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Get the Most Out of Windows XP These tips are provided as is with no warranty. Many tips require editing the Windows registry. It is recommended you backup the registry before making any changes. General Facts for Windows XP
+ Disable or change the animated character in Windows Search Companion
Turn Off the Animated Screen Character. Click Start --> 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. Display the Animated Screen Character Click Start --> 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. How to Select a Different Animated Screen Character. Click Start --> 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. + Copy music to and from an audio CD using Windows Media Player
Windows XP has the ability to write files to cd without 3rd party software. Copy music files from an audio CD Insert the Audio CD and start Windows Media Player. If WMP is in Skin mode, press CTRL+1 to view WMP in Full mode. Click Copy from CD. Or, on the File menu, you can click Copy, click Copy from Audio CD, and then choose the drive from which you want to copy. Click to select each audio file that you want to copy. By default, all files that you have not already copied are selected. Click Copy Music. This copies the file into the My Documents\My Music folder by default. Copy audio files from the hard disk to an audio CD In Windows Explorer, choose the files that you want to copy to the audio CD, and then click the Copy to Audio CD Web View task. In WMP, verify that the files that you wish to copy are in the play list and that they are selected. Click Copy Music. Change audio CD copying options. Start Windows Media Player. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then on the Copy Music tab, you can modify the following options: • Copy Music to This Location • Change: Use this setting to set the folder into which you will copy the music files. Advanced: Use this setting to configure the naming of the audio files. Note: Copy Music at This Quality: Use this setting to set the bit rate in which to encode the music. You can encode .wma files in a bit rate from 48 kilobits per second (Kbps) to 192 Kbps. Windows Media Player does not contain the Codecs needed to copy audio files in mp3 format. + Use Windows Program Compatibility mode for older programs
Compatibility mode will not solve every older software program problem. Microsoft has compiled a list of programs that will NOT run on Windows XP. Follow the instructions below on programs your having issues with. Right click on the link of the program that you want to fix. Click on Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and the operating system the program successfully ran on. Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows NT 4 Windows 2000 Under Display settings, click to select the mode that you think is necessary for the program to work correctly. Run in 256 colors. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution. Disable visual themes. Click Apply, and then click ok. Double click on the program to test. If the program fails to run properly, check with the software manufacturer. Many software companies have made program patches available for XP. + Use the Backup utility included in Windows XP
Though you may use the Transfer Files and Folders Wizard. XP has a built in backup utility available as well. Follow the instructions below to install and use this backup method. It is recommend you always make backup copies of at least your Registry before making any changes. Click --> Start --> Run, type ntbackup.exe If you receive the following error message, the Backup utility is not installed. Windows cannot find ntbackup.exe. Install the Backup utility. Insert the Windows XP disc in the CD drive or in the DVD drive of the computer. Click Exit. Click Start --> Run --> D:\valueadd\msft\ntbackup\ntbackup.msi D: is your drive letter for the CD drive or the DVD drive. When the Backup or Restore Wizard prompts you, click Finish. Remove the Windows XP cd. Restart the backup utility using the above instructions. Select folders or drives you want to back up. On the Welcome to the Backup and Restore Wizard page, click Advanced Mode --> Backup --> Job --> New Click to select the check boxes for the drives that you want to back up. If you want to select specific folders or files, expand the drive that you want to work with. Click to select the check boxes for those files or folders. Click to select the System State check box. Select a location for the backup files. In the Backup destination list, click the backup destination that you want to use, another partition or media. If you clicked File in the previous step, click Browse, and then select the location. You can specify a network share as a destination for the backup file. Back up the files. On the Backup tab. Click Start Backup. The Backup Job Information dialog box appears. 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. Click to 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 appears 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. On the Job menu, click Exit. Restore files and folders. Note: You must have administrative or backup operator credentials on your computer to restore files and folders. Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Backup --> Advanced Mode --> Restore and Manage Media To restore from a backup file, expand File on the menu, and then expand the backup file that you want to restore. For example: expand Backup.bkf created some date at some time. By default, backups includes the date and time of the backup as part of the file name. 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. In the Restore files to box, use one of the following methods. Click Original location if you want to restore the files to the location where you backed them up. Use this selection when you restore the whole 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. 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. 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 you receive the following message, 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 alternative location. In the Confirm Restore prompt, click OK. A Restore Progress dialog box appears, and the restore operation starts. When the restore operation is completed, click Close. If you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes. Note: If you want to restore the operating system and your data files, you must restore the System State data. The System State data includes such things as the registry, the COM+ class registration database, files under Windows File Protection, and startup files. Important: Make sure your current Windows installation has the same service pack level as your operating system backup before you restore a full backup. For example, if you restore a full backup that includes Service Pack 1 (SP1), make sure that SP1 is installed for your current Windows installation. + Using Remote Assistance in Windows XP
Remote Assistance is a tool in Windows XP which enables users to help each other over the Internet or LAN. Using this tool, allows one user, referred to as Expert can view the desktop of another user, referred to as Novice. With the Novice,s permission, the Expert can even share control of the Novice,s computer to resolve issues remotely. Both the novice,s computer and the expert,s computer must be running a version of Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. The novice,s computer and the expert,s computer must be connected to a common network, usually the Internet. Below are 3 options to choose from. Windows Messenger. Email. Save the invitation as a file. Open Help and Support Center on your Start Menu. Under Ask for Assistance click Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance. When the Remote Assistance page displays, Click Invite someone to help you. Choose one of the three options, and follow the on screen directions. With the email or Save as Invitation methods, the Novice will be given the opportunity to protect the session with a password. The Novice must also select a time period when the invitation will automatically expire. The Novice can expire any invitation at any time by clicking the View invitation status link on the Remote Assistance page. When the Expert receives the invitation, the Expert is prompted for the password which the Novice set. After supplying this password, the Expert can start the Remote Assistance session. After the Expert begins the session, the Novice,s computer verifies the password that the Expert entered, the Novice,s computer also checks to make sure that the invitation used is a valid invitation and that the invitation is still open. If the invitation is open and the password is correct, the Novice receives a notification stating that the Expert wants to start the session now and the Novice is prompted to start the Remote Assistance session If the Novice chooses to start the session, the Remote Assistance Novice chat dialog box will open on the Novice,s computer and the Remote Assistance Expert console opens on the Expert,s computer. At this point, the Expert can see everything on the Novice computer, in real time. The Expert can then request to take control of the Novices computer at this point by clicking the Take Control button on the Expert console. This sends a message to the Novice,s computer notifying the Novice that the Expert is requesting to take control of the computer. The message provides the following three methods by which the Novice can stop the Experts control of their computer. Press the ESC key. Hold down the CTRL key, and then press the C key. Click the Stop Control button next to the Novice,s chat window. If the Novice chooses to give control of the computer to the Expert, the Novice and the Expert share control of the keyboard and the mouse. It is best if the Novice does not move the mouse or type when the Expert has control because the session responds to both users inputs, which causes the mouse to behave erratically. If the Novice stops control, the Remote Assistance session continues and the Expert can still see the Novice,s desktop. Explanation of Each Option. Windows Messenger Users of the Windows Messenger service can invite a contact to help them by using Remote Assistance. Using Windows Messenger is the preferred method of sending a Remote Assistance invitation for the following reasons: Windows Messenger works in real time which allows the Novice to know if the Expert is online. Windows Messenger provides additional ways for the Novice and Expert computers to find each other over the Internet. This is used when computers are not on the same network or are attempting to connect over the Internet through a firewall or NAT machine. When using Windows Messenger service there is no need to open Help and Support Center. You can send the invitation by opening Windows Messenger, then following these steps. On the Tools menu, click Send an Invitation. Click To Start Remote Assistance. Click the desired contact for Remote Assistance. The selected contact receives a message requesting a Remote Assistance session and the Expert can click Accept or Decline. A Remote Assistance session may also be initiated in Windows Messenger by right-clicking on a contact, clicking Invite, and then clicking To Start Remote Assistance. Email: Remote Assistance can help the Novice compose an email to send to the Expert. The email contains an attachment with the invitation. When the Expert opens the attachment, they are prompted for a password, providing that the Novice specified a password, and the process continues. Remote Assistance uses the e-mail client that is specified in the Programs tab of Internet Options. If an e-mail client has not yet been configured, Remote Assistance attempts to help the Novice configure it. To change the e-mail client that Remote Assistance uses, in Control Panel, double-click Internet Options, and on the Programs tab, change the e-mail setting to the e-mail client of your choice. Remote Assistance uses Simple Mail Advanced Programming Interface (Simple MAPI) to help the Novice compose an email. Some e-mail clients to not support Simple MAPI and do not appear as an option in the Internet Options Control Panel program. Save invitation as a file: If the Novice,s e-mail client does not support Simple MAPI, or if the Novice wants to use another means by which to transport the invitation file to the Expert, the Novice can choose to save the invitation as a file. This option allows the Novice to save the same file that would be created and attached to an email automatically to be saved to their local drive or to a network share. The Novice can then attach this file to an e-mail message by using an e-mail client that does not support Simple MAPI, or the file can be transferred on a network share, a floppy disk, and so forth. When the Expert receives the file, they can double-click it to open the invitation and start the Remote Assistance session. + Change drive letters in Windows XP
Right click on My Computer --> Manage. In the window that appears, click on Disk Management. Right click the partition you want to change and choose Change Drive Letter and Path. You cannot change the drive letter of the boot or system partitions. Note: If the drive letters you want to assign are already in use you must assign higher letters and work your way back. + Disable the image toolbar when using active desktop in Windows XP
When Active Desktop is enabled in Windows XP you will see a small toolbar when you hover your mouse over images. That,s the Internet Explorer 6 Image Toolbar which provides you easy access to image short cuts like save and edit. To disable the image toolbar. Open Internet Explorer --> Tools --> Internet Options --> Advanced. Uncheck Enable Image Toolbar under Multimedia. + Lock Computer is missing from Windows XP
Lock computer in Windows XP can be accessed typing WINKEY+L to lock the computer. Or if you prefer, you can turn off the Welcome Screen to go back to the Windows 2000 style of logging on. To do this, open User Accounts in Control Panel and select: Change the way users log on and off. Then, uncheck Use the Welcome screen. + Disable highlight newly installed programs in Windows XP
By default highlight newly installed applications is enabled. This was designed to allow the user to see at a glance which programs we recently installed. To disable it follow the instructions below. Right-click the Start button --> Properties --> Customize --> Advanced Uncheck Highlight newly installed applications. + Enable Active Desktop in Windows XP
Active Desktop is still available in XP. but Microsoft has hidden it so users don,t need to manually turn it on and off. Adding any Web content, GIF or JPEG image to your desktop, will automatically enable Active Desktop. If you remove them, Windows XP will turn off Active Desktop. + Use Scandisk in Windows XP
Windows Scandisk is known as Check Disk in Windows XP. There are several ways to access disk checking in XP. See them below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Performance and Maintenance --> Administrative Tools --> Computer Management --> Disk Management --> Storage Right-click the drive letter you want to scan --> Tools --> Options --> Check Now --> Select Options --> Start. Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Windows Explorer. Expand My computer. Right-click the drive you want to scan, --> Properties --> Tools --> Check Now --> Select Options --> Start. Click Start --> right-click My Computer --> Manage --> Storage --> Disk Management --> right-click the drive you want to scan, select Properties --> Tools --> Check Now --> Select Options --> Start. Note: You may be prompted to restart Windows. + What is Prefetch in Windows XP
Each time you turn on your computer, Windows keeps track of the way your computer starts and which programs you commonly open. Windows saves this information as a number of small files in the prefetch folder. The next time you turn on your computer, Windows refers to these files to help speed the start process. The prefetch folder is a subfolder of the Windows system folder. The prefetch folder is self-maintaining, and there,s no need to delete it or empty its contents. If you empty the folder, Windows and your programs will take longer to open the next time you turn on your computer. + Before formatting use the Windows Repair Option in Windows XP
A repair installation of Windows will often save a user fromhaving to format thier computer. TheWindows repair installation will keep your current settings and data intact. It is recommended you try this first. If Windows XP fails to boot and your attempts at local repair were unsuccessful, using the repair option may help. Below are step by step instructions. Make sure you have your valid Windows XP key. If you are prompted for the administrator,s password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first. Insert and boot from your Windows XP CD. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key. This will start the repair. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement. Press R when the directory where Windows XP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS It will then check the C: drive and start copying files. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive. You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation). When prompted, click on the Next button. When prompted, enter your XP key. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name. The computer will reboot. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install. Activate Windows when promptedt Registration is optional . Finish. + Disable the Windows XP Passport Pop-Up
Normally, Windows XP will prompt you 10 times that You need a Passport to use Windows XP Internet communication features. To disable this feature use the instructions below. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ MessengerService Double click to Edit the binary key PassportBalloon Giving it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00) + Remove the Unread Email message next to the user login in Windows XP
Click Start --> Run --> type regedit For a single user. Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail For all users. Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail Create a DWORD key called MessageExpiryDays Give it a value of 0. + Disable balloon tips in Windows XP
This Windows registry edit will disable balloon tips for any programs supporting XP themes. Click Start --> Run --> regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ Create a DWORD value of EnableBalloonTips Give it a value of 0. + Enable Quick Launch toolbar in Windows XP
By default XP doesn,t enable the Quick Launch toolbar. Right click on an empty area of the toolbar. Select Toolbars. Click Quick Launch or any other toolbar you would like to add. + Use SFC in Windows XP (system file checker)
System File Checker, when run will restore your Windows files to their original state from the Windows XP cd or Windows cab files. Note: Though this is helpful with corrupt or missing files, if you have installed patches and or service packs those files will be replaced with older files and you will need to reinstalled. Click Start --> Run --> type SFC /SCANNOW The following switches may be used as well. /scannow - Scans all protected system files immediately. /scanonce - Scans all protected system files once. /scanboot - Scans all protected system files every time the computer is restarted. /revert - Returns the scan to its default operation. /purgecache - Purges the Windows File Protection file cache and scans all protected system files immediately. /cachesize=x - Sets the size, in MB, of the Windows File Protection file cache. + Disable the Windows XP Guest Account
The Guest Account is a feature designed to allow the owner to give limited access to a user. To avoid unauthorized access or if your the only user on a machine, disable it using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> User Accounts --> Change Accounts --> Guest. Turn off the guest account. + Control the Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP
By default the desktop cleaning wizards runs every 60 days, removing rarely or unused desktop icons and storing them in a folder on your desktop. To disable this feature.. Right click Desktop --> Properties --> Desktop --> Customize Desktop Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard. + View system uptime in Windows XP.
Has your computer been running days, weeks or months? This tip shows you how to see how long your XP machine has been running since your last restart. Click Start --> Run --> type cmd A command prompt window will open. type systeminfo and hit enter. + Check the status of your network connections in Windows XP
Windows 98 brought us winipcfg.exe to get information on network connections. Windows XP has a new command to access this same network information. Windows XP contains two replacements for WINIPCFG.EXE. ipconfig.exe is the command line application that supplies the same information as winicfg, via a text interface. The second is a GUI interface that is individual to each network connection. To access ipconfig. Click Start -> Run --> cmd At the prompt type ipconfig /all The information you,ll see will include your ip, dns servers ect... Access ipconfig via the Windows GUI Click Start --> Control Panel --> Network Connections. Right click the network connection you wish to view or configure. + Move the My Documents Folder in Windows XP
It,s a known fact. Windows will crash and need to be re-installed. If you don,t backup your files regularly (most of us don,t) you will lose important files you,ve kept in the MY Documents folder. By default Windows saves your files to this folder. Moving the folder to another partition if available is a good way to avoid this. Click Start Right Click on My Documents --> Use the drop down menu and select properties. The first page of the My Documents properties window shows the Target Tab. On this page you will see a dialog box market Target Folder Location. Type the path where you want your My Document folder to be stored: Example: D:\My Folder\My Documents. Next select Move The Select a Destination window will appear. Select the destination you choose. Note: If the folder does not exist use the Make New Folder button to create the folder(s). Click ok. Note: You will be prompted asking if you want to transfer all documents from the My Document folder to the new location. Press Yes to start the moving process. + Backup the Windows XP registry
It is always a good idea to back up the Windows system registry before installing new programs, hardware or prior to editing. Use the instructions below to create a registry backup. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit and hit enter. The registry editor will open. Click File --> Export In the Export Dialog box Select ALL. Name the File and click Save. Store it in a safe place. To replace the Exported Registry File Click Start --> Run --> type regedit and hit enter. Click On File --> Import Locate your backup, highlight and click ok. + Remove The Security Alert Icon in Windows XP
Security Alert notify you when your anti-virus, automatic updates or the Windows firewall is disabled or needs updating. You can choose which option, if any you wish see.
Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Security Center. Select Change the way security Center alerts me. Select the option you choose for each alert. This can be useful if your using an internet security program that Windows XP is unable to monitor. Performance Tips for Windows XP
+ Remove Windows XP special effects to increase system performance
The Windows XP enhanced interface is enabled by default in the Home and Professional edition. It contains features, which while improving appearance, use valuable system resources on low end computers. You can disable un-needed features to increase system performance. Right click My Computer and then click Properties. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings. To select all of the check boxes, click Best Appearance To clear all of the check boxes, click Best Performance If you select Restore Defaults, the default selections are determined by your computer,s capabilities. The Interface Includes. • Animate Windows when minimizing and maximizing • Fade or slide menu items into view • Fade or slide ToolTips into view • Fade out menu items after clicking • Show shadows under menus • Show shadows under mouse pointer • Show translucent selection rectangle • Show window contents while dragging • Slide open combo boxes • Slide taskbar buttons • Smooth edges of screen fonts • Smooth-scroll list boxes • Use background image for each folder type • Use common tasks in folders • Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop • Use visual styles on windows and buttons. + Using the Windows XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard
You can use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to transfer settings from one computer to another computer or to create a backup copy of your Windows XP settings. You can use this backup copy of your settings to restore your files and settings if you have to reinstall Windows XP. The settings that you can transfer include your personalized settings for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, desktop settings, display settings, and dial-up connection settings. Create a Wizard Disk Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. Click Next. On the Which computer is this screen, click Next. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive. In the drive list, click the drive that you want. For example, 3-1/2 Floppy (A:), and then click Next. Insert a blank formatted disk into the drive, and then click OK to create the Wizard Disk. Remove the Wizard Disk, and then click Cancel. Collect the files and settings from the old computer. Start the File and Settings Transfer Wizard on the computer that you want to collect the files and settings from. Insert the Wizard Disk you just made into the drive of the computer that you want to copy files from. Click Start --> Run --> type A:Fastwiz Where A is the drive that contains the Wizard Disk. Click ok. On the Welcome to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Next. On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method that you want. For example, Floppy drive or other removable media, and then click Next. On the What do you want to transfer? screen, click the selection that you want, and then click Next. Note: When you make a selection, a summary of the items that will be transferred appears in the Based on your current selection, the following items will be transferred list. You can use this list to verify that the settings or the files that you want will be transferred. The Wizard collects your files and settings. If you selected Floppy drive or other removable media in step 3, you are prompted to insert the media disk. When you are prompted, click ok. On the Completing the Collection Phase screen, click Finish. Transfer the files and settings to the new computer. Click start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. On the Welcome to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Next. On the Which computer is this screen, click New computer, and then click Next. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD screen, click I don,t need the Wizard Disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer, and then click Next. On the Where are the files and settings? screen, click the same transfer method that you selected in step 3 in the Collect the files and settings from the old computer section (floppy drive or other removable media.) Note: If you click Other (for example, a removable drive or network drive), locate or type the location that contains the collected files and settings. Click Next. If you selected Floppy drive or other removable media, you are prompted to insert disk 1. When you are prompted, click ok. The Wizard transfers the files and settings. On the Completion of the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Finish. You receive the following message. You need to log off for the changes to take effect. Do you want to log off now? Click Yes to log off. Log on to the computer to apply your transferred settings. + Clearing the Windows XP page file for faster shut down
Although clearing the paging file is not a suitable substitute for physical security of a computer, you might want to do this to increase the security of data on a computer while Windows is not running as well as speed up shutdown. Start Registry Editor Click Start --> Run --> regedit Click on the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management Change the data value of the ClearPageFileAtShutdown value in the following registry key to a value of 1: Note: If the value does not exist, add the following value Value Name: ClearPageFileAtShutdown Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Restart the computer. Clear the pagefile without directly editing the Registry Click Start --> Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Local Security Policy --> Local Policies --> Security Options In the right hand menu, right click on Shutdown Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile Select Enable Restart your computer. + Disable un-needed in Windows XP Services to increase performance
XP loads approximately 65 services at startup. Many of these services are not required for the normal running of your computer. The list below highlights services you can disable to gain performance. Alerter: This service sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to the server computer. Application Management: This service allows software to tap directly into the Add/Remove Programs feature via the Windows Installer technology. Background Intelligent Transfer Service: The Background Intelligent Transfer service is used by programs (such as Windows AutoUpdate) to download files by using spare bandwidth. Disable if you don,t use Windows update. Clipbook: ClipBook allows you to cut and paste text and graphics over the network. Error Reporting Service: This service allows applications to send error reports to Microsoft in the event of an application fault. Fast User Switching: This service allows users to switch quickly between accounts, without requiring them to log off. If you don,t have multiple users it is safe to disable this service. Help and Support: This service allows the XP Built-in Help and Support Center to connect to the internet and search for solutions. IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service: This service provides support for XP,s built in cd burning. Disable this if you have other software to create CDs. Indexing Service: This service indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers and tries to provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language. IP SEC: This service manages IP security policies and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver. If you are not on a domain, you likely don,t need this running. Messenger: This service transmits net send and alerter service messages between clients and servers. This is how a lot of pop-up windows start appearing on your desktop. It is recommended you disable this service. Net Logon: This service supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain. If you are not on a domain, you can disable this. Network DDE: This service provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers. NT LM Security Support Provider: This service provides security to remote procedure call (RPC) programs that use transports other than named pipes. Performance Logs and Alerts: This service collects performance data from local or remote computers based on pre configured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If you don,t need to monitor your performance logs, then you don,t need this service. Portable Media Serial Number: This service retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer. QOS RSVP: This service provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets. Remote Desktop Help Session Manager: This service manages and controls Remote Assistance. If you are not using Remote Desktop you don,t need this service. Remote Registry: This service enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer. It is recommended you disable this Routing and Remote Access: This service offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments. Allowing dial-in access. Secondary Login: This service enables starting processes under alternate credentials. This is what allows you to run an application as another user. Smart Card: This service manages access to smart cards read by this computer. Smart Card Helper: This service enables support for legacy non-plug and play smart-card readers used by this computer. SSDP Discovery Service: This service enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network and should be disabled in most cases. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: This service enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. This should not be needed in today,s network environment unless your using dialup. Telnet: This service enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients. Uninterrupted Power Supply Service: This service is only needed for those using an uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Universal Plug and Play Device Host: This service provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices and should be disabled. Upload Manager: This service manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network. Volume Shadow Copy Service: This service manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. Web Client: This service enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify non-local files across the Internet. Wireless Zero Configuration: This service provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters for wireless connections. If you don,t have a wireless internet connection you don,t need this service. WMI Performance Adapter: This service provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers. Note: This is not a full list. Many configurations are possible with regard to your individual use. Be sure you don,t require a service before disabling it. If in doubt, set the service to manual. + Enable the Administrator Account on Windows XP Welcome screen.
By default the Administrator Account is not shown on the normal Windows login screen. If you want to log in as Administrator in Windows XP, or have it always available on the Welcome Screen, follow the instructions below. At the Welcome Screen Hold the Ctrl-Alt key and press delete twice. This will bring up the normal login and you can log on as Administrator. To Show the Administrator account on the logon screen. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList Give the Administrator key a value of 1. + Create a password recovery disk in Windows XP
One may not consider this a performance option, however this disk will save you hours of time should you forget your Windows XP password. Click Start --> Control Panel --> User Accounts Click the User Account On the left, click Prevent forgotten password You will need your current password when creating the disk. If you forget your password click on the green arrow at the login screen and you will be prompted for the password recovery disk. + Enable or Disable Hibernation in Windows XP
Windows Hibernation is useful for many users. It allows all your applications as well as their location on your desktop come up the next time you start up your computer, enabling you to work faster. However, hibernation takes whatever you have in memory and writes it to disk, requiring the amount of hard drive space needed to be equal to the amount of memory you installed. It also causes issues for many machines. Use the instructions below to disable it. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Power Options Click on the Hibernation icon Uncheck Enable Hibernation. Note: To enable hibernation just reverse the above steps. Then when you logoff, select the Hibernate option instead of shutdown. + Tweak Windows XP Overall system performance.
In the days of little ram, Windows set its own idea of optimal settings. This tweak will give an overall system performance boost for computers with more than 512 megs installed memory, This is accomplished by having the core system kept in memory. Click --> Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement\DisablePagingExecutive In the right-pane, double click and Set the value to 1 Restart the computer. + Tweak Windows XP System Restore to regain hard drive space.
By default Windows allows a large amount of hard drive space for it,s restore points. If you have a small drive this may be a problem. Click Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools Run System Restore Click Settings Select the drive, usually C: and set the amount of space you wish to allow. You may set the amount of space and or disable system restore any any drive available. + Configure and use the Windows XP firewall.
XP comes with a built in firewall. Many users choose to disable it. Though it is a pain to work with, as it will not accept port range settings, its a fair firewall if you need one and will take the time to set it up . Right click your internet connection --> Properties --> Advanced --> Settings Enable the firewall. Restart your computer. Configuration Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2,s Firewall Click on Start --> Run type firewall.cpl Click on the Exceptions tab. Adding a Port for Internet Access. Click on the Add Port button. Name it whatever you want Enter in the port you want to open. As noted above the firewall does not allow port ranges. You must create a rule for every port you need open. Adding a Program for Internet Access. Click the Add Program button A list of all installed programs will be displayed. Highlight the one you want to include for Internet access and click ok. + Gain access to hidden Windows XP Control Panel applets.
Windows hides some of its components and won,t let you uninstall them. Like MSN Messenger. Follow the directions below to gain access to these program options . Note: Show hidden files & folders must be enabled to locate this file. Locate and open, C:\WINDOWS\inf\sysoc.inf in a text editor. Scroll to the [Components] section, and in the entry for the program you want to uninstall. Remove the word HIDE but leave the COMMA that follows it. Example: to make it possible to remove the fax component changing, Fax=faxocm.dll,FaxOcmSetupProc,faxsetup.inf,hide,7 to Fax=faxocm.dll,FaxOcmSetupProc,faxsetup.inf,,7 will allow you to remove Windows Fax in add/remove. Save sysoc.inf. On occasion, an application leaves behind its Add/Remove entry even though the program itself is uninstalled. You can remedy this by editing the Registry. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each KEY HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall In the right=pane delete the key for the program you want removed the program from the list. Note: Delete only the key for the programs you,ve already uninstalled. Deleting any others will prevent you from ever removing an installed application through add/remove. + Group Similar Taskbar Items in Windows XP
When you open more than one document in the same program and then minimize each document, Windows can be set to group applications rather than showing a separate icon for each on the taskbar. This creates an easy to navigate taskbar Right click the Taskbar --> Properties Check or Uncheck Group similar taskbar buttons. + Rename multiple files in a Windows XP Directory.
Windows allows renaming of multiple files using a sequential naming system. Open Windows Explorer. Highlight all the files you wish to rename Press F2 or right click and select Rename Enter the name you want for your files. This will automatically rename the rest of the files Newname(1).xxx, Newname(2).xxx. Be sure you include the extension if you have the Explorer configured to show them. + Creating Advanced Users accounts in Windows XP
By default through Control Panel/Users, you can only create Administrative or limited user accounts. You may wish to allow a user on your machine higher credentials while not having to give full administrative rights. Access this feature using the instructions below. Right click on My Computer --> Manage --> Local Users and Groups --> Users Right click the user you want to change Click Properties --> Member of tab --> Add --> Advanced --> Find Now You will see the full list of available permissions you may assign the chosen user. Power User, Backup Operator etc. + Save Windows Updates to your computer for later use.
You,ve installed Windows, gottent all the updates and a major crash causes you to reinstall Windows again or you may have run System Restore. Windows update has cached a snapshot of your computer and shows those updates as installed and will not let you download them. This tip will show you how to update your computer and save those updates for later use. To save Windows Update files, connect to the Windows Update Catalog. This site allows you to download all updates for all Windows XP OS types, and driver updates. Any updates you select will be collected in your Download Basket. If you have all updates you need, click on the link for your Download Basket. Here you can review/remove the updates you have selected. Press the Browse button to browse for a folder on your system/network where you want to save the files, then press the Download Now button. You have to accept the License Agreement, after which the files will be downloaded to your computer. + Adding XP Theme Styles to 3rd Party Programs.
This tip was provided by helpwithwindows.com Use Windows Explorer to open the folder where the program file (for which you want to change the style) is located. Right-click an empty space in the folder, and select New --> Text Document. Copy and paste the text below inside your new Text Document Save and change the file name to program-name.exe.manifest (If the normal program name would be 123program.exe, you would call the manifest file 123program.exe.manifest. Note: Next time the program is run you should see the XP theme applied to it. It may not work in every program. + Customize the Windows XP Start Menu.
The XP start menu is cluttered with junk and missing what may be important to others. Use the instructions below to customize your Windows start menu. Right click the Start Button --> Properties --> Start Menu You can opt to use with Windows 98 Classic Start Menu and Customize or Start Menu --> Customize --> Advanced Choose the options you wish to view or hide. Right clicking a program on the Start Menu also gives you the option to remove it from the list. XP also includes a Pin and Unpin for the start menu. Both are handy for quickly adding/removing program shortcuts. + Increase the number of download sessions in Internet Explorer.
By default Windows limits the number of simultaneous downloads to 2 and will que a 3rd. Today,s internet speeds do not require this cap. Note: Changing the maximum number of connections beyond two is a violation of Internet standards, use at your own risk! Click Start -->Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Internet Settings Edit --> New --> DWORD Value Name the new value MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server Right-click the MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server value and choose Modify Under Base, click the radio button next to Decimal In the Value Data: box enter the number of simultaneous connections you want to set (for example 10 is a good value), and click ok Repeat steps 3 - 7 using the new value MaxConnectionsPerServer Exit the registry editor. + Add Copy and Move To your right click menu in Windows XP
Right click menu,s are a big part of Windows, however Microsoft left this one out. It,s a must have time saver. Click Start --> Run --> regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ AllFilesystemObjects \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers \ Right-click the ContextMenuHandlers entry, and from the menu select New > Key Name the new key Copy To Create another, naming this one Move To Change the (Default) string value found in the Copy To key to {C2FBB630-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13} Change the (Default) string value found in the Move To key to {C2FBB631-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13} Close the Windows registry editor. + Create an Emergency start up disk for Windows XP
The instructions below will help you create an emergency startup disk. This disk may be used to access your Windows Desktop to possibly repair errors. Open Windows Explorer --> Tools --> Folder Options --> View Enable show all files (including hidden and system files). Insert and Format a floppy disk. Using Windows Explorer, locate NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM Highlight, right click and send to a:\ copying the files to the floppy drive. Open a text editor, (usually notepad) and paste the text below. [boot loader] timeout=30 Default= multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows="Windows XP" Under the File Menu of your editor Choose save as and save the file as "a:\boot.ini" (with quotes) to the floppy drive. Restart your machine with the disk to test. + Add Windows Safe Mode as a default boot option.
Pressing F8 during boot will allow you to choose Safe Mode. However using the instructions below you add it as a boot option for faster access. Click Start Right click My Computer and choose Properties --> Advanced Open the startup and recovery section Click Settings --> Edit. A copy of your boot ini file will open. It may look something like this. [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect Highlight the line containing your default operating system under [operating systems], Copy, then paste it to the bottom of the boot ini list. multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect At the end of the line you have just pasted, add the following switches /safeboot:minimal /sos /bootlog. The line should now look like this. multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /safeboot:minimal /sos /bootlog Now change the description of the text between the quotation marks so it reads "Windows XP Safe Mode" The final line should appear like this. multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Safe Mode"/fastdetect/safeboot:minimal /sos /bootlog Save the file. Note: If you would like to include safe mode with network support replace the ,minimal, option with the word ,network,. Example, "Windows XP Safe Mode"/fastdetect/safeboot:network /sos /bootlog + Remove obsolete entries from The System Configuration Utility in Windows XP.
You may still see entries for programs disabled or uninstalled listed in the Windows System Configuration Utility (msconfig). Not all programs clean up after themselves well. You can remove these entries by using the instructions below. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit Click on the plus sign next to each key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run In the Right Hand Pane of the Run option you will see a list of applications. If the application you want to remove is listed, Right Click on it,s entry and Delete. Next click the plus sign next to each key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Again look over the list in the Right Hand Pane and see if the application you want to remove is listed. Right Click and Delete. If you haven,t found the application entry you require in the registry keys above continue here. Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Startupreg Check the Right Hand pane and see if the application is listed. If it is in the list Right Click and Delete. Exit the registry editor. + Move the Windows XP Page File to increase performance.
If you have more then 1 drive or partition installed moving the windows page file can increase system performance. If your setting up a computer to cleanly install Windows XP consider creating this additional partition before you begin. Click Start --> Control Panel --> System --> Advanced --> Performance --> Settings --> Advanced. At the bottom of the window you will see a section marked Virtual Memory, click Change. The Virtual Memory window now opens showing you the details of your paging file and the drive where it,s stored. Select The Drive you want to move the paging file to (an alternative drive to c:) Under the Total Paging File Size for All Drives you will see a figure in MB (megabytes). This is the recommended paging file size. Click on the Custom Size Option then in the Initial Size dialog box enter the Recommended value. In the Maximum Size option box type in Twice the amount of the recommended value. Click Set. Select your C: drive from the details box and select the No Paging File option. Click Set Again. Click ok on each window to Exit the System Properties. Restart your computer. + Force Windows XP to create Restore Points when you want them.
By default restore points are created every 24 hours when your computer is idle. Users may have tasks running or shut their computers off. You can set your own restore point intervals using the instructions below. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit and click enter. Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_SOFTWARE\microsoft\windowsNT\currentversion\systemrestore In the Right pane you should see a DWORD value called RPGlobalinterval. Note: If this DWORD doesn,t exist then you must create one. Right Click on the System Restore option and selecting New --> DWORD from the drop down menu. The RPGlobalinterval default setting should be 86,400 seconds (24 Hours). To reduce this restore to, every 12 hours, Right Click on the RPGlobalinterbval Option and, from the drop down menu, select Modify. In the Modify dialog box first change the Base to Decimal and then type 43200 or whatever period of time you want the restore point to be created in the Value Data box. Click ok and exit the registry editor. + Add the Windows XP Recovery Console to the boot menu
Recovery Console is not installed in Windows by default. You must boot to your Windows cd to access it. The instructions below shows you how to install Recovery Console to be available as a boot option. Insert your Windows cd --> exit the Windows install screen. Click Start --> Run --> type: d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons (where d is the drive letter of your cd-rom drive). A setup dialog box will open giving you a description of Recovery Console. Confirm that you want to install Recovery Console by clicking yes. When installation is complete, restart your computer. The boot screen should now give you 2 options. Windows XP or Recovery Console. + Customize the Windows XP Send To menu
You can add shortcuts to the Send To menu to work more efficiently. To use this tip be sure to enable show hidden files in view options. Open Windows Explorer. Click the Plus sign next to My Computer. Click the Plus sign (+) next to the C: drive. Click on the Plus sign (+) next to Document and Settings. Click the Plus sign (+) next to the user you want to add Sent To shortcuts for. Click the Send To Folder. In the Send To Folder, click File on the main toolbar and select New. From the menu that appears click Shortcut, then browse to locate the program or folder you wish to add. When you complete the wizard the Send To Menu will now have your new option(s). If you no longer need or want a shortcut on the Sent To Menu. Open the Send To folder for the users shortcuts you wish to remove and delete them. + Change Windows XP Logo and Support Information
If you build or repair computers an need a way to offer support contact information, or just want jazz up your own system a bit, use the instructions below to add a custom logo and support information to the My Computer General tab in System Properties.
Using notepad or your favorite text editor create a file using the example below: [General] Manufacturer=(add your manufacturer name here) Model=(add the PC model details here) [Support Information] Line1="For technical Support Contact: (add your text here)" Line2="Add any other text here" Line3="Manufacturer Service Department: (add your text here)" Line4="add any further text here" Note: You may add or remove lines as needed. Once you have completed the file save the it as OEMINFO.INI Add an image You may include an image as well using the instructions below. Create or import a BMP logo using your favorite graphics application. The logo should be 172 x 100 Pixels or smaller for Windows XP, 176 x 110 Pixels for Windows 2000 and should have a resolution of 256 colors. Save the logo as OEMLOGO.BMP Copy both the OEMINFO.INI and OEMLOGO.BMP files to the C:/WINDOWS/System32 directory. To view your Logo Right click My Computer --> Properties You Logo will now be visible on General Tab of the System properties window. If you added Technical Support Information into the OEMINFO.INI file you will also see a Support button. Click on this and you will see the support information.
Troubleshoot Windows XP Errors
+ Windows XP restarts on it's own.
By default Windows 2000/XP has a setting to automatically restart on all major system errors. Disabling automatic restart will allow you to view the actual error message known as a BSOD enabling you to troubleshoot the actual problem. You can disable auto restart using the instructions below. Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> System --> Advanced --> Startup and Recovery --> Settings. Uncheck Automatically Restart. + Error in autoexec.nt running 16 bit programs in Windows XP
You may see the following error when running older 16 bit programs in Windows XP. 16 bit windows subsystem: C:\WINNT\system32\autoexec.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose Close to terminate the application. Login as Administrator or with an account with Administrative privileges. Enable view hidden files and folders in the Windows. Open Explorer --> Tools --> Folder Options --> View Uncheck Hide file extensions Use Windows Explorer to copy autoexec.nt from C:\>Windows\repair to C:\>Windows\system32. Set the newly copies file to read-only. Right-click the file --> Properties and check Read-only. Note: You must be in the Windows Safe Mode to login as Administrator in Windows XP Home Edition. + Right-clicking the Windows XP start button shows no options.
You can enable this feature if it,s been disabled follow the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Taskbar and Start Menu --> Start Menu --> Customize --> Advanced --> Check Enable dragging and dropping. Click ok. + Windows XP boot error Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD. When you see R=Repair option, press the R key. Select the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair. Typically this will be #1 Enter in the administrator password when requested type cd \windows\system32\config Depending on which section was corrupt use a command below. ren software software.bad ren system system.bad Depending on which section was corrupt use a command below. copy \windows\repair\system copy \windows\repair\software Remove the Windows CD and type exit + Windows XP Fast User Switching Error in Gina.dll.
You May receive the error, a recently installed program has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching. Use the instructions below to resolve this issue. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click on the plus sign next to each key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon In the right pane, delete the key GinaDLL. + Windows Search Companion error, a file that is required...
When doing a file search, you may receive the error A File That Is Required to Run Search Companion Cannot Be Found. This is due to a corrupt or missing Srchasst.inf (information) file. Use the instructions below to resolve this issue. Log on as an Administrator Click Start --> Run --> type %systemroot%\inf Right-click the Srchasst.inf file. Click Install. Restart your computer. + The option to turn on System Restore is missing in Windows XP
Run the Group Policy Editor Click Start --> Run --> type gpedit.msc Open Computer Configuration --> Administrative Templates --> System --> System Restore Set Turn off System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Disable Right click on My Computer Select Manage Click Services and Applications --> Services Scroll down to System Restore Service Set it to Automatic Click Start to start the service Close the window Return to the Group Policy Editor and change both System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Not configured Now when you right click on My Computer, a tab for System Restore will again be available and you can further configure how much space will be used. + Computer doesn't turn off when I shut down Windows XP
Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop Edit the key PowerOffActive and giving it a value of 1. Do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop + Message Your password is about to expire in Windows XP
If you have multiple users and wish to disable password expiration for all of them use the instructions below, To disable for all users: Click Start --> Run --> type net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited For a single user: Right click My Computer --> Manage --> Local Users and Groups / Users Right-click on the user you want to change Select Properties --> General. Check Password never expires. Click ok. + Windows XP install error, The following value in the .SIF file used by setup is corrupted or missing.
If you receive the error, the following value in the .SIF file used by setup is corrupted or missing: Value ,0, on the line in section [SourceDiskFiles] with key SP1.CAB. This error occurs using a non-bootable XP cd. Follow the directions below to resolve this issue. You will need to replace the TXTSETUP.SIF file, on the first boot diskette. This file can be found on your Windows cd in the I386 folder. + Error, This Program Cannot Be Run in DOS Mode when running the Windows XP Setup
When you run Setup.exe in a real-mode command prompt, you may receive the following error message This program cannot be run in DOS Mode. The Windows XP CD is bootable. Setup is not intended to be run from MS-DOS. There is a work around to this issue. To run Setup from a prompt, you will need to run Winnt.exe from the I386 folder on the Windows XP CD. At the command prompt type D:\i386\winnt.exe Where D: is your CD-ROM drive. + Why can't I play DVD's in Windows XP?
XP has no DVD decoder. You can install a 3rd party DVD player, such as WinDVD or PowerDVD. Microsoft also offers the Codec on their download site at a reasonable cost. After the codec is installed Windows Media Player will be able to play DVD,s.
+ There is no driver available for my hardware. Can I use a Windows 98 driver?
XP will not use 98se drivers. If you cannot find an XP driver for your device it is advised you try a Windows 2000 driver if available. If that fails you will need to replace the hardware.
+ Install NetBEUI in Windows XP
NetBEUI is no longer supported so We don,t recommend using it. However, if you must have NetBEUI, Microsoft has made it available on the Windows XP CD-ROM as an optional install. It is located on the XP CD in Valueadd\msft\net\netbeui. You add it by configuring your network adapter --> choosing Properties --> General --> Install. + Windows XP error, a missing or corrupt NTFS.SYS
This error is usually seen if you have used the Convert option to change your Windows file system from fat32 to NTFS. Restart your computer with the Windows XP CD. Allow the basic setup files to load into memory (nothing is being changed at this point). At the Welcome to Setup screen press R This will start the Recovery console and the list of Windows installations will appear. Normally you only have one installation on your computer. You,ll choose the number of the operating system you want to Repair. This will typically be number 1. Enter your Administrator password. If you are using Windows XP Home edition the administrator password is blank by default so simply press Enter. At the Recovery Console command prompt type, cd \windows\system32\drivers Next press Enter. The Windows system 32 drivers directory will open. type, ren ntfs.sys ntfs.old and press enter If a message appears telling you that the Ntfs.sys file was not found, the file is missing rather than corrupt. Now type the following at the command prompt with X being the drive letter of your Cd-rom drive. copy X:\i386\ntfs.sys drive C:\windows\system32\drivers Remove the Windows CD and type exit at the command prompt. Restart your computer. + Delete a file Windows reports cannot be deleted.
Files in use by Windows return an error when you try to delete them. This work around may help you remove that unwanted file. Close ALL Open Programs. Click Start --> Run --> type cmd and hit enter. When the command prompt Window opens type --> taskmgr.exe and hit enter. Task Manager will open. Click on the Processes tab highlight Explorer.exe and then click the End Process. Keep the Task Manager window open. Return to the Command Prompt window and change to the directory that contains the file(s) you wish to delete. This command will require a path, see example below. At the Command Prompt type: del filename.ext, where the filename and ext are the name and file extension of the file you want to delete. Press Enter Go back to the Task Manager window. Click File --> New Task In the New task dialog box type: explorer.exe The Explorer User Interface (GUI) should now re-start Close the Task Manager Window and the Command Prompt Window. Example: To change directories at the command prompt you must provide the path. If the file you wish to delete is in My Documents you would type the following at the command prompt: cd My Documents then hit enter. + Windows XP error, Setup cancelled when installing SP1.
The problem is usually associated with the files Licdll.dll and Regwizc.dll not being registered on your system. To resolve this issue use the directions below. Click Start --> Run --> type: regsvr32.exe licdll.dll Click ok. This message should now appear: DllRegisterServer in licdll.dll succeeded then click ok. Again Click Start --> Run --> type: regsvr32.exe regwizc.dll Click ok. This message should now appear: DllRegisterServer in regwizc.dll succeeded Click ok. Restart the Service Pack installation. + Access Denied when trying to open a file and or folder in Windows XP.
When this happens you need to take ownership of the file or folder in order for you to obtain access. You must be logged in as Administrator to perform this fix. Right Click on the Folder you receive the error from. Select Properties --> Security tab (if a security message appears then click ok). Click Advanced --> Owner A name list will appear. Highlight your name or that of Administrator if you are logged on as Administrator. If you should wish to take ownership of the full contents of the folder then click the Replace Owner on sub-containers and objects check box and click ok. You will receive the message: You do not have permission to read the contents of (directory folder name). Do you want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you Full Control? All permissions will be replaced if you press Yes. Select Yes and click ok. Re-apply any security settings you want for the folder. Ownership of Folders Right Click on the Folder you wish to take ownership of. Properties --> Security If a Security message appears then click ok. Click Advanced --> Owner The name list will appear Click the Administrator name or group you need to work with and click ok. Click Add In the Enter the object names to select list, type the user or group account you want to give access to the file, and click ok. The Group or User name list appears Click on the account you want to use and then click on the permissions you want to assign. Click ok and exit. + Clicking a folder starts Search Companion in Windows XP.
This is not a common issue but it does happen. Use the instructions below to resolve this issue. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit and hit enter. Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell Right Click on the Default value and select Modify from the drop down menu In the Value Data box type: none and click ok. Exit the registry editor. + Windows XP shows two operating system boot options
This is often caused by a failed dual boot attempt or os removal. Use the instructions below to solve this issue. Click Start --> Run --> type: msconfig and hit enter. When the System configuration utility window opens, Click the Boot ini Tab In the boot ini tab select the button marked Check all boot paths The system will check the boot paths and remove any invalid entries. Close the System configuration utility and restart your computer. + Winodws XP boot error Unmountable_Volume or Unmountable boot Volume.
This error usually indicates a corrupt Master Boot Record. Follow the instructions below to solve this issue. Be sure your computer is set to boot from cd-rom. Insert the Windows XP CD restart your computer. Allow the Windows set-up program to continue, it is loading files into memory, nothing is being changed at this point. When you see the Welcome To Windows screen press R to start the Recovery Console. At the recovery prompt type 1 (one) and press enter. You may then be asked for an Administrator password. Type it at the prompt. If you haven,t set a password or you are using Windows XP Home edition then simply press enter. Once the Recovery Console has loaded type fixmbr /device/harddrive0 and hit enter. Answer Yes to any warning messages by pressing the Y key on your keyboard. When complete, restart your computer. You should now be able to boot into Windows normally. + Windows XP error NTLDR Or NTDETECT.COM Not Found
This is due to a missing or corruptWindows system file. Insert your Windows XP cd and restart your computer. XP,s setup program will automatically start and files will be loaded to memory. No changes are being made to your computer at this point. When the Welcome to Setup screen appears choose the Repair option by pressing R When the Recovery Console opens a list of Windows installations will appear (if you dual boot). Select the number which is relevant to your installations location. This, will typically be 1. You will need to enter your Administrator password. If you are suing Windows XP Home the administrator password is blank by default so simply press Enter. Enter the following command depending upon which file you need to replace. replacing the D with the drive letter of your cd-rom. COPY D:\i386\NTLDR C\: COPY D:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\ Remove your XP CD and type Exit. + Windows XP error NTOSKRNL not found
This is due to a missing or corrupt file. Insert your Windows XP cd and restart your computer. XP,s setup program will automatically start and files will be loaded to memory. No changes are being made to your computer at this point. When the Welcome to Setup screen appears choose the Repair option by pressing R When the Recovery Console opens a list of Windows installations will appear (if you dual boot). Select the number which is relevant to your installations location. This, will typically be 1. You will need to enter your Administrator password. If you are suing Windows XP Home the administrator password is blank by default so simply press Enter. At the command prompt change to the drive letter that contains your Windows cd. i.e ( type D: hit enter, where D is your cd-rom drive letter). At the command prompt type: cd i386 At the command prompt you now need to type: expand ntkrnlmp.ex_C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe When the expand and copy to your C: drive is complete type exit. Remove your XP CD and type Exit. + Why isn't Windows XP keeping time correctly?
There are 2 possible causes for this... This could be caused by a corrupt registered .dll or a failed CMOS battery. Use the instructions below to see if this is a Windows issue. Click Start --> Run -- type: cmd and hit enter. At the prompt type: net stop w32time and press Enter. Next type: w32tm /unregister and hit Enter. Next type: w32tm /register and hit Enter. Now type: net start w32time and hit Enter. Type Exit to close the Command prompt window. If your system still seems to lose time you may need to have your service provider install a new CMOS battery in your motherboard. + How Do I Recover My Desktop, Icons And Taskbar?
This has no easy answer. Troubleshoot this issue using the options below in order. Confirm explorer.exe is running Boot to your desktop. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to open Task Manager Scroll the processes list, if you don,t see explorer.exe start it using the instructions below. In Task manager click the New Task button on the General tab. In the dialog box type: explorer.exe and press ok. The Windows desktop should now appear. If the above method worked proceed to the next step. Use System Restore Choose a restore point prior to your desktop disappearing. If your not sure which to choose you may want to restore your system to the earliest available restore point. If you use an early restore point you will have to reinstall any software or updates that you installed after the selected restore point. Use Recovery Console to Repair Insert the Windows XP restart your computer. At the Welcome To Set Up screen press enter to start the Windows set up. Accept the License Agreement and wait while it checks for copies of Windows. You will be asked for an Administrator password if one is set. Select XP from the list and then press R to start the Repair process. + My Documents Folder opens every time I start Windows XP.
First be sure your folder isn,t in auto-start options. Click the Start button --> Run --> type: msconfig and hit enter. Click the Startup tab and search for a reference to My Documents. If present and checked uncheck it, apply and reboot your computer. If its not in the list above, proceed to the next step. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit and hit enter. Click on the plus sign next to each key: HKEY_ LOCAL_ MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon Scan the list in the Right Hand pane until you see the value Userinit. This value should read: C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe, (the comma at the end must be there). If the value is different from that shown above (assuming that your default drive is C:\Windows) follow these steps. Right Click on the Userinit value. From the drop down menu, select Modify. In the Modify dialog box type: C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe, (again including the comma). Click and exit the registry. + Windows XP Help and Support is not working
Reinstall Help and Support using the instructions below, Note however this option is only available to users owning a Retail Windows XP cd. An OEM restore set will NOT work. You must be logged in as Administrator to do this. Click Start --> Run --> type: %systemroot%\inf and click ok Locate PCHEALTH.inf in the list of files that appear. Right Click on this file and using the drop down menu, select Install. + Windows XP boot error the registry Cannot Load The Hive (filename)
This error is due to a corrupt registry. Replacing the registry with a known good backup is the easiest solution. However if you don,t have a backup proceed with the next steps to try to resolve the issue. Note: Do Not use method two if your system has an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) copy of Windows XP. Doing so will render your operating system inoperable. OEM installations create passwords and user name that did not previously exist. Therefore, in your own interest, these instructions will not remedy the problem. The easiest option with OEM copies of XP is to reinstall XP using the manufacturer’s recovery disks. Method 1: Restart your computer tapping F8 until the boot menu appears. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select Last known good configuration. Press Enter. Your computer should reinstall the last know good configuration file. Restart your computer and see if the problem has been solved. Method 2: If the above Method failed use Recovery Console. Restart your computer with the Windows XP cd. At the Welcome to Setup screen press R to start the recovery Console. The Recovery Console will now open and the list of Windows installations will appear, if you have multiple operating systems installed choose the one you wish to repair. When requested type in your Administrator password. If you haven,t set an administrator password or XP Home, then press Enter. When the Recovery Console command prompt window opens type: CHKDSK If CHKDSK reports file sectors run CHKDSK again only this time type: CHKDSK /R Fixing bad sectors on the hard disk can take some time, so please be patient. After CHKDSK has finished, remove the XP CD from the CD-ROM and restart your computer. Method 3: This method is extremely involved and should only be attempted in by experienced users. Step One: Insert the Windows XP cd and restart your computer. At the Welcome to Setup screen press R to start the Recovery Console. Choose the installation you wish to work with, type the administrator password when prompted. The Recovery Console command prompt will open. At the prompt type the following, pressing Enter after you have typed each line. md tmp copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak delete c:\windows\system32\config\system delete c:\windows\system32\config\software delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam delete c:\windows\system32\config\security delete c:\windows\system32\config\default copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default Type Exit to exit the recovery console Restart your computer. Step Two: When your computer restarts log on as Administrator. If you are using Windows XP Home you can only log on as Administrator via Safe Mode. The next step is to copy the registry files from their backed up location using system restore. Before you can begin you need to set the folder options in Windows Explorer to Show Hidden Files and Folders. From the folder/directory list in Windows explorer click on the drive where you installed Windows XP (usually C:\). Open the System Volume Information folder (this folder appears dimmed), if you receive a System volume Information is not accessible. access denied Error message see Microsoft Knowledge base Article 309531. Inside you will find one or more folders that look something like this _restore{87BD3667-3246-476B-923F-F86E30B3E7F8}. If the folders are displayed as icons or thumbnails click the View option on the main toolbar and click on Details to give a more detailed view of the files. Select a file that was NOT created at the current time and that starts with RPx (these are Restore Points). Open one of these folders and look for a Snapshot folder - for example: C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}\RP1\Snapshot From this snapshot folder copy the following files to C:\Windows\tmp folde _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM Now rename the files as follows: Rename _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT to DEFAULT Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM Step Three: You have to delete the existing registry files and copy the system restore registry files to the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder: You can do this either by using Recovery Console or (if you file system is FAT32) by using a Windows 98 Start Up Disk) Whichever method you use you will be presented with a command prompt. At the prompt type the following, pressing Enter after you have typed each line. del c:\windows\system32\config\sam del c:\windows\system32\config\security del c:\windows\system32\config\software del c:\windows\system32\config\default del c:\windows\system32\config\system Now type the following, pressing Enter after you have typed each line: copy c:\windows\tmp\software c:\windows\system32\config\software copy c:\windows\tmp\system c:\windows\system32\config\system copy c:\windows\tmp\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam copy c:\windows\tmp\security c:\windows\system32\config\security copy c:\windows\tmp\default c:\windows\system32\config\default Exit Recovery Console or remove the 98 boot disk and restart your computer. Step Four: After your computer has rebooted do the following. Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories. From the Accessories drop down menu click on System Restore. From the System Restore window click on the Restore to a Previous Restore Point option and restore your computer to a previous restore point. + Files copied from another Media source are Read-Only
Files and folders copied from other media sources such as a cd or jump drive are set to read-only when moved to another computer. Use the instructions below to reset the attributes in Windows XP. Right click the file or folder you,ve copied to your computer from another media source. Select Properties. Uncheck the Read-Only attribute then click apply. If you changed attributes on a Folder a second window will open. Select apply this setting this folder all sub folders. + Windows XP error Automation server can't create object.
You may receive this error while trying to change a user,s account picture. This is commonly caused if you,ve unregistered the file shimgvw.dll as an attempt to turn Off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer. Use the instructions below to re-register the dll.
Click Start --> Run --> type: regsvr32 shimgvw.dll | ||
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