Performance
Services
You Can Disable Faster DOS Printing Cleaning the Prefetch Directory Increasing the Folder
Cache Increasing Graphics
Performance Disabling Balloon Tips Speeding Up the Display
of Start Menu Items Increasing System Performance Networking
/ InternetOpening
Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall Repairing Damaged Winsock2 Guest Only Network Access Not Displaying Previous
Network Share Shortcuts Hiding a XP Computer
from Network Neighborhood Easy Way to Share Multiple Folders Running Network Diagnostics Network Access
After Norton Anti-Virus Install Adding TCP/IP Printers Installing Java Virtual Machine Disable Shared
Documents Fix Browsing Delay to
Win98/ME Computers Using the Internet
Explorer Classic Search WINIPCFG for XP Allowing Network Access
with Blank Passwords Reinstalling the TCP/IP
Protocol Remembering Outlook
/ Outlook Express Password Turning Off the Firewall Installing the NetBEUI Protocol Setting System Time Over
the Internet Configuring the Firewall Changing the Internet Explorer
TITLE RepairingIdentify
Faulty Device Drivers Operation Was Attempted
on Something That Is Not a Socket Error Autoexec.nt or Config.nt
Errors Windows Explorer Opens
Search Companion Rather than the Folder Running SFC without a CD
ROM Fixing Cryptographic
ServicesError Fixing Explorer Searching
Rather Than Opening Directories Repair Install Missing or Corrupt NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt HAL.DLL Corrupted or Missing
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found ReInstalling WindowsXP Startup/Shutdown
Configure
for Auto-Logon Not Displaying Logon,
Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages Bringing Up the Shutdown
Dialog Box Hiding the Last User
Logged On Poweroff at Shutdown Adding SafeBoot to the Boot
Menu Speeding the Startup
of Some CD Burner Programs No GUI Boot Getting Rid of Unread
Email Messages Re-Installing User Login
Pictures Decreasing Boot Time Hide/Unhide Logon NAMEs Original NT Style Logon
Screen Creating a Shutdown/Reboot
Icon Desktop
/ Toolbar / Explorer Not
Viewing Zip Files as Folders Restoring Desktop
Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar Remembering Folder Settings Disable Explorer
Thumbnail View Saving Desktop Settings Hiding the Windows
Version on the Desktop Controlling the Desktop
Cleanup Wizard Using the Classic Search
in Explorer Search Companion
Error Opening a Command Prompt
to a Particular Directory from Explorer Selecting What Details
to Display in the Explorer Changing the Default Search
Settings Opening an Explorer
Window to the Directory You Want Displaying the QuickLaunch
Toolbar Displaying and Configuring
the Classic Start Menu MiscCreating
a Suspend Shortcut Changing the User Type Determining Which Services
are Associated with SVCHOST Viewing Installed Drivers Common Control
Panel Applets System32 Folder Opens When
Logging On Setting Capslock,
Numlock, Scroll Lock DOS Tips in XP Stopping the Messenger
Service Accessing Non-Listed
Display Configurations Stop Password Expiration Preventing Applications from
Stealing the Focus Adding Environment
Variables Disable Passport Pop-Up Show Hidden Devices Spell Check Not Working
With Outlook Express and Office97 Disable the Remote Desktop
Sharing (RDS) icon's menu Prevent the Remote
Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray Printing a Directory Removing Thumbs.db Files Enable / Disable the Task
Manager Using Media Player 6.4 Clearing the Page File
on Shutdown Restoring Access to CD ROMs Setting the Dir Command
to Display FileNAMEs on the Lef Dell Computer Not Keeping
Correct Time Formatting a Partition
Greater than 32 GIG with FAT32 Logging in as Administrator Correcting
Fast User Switching Error No To All When Overwriting
Files Installing the Backup Program
on the Home Version Changing Drive Letters Turn off the Windows Picture
and Fax Viewer as the Default Image Viewer Changing the Default DOS
Window Properties Changing the Registered
Owner Adding Time Servers Creating a Boot Floppy Changing the Login Screen
Saver Running NetMeeting Set the Online Registration
as Being Completed Re-Enabling System
Restore Renaming the Start
Button Rollback a Device Driver Closing Multiple
Taskbar Items Grouping Similar Taskbar
Buttons Turning Off the Guest Account Turning Off the Built-In
CD Burner Hiding System
Tray Icons Faster Task Switching WindowsXP Command
Line Utilities Disabling Error Reporting
Adding a TITLEfor the Command Prompt TITLEBar Creating an Automated
Install of WindowsXP Command Line Help Reference Using the System File Checker Creating a Password
Recovery Disk Disabling Hibernation Locking the Workstation Changing the Picture Displayed
for a User Removing the MSN Messenger Common Command Console
Utilities Automatically Ending Non-Responsive
Tasks Changing Visual Effects Changing System Restore
Settings Changing Programs That Start
Automatically Adding / Removing Additional
Programs Increasing File System
Caching Enabling NumLock on by Default
Creating
a Suspend ShortcutIf you would
like to create an icon to suspend your computer, - Right click
on the Desktop
- New / Shortcut
- Enter in
rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState
- Give it whatever
NAME you want
- Now when
you click on that shortcut, your computer will shutdown and suspend
Changing
the User TypeNormally in
XP Pro, through the Control Panel / User Accounts icon, you are
only allowed to create administrators or limited users.
If you want to create - Right click
on My Computer
- Manage
- Local Users
and Groups
- Users
- Right click
on the user you want to change
- Properties
- Member of
tab
- Add button
- Advanced
button
- Find Now
button
- From here
you see the full list of possibilities (e.g. Power User, Backup
Operator etc.)
Determining
Which Services are Associated with SVCHOSTSince so many
critical services are run with each svchost,
You can see which ones are being used by opening a cmd prompt and
running: tasklist
/svc /fi "imageNAME eq svchost.exe" Note: This
is available only with XP Pro
Identify
Faulty Device DriversIf you are having
problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,
often the problem is due to a faulty device driver. One way to help
identify them is through the use of the Verfier program - Start / Run
/ Verifier
- Keep the
default of Create Standard Settings
- Select the
type of drivers you want to confirm
- A list of
drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.
- Reboot
- If your computer
stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with
the problem driver
- To turn off
the Verifier, run verifier /reset
Viewing
Installed DriversIf you want
to see a list of installed drivers, you can run the driverquery
program
There are a lot of available switches to view different types of
information.
On use can be to export to a CSV file for viewing in Excel
An example would then be: Driverquery
/v /fo csv > drivers.csv
Operation
Was Attempted on Something That Is Not a Socket ErrorIf you get this
error when you try and renew your IP address,
Likely the winsock2 registry entries are corrupted. The basic steps
to fix this are: - Remove the
old registry entries
- Import the
correct registry entries
- Reboot the
computer
Opening
Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall- Click on
Start / Run
- Enter in
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 ports you want to open
Adding a Program
for Internet Access - Click on
Add Program... button
- A list of
all installed programs will be displayed
- Highlight
the one you want to include for Internet access
- Click on
the OK button
Autoexec.nt
or Config.nt ErrorsIf you are getting
errors similar to: The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft
Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
Try copying
the file from \windows\repair directory to the one that is in the
\windows\system32 directory.
Common
Control Panel AppletsThe follow are
some common Control Panel Applets that are located in the \windows\system32
directory.
If you find yourself using any of these frequently, then you can
simply make shortcuts to them on your desktop. | appwiz.cpl
| Add/Remove
Programs | | desk.cpl
| Display
Properties | | firewall.cpl
| Firewall
Settings | | inetcpl.cpl
| Internet
Options | | mmsys.cpl
| Sound
and Audio | | ncpa.cpl
| Network
Connections | | nusrmgr.cpl
| User
Accounts | | powercfg.cpl
| Power
Options | | sysdm.cpl
| System
Properties | | wscui.cpl
| Security
Center | | wuaucpl.cpl
| Automatic
Updates Configuration |
Windows
Explorer Opens Search Companion Rather than the FolderIf the Windows
Explorer opens up the Search Companion rather than opening up the
actual folder, the default setting for opening a folder is changed. To correct this: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES _ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
- Edit the
default value to be explorer or none
Running
SFC without a CD ROMIf you run sfc
/scannow and get prompted to insert a CD,
there are a couple of changes you might need to make. Slipstream your
copy of WindowsXP with the latest service pack you have applied.
Once these files
are on your hard drive, you can simply make a few registry changes
to point to those locations. Start Regedit Go to the follow
locations and change the path to wherever you copied the source
files. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current
Version\ Setup\ServicePackSourcePath
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\ Setup\SourcePath
the last one might not be necessary
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\
SourcePath
Guest
Only Network AccessIf you try and
connect to an XP computer and are shown a logins screen with only
the computerNAME/Guest, You may need to change one of the Local Security Policies: - Got to Control
Panel - Administrative Tools
- Go to Local
Policies - Security Options
- Check teh
Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
- Set it to
Classic - local users authenticate as themselves
Repairing
Damaged Winsock2The symptoms
when Winsock2 is damaged show when you try to release and renew
the IP address using IPCONFIG. And you get
the following error message:
An error occurred while renewing interface 'Internet': An operation
was attempted on something that is not a socket. Also Internet
Explorer may give the following error message:
The page cannot be displayed Additionally, you may have no IP address
or no Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, and you may
be receiving IP packets but not sending them. There are two
easy ways to determine if Winsock2 is damaged: From the XP
source files, go to the Support / Tools directory Winsock Test
Method 1
Run netdiag /test:winsock The end should
say Winsock test ..... passed Winsock Test
Method 2 - Run Msinfo32
- Click on
the + by Components
- Click on
the by Network
- Click on
Protocol
- There should
be 10 sections if the Winsock2 key is ok
MSAFD Tcpip
[TCP/IP]
MSAFD Tcpip [UDP/IP]
RSVP UDP Service Provider
RSVP TCP Service Provider
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
If the NAMEs
are anything different from those in this list, then likely Winsock2
is corrupted and needs to be repaired.
If you have any 3rd party software installed, the NAME MSAFD may
be changed.
There should be no fewer than 10 sections.
To repair Winsock2 - Run Regedit
- Delete the
following two registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
- Restart the
computer
- Go to Network
Connections
- Right click
and select Properties
- Click on
the Install button
- Select Protocol
- Click on
the Add button
- Click on
the Have Disk button
- Browse to
the \Windows\inf directory
- Click on
the Open button
- Click on
the OK button
- Highlight
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
- Click on
the OK button
- Reboot
Not
Displaying Previous Network Share ShortcutsBy default,
when you go to Network Places, it will scan and show shortcuts to
previous network shares.
To turn this off and remove any current shortcuts - Open up the
Windows Explorer
- Go to Tools
/ Folder Options / View
- The top section
should be Files and Folders
- Uncheck Automatically
search for network folders and printers
- Then go into
Network Neighborhood Select all the previous netowork connections
Delete them
- Next time
you look at the Network Neighborhood, they should not repopulate
Hiding
a XP Computer from Network NeighborhoodIf you want
to share files from a XP computer,
yet want to remove it from showing up in the Network Neighborhood, Run net config
server /hidden:yes
Easy
Way to Share Multiple FoldersIf you need
to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE
will bring up a simple dialog box to let you: - Browse to
the folder you want to share
- Enter in
a Share NAME
- Ender in
a Share description
- Set permissions.
Several choices are available
- Restart the
process from within the same program
System32
Folder Opens When Logging OnIf the System32
folder shows on the desktop, there may be an invalid entry in the
Registry - Start Regedit
- Go to both:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current
Version\Run
- Double check
that the values do not have incorrect, incomplete, or blank entries
Not
Viewing Zip Files as FoldersIf you want
to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,
just run: regsvr32
/u zipfldr.dll
Setting
Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock If you want
to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry. - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER
\ Control Panel \ Keyboard
- Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
- Change the
value to one of the following numbers
0 - All Keys off
1 - Caps Lock on
2 - Num Lock on
4 - Scroll Lock on
For multiple keys, add their values:
3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on
5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on
6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on
7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on - Log off and
back on again
Running
Network DiagnosticsNetwork Diagnostics
scans your system to gather information about your hardware, software,
and network connections. Start / Run
/ NETSH DIAG GUI The following
is the type of information that can be displayed: - Ping
- Connect
- Show
- Verbose
- Save to Desktop
- Mail Service
- News Service
- Internet
Proxy Server
- Computer
Information
- Operating
System
- Windows Version
- Modems
- Network Clients
- Network Adapters
- Domain NAME
System (DNS)
- Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
- Default Gateways
- Internet
Protocol Address
- Windows Internet
Naming Service (WINS)
DOS
Tips in XPWindows XP cmd
tip (DOS isn't dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder
creation examples: To create multiple
folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command: C:\> md this
is a test To create a
folder several folders deep, use: C:\> md this\is\a\test
Creating a folder
with a long NAME requires the double-quote at the beginning: C:\> md "this
is a test Bonus tip: Windows
XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux
users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style
CD command to change your present working directory: C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc
Restoring
Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch BarIf you mistakenly
deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar Go to C:\Documents
and Settings\user_NAME\Application Data\Microsoft\ Internet
Explorer\Quick Launch
(where user_NAME is replaced by your login NAME) Create a Text
file called ShowDesktop.SCF with the following CONTENTs: [Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
Network
Access After Norton Anti-Virus InstallSometimes you
can't access a WinXP computer after installing Norton Anti-Virus.
There might be a variety of errors at the other computer depending
on the operating system.
On the XP computer, in the Event Viewer / System log, there will
be the following error:
The server's configuration parameter "irpstacksize" is too small
for the server to use a local device. - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\lanmanserver\parameters
- Edit the
IRPStackSize
- Give it a
value of 15
- Reboot the
computer
Fixing
Cryptographic ServicesErrorIf you get an
error about the Cryptographic services when trying to apply the
Security Updates or Service Pack 1,
run the following from Start / Run - note, you might want to just
cut and paste the text. net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 oldcatroot2
net start cryptsvc
regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll
regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 sccbase.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll
Fixing
Explorer Searching Rather Than Opening DirectoriesSometimes after
adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for
opening a folder is changed.
To correct this: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\ Directory \ shell
- Edit the
default value to be explorer or none
Configure
for Auto-LogonIf you are the
only person using the computer and what to have it automatically
log you on, - Start / Run
/ "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
- Uncheck User
must enter a user NAME and password to use this computer
Services
You Can DisableThere are quite
a few services you can disable from starting automatically.
This would be to speed up your boot time and free resources.
They are only suggestions so I suggestion you read the description
of each one when you run Services
and that you turn them off one at a time.
Some possibilities are: - Alerter
- Sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to
the server computer.
- Application
Management - 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.
- Clipbook
- ClipBook permits you to cut and paste text and graphics over
the network.
- Error
Reporting Service - Allows applications to send error reports
to Microsoft in the event of an application fault.
- Fast User
Switching - Windows XP allows users to switch quickly between
accounts, without requiring them to log off.
- Help and
Support - Allows the XP Built-in Help and Support Center to
run.
- IMAPI
CD-Burning COM Service - You don't need this if you have other
software to create CDs.
- Indexing
Service - Indexes CONTENTs and properties of files on local
and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible
querying language.
- IP SEC
- Manages IP security policy 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
- 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.
- Net Logon
- Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events
for computers in a domain. If you are not on a domain, you don't
need this running
- Network
DDE - 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 - Provides security to remote procedure
call (RPC) programs that use transports other than NAMEd pipes.
- Performance
Logs and Alerts - Collects performance data from local or
remote computers based on preconfigured 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 - Retrieves the serial number of any portable
music player connected to your computer
- QOS RSVP
- Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality
for QoS-aware programs and control applets.
- Remote
Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote
Assistance. If you are not using Remote Desktop you don't need
this service.
- Remote
Registry - Enables remote users to modify registry settings
on this computer.
- Routing
& Remote Access - Offers routing services to businesses
in local area and wide area network environments. Allows dial-in
access.
- Secondary
Login - Enables starting processes under alternate credentials.
This is what allows you to run an application as another user.
- Smart
Card - Manages access to smart cards read by this computer.
- Smart
Card Helper - Enables support for legacy non-plug and play
smart-card readers used by this computer.
- SSDP Discovery
Service - Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.
- TCP/IP
NetBIOS Helper - Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT)
service and NetBIOS NAME resolution. This should not be needed
in today's network environment.
- Telnet
- Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs,
and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients.
- Uninterruptible
Power Supply Service - Manages an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) connected to the computer.
- Universal
Plug and Play Device Host - Provides support to host Universal
Plug and Play devices
- Upload
Manager - Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers
between clients and servers on the network.
- Volume
Shadow Copy Service - Manages and implements Volume Shadow
Copies used for backup and other purposes.
- Web Client
- Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify
non-local files across the Internet.
- Wireless
Zero Configuration - Provides automatic configuration for
the 802.11 adapters
- WMI Performance
Adapter - Provides performance library information from WMI
HiPerf providers.
Stopping
the Messenger ServiceTo remove the
ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer,
you can disable the Messenger service. - Click Start->Settings
->Control Panel
- Click Performance
and Maintenance
- Click Administrative
Tools
- Double click
Services
- Scroll down
and highlight "Messenger"
- Right-click
the highlighted line and choose Properties
- Click the
STOP button
- Select Disable
or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK
Faster
DOS PrintingIf you are experiencing
slow printing for DOS programs with Windows2000 - Go Start
| Run | Regedit
- Click Hkey_Local_Machine
- Click on
System
- Click CurrentControlSet
- Click Control
- Go to the
bottom of this part of the list and click WOW
- Click LPT
timeout and change it to a 3
Cleaning
the Prefetch DirectoryWindowsXP has
a new feature called Prefetch. This keeps a shortcut to recently
used programs.
However it can fill up with old and obsolete programs. To clean this
periodically go to: - Star / Run
/ Prefetch
- Press Ctrl-A
to highlight all the files
- Delete them
Not
Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status MessagesTo turn these
off: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current
Version\policies\system
- If it is
not already there, create a DWORD value NAMEd DisableStatus
Messages
- Give it a
value of 1
Accessing
Non-Listed Display ConfigurationsIf you want
to access display configurations not normally listed (e.g. 256 colors) - In the Display
Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab.
- Click the
Advanced button.
- Click the
Adapter tab,
- Click the
List all modes button.
- Select the
resolution, color depth, and refresh rate that you want and click
OK.
Repair
InstallIf XP is corrupted
to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the
current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you
need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first. - Insert and
boot from your WindowsXP CD
- At the second
R=Repair option, press the R key
- This will
start the repair
- Press F8
for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
- Press R when
the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically
this is C:\WINDOWS
- It will then
check the C: drive and start copying files
- It will automatically
reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
- You will
then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a
normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update,
Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
- When prompted,
click on the Next button
- When prompted,
enter your XP key
- Normally
you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain NAME
- The computer
will reboot
- Then you
will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
- Activate
if you want (usually a good idea)
- Register
if you want (but not necessary)
- Finish
- At this point
you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.
NTOSKRNL
Missing or CorruptIf you get an
error that NTOSKRNL not found: - Insert and
boot from your WindowsXP CD.
- At the first
R=Repair option, press the R key
- Press the
number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation
of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1 - Change to
the drive that has the CD ROM.
- CD i386
- expand ntkrnlmp.ex_
C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
- If WindowsXP
is installed in a different location, just make the necessary
change to C:\Windows
- Take out
the CD ROM and type exit
HAL.DLL
Missing or Corrupt If you get an
error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply
be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured - Insert and
boot from your WindowsXP CD.
- At the first
R=Repair option, press the R key
- Press the
number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation
of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1 - Type bootcfg
/list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
- Type bootcfg
/rebuild to repair it
- Take out
the CD ROM and type exit
Corrupted
or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIGIf you get the
error: Windows could not start because the following files is missing
or corrupt \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ CONFIG\ SOFTWARE - Insert and
boot from your WindowsXP CD.
- At the first
R=Repair option, press the R key
- Press the
number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation
of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1 - Enter in
the administrator password when requested
- cd \windows\system32\config
- Depending
on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad - Depending
on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software - Take out
the CD ROM and type exit
NTLDR
or NTDETECT.COM Not FoundIf you get an
error that NTLDR is not found during bootup, If you have
FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM
files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive. For NTFS: - Insert and
boot from your WindowsXP CD.
- At the first
R=Repair option, press the R key
- Press the
number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation
of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1 - Enter in
the administrator password when requested
- Enter in
the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter
that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\ - Take out
the CD ROM and type exit
Bringing
Up the Shutdown Dialog Box- Create a
new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this
one line:
(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows(); - Save and
Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
- You can make
a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.
Adding
TCP/IP PrintersTo create a
connection to a printer connected to your network: - Start to
add a new printer through the control panel.
- Select Local
Printer / Next
- Instead of
a LPT port, check Create a new port at the bottom on the window
- Scroll to
Standard TCP/IP Port
- Keep going
and enter the IP address of the printer.
Increasing
the Folder CacheThe default
setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400
folders.
To increase it: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ ShellNoRoam
- Change the
vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)
1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
5000 - 1388
Hiding
the Last User Logged OnIf you use the
standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user: - Start the
Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
- Go to Computer
Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local
Policies / Security Options
- Scroll down
to Interactive logon: Do not display last user NAME
- Set it to
Enable
Poweroff
at ShutdownIf your computer
does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and
Power settings and still needed to do this. - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control
Panel\Desktop
- Edit the
key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
- You can do
the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Remembering
Folder SettingsIf XP does not
remember your folder settings, delete or reNAME the following registry
keys [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
Stop
Password ExpirationIf you want
to do this for all users, enter: Start / Run
/ net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited Added 3/18/02 If you are getting
an error message that your password is about to expire: - Right click
on the My Computer icon
- Select Manage
- Go to Local
Users and Groups / Users
- Right-click
on the user you want to change
- Select Properties
- On the General
tab, check Password never expires
- Click OK
Installing
Java Virtual MachineIf
you are getting errors when browsing the web to install Java Virtual
Machine, You
can still download
it from Microsoft (version 3810)
If this link is removed by MS or is too slow you can download
it here If
you need a previous version, you can download
3805 It
is now included in Service
Pack1 You
can also download Sun's
version
Preventing
Applications from Stealing the FocusTo
prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you
are working Start
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop Edit
the key ForegroundLockTimeout Give
it a value of 00030d40
Disable
Explorer Thumbnail ViewIf
you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View
, Start
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current
Version \ Explorer \ Advanced \ Change
ClassicViewState to 1
Adding
Environment VariablesSince
any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,
to add environment variables to WindowsXP: Right
click on My Computer Select
Properties Click
on the Advanced tab Click
on the Environment Variables button From
here you can change it for the system or just the current user.
Disable
Passport Pop-UpNormally,
WindowsXP will prompt you 10 times that You Need a Passport to
use WindowsXP Internet communication features... To
disable this Start
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ MessengerService
Edit
the binary key PassportBalloon Give
it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00)
Show
Hidden DevicesYou
can show hidden devices in the Device Manager. One way is by making
a simple registry change. The other is through a batch file. Registry
Change: Go
to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ ControlSet001 \ Control \
Session Manager \ Environment Create
a string DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES Give
it a value of 1
Batch
File @Echo
Off
Prompt $p$g
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
exit
Spell
Check Not Working With Outlook Express and Office97This
is simply due to a missing or corrupted DLL file - Go to the
i386 directory of your XP source files
- Run Expand
csapi3t1.dl_ csapi3t1.dll (Note: If your source files
are on a CD, you will need to put a path before the csapi3t1.dll
since you can't write to the CD).
- Copy the
file to the Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ Proof
directory
Disable
Shared DocumentsTo
disable the Shared Documents folder that shows up on the network Start
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current
Version \ Policies \ Explorer \ Create
a new DWORD Value Give
it the NAME NoSharedDocuments Give
it a value of 1 Log
off or reboot
Disable
the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menuTo Disable the
Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu: - Start regedit.exe
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Conferencing\Mcpt
- Create a
new string value (Click on Edit > New > String Value).
- NAME the
value Nx
- Double-click
on it and set it's value to 1
- Close the
registry
Now the menu
options will be grayed out.
Prevent
the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification
trayTo Prevent the
Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification
tray: - Click Start,
then Run.
- Type services.msc
and then click ok.
- Scroll down
until you find the NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing service
- Double-click
on it.
- Click on
the Log On tab.
- Uncheck Allow
service to interact with desktop
- Click OK
then close the services window.
- Reboot (You
must reboot).
There you go.
When you return, RDS will work, but there will be no icon in the
notification area.
Printing
a DirectoryWindowsXP
does not allow you to use previously describe methods for printing
the CONTENTs of a directory.
To do this requires the creation of a small batch file which is
then added to your right-click options. Batch
File On
the root of the C: drive, create a batch file called print_directory.bat
with the following lines: @echo
off
dir %1 /o:g > c:\directory.txt
start /w notepad /p c:\directory.txt
del c:\directory.txt
exit
Note:
dir %1 /o:g will print with any directories listed first. You can
add whatever other switches you like Adding
to the Explorer Right Click Start
the Explorer Go
to Tools / Folder Options On
the File Types tab, click File Folder. Click
Advanced button and then click New. In
the Action box, type Print Directory (or whatever text
you want to appear). In
the Application used to perform action box, type C:\print_directory.bat,
and then click OK. Click
OK, click OK, and then click Close
Fixing
the Registry Sometimes after
adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for
opening a folder is changed.
To correct this: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\ Directory \ shell
- Edit the
default value to be explorer or none
Removing
Thumbs.db FilesWhen
viewing a folder with the Thumbnail view, WindowsXP creates a thumbs.db
file.
This is a cache of the current pictures in that directory.
If you want to turn this feature off and save a little disk space Start
the Windows Explorer Go
to Tools / Folder Options / View In
the first section under Files and Folders, check Do not cache
thumbnails Now
you can search for the thumbs.db file on your computer and remove
them. No more should be created.
Enable
/ Disable the Task ManagerStart
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\System
Create
the Dword value DisableTaskMgr Give
it a value of 0 to enable it Give
it a vaule of 1 to disable it
Saving
Desktop SettingsIf
you desktop or folders on your desktop do not retain their settings: Start
Regedit Go
go HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version
\ Program Manager\Restrictions Create
or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings Give
it a value of 0
Hiding
the Windows Version on the DesktopIf
your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop and
you would like to remove it: Start
Regedit Go
to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop Edit
or Create the DWORD entry PaintDesktopVersion A
value of 0 will hide the version from the desktop Logoff
or reboot
To
make this change for all future users, edit
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop in the same manner.
Using
Media Player 6.4If
you want to use the older version of Microsoft Media Player 6.4,
it is still on your computer. Make
a shortcut on your desktop to the:
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\mplayer2.exe file You
can also change the file associations from this program to set it
as the default for all media types.
Controlling
the Desktop Cleanup WizardBy default,
the Desktop Cleanup Wizard will pop up every 60 days to cleanup
your desktop. To stop this: - Right click
on the desktop.
- Select Properties
- Click on
the Desktop tab
- Click on
the Customize Desktop button
- Uncheck Run
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Clearing
the Page File on ShutdownAnother way
to set the computer to clear the pagefile without directly editing
the registry is: - Click on
the Start button
- Go to the
Control Panel
- Administrative
Tools
- Local Security
Policy
- Local Policies
- Click on
Security Options
- Right hand
menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
- Select "Enable"
- Reboot
If you want
to clear the page file on each shutdown: - Start Regedit
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session
Manager\Memory Management\ClearPageFileAtShutdown
- Set the value
to 1
Restoring
Access to CD ROMsIf
after you remove CD Burning software, you can no longer access your
CD ROM's,
the following registry keys need to be deleted: Locate and delete
the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values under the following key
in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Class\ {4D36E965 -
E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
ReInstalling
WindowsXPIf
you need to reinstall WindowsXP and want to keep all your current
installed applications and settings: Start
WindowsXP Go
to the location of your source files Run
WINNT32 /unattend
I've
often need to do this to repair something that had gotten corrupted
and didn't want to do a clean install.
Setting
the Dir Command to Display FileNAMEs on the LeftAdded
5/10/02 Previous
versions of Windows displayed the fileNAMEs on the left hand side
when you run the dir command.
WindowsXP changes this and the default it to put it on the right. To
change this back: Right
click on My Computer Click
on Properties Click
on the Advanced tab Click
on the Environment Variables button Click
on New button Enter
the Variable NAME: dircmd Enter
the Variable value: /-n
Dell
Computer Not Keeping Correct TimeIf
your Dell computer is loosing time while the computer is turned
on,
You can run the following commands: - Start / Run
/ CMD
- Net stop
w32time
- w32tm /unregister
- w32tm /unregister
- w32tm /register
- Net start
w32time
You
can also download a Dell
Patch to do the same process automatically
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