http://www.programmingtutorials.com/cplusplus.aspx
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/perl/course.html
http://pscode.com
http://hotscripts.com
http://www.codeproject.com
http://www.freevbcode.com
http://www.garybeene.com
http://www.pixel2life.com <---- Elite stuff
http://www.javacoffeebreak.com
http://www.developerfusion.co.uk
http://gamedev.net
http://www.awaretek.com/tutorials.html#begin <--300+ Python Tutorials'
http://www.phpfreaks.com/ <---- Best tutorials of php
http://www.freeprogrammingresources.com
http://www.php.net
http://www.planetsourcecode.com <--- Best for all kinda tutorials
http://www.yourhtmlsource.com <--- good if you want to mess with some 3d stuff.. note this is not all about Game/3d
they do have some intro tutorials to the Win32 API
http://www.topcoder.com
http://www.torry.net/
http://www.programmingtutorials.com/cplusplus.aspx
http://www.cprogramming.com/
http://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~stever/games/
http://www.euclideanspace.com/software/games/index.htm
http://www.gamedev.net/
http://www.w3schools.com <---- Good HTML and other web design tutorials
http://www.programmingtutorials.com/
http://www.programmingtutorials.com/cplusplus.aspx <---- C++
http://www.sean.cruels.net/ <--- SQL, Java, VB, HTML, Direct X, etc
http://www.console-world.org/CTutorials.htm <--- C video Tutorials
http://www.hazirkod.com/ <---- this site is in some other language but u can get the programmes from here
Monday, December 27, 2010
Disabling MS-DOS Command Prompt
The next Setting will prevent from "utilizing" MS-DOS command prompt on Windows.
Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\M*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WinOldApp
Value Name: Disabled
Data Type: DWORD Value
Data: (0 = disable, 1 = enable/prevent MS-Dos command prompt)
51)Prevent any Display Properties setting changes
You can do Display Setting from Control Panel - Display or by right click on desktop, then choose Properties.
With these setting below, other people cannot change the setting on those Display.
Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\M*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Value Name: NoDispCPL
Data Type: DWORD Value
Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled/prevent any changes)
(Make System key : On left side panel, choose Policies, Right click, New - Key. Gives name : System. Then choose System, right click, New - DWORD Value. Gives name NoDispCPL. Double click on NoDispCPL, change 0 to 1 to prevent any Display Properties setting changes.
Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\M*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WinOldApp
Value Name: Disabled
Data Type: DWORD Value
Data: (0 = disable, 1 = enable/prevent MS-Dos command prompt)
51)Prevent any Display Properties setting changes
You can do Display Setting from Control Panel - Display or by right click on desktop, then choose Properties.
With these setting below, other people cannot change the setting on those Display.
Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\M*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Value Name: NoDispCPL
Data Type: DWORD Value
Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled/prevent any changes)
(Make System key : On left side panel, choose Policies, Right click, New - Key. Gives name : System. Then choose System, right click, New - DWORD Value. Gives name NoDispCPL. Double click on NoDispCPL, change 0 to 1 to prevent any Display Properties setting changes.
Shake Explorer Window javascript
javascript:function Shw(n) {if (self.moveBy) {for (i = 35; i > 0; i--) {for (j = n; j > 0; j--) {self.moveBy(1,i);self.moveBy(i,0);self.moveBy(0,-i);self.moveBy(-i,0); } } }} Shw(6)
How To Download Video Of "youtube"!
First off all
go to www.keepvid.com
do everything they ask to do (paste the address etc)
click the download button
paste the newly created address to your browser or download manager AND CHANGE THE FILE EXTENSION TO .flv
download the flv player (there's a link on the keepvid page) or simply find the right software for you player (either winamp, wmplayer or whatever) that will support .flv files download
Access Stored User Names And Passwords, Xp Users
Access Stored User Names and Passwords
Windows XP related
Access Stored User Names and Passwords with rundll32.exe in Windows XP
1. Click on START - RUN Type
rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,KRShowKeyMgr
2. Press Enter
Windows XP related
Access Stored User Names and Passwords with rundll32.exe in Windows XP
1. Click on START - RUN Type
rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,KRShowKeyMgr
2. Press Enter
Create Nameless Files And Folders In Windows
This trick will allow you to create files and folders without any name.
Just follow the following steps:
1.Select any file or folder.
2.Right click on it,press rename or simply press F2.
3.Press and hold the alt key.While holding the Alt key,type numbers 0160 from the numpad.
Note:Type the numbers 0160 from the numpad,that is,the numbers present on the right side of the keyboard.Dont type the numbers which are present on top of the character keys.
4.Press Enter and the nameless file or folder will be created.
Reason:The file or folder that seems nameless is actually named with a single space.
But what if you want to create another nameless file or folder in the same directory ?
For this you will have to rename the file with 2 spaces.Just follow these steps below:
1.Select file,press F2.
2.Hold alt key and type 0160 from the numpad.
3.Release the alt key.Now without doing anything else,again hold alt key and press 0160.
4.Press enter and you will have second nameless file in the same directory.
5.Repeat step 3 to create as many nameless files or folders in the same directory.
Just follow the following steps:
1.Select any file or folder.
2.Right click on it,press rename or simply press F2.
3.Press and hold the alt key.While holding the Alt key,type numbers 0160 from the numpad.
Note:Type the numbers 0160 from the numpad,that is,the numbers present on the right side of the keyboard.Dont type the numbers which are present on top of the character keys.
4.Press Enter and the nameless file or folder will be created.
Reason:The file or folder that seems nameless is actually named with a single space.
But what if you want to create another nameless file or folder in the same directory ?
For this you will have to rename the file with 2 spaces.Just follow these steps below:
1.Select file,press F2.
2.Hold alt key and type 0160 from the numpad.
3.Release the alt key.Now without doing anything else,again hold alt key and press 0160.
4.Press enter and you will have second nameless file in the same directory.
5.Repeat step 3 to create as many nameless files or folders in the same directory.
Ms Dos Commands
ANSI.SYS - Defines functions that change display graphics, control cursor movement, and reassign keys.
APPEND - Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running a command.
ARP - Displays, adds, and removes arp information from network devices.
ASSIGN - Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter.
ASSOC - View the file associations.
AT - Schedule a time to execute commands or programs.
ATMADM - Lists connections and addresses seen by Windows ATM call manager.
ATTRIB - Display and change file attributes.
BATCH - Recovery console command that executes a series of commands in a file.
BACKUP - Enables users to backup their data on their computer.
BOOTCFG - Recovery console command that allows a user to view, modify, and rebuild the boot.ini
BREAK - Enable / disable CTRL + C feature.
CACLS - View and modify file ACL's.
CALL - Calls a batch file from another batch file.
CD - Changes directories.
CHCP - Supplement the International keyboard and character set information.
CHDIR - Changes directories.
CHKDSK - Check the hard disk drive running FAT for errors.
CHKNTFS - Check the hard disk drive running NTFS for errors.
CHOICE - Specify a listing of multiple options within a batch file.
CLS - Clears the screen.
CMD - Opens the command interpreter.
COLOR - Easily change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window.
COMMAND - Opens the command interpreter.
COMP - Compares files.
COMPACT - Compresses and uncompress files.
CONTROL - Open control panel icons from the MS-DOS prompt.
CONVERT - Convert FAT to NTFS.
COPY - Copy one or more files to an alternate location.
CTTY - Change the computers input/output devices.
DATE - View or change the systems date.
DEBUG - Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings.
DEFRAG - Re-arrange the hard disk drive to help with loading programs.
DEL - Deletes one or more files.
DELETE - Recovery console command that deletes a file.
DELTREE - Deletes one or more files and/or directories.
DIR - List the contents of one or more directory.
DISABLE - Recovery console command that disables Windows system services or drivers.
DISKCOMP - Compare a disk with another disk.
DISKPART - used to delete and create partitions.
DISKCOPY - Copy the contents of one disk and place them on another disk.
DOSKEY - Command to view and execute commands that have been run in the past.
DOSSHELL - A GUI to help with early MS-DOS users.
DRIVPARM - Enables overwrite of original device drivers.
ECHO - Displays messages and enables and disables echo.
EDIT - View and edit files.
EDLIN - View and edit files.
EMM386 - Load extended Memory Manager.
ENABLE - Recovery console command to enable a disable service or driver.
ENDLOCAL - Stops the localization of the environment changes enabled by the setlocal command.
ERASE - Erase files from computer.
EXIT - Exit from the command interpreter.
EXPAND - Expand a M*cro$oft Windows file back to it's original format.
EXTRACT - Extract files from the M*cro$oft Windows cabinets.
FASTHELP - Displays a listing of MS-DOS commands and information about them.
FC - Compare files.
FDISK - Utility used to create partitions on the hard disk drive.
FIND - Search for text within a file.
FINDSTR - Searches for a string of text within a file.
FIXBOOT - Writes a new boot sector.
FIXMBR - Writes a new boot record to a disk drive.
FOR - Boolean used in batch files.
FORMAT - Command to erase and prepare a disk drive.
FTP - Command to connect and operate on a FTP server.
FTYPE - Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO - Movesa batch file to a specific label or location.
GRAFTABL - Show extended characters in graphics mode.
HELP - Display a listing of commands and brief explanation.
HOSTNAME -Display the hostname of the machine.
IF - Allows for batch files to perform conditional processing.
IFSHLP.SYS - 32-bit file manager.
IPCONFIG - Network command to view network adapter settings and assigned values.
KEYB - Change layout of keyboard.
LABEL - Change the label of a disk drive.
LH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LISTSVC - Recovery console command that displays the services and drivers.
LOADFIX - Load a program above the first 64k.
LOADHIGH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LOCK - Lock the hard disk drive.
LOGON - Recovery console command to list installations and enable administrator login.
MAP - Displays the device name of a drive.
MD - Command to create a new directory.
MEM - Display memory on system.
MKDIR - Command to create a new directory.
MODE - Modify the port or display settings.
MORE - Display one page at a time.
MOVE - Move one or more files from one directory to another directory.
MSAV - Early M*cro$oft Virus scanner.
MSBACKUP -MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.
MSD - Diagnostics utility.
MSCDEX - Utility used to load and provide access to the CD-ROM.
MWBACKUP - MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.
NBTSTAT - Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT
NET - Update, fix, or view the network or network settings
NETSH - Configure dynamic and static network information from MS-DOS.
NETSTAT - Display the TCP/IP network protocol statistics and information.
NLSFUNC - Load country specific information.
NSLOOKUP - Look up an IP address of a domain or host on a network.
PATH - View and modify the computers path location.
PATHPING - View and locate locations of network latency.
PAUSE - Command used in batch files to stop the processing of a command.
PING - Test / send information to another network computer or network device.
POPD - Changes to the directory or network path stored by the pushd command.
POWER - Conserve power with computer portables.
PRINT - Prints data to a printer port.
PROMPT - View and change the MS-DOS prompt.
PUSHD - Stores a directory or network path in memory so it can be returned to at any time.
QBASIC - Open the QBasic.
RD - Removes an empty directory.
REN - Renames a file or directory.
RENAME - Renames a file or directory.
RMDIR - Removes an empty directory.
ROUTE - View and configure windows network route tables.
RUNAS - Enables a user to execute a program on another computer.
SCANDISK - Run the scandisk utility.
SCANREG - Scan registry and recover registry from errors.
SET - Change one variable or string to another.
SETLOCAL - Enables local environments to be changed without affecting anything else.
SETVER - Change MS-DOS version to trick older MS-DOS programs.
SFC - Scans and replaces any M*cro$oft Windows file on the computer and replaces any changed file with the correct version
SHARE - Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities.
SHIFT - Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.
SHUTDOWN - Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt.
SMARTDRV - Create a disk cache in conventional memory or extended memory.
SORT - Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.
START - Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt.
SUBST - Substitute a folder on your computer for another drive letter.
SWITCHES - Remove add functions from MS-DOS.
SYS - Transfer system files to disk drive.
SYSTEMINFO - Displays complete system information for M*cro$oft Windows XP Professional computers.
SYSTEMROOT - The systemroot command is a recovery console command that sets the current directory as the system root directory.
TELNET - Telnet to another computer / device from the prompt.
TIME - View or modify the system time.
TITLE - Change the title of their MS-DOS window.
TRACERT - Visually view a network packets route across a network.
TREE - View a visual tree of the hard disk drive.
TYPE - Display the contents of a file.
UNDELETE - Undelete a file that has been deleted.
UNFORMAT - Unformat a hard disk drive.
UNLOCK - Unlock a disk drive.
VER Display - the version information.
VERIFY - Enables or disables the feature to determine if files have been written properly.
VOL - Displays the volume information about the designated drive.
XCOPY - Copy multiple files, directories, and/or drives from one location to another.
APPEND - Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running a command.
ARP - Displays, adds, and removes arp information from network devices.
ASSIGN - Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter.
ASSOC - View the file associations.
AT - Schedule a time to execute commands or programs.
ATMADM - Lists connections and addresses seen by Windows ATM call manager.
ATTRIB - Display and change file attributes.
BATCH - Recovery console command that executes a series of commands in a file.
BACKUP - Enables users to backup their data on their computer.
BOOTCFG - Recovery console command that allows a user to view, modify, and rebuild the boot.ini
BREAK - Enable / disable CTRL + C feature.
CACLS - View and modify file ACL's.
CALL - Calls a batch file from another batch file.
CD - Changes directories.
CHCP - Supplement the International keyboard and character set information.
CHDIR - Changes directories.
CHKDSK - Check the hard disk drive running FAT for errors.
CHKNTFS - Check the hard disk drive running NTFS for errors.
CHOICE - Specify a listing of multiple options within a batch file.
CLS - Clears the screen.
CMD - Opens the command interpreter.
COLOR - Easily change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window.
COMMAND - Opens the command interpreter.
COMP - Compares files.
COMPACT - Compresses and uncompress files.
CONTROL - Open control panel icons from the MS-DOS prompt.
CONVERT - Convert FAT to NTFS.
COPY - Copy one or more files to an alternate location.
CTTY - Change the computers input/output devices.
DATE - View or change the systems date.
DEBUG - Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings.
DEFRAG - Re-arrange the hard disk drive to help with loading programs.
DEL - Deletes one or more files.
DELETE - Recovery console command that deletes a file.
DELTREE - Deletes one or more files and/or directories.
DIR - List the contents of one or more directory.
DISABLE - Recovery console command that disables Windows system services or drivers.
DISKCOMP - Compare a disk with another disk.
DISKPART - used to delete and create partitions.
DISKCOPY - Copy the contents of one disk and place them on another disk.
DOSKEY - Command to view and execute commands that have been run in the past.
DOSSHELL - A GUI to help with early MS-DOS users.
DRIVPARM - Enables overwrite of original device drivers.
ECHO - Displays messages and enables and disables echo.
EDIT - View and edit files.
EDLIN - View and edit files.
EMM386 - Load extended Memory Manager.
ENABLE - Recovery console command to enable a disable service or driver.
ENDLOCAL - Stops the localization of the environment changes enabled by the setlocal command.
ERASE - Erase files from computer.
EXIT - Exit from the command interpreter.
EXPAND - Expand a M*cro$oft Windows file back to it's original format.
EXTRACT - Extract files from the M*cro$oft Windows cabinets.
FASTHELP - Displays a listing of MS-DOS commands and information about them.
FC - Compare files.
FDISK - Utility used to create partitions on the hard disk drive.
FIND - Search for text within a file.
FINDSTR - Searches for a string of text within a file.
FIXBOOT - Writes a new boot sector.
FIXMBR - Writes a new boot record to a disk drive.
FOR - Boolean used in batch files.
FORMAT - Command to erase and prepare a disk drive.
FTP - Command to connect and operate on a FTP server.
FTYPE - Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO - Movesa batch file to a specific label or location.
GRAFTABL - Show extended characters in graphics mode.
HELP - Display a listing of commands and brief explanation.
HOSTNAME -Display the hostname of the machine.
IF - Allows for batch files to perform conditional processing.
IFSHLP.SYS - 32-bit file manager.
IPCONFIG - Network command to view network adapter settings and assigned values.
KEYB - Change layout of keyboard.
LABEL - Change the label of a disk drive.
LH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LISTSVC - Recovery console command that displays the services and drivers.
LOADFIX - Load a program above the first 64k.
LOADHIGH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LOCK - Lock the hard disk drive.
LOGON - Recovery console command to list installations and enable administrator login.
MAP - Displays the device name of a drive.
MD - Command to create a new directory.
MEM - Display memory on system.
MKDIR - Command to create a new directory.
MODE - Modify the port or display settings.
MORE - Display one page at a time.
MOVE - Move one or more files from one directory to another directory.
MSAV - Early M*cro$oft Virus scanner.
MSBACKUP -MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.
MSD - Diagnostics utility.
MSCDEX - Utility used to load and provide access to the CD-ROM.
MWBACKUP - MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.
NBTSTAT - Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT
NET - Update, fix, or view the network or network settings
NETSH - Configure dynamic and static network information from MS-DOS.
NETSTAT - Display the TCP/IP network protocol statistics and information.
NLSFUNC - Load country specific information.
NSLOOKUP - Look up an IP address of a domain or host on a network.
PATH - View and modify the computers path location.
PATHPING - View and locate locations of network latency.
PAUSE - Command used in batch files to stop the processing of a command.
PING - Test / send information to another network computer or network device.
POPD - Changes to the directory or network path stored by the pushd command.
POWER - Conserve power with computer portables.
PRINT - Prints data to a printer port.
PROMPT - View and change the MS-DOS prompt.
PUSHD - Stores a directory or network path in memory so it can be returned to at any time.
QBASIC - Open the QBasic.
RD - Removes an empty directory.
REN - Renames a file or directory.
RENAME - Renames a file or directory.
RMDIR - Removes an empty directory.
ROUTE - View and configure windows network route tables.
RUNAS - Enables a user to execute a program on another computer.
SCANDISK - Run the scandisk utility.
SCANREG - Scan registry and recover registry from errors.
SET - Change one variable or string to another.
SETLOCAL - Enables local environments to be changed without affecting anything else.
SETVER - Change MS-DOS version to trick older MS-DOS programs.
SFC - Scans and replaces any M*cro$oft Windows file on the computer and replaces any changed file with the correct version
SHARE - Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities.
SHIFT - Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.
SHUTDOWN - Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt.
SMARTDRV - Create a disk cache in conventional memory or extended memory.
SORT - Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.
START - Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt.
SUBST - Substitute a folder on your computer for another drive letter.
SWITCHES - Remove add functions from MS-DOS.
SYS - Transfer system files to disk drive.
SYSTEMINFO - Displays complete system information for M*cro$oft Windows XP Professional computers.
SYSTEMROOT - The systemroot command is a recovery console command that sets the current directory as the system root directory.
TELNET - Telnet to another computer / device from the prompt.
TIME - View or modify the system time.
TITLE - Change the title of their MS-DOS window.
TRACERT - Visually view a network packets route across a network.
TREE - View a visual tree of the hard disk drive.
TYPE - Display the contents of a file.
UNDELETE - Undelete a file that has been deleted.
UNFORMAT - Unformat a hard disk drive.
UNLOCK - Unlock a disk drive.
VER Display - the version information.
VERIFY - Enables or disables the feature to determine if files have been written properly.
VOL - Displays the volume information about the designated drive.
XCOPY - Copy multiple files, directories, and/or drives from one location to another.
Disposable Email Address
very handy for sites that send u passwords or activation links on your email....also helps protect your actual email from spam
http://10minutemail.com/10MinuteMail/index.html
Windows Xp Tricks And Tweaks
Editing the Boot.ini file
Added 10/18/05
The boot.ini file is a simple text file that is on the root of the boot drive.
You can edit this with any plain text editor like Notepad (may need to unhide the file first)
1. Right click on My Computer
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Under Startup and Recovery, click on the Settings button
5. Click on the Edit button
Running CHKDSK
Added 8/17/05
One way to run a chkdsk (this is like Scandisk that was with Win9X), is to
1. Double click on My Computer
2. Right click on the drive you want to check
3. Select Properties
4. Click on the Tools tab
5. Click on the Check Now button
6. Check to Automatically fix file system errors - This is the same as running chkdsk /f
7. If you want to Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, check that box - This is the same as running chkdsk /R. It can also add a lot of time to the scan
8. Reboot if necessary
You can also run chkdsk from the command line with will give you more options.
The following switches are available:
/F - fix any errors
/R - identifies bad sectors
/V - with FAT32, displays a verbose output
With NTFS Volumes:
/I - Performs simpler check (stage 2)
/C - Skips the checking of cycles within folder structures
/X - Forces the volume to dismount if necessary. Intended for server administrators and should be avoided for normal use
Opening Shared Folders Snap-In
Added 8/17/05
To manage all your shared folders, you can run the snap-in directly
Start / Run / fsmgmt.msc
This will show you all your shared folders in a single window
You can also see what other computers are connected and what files they have open
Additional Utilities
Added 8/17/05
On the XP CD in the \Support\Tools directory, there are a lot of additional support and troubleshooting utilities.
You can run SETUP from that directory to install them.
Just a few are:
diruse Shows Disk Usage
dupfinder Finds Duplicate files
getmac Get's MAC address of the network card
hostname Shows the host name of the computer
netdiag Diagnoses a variety of network components
pviewer Show a list of process and allows you to get a memory detail or kill any process
windiff Compare files and directories
Viewing Your IP Address Information
Added 8/17/05
There are several ways you can determine your IP address information:
IPCONFIG
1. Start / Run / cmd
2. IPCONFIG /ALL
This opens a command window. One advantage is that you can send the information to a text file (IPCONFIG /ALL > c:\ip.txt)
But sometimes the window shows show much information you need to scroll around to fine it.
VIEW STATUS
1. Control Panel / Network Connections / Double click the icons for your network (If the network has an icon in the system tray you can also just double click on that icon)
2. Click on the Support tab
3. Click on the Details button
Make Pictures Smaller Unavailable
Added 8/17/05
When you try and send pictures through e-mail, you should normally be given the option to make them smaller.
If this option is not available, a DLL file may need to be registered.
1. Start
2. Run
3. regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
Creating a Suspend Shortcut
Submitted 3/2/05
If you would like to create an icon to suspend your computer,
1. Right click on the Desktop
2. New / Shortcut
3. Enter in rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState
4. Give it whatever name you want
5. Now when you click on that shortcut, your computer will shutdown and suspend
Submitted by Gabe
Changing the User Type
Added 3/2/05
Normally 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
1. Right click on My Computer
2. Manage
3. Local Users and Groups
4. Users
5. Right click on the user you want to change
6. Properties
7. Member of tab
8. Add button
9. Advanced button
10. Find Now button
11. From here you see the full list of possibilities (e.g. Power User, Backup Operator etc.)
Determining Which Services are Associated with SVCHOST
Added 3/2/05
Since 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 Drivers
3/2/05
If you are having problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,
often the problem is due to a faulty device driver.
One way to help identify them is through the use of the Verfier program
1. Start / Run / Verifier
2. Keep the default of Create Standard Settings
3. Select the type of drivers you want to confirm
4. A list of drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.
5. Reboot
6. If your computer stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with the problem driver
7. To turn off the Verifier, run verifier /reset
Viewing Installed Drivers
Added 3/2/05
If 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 Error
Added 11/19/04
If 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:
1. Remove the old registry entries - Download Reg file
2. Import the correct registry entries - Download Reg file
3. Reboot the computer
Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall
Added 9/30/04
1. Click on Start / Run
2. Enter in firewall.cpl
3. Click on the Exceptions tab
Adding a Port for Internet Access:
1. Click on the Add Port button
2. Name it whatever you want
3. Enter in the ports you want to open
Adding a Program for Internet Access
1. Click on Add Program... button
2. A list of all installed programs will be displayed
3. Highlight the one you want to include for Internet access
4. Click on the OK button
Autoexec.nt or Config.nt Errors
Added 9/17/04
If you are getting errors similar to:
The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and m*cro$oft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
Try copying the file from \windows\repair directory to the one that is in the \windows\system32 directory.
Common Control Panel Applets
Added 9/17/04
The follow are some common Control Panel Applets that are located in the \windows\system32 directory.
If you find yourself using any of these frequently, then you can simply make shortcuts to them on your desktop.
appwiz.cpl Add/Remove Programs
desk.cpl Display Properties
firewall.cpl Firewall Settings
inetcpl.cpl Internet Options
mmsys.cpl Sound and Audio
ncpa.cpl Network Connections
nusrmgr.cpl User Accounts
powercfg.cpl Power Options
sysdm.cpl System Properties
wscui.cpl Security Center
wuaucpl.cpl Automatic Updates Configuration
Windows Explorer Opens Search Companion Rather than the Folder
If the Windows Explorer opens up the Search Companion rather than opening up the actual folder, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.
To correct this:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Running SFC without a CD ROM
Added 6/9/04
If you run sfc /scannow and get prompted to insert a CD,
there are a couple of changes you might need to make.
Slipstream your copy of WindowsXP with the latest service pack you have applied.
For detailed unstructions on how to do this see:
SlipStreaming a Service Pack into Windows XP
Once these files are on your hard drive, you can simply make a few registry changes to point to those locations.
Start Regedit
Go to the follow locations and change the path to wherever you copied the source files.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\SourcePath
the last one might not be necessary
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SourcePath
Guest Only Network Access
Added 4/11/04
If 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:
1. Got to Control Panel - Administrative Tools
2. Go to Local Policies - Security Options
3. Check teh Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
4. Set it to Classic - local users authenticate as themselves
Repairing Damaged Winsock2
Updated 6/26/04
The 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
1. Run Msinfo32
2. Click on the + by Components
3. Click on the by Network
4. Click on Protocol
5. 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
1. Run Regedit
2. Delete the following two registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
Download Reg file to delete these entries
3. Restart the computer
4. Go to Network Connections
5. Right click and select Properties
6. Click on the Install button
7. Select Protocol
8. Click on the Add button
9. Click on the Have Disk button
10. Browse to the \Windows\inf directory
11. Click on the Open button
12. Click on the OK button
13. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
14. Click on the OK button
15. Reboot
Or Download Reg file to add the correct registries back in
Not Displaying Previous Network Share Shortcuts
Added 3/26/04
By 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
1. Open up the Windows Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
3. The top section should be Files and Folders
4. Uncheck Automatically search for network folders and printers
5. Then go into Network Neighborhood Select all the previous netowork connections Delete them
6. Next time you look at the Network Neighborhood, they should not repopulate
Hiding a XP Computer from Network Neighborhood
Added 3/26/04
If 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 Folders
Added 3/26/04
If you need to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE will bring up a simple dialog box to let you:
1. Browse to the folder you want to share
2. Enter in a Share name
3. Ender in a Share description
4. Set permissions. Several choices are available
5. Restart the process from within the same program
System32 Folder Opens When Logging On
Added 3/26/04
If the System32 folder shows on the desktop, there may be an invalid entry in the Registry
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to both:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
5. Double check that the values do not have incorrect, incomplete, or blank entries
Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders
Added 3/4/04
If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,
just run:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock
Added 3/4/04
If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard
3. Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
4. 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
5. Log off and back on again
Running Network Diagnostics
Added 3/4/04
Network 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 XP
Submitted 3/4/04
Windows XP cmd tip (DOS isn’t dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder creation examples:
To create multiple folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command:
C:\> md this is a test
To create a folder several folders deep, use:
C:\> md this\is\a\test
Creating a folder with a long name requires the double-quote at the beginning:
C:\> md "this is a test
Bonus tip: Windows XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style CD command to change your present working directory:
C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc
Submitted by Bob and Tina
Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar
Added 12/26/03
If you mistakenly deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\m*cro$oft\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
You can also DOWNLOAD a file, uncompress it, and copy to the toolbar or wherever you would like.
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install
Added 12/9/03
Sometimes 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.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters
3. Edit the IRPStackSize
4. Give it a value of 15
5. Reboot the computer
Fixing Cryptographic Services Error
Added 12/8/03
If 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 Directories
Added 11/30/03
Sometimes after adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.
To correct this:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Configure for Auto-Logon
Added 11/28/03
If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,
1. Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
2. Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer
Services You Can Disable
Updated 10/30/03
There 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 m*cro$oft 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 Service
Added 6/21/03
To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer,
you can disable the Messenger service.
1. Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
7. Click the STOP button
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK
Submitted by Thomas Bitner Olson
Faster DOS Printing
Submitted 6/21/03
If you are experiencing slow printing for DOS programs with Windows2000
1. Go Start | Run | Regedit
2. Click Hkey_Local_Machine
3. Click on System
4. Click CurrentControlSet
5. Click Control
6. Go to the bottom of this part of the list and click WOW
7. Click LPT timeout and change it to a 3
Submitted by Steve Cohen
Cleaning the Prefetch Directory
Added 3/2/03
WindowsXP 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:
1. Star / Run / Prefetch
2. Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the files
3. Delete them
Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages
Added 3/2/30
To turn these off:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
3. If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
4. Give it a value of 1
Download a reg file
Accessing Non-Listed Display Configurations
Added 3/2/03
If you want to access display configurations not normally listed (e.g. 256 colors)
1. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab.
2. Click the Advanced button.
3. Click the Adapter tab,
4. Click the List all modes button.
5. Select the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate that you want and click OK.
Repair Install
Added 2/9/03
If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
3. This will start the repair
4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
8. 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)
9. When prompted, click on the Next button
10. When prompted, enter your XP key
11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
12. The computer will reboot
13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
15. Register if you want (but not necessary)
16. Finish
17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.
NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.
5. CD i386
6. expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
7. If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to C:\Windows
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
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
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
Added 2/9/03
If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. cd \windows\system32\config
6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
7. Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,
If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.
For NTFS:
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. 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:\
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box
Added 1/31/03
1. Create a new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this one line:
(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows();
2. Save and Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
3. You can make a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.
Submitted by DJ Speed Racer
Adding TCP/IP Printers
Added 1/7/02
To create a connection to a printer connected to your network:
1. Start to add a new printer through the control panel.
2. Select Local Printer / Next
3. Instead of a LPT port, check Create a new port at the bottom on the window
4. Scroll to Standard TCP/IP Port
5. Keep going and enter the IP address of the printer.
Increasing the Folder Cache
Added 1/6/02
The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.
To increase it:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
3. Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)
1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
5000 - 1388
You can Dowload a reg file that will set it for 5000
Hiding the Last User Logged On
Added 1/4/03
If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:
1. Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
3. Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name
4. Set it to Enable
Poweroff at Shutdown
1/4/03
If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to do this.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
4. You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Download reg file
Remembering Folder Settings
Added 12/21/02
If XP does not remember your folder settings, delete or rename the following registry keys
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
Download reg file
Stop Password Expiration
Updated 12/21/02
If 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:
1. Right click on the My Computer icon
2. Select Manage
3. Go to Local Users and Groups / Users
4. Right-click on the user you want to change
5. Select Properties
6. On the General tab, check Password never expires
7. Click OK
Installing Java Virtual Machine
Updated 12/21/02
If you are getting errors when browsing the web to install Java Virtual Machine,
You can still download it from m*cro$oft (version 3810)
If this link is removed by MS or is too slow you can download it here
If you need a previous version, you can download 3805
It is now included in Service Pack1
You can also download Sun's version
Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus
Added 12/14/02
To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3.
Edit the key ForegroundLockTimeout
4.
Give it a value of 00030d40
Download reg file
Disable Explorer Thumbnail View
Added 12/4/02
If you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View ,
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \
3.
Change ClassicViewState to 1
Download reg file
Adding Environment Variables
Added 12/04/02
Since any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,
to add environment variables to WindowsXP:
1.
Right click on My Computer
2.
Select Properties
3.
Click on the Advanced tab
4.
Click on the Environment Variables button
5.
From here you can change it for the system or just the current user.
Disable Passport Pop-Up
Added 11/26/02
Normally, WindowsXP will prompt you 10 times that You Need a Passport to use WindowsXP Internet communication features...
To disable this
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ MessengerService
3.
Edit the binary key PassportBalloon
4.
Give it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00)
Show Hidden Devices
Submitted 11/26/02
You 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:
1.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ ControlSet001 \ Control \ Session Manager \ Environment
2.
Create a string DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
3.
Give it a value of 1
Download reg file
Batch File
@Echo Off
Prompt $p$g
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
exit
Submitted by Michael Kinsel
Spell Check Not Working With Outlook Express and Office97
Added 11/23/02
This is simply due to a missing or corrupted DLL file
1. Go to the i386 directory of your XP source files
2. 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).
3. Copy the file to the Program Files\Common Files\m*cro$oft Shared\Proof directory
4. You can also download the file from my site.
Disable Shared Documents
Added 11/23/02
To disable the Shared Documents folder that shows up on the network
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \
3.
Create a new DWORD Value
4.
Give it the name NoSharedDocuments
5.
Give it a value of 1
6.
Log off or reboot
Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu
Submitted 11/23/02
To Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu:
1. Start regedit.exe
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\m*cro$oft\Conferencing\Mcpt
3. Create a new string value (Click on Edit > New > String Value).
4. Name the value Nx
5. Double-click on it and set it's value to 1
6. Close the registry
Now the menu options will be grayed out.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray
Submitted 11/23/02
To Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray:
1. Click Start, then Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click ok.
3. Scroll down until you find the NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing service
4. Double-click on it.
5. Click on the Log On tab.
6. Uncheck Allow service to interact with desktop
7. Click OK then close the services window.
8. Reboot (You must reboot).
There you go. When you return, RDS will work, but there will be no icon in the notification area.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Printing a Directory
Added 11/12/02
WindowsXP 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
1.
Start the Explorer
2.
Go to Tools / Folder Options
3.
On the File Types tab, click File Folder.
4.
Click Advanced button and then click New.
5.
In the Action box, type Print Directory (or whatever text you want to appear).
6.
In the Application used to perform action box, type C:\print_directory.bat, and then click OK.
7.
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:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Removing Thumbs.db Files
Added 11/12/02
When 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
1.
Start the Windows Explorer
2.
Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
3.
In the first section under Files and Folders, check Do not cache thumbnails
4.
Now you can search for the thumbs.db file on your computer and remove them. No more should be created.
Enable / Disable the Task Manager
Added 10/17/02
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3.
Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr
4.
Give it a value of 0 to enable it
5.
Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it
Download Reg File
Saving Desktop Settings
Added 9/11/02
If you desktop or folders on your desktop do not retain their settings:
Start Regedit
1.
Go go HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Program Manager\Restrictions
2.
Create or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings
3.
Give it a value of 0
Download reg file
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop
Added 9/10/02
If your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop and
you would like to remove it:
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3.
Edit or Create the DWORD entry PaintDesktopVersion
4.
A value of 0 will hide the version from the desktop
5.
Logoff or reboot
Download reg file
To make this change for all future users, edit
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop in the same manner.
Using Media Player 6.4
Added 9/10/02
If you want to use the older version of m*cro$oft 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 Wizard
Added 7/24/02
By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard will pop up every 60 days to cleanup your desktop.
To stop this:
1. Right click on the desktop.
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Desktop tab
4. Click on the Customize Desktop button
5. Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Clearing the Page File on Shutdown
Updated 7/24/02
Another way to set the computer to clear the pagefile without directly editing the registry is:
1. Click on the Start button
2. Go to the Control Panel
3. Administrative Tools
4. Local Security Policy
5. Local Policies
6. Click on Security Options
7. Right hand menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
8. Select "Enable"
9. Reboot
Submitted by Arthur Pounder
Added 8/16/01
If you want to clear the page file on each shutdown:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\ClearPageFileAtShutdown
3. Set the value to 1
Download reg file
Restoring Access to CD ROMs
Added 5/22/02
If 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\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Download Reg File
ReInstalling WindowsXP
Added 5/21/02
If you need to reinstall WindowsXP and want to keep all your current installed applications and settings:
1.
Start WindowsXP
2.
Go to the location of your source files
3.
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 Left
Added 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:
1.
Right click on My Computer
2.
Click on Properties
3.
Click on the Advanced tab
4.
Click on the Environment Variables button
5.
Click on New button
6.
Enter the Variable name: dircmd
7.
Enter the Variable value: /-n
Dell Computer Not Keeping Correct Time
Added 5/5/02
If your Dell computer is loosing time while the computer is turned on,
You can run the following commands:
1. Start / Run / CMD
2. Net stop w32time
3. w32tm /unregister
4. w32tm /unregister
5. w32tm /register
6. Net start w32time
You can also download a Dell Patch to do the same process automatically
Fix Browsing Delay to Win98/ME Computers
Added 5/18/01
If you experience a 30 second or so delay when browsing to Windows98 or WindowsME computers,
delete the following registry key on the Windows2000 or WindowsXP computer.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / Software / m*cro$oft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Explorer / RemoteComputer / NameSpace {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Download reg file
Formatting a Partition Greater than 32 GIGs with FAT32
Added 4/27/02
WindowsXP will only format a partition greater than 32 GIGs as NTFS.
If you want to format it with FAT32:
1.
You can use a regular Win98 Boot disk and use that version of FDISK to create the partition (with Large Hard Drive Support)
2.
Reboot with the same boot disk and format
3.
WindowsXP will then be able to use the partition with no problems
Adding SafeBoot to the Boot Menu
Added 4/23/02
You can add Safeboot as an option to the normal XP boot screen
1. Open a command prompt
2. Copy the current c:\boot.ini to another name (just in case)
3. With your favorite text editor, edit c:\boot.ini
4. Copy then edit the current boot line to another line. For example:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="m*cro$oft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
might copy and then change to:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="m*cro$oft Windows XP Professional Safeboot" /fastdetect
5. Start MSCONFIG
6. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
7. Highlight the second line with the additional name of Safeboot
8. Check the /SAFEBOOT box with option you want
Minimal - Minimal set of drivers
Network - With Network Support
Dsrepair - Directory Services Repair
Minimal (Alternate Shell) - Standard Explorer Desktop
9. You will now have this option every time you start XP
No GUI Boot
Added 4/23/02
If you don't need to see the XP boot logo,
1. Run MSCONFIG
2. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
3. Check the box for /NOGUIBOOT
Speeding the Startup of Some CD Burner Programs
Added 4/23/02
If you use program other than the native WindowsXP CD Burner software,
you might be able to increase the speed that it loads.
1. Go to Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Services
2. Double-click on IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
3. For the Startup Type, select Disabled
4. Click on the OK button and then close the Services window
5. If you dontYou should notice
Getting Rid of Unread Email Messages
Updated 4/20/02
To remove the Unread Email message by user's login names:
1. Start Regedit
2. For a single user: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
3. For all users: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
4. Create a DWORD key called MessageExpiryDays
5. Give it a value of 0
Download reg file
Using the Internet Explorer Classic Search
Added 4/20/02
If you want to use the classic search engine in the Internet Explorer
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Internet Explorer\Main
3. If it is not there, create a String Value of Use Search Asst
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
Logging in as Administrator
Added 4/11/02
If you want to log in as Administrator, but it is not show on the Welcome screen,
1. Hold the Ctrl-Alt key and press Del twice.
2. This will bring up the normal login and you can log on as Administrator
To unhide the Administrator account so it does show up:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Unhide the Administrator key by giving it a value of 1
Download reg file
Correcting Fast User Switching Error
Added 4/11/02
If you are getting an error that:
A recently installed program has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching
with a reference to CSGina.DLL
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. Delete the key GinaDLL
Download reg file
Using the Classic Search in Explorer
Added 4/11/02
If you prefer to use the classic search style in Explorer,
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
3. Add a String Key called Use Search Asst
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
No To All When Overwriting Files
Added 4/5/02
When overwriting files in the Windows Explorer, there is an option for Yes To All.
This would overwrite any files you would normally be prompted for.
To have No To All, simply hold down the Shift key while you click on the No option.
Re-Installing User Login Pictures
Added 4/5/02
Normally WindowsXP shows assigned pictures for each user on the system.
If you have deleted your user pictures, want to know the location, or need to reinstall them,
they are stored in the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\m*cro$oft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures
directory.
If you need to reinstall them, they can be expanded from the source CD. The actual files are:
airplane.bmp
astronaut.bmp
ball.bmp
butterfly.bmp
cat.bmp
fish.bmp
pink flower.bmp
guitar.bmp
snowflake.bmp
beach.bmp
car.bmp
chess.bmp
dirt bike.bmp
dog.bmp
drip.bmp
duck.bmp
frog.bmp
horses.bmp
kick.bmp
lift-off.bmp
palm tree.bmp
red flower.bmp
skater.bmp
WINIPCFG for XP
Added 4/1/02
If you like the graphic IP configuration program that comes with Windows98,
you can download a similar one for WindowsXP or Windows2000 from m*cro$oft at:
http://www.m*cro$oft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/wntipcfg-o.asp
The actual file is at:
WntIpcfg_setup.exe
Search Companion Error
Added 4/1/02
When doing a file search, if you get the error A File That Is Required to Run Search Companion Cannot Be Found
1. Log on as an Administrator
2. Click Start
3. Select Run
4. Enter in the command - %systemroot%\inf
5. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file
6. Click Install
Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version
Added 4/1/02
By default, the NTBACKUP program is not installed on the home version.
You can find it on the CD in the \VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP directory
Since not all vendors include the actual source code for XP,
you can download a copy
Changing Drive Letters
Added 3/30/02
If you want to change the letters assigned to your fixed or removable drives:
1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Select Manage
3. Select Disk Management
For a Fixed Disk:
1. Select it
2. Right click
3. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
4. Click on the Edit button
5. Enter in the letter you want to use
For a Removable Disk:
1. In the lower, right hand panel, right click on the Disk or CD ROM #
2. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
3. Click on the Edit button
4. Enter in the letter you want to use
Note: This can only be done for drives that do not have the Operating System Installed or you are booting to.
Turn off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as the Default Image Viewer
Updated 3/29/02
You can also change the file associations for the specific file types you want.
1. Open the Windows Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / File Types
3. Scroll down to the extension you want to change
4. Click on the Change button
5. Select the program you want to associate with that extension
6. Click on the OK button
Added 3/4/02
If the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is set as the default for many of your graphic file types,
you can remove it so other graphics programs can be used.
1. Run Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT / SystemFileAssociations / image / ShellEx / ContextMenuHandlers
3. Delete the key ShellImagePreview
Download reg file
Allowing Network Access with Blank Passwords
Added 3/23/02
Although you can log in locally without a password, by default, WindowsXP Pro does not allow network users to access the computer without a password. Typically you will receive an Unknown error 31 if this is the case.
To change this setting:
1. Run gpedit.msc
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
3. Double click on Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only
4. Disable this option
Changing the Default DOS Window Properties
Added 3/22/02
If you want to change the default DOS windows properties like:
* Size
* Color
* Font
* Buffer Size
* Window / Full Screen
1. Open up a DOS window
2. Right click on the Title Bar
3. Select Defaults
4. Make any of the changes you like
5. All subsequent DOS windows will assume these defaults
Changing the Registered Owner
Added 3/20/02
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
3. From there you can edit the name in the Registered Owner key
Opening a Command Prompt to a Particular Directory from Explorer
Added 3/18/02
If you want to open a command prompt to a directory that is selected in the Explorer:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Create a new key called Command
4. Give it the value of the name you want to appear in the Explorer. Something like Open DOS Box
5. Under this create a new key called command
6. Give it a value of cmd.exe /k "cd %L"
7. Now when you are in the Explorer, right click on a folder, select Open DOS Box, and a command prompt will open to the selected directory.
Download reg file
Adding Time Servers
Added 3/18/02
With WindowsXP, you can double-click on the time in the System Tray and connect to Time Servers on the Internet to synchronize with.
To add to the list of available servers:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DateTime\Servers
3. Add new string keys named 2, 3, etc. with a value of the time server you want to use.
Creating a Boot Floppy
Added 3/14/02
To create a bootable floppy from within WindowsXP:
1. Insert a floppy into the A: drive
2. Open the Explorer
3. Right click on the A: Drive
4. Select Format
5. Check Create an MS-DOS startup disk
6. Click on the Start button
7. This will create a Millennium boot disk
Changing the Login Screen Saver
Added 3/8/02
If you want to change the screen saver that runs at the login prompt:
Start Regedit
1. Go to HK_USERS / .DEFAULT / Control Panel / Desktop
2. Double click on SCRNSAVE.EXE
3. Enter in the screen saver you want to use
Running NetMeeting
Added 3/8/02
To run NetMeeting:
1. Do a Start / Run
2. Enter conf
3. Answer the prompts along the way for name, e-mail etc.
Set the Online Registration as Being Completed
Added 3/4/02
You can set WindowsXP to assume the online registration has been completed.
1. Run Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion
3. Create a String Value called RegDone
4. Give it a value of 1
Download reg file
Decreasing Boot Time
Added 3/4/02
m*cro$oft has made available a program to analyze and decrease the time it takes to boot to WindowsXP
The program is called BootVis
1. Uncompress the file.
2. Run BOOTVIS.EXE
3. For a starting point, run Trace / Next Boot + Driver Delays
4. This will reboot your computer and provide a benchmark
5. After the reboot, BootVis will take a minute or two to show graphs of your system startup.
6. Note how much time it takes for your system to load (click on the red vertical line)
7. Then run Trace / Optimize System
8. Re-Run the Next Boot + Drive Delays
9. Note how much the time has decreased
10. Mine went from approximately 39 to 30 seconds.
Re-Enabling System Restore
Added 3/3/02
If you previously disabled system restore through the Group Policy Editor,
the option to start it again does not show in the System Properties.
You can re-enable it again by:
1. Run the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / System Restore
3. Set Turn off System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Disable
4. Right click on My Computer
5. Select Manage
6. Go to Services and Applications / Services
7. Scroll down to System Restore Service
8. Set it for Automatic
9. Click on the Start button to start the service
10. Close down this window
11. Go back to the Group Policy Editor and configure both to Not configured
12. Now when you right click on My Computer, there should be a tab for System Restore and you can configure how much space will be used.
Hide/Unhide Logon Names
Added 3/3/02
If you want to hide or unhide the names of users that are displayed on the initial logon screen:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Add a DWORD with the name of the user account you want to hide
4. Make sure it has a value of 0
5. If there is an existing account, you can unhide it by giving it a value of 1
Reinstalling the TCP/IP Protocol
Added 10/18/05
The boot.ini file is a simple text file that is on the root of the boot drive.
You can edit this with any plain text editor like Notepad (may need to unhide the file first)
1. Right click on My Computer
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Under Startup and Recovery, click on the Settings button
5. Click on the Edit button
Running CHKDSK
Added 8/17/05
One way to run a chkdsk (this is like Scandisk that was with Win9X), is to
1. Double click on My Computer
2. Right click on the drive you want to check
3. Select Properties
4. Click on the Tools tab
5. Click on the Check Now button
6. Check to Automatically fix file system errors - This is the same as running chkdsk /f
7. If you want to Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, check that box - This is the same as running chkdsk /R. It can also add a lot of time to the scan
8. Reboot if necessary
You can also run chkdsk from the command line with will give you more options.
The following switches are available:
/F - fix any errors
/R - identifies bad sectors
/V - with FAT32, displays a verbose output
With NTFS Volumes:
/I - Performs simpler check (stage 2)
/C - Skips the checking of cycles within folder structures
/X - Forces the volume to dismount if necessary. Intended for server administrators and should be avoided for normal use
Opening Shared Folders Snap-In
Added 8/17/05
To manage all your shared folders, you can run the snap-in directly
Start / Run / fsmgmt.msc
This will show you all your shared folders in a single window
You can also see what other computers are connected and what files they have open
Additional Utilities
Added 8/17/05
On the XP CD in the \Support\Tools directory, there are a lot of additional support and troubleshooting utilities.
You can run SETUP from that directory to install them.
Just a few are:
diruse Shows Disk Usage
dupfinder Finds Duplicate files
getmac Get's MAC address of the network card
hostname Shows the host name of the computer
netdiag Diagnoses a variety of network components
pviewer Show a list of process and allows you to get a memory detail or kill any process
windiff Compare files and directories
Viewing Your IP Address Information
Added 8/17/05
There are several ways you can determine your IP address information:
IPCONFIG
1. Start / Run / cmd
2. IPCONFIG /ALL
This opens a command window. One advantage is that you can send the information to a text file (IPCONFIG /ALL > c:\ip.txt)
But sometimes the window shows show much information you need to scroll around to fine it.
VIEW STATUS
1. Control Panel / Network Connections / Double click the icons for your network (If the network has an icon in the system tray you can also just double click on that icon)
2. Click on the Support tab
3. Click on the Details button
Make Pictures Smaller Unavailable
Added 8/17/05
When you try and send pictures through e-mail, you should normally be given the option to make them smaller.
If this option is not available, a DLL file may need to be registered.
1. Start
2. Run
3. regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
Creating a Suspend Shortcut
Submitted 3/2/05
If you would like to create an icon to suspend your computer,
1. Right click on the Desktop
2. New / Shortcut
3. Enter in rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState
4. Give it whatever name you want
5. Now when you click on that shortcut, your computer will shutdown and suspend
Submitted by Gabe
Changing the User Type
Added 3/2/05
Normally 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
1. Right click on My Computer
2. Manage
3. Local Users and Groups
4. Users
5. Right click on the user you want to change
6. Properties
7. Member of tab
8. Add button
9. Advanced button
10. Find Now button
11. From here you see the full list of possibilities (e.g. Power User, Backup Operator etc.)
Determining Which Services are Associated with SVCHOST
Added 3/2/05
Since 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 Drivers
3/2/05
If you are having problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,
often the problem is due to a faulty device driver.
One way to help identify them is through the use of the Verfier program
1. Start / Run / Verifier
2. Keep the default of Create Standard Settings
3. Select the type of drivers you want to confirm
4. A list of drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.
5. Reboot
6. If your computer stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with the problem driver
7. To turn off the Verifier, run verifier /reset
Viewing Installed Drivers
Added 3/2/05
If 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 Error
Added 11/19/04
If 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:
1. Remove the old registry entries - Download Reg file
2. Import the correct registry entries - Download Reg file
3. Reboot the computer
Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall
Added 9/30/04
1. Click on Start / Run
2. Enter in firewall.cpl
3. Click on the Exceptions tab
Adding a Port for Internet Access:
1. Click on the Add Port button
2. Name it whatever you want
3. Enter in the ports you want to open
Adding a Program for Internet Access
1. Click on Add Program... button
2. A list of all installed programs will be displayed
3. Highlight the one you want to include for Internet access
4. Click on the OK button
Autoexec.nt or Config.nt Errors
Added 9/17/04
If you are getting errors similar to:
The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and m*cro$oft 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 Applets
Added 9/17/04
The 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 Folder
If 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:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Running SFC without a CD ROM
Added 6/9/04
If 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.
For detailed unstructions on how to do this see:
SlipStreaming a Service Pack into Windows XP
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\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\SourcePath
the last one might not be necessary
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SourcePath
Guest Only Network Access
Added 4/11/04
If 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:
1. Got to Control Panel - Administrative Tools
2. Go to Local Policies - Security Options
3. Check teh Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
4. Set it to Classic - local users authenticate as themselves
Repairing Damaged Winsock2
Updated 6/26/04
The 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
1. Run Msinfo32
2. Click on the + by Components
3. Click on the by Network
4. Click on Protocol
5. 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
1. Run Regedit
2. Delete the following two registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
Download Reg file to delete these entries
3. Restart the computer
4. Go to Network Connections
5. Right click and select Properties
6. Click on the Install button
7. Select Protocol
8. Click on the Add button
9. Click on the Have Disk button
10. Browse to the \Windows\inf directory
11. Click on the Open button
12. Click on the OK button
13. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
14. Click on the OK button
15. Reboot
Or Download Reg file to add the correct registries back in
Not Displaying Previous Network Share Shortcuts
Added 3/26/04
By 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
1. Open up the Windows Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
3. The top section should be Files and Folders
4. Uncheck Automatically search for network folders and printers
5. Then go into Network Neighborhood Select all the previous netowork connections Delete them
6. Next time you look at the Network Neighborhood, they should not repopulate
Hiding a XP Computer from Network Neighborhood
Added 3/26/04
If 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 Folders
Added 3/26/04
If you need to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE will bring up a simple dialog box to let you:
1. Browse to the folder you want to share
2. Enter in a Share name
3. Ender in a Share description
4. Set permissions. Several choices are available
5. Restart the process from within the same program
System32 Folder Opens When Logging On
Added 3/26/04
If the System32 folder shows on the desktop, there may be an invalid entry in the Registry
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to both:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
5. Double check that the values do not have incorrect, incomplete, or blank entries
Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders
Added 3/4/04
If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,
just run:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock
Added 3/4/04
If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard
3. Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
4. 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
5. Log off and back on again
Running Network Diagnostics
Added 3/4/04
Network 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 XP
Submitted 3/4/04
Windows XP cmd tip (DOS isn’t dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder creation examples:
To create multiple folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command:
C:\> md this is a test
To create a folder several folders deep, use:
C:\> md this\is\a\test
Creating a folder with a long name requires the double-quote at the beginning:
C:\> md "this is a test
Bonus tip: Windows XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style CD command to change your present working directory:
C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc
Submitted by Bob and Tina
Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar
Added 12/26/03
If you mistakenly deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\m*cro$oft\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
You can also DOWNLOAD a file, uncompress it, and copy to the toolbar or wherever you would like.
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install
Added 12/9/03
Sometimes 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.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters
3. Edit the IRPStackSize
4. Give it a value of 15
5. Reboot the computer
Fixing Cryptographic Services Error
Added 12/8/03
If 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 Directories
Added 11/30/03
Sometimes after adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.
To correct this:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Configure for Auto-Logon
Added 11/28/03
If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,
1. Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
2. Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer
Services You Can Disable
Updated 10/30/03
There 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 m*cro$oft 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 Service
Added 6/21/03
To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer,
you can disable the Messenger service.
1. Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
7. Click the STOP button
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK
Submitted by Thomas Bitner Olson
Faster DOS Printing
Submitted 6/21/03
If you are experiencing slow printing for DOS programs with Windows2000
1. Go Start | Run | Regedit
2. Click Hkey_Local_Machine
3. Click on System
4. Click CurrentControlSet
5. Click Control
6. Go to the bottom of this part of the list and click WOW
7. Click LPT timeout and change it to a 3
Submitted by Steve Cohen
Cleaning the Prefetch Directory
Added 3/2/03
WindowsXP 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:
1. Star / Run / Prefetch
2. Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the files
3. Delete them
Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages
Added 3/2/30
To turn these off:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
3. If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
4. Give it a value of 1
Download a reg file
Accessing Non-Listed Display Configurations
Added 3/2/03
If you want to access display configurations not normally listed (e.g. 256 colors)
1. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab.
2. Click the Advanced button.
3. Click the Adapter tab,
4. Click the List all modes button.
5. Select the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate that you want and click OK.
Repair Install
Added 2/9/03
If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
3. This will start the repair
4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
8. 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)
9. When prompted, click on the Next button
10. When prompted, enter your XP key
11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
12. The computer will reboot
13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
15. Register if you want (but not necessary)
16. Finish
17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.
NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.
5. CD i386
6. expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
7. If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to C:\Windows
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
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
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
Added 2/9/03
If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. cd \windows\system32\config
6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
7. Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,
If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.
For NTFS:
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. 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:\
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box
Added 1/31/03
1. Create a new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this one line:
(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows();
2. Save and Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
3. You can make a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.
Submitted by DJ Speed Racer
Adding TCP/IP Printers
Added 1/7/02
To create a connection to a printer connected to your network:
1. Start to add a new printer through the control panel.
2. Select Local Printer / Next
3. Instead of a LPT port, check Create a new port at the bottom on the window
4. Scroll to Standard TCP/IP Port
5. Keep going and enter the IP address of the printer.
Increasing the Folder Cache
Added 1/6/02
The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.
To increase it:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
3. Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)
1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
5000 - 1388
You can Dowload a reg file that will set it for 5000
Hiding the Last User Logged On
Added 1/4/03
If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:
1. Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
3. Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name
4. Set it to Enable
Poweroff at Shutdown
1/4/03
If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to do this.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
4. You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Download reg file
Remembering Folder Settings
Added 12/21/02
If XP does not remember your folder settings, delete or rename the following registry keys
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
Download reg file
Stop Password Expiration
Updated 12/21/02
If you want to do this for all users, enter:
Start / Run / net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited
Added 3/18/02
If you are getting an error message that your password is about to expire:
1. Right click on the My Computer icon
2. Select Manage
3. Go to Local Users and Groups / Users
4. Right-click on the user you want to change
5. Select Properties
6. On the General tab, check Password never expires
7. Click OK
Installing Java Virtual Machine
Updated 12/21/02
If you are getting errors when browsing the web to install Java Virtual Machine,
You can still download it from m*cro$oft (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 Focus
Added 12/14/02
To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3.
Edit the key ForegroundLockTimeout
4.
Give it a value of 00030d40
Download reg file
Disable Explorer Thumbnail View
Added 12/4/02
If you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View ,
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \
3.
Change ClassicViewState to 1
Download reg file
Adding Environment Variables
Added 12/04/02
Since any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,
to add environment variables to WindowsXP:
1.
Right click on My Computer
2.
Select Properties
3.
Click on the Advanced tab
4.
Click on the Environment Variables button
5.
From here you can change it for the system or just the current user.
Disable Passport Pop-Up
Added 11/26/02
Normally, WindowsXP will prompt you 10 times that You Need a Passport to use WindowsXP Internet communication features...
To disable this
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ MessengerService
3.
Edit the binary key PassportBalloon
4.
Give it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00)
Show Hidden Devices
Submitted 11/26/02
You 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:
1.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ ControlSet001 \ Control \ Session Manager \ Environment
2.
Create a string DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
3.
Give it a value of 1
Download reg file
Batch File
@Echo Off
Prompt $p$g
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
exit
Submitted by Michael Kinsel
Spell Check Not Working With Outlook Express and Office97
Added 11/23/02
This is simply due to a missing or corrupted DLL file
1. Go to the i386 directory of your XP source files
2. 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).
3. Copy the file to the Program Files\Common Files\m*cro$oft Shared\Proof directory
4. You can also download the file from my site.
Disable Shared Documents
Added 11/23/02
To disable the Shared Documents folder that shows up on the network
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ m*cro$oft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \
3.
Create a new DWORD Value
4.
Give it the name NoSharedDocuments
5.
Give it a value of 1
6.
Log off or reboot
Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu
Submitted 11/23/02
To Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu:
1. Start regedit.exe
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\m*cro$oft\Conferencing\Mcpt
3. Create a new string value (Click on Edit > New > String Value).
4. Name the value Nx
5. Double-click on it and set it's value to 1
6. Close the registry
Now the menu options will be grayed out.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray
Submitted 11/23/02
To Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray:
1. Click Start, then Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click ok.
3. Scroll down until you find the NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing service
4. Double-click on it.
5. Click on the Log On tab.
6. Uncheck Allow service to interact with desktop
7. Click OK then close the services window.
8. Reboot (You must reboot).
There you go. When you return, RDS will work, but there will be no icon in the notification area.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Printing a Directory
Added 11/12/02
WindowsXP 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
1.
Start the Explorer
2.
Go to Tools / Folder Options
3.
On the File Types tab, click File Folder.
4.
Click Advanced button and then click New.
5.
In the Action box, type Print Directory (or whatever text you want to appear).
6.
In the Application used to perform action box, type C:\print_directory.bat, and then click OK.
7.
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:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Removing Thumbs.db Files
Added 11/12/02
When 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
1.
Start the Windows Explorer
2.
Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
3.
In the first section under Files and Folders, check Do not cache thumbnails
4.
Now you can search for the thumbs.db file on your computer and remove them. No more should be created.
Enable / Disable the Task Manager
Added 10/17/02
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3.
Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr
4.
Give it a value of 0 to enable it
5.
Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it
Download Reg File
Saving Desktop Settings
Added 9/11/02
If you desktop or folders on your desktop do not retain their settings:
Start Regedit
1.
Go go HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Program Manager\Restrictions
2.
Create or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings
3.
Give it a value of 0
Download reg file
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop
Added 9/10/02
If your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop and
you would like to remove it:
1.
Start Regedit
2.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3.
Edit or Create the DWORD entry PaintDesktopVersion
4.
A value of 0 will hide the version from the desktop
5.
Logoff or reboot
Download reg file
To make this change for all future users, edit
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop in the same manner.
Using Media Player 6.4
Added 9/10/02
If you want to use the older version of m*cro$oft 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 Wizard
Added 7/24/02
By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard will pop up every 60 days to cleanup your desktop.
To stop this:
1. Right click on the desktop.
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Desktop tab
4. Click on the Customize Desktop button
5. Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Clearing the Page File on Shutdown
Updated 7/24/02
Another way to set the computer to clear the pagefile without directly editing the registry is:
1. Click on the Start button
2. Go to the Control Panel
3. Administrative Tools
4. Local Security Policy
5. Local Policies
6. Click on Security Options
7. Right hand menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
8. Select "Enable"
9. Reboot
Submitted by Arthur Pounder
Added 8/16/01
If you want to clear the page file on each shutdown:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\ClearPageFileAtShutdown
3. Set the value to 1
Download reg file
Restoring Access to CD ROMs
Added 5/22/02
If 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\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Download Reg File
ReInstalling WindowsXP
Added 5/21/02
If you need to reinstall WindowsXP and want to keep all your current installed applications and settings:
1.
Start WindowsXP
2.
Go to the location of your source files
3.
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 Left
Added 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:
1.
Right click on My Computer
2.
Click on Properties
3.
Click on the Advanced tab
4.
Click on the Environment Variables button
5.
Click on New button
6.
Enter the Variable name: dircmd
7.
Enter the Variable value: /-n
Dell Computer Not Keeping Correct Time
Added 5/5/02
If your Dell computer is loosing time while the computer is turned on,
You can run the following commands:
1. Start / Run / CMD
2. Net stop w32time
3. w32tm /unregister
4. w32tm /unregister
5. w32tm /register
6. Net start w32time
You can also download a Dell Patch to do the same process automatically
Fix Browsing Delay to Win98/ME Computers
Added 5/18/01
If you experience a 30 second or so delay when browsing to Windows98 or WindowsME computers,
delete the following registry key on the Windows2000 or WindowsXP computer.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / Software / m*cro$oft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Explorer / RemoteComputer / NameSpace {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Download reg file
Formatting a Partition Greater than 32 GIGs with FAT32
Added 4/27/02
WindowsXP will only format a partition greater than 32 GIGs as NTFS.
If you want to format it with FAT32:
1.
You can use a regular Win98 Boot disk and use that version of FDISK to create the partition (with Large Hard Drive Support)
2.
Reboot with the same boot disk and format
3.
WindowsXP will then be able to use the partition with no problems
Adding SafeBoot to the Boot Menu
Added 4/23/02
You can add Safeboot as an option to the normal XP boot screen
1. Open a command prompt
2. Copy the current c:\boot.ini to another name (just in case)
3. With your favorite text editor, edit c:\boot.ini
4. Copy then edit the current boot line to another line. For example:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="m*cro$oft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
might copy and then change to:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="m*cro$oft Windows XP Professional Safeboot" /fastdetect
5. Start MSCONFIG
6. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
7. Highlight the second line with the additional name of Safeboot
8. Check the /SAFEBOOT box with option you want
Minimal - Minimal set of drivers
Network - With Network Support
Dsrepair - Directory Services Repair
Minimal (Alternate Shell) - Standard Explorer Desktop
9. You will now have this option every time you start XP
No GUI Boot
Added 4/23/02
If you don't need to see the XP boot logo,
1. Run MSCONFIG
2. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
3. Check the box for /NOGUIBOOT
Speeding the Startup of Some CD Burner Programs
Added 4/23/02
If you use program other than the native WindowsXP CD Burner software,
you might be able to increase the speed that it loads.
1. Go to Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Services
2. Double-click on IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
3. For the Startup Type, select Disabled
4. Click on the OK button and then close the Services window
5. If you dontYou should notice
Getting Rid of Unread Email Messages
Updated 4/20/02
To remove the Unread Email message by user's login names:
1. Start Regedit
2. For a single user: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
3. For all users: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
4. Create a DWORD key called MessageExpiryDays
5. Give it a value of 0
Download reg file
Using the Internet Explorer Classic Search
Added 4/20/02
If you want to use the classic search engine in the Internet Explorer
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Internet Explorer\Main
3. If it is not there, create a String Value of Use Search Asst
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
Logging in as Administrator
Added 4/11/02
If you want to log in as Administrator, but it is not show on the Welcome screen,
1. Hold the Ctrl-Alt key and press Del twice.
2. This will bring up the normal login and you can log on as Administrator
To unhide the Administrator account so it does show up:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Unhide the Administrator key by giving it a value of 1
Download reg file
Correcting Fast User Switching Error
Added 4/11/02
If you are getting an error that:
A recently installed program has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching
with a reference to CSGina.DLL
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. Delete the key GinaDLL
Download reg file
Using the Classic Search in Explorer
Added 4/11/02
If you prefer to use the classic search style in Explorer,
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
3. Add a String Key called Use Search Asst
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
No To All When Overwriting Files
Added 4/5/02
When overwriting files in the Windows Explorer, there is an option for Yes To All.
This would overwrite any files you would normally be prompted for.
To have No To All, simply hold down the Shift key while you click on the No option.
Re-Installing User Login Pictures
Added 4/5/02
Normally WindowsXP shows assigned pictures for each user on the system.
If you have deleted your user pictures, want to know the location, or need to reinstall them,
they are stored in the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\m*cro$oft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures
directory.
If you need to reinstall them, they can be expanded from the source CD. The actual files are:
airplane.bmp
astronaut.bmp
ball.bmp
butterfly.bmp
cat.bmp
fish.bmp
pink flower.bmp
guitar.bmp
snowflake.bmp
beach.bmp
car.bmp
chess.bmp
dirt bike.bmp
dog.bmp
drip.bmp
duck.bmp
frog.bmp
horses.bmp
kick.bmp
lift-off.bmp
palm tree.bmp
red flower.bmp
skater.bmp
WINIPCFG for XP
Added 4/1/02
If you like the graphic IP configuration program that comes with Windows98,
you can download a similar one for WindowsXP or Windows2000 from m*cro$oft at:
http://www.m*cro$oft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/wntipcfg-o.asp
The actual file is at:
WntIpcfg_setup.exe
Search Companion Error
Added 4/1/02
When doing a file search, if you get the error A File That Is Required to Run Search Companion Cannot Be Found
1. Log on as an Administrator
2. Click Start
3. Select Run
4. Enter in the command - %systemroot%\inf
5. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file
6. Click Install
Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version
Added 4/1/02
By default, the NTBACKUP program is not installed on the home version.
You can find it on the CD in the \VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP directory
Since not all vendors include the actual source code for XP,
you can download a copy
Changing Drive Letters
Added 3/30/02
If you want to change the letters assigned to your fixed or removable drives:
1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Select Manage
3. Select Disk Management
For a Fixed Disk:
1. Select it
2. Right click
3. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
4. Click on the Edit button
5. Enter in the letter you want to use
For a Removable Disk:
1. In the lower, right hand panel, right click on the Disk or CD ROM #
2. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
3. Click on the Edit button
4. Enter in the letter you want to use
Note: This can only be done for drives that do not have the Operating System Installed or you are booting to.
Turn off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as the Default Image Viewer
Updated 3/29/02
You can also change the file associations for the specific file types you want.
1. Open the Windows Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / File Types
3. Scroll down to the extension you want to change
4. Click on the Change button
5. Select the program you want to associate with that extension
6. Click on the OK button
Added 3/4/02
If the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is set as the default for many of your graphic file types,
you can remove it so other graphics programs can be used.
1. Run Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT / SystemFileAssociations / image / ShellEx / ContextMenuHandlers
3. Delete the key ShellImagePreview
Download reg file
Allowing Network Access with Blank Passwords
Added 3/23/02
Although you can log in locally without a password, by default, WindowsXP Pro does not allow network users to access the computer without a password. Typically you will receive an Unknown error 31 if this is the case.
To change this setting:
1. Run gpedit.msc
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
3. Double click on Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only
4. Disable this option
Changing the Default DOS Window Properties
Added 3/22/02
If you want to change the default DOS windows properties like:
* Size
* Color
* Font
* Buffer Size
* Window / Full Screen
1. Open up a DOS window
2. Right click on the Title Bar
3. Select Defaults
4. Make any of the changes you like
5. All subsequent DOS windows will assume these defaults
Changing the Registered Owner
Added 3/20/02
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
3. From there you can edit the name in the Registered Owner key
Opening a Command Prompt to a Particular Directory from Explorer
Added 3/18/02
If you want to open a command prompt to a directory that is selected in the Explorer:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Create a new key called Command
4. Give it the value of the name you want to appear in the Explorer. Something like Open DOS Box
5. Under this create a new key called command
6. Give it a value of cmd.exe /k "cd %L"
7. Now when you are in the Explorer, right click on a folder, select Open DOS Box, and a command prompt will open to the selected directory.
Download reg file
Adding Time Servers
Added 3/18/02
With WindowsXP, you can double-click on the time in the System Tray and connect to Time Servers on the Internet to synchronize with.
To add to the list of available servers:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DateTime\Servers
3. Add new string keys named 2, 3, etc. with a value of the time server you want to use.
Creating a Boot Floppy
Added 3/14/02
To create a bootable floppy from within WindowsXP:
1. Insert a floppy into the A: drive
2. Open the Explorer
3. Right click on the A: Drive
4. Select Format
5. Check Create an MS-DOS startup disk
6. Click on the Start button
7. This will create a Millennium boot disk
Changing the Login Screen Saver
Added 3/8/02
If you want to change the screen saver that runs at the login prompt:
Start Regedit
1. Go to HK_USERS / .DEFAULT / Control Panel / Desktop
2. Double click on SCRNSAVE.EXE
3. Enter in the screen saver you want to use
Running NetMeeting
Added 3/8/02
To run NetMeeting:
1. Do a Start / Run
2. Enter conf
3. Answer the prompts along the way for name, e-mail etc.
Set the Online Registration as Being Completed
Added 3/4/02
You can set WindowsXP to assume the online registration has been completed.
1. Run Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion
3. Create a String Value called RegDone
4. Give it a value of 1
Download reg file
Decreasing Boot Time
Added 3/4/02
m*cro$oft has made available a program to analyze and decrease the time it takes to boot to WindowsXP
The program is called BootVis
1. Uncompress the file.
2. Run BOOTVIS.EXE
3. For a starting point, run Trace / Next Boot + Driver Delays
4. This will reboot your computer and provide a benchmark
5. After the reboot, BootVis will take a minute or two to show graphs of your system startup.
6. Note how much time it takes for your system to load (click on the red vertical line)
7. Then run Trace / Optimize System
8. Re-Run the Next Boot + Drive Delays
9. Note how much the time has decreased
10. Mine went from approximately 39 to 30 seconds.
Re-Enabling System Restore
Added 3/3/02
If you previously disabled system restore through the Group Policy Editor,
the option to start it again does not show in the System Properties.
You can re-enable it again by:
1. Run the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / System Restore
3. Set Turn off System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Disable
4. Right click on My Computer
5. Select Manage
6. Go to Services and Applications / Services
7. Scroll down to System Restore Service
8. Set it for Automatic
9. Click on the Start button to start the service
10. Close down this window
11. Go back to the Group Policy Editor and configure both to Not configured
12. Now when you right click on My Computer, there should be a tab for System Restore and you can configure how much space will be used.
Hide/Unhide Logon Names
Added 3/3/02
If you want to hide or unhide the names of users that are displayed on the initial logon screen:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Add a DWORD with the name of the user account you want to hide
4. Make sure it has a value of 0
5. If there is an existing account, you can unhide it by giving it a value of 1
Reinstalling the TCP/IP Protocol
Hacker's Sites
-- http://www.smokeronline.de/
-- http://g_b_m_x.tripod.com/
-- http://www.2600.com/
-- http://xisp.org/xfactor.html
-- http://www.xisp.org/downloads.html
-- http://www.assasin-germany.de/
-- http://www.megasecurity.org/Binders.html
-- http://biw.rult.at/
-- http://www.hoobie.net/brutus/
-- http://msgs.securepoint.com/bugtraq/
-- http://www.c0rtex.de/links.php
-- http://hem.passagen.se/btener/?noframe
-- http://www.computec.ch/download.php#cat3
-- http://www.mut.ac.th/~b1121625/crack.html
-- http://www.blackhat.be/
-- http://www.blackhat.be/cst/
-- http://www.phreak.org/html/main.shtml
-- http://www.diquip.gq.nu/flooders.html
-- http://askmatador.com/ep/crews.htm
-- http://www.hirosh.tk/
-- http://www.euyulio.org/
-- http://www.fategate.de/Start.html
-- http://www.networkpunk.com/?q=files&PHPSESSID=e0dc51a110811679c2b540291bd35089
-- http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/freeware.html
-- http://lists.netsys.com/mailman/listinfo/full-disclosure
-- http://www.glocksoft.com/index.htm
-- http://www.hackernetwork.de/
-- http://www.hacker-toolz.info/
-- http://hackergames.net/index.php
-- http://www.hackernetwork.de/site/navigation.html
-- http://www.elhacker.net/hacking.htm
-- http://cleo-and-nacho.com/mainpages/hacking.htm
-- http://www.hacking-software.com/
-- http://www.beepworld.de/members2/wu-tangclan/hacktools.htm
-- http://thinkbig.at/haxor
-- http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/
-- http://www.hoobie.net/
-- http://www.ghcif.de/
-- http://www.system7.org/show.php?cat=Flooders
-- http://xxx.bittorrent.to/xs2.htm
-- http://www.geocities.com/arcardia2000/
-- http://www.intellitamper.com/infos.php
-- http://www.openwall.com/john/
-- http://members.fortunecity.de/anks40erua/key.htm
-- http://madmax.deny.de/siteJS/indexJS.htm
-- http://www.megasecurity.org/
-- http://www.musicbox2002.com/hackprograms.html
-- http://www.nethacker.de/
-- http://neworder.box.sk/codebox.links.php?key=wwwcrks
-- http://www.wizzard100.de/file-db/pafiledb.php?action=viewall
-- http://mitglied.lycos.de/CopyrightKiller/PASSWORD.htm
-- http://www.phreak.be/
-- http://xtremet.deny.de/products.htm
-- http://protools.cjb.net/
-- http://www.rishabhdara.com/link.php?currentgrp=261
-- http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/matic/security.html
-- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1
-- http://sentinel.deny.de/
-- http://sentinel.deny.de/tools.htm
-- http://mrbrain.corsaircrew.de/
-- http://tlc.discovery.com/convergence/hackers/hackers.html
-- http://www.buha.info/files/user/html/id_Tools_Proxyrama_-_The_ultimative_proxy_tool.html
-- http://www.dark-e.com/trojans.shtml
-- http://sss.deny.de/
-- http://www.xisp.org/
-- http://www.icies-home.de/
-- http://wolfman.deny.de/
-- http://www.outpost9.com/files/WordLists.html
-- http://www.cultdeadcow.com/tools/bo.html
-- http://xtremet.deny.de/
-- http://www.zone-h.org/en/index
-- http://rhino.deny.de/
-- http://rhino.deny.de/
-- http://rhino.securibox.net/triton.php
http://www.library.2ya.com/
http://igniteds.net/
http://www.ilitehost.com
http://www.danzka.dajoob.com/main.php
http://www.suck-o.com
http://www.flyninja.net/
http://www.yaho0o.net/
http://www.newagehackers.be/
http://www.princess-of-evil.com/
http://www.hakin9.org/
http://www.fish-for-rejects.com/
http://www.security-illusions.org/
http://www.triviasecurity.net/
-- http://g_b_m_x.tripod.com/
-- http://www.2600.com/
-- http://xisp.org/xfactor.html
-- http://www.xisp.org/downloads.html
-- http://www.assasin-germany.de/
-- http://www.megasecurity.org/Binders.html
-- http://biw.rult.at/
-- http://www.hoobie.net/brutus/
-- http://msgs.securepoint.com/bugtraq/
-- http://www.c0rtex.de/links.php
-- http://hem.passagen.se/btener/?noframe
-- http://www.computec.ch/download.php#cat3
-- http://www.mut.ac.th/~b1121625/crack.html
-- http://www.blackhat.be/
-- http://www.blackhat.be/cst/
-- http://www.phreak.org/html/main.shtml
-- http://www.diquip.gq.nu/flooders.html
-- http://askmatador.com/ep/crews.htm
-- http://www.hirosh.tk/
-- http://www.euyulio.org/
-- http://www.fategate.de/Start.html
-- http://www.networkpunk.com/?q=files&PHPSESSID=e0dc51a110811679c2b540291bd35089
-- http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/freeware.html
-- http://lists.netsys.com/mailman/listinfo/full-disclosure
-- http://www.glocksoft.com/index.htm
-- http://www.hackernetwork.de/
-- http://www.hacker-toolz.info/
-- http://hackergames.net/index.php
-- http://www.hackernetwork.de/site/navigation.html
-- http://www.elhacker.net/hacking.htm
-- http://cleo-and-nacho.com/mainpages/hacking.htm
-- http://www.hacking-software.com/
-- http://www.beepworld.de/members2/wu-tangclan/hacktools.htm
-- http://thinkbig.at/haxor
-- http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/
-- http://www.hoobie.net/
-- http://www.ghcif.de/
-- http://www.system7.org/show.php?cat=Flooders
-- http://xxx.bittorrent.to/xs2.htm
-- http://www.geocities.com/arcardia2000/
-- http://www.intellitamper.com/infos.php
-- http://www.openwall.com/john/
-- http://members.fortunecity.de/anks40erua/key.htm
-- http://madmax.deny.de/siteJS/indexJS.htm
-- http://www.megasecurity.org/
-- http://www.musicbox2002.com/hackprograms.html
-- http://www.nethacker.de/
-- http://neworder.box.sk/codebox.links.php?key=wwwcrks
-- http://www.wizzard100.de/file-db/pafiledb.php?action=viewall
-- http://mitglied.lycos.de/CopyrightKiller/PASSWORD.htm
-- http://www.phreak.be/
-- http://xtremet.deny.de/products.htm
-- http://protools.cjb.net/
-- http://www.rishabhdara.com/link.php?currentgrp=261
-- http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/matic/security.html
-- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1
-- http://sentinel.deny.de/
-- http://sentinel.deny.de/tools.htm
-- http://mrbrain.corsaircrew.de/
-- http://tlc.discovery.com/convergence/hackers/hackers.html
-- http://www.buha.info/files/user/html/id_Tools_Proxyrama_-_The_ultimative_proxy_tool.html
-- http://www.dark-e.com/trojans.shtml
-- http://sss.deny.de/
-- http://www.xisp.org/
-- http://www.icies-home.de/
-- http://wolfman.deny.de/
-- http://www.outpost9.com/files/WordLists.html
-- http://www.cultdeadcow.com/tools/bo.html
-- http://xtremet.deny.de/
-- http://www.zone-h.org/en/index
-- http://rhino.deny.de/
-- http://rhino.deny.de/
-- http://rhino.securibox.net/triton.php
http://www.library.2ya.com/
http://igniteds.net/
http://www.ilitehost.com
http://www.danzka.dajoob.com/main.php
http://www.suck-o.com
http://www.flyninja.net/
http://www.yaho0o.net/
http://www.newagehackers.be/
http://www.princess-of-evil.com/
http://www.hakin9.org/
http://www.fish-for-rejects.com/
http://www.security-illusions.org/
http://www.triviasecurity.net/
Data Size Information
The capacity of a computer hard disk drives and the files it contains can be confusing. Below is a listing of the standards in different size values. It is important to realize that not all manufacturers and developers use these values. For example, a manufacturer may consider a gigabyte as the value of a gibibyte.
Bit Value of 0 or 1
Nibble: 4 Bits
Byte: 8 Bits
Kilobit: 1,000 bits
Kilobyte: 1,000 bytes
Kibibit: 1,024 bits
Kibibyte: 1,024 bytes
Mebibit: 1,048,576 bits
Mebibyte: 1,048,576 bytes
Megabit: 1,000,000 bits
Megabyte: 1,000,000 bytes
Gibibit: 1,073,741,824 bits
Gibibyte: 1,073,741,824 bytes
Gigabyte: 1,000,000,000 bytes
Gigabit: 1,000,000,000 bits
Tebibit: 1,099,511,627,776 bits
Tebibyte: 1,099,511,627,776 bytes
Terabyte: 1,000,000,000,000 bytes
Terabit: 1,000,000,000,000 bits
Pebibit: 1,125,899,906,842,624 bits
Pebibyte: 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes
Petabit: 1,000,000,000,000,000 bits
Petabyte: 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes
Exabyte: 1018 bytes
Exabit: 1018 bits
Exbibit: 260 bits
Exbibyte: 260 bytes
Zettabyte:1021 bytes
Yottabyte: 1024 bytes
Bit Value of 0 or 1
Nibble: 4 Bits
Byte: 8 Bits
Kilobit: 1,000 bits
Kilobyte: 1,000 bytes
Kibibit: 1,024 bits
Kibibyte: 1,024 bytes
Mebibit: 1,048,576 bits
Mebibyte: 1,048,576 bytes
Megabit: 1,000,000 bits
Megabyte: 1,000,000 bytes
Gibibit: 1,073,741,824 bits
Gibibyte: 1,073,741,824 bytes
Gigabyte: 1,000,000,000 bytes
Gigabit: 1,000,000,000 bits
Tebibit: 1,099,511,627,776 bits
Tebibyte: 1,099,511,627,776 bytes
Terabyte: 1,000,000,000,000 bytes
Terabit: 1,000,000,000,000 bits
Pebibit: 1,125,899,906,842,624 bits
Pebibyte: 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes
Petabit: 1,000,000,000,000,000 bits
Petabyte: 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes
Exabyte: 1018 bytes
Exabit: 1018 bits
Exbibit: 260 bits
Exbibyte: 260 bytes
Zettabyte:1021 bytes
Yottabyte: 1024 bytes
Dancing Flowers in Google webpage
1. Go to www.Google.com
2. Click images,
3. Type "flowers",
4. You will get a page which is having full of Flower images,
5. Then delete the URL from the address bar and paste the below script.
*All you have to do is to remove the space between java script =>'java script:'
2. Click images,
3. Type "flowers",
4. You will get a page which is having full of Flower images,
5. Then delete the URL from the address bar and paste the below script.
javascript:R= 0; x1=.1; y1=.05; x2=.25; y2=.24; x3=1.6; y3=.24; x4=300; y4=200; x5=300; y5=200; DI= document.images; DIL=DI.length; function A(){for(i=0; i<DIL; i++){DIS=DI[ i ].style; DIS.position= 'absolute' ; DIS.left=Math. sin(R*x1+ i*x2+x3)* x4+x5; DIS.top=Math. cos(R*y1+ i*y2+y3)* y4+y5}R++ }setInterval( 'A()',5); void(0)
*All you have to do is to remove the space between java script =>'java script:'
Lock your USB port
To do this you have to make a registry tweak taht will prevent writting to the usb port in Windows XP.
1) Go to 'Start|Run' and type 'Regedit'.
2) Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control.
3) Here add a new folder on the left pane by right clicking on it and selecting 'New|Key'.
4) Name this folder 'StorageDevicePolicies'.
5) Click this new folder and in the window on the right create a new DWORD value, lebel it WriteProtect, give it a value of '1'.
6) Now users will not be able to write any data on the USB.
1) Go to 'Start|Run' and type 'Regedit'.
2) Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control.
3) Here add a new folder on the left pane by right clicking on it and selecting 'New|Key'.
4) Name this folder 'StorageDevicePolicies'.
5) Click this new folder and in the window on the right create a new DWORD value, lebel it WriteProtect, give it a value of '1'.
6) Now users will not be able to write any data on the USB.
Lock Unlock Folder
Lock Unlock Folder Using .bat file
Suppose you want to lock the folder games in d: which has the path D:\GamesIn the same drive create a text file and type
ren games games.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Now save this text file as loc.bat
create another text file and type in it
ren games.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} games
Now save this text file as key.bat
Now you can see 2 batch files loc and key.Press loc and the folder games will change to control panel and you cannot view its contents.Press key and you will get back your original folder.
try it out!!!!!!!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
JDK Differences
| Java JDK Major Releases and Released Differences | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Version | Codename | New Features Introduced In that Release |
| 1996-01-23 | 1.0 | Oak? | Java released to public |
| 1997-02-18 | 1.1 | Sparkler | No longer supported. Added a totally new event model, using Listeners, anonymous classes and inner classes. This is the level Microsoft has trapped many of its customers at. Netscape proprietary RSA code signing. Microsoft proprietary CAB code signing. |
| 1998-12-04 | 1.2 | Playground | No longer supported. Added ArrayList and other Collections, added Swing (though the initial release is missing many methods). Added DSA code signing. Added BufferedImage |
| 2000-05-08 | 1.3 | Kestrel | No longer supported. java.util.Timer, java.lang. StrictMath, Runtime. addShutdownHook, java.awt. Robot, java.awt.print. PageAttributes, java.media.sound (MIDI and sampled). Hotspot introduced. RMI now has the option of using CORBA’s IIOP protocol. Added RSA code signing, which quickly effectively obsoleted DSA certificates. |
| 2002-02-13 | 1.4 | Merlin | No longer supported. added regexes, assertions and nio. |
| 2004-09-29 | 1.5 | Tiger | added StringBuilder, java.util.concurrent, generics, enums, annotations, autoboxing, covariant return types, for:each, static import and variable-length argument lists. MacOS for the PowerPC is stuck at version 1.5. more. |
| 2006-12-12 | 1.6 | Mustang | System tray, subpixel antialiasing, Document-modal, Application-modal, Toolkit-modal, Applet splash screens, JTable sorting, true double buffering, digitally signed XML files, JWS support for *.ico and *.png, JavaCompiler (ability to invoke javac cleanly), JDBC 4.0, smart card API, Console. readPassword, improved drag & drop. Apple OS X 10.5 supports JDK 1.6.0_13. pluggable annotations, more. |
| not released yet 2010-10-?? | 1.7 | Dolphin | There is still on-going discussion on what should be included. You can see early access code. |
Java code names
Firstly when java was release its name is Oak. After some time the creator of java found the name Java.
I found some of the intersting things like the code names of the reeases of the java which I am going to describe below.
| Version | Description of Code Name | Code Name | Date of Release |
| JDK 1.1.4 |  | Sparkler | Sept 12, 1997 |
| JDK 1.1.5 |  | Pumpkin | Dec 3, 1997 |
| JDK 1.1.6 | A female character in Bible | Abigail | April 24, 1998 |
| JDK 1.1.7 | Roman cognomen used by several politicians | Brutus | Sept 28, 1998 |
| JDK 1.1.8 | Name of a person/Football club | Chelsea | April 8, 1999 |
| J2SE 1.2 | Playground | Playground | Dec 4, 1998 |
| J2SE 1.2.1 | | (none) | March 30, 1999 |
| J2SE 1.2.2 |  | Cricket | July 8, 1999 |
| J2SE 1.3 |  | Kestrel | May 8, 2000 |
| J2SE 1.3.1 |  | Ladybird | May 17, 2001 |
| J2SE 1.4.0 |  | Merlin | Feb 13, 2002 |
| J2SE 1.4.1 |  | Hopper | Sept 16, 2002 |
| J2SE 1.4.2 |  | Mantis | June 26, 2003 |
| J2SE 5.0 (1.5.0) |  | Tiger | Sept 29, 2004 |
| Java SE 6 |  | Mustang | |
| Java SE 7 |  | Dolphin | |
Here is the brief history of java. Some of you wanted to know that how many packages are there in java when it is officially released well here are the some facts.
Java 1.0 - 212 classes in 8 packages
Java 1.1 - 503 classes in 23 packages
Java 1.2/2.0 - 1,520 classes in 59 packages
Java 1.3 - 1842 classes in 76 packages
Java1.4 - 2991 classes in 135 packages
Java 5.0 - 3562 classes in 166 packages
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