You can also restore the original default settings.

To Manage Computer Memory

2009-11-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

When your computer is running low on RAM and more is needed immediately, Windows uses hard drive space to simulate system RAM. This is known as virtual memory, and is often called the paging file. This is similar to the UNIX swapfile. The default size of the virtual memory paging file (named pagefile.sys) created during installation is 1.5 times the amount of RAM on your computer.

You can optimize virtual memory use by dividing the space between multiple drives and removing it from slow or heavily accessed drives. To best optimize your virtual memory space, divide it among as many physical hard drives as possible. When you select drives, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Try to avoid having a paging file on the same drive as the system files.
Avoid putting a paging file on a fault-tolerant drive, such as a mirrored volume or a RAID-5 volume. Paging files do not need fault-tolerance, and some fault-tolerant systems suffer from slow data writes because they write data to multiple locations.
Do not place multiple paging files on different partitions on the same physical disk drive.
To Change the Size of the Virtual Memory Paging File
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings under Performance.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Change under Virtual memory.
Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.

Under Paging file size for selected drive, click Custom size, type a new paging file size in megabytes (MB) in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.
If you decrease the size of either the initial or maximum paging file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. When you increase the paging file size, you typically do not need to restart your computer.

To Change the Performance of Foreground and Background Programs

2009-11-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings under Performance.
Click the Advanced tab, and then do one of the following under Processor scheduling:
Click Programs to assign more processor resources to the foreground program than the background program.
Click Background services to assign equal amounts of processor resources to all programs.

If you click Programs, the result is a smoother, faster response time for your foreground program. If you want a background task, such as a Backup utility, to run faster, click Background services.
The Programs option allocates short, variable time slices, or quanta, to running programs, and the Background services option assigns long, fixed quanta.

Managing Processor Time

2009-11-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

System processing is managed by Windows, which can allocate tasks between processors, as well as manage multiple processes on a single processor. However, you can set Windows to allocate more processor time to the program that you are currently running. This can result in faster program response time. Or, if you have background programs such as printing or disk backup that you want to run while you work, you can have Windows share processor resources equally between background and foreground programs.
Note: You must be logged on as an administrator to the local computer or have appropriate network privileges to make certain changes in System.

How to Change the Length of Time That Your Computer Is Inactive Before Your Status Becomes "Away"

2009-11-17T05:56:00.001-08:00

This article describes the "Away" status in Windows Messenger. This article also describes how to change the length of time that elapses before your individual status appears as "Away" in Windows Messenger.
The "Away" status appears automatically after your computer has been inactive for a period of time that is equal to the Wait time for your screen saver.
To manually specify "Away" as a status:

Click File, click My Status, and then click Away.

To change the length of inactive time before your status becomes "Away,":

Either change the screen saver Wait setting in the Windows Display Properties dialog box.
or, if you want to specify a time other than the screen saver Wait time, change the inactivity time in the Windows Messenger Options dialog box.

To change the Windows screen saver Wait setting:

Right-click the Windows Desktop, and then click Properties.
Click the Screen Saver tab, and then type the appropriate number of minutes in the Wait box. (You must have a screen saver selected.)
Click Apply.

The screen saver Wait time automatically appears in the Windows Messenger Options dialog box as the default "Away" status wait time.
To select an "Away" status wait time that is different from your screen saver Wait time:

In Windows Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options.
Click the Preferences tab.
In the Show me as "Away" when I'm inactive for box, type the number of minutes.

This number overrides the screen saver setting and is the time that elapses before Away appears next to your name on the list.

Color Setting Must Support ClearType

2009-09-13T01:17:00.000-07:00

To use ClearType, you must have a video adapter and monitor that support a color setting of at least 256 colors. Best results are achieved with High color (24-bit) or Highest color (32-bit) support.
To change the color quality:

Click Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Display.· On the Settings tab, in the Color quality list, click a different color setting.

How to Customize ClearType

2009-09-13T01:16:00.000-07:00

You can adjust the contrast setting for ClearType for your personal preference. Although there are no tools or settings in Windows XP for doing this, the following Microsoft Web site includes tools to turn ClearType on or off, and to adjust the contrast:
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/cleartypeactivate.htm back to the top
Display Appears Blurry
ClearType is designed to enhance LCD displays. ClearType may appear slightly blurry on standard desktop monitors and on some LCD displays. You may be able to improve this by customizing ClearType as described in the "How to Customize ClearType" section of this article.
In rare cases, perceived blurriness is caused by a manufacturing anomaly on LCD displays in which the normal striping of red-green-blue is reversed with blue-green-red.
Currently, there is no support in Windows XP ClearType to compensate for this anomaly. This could be the problem in cases in which none of the ClearType contrast settings look good on a particular LCD display. In those cases, it may be best to turn off ClearType.

Use ClearType to Enhance Screen Fonts in Windows XP

2009-09-13T01:11:00.000-07:00

This step-by-step article describes how to enable ClearType to sharpen fonts on your Windows XP display. ClearType enhances your display by smoothing the edges of screen fonts. ClearType works especially well on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) devices, including flat screen monitors and laptop computers.

Click Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Display.
On the Appearance tab, click Effects.
Click to select the Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts check box, and then click ClearType in the list.

Prevent a User From Running or Stopping a Scheduled Process in Windows XP

2009-09-13T01:01:00.001-07:00

This step-by-step article describes how to prevent a user from running or stopping a scheduled process in Windows XP.
There are occasions where is not advisable to run a scheduled process before the intended date and time, or when an administrator doesn't want a user to add new scheduled processes to the computer. You can use the following procedures to enable maximum control over what can be done with the Scheduler service.

Click Start > Run, type mmc, and then click OK.
On the File menu, click Add/Remove Snap-in. On the Standalone tab, click Add.
In the Available Standalone Snap-ins list, click Group Policy, and then click Add.

In the Select Group Policy object box, click Local Computer to edit the local Group Policy object, or click Browse to find the Group Policy object that you want.

Click Finish, click Close, and then click OK. The Group Policy snap-in opens the Group Policy object for editing.
Expand either the User Configuration or Computer Configuration branch, and then expand Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Task Scheduler.
Double-click Prevent Task Run or End, click Enabled, and then click OK.

How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys

2009-09-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to quickly lock your computer as well as the other Windows logo shortcut keys that you can use.
Windows XP includes a new Microsoft Natural Keyboard shortcut to lock your computer.
Any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key and the Application key can also perform this task.
To use this shortcut:

Press the Windows logo key + L.

The following list has different computer lock-up scenarios that are available to you, as well as other ways to lock the computer:
Fast User Switching Enabled
If the Fast User Switching feature is enabled and you lock the computer, you can observe the same behavior as if you switched users: The computer returns to the Welcome screen and other users can log on to the computer.
Fast User Switching Disabled
If the Fast User Switching feature is disabled and you lock the computer, the Unlock Computer dialog box is displayed that requires the current logged-on user to enter a password to unlock the computer.
Welcome Screen Enabled
If the Welcome screen is enabled, the computer can also be locked if you press Ctrl+Alt+Del (to open Task Manager), and then click Lock Computer or click Switch User on the Shut Down menu.
Note: The ability to observe "Lock Computer" or "Switch User" on the Shut Down menu is dependent upon whether or not the Fast User Switching feature is enabled.
Welcome Screen Disabled
If the Welcome screen is disabled, you can lock the computer if you press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then click Lock Computer in the Windows Security dialog box.
In all of the preceding scenarios, the "Windows logo key + L" shortcut can lock the computer. If you do not have a password that is set for your user account, anyone can unlock your computer. To set a password for your user account: In Control Panel, double-click User accounts, select your user account, and then click Create a password.

View the Storage Devices That Are Displayed As "USB SCSI Storage Device" in Windows XP

2009-09-13T00:52:00.000-07:00

USB devices that are using an SCSI-to-USB adapter are displayed as "USB SCSI Storage Device" in the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar. Finding which device you want to remove may be confusing if your computer has more than one of these devices.

Open the Safely Remove Hardware dialog box, and then click to select the Display Device Components box.

Automatically Log On a User Account in Windows XP

2009-09-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to automatically log on a user account during the Windows startup process.
Note: This process only works if the computer is not joined to a domain.
Requirements

The Welcome screen must be available.
Guest account access must be turned off.
There must be only one user account on the computer.
The user account must not have a password.

Make the Welcome Screen Available
To make the Welcome screen available:

Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
Click Change the way users log on or off.
Click to select the Use the Welcome screen for fast and easy logon check box.
Click OK.

Turn Off Guest Account Access
To turn off Guest account access:

Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
Click the Guest account.
Click Turn off Guest access.

Remove the Password from a User Account
To remove the password from a user account:

Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
Click the user account.
Click Remove my password.
Type the password in the Type your current password box, and then click Remove Password.

How to Rename Multiple Files with Windows Explorer

2009-09-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer.
Press and hold down the Ctrl-key while you are clicking files.
After you select the files, press F2.
Type the new name, and then press ENTER.

Note: When you complete the preceding steps, the highlighted state of all files except one disappears, so it may appear as if you are only renaming one file. However, after you press ENTER, all of the files are renamed. When you rename multiple files, all of the renamed files have the same name with a number in parentheses appended to the name to make the new file name unique. For example, if you type BUDGET as the new name, the first file is named BUDGET. All of the remaining selected files are named BUDGET(x), where x is a unique number, starting with (1).
Notes
If you make a mistake when you try to rename multiple files, you can press Ctrl+Z, or click Undo Rename on the Edit menu to undo file rename action you just completed, and you can repeat this process as needed.
The Rename function in Windows Explorer does not match the behavior of the REN command you may use at a command prompt. For example, if you had files that are named smitha.doc, smithb.doc, and smithc.doc, you could use the ren smoth*.doc smythe*.doc command. All file names automatically show the new spelling, and are renamed smythea.doc, smytheb.doc, and smythec.doc.
If you use the Windows XP Rename function in Windows Explorer, after you select the three "smith" files, and rename smitha.doc to smythea.doc, all the other files you selected are named smythea(x).doc. To return to the original file name structure (the use of a, b, c, etc), you must rename each file individually.
Restore Icons That Have Been Removed from the Desktop in Windows XP This article describes how to restore the My Computer, My Documents, and My Network Places icons after they have been removed from the desktop.
In Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and Professional, the new Start menu is enabled by default. When the new Start menu is enabled, the My Computer, My Documents, and My Network Places icons are removed from the desktop.· Right-click the Desktop and click Properties.

Click the Desktop tab.
Click Customize Desktop.
Click the General tab, and then click the icons that you want to place on the desktop.
Click OK.

Fix your Slow XP

2009-08-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

You can run "wmiprvse.exe" as a process for quick shared network access to Win98/ME machines. Stick it in Startup or make it a service.

"On the PC running XP, log in as you normally would, go to users, manage network passwords.
Here is where the problem lies. In this dialog box remove any win98 passwords or computer-assigned names for the win98 PCs. In my case , I had two computer-assigned win98 pc names in this box (example G4k8e6). I deleted these names (you may have passwords instead). Then go to My Network Places and -- there you go! -- no more delay!
Now, after I did this and went to My Network Places to browse the first Win98 PC, I was presented with a password/logon box that looked like this: logon: G4k8e6/guest (lightly grayed out) and a place to enter a password. I entered the password that I had previously used to share drives on the Win98 PCs long before I installed XP. I have the guest account enabled in XP.
This solves the problem for Win98 & XP machines on a LAN; I can't guarantee it will work for Win2K/ME machines as well, but the whole secret lies in the passwords. If this doesn't solve your slow WinXP>Win98 access problems, then you probably have other things wrong. Don't forget to uncheck 'simple file sharing,' turn off your ICS firewall, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and install proper protocols, services & permissions."

Difference Between Basic and Dynamic Disks in Windows XP

2009-08-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 offer two types of disk storage: basic and dynamic.

Basic Disk Storage

Basic storage uses normal partition tables supported by MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP. A disk initialized for basic storage is called a basic disk. A basic disk contains basic volumes, such as primary partitions, extended partitions, and logical drives. Additionally, basic volumes include multidisk volumes that are created by using Windows NT 4.0 or earlier, such as volume sets, stripe sets, mirror sets, and stripe sets with parity. Windows XP does not support these multidisk basic volumes. Any volume sets, stripe sets, mirror sets, or stripe sets with parity must be backed up and deleted or converted to dynamic disks before you install Windows XP Professional.

Dynamic Disk Storage

Dynamic storage is supported in Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. A disk initialized for dynamic storage is called a dynamic disk. A dynamic disk contains dynamic volumes, such as simple volumes, spanned volumes, striped volumes, mirrored volumes, and RAID-5 volumes. With dynamic storage, you can perform disk and volume management without the need to restart Windows.
Note: Dynamic disks are not supported on portable computers or on Windows XP Home Edition-based computers.
You cannot create mirrored volumes or RAID-5 volumes on Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP 64-Bit Edition-based computers. However, you can use a Windows XP Professional-based computer to create a mirrored or RAID-5 volume on remote computers that are running Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, or Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, or the Standard, Enterprise and Data Center versions of Windows Server 2003.
Storage types are separate from the file system type. A basic or dynamic disk can contain any combination of FAT16, FAT32, or NTFS partitions or volumes.
A disk system can contain any combination of storage types. However, all volumes on the same disk must use the same storage type.

To convert a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk:

Use the Disk Management snap-in in Windows XP/2000/2003 to convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk. To do this, follow these steps:

Log on as Administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management. You can also right-click My Computer and choose Manage if you have My Computer displayed on your desktop.
In the left pane, click Disk Management.
In the lower-right pane, right-click the basic disk that you want to convert, and then click Convert to Dynamic Disk. You must right-click the gray area that contains the disk title on the left side of the Details pane.

How to delete files that are used by other programs in windows XP/Vista?

2009-08-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to delete the files and folders that are being used by another programs and applications, for example a virus affected file. You have tried to delete such kind of files or folders and received the any following messages.

Cannot delete file: the file is in use by the other program
Cannot delete file: There has been a sharing violation
Cannot delete file: The file is in use by another program or user
Cannot delete file: Disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.
Cannot delete file: The source or destination file may be in use

Normally, a windows restart will allow you to delete such files or folders that are being used by other program, but if you want to manage it without restart your computer then simply you need to download a freeware tool called Unlocker.
You can download this tool for any windows version using Unlocker link. Download it and run the easy setup.
After installation, right click on file or folder that you want to delete and select the option Unlocker.

How to start windows programs quickly with Run Command?

2009-08-04T03:01:00.000-07:00

The run option of Start menu is used to run a program or to open a document directly. If you do not know the exact location of the program or document then click on Start button to open Run and type the programs shortcut name to open it directly.

Run Commands

appwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add/Remove wizard
Calc --Calculator
Cfgwiz32 --ISDN Configuration Wizard
Charmap --Character Map
Chkdisk --Repair damaged files
Cleanmgr --Cleans up hard drives
Clipbrd --Windows Clipboard viewer
Control --Displays Control Panel
Cmd --Opens a new Command Window
Control mouse --Used to control mouse properties
Dcomcnfg --DCOM user security
Debug --Assembly language programming tool
Defrag --Defragmentation tool
Drwatson --Records programs crash & snapshots
Dxdiag --DirectX Diagnostic Utility
Explorer --Windows Explorer
Fontview --Graphical font viewer
Fsmgmt.msc -- Used to open shared folders
Firewall.cpl -- Used to configure windows firewall
Ftp -ftp.exe program
Hostname --Returns Computer's name
Hdwwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add Hardware wizard
Ipconfig --Displays IP configuration for all network adapters
Logoff -- Used to logoff the computer
MMC --Microsoft Management Console
Msconfig --Configuration to edit startup files
Mstsc -- Used to access remote desktop
Mrc -- Malicious Software Removal Tool
Msinfo32 --Microsoft System Information Utility
Nbtstat --Displays stats and current connections using NetBIOS over TCP/IP
Netstat --Displays all active network connections
Nslookup--Returns your local DNS server
Osk ---Used to access on screen keyboard
Perfmon.msc -- Used to configure the performance of Monitor.
Ping --Sends data to a specified host/IP
Powercfg.cpl -- Used to configure power option
Regedit --Registry Editor
Regwiz -- Registration wizard
Sfc /scannow -- System File Checker
Sndrec32 --Sound Recorder
Shutdown -- Used to shutdown the windows
Spider -- Used to open spider solitaire card game
Sfc / scannow -- Used to run system file checker utility.
Sndvol32 --Volume control for soundcard
Sysedit -- Edit system startup files
Taskmgr --Task manager
Telephon.cpl -- Used to configure modem options.
Telnet --Telnet program
Tracert --Traces and displays all paths required to reach an internet host
Winchat -- Used to chat with Microsoft
Wmplayer -- Used to run Windows Media player

How to disable auto-start applications on windows startup?

2009-08-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

Using this tip, you can minimize the startup time of windows XP and Vista also. You can disable some optional windows applications like windows messenger, Yahoo messenger, QuickTime and many others auto startup programs that run automatically when you start your computer.

Follow the given steps to disable the windows auto run applications:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type msconfig in Run option then press Enter for next.

A small System Configuration Utility dialog box will appear with many options like General, System.ini Win.ini, Boot.ini, Services, Startup and Tools.

Now select Startup tab and uncheck the applications that you want to disable from windows startup.

Now click on Apply button to implement the changes then click on Ok button to end the configuration process.

Again close the all program and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to find a lost file on your Computer?

2009-08-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to enjoy the quick and easy way to find lost files on your computer. Here I recommends you, try to search a file with its file extensions (for example for word file, type *.doc, Excel *.xls, Acrobat *.pdf, *.ppt and *.exe for executable files. If you don't know the name of file but know that it contains a string of text then try to search for files containing specific text, type the text you want to find from any file or folder. This is time taking process but creates very precise result. In Look in, click the drive, folder, or network you want to search. To save time, always select the specified drive or location instead of whole computer.

Click Start Button, point to Search, and then click For File or Folders, a Search Results dialog box will appear. In Search for files or folders named, type the file name or folder name you want to find in containing text.

To specify additional search criteria, click Search Options, and then click one or more of the following options to narrow your search:

Select Date to look for files that were created or modified on or between specific dates.
Select Type to look for files of a specific type, such as a text or WordPad document.
Select Size to look for files of a specific size.
Select Advanced Options to specify additional search criteria.
Click Search now.

Rolling Back and Roll forward Database Recovery

2009-08-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

Database can fail due to some reasons like media failure, operating system failure, accidental damage, and intentional damage to the database. When database stops working due to any above reasons, it's the responsibility of Database Administrator to recover the database using its backup files and restoration of database into the state it was in, before its failure. Normally full backup are done after one week but incremental backup are done on daily basis.

In these days, almost every database management system gives a number of methods to restore the failure database using its backup. It depends upon the size of backup file, when the size of database is large, recovery process may take a lot of time. There are two major types of complete recovery the database.

Backward Recovery

In backward Recovery the database is restored into the previous state and the unwanted changes are eliminated. It means that all changes made by various transactions are undone. For example, it will be equivalent to the state that was fifteen days before the failure. This sort of recovery is made when up to the time backup is not available or changes of previous period are needed to be undone.

Forward Recovery

It is also called Roll-forward. Changes of some failed transactions are applied to the database in order to roll it forward. Thus database becomes updated with all the changes confirmed.

Database Backups - Hot Backup vs. Cold Backup

2009-08-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

Data and information are as important for an organization as blood in human body. In case data and information become unavailable due to any reason, all the working of the organization stops and it becomes unmanageable loss. In order to avoid such big loss, Database Administrator (DBA) must take backup of his database frequently according to the nature of the database. Normally full backup are done after one week but incremental backup are done on daily basis. Backup can be defined as second copy of original database produced by backup facilities provided by DBMS or operating system. This second copy or saved copy of original database is produced on separate storage media such as magnetic tape, external hard disk and on CD-drives. These should be placed in a separate and secure location, where unauthorized persons do not have any access. The best way, you can store your database backup online using Internet and you can access this backup any time, from any location using Internet. There are two important types of backup.

Hot Backup

You can say hot backup is dynamic or active backup. Hot backup is taken when database is running and data is being updated, added, or read by its users but doesn't handle running transactions. Only database management system (DBMS) facility can be used to take hot backups. Make sure that hot backups should only be done during low working hours. Hot backup is taken in environments where database needs to remain online 24-hours a days and 7-days a week, because they do not require downtime as in cold backup.

Cold Backup

Cold backup is taken when database is offline, not accessible for updating and users cannot do anything on the database.. DBMS as well as operating system facilities can be used to take the cold backup. Normally, cold backup is taken at the end of a working day or at weekends when database comes offline. Cold backup is suitable in environments where database is not running 24-hours a day. Instead, there are sometime intervals when it remains off.

Backups can be taken manually through the DBA or these can be taken automatically by configuring the DBMS. In case of automatic backups, you must specify day, time, and location on storage media where DBMS will take the backups. These settings are required when configuring the DBMS.

Create a Password Reset Disk

2009-08-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

If you're running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log onto your computer when you forget your password. To create the disk:

Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click your account name.
Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.

XP Hibernate Option

2009-08-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

Whenever you want to logoff, shut down or reboot your Windows XP machine you have only 3 choices
(1) Standby ONLY IF the ACPI/APM function is properly enabled BOTH in your motherboard's BIOS AND in WinXP!
(2) Restart
(3) Shutdown.

To properly enable Hibernation in WinXP:

Start button -> Control Panel -> Power Options -> Hibernate tab -> check Enable hibernate support box -> Apply/OK -> reboot.

NOTE: If the Hibernate tab is unavailable your computer does NOT support it!
For some reason Microsoft did NOT enable the 4th option:
(4) Hibernate, which should be available on power saving (ACPI) enabled PCs and laptops.
But you CAN bring it back: just hold the Shift key while the Shut down menu is displayed on your screen, and notice the Standby button being replaced by a new, fully functional Hibernate button, which can be clicked with the left button of your mouse.

If you release the Shift key, the Hibernate option will disappear once again, to be replaced by Standby.

Multibooting with Windows XP - Installing Windows 2000 and Windows XP

2009-08-04T02:47:00.000-07:00

You can install two or more operating systems on your computer, and then choose the one that you want to use each time you restart. This is known as multibooting. You can configure your computer to start Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and either Windows 95 or Windows 98.

Consider Disk Space, Type, and File System

Before using the multibooting feature, consider the tradeoffs: each operating system uses valuable disk space, and file system compatibility can be complex if you want to run Windows XP on one partition and an earlier OS on another partition. In addition, dynamic disk format introduced in Windows 2000 does not work with earlier operating systems. However, multibooting capabilities are a valuable feature providing the single-machine flexibility to run multiple operating systems.

In the past, some users installed multiple operating systems as a safeguard against problems with starting the computer. With Windows XP, you have more and better options for system recovery. For example, if you have a problem with a newly-installed device driver, you can use safe mode, in which the operating system restarts with default settings and the minimum number of drivers. Windows XP also includes compatibility mode, so you no longer need to keep an older operating system to run most of your older programs.

However, multibooting continues to be a useful feature if you are using Windows XP but occasionally need to replicate older computing environments. This article provides an overview of multibooting, beginning with a summary of disk requirements followed by guidelines for multibooting with Windows XP. It also addresses multibooting issues for running Windows XP with earlier operating systems including Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 9x, and MS-DOS®. Each section includes a checklist summary for easy reference

Windows Hot shortcut keys

2009-08-04T02:46:00.001-07:00

Win Press windows key to open start menu

Win+R Apply to open Run dialog box

Win+M Apply to minimize all opened windows

Win+Shift+M Apply to maximize all opened windows

Win+L Press keys to lock keyboard in windows XP

Win+E Press keys to open My Computer

Win+F Apply to open search options

Win+U Apply keys to open Utility Manager

Win+D To view desktop/minimize all windows

Win+F1 To view the detail windows help page

Win+Pause To view the System Properties dialog box

Win+Tab Move through taskbar programs

Win+F+Ctrl Apply to open search for computers

Alt+Tab Move through opened windows programs

Alt+F4 Press keys to close active windows program

Alt+Enter Apply to open properties of selected item

Alt+ SPACEBAR Open the system menu of active window

Alt+ SPACEBAR +N Press keys to minimize the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR +R Press keys to restore the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+C Press keys to close the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+X Press keys to maximize the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+M Press keys to move the active program

Ctrl+Alt+Delete Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Shift+Esc Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Esc Press keys to open start menu

Shift Shift key to prevent CD from automatically playing

Shift+Delete To delete items permanently

Long Pause During Windows Startup Process

2009-07-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Symptoms
After you choose to start Windows from the Boot menu, you may experience a long delay (or pause) before your computer finishes starting. Note that this delay may range from 10 seconds to a minute. Also, this delay occurs before the Starting Windows progress bar appears, and your computer may appear to stop responding (hang) during this time.
Cause
This behavior can occur if Windows is installed on a drive or a partition to which Windows cannot gain access with normal Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) INT-13 or INT-13 extension calls. When Windows Setup determines it cannot use BIOS calls to start, it uses scsi() or signature() syntax in the Boot.ini file instead of multi() syntax.
When booting a system that requires scsi() or signature() syntax, Ntldr loads an additional device driver (Ntbootdd.sys) to initialize and interrogate the boot controllers in your computer. Ntldr then seeks the associated boot drive attached to the controller to finish loading the kernel. These additional operations take more time in Windows because of the Plug and Play nature of the operating system.
This behavior is expected, however, Windows Setup may use scsi() or signature() syntax, even if your computer can boot using the normal BIOS calls. This may occur on Integrated Drive Electronics-based computers when using a large capacity boot drive. In this case, you can try adding an additional entry in the Boot.ini file and use multi() syntax on the new entry to boot from. Note that if this works, your computer starts without pausing.

Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows XP

2009-07-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and some program files and stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.
If Windows XP Does Not Start
If Windows does not start, restart Windows by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature:

Start the computer and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.

If a boot menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER. Windows XP restores the computer to the most recent restore point.
If Windows XP Does Start

Log on to Windows as Administrator.
Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System Restore starts.
On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
Click OK.
On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
Click OK.

Troubleshooting
You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want.
To undo the restoration:

Log on to Windows as Administrator.
Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System Restore starts.
On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
Click OK.

On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.

Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
Click OK.

Cannot Use MSN EXPLORER or AOL To Send a Remote Assistance Invitation via Email

2009-07-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

Option
When you use Remote Assistance to invite someone to help you and try to choose the option to use e-mail, you might see the following message when you get to the available options page:
Outlook Express is not set up.
Remote Assistance is either incompatible with the default e-mail program on this computer, or could not detect a default e-mail account.
You will also see an option to set up Outlook Express.
Cause
You have MSN Explorer or America Online (AOL) installed and configured as you default e-mail client. Remote Assistance on Windows XP will not allow to send the activation mail message through the MSN Explorer or AOL messaging system, as they use their own e-mail clients and they are not MAPI-compliant. Remote Assistance Invitation e-mail escalation will only work with MAPI-compliant e-mail programs and e-mail accounts.
Resolution
As a workaround, you could use one of the following options based on how you access your e-mail.
MSN Explorer
Use Windows Messenger to invite someone to Start Remote Assistance. In order to do that, follow the instructions on the Help and Support Center, Remote Assistance page, under the Use Windows Messenger field.

Do you wish to let Assistant share control of your computer?

2009-07-27T06:47:00.001-07:00

Do you wish to let Assistant share control of your computer?

The remote assistant can now control your computer remotely. This includes the ability to shut down the computer.

Note: Do not use the mouse while the remote assistant controls the computer.

Do you want to let this person view your screen and chat with you?

2009-07-27T06:46:00.001-07:00

Do you want to let this person view your screen and chat with you?

If the remote assistant wants to remotely control the computer, click Yes to accept the request when you receive the following message, where Assistant is the name of the remote assistant:

Assistant would like to share control of your computer to help solve the problem.

To obtain help using Remote Assistance:

2009-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Connect to the Internet, and then sign in to Windows Messenger.
Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
Under Ask for assistance, click Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance.
Under Remote Assistance, click Invite someone to help you.
Under Use Windows Messenger, click the contact that you want to invite, and then click Invite this person.

Note: The contact that you want to invite must be online.
You receive the following message, where Assistant is the name of the assistant that you invited:
Inviting Assistant to connect to your computer. Please wait for a response...
Invitation is accepted...

After the remote assistant accepts your invitation, click Yes when you receive the following message:
Assistant has accepted your Remote Assistance invitation and is ready to connect to your computer.

Do you want to let this person view your screen and chat with you?

2009-07-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

Do you want to let this person view your screen and chat with you? where Assistant is
the name of the remote assistant.
· Click Yes.
The Remote Assistance dialog box appears. The remote assistant can view your computer screen and chat with you in real time.
· If the remote assistant wants to remotely control the computer, you receive the following message:
Assistant would like to share control of your computer to help solve the problem. Do you wish to let Assistant share control of your computer? (where Assistant is the name of the remote assistant).
· To accept, click Yes.
The remote assistant can now control your computer remotely. This includes the ability to shut down the computer.
Note: Do not use the mouse while the remote assistant controls the computer.
Remote Assistance Features
Use the following features of the Remote Assistance dialog box to participate in the remote assistance session:
The Connection Status box displays the following information:
· The name of the assistant.
· Whether you are connected or disconnected.
· The assistant's privileges during this session. For example, Screen View Only.
· The Stop Control (ESC) button.
Press the ESCAPE key to stop the computer from being remotely controlled. When you press ESCAPE, you receive the following message:User name or Assistant has stopped remote control by pressing the ESC key, or a key sequence or combination including the ESC key where User name is the name of the logged on user, and where Assistant is the name of the remote assistant.
The Send a File button.
Use this button to initiate file transfers between the local and remote computer.
The Start Talking button.
Use this button to initiate voice chat with the remote assistant.
The Settings button.
Use this button to adjust quality settings according to the connection speed that you have.
The Disconnect button.
Use this button to terminate the Remote Assistance session.
The Help button.
Provides Remote Assistance help.
The Message Entry box.
Use this box to type messages to the remote assistant in real time. Click the Send button, or press ENTER to send the message.
The Chat History window.
This window records the text messages typed by you and the remote assistant.
Troubleshooting
The ability to control your computer remotely is disabled by default.
When the remote assistant attempts to remotely control the computer, the following message appears:
Remote Control of this computer is not allowed. To configure the computer for remote control, follow these steps.
Note: You must be a member of the local Administrators group to perform these steps.
· Click Start > Control Panel.
· Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
· Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click System.
· The System Properties dialog box appears.
· On the Remote tab, click to select the Advanced button under Remote Assistance.
· Under Remote control, click the Allow this computer to be controlled remotely check box, and then click OK.
· In the System Properties dialog box, click OK.
Remote Control is now enabled. Note that you must still expressly permit the remote control of your computer in each Remote Assistance session.
The computer appears to stop responding
When you use Remote Assistance over a dial-up connection, the computer may appear to stop responding (hang) or may respond slowly. This behavior may be caused by the slow speed of the Internet connection. For best results, use Remote Assistance over a high-speed Internet connection.
Remote Assistance allows access to sensitive data The remote assistant can see as well as, with your permission, gain access to the information on your computer. For this reason, invite only trusted sources to remotely assist you.
More Information
Use Remote Assistance to view and edit your Remote Assistance invitations. To do this, follow these steps:
· Click Start > Help and Support.
· The Help and Support Center dialog box appears.
· Under Ask for assistance, click Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance.
· The Remote Assistance pane appears.
· Under Remote Assistance, click View invitation status. A table similar to the following appears:
Sent To Expiration Time Status
User_name@microsoft.com Tuesday, August 28,2001 10:37:47 AM Open
User_name@hotmail.com Monday, August 27,2001 8:35:05 PM Expired
Assistant@mycompany.com Monday, August 27,2001 1:51:02 PM Expired
· Select the invitation that you want, and use the following buttons to change or view the status of that invitation:
Details
Use this button to view the Invitation Details page for this invitation. When you are finished, click Close.
Expire
Use this button to rescind the invitation. The remote assistant can no longer usethis invitation to connect to your computer.
Resend
Use this button to resend an e-mail-based invitation to the selected contact.
Delete
Use this button to remove the invitation from the View or change your invitation page.

Obtain Remote Assistance by Sending an E-mail Message in Windows XP

2009-07-07T01:17:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to obtain help by using the Remote Assistance feature in Microsoft Windows XP.
Remote Assistance allows a remote connection to your computer that can be used to view your computer screen, participate in real-time chat and, with your permission, remotely control your computer.
Note: The following requirements must be met before you can use Remote Assistance:

Both the local and the remote computer must be using either Windows Messenger or aMessaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI)-compliant e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express.
Both computers must be connected to the Internet while using Remote Assistance.

Note: If your computer is behind a firewall, you may need to reconfigure the firewall to allow Remote Assistance. Contact your network administrator before using Remote Assistance.

Click Start > Help and Support. The Help and Support Center dialog box appears.
Under Ask for assistance, click Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance. The Remote Assistance pane appears.
Under Remote Assistance, click Invite someone to help you.
Under or use e-mail, type your assistant's e-mail address in the Type an e-mail address box, and then click Invite this person.

Note: Click Address Book if you want to select a contact from the address book.
The Remote Assistance - E-mail an Invitation page appears.

In the From box, type the name or identification that you want.
In the Message box, type the message that you want, and then click Continue.
Under Set the invitation to expire, select the duration that you want to allow the invitation for assistance.

Click to clear the Require the recipient to use a password check box if you do not want to password-protect the remote connection.
Note: Using a password is recommended.

If you protect this connection with a password, type the password that you want your assistant to use in the Type password box. Retype that password in the Confirm password box, and then click Send Invitation. The invitation is sent using your e-mail program.

You receive the following message:
Your invitation has been sent successfully. Note: You must communicate this password to the remote assistant in order for the Remote Assistance session to be created.

When your remote assistant accepts your invitation, you receive the following message

Assistant has accepted your Remote Assistance invitation and is ready to connect to your computer.

Using Advanced Options in Scheduled Tasks

2009-07-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

Using Advanced Options in Scheduled Tasks
If you want to change the configuration of the task:

Click Open in the Advanced properties for the task before you click Finish. After you click Finish, the Properties dialog box opens for the task.
On the Schedule tab, you can change any of the scheduling options that you chose in the wizard, and you can also change the task configuration so that the task does not run too long, does not run if the computer is running on batteries (for laptops), and to specify whether or not the computer should be idle for the task to run.

Note: You can open the Properties dialog box for the task at any time if you open Scheduled Tasks, right-click the task, and then click Properties.
You cannot schedule a task so that it repeats in an interval less than one day;however, you can do this in the Properties dialog box:
Click the Schedule tab, and then click Advanced.

Click to select the Repeat task check box, and then specify the number of minutes or hours in which you want the task to be repeated.Obtain Remote Assistance by Sending an E-mail Message in Windows XP

To open Scheduled Tasks:

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

Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks.

To schedule a new task:

Double-click Add Scheduled Task to start the Scheduled Task Wizard, and then click

Next in the first dialog box.
The next dialog box displays a list of programs that are installed on your computer, either as part of the Windows XP operating system, or as a result of software installation.
Use one of the following procedures:
If the program that you want to run is listed, click the program, and then click Next.
If you want to run a program, script, or document that is not listed, click Browse, click the folder and file that you want to schedule, and then click Open.
Type a name for the task, and then choose one of the following options:

Daily
Weekly
Monthly
One time only
When my computer starts (before a user logs on)
When I log on (only after the current user logs on)
Click Next, specify the information about the day and time to run the task, and then click Next.

Note that the information about the day and time to run the task vary depending on the selection that you made in the previous wizard dialog box. For example, if you chose Weekly, you must indicate the day of the week, the time, and if the task should run every week, every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, and so on.

Type the name and password of the user who is associated with this task. Make sure that you choose a user with sufficient permissions to run the program. By default, the wizard selects the name of the user who is currently logged on.
Click Next, and then click Finish after you verify the choices that you have made.

Schedule Tasks in Windows XP

2009-07-07T01:06:00.000-07:00

With Scheduled Tasks, you can schedule any script, program, or document to run at a time that is most convenient for you. Scheduled Tasks starts every time that you start Windows XP and runs in the background, and it starts each task that you schedule at the time that you specify when you create the task.

Use Backup to Restore Files and Folders on Your Computer in Windows XP

2009-07-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

This article is a step-by-step guide to using the Backup program in Windows XP to restore files and folders on your computer.
The Backup utility in Windows XP helps you protect your data in case your hard disk fails or files are accidentally erased. By using Backup, you can create a duplicate copy of all of the data on your hard disk and then archive it on another storage device, such as a hard disk or a tape.
If the original data on your hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard-disk malfunction, you can easily restore it from the disk or archived copy by using the Restore Wizard or Automated System Recovery Wizard.
Note: You must have permissions as an administrator or a backup operator on your computer to restore files and folders. Also, backup operators and administrators can back up and restore encrypted files and folders without decrypting the files or folders. · Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup. The Backup or Restore Wizard starts.

Click Advanced Mode.
Click the Restore and Manage Media tab.

If you want to restore from a backup file:

Expand File, and then expand the backup file that you want. For example, expand Backup.bkf created 01/01/2002 at 1:15 PM. Backup includes the date and time of the backup as part of the file name by default.

If you want to restore from a tape backup:

Expand the tape device that you want (for example, Travan), and then expand the media name that you want. For example, expand Media created 01/01/2002 1:15 PM. Select the check boxes for the folders that you want to restore. If you want to be more specific in your selections, double-click the folder that you want, and then select the check boxes for the files or folders that you want to restore.

If you are restoring the entire operating system, select the System State check box.
Note: If you want to restore the operating system as well as your data files, you should restore the System State data, which includes such things as the registry, the COM+ class registration database, files under Windows File Protection, and boot files. In the Restore files to box, use one of the following steps:

Click Original location if you want to restore the files to the location from which you backed them up. Use this selection when you restore the entire computer.
Click Alternate location if you want to restore a file or files to another location on the hard disk. Type the location that you want in the Alternate location box. Use this selection to prevent the restore operation from overwriting existing files on your computer.
Click Single folder if you want to restore a file or files to a single folder on the hard disk. Type the location that you want in the Alternate location box. Use this selection to separate the restored files or folders from the rest of the files on the hard disk.
On the Tools menu, click Options.
Click the method that you want Backup to use when it restores a file that is already on the computer, and then click OK. Backup uses this selection to determine whether to overwrite an existing file only when it restores a file in a folder that contains the existing file.

Note: If you are restoring the operating system, click Always replace the file on my
computer.

Click Start Restore.· If the following message appears, click OK if you want to restore the System State information with the selected backup:

Warning!
Restoring System State will always overwrite current System State unless restoring to an alternate location.

In the Confirm Restore prompt that appears, click OK. A Restore Progress dialog box appears, and the restore operation starts.
When the restore process is complete, click Close.
If you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.

Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer in Windows XP

2009-06-30T22:44:00.001-07:00

This article describes how to use Backup Utility for Windows (included with Windows XP) to back up files and folders on your computer.
The Backup tool in Windows XP helps you protect your data in case your hard disk fails or files are accidentally erased. By using Backup, you can create a duplicate copy of all of the data on your hard disk and then archive it on another storage device, such as a hard disk or a tape.
If the original data on your hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard-disk malfunction, you can easily restore the data from the disk or archived copy by using the Restore Wizard or Automated System Recovery Wizard.
Note: You must have permissions as an administrator or a backup operator on your computer to back up files and folders. Also, backup operators and administrators can back up and restore encrypted files and folders without decrypting the files or folders.
Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup. The Backup or Restore Wizard starts.

Click Advanced Mode.
Click the Backup tab.
On the Job menu, click New.
Select the check boxes for the drives that you want to back up. If you want to be more specific in your selections, expand the drive that you want, and then click the check boxes for the files or folders that you want.
Select the System State check box.

Note: If you want to back up your system settings as well as your data files, you should back up all the data on your computer plus the System State data, which includes such things as the registry, the COM+ class registration database, files under Windows File Protection, and boot files.

In the Backup destination list, click the backup destination that you want to use.
If you clicked File in the previous step, type the full path and file name that you want in the Backup media or file name box. Note that you can also specify a network share as a destination for the backup file.
Click Start Backup. The Backup Job Information dialog box appears.

Under If the media already contains backups, use one of the following steps:
If you want to append this backup to previous backups, click Append this backup to the media.If you want to overwrite previous backups with this backup, click Replace the data on the media with this backup.

Click Advanced.
Select the Verify data after backup check box.
In the Backup Type box, click the type of backup that you want. When you click a backup type, a description of that backup type is displayed under "Description."
Click OK, and then click Start Backup. A Backup Progress dialog box appears, and the backup starts.
When the backup is complete, click Close.

Disable Error Reporting

2009-06-30T22:42:00.001-07:00

You can get rid of the Windows XP error report messages if you don't want to send another one in.

Click Start, and then click Run.
Type msconfig to open the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Services tab.
Clear the Error Reporting Service check box, and then click OK.
Hit Restart to reboot your system.

Your computer will now start without loading the error reporting service.

Disable Error Reporting

2009-06-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

You can get rid of the Windows XP error report messages if you don't want to send another one in.

· Click Start, and then click Run.
Type msconfig to open the System Configuration Utility.
Click the Services tab.
Clear the Error Reporting Service check box, and then click OK.
Hit Restart to reboot your system.

Your computer will now start without loading the error reporting service.

Move the Paging File in Windows XP

2009-06-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to change the location of the paging file in Windows XP.
The paging file is the area on the hard disk that Windows uses as if it were random access memory (RAM) This is sometimes known as "virtual memory." By default, Windows stores this file on the same partition as the Windows system files. You can increase the performance of Windows, and increase free space on the boot partition, by moving this file to a different partition.

Log on to the computer as Administrator.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance, click Settings.
Click the Advanced tab, and then under Virtual memory, click Change.
In the Drive [Volume Label] list, click a drive other than the one on which Windows is installed (Windows is usually installed on the drive C). Under Total paging file size for all drives, note the value that is displayed next to Recommended.
Click Custom size, and then type the recommended value in the Initial size (MB) box. Type the maximum size that you want to allow for paging in the Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.
In the Drive [Volume Label] box, click the drive on which Windows is installed(usually the drive C), and then use one of the following steps:
If you do not want a paging file on the drive, click No paging file, and then click Set. A message similar to the following message appears:

If the pagefile on volume C: has an initial size of less than 126 megabytes, then the system may not be able to create a debugging information file if a STOP error occurs.
Continue anyway?

Click Yes.
If you want to keep the minimum size of the paging file on the drive, click Custom size, and then type a value that is equal to or greater than the amount of RAM in the computer in the Initial size (MB) box. Type that same value in the Maximum size (MB) box, and then click Set.

The following message appears:
The changes you have made require you to restart your computer before they can take effect.

Click OK, click OK, click OK.
Then click Yes when you are prompted to restart the computer.

One-Click Shutdown

2009-06-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

If you have Clean Sweep Deluxe, you should disable it before proceeding. Follow these directions to create a one-click shutdown shortcut:

Navigate to your Desktop.
On the Desktop, right-click and go to New, then to Shortcut (in other words, create a new shortcut).
You should now see a pop-up window instructing you to enter a command line path.

Enter one of these as the path: SHUTDOWN -s -t 01

If the C: drive is not your local hard drive, then replace "C" with the correct letter of the hard drive.
Click the "Next" button.
Name the shortcut and click the "Finish" button.

Now whenever you want to shut down, just click on this shortcut and you're done.
Also, if you want to make life better and faster, you can right-click the new shortcut you just made, go to Properties, and type in X (or whatever letter) in the Shortcut Key box.

Fix Movie Interference in AVI Files

2009-06-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, which have interference when opened in Windows XP, there is an easy fix to get rid of the interference:

Open Windows Movie Maker.
Click View and then click Options.
Click in the box to remove the check mark beside Automatically create clips.
Now, import the movie file that has interference and drag it onto the timeline.

Then save the movie, and during the rerendering, the interference will be removed.

Getting an Older Program to Run on Windows XP

2009-06-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

If an older application gives you trouble when running Windows XP, you can set the compatibility properties manually so that the program runs in a different mode, such as Windows 95, or in a different display or resolution setting.

Right-click the executable or the program shortcut to the executable, and then click Properties.
Select the Run this program in compatibility mode check box.
From the list, select an operating system that the program runs in comfortably.
If necessary, also change the display settings and/or resolution, or disable the Windows XP visual themes.

Run the program again when you're finished changing the settings. Adjust the compatibility settings again if the program is still not running smoothly: a program that's unhappy on Windows 2000 may flourish on Windows 98.

Enable Services to Work Through Internet Connection Firewall

2009-06-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

When people are having trouble getting to specific programs or services on your Windows XP machine after you enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), you may need to enable the program or service to work through the firewall.

Click Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.· Right-click your Internet connection, and then click Properties.
Click the Advanced tab in the Properties dialog box.
Click Settings, and the Advanced Settings dialog box opens.

From there you can enable most common services just by clicking them, or add your own by clicking the Add button.

Compress Files and Folders in Windows XP

2009-06-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

Running out of room on your hard disk? Need some extra space to install a new program? Don't worry, Windows XP comes to the rescue. Both Windows XP Professional and Home Edition now include a zip compression utility that you can use to compress files and folders on your hard disk.

Right-click the file or folder.
Point to Send To.
Then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.

This will make a compressed folder, identified by a zipper icon, which displays the same name as the file you compressed. You can also make a compressed folder from scratch, by following these steps:

Right-click the Desktop.
Point to New.
Click Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Hard Disk Performance Is Slower Than You Expect

2009-06-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Symptoms
After you install Microsoft Windows XP, hard disk performance may be slower than you expect.
Note: Hard disk performance may be even slower when your computer performs many small hard disk read/write operations.
Cause
This behavior may occur in the following situation:
You use Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) hard disks in the computer.

-and-
The hard disks are formatted as NTFS.
Resolution
A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem described in this article and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing at a later time, to further ensure product quality. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this fix.
To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

Creating a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition

2009-06-23T05:25:00.001-07:00

This article describes how to create a Windows boot disk to access a drive with a faulty boot sequence on an Intel x86-processor-based computer.

This Windows boot disk can access a drive that has the Windows NT file system (NTFS) or File allocation table (FAT) file system installed. The procedures in this article can be useful to work around the following boot problems:
· Corrupted boot sector.
· Corrupted master boot record (MBR).
· Virus infections.
· Missing or corrupt NTLDR or Ntdetect.com.
· Incorrect Ntbootdd.sys driver.
This boot disk can also be used to boot from the shadow of a broken mirror, although you may need to change the Boot.ini file to do that. This Windows boot disk cannot be used for the following problems:
· Incorrect or corrupt device drivers that have been installed into the Windows System
directory.
· Boot problems that occur after the OSLOADER screen.
To work around or fix these problems, run the Emergency Repair disk, load the last
known good control set, or reinstall Windows, if necessary.
The Windows floppy disk must include the files NTLDR, Ntdetect.com, Boot.ini, and the correct device driver for your hard drive.
Note: The NTLDR, Ntdetect.com, and Boot.ini files usually have their file attributes set to System, Hidden, and Read-Only. You do not need to reset these attributes for this disk to work properly.
Method 1: You Do Not Have Access to a Computer Running Windows
· Create a copy of the first Windows Setup disk using the diskcopy command, and then
delete all files on the new disk.
· Copy the Ntdetect.com and NTLDR files from the i386 folder on the CD-ROM to the new
disk.
· Rename the NTLDR file to "Setupldr.bin".· Create a Boot.ini file. The following example works for a single partition SCSI
drive with Windows installed under \WINNT; however, the exact value in the [operating
systems] section depends upon the configuration of the Windows System you want to boot:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
Default= scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt
[operating systems]
scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt="Windows NT"
· If your computer boots from an IDE, EIDE, or ESDI hard drive or a SCSI adapter that
does not have a built in BIOS, replace the scsi(0) with multi(0).
If you are using scsi(x) in the Boot.ini file, copy the correct device driver for the SCSI controller in use on the computer, and then rename it to Ntbootdd.sys. If you are using multi(x) in the Boot.ini, you do not need to do this.
· Start your computer using the floppy disk, and then log on to Windows.
Method 2: You Have Access to a Computer Running Windows
· Format a floppy disk using the Windows format utility.
· Copy NTLDR from the Windows Setup CD-ROM, Windows Setup floppy disk, or from a Computer running the same version of Windows as the computer you want to access with the
boot floppy. You may need to expand this file from NTLDR._ to NTLDR by using the
following command line:
expand ntldr._ ntldr
· Copy the Ntdetect.com file to the disk.
· Create a Boot.ini file or copy one from a running Windows computer, and then modify it to match the computer you are trying to access. The following example works for a single partition SCSI drive with Windows installed under \WINNT; however, the exact value in the [operating systems] section depends upon the configuration of the Windows computer you are trying to access:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
Default= scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt
[operating systems]
scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt="Windows NT"
· If your computer starts from an IDE, EIDE, or ESDI hard drive, replace the scsi(0) with multi(0).
· If you are using scsi(x) in the Boot.ini, copy the correct device driver for the SCSI controller in use on the computer, and then rename it to Ntbootdd.sys. If you are using multi(x) in the Boot.ini, you do not need to do this.
· Start using the floppy disk, and then log on to Windows.
Troubleshooting
You may encounter one or more of the following problems when you attempt to start your computer using your Windows boot floppy disk:
If the path pointing to the system files is incorrect or includes the drive letter, you may receive the following error message:
Windows could not start because of the following ARC firmware boot configuration problem: Did not properly generate ARC name for HAL and system paths. Please check the Windows (TM) documentation about ARC configuration options and your hardware reference manuals for additional information. Boot Failed.
If an incorrect SCSI driver has been selected or the Ntbootdd.sys file does not exist, you may receive the following message:
Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem.
Could not read from selected boot disk. Check boot path and disk hardware. Please check the Windows (TM) documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware disk configuration and your hardware reference manuals for additional information. Boot Failed.
Change the Logon Window and the Shutdown Preferences in Windows XP Setup configures Windows XP to use the friendly Welcome logon screen and the shutdown buttons, if your computer is installed as a home computer (a computer where a network domain has not been specified).
This article describes how you can enable the classic logon screen used by Windows XPServer that resembles the following example:
Log On to Windows
User name: _____________
Password: _____________
To temporarily use the classic logon screen, press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice on the Welcome logon screen.
To configure Windows XP to use the classic logon and shutdown screens for every logon session, do the following:
· Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
· Double-click User Accounts.
· Click Change the way users log on or off.
· Click to clear the Use the Welcome screen check box.
Note: If you disable the Welcome logon screen, you also disable the Fast User Switching option

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP

2009-06-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

This article describes how to check the integrity of the hard disk drive in Windows XP. After you install Windows XP, the Scandisk command is not available.

Double-click My Computer, and then right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check.
Click Properties, and then click Tools.
Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
Click Start.

Disable Automatic Windows Update

2009-06-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Windows XP is configured out of the box to routinely scan for and download updates to Windows XP automatically. While this can be somewhat convenient for those with very fast Internet connections and those who would otherwise forget to check for updates, it can be a nuisance for the rest of us, who are still using 56k or, even worse 33k modem connections.

Open the System icon in Control Panel (or right-click My Computer and select Properties), and choose the Automatic Updating tab.
To check for updates manually, open Internet Explorer and select Windows Update from the Tools menu.

Administrators group to complete this procedure.

2009-06-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

Create a Personal Screen Saver
For a great way to put your digital photos to work, try creating a slide show presentation for use as a screen saver.

Right-click an empty spot on your desktop, and then click Properties.
Click the Screen Saver tab.
In the Screen saver list, click My Pictures Slideshow.
Click Settings to make any adjustments, such as how often the pictures should change, what size they should be, and whether you'll use transition effects between pictures, and then click OK.

Now your screen saver is a random display of the pictures taken from your My Pictures folder.

Roll Back to the Previous Version of a Driver

2009-05-14T04:51:00.001-07:00

Have you ever installed a device driver that makes your system unstable? Well, in Windows XP you can roll back such a change if it causes you problems! To go back to the previous driver for a device:

Click Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Administrative Tools.
Double-click Computer Management, and then click Device Manager in the left pane.
Right-click the device for which you'd like to roll back the drivers, and then click Properties.
On Driver tab of the Properties dialog box, click Roll Back Driver, and follow the wizard's instructions.

It's that simple, although you need to be an administrator or a member of theAdministrators group to complete this procedure

Modify Settings to Improve Performance

2009-05-14T04:48:00.001-07:00

Windows XP uses processor time to handle system performance according to default settings, which can be adjusted for your computing needs. Also, settings that govern visual effects enhance the appearance of the Windows XP interface, but can slow down performance. You can fine-tune settings in Windows XP Professional to improve performance:

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Advanced tab, and in the Performance area, click Settings.
On the Visual Effects tab, click the Custom radio button, and then select which UI features to disable to improve performance.
Click the Advanced tab, and in the Processor scheduling area, click the Background services radio button. Selecting this option means that background tasks that you want to run while you work, such as backup utilities or print jobs, will share processor time equally with programs.

You may need to be logged on as an Administrator to make these changes. Note that applying these settings may change your current desktop theme.

Create a Password Reset Disk

2009-05-14T04:40:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has enhanced security features in XP including the ability to create a floppy diskette to recover your password in case it is forgotten.

Click Start > Control Panel > 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.

From this point, just follow the wizard's instructions and you will be able to set a new password.

My Computer Won't Shut Down Itself After Installing XP

2009-05-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

There are a number of users who have been complaining that their PC will no longer automatically power down/shut off without pressing the power off button on the computers unlike in Windows Me/95/2000. There could be a number of reasons for this, but the main one seems to be that ACPI is not enabled on the computer or in Windows XP:

Click Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options tab.
Then click APM > Enable Advanced Power Management Support.

Display Hibernate Option on the Shut Down dialog

2009-05-14T04:34:00.001-07:00

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!

Stop Password Expiration

2009-05-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

After you have run Windows XP for a while, you may receive this message when you log on: "Your password will expire in 14 days.....". By default, Windows XP is set up with passwords which will expire after 42 days. And 14 days in advance, Windows will start warning you of this fact.

Go to Start > Run > type control userpasswords2· Select the Advanced tab in the User Accounts window.
Press the Advanced button below the Advanced user management header.
Select Users in the Local Users and Groups.
In the right pane, right-click the user name for which you want to change the setting, and select Properties.
On the General tab, check Password never expires.
Click Apply and OK (all the way out).

Keep Your Favorite Programs Near the Top of the Start Menu

2009-04-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite program that you frequently use? Elevate its priority on the Start menu by putting it at the top of the list. This ensures that the program will remain on the Start menu and cannot be bumped by other programs, even if you use the others more frequently.

Right-click the link to your favorite program on the Start menu and select Pin to Start Menu. Your program will be moved permanently to the top part of the list, just below your browser and e-mail programs.

Do Not Highlight Newly Installed Programs

2009-04-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

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.
Display Your Quick Launch Toolbar

Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, click Toolbars, and then click Quick Launch.
Easy as that your Quick Launch bar appears.
To add items to your Quick Launch toolbar, click the icon for the program you want to add, and drag it to the Quick Launch portion of the taskbar.

Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar

2009-04-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

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!

Change the Start Menu Style

2009-04-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Does the new Windows XP Start menu take up too much space on your desktop? You can easily change the look back to the Windows Classic Start menu by following these steps:

Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.
Click Classic Start menu.
Click the Customize button to select items to display on the Start menu.

By default, selecting the Classic Start menu also adds the My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer icons to your desktop.

Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information

2009-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

Increase Your Cable Modem or DSL Speed in XP

2009-03-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

This tweak is for broad band cable connections on stand alone machines with WinXP professional version - might work on Home version also. It may also work with networked machines as well.
This tweak assumes that you have let WinXP create a connection on install for your cable modem/NIC combination and that your connection has tcp/ip - QoS - file and print sharing - and client for Microsoft networks , only, installed. It also assumes that WinXP will detect your NIC and has in-box drivers for it. If it doesn't do not try this.

In the "My Network Places" properties (right-click on the desktop icon and choose properties), highlight the connection then at the menu bar choose "Advanced" then "Advanced Settings". Uncheck the two boxes in the lower half for the bindings for File and Printer sharing and Client for MS networks. Click OK.
From the Windows XP CD in the support directory from the support cab, extract the file netcap.exe and place it in a directory on your hard drive or even in the root of your C:\ drive.
Next, open up a command prompt window and change directories to where you put netcap.exe. then type "netcap/?". It will list some commands that are available for netcap and a netmon driver will be installed. At the bottom you will see your adapters. You should see two of them if using a 3Com card. One will be for LAN and the other will be for WAN something or other.
Next type "netcap/Remove". This will remove the netmon driver.
Open up Control Panel->System->Dev Man and look at your network adapters. You should now see two of them and one will have a yellow ! on it. Right-click on the one without the yellow ! and choose uninstall. YES! You are uninstalling your network adapter, continue with the uninstall. Do not restart yet.
Check your connection properties to make sure that no connection exists. If you get a wizard just cancel out of it.

Now re-start the machine.

After re-start go to your connection properties again and you should have a new connection called "Local area connection 2". Highlight the connection, then at the menu bar choose "Advanced" then "Advanced Settings". Uncheck the two boxes in the lower half for the bindings for File and Printer sharing and Client for MS networks. Click OK. · Choose connection properties and uncheck the "QOS" box.
Re-start the machine.

After restart enjoy the increased responsiveness of IE, faster page loading, and a connection speed boost.
Why it works, it seems that windows XP, in its zeal to make sure every base is covered installs two separate versions of the NIC card. One you do not normally see in any properties. Remember the "netcap/?" command above showing two different adapters? The LAN one is the one you see. The invisible one loads everything down and its like your running two separate cards together, sharing a connection among two cards, this method breaks this "bond" and allows the NIC to run un-hindered.

Increase BROADBAND

2009-03-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

This is for broad band connections, though it might work for dial up.

Make sure your logged on as actually "Administrator".
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.

Effect is immediate on some systems, some need to re-boot. This is more of a "counter what XP does" thing. In other words, programs can request up to 20% of the bandwidth be reserved for them, even with QoS disabled.

Turn Off CD Auto Play

2009-03-25T02:43:00.001-07:00

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 > type gpedit.msc
Go to Computer Config > Administrative Template > System.
Double-click Turn off Autoplay.
Enable it.

Enable Clear Type

2009-03-25T02:40:00.000-07:00

Easy way: Click on or cut and paste link below:

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/cleartypeactivate.htm?fname=%20&fsize=

Right-click on a blank area of the Desktop and choose Properties.
Click on the Appearance tab; click effects.
Check the box: Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts.
In the drop down box select: Clear Type.

Close Multiple Windows

2009-03-14T02:12:00.000-07:00

If you just opened a number of separate, related windows (a folder inside a folder, and so on), there's an easier way to close them all than one-at-a-time:

Hold down the shift-key as you click the X caption button in the upper-right corner of the last window opened. Doing so closes that window and all windows that came before it.

Disable Error Reporting

2009-03-14T01:39:00.001-07:00

Open Control Panel.
Click on Performance and Maintenance.
Click on System.
Then click on the Advanced tab.
Click on the error-reporting button on the bottom of the windows.
Select Disable error reporting.
Click OK. Click OK.

Adjust Various Visual Effects

2009-03-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

Open up the Control Panel.
Go under System and click on the Advanced tab.
Click settings under Performance options.

You can now change various graphical effects (mainly animations and shadows).

Win XP Won't Completely Shutdown

2009-03-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

Go to Control Panel, then go to Power Options.
Click on the APM tab, then check the "Enable Advanced Power Management support."
Shut down your PC.

It should now successfully complete the Shut Down process.

Internet Connection Sharing

2009-03-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

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.
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 networkattempts 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.

Customize the Start menu

2009-02-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

The Start menu gets more real estate in XP than in previous versions, and it's more customizable. To make the Start menu display only the applications you want, rather than the default determined by Microsoft:

Right-click in an empty section of the Start menu's left column.
Select Properties > Start Menu > Customize. Here you'll find a list of your most frequently used programs. (XP keeps track of what you use and what you don't, then updates this list dynamically).

Don't want your boss to know that Pinball, Solitaire, and Quake all make your list?

Go to the General tab, click Clear List, and set the counter to zero.

Use the Ultimate Configuration Tool (Professional Edition Only)

2009-02-21T05:56:00.000-08:00

One of the most full featured Windows XP configuration tools available is hidden right there in your system, but most people don't even know it exists. It's called the Local Group Policy Editor, or gpedit for short.
To invoke this editor:

Select Start and then Run, then type the following:

gpedit.msc

After you hit Enter, you'll be greeted by gpedit, which lets you modify virtually every feature in Windows XP without having to resort to regedit.

Change Out Your Pointer Scheme

2009-02-21T05:54:00.000-08:00

Tired of seeing your pointer as an arrow or an hourglass all the time? Windows 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.

Restore an Update that You Previously Declined

2009-02-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

If you decide not to download a specific update, you can prompt Windows Update to offer that update again.

Click Start , click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click Restore Declined Updates.

How to Pause or Resume Downloading

2009-02-21T05:49:00.000-08:00

After the download process has started, you can pause or resume downloading at any time. If you close your Internet connection or restart your computer after pausing a download process, Windows automatically resumes the download process the next time you are connected to the Internet.

During the download process, click the icon that is displayed in the notification area, and then click Pause.
When you are ready for Windows to start downloading again, click the Automatic updating icon, and then click Resume