Sometimes there are things you'd just rather keep to yourself. Windows has encryption functionality built into the file system, but it's a) not very robust and b) a proprietary part of the NTFS file system. I prefer the TrueCrypt Foundation's TrueCrypt, a free and open-source encryption system that can create encrypted volumes out of a file on disk or a physical drive (such as a USB drive).
Most of the program's functions (like creating encrypted volumes) are wizard-driven and easy to use, even if you know nothing about encryption. The encryption algorithms it uses are fully documented industry standards, such as Triple DES and Blowfish, so the encryption itself is not going to be a weakness. You can even set up a USB thumb drive or an external hard drive with its own copy of TrueCrypt if you want to take your encrypted files with you to a machine that doesn't have TrueCrypt installed. (Note that you'll need administrative access on the target computer for this to work.)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
CD/DVD burning
CD/DVD burning
For a long time, I was a fan of Nero Ultra Edition, and it's still one of the better commercial suites for CD and DVD burning. It crams quite a few audio and video disc mastering features into a single $79 package, including support for Blu-ray authoring (not just burning data, but creating playable BD-AV discs). But the sheer size of Nero -- and the fact that I barely used many of the features in even the most basic version of the program -- compelled me to look elsewhere.
ImgBurn
The small, lightweight ImgBurn. (Click for larger view.)
I've since settled on ImgBurn from Lightning UK, a freeware application with just the right mix of features. Aside from being able to do the simple and obvious stuff like burn and compile disc images, it includes some fairly advanced features. You can specify where to put a layer break when burning dual-layer DVDs; there's already support for HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives; you can set manufacturer-specific options such as overspeed burning, depending on what drive you have installed; and much more.
One major drawback to ImgBurn is that it doesn't burn audio CDs. That's not something I've done for a long time, but if you want to burn audio CDs, check out Ashampoo's Burning Studio, which has a 30-day trial and a $40 price tag. Aside from burning video and audio CDs, it rips from audio discs to multiple formats, has elaborate backup and restore functions, and (my favorite) lets you modify existing bootable discs with minimal hassle.
For a long time, I was a fan of Nero Ultra Edition, and it's still one of the better commercial suites for CD and DVD burning. It crams quite a few audio and video disc mastering features into a single $79 package, including support for Blu-ray authoring (not just burning data, but creating playable BD-AV discs). But the sheer size of Nero -- and the fact that I barely used many of the features in even the most basic version of the program -- compelled me to look elsewhere.
ImgBurn
The small, lightweight ImgBurn. (Click for larger view.)
I've since settled on ImgBurn from Lightning UK, a freeware application with just the right mix of features. Aside from being able to do the simple and obvious stuff like burn and compile disc images, it includes some fairly advanced features. You can specify where to put a layer break when burning dual-layer DVDs; there's already support for HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives; you can set manufacturer-specific options such as overspeed burning, depending on what drive you have installed; and much more.
One major drawback to ImgBurn is that it doesn't burn audio CDs. That's not something I've done for a long time, but if you want to burn audio CDs, check out Ashampoo's Burning Studio, which has a 30-day trial and a $40 price tag. Aside from burning video and audio CDs, it rips from audio discs to multiple formats, has elaborate backup and restore functions, and (my favorite) lets you modify existing bootable discs with minimal hassle.
Archiving/compression
The native .zip file integration in Windows Explorer is OK, but most people want something with more features than that. For a long time now, my favorite third-party archiving tool has been Rarlab's shareware WinRAR.
Its proprietary .rar archive format does a far better job of compressing than vanilla .zip does, and includes compression algorithms for audio and images -- ones that aren't already compressed, that is. (Note that while the .rar format is great for your own use and is becoming increasingly widespread, you can't yet assume other users will have a program that understands .rar files.) The trial is free (albeit with nag boxes when the 40-day trial period expires), and a single-user license will cost you $29.
A new contender that's completely free and open source is Igor Pavlov's 7-Zip, which includes your choice of multiple compression algorithms, AES-256 encryption for archives, multithreaded performance for multicore systems and compatibility with existing .rar archives. If you're a convert from WinRAR, you don't have to recompress all your old files. The interface is also similar enough to WinRAR that you can switch from one to the other without too much trouble.
Its proprietary .rar archive format does a far better job of compressing than vanilla .zip does, and includes compression algorithms for audio and images -- ones that aren't already compressed, that is. (Note that while the .rar format is great for your own use and is becoming increasingly widespread, you can't yet assume other users will have a program that understands .rar files.) The trial is free (albeit with nag boxes when the 40-day trial period expires), and a single-user license will cost you $29.
A new contender that's completely free and open source is Igor Pavlov's 7-Zip, which includes your choice of multiple compression algorithms, AES-256 encryption for archives, multithreaded performance for multicore systems and compatibility with existing .rar archives. If you're a convert from WinRAR, you don't have to recompress all your old files. The interface is also similar enough to WinRAR that you can switch from one to the other without too much trouble.
What’s AutoPatcher
How many times did you have to leave your computer, after a format, to download the updates you had before it? How many times did you have to go do something else, leaving your friend’s computer download the load of updates with their poor little dial-up modem? How many times have you wished for the updates to be portable from one computer to another and not require but a few mouse clicks to install?
If you’re the “computer guy” of the pack, no doubt the answer to the above questions was “I’ve lost count”! And if you have one or two computers you should consider yourself lucky as well. Think of what would happen if you had to update ten or twenty computers daily!
Is there any way to avoid all this trouble?
Besides the updates one finds on Windows Update (which are not portable), Microsoft also issues special updates (called administrative updates or network install updates), which do not require an Internet connection present during the installation process. The user however will have to answer to a series of (for the most part identical) questions. Even this can be an annoyance since it requires the user’s presence for quite some time.
The solution!
AutoPatcher is based on the functionality of these special updates, automating their installation process. This way, with only a few mouse clicks and two minutes of your time, AutoPatcher is able to continue with the installation of the items you selected. In short, AutoPatcher combines the advantage of both Windows Update (presentation and description of updates and automated installation), and the special administrative updates (portability and installation without the need of an Internet connection).
Update N computers in 1,2,3!
Using AutoPatcher is really easy. The most difficult part of the procedure will probably be the downloading, because, due to its size, it’s not something a 56k modem owner would go for. Typically, an AutoPatcher release weighs about 200-300MB, since it includes all the updates in one big package.
1. Downloading
Since there are quite a few releases, your choice must be based on the following criteria:
* Version
Each release targets a specific version of Windows. Choose the right one for the system your updating.
* Language
An equally important piece of information is the operating system’s language. Unfortunately, international versions of Windows (such as Greek Windows) use different updates from the ‘base’ English version, so the English AutoPatcher releases cannot be used on Greek Windows. Note this is not so with Windows Vista!
* Type
o Core releases, these are the main releases which contain the bulk of the patches.
o Update releases, these allow you to update a Core release with additional patches as new ones are created.
o Addon packs, these add additional patches and addons (such as ’sunjava’) not distributed in the main Core release or Update releases.
2. Extraction & burning on CD
After downloading you’ll have to extract the file’s contents in order to run AutoPatcher. This procedure is taken care of by the installation program, and shouldn’t trouble you at all. If you want to burn AutoPatcher on a CD (so it can run directly off the CD), just burn the contents of the folder in which you extracted the contents of the file you downloaded.
3. Installation
The last step is the most important. AutoPatcher will now install the items you selected and, after a restart, your system will be up-to-date and ready to be used. This procedure is divided in 4 stages, though your presence is only needed during the item selection (it can be done 100% unattended):
* Loading
* Item selection
* Installation of the selected items
* System restart
VISIT WWW.AUTOPACHER.COM
If you’re the “computer guy” of the pack, no doubt the answer to the above questions was “I’ve lost count”! And if you have one or two computers you should consider yourself lucky as well. Think of what would happen if you had to update ten or twenty computers daily!
Is there any way to avoid all this trouble?
Besides the updates one finds on Windows Update (which are not portable), Microsoft also issues special updates (called administrative updates or network install updates), which do not require an Internet connection present during the installation process. The user however will have to answer to a series of (for the most part identical) questions. Even this can be an annoyance since it requires the user’s presence for quite some time.
The solution!
AutoPatcher is based on the functionality of these special updates, automating their installation process. This way, with only a few mouse clicks and two minutes of your time, AutoPatcher is able to continue with the installation of the items you selected. In short, AutoPatcher combines the advantage of both Windows Update (presentation and description of updates and automated installation), and the special administrative updates (portability and installation without the need of an Internet connection).
Update N computers in 1,2,3!
Using AutoPatcher is really easy. The most difficult part of the procedure will probably be the downloading, because, due to its size, it’s not something a 56k modem owner would go for. Typically, an AutoPatcher release weighs about 200-300MB, since it includes all the updates in one big package.
1. Downloading
Since there are quite a few releases, your choice must be based on the following criteria:
* Version
Each release targets a specific version of Windows. Choose the right one for the system your updating.
* Language
An equally important piece of information is the operating system’s language. Unfortunately, international versions of Windows (such as Greek Windows) use different updates from the ‘base’ English version, so the English AutoPatcher releases cannot be used on Greek Windows. Note this is not so with Windows Vista!
* Type
o Core releases, these are the main releases which contain the bulk of the patches.
o Update releases, these allow you to update a Core release with additional patches as new ones are created.
o Addon packs, these add additional patches and addons (such as ’sunjava’) not distributed in the main Core release or Update releases.
2. Extraction & burning on CD
After downloading you’ll have to extract the file’s contents in order to run AutoPatcher. This procedure is taken care of by the installation program, and shouldn’t trouble you at all. If you want to burn AutoPatcher on a CD (so it can run directly off the CD), just burn the contents of the folder in which you extracted the contents of the file you downloaded.
3. Installation
The last step is the most important. AutoPatcher will now install the items you selected and, after a restart, your system will be up-to-date and ready to be used. This procedure is divided in 4 stages, though your presence is only needed during the item selection (it can be done 100% unattended):
* Loading
* Item selection
* Installation of the selected items
* System restart
VISIT WWW.AUTOPACHER.COM
Saturday, December 19, 2009
View Admin At welcome Screen
By default windows XP doesn't show the Administrator in the user list at the welcome screen. Here's a way to get around it.
Now head up to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\Userlist
create a new DWORD entry and name it as Administrator and change its value to 1.
exit and reboot for the changes to take effect.
To change it back change its value to 0 or simply delete the key.
Note ::::::: "To enter in registry for this tip GOTO--> RUN --> enter 'regedit'
Caution :::: "Make sure take Backup before registry editing""
Now head up to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\Userlist
create a new DWORD entry and name it as Administrator and change its value to 1.
exit and reboot for the changes to take effect.
To change it back change its value to 0 or simply delete the key.
Note ::::::: "To enter in registry for this tip GOTO--> RUN --> enter 'regedit'
Caution :::: "Make sure take Backup before registry editing""
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hiren's BootCD 10.0 (Download Hiren's BootCD 10.0)
Hi today im going introduce a nice tool for hardware technicians its Hirens boot cd..
Hiren's Boot CD is a boot CD containing various diagnostic programs such as partitioning agents, system performance benchmarks, disk cloning and imaging tools, data recovery tools, MBR tools, BIOS tools, and many others for fixing various computer problems. It is a Bootable CD; thus, it can be useful even if the primary operating system cannot be booted.
Hiren's Boot CD has an extensive list of software. Utilities with similar functionality on the CD are grouped together and seem redundant; however, they present choices through UI's differences and options in what they can do.
Hiren's BootCD - All in one Dos Bootable CD which has all these utilities:: Partition Tools, Disk Clone Tools, Antivirus Tools, Recovery Tools, Testing Tools, Hard Disk Tools etc.
Download Hiren's BootCD 10.0
DOWNLOAD LINK1
The list of Utilities
Hiren's BootCD 10.0
All in One Bootable CD which has all these utilities
Partition Tools
Partition Magic Pro 8.05
Best software to partition hard drive
Acronis Disk Director 10.0.2160
Popular disk management functions in a single suite
Paragon Partition Manager 7.0.1274
Universal tool for partitions
Partition Commander 9.01
The safe way to partition your hard drive,with undo feature
Ranish Partition Manager 2.44
a boot manager and hard disk partitioner.
The Partition Resizer 1.3.4
move and resize your partitions in one step and more.
Smart Fdisk 2.05
a simple harddisk partition manager
SPecial Fdisk 2000.03v
SPFDISK a partition tool.
eXtended Fdisk 0.9.3
XFDISK allows easy partition creation and edition
GDisk 1.1.1
Complete replacement for the DOS FDISK utility and more.
Super Fdisk 1.0
Create, delete, format partitions drives without destroying data.
Partition Table Editor 8.0
Partition Table and Boot Record Editor
EASEUS Partition Master 4.0.1
Partition Resize/Move/Copy/Create/Delete/Format/Convert, Explore, etc.
Backup Tools
ImageCenter 5.6 (Drive Image 2002)
Best software to clone hard drive
Norton Ghost 11.5
Similar to Drive Image (with usb/scsi support)
Acronis True Image 8.1.945
Create an exact disk image for complete system backup and disk cloning.
Partition Saving 3.71
A tool to backup/restore partitions. (SavePart.exe)
COPYR.DMA Build013
A Tool for making copies of hard disks with bad sectors
DriveImageXML 2.02
backup any drive/partition to an image file, even if the drive is currently in use
Drive SnapShot 1.39
creates an exact Disk Image of your system into a file while windows is running.
Ghost Image Explorer 11.5
to add/remove/extract files from Ghost image file
DriveImage Explorer 5.0
to add/remove/extract files from Drive image file
WhitSoft File Splitter 4.5a
a Small File Split-Join Tool
InfraRecorder 0.50
An Open source CD/DVD burning software, also create/burn .iso images
FastCopy 1.99r4
The Fastest Copy/Delete Software on Windows
Smart Driver Backup 2.12
Easy backup of your Windows device drivers (also works from PE)
Double Driver 2.1
Driver Backup and Restore tool
DriverBackup! 1.0.3
Another handy tool to backup drivers
Recovery Tools
Active Partition Recovery 3.0
To Recover a Deleted partition.
Active Uneraser 3.0
To recover deleted files and folders on FAT and NTFS systems.
Ontrack Easy Recovery Pro 6.10
To Recover data that has been deleted/virus attack
Winternals Disk Commander 1.1
more than just a standard deleted-file recovery utility
TestDisk 6.11.3
Tool to check and undelete partition from Dos/Windows
Lost & Found 1.06
a good old data recovery software.
DiyDataRecovery Diskpatch 2.1.100
An excellent data recovery software.
Prosoft Media Tools 5.0 v1.1.2.64
Another excellent data recovery software with many other options.
PhotoRec 6.11.3
Tool to Recover File and pictures from Dos/Windows
Active Undelete 5.5
a tool to recover deleted files
Restoration 3.2.13
a tool to recover deleted files
GetDataBack for FAT 4.0
Data recovery software for FAT file systems
GetDataBack for NTFS 4.0
Data recovery software for NTFS file systems
Recuva 1.29.429
Restore deleted files from Hard Drive, Digital Camera Memory Card, usb mp3 player...
Partition Find and Mount 2.3.1
Partition Find and Mount software is designed to find lost or deleted partitions
Unstoppable Copier 4.2
Allows you to copy files from disks with problems such as bad sectors,
scratches or that just give errors when reading data.
Testing Tools
System Speed Test 4.78
it tests CPU, harddrive, ect.
PC-Check 6.05
Easy to use hardware tests
Ontrack Data Advisor 5.0
Powerful diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of your computer
The Troubleshooter 7.02
all kind of hardware testing tool
PC Doctor 2004
a benchmarking and information tool
CPU/Video/Disk Performance Test 5.7
a tool to test cpu, video, and disk
Test Hard Disk Drive 1.0
a tool to test Hard Disk Drive
Disk Speed1.0
Hard Disk Drive Speed Testing Tool
S&M Stress Test 1.9.1
cpu/hdd/memory benchmarking and information tool, including temperatures/fan speeds/voltages
IsMyLcdOK (Monitor Test) 1.02
Allows you to test CRT/LCD/TFT screens for dead pixels and diffective screens
RAM (Memory) Testing Tools
GoldMemory 5.07
RAM Test utility
Memtest86+ 2.11
PC Memory Test
MemTest 1.0
a Memory Testing Tool
Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116
a tool to thoroughly test your video RAM for errors and faults
Hard Disk Tools
Hard Disk Diagnostic Utilities
Seagate Seatools Graphical v2.13b
SeaTools for Dos 1.10
Western Digital Data Lifeguard Tools 11.2
Western Digital Diagnostics (DLGDIAG) 5.04f
Maxtor PowerMax 4.23
Maxtor amset utility 4.0
Maxtor(or any Hdd) Low Level Formatter 1.1
Fujitsu HDD Diagnostic Tool 7.00
Fujitsu IDE Low Level Format 1.0
Samsung HDD Utility(HUTIL) 2.10
Samsung Disk Diagnose (SHDIAG) 1.28
Samsung The Drive Diagnostic Utility (ESTOOL) 3.00g
IBM/Hitachi Drive Fitness Test 4.15
IBM/Hitachi Feature Tool 2.13
Gateway GwScan 5.12
ExcelStor's ESTest 4.50
MHDD 4.6
WDClear 1.30
Toshiba Hard Disk Diagnostic 2.00b
HDD Regenerator 1.71
to recover a bad hard drive
HDAT2 4.53
main function is testing and repair (regenerates) bad sectors for detected devices
Ontrack Disk Manager 9.57
Disk Test/Format/Maintenance tool.
Norton Disk Doctor 2002
a tool to repair a damaged disk, or to diagnose your hard drive.
Norton Disk Editor 2002
a powerful disk editing, manual data recovery tool.
Hard Disk Sentinel 0.04
Hard Disk health, performance and temperature monitoring tool.
Active Kill Disk 4.1
Securely overwrites and destroys all data on physical drive.
SmartUDM 2.00
Hard Disk Drive S.M.A.R.T. Viewer.
Victoria 3.33e and 3.52rus
a freeware program for low-level HDD diagnostics
HDD Erase 4.0
Secure erase using a special feature built into most newer hard drives
HDD Scan 3.2
HDDScan is a Low-level HDD diagnostic tool, it scans surface find bad sectors etc.
HDTune 2.55
Hard disk benchmarking and information tool.
Data Shredder 1.0
A tool to Erase disk and files (also wipe free space) securely
System Information Tools
PCI and AGP info Tool (2908)
The PCI System information & Exploration tool.
System Analyser 5.3w
View extensive information about your hardware
Navratil Software System Information 0.60.32
High-end professional system information tool
Astra 5.43
Advanced System info Tool and Reporting Assistant
HWiNFO 5.3.0
a powerful system information utility
PC-Config 9.33
Complete hardware detection of your computer
SysChk 2.46
Find out exactly what is under the hood of your PC
CPU Identification utility 1.17
Detailed information on CPU (CHKCPU.EXE)
CTIA CPU Information 2.7
another CPU information tool
Drive Temperature 1.0
Hard Disk Drive temperature meter
PC Wizard 2009.1.90
Powerful system information/benchmark utility designed especially for detection of hardware.
SIW 2009-07-28
Gathers detailed information about your system properties and settings.
CPU-Z 1.52
It gathers information on some of the main devices of your system
PCI 32 Sniffer 1.4 (2908)
device information tool (similar to unknown devices)
Unknown Devices 1.2 (2908)
helps you find what those unknown devices in Device Manager really are
USBDeview 1.42
View/Uninstall all installed/connected USB devices on your system
MBR (Master Boot Record) Tools
MBRWork 1.07b
a utility to perform some common and uncommon MBR functions
MBR Tool 2.2.100
backup, verify, restore, edit, refresh, remove, display, re-write...
DiskMan4
all in one tool for cmos, bios, bootrecord and more
BootFix Utility
Run this utility if you get 'Invalid system disk'
MBR SAVE / RESTORE 2.1
BootSave and BootRest tools to save / restore MBR
Boot Partition 2.60
add Partition in the Windows NT/2000/XP Multi-boot loader
Partition Table Doctor 3.5
a tool to repair/modify mbr, bootsector, partition table
Smart Boot Manager 3.7.1
a multi boot manager
Bootmagic 8.0
This tool is for multi boot operating systems
MBRWizard 2.0b
Directly update and modify the MBR (Master Boot Record)
BIOS / CMOS Tools
CMOS 0.93
CMOS Save / Restore Tool
BIOS Cracker 4.8
BIOS password remover (cmospwd)
BIOS Cracker 1.4
BIOS password remover (cmospwc)
BIOS Utility 1.35.0
BIOS Informations, password, beep codes and more.
!BIOS 3.20
a powerfull utility for bios and cmos
DISKMAN4
a powerful all in one utility
UniFlash 1.40
bios flash utility
Kill CMOS
a tiny utility to wipe cmos
Award DMI Configuration Utility 2.43
DMI Configuration utility for modifying/viewing the MIDF contents.
MultiMedia Tools
Picture Viewer 1.94
Picture viewer for dos, supports more then 40 filetypes.
QuickView Pro 2.58
movie viewer for dos, supports many format including divx.
MpxPlay 1.56
a small Music Player for dos
Password Tools
Active Password Changer 3.0.420
To Reset User Password on windows NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista (FAT/NTFS)
Offline NT/2K/XP Password Changer
utility to reset windows nt/2000/xp administrator/user password.
Registry Reanimator 1.02
Check and Restore structure of the Damaged Registry files of NT/2K/XP
NTPWD
utility to reset windows nt/2000/xp administrator/user password.
Registry Viewer 4.2
Registry Viewer/Editor for Win9x/Me/NT/2K/XP
ATAPWD 1.2
Hard Disk Password Utility
TrueCrypt 6.2a
On-the-fly disk encryption tool, can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk, can also encrypt an entire HDD/Partition/USB Drive
Content Advisor Password Remover 1.01
It Removes Content Advisor Password from Internet Explorer
Password Renew 1.1
Utility to (re)set windows passwords
WindowsGate 1.1
Enables/Disables Windows logon password validation
WinKeyFinder 1.73
Allows you to View and Change Windows XP/2003 Product Keys, backup and restore
activation related files, backup Microsoft Office 97, 2000 SP2, XP/2003 keys etc.
XP Key Reader 2.7
Can decode the XP-key on Local or Remote systems
ProduKey 1.36
Recovers lost the product key of your Windows/Office
Wireless Key View 1.27
Recovers all wireless network keys (WEP/WPA) stored in your computer by WZC
MessenPass 1.26
A password recovery tool that reveals the passwords of several instant messangers
Mail PassView 1.51
Recovers mail passwords of Outlook Express, MS Outlook, IncrediMail, Eudora, etc.
Asterisk Logger 1.04
Reveal passwords hidden behind asterisk characters
NTFS (FileSystems) Tools
NTFS Dos Pro 5.0
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
NTFS 4 Dos 1.9
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
Paragon Mount Everything 3.0
To access NTFS, Ext2FS, Ext3FS partitions from dos
NTFS Dos 3.02
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
EditBINI 1.01
to Edit boot.ini on NTFS Partition
Browsers / File Managers
Volkov Commander 4.99
Dos File Manager with LongFileName/ntfs support
(Similar to Norton Commander)
Dos Command Center 5.1
Classic dos-based file manager.
File Wizard 1.35
a file manager - colored files, drag and drop copy, move, delete etc.
File Maven 3.5
an advanced Dos file manager with high speed PC-to-PC file
transfers via serial or parallel cable
FastLynx 2.0
Dos file manager with Pc to Pc file transfer capability
LapLink 5.0
the smart way to transfer files and directories between PCs.
Dos Navigator 6.4.0
Dos File Manager, Norton Commander clone but has much more features.
Mini Windows 98
Can run from Ram Drive, with ntfs support,
Added 7-Zip, Disk Defragmenter, Notepad / RichText Editor,
Image Viewer, .avi .mpg .divx .xvid Movie Player, etc...
Mini Windows Xp
Portable Windows Xp that runs from CD/USB/Ram Drive, with Network and SATA support
7-Zip 4.65
File Manager/Archiver Supports 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, MSI, WIM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS formats
Opera Web Browser 8.53
One of the fastest, smallest and smartest full-featured web browser
Other Tools
Ghost Walker 11.5
utility that changes the security ID (SID) for Windows NT, 2000 and XP
DosCDroast beta 2
Dos CD Burning Tools
Universal TCP/IP Network 6.4
MSDOS Network Client to connect via TCP/IP to a Microsoft based
network. The network can either be a peer-to-peer or a server based
network, it contains 91 different network card drivers
HxD 1.7.7.0
Hex Editor provides tools to inspect and edit files, main memory, disks/disk images
Virtual Floppy Drive 2.1
enables you to create and mount a virtual floppy drive on your NT/2000/XP/Vista
Streams 1.56
Reveal/Delete NTFS alternate data streams
NewSID 4.10
utility that changes the security ID (SID) for Windows NT, 2000 and XP
Dos Tools
USB CD-Rom Driver 1
Standard usb_cd.sys driver for cd drive
Universal USB Driver 2
Panasonic v2.20 ASPI Manager for USB mass storage
ASUSTeK USB Driver 3
ASUS USB CD-ROM Device Driver Version 1.00
SCSI Support
SCSI Drivers for Dos
SATA Support
SATA Driver (gcdrom.sys) and JMicron JMB361 (xcdrom.sys) for Dos
1394 Firewire Support
1394 Firewire Drivers for Dos
Interlnk support at COM1
To access another computer from COM port
Interlnk support at LPT1
To access another computer from LPT port
and too many great dos tools
very good collection of dos utilities
extract.exe pkzip.exe pkunzip.exe unrar.exe rar.exe
ace.exe lha.exe gzip.exe uharcd.exe mouse.com
attrib.com deltree.exe xcopy.exe diskcopy.com imgExtrc.exe
undelete.com edit.com fdisk.exe fdisk2.exe fdisk3.exe
lf.exe delpart.exe wipe.com zap.com format.com
move.exe more.com find.exe hex.exe debug.exe
split.exe mem.exe mi.com sys.com smartdrv.exe
xmsdsk.exe killer.exe share.exe scandisk.exe scanreg.exe
guest.exe doskey.exe duse.exe biosdtct.exe setver.exe
intersvr.exe interlnk.exe loadlin.exe lfndos.exe doslfn.com
Cleaners
SpaceMonger 1.4
keeping track of the free space on your computer
WinDirStat 1.1.2.80
a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Windows.
CCleaner 2.23.993
Crap Cleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool
Optimizers
PageDfrg 2.32
System file Defragmenter For NT/2k/XP
NT Registry Optimizer 1.1j
Registry Optimization for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista
DefragNT 1.9
This tool presents the user with many options for disk defragmenting
JkDefrag 3.36
Free disk defragment and optimize utility for Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista
Network Tools
Angry IP Scanner 2.21
Scan IP addresses in any range as well as any their ports
CurrPorts 1.66
displays the list of all currently opened TCP and UDP ports on your computer
TCPView 2.54
Lists TCP and UDP endpoints, including the Local/Remote addresses of TCP connections
Winsock 2 Fix for 9x
to fix corrupted Winsock2 information by poorly written Internet programs
XP TCP/IP Repair 1.0
Repair your Windows XP Winsock and TCP/IP registry errors
Process Tools
IB Process Manager 1.04
a little process manager for 9x/2k, shows dll info etc.
Process Explorer 11.33
shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded
OpenedFilesView 1.40
View opened/locked files in your system, sharing violation issues
Pocket KillBox 2.0.0.978
can be used to get rid of files that stubbornly refuse to allow you to delete them
ProcessActivityView 1.10
Detailed process access information read/write/opened files etc
Unlocker 1.8.7
This tool can delete file/folder when you get this message - Cannot delete file:
Access is denied, The file is in use by another program etc.
Registry Tools
RegScanner 1.77
Tool to find/search in the Registry of Windows
Registry Editor PE 0.9c
Easy editing of remote registry hives and user profiles
Registry Restore Wizard 1.0.4
Restores a corrupted system registry from Xp System Restore
Startup Tools
Autoruns 9.53
Displays All the entries from startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys,
Explorer shell extensions,toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications,
auto-start services, Scheduled Tasks, Winsock, LSA Providers, Remove Drivers
and much more which helps to remove nasty spyware/adware and viruses.
Silent Runners Revision 59
A free script that helps detect spyware, malware and adware in the startup process
Startup Control Panel 2.8
a tool to edit startup programs
Startup Monitor 1.02
it notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup
HijackThis 2.0.2
a general homepage hijackers detector and remover and more
Tweakers
Dial a Fix 0.60.0.24
Fix errors and problems with COM/ActiveX object errors and missing registry entries,
Automatic Updates, SSL, HTTPS, and Cryptography service (signing/verification)
issues, Reinstall internet explorer etc. comes with the policy scanner
Ultimate Windows Tweaker 2.0
A TweakUI Utility for tweaking and optimizing Windows Vista
TweakUI 2.10
This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows Xp
Xp-AntiSpy 3.97.4 beta
it tweaks some Windows XP functions, and disables some unneeded Windows services quickly
Shell Extensions Manager (ShellExView) 1.40
An excellent tool to View and Manage all installed Context-menu/Shell extensions
EzPcFix 1.0.0.16
Helpful tool when trying to remove viruses, spyware, and malware
RemoveWGA 1.2
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Removal tool
RRT - Remove Restrictions Tool 3.0
To Re-enable Ctrl+Alt+Del, Folder Options and Registry tools etc.
Antivirus Tools
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 7.0.0.290 (2908)
Free on-demand virus scanner from Kaspersky Lab to remove viruses.
Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2 (2908)
Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.40 (2908)
anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware.
SpywareBlaster 4.2 (2908)
Prevent the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
SmitFraudFix 2.423
This removes Some of the popular Desktop Hijack malware
ComboFix (2908)
Designed to cleanup malware infections and restore settings modified by malware
CWShredder 2.19
Popular CoolWebSearch Trojan Remover tool
RootkitRevealer 1.7.1
Rootkit Revealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility.
SuperAntispyware 4.27 (2908)
Remove Malware, Rootkits, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Parasites (a must have tool)
Hiren's Boot CD is a boot CD containing various diagnostic programs such as partitioning agents, system performance benchmarks, disk cloning and imaging tools, data recovery tools, MBR tools, BIOS tools, and many others for fixing various computer problems. It is a Bootable CD; thus, it can be useful even if the primary operating system cannot be booted.
Hiren's Boot CD has an extensive list of software. Utilities with similar functionality on the CD are grouped together and seem redundant; however, they present choices through UI's differences and options in what they can do.
Hiren's BootCD - All in one Dos Bootable CD which has all these utilities:: Partition Tools, Disk Clone Tools, Antivirus Tools, Recovery Tools, Testing Tools, Hard Disk Tools etc.
Download Hiren's BootCD 10.0
DOWNLOAD LINK1
The list of Utilities
Hiren's BootCD 10.0
All in One Bootable CD which has all these utilities
Partition Tools
Partition Magic Pro 8.05
Best software to partition hard drive
Acronis Disk Director 10.0.2160
Popular disk management functions in a single suite
Paragon Partition Manager 7.0.1274
Universal tool for partitions
Partition Commander 9.01
The safe way to partition your hard drive,with undo feature
Ranish Partition Manager 2.44
a boot manager and hard disk partitioner.
The Partition Resizer 1.3.4
move and resize your partitions in one step and more.
Smart Fdisk 2.05
a simple harddisk partition manager
SPecial Fdisk 2000.03v
SPFDISK a partition tool.
eXtended Fdisk 0.9.3
XFDISK allows easy partition creation and edition
GDisk 1.1.1
Complete replacement for the DOS FDISK utility and more.
Super Fdisk 1.0
Create, delete, format partitions drives without destroying data.
Partition Table Editor 8.0
Partition Table and Boot Record Editor
EASEUS Partition Master 4.0.1
Partition Resize/Move/Copy/Create/Delete/Format/Convert, Explore, etc.
Backup Tools
ImageCenter 5.6 (Drive Image 2002)
Best software to clone hard drive
Norton Ghost 11.5
Similar to Drive Image (with usb/scsi support)
Acronis True Image 8.1.945
Create an exact disk image for complete system backup and disk cloning.
Partition Saving 3.71
A tool to backup/restore partitions. (SavePart.exe)
COPYR.DMA Build013
A Tool for making copies of hard disks with bad sectors
DriveImageXML 2.02
backup any drive/partition to an image file, even if the drive is currently in use
Drive SnapShot 1.39
creates an exact Disk Image of your system into a file while windows is running.
Ghost Image Explorer 11.5
to add/remove/extract files from Ghost image file
DriveImage Explorer 5.0
to add/remove/extract files from Drive image file
WhitSoft File Splitter 4.5a
a Small File Split-Join Tool
InfraRecorder 0.50
An Open source CD/DVD burning software, also create/burn .iso images
FastCopy 1.99r4
The Fastest Copy/Delete Software on Windows
Smart Driver Backup 2.12
Easy backup of your Windows device drivers (also works from PE)
Double Driver 2.1
Driver Backup and Restore tool
DriverBackup! 1.0.3
Another handy tool to backup drivers
Recovery Tools
Active Partition Recovery 3.0
To Recover a Deleted partition.
Active Uneraser 3.0
To recover deleted files and folders on FAT and NTFS systems.
Ontrack Easy Recovery Pro 6.10
To Recover data that has been deleted/virus attack
Winternals Disk Commander 1.1
more than just a standard deleted-file recovery utility
TestDisk 6.11.3
Tool to check and undelete partition from Dos/Windows
Lost & Found 1.06
a good old data recovery software.
DiyDataRecovery Diskpatch 2.1.100
An excellent data recovery software.
Prosoft Media Tools 5.0 v1.1.2.64
Another excellent data recovery software with many other options.
PhotoRec 6.11.3
Tool to Recover File and pictures from Dos/Windows
Active Undelete 5.5
a tool to recover deleted files
Restoration 3.2.13
a tool to recover deleted files
GetDataBack for FAT 4.0
Data recovery software for FAT file systems
GetDataBack for NTFS 4.0
Data recovery software for NTFS file systems
Recuva 1.29.429
Restore deleted files from Hard Drive, Digital Camera Memory Card, usb mp3 player...
Partition Find and Mount 2.3.1
Partition Find and Mount software is designed to find lost or deleted partitions
Unstoppable Copier 4.2
Allows you to copy files from disks with problems such as bad sectors,
scratches or that just give errors when reading data.
Testing Tools
System Speed Test 4.78
it tests CPU, harddrive, ect.
PC-Check 6.05
Easy to use hardware tests
Ontrack Data Advisor 5.0
Powerful diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of your computer
The Troubleshooter 7.02
all kind of hardware testing tool
PC Doctor 2004
a benchmarking and information tool
CPU/Video/Disk Performance Test 5.7
a tool to test cpu, video, and disk
Test Hard Disk Drive 1.0
a tool to test Hard Disk Drive
Disk Speed1.0
Hard Disk Drive Speed Testing Tool
S&M Stress Test 1.9.1
cpu/hdd/memory benchmarking and information tool, including temperatures/fan speeds/voltages
IsMyLcdOK (Monitor Test) 1.02
Allows you to test CRT/LCD/TFT screens for dead pixels and diffective screens
RAM (Memory) Testing Tools
GoldMemory 5.07
RAM Test utility
Memtest86+ 2.11
PC Memory Test
MemTest 1.0
a Memory Testing Tool
Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116
a tool to thoroughly test your video RAM for errors and faults
Hard Disk Tools
Hard Disk Diagnostic Utilities
Seagate Seatools Graphical v2.13b
SeaTools for Dos 1.10
Western Digital Data Lifeguard Tools 11.2
Western Digital Diagnostics (DLGDIAG) 5.04f
Maxtor PowerMax 4.23
Maxtor amset utility 4.0
Maxtor(or any Hdd) Low Level Formatter 1.1
Fujitsu HDD Diagnostic Tool 7.00
Fujitsu IDE Low Level Format 1.0
Samsung HDD Utility(HUTIL) 2.10
Samsung Disk Diagnose (SHDIAG) 1.28
Samsung The Drive Diagnostic Utility (ESTOOL) 3.00g
IBM/Hitachi Drive Fitness Test 4.15
IBM/Hitachi Feature Tool 2.13
Gateway GwScan 5.12
ExcelStor's ESTest 4.50
MHDD 4.6
WDClear 1.30
Toshiba Hard Disk Diagnostic 2.00b
HDD Regenerator 1.71
to recover a bad hard drive
HDAT2 4.53
main function is testing and repair (regenerates) bad sectors for detected devices
Ontrack Disk Manager 9.57
Disk Test/Format/Maintenance tool.
Norton Disk Doctor 2002
a tool to repair a damaged disk, or to diagnose your hard drive.
Norton Disk Editor 2002
a powerful disk editing, manual data recovery tool.
Hard Disk Sentinel 0.04
Hard Disk health, performance and temperature monitoring tool.
Active Kill Disk 4.1
Securely overwrites and destroys all data on physical drive.
SmartUDM 2.00
Hard Disk Drive S.M.A.R.T. Viewer.
Victoria 3.33e and 3.52rus
a freeware program for low-level HDD diagnostics
HDD Erase 4.0
Secure erase using a special feature built into most newer hard drives
HDD Scan 3.2
HDDScan is a Low-level HDD diagnostic tool, it scans surface find bad sectors etc.
HDTune 2.55
Hard disk benchmarking and information tool.
Data Shredder 1.0
A tool to Erase disk and files (also wipe free space) securely
System Information Tools
PCI and AGP info Tool (2908)
The PCI System information & Exploration tool.
System Analyser 5.3w
View extensive information about your hardware
Navratil Software System Information 0.60.32
High-end professional system information tool
Astra 5.43
Advanced System info Tool and Reporting Assistant
HWiNFO 5.3.0
a powerful system information utility
PC-Config 9.33
Complete hardware detection of your computer
SysChk 2.46
Find out exactly what is under the hood of your PC
CPU Identification utility 1.17
Detailed information on CPU (CHKCPU.EXE)
CTIA CPU Information 2.7
another CPU information tool
Drive Temperature 1.0
Hard Disk Drive temperature meter
PC Wizard 2009.1.90
Powerful system information/benchmark utility designed especially for detection of hardware.
SIW 2009-07-28
Gathers detailed information about your system properties and settings.
CPU-Z 1.52
It gathers information on some of the main devices of your system
PCI 32 Sniffer 1.4 (2908)
device information tool (similar to unknown devices)
Unknown Devices 1.2 (2908)
helps you find what those unknown devices in Device Manager really are
USBDeview 1.42
View/Uninstall all installed/connected USB devices on your system
MBR (Master Boot Record) Tools
MBRWork 1.07b
a utility to perform some common and uncommon MBR functions
MBR Tool 2.2.100
backup, verify, restore, edit, refresh, remove, display, re-write...
DiskMan4
all in one tool for cmos, bios, bootrecord and more
BootFix Utility
Run this utility if you get 'Invalid system disk'
MBR SAVE / RESTORE 2.1
BootSave and BootRest tools to save / restore MBR
Boot Partition 2.60
add Partition in the Windows NT/2000/XP Multi-boot loader
Partition Table Doctor 3.5
a tool to repair/modify mbr, bootsector, partition table
Smart Boot Manager 3.7.1
a multi boot manager
Bootmagic 8.0
This tool is for multi boot operating systems
MBRWizard 2.0b
Directly update and modify the MBR (Master Boot Record)
BIOS / CMOS Tools
CMOS 0.93
CMOS Save / Restore Tool
BIOS Cracker 4.8
BIOS password remover (cmospwd)
BIOS Cracker 1.4
BIOS password remover (cmospwc)
BIOS Utility 1.35.0
BIOS Informations, password, beep codes and more.
!BIOS 3.20
a powerfull utility for bios and cmos
DISKMAN4
a powerful all in one utility
UniFlash 1.40
bios flash utility
Kill CMOS
a tiny utility to wipe cmos
Award DMI Configuration Utility 2.43
DMI Configuration utility for modifying/viewing the MIDF contents.
MultiMedia Tools
Picture Viewer 1.94
Picture viewer for dos, supports more then 40 filetypes.
QuickView Pro 2.58
movie viewer for dos, supports many format including divx.
MpxPlay 1.56
a small Music Player for dos
Password Tools
Active Password Changer 3.0.420
To Reset User Password on windows NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista (FAT/NTFS)
Offline NT/2K/XP Password Changer
utility to reset windows nt/2000/xp administrator/user password.
Registry Reanimator 1.02
Check and Restore structure of the Damaged Registry files of NT/2K/XP
NTPWD
utility to reset windows nt/2000/xp administrator/user password.
Registry Viewer 4.2
Registry Viewer/Editor for Win9x/Me/NT/2K/XP
ATAPWD 1.2
Hard Disk Password Utility
TrueCrypt 6.2a
On-the-fly disk encryption tool, can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk, can also encrypt an entire HDD/Partition/USB Drive
Content Advisor Password Remover 1.01
It Removes Content Advisor Password from Internet Explorer
Password Renew 1.1
Utility to (re)set windows passwords
WindowsGate 1.1
Enables/Disables Windows logon password validation
WinKeyFinder 1.73
Allows you to View and Change Windows XP/2003 Product Keys, backup and restore
activation related files, backup Microsoft Office 97, 2000 SP2, XP/2003 keys etc.
XP Key Reader 2.7
Can decode the XP-key on Local or Remote systems
ProduKey 1.36
Recovers lost the product key of your Windows/Office
Wireless Key View 1.27
Recovers all wireless network keys (WEP/WPA) stored in your computer by WZC
MessenPass 1.26
A password recovery tool that reveals the passwords of several instant messangers
Mail PassView 1.51
Recovers mail passwords of Outlook Express, MS Outlook, IncrediMail, Eudora, etc.
Asterisk Logger 1.04
Reveal passwords hidden behind asterisk characters
NTFS (FileSystems) Tools
NTFS Dos Pro 5.0
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
NTFS 4 Dos 1.9
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
Paragon Mount Everything 3.0
To access NTFS, Ext2FS, Ext3FS partitions from dos
NTFS Dos 3.02
To access ntfs partitions from Dos
EditBINI 1.01
to Edit boot.ini on NTFS Partition
Browsers / File Managers
Volkov Commander 4.99
Dos File Manager with LongFileName/ntfs support
(Similar to Norton Commander)
Dos Command Center 5.1
Classic dos-based file manager.
File Wizard 1.35
a file manager - colored files, drag and drop copy, move, delete etc.
File Maven 3.5
an advanced Dos file manager with high speed PC-to-PC file
transfers via serial or parallel cable
FastLynx 2.0
Dos file manager with Pc to Pc file transfer capability
LapLink 5.0
the smart way to transfer files and directories between PCs.
Dos Navigator 6.4.0
Dos File Manager, Norton Commander clone but has much more features.
Mini Windows 98
Can run from Ram Drive, with ntfs support,
Added 7-Zip, Disk Defragmenter, Notepad / RichText Editor,
Image Viewer, .avi .mpg .divx .xvid Movie Player, etc...
Mini Windows Xp
Portable Windows Xp that runs from CD/USB/Ram Drive, with Network and SATA support
7-Zip 4.65
File Manager/Archiver Supports 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, MSI, WIM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS formats
Opera Web Browser 8.53
One of the fastest, smallest and smartest full-featured web browser
Other Tools
Ghost Walker 11.5
utility that changes the security ID (SID) for Windows NT, 2000 and XP
DosCDroast beta 2
Dos CD Burning Tools
Universal TCP/IP Network 6.4
MSDOS Network Client to connect via TCP/IP to a Microsoft based
network. The network can either be a peer-to-peer or a server based
network, it contains 91 different network card drivers
HxD 1.7.7.0
Hex Editor provides tools to inspect and edit files, main memory, disks/disk images
Virtual Floppy Drive 2.1
enables you to create and mount a virtual floppy drive on your NT/2000/XP/Vista
Streams 1.56
Reveal/Delete NTFS alternate data streams
NewSID 4.10
utility that changes the security ID (SID) for Windows NT, 2000 and XP
Dos Tools
USB CD-Rom Driver 1
Standard usb_cd.sys driver for cd drive
Universal USB Driver 2
Panasonic v2.20 ASPI Manager for USB mass storage
ASUSTeK USB Driver 3
ASUS USB CD-ROM Device Driver Version 1.00
SCSI Support
SCSI Drivers for Dos
SATA Support
SATA Driver (gcdrom.sys) and JMicron JMB361 (xcdrom.sys) for Dos
1394 Firewire Support
1394 Firewire Drivers for Dos
Interlnk support at COM1
To access another computer from COM port
Interlnk support at LPT1
To access another computer from LPT port
and too many great dos tools
very good collection of dos utilities
extract.exe pkzip.exe pkunzip.exe unrar.exe rar.exe
ace.exe lha.exe gzip.exe uharcd.exe mouse.com
attrib.com deltree.exe xcopy.exe diskcopy.com imgExtrc.exe
undelete.com edit.com fdisk.exe fdisk2.exe fdisk3.exe
lf.exe delpart.exe wipe.com zap.com format.com
move.exe more.com find.exe hex.exe debug.exe
split.exe mem.exe mi.com sys.com smartdrv.exe
xmsdsk.exe killer.exe share.exe scandisk.exe scanreg.exe
guest.exe doskey.exe duse.exe biosdtct.exe setver.exe
intersvr.exe interlnk.exe loadlin.exe lfndos.exe doslfn.com
Cleaners
SpaceMonger 1.4
keeping track of the free space on your computer
WinDirStat 1.1.2.80
a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Windows.
CCleaner 2.23.993
Crap Cleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool
Optimizers
PageDfrg 2.32
System file Defragmenter For NT/2k/XP
NT Registry Optimizer 1.1j
Registry Optimization for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista
DefragNT 1.9
This tool presents the user with many options for disk defragmenting
JkDefrag 3.36
Free disk defragment and optimize utility for Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista
Network Tools
Angry IP Scanner 2.21
Scan IP addresses in any range as well as any their ports
CurrPorts 1.66
displays the list of all currently opened TCP and UDP ports on your computer
TCPView 2.54
Lists TCP and UDP endpoints, including the Local/Remote addresses of TCP connections
Winsock 2 Fix for 9x
to fix corrupted Winsock2 information by poorly written Internet programs
XP TCP/IP Repair 1.0
Repair your Windows XP Winsock and TCP/IP registry errors
Process Tools
IB Process Manager 1.04
a little process manager for 9x/2k, shows dll info etc.
Process Explorer 11.33
shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded
OpenedFilesView 1.40
View opened/locked files in your system, sharing violation issues
Pocket KillBox 2.0.0.978
can be used to get rid of files that stubbornly refuse to allow you to delete them
ProcessActivityView 1.10
Detailed process access information read/write/opened files etc
Unlocker 1.8.7
This tool can delete file/folder when you get this message - Cannot delete file:
Access is denied, The file is in use by another program etc.
Registry Tools
RegScanner 1.77
Tool to find/search in the Registry of Windows
Registry Editor PE 0.9c
Easy editing of remote registry hives and user profiles
Registry Restore Wizard 1.0.4
Restores a corrupted system registry from Xp System Restore
Startup Tools
Autoruns 9.53
Displays All the entries from startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys,
Explorer shell extensions,toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications,
auto-start services, Scheduled Tasks, Winsock, LSA Providers, Remove Drivers
and much more which helps to remove nasty spyware/adware and viruses.
Silent Runners Revision 59
A free script that helps detect spyware, malware and adware in the startup process
Startup Control Panel 2.8
a tool to edit startup programs
Startup Monitor 1.02
it notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup
HijackThis 2.0.2
a general homepage hijackers detector and remover and more
Tweakers
Dial a Fix 0.60.0.24
Fix errors and problems with COM/ActiveX object errors and missing registry entries,
Automatic Updates, SSL, HTTPS, and Cryptography service (signing/verification)
issues, Reinstall internet explorer etc. comes with the policy scanner
Ultimate Windows Tweaker 2.0
A TweakUI Utility for tweaking and optimizing Windows Vista
TweakUI 2.10
This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows Xp
Xp-AntiSpy 3.97.4 beta
it tweaks some Windows XP functions, and disables some unneeded Windows services quickly
Shell Extensions Manager (ShellExView) 1.40
An excellent tool to View and Manage all installed Context-menu/Shell extensions
EzPcFix 1.0.0.16
Helpful tool when trying to remove viruses, spyware, and malware
RemoveWGA 1.2
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Removal tool
RRT - Remove Restrictions Tool 3.0
To Re-enable Ctrl+Alt+Del, Folder Options and Registry tools etc.
Antivirus Tools
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 7.0.0.290 (2908)
Free on-demand virus scanner from Kaspersky Lab to remove viruses.
Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2 (2908)
Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.40 (2908)
anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware.
SpywareBlaster 4.2 (2908)
Prevent the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
SmitFraudFix 2.423
This removes Some of the popular Desktop Hijack malware
ComboFix (2908)
Designed to cleanup malware infections and restore settings modified by malware
CWShredder 2.19
Popular CoolWebSearch Trojan Remover tool
RootkitRevealer 1.7.1
Rootkit Revealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility.
SuperAntispyware 4.27 (2908)
Remove Malware, Rootkits, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Parasites (a must have tool)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Licensing Issues
Licensing Issues
Here you can find a Description of the things which are done by the Program or you can manually change the following settings to have the same effect:
*
- MediaPlayer: Don't Acquire licenses automatically - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras - Options... Click the tab 'Player', look at the groupbox 'Internetsettings' and uncheck 'Acquire licenses automatically'.
*
- MediaPlayer: No identification by internetsites - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras-Options... Click the tab ‘Player’, look at the groupbox 'Internet settings' and uncheck 'Allow identification by internet sites'
*
- MediaPlayer: don't download codecs automatically - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras-Options... Click the tab 'Player', look at the groupbox 'Automatic Updates' and uncheck 'Download Codecs Automatically'
*
- Error report: Don't report errors - Open the Explorer, right-click on 'My Computer' and select 'Properties', click on the Tab 'Advanced' and click the button 'Errorreports', in the upcoming dialog uncheck all 3 items and select 'Disable Errorreports'
Here you can find a Description of the things which are done by the Program or you can manually change the following settings to have the same effect:
*
- MediaPlayer: Don't Acquire licenses automatically - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras - Options... Click the tab 'Player', look at the groupbox 'Internetsettings' and uncheck 'Acquire licenses automatically'.
*
- MediaPlayer: No identification by internetsites - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras-Options... Click the tab ‘Player’, look at the groupbox 'Internet settings' and uncheck 'Allow identification by internet sites'
*
- MediaPlayer: don't download codecs automatically - Open the MediaPlayer-Extras-Options... Click the tab 'Player', look at the groupbox 'Automatic Updates' and uncheck 'Download Codecs Automatically'
*
- Error report: Don't report errors - Open the Explorer, right-click on 'My Computer' and select 'Properties', click on the Tab 'Advanced' and click the button 'Errorreports', in the upcoming dialog uncheck all 3 items and select 'Disable Errorreports'
Rename a Series of Files
Rename a Series of Files
When you download photos from your digital camera, they often have unrecognizable names. You can rename several similar files at once with the following procedure. This also works for renaming other types of files.
1.Open the My Pictures folder. (Click Start, and then click My Pictures.) Or open another folder containing files that you want to rename.
2.Select the files you want to rename. If the files you want are not adjacent in the file list, press and hold CTRL, and then click each item to select it.
3.On the File menu, click Rename.
4.Type the new name, and then press ENTER.
All of the files in the series will be named in sequence using the new name you type. For example, if you type Birthday, the first will be named Birthday and subsequent files in the series will be named Birthday (1), Birthday (2), and so on. To specify the starting number for the series, type the starting number in parentheses after the new file name. The files in the series will be numbered in sequence starting with the number you type. For example, if you type Birthday (10), the other files will be named Birthday (11), Birthday (12), and so on.
When you download photos from your digital camera, they often have unrecognizable names. You can rename several similar files at once with the following procedure. This also works for renaming other types of files.
1.Open the My Pictures folder. (Click Start, and then click My Pictures.) Or open another folder containing files that you want to rename.
2.Select the files you want to rename. If the files you want are not adjacent in the file list, press and hold CTRL, and then click each item to select it.
3.On the File menu, click Rename.
4.Type the new name, and then press ENTER.
All of the files in the series will be named in sequence using the new name you type. For example, if you type Birthday, the first will be named Birthday and subsequent files in the series will be named Birthday (1), Birthday (2), and so on. To specify the starting number for the series, type the starting number in parentheses after the new file name. The files in the series will be numbered in sequence starting with the number you type. For example, if you type Birthday (10), the other files will be named Birthday (11), Birthday (12), and so on.
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Introduction
Windows XP represents Microsoft's big push to get the largely Windows 9X-based user community to an operating system family based on the Windows NT-kernel. In Windows XP, new client services not only blend the ease of use of familiar Windows 9X profiles with the robustness of Windows NT (and Windows 2000) user management, but significantly improve on the combination. While the majority of these advancements will be appreciated most by home users, enterprise customers that share assets-for instance, with shift workers and telecommuters or with users who access e-mail from multiple machines while roaming-will also see improvements.
Many computers are shared between multiple users, particularly in the home environment where studies have shown that 80% of computers are used routinely by multiple people. In previous versions of Windows NT, user account management-which could be strictly enforced across the enterprise by administrators-was a somewhat tricky process that was beyond the abilities of most non-computing professionals. Simple-to-use Windows 9X profiles, however, were not enabled by default and were largely ignored: The cost of actually using the profiles, which required that users log off before allowing other users to access the system, meant that the vast majority of machines made do with a single shared profile, with all of the corresponding security, configuration, and data-loss risks.
In Windows XP, user profiles are always enabled and even non-enterprise users are encouraged to create accounts during the Setup process. These accounts are based on Windows NT profiles and allow Windows XP to provide strong isolation and protection of users' data and settings. If multiple user accounts are configured on a machine, then users are presented with a Welcome screen that appears featuring separate-and customizable-graphics for each user. Users of Windows XP machines that are members of an NT-style domain do not see this screen, since presenting a list of machine users could be considered a security violation. A new control panel applet replaces the familiar Windows NT User Manager and Windows 2000 Computers and Users snap-in, providing a simple interface that allows almost anyone to set up a new user and give them appropriate rights and privileges.
Fast User Switching
Windows XP introduces fast user switching. Undoubtedly, fast user switching is the single most important feature that makes sharing Windows-based computers workable. Using fast user switching, it is not necessary for a user to log off the computer before allowing a second user to access their own account. Instead, the first user's account is "disconnected," which leaves all the programs running; the second user can then log on, and then the users can switch quickly between logged-on accounts. Many accounts can be open simultaneously on one computer, though only one account at a time will be able to interact with the keyboard, screen, and input devices.
In the home environment, for instance, fast user switching allows a parent working on a personal finance program to yield the computer to a child to work on homework by browsing the Internet, without requiring the parent to shut down and restart the finance program and without exposing the child to the parent's financial information. In the business environment, fast user switching can allow multiple users in a common environment, such as a research lab, to share a single machine.
Fast user switching is just one of two mechanisms that allow multiple users to work with a single system. Remote desktop, another built-in Windows XP feature, allows users to interact with machines remotely across a network and to access data and applications on those remote machines. While fast user switching is aimed principally at the home market, remote desktop enables business users to access their corporate desktops from remote computers-and vice versa, enabling them to operate home machines while at work.
Programming Issues
Both fast user switching and remote desktop use Windows XP's updated terminal services technology. Improvements have been made to both the server and client components of terminal services. Windows XP now features support for both local and remote sound, 24-bit video, performance optimizations, and the mapping of the local drives and printers.
Fortunately, most applications don't have to be rewritten to work with terminal services and, thus, fast user switching and remote desktop. Rather, they need to respect basic user settings management guidelines. These guidelines are not new: Most are covered in the Windows 2000 Certified for Windows Application Specification, which has been available on Microsoft's Web site for some time. The Data and Settings Management section of this specification includes several topics that are particularly important when supporting multiple users on a single machine:
· Default to the My Documents folder for storage of user-created data;
· Classify and store application data correctly;
· Degrade gracefully on "Access denied" messages.
Mostly, this means isolating data and settings for each user. And an important step in this direction is to ensure that you are using the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry key rather than HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for storing settings in the system registry. You should also be careful to install programs correctly and to classify and store data correctly. You can use the ShGetFolderPath API to obtain the path of a specific named folder-such as "My Documents" or even "Program Files"-as well as the appropriate directories for storing Roaming, Non-Roaming, and Shared application data. The following are some general guidelines for locating data:
· Profiles\username\Application Data\appname
- Roaming, auto-created user files (e-mail DB, custom dictionaries…)
· Profiles\username\Application Data\Local Settings\appname
- Discardable/local-only user data files (e.g., offline stores)
· Profiles\All Users\Application Data\appname
- Last-resort for local-only, common dynamic data (e.g., log files)
A notable exception to the isolation rule is that you should support "All Users" installations: It is extremely frustrating for users to install the same application repeatedly for multiple user accounts.
By carefully locating user data, user settings, and computer settings, applications can make it easier for users to backup individual documents and settings, share a computer among multiple users, and even to work with the same documents and settings on multiple computers. By handling data and settings properly, you can enable your application to run in both the home (fast user switching) and business enterprise (remote desktop) marketplaces.
Controlling Running Instances
It is common for applications to control their startup so that only a single instance may be running on a machine at any given time. There are many valid reasons for doing this: licensing restrictions, required dedicated access to specific hardware resources, and perhaps even enforcing data integrity. However, with multiple users on the same machine, it might be desirable to allow multiple users-each with their own instance-to work with (for example) a personal finance program as long as their data remains isolated. At this point, the commonly used mechanisms for controlling running instances may exhibit some unwanted side effects when operating under Windows XP's fast user switching or remote desktop.
The most common method for discovering whether another instance is running is to use the FindWindow or FindWindowEx APIs to search for a window that, if your application is running, you know to be open. Somewhat unexpectedly, both of these APIs work in a single user session only. So using this method won't prevent another instance of your application from being started by another user.
A more robust method for controlling multiple instances is to use one of the NT kernel objects: events, semaphores, mutexes, waitable timers, file-mapping objects, and job objects can all be used with Global\ or Local\ prefixes on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. By default, each user (terminal service) session will have its own namespace for kernel objects. By creating a Global\ object-for instance, a mutex or semaphore-when your application is started (and closing it upon exit), your application can detect running instances across multiple user (terminal service) sessions. Of course, you can't just switch to the previous instance: It may be in another session! What typically happens in that case is the user clicks on an icon and then nothing appears to happen (since the app thinks it's located another running instance). At a minimum, you should warn the user that there's another instance running.
What about sound? Well, the terminal services in Windows XP have been designed to configure sound to both the interactive and disconnected sessions. While it may be difficult to imagine at first, there may be valid scenarios where it would desirable to output multiple audio streams. For instance, what if you used a sound card in one user session to output audio to the home stereo system and at the same time the active user wanted to hold an interactive meeting with sound? In this case, you certainly would not want to blend the two streams. And neither would you want to suspend the audio stream in the disconnected session. Getting this right can be particularly important when working with shared media devices like DVD players.
One general guideline is to do "as little as possible, as much as necessary" when you are the disconnected session. To do this, it can be helpful to know when a session switch occurs. While most applications won't need to be notified, if your application accesses a shared resource-such as a serial port or other hardware device-you may want to know when the machine switches between user sessions. To be notified when a session switch occurs, you must register to receive the WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE message by calling the WTSRegisterConsoleNotification API. Using this function, you can choose to be notified for a single session or for all sessions, and when either local or remote sessions connect or disconnect. When you no longer require notification, you should unregister using the WTSUnRegisterConsoleNotification API.
Summary
If you isolate access to your application's data and settings and take care not to tie up shared resources, your application should work well with Windows XP's terminal services. By developing your application to assume it's not the only thing running on the machine, your users are likely to have a much better experience when they start using it with Windows XP's new fast user switching and remote desktop features.
Introduction
Windows XP represents Microsoft's big push to get the largely Windows 9X-based user community to an operating system family based on the Windows NT-kernel. In Windows XP, new client services not only blend the ease of use of familiar Windows 9X profiles with the robustness of Windows NT (and Windows 2000) user management, but significantly improve on the combination. While the majority of these advancements will be appreciated most by home users, enterprise customers that share assets-for instance, with shift workers and telecommuters or with users who access e-mail from multiple machines while roaming-will also see improvements.
Many computers are shared between multiple users, particularly in the home environment where studies have shown that 80% of computers are used routinely by multiple people. In previous versions of Windows NT, user account management-which could be strictly enforced across the enterprise by administrators-was a somewhat tricky process that was beyond the abilities of most non-computing professionals. Simple-to-use Windows 9X profiles, however, were not enabled by default and were largely ignored: The cost of actually using the profiles, which required that users log off before allowing other users to access the system, meant that the vast majority of machines made do with a single shared profile, with all of the corresponding security, configuration, and data-loss risks.
In Windows XP, user profiles are always enabled and even non-enterprise users are encouraged to create accounts during the Setup process. These accounts are based on Windows NT profiles and allow Windows XP to provide strong isolation and protection of users' data and settings. If multiple user accounts are configured on a machine, then users are presented with a Welcome screen that appears featuring separate-and customizable-graphics for each user. Users of Windows XP machines that are members of an NT-style domain do not see this screen, since presenting a list of machine users could be considered a security violation. A new control panel applet replaces the familiar Windows NT User Manager and Windows 2000 Computers and Users snap-in, providing a simple interface that allows almost anyone to set up a new user and give them appropriate rights and privileges.
Fast User Switching
Windows XP introduces fast user switching. Undoubtedly, fast user switching is the single most important feature that makes sharing Windows-based computers workable. Using fast user switching, it is not necessary for a user to log off the computer before allowing a second user to access their own account. Instead, the first user's account is "disconnected," which leaves all the programs running; the second user can then log on, and then the users can switch quickly between logged-on accounts. Many accounts can be open simultaneously on one computer, though only one account at a time will be able to interact with the keyboard, screen, and input devices.
In the home environment, for instance, fast user switching allows a parent working on a personal finance program to yield the computer to a child to work on homework by browsing the Internet, without requiring the parent to shut down and restart the finance program and without exposing the child to the parent's financial information. In the business environment, fast user switching can allow multiple users in a common environment, such as a research lab, to share a single machine.
Fast user switching is just one of two mechanisms that allow multiple users to work with a single system. Remote desktop, another built-in Windows XP feature, allows users to interact with machines remotely across a network and to access data and applications on those remote machines. While fast user switching is aimed principally at the home market, remote desktop enables business users to access their corporate desktops from remote computers-and vice versa, enabling them to operate home machines while at work.
Programming Issues
Both fast user switching and remote desktop use Windows XP's updated terminal services technology. Improvements have been made to both the server and client components of terminal services. Windows XP now features support for both local and remote sound, 24-bit video, performance optimizations, and the mapping of the local drives and printers.
Fortunately, most applications don't have to be rewritten to work with terminal services and, thus, fast user switching and remote desktop. Rather, they need to respect basic user settings management guidelines. These guidelines are not new: Most are covered in the Windows 2000 Certified for Windows Application Specification, which has been available on Microsoft's Web site for some time. The Data and Settings Management section of this specification includes several topics that are particularly important when supporting multiple users on a single machine:
· Default to the My Documents folder for storage of user-created data;
· Classify and store application data correctly;
· Degrade gracefully on "Access denied" messages.
Mostly, this means isolating data and settings for each user. And an important step in this direction is to ensure that you are using the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry key rather than HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for storing settings in the system registry. You should also be careful to install programs correctly and to classify and store data correctly. You can use the ShGetFolderPath API to obtain the path of a specific named folder-such as "My Documents" or even "Program Files"-as well as the appropriate directories for storing Roaming, Non-Roaming, and Shared application data. The following are some general guidelines for locating data:
· Profiles\username\Application Data\appname
- Roaming, auto-created user files (e-mail DB, custom dictionaries…)
· Profiles\username\Application Data\Local Settings\appname
- Discardable/local-only user data files (e.g., offline stores)
· Profiles\All Users\Application Data\appname
- Last-resort for local-only, common dynamic data (e.g., log files)
A notable exception to the isolation rule is that you should support "All Users" installations: It is extremely frustrating for users to install the same application repeatedly for multiple user accounts.
By carefully locating user data, user settings, and computer settings, applications can make it easier for users to backup individual documents and settings, share a computer among multiple users, and even to work with the same documents and settings on multiple computers. By handling data and settings properly, you can enable your application to run in both the home (fast user switching) and business enterprise (remote desktop) marketplaces.
Controlling Running Instances
It is common for applications to control their startup so that only a single instance may be running on a machine at any given time. There are many valid reasons for doing this: licensing restrictions, required dedicated access to specific hardware resources, and perhaps even enforcing data integrity. However, with multiple users on the same machine, it might be desirable to allow multiple users-each with their own instance-to work with (for example) a personal finance program as long as their data remains isolated. At this point, the commonly used mechanisms for controlling running instances may exhibit some unwanted side effects when operating under Windows XP's fast user switching or remote desktop.
The most common method for discovering whether another instance is running is to use the FindWindow or FindWindowEx APIs to search for a window that, if your application is running, you know to be open. Somewhat unexpectedly, both of these APIs work in a single user session only. So using this method won't prevent another instance of your application from being started by another user.
A more robust method for controlling multiple instances is to use one of the NT kernel objects: events, semaphores, mutexes, waitable timers, file-mapping objects, and job objects can all be used with Global\ or Local\ prefixes on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. By default, each user (terminal service) session will have its own namespace for kernel objects. By creating a Global\ object-for instance, a mutex or semaphore-when your application is started (and closing it upon exit), your application can detect running instances across multiple user (terminal service) sessions. Of course, you can't just switch to the previous instance: It may be in another session! What typically happens in that case is the user clicks on an icon and then nothing appears to happen (since the app thinks it's located another running instance). At a minimum, you should warn the user that there's another instance running.
What about sound? Well, the terminal services in Windows XP have been designed to configure sound to both the interactive and disconnected sessions. While it may be difficult to imagine at first, there may be valid scenarios where it would desirable to output multiple audio streams. For instance, what if you used a sound card in one user session to output audio to the home stereo system and at the same time the active user wanted to hold an interactive meeting with sound? In this case, you certainly would not want to blend the two streams. And neither would you want to suspend the audio stream in the disconnected session. Getting this right can be particularly important when working with shared media devices like DVD players.
One general guideline is to do "as little as possible, as much as necessary" when you are the disconnected session. To do this, it can be helpful to know when a session switch occurs. While most applications won't need to be notified, if your application accesses a shared resource-such as a serial port or other hardware device-you may want to know when the machine switches between user sessions. To be notified when a session switch occurs, you must register to receive the WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE message by calling the WTSRegisterConsoleNotification API. Using this function, you can choose to be notified for a single session or for all sessions, and when either local or remote sessions connect or disconnect. When you no longer require notification, you should unregister using the WTSUnRegisterConsoleNotification API.
Summary
If you isolate access to your application's data and settings and take care not to tie up shared resources, your application should work well with Windows XP's terminal services. By developing your application to assume it's not the only thing running on the machine, your users are likely to have a much better experience when they start using it with Windows XP's new fast user switching and remote desktop features.
Using Remote Desktop
Using Remote Desktop
You must first enable the Remote Desktop feature on your office computer so that you can control it remotely from another computer. You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to enable Remote Desktop on your Windows XP Professional-based computer.
To setup your office computer to use Remote Desktop:
*
Open the System folder in Control Panel. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the System icon.
*
On the Remote tab, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box, as shown below.
*
Ensure that you have the proper permissions to connect to your computer remotely, and click OK.
*
Leave your computer running and connected to the company network with Internet access. Lock your computer, and leave your office.
The Remote Desktop Connection client software allows a computer running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 to control your Windows XP Professional computer remotely. The client software is available on the installation CD for Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition. The client software is installed by default on computers running Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition.
To install Remote Desktop Connection software on a client computer
*
Insert the Windows XP compact disc into your CD-ROM drive.
*
When the Welcome page appears, click Perform additional tasks, and then click Setup Remote Desktop Connection as shown below.
*
When the installation wizard starts, follow the directions that appear on your screen.
Once you have enabled your Windows XP Professional computer to allow remote connections, and installed client software on a Windows-based client computer, you are ready to start a Remote Desktop session.
To create a new Remote Desktop Connection
*
Open Remote Desktop Connection. (Click Start, point to Programs or All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.)
*
In Computer, type the computer name for your computer running Windows XP Professional that has Remote Desktop enabled and for which you have Remote Desktop permissions
*
Click Connect.
*
The Log On to Windows dialog box appears.
*
In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your user name, password, and domain (if required), and then click OK. The Remote Desktop window will open and you will see the desktop settings, files, and programs that are on your office computer. Your office computer will remain locked.
*
Nobody will be able to work at your office computer without a password, nor will anyone see the work you are doing on your office computer remotely. Note: To change your connection settings, (such as screen size, automatic logon information, and performance options), click Options before you connect.
To open a saved connection
*
In Windows Explorer, open the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder.
*
Click the .Rdp file for the connection you want to open. Note: A Remote Desktop file (.rdp) file contains all of the information for a connection to a remote computer, including the Options settings that were configured when the file was saved. You can customize any number of .rdp files, including files for connecting to the same computer with different settings. For example, you can save a file that connects to MyComputer in full screen mode and another file that connects to the same computer in 800×600 screen size. By default, .rdp files are saved in the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder. To edit an .rdp file and change the connections settings it contains, right-click the file and then click Edit.
To log off and end the session
*
In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Start, and then click Shut Down.
*
The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
*
In the drop-down menu, select Log Off , and then click OK.
You must first enable the Remote Desktop feature on your office computer so that you can control it remotely from another computer. You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to enable Remote Desktop on your Windows XP Professional-based computer.
To setup your office computer to use Remote Desktop:
*
Open the System folder in Control Panel. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the System icon.
*
On the Remote tab, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box, as shown below.
*
Ensure that you have the proper permissions to connect to your computer remotely, and click OK.
*
Leave your computer running and connected to the company network with Internet access. Lock your computer, and leave your office.
The Remote Desktop Connection client software allows a computer running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 to control your Windows XP Professional computer remotely. The client software is available on the installation CD for Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition. The client software is installed by default on computers running Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition.
To install Remote Desktop Connection software on a client computer
*
Insert the Windows XP compact disc into your CD-ROM drive.
*
When the Welcome page appears, click Perform additional tasks, and then click Setup Remote Desktop Connection as shown below.
*
When the installation wizard starts, follow the directions that appear on your screen.
Once you have enabled your Windows XP Professional computer to allow remote connections, and installed client software on a Windows-based client computer, you are ready to start a Remote Desktop session.
To create a new Remote Desktop Connection
*
Open Remote Desktop Connection. (Click Start, point to Programs or All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.)
*
In Computer, type the computer name for your computer running Windows XP Professional that has Remote Desktop enabled and for which you have Remote Desktop permissions
*
Click Connect.
*
The Log On to Windows dialog box appears.
*
In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your user name, password, and domain (if required), and then click OK. The Remote Desktop window will open and you will see the desktop settings, files, and programs that are on your office computer. Your office computer will remain locked.
*
Nobody will be able to work at your office computer without a password, nor will anyone see the work you are doing on your office computer remotely. Note: To change your connection settings, (such as screen size, automatic logon information, and performance options), click Options before you connect.
To open a saved connection
*
In Windows Explorer, open the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder.
*
Click the .Rdp file for the connection you want to open. Note: A Remote Desktop file (.rdp) file contains all of the information for a connection to a remote computer, including the Options settings that were configured when the file was saved. You can customize any number of .rdp files, including files for connecting to the same computer with different settings. For example, you can save a file that connects to MyComputer in full screen mode and another file that connects to the same computer in 800×600 screen size. By default, .rdp files are saved in the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder. To edit an .rdp file and change the connections settings it contains, right-click the file and then click Edit.
To log off and end the session
*
In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Start, and then click Shut Down.
*
The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
*
In the drop-down menu, select Log Off , and then click OK.
Changing The Internet Time Update Synchronisation
Changing The Internet Time Update Synchronisation
To change the interval that Windows updates the time using the internet time servers via regedit, navigate to:
1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services \W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient
2. Select "SpecialPollInterval"
3. Change decimal value from 604800 to a different value in seconds. i.e.: 172800 (2 Days) or 86400 (1 Day) and so on.
We don't recommend changing this unless you are on a broadband connection.
To change the interval that Windows updates the time using the internet time servers via regedit, navigate to:
1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services \W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient
2. Select "SpecialPollInterval"
3. Change decimal value from 604800 to a different value in seconds. i.e.: 172800 (2 Days) or 86400 (1 Day) and so on.
We don't recommend changing this unless you are on a broadband connection.
Getting an Older Program to Run on Windows XP
Getting an Older Program to Run on Windows XP
1.Right–click the executable or the program shortcut to the executable, and then click Properties.
2.Select the Run this program in compatibility mode check box.
3.From the list, select an operating system that the program runs in comfortably.
If necessary, also change the display settings and/or resolution, or disable the Windows XP visual themes.
Run the program again when you’re finished changing the settings. Adjust the compatibility settings again if the program is still not running smoothly: a program that’s unhappy on Windows 2000 may flourish on Windows 98.
1.Right–click the executable or the program shortcut to the executable, and then click Properties.
2.Select the Run this program in compatibility mode check box.
3.From the list, select an operating system that the program runs in comfortably.
If necessary, also change the display settings and/or resolution, or disable the Windows XP visual themes.
Run the program again when you’re finished changing the settings. Adjust the compatibility settings again if the program is still not running smoothly: a program that’s unhappy on Windows 2000 may flourish on Windows 98.
For a Safer, faster XP Close Unwanted Services
For a Safer, faster XP Close Unwanted Services
To disable unneeded startup services for a safer, faster XP, use the "Services" Admin Tool (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services). If you are a single user of a non-networked machine, you can disable the following items, with no ill effect.
Alerter
Clipbook
Computer Browser
Fast User Switching
Human Interface Access Devices
Indexing Service (Slows the hard drive down)
Messenger
Net Logon (unnecessary unless networked on a Domain)
Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (disabled for extra security)
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (disabled for extra security)
Remote Procedure Call Locator
Remote Registry (disabled for extra security)
Routing & Remote Access (disabled for extra security)
Server
SSDP Discovery Service (this is for the utterly pointless "Universal P'n'P", & leaves TCP Port 5000 wide open)
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Telnet (disabled for extra security)
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration (for wireless networks)
Workstation
To disable unneeded startup services for a safer, faster XP, use the "Services" Admin Tool (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services). If you are a single user of a non-networked machine, you can disable the following items, with no ill effect.
Alerter
Clipbook
Computer Browser
Fast User Switching
Human Interface Access Devices
Indexing Service (Slows the hard drive down)
Messenger
Net Logon (unnecessary unless networked on a Domain)
Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (disabled for extra security)
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (disabled for extra security)
Remote Procedure Call Locator
Remote Registry (disabled for extra security)
Routing & Remote Access (disabled for extra security)
Server
SSDP Discovery Service (this is for the utterly pointless "Universal P'n'P", & leaves TCP Port 5000 wide open)
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Telnet (disabled for extra security)
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration (for wireless networks)
Workstation
Boot Defragment
Boot Defragment
A very important new feature in Microsoft Windows XP is the ability to do a boot defragment. This basically means that all boot files are placed next to each other on the disk drive to allow for faster booting. By default this option is enabled but some upgrade users have reported that it isn't on their setup.
1. Start Regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction
3. Select Enable from the list on the right.
4. Right on it and select Modify.
5. Change the value to Y to enable and N to disable.
6. Reboot your computer.
A very important new feature in Microsoft Windows XP is the ability to do a boot defragment. This basically means that all boot files are placed next to each other on the disk drive to allow for faster booting. By default this option is enabled but some upgrade users have reported that it isn't on their setup.
1. Start Regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction
3. Select Enable from the list on the right.
4. Right on it and select Modify.
5. Change the value to Y to enable and N to disable.
6. Reboot your computer.
Adding Programs To Stay On The Start Menu
Adding Programs To Stay On The Start Menu
Right click on any .exe file in Explorer, My Computer, Desktop and select 'Pin to Start Menu', the program is then displayed on the start menu, above the separator line. To remove it, click the file on the start menu and select 'Unpin from Start Menu'. Below you can check the before and after shots.
Right click on any .exe file in Explorer, My Computer, Desktop and select 'Pin to Start Menu', the program is then displayed on the start menu, above the separator line. To remove it, click the file on the start menu and select 'Unpin from Start Menu'. Below you can check the before and after shots.
20 things you didn't know about Windows XP
20 things you didn't know about Windows XP
You've read the reviews and digested the key feature enhancements and operational changes. Now it's time to delve a bit deeper and uncover some of Windows XP's secrets.
1. It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina. Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with Notepad. (Professional Edition only).
2. You can delete files immediately, without having them move to the Recycle Bin first. Go to the Start menu, select Run... and type 'gpedit.msc'; then select User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer and find the Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin setting. Set it. Poking around in gpedit will reveal a great many interface and system options, but take care -- some may stop your computer behaving as you wish. (Professional Edition only).
3. You can lock your XP workstation with two clicks of the mouse. Create a new shortcut on your desktop using a right mouse click, and enter 'rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation' in the location field. Give the shortcut a name you like. That's it -- just double click on it and your computer will be locked. And if that's not easy enough, Windows key + L will do the same.
4. XP hides some system software you might want to remove, such as Windows Messenger, but you can tickle it and make it disgorge everything. Using Notepad or Edit, edit the text file /windows/inf/sysoc.inf, search for the word 'hide' and remove it. You can then go to the Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel, select Add/Remove Windows Components and there will be your prey, exposed and vulnerable.
5. For those skilled in the art of DOS batch files, XP has a number of interesting new commands. These include 'eventcreate' and 'eventtriggers' for creating and watching system events, 'typeperf' for monitoring performance of various subsystems, and 'schtasks' for handling scheduled tasks. As usual, typing the command name followed by /? will give a list of options -- they're all far too baroque to go into here.
6. XP has IP version 6 support -- the next generation of IP. Unfortunately this is more than your ISP has, so you can only experiment with this on your LAN. Type 'ipv6 install' into Run... (it's OK, it won't ruin your existing network setup) and then 'ipv6 /?' at the command line to find out more. If you don't know what IPv6 is, don't worry and don't bother.
7. You can at last get rid of tasks on the computer from the command line by using 'taskkill /pid' and the task number, or just 'tskill' and the process number. Find that out by typing 'tasklist', which will also tell you a lot about what's going on in your system.
8. XP will treat Zip files like folders, which is nice if you've got a fast machine. On slower machines, you can make XP leave zip files well alone by typing 'regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll' at the command line. If you change your mind later, you can put things back as they were by typing 'regsvr32 zipfldr.dll'.
9. XP has ClearType -- Microsoft's anti-aliasing font display technology -- but doesn't have it enabled by default. It's well worth trying, especially if you were there for DOS and all those years of staring at a screen have given you the eyes of an astigmatic bat. To enable ClearType, right click on the desktop, select Properties, Appearance, Effects, select ClearType from the second drop-down menu and enable the selection. Expect best results on laptop displays. If you want to use ClearType on the Welcome login screen as well, set the registry entry HKEY_USERS/.DEFAULT/Control Panel/Desktop/FontSmoothingType to 2.
10. You can use Remote Assistance to help a friend who's using network address translation (NAT) on a home network, but not automatically. Get your pal to email you a Remote Assistance invitation and edit the file. Under the RCTICKET attribute will be a NAT IP address, like 192.168.1.10. Replace this with your chum's real IP address -- they can find this out by going to www.whatismyip.com -- and get them to make sure that they've got port 3389 open on their firewall and forwarded to the errant computer.
11. You can run a program as a different user without logging out and back in again. Right click the icon, select Run As... and enter the user name and password you want to use. This only applies for that run. The trick is particularly useful if you need to have administrative permissions to install a program, which many require. Note that you can have some fun by running programs multiple times on the same system as different users, but this can have unforeseen effects.
12. Windows XP can be very insistent about you checking for auto updates, registering a Passport, using Windows Messenger and so on. After a while, the nagging goes away, but if you feel you might slip the bonds of sanity before that point, run Regedit, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/Advanced and create a DWORD value called EnableBalloonTips with a value of 0.
13. You can start up without needing to enter a user name or password. Select Run... from the start menu and type 'control userpasswords2', which will open the user accounts application. On the Users tab, clear the box for Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer, and click on OK. An Automatically Log On dialog box will appear; enter the user name and password for the account you want to use.
14. Internet Explorer 6 will automatically delete temporary files, but only if you tell it to. Start the browser, select Tools / Internet Options... and Advanced, go down to the Security area and check the box to Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.
15. XP comes with a free Network Activity Light, just in case you can't see the LEDs twinkle on your network card. Right click on My Network Places on the desktop, then select Properties. Right click on the description for your LAN or dial-up connection, select Properties, then check the Show icon in notification area when connected box. You'll now see a tiny network icon on the right of your task bar that glimmers nicely during network traffic.
16. The Start Menu can be leisurely when it decides to appear, but you can speed things along by changing the registry entry HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Control Panel/Desktop/MenuShowDelay from the default 400 to something a little snappier. Like 0.
17. You can rename loads of files at once in Windows Explorer. Highlight a set of files in a window, then right click on one and rename it. All the other files will be renamed to that name, with individual numbers in brackets to distinguish them. Also, in a folder you can arrange icons in alphabetised groups by View, Arrange Icon By... Show In Groups.
18. Windows Media Player will display the cover art for albums as it plays the tracks -- if it found the picture on the Internet when you copied the tracks from the CD. If it didn't, or if you have lots of pre-WMP music files, you can put your own copy of the cover art in the same directory as the tracks. Just call it folder.jpg and Windows Media Player will pick it up and display it.
19. Windows key + Break brings up the System Properties dialogue box; Windows key + D brings up the desktop; Windows key + Tab moves through the taskbar buttons.
20. The next release of Windows XP, codenamed Longhorn, is due out late next year or early 2003 and won't be much to write home about. The next big release is codenamed Blackcomb and will be out in 2003/2004.
You've read the reviews and digested the key feature enhancements and operational changes. Now it's time to delve a bit deeper and uncover some of Windows XP's secrets.
1. It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina. Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with Notepad. (Professional Edition only).
2. You can delete files immediately, without having them move to the Recycle Bin first. Go to the Start menu, select Run... and type 'gpedit.msc'; then select User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer and find the Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin setting. Set it. Poking around in gpedit will reveal a great many interface and system options, but take care -- some may stop your computer behaving as you wish. (Professional Edition only).
3. You can lock your XP workstation with two clicks of the mouse. Create a new shortcut on your desktop using a right mouse click, and enter 'rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation' in the location field. Give the shortcut a name you like. That's it -- just double click on it and your computer will be locked. And if that's not easy enough, Windows key + L will do the same.
4. XP hides some system software you might want to remove, such as Windows Messenger, but you can tickle it and make it disgorge everything. Using Notepad or Edit, edit the text file /windows/inf/sysoc.inf, search for the word 'hide' and remove it. You can then go to the Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel, select Add/Remove Windows Components and there will be your prey, exposed and vulnerable.
5. For those skilled in the art of DOS batch files, XP has a number of interesting new commands. These include 'eventcreate' and 'eventtriggers' for creating and watching system events, 'typeperf' for monitoring performance of various subsystems, and 'schtasks' for handling scheduled tasks. As usual, typing the command name followed by /? will give a list of options -- they're all far too baroque to go into here.
6. XP has IP version 6 support -- the next generation of IP. Unfortunately this is more than your ISP has, so you can only experiment with this on your LAN. Type 'ipv6 install' into Run... (it's OK, it won't ruin your existing network setup) and then 'ipv6 /?' at the command line to find out more. If you don't know what IPv6 is, don't worry and don't bother.
7. You can at last get rid of tasks on the computer from the command line by using 'taskkill /pid' and the task number, or just 'tskill' and the process number. Find that out by typing 'tasklist', which will also tell you a lot about what's going on in your system.
8. XP will treat Zip files like folders, which is nice if you've got a fast machine. On slower machines, you can make XP leave zip files well alone by typing 'regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll' at the command line. If you change your mind later, you can put things back as they were by typing 'regsvr32 zipfldr.dll'.
9. XP has ClearType -- Microsoft's anti-aliasing font display technology -- but doesn't have it enabled by default. It's well worth trying, especially if you were there for DOS and all those years of staring at a screen have given you the eyes of an astigmatic bat. To enable ClearType, right click on the desktop, select Properties, Appearance, Effects, select ClearType from the second drop-down menu and enable the selection. Expect best results on laptop displays. If you want to use ClearType on the Welcome login screen as well, set the registry entry HKEY_USERS/.DEFAULT/Control Panel/Desktop/FontSmoothingType to 2.
10. You can use Remote Assistance to help a friend who's using network address translation (NAT) on a home network, but not automatically. Get your pal to email you a Remote Assistance invitation and edit the file. Under the RCTICKET attribute will be a NAT IP address, like 192.168.1.10. Replace this with your chum's real IP address -- they can find this out by going to www.whatismyip.com -- and get them to make sure that they've got port 3389 open on their firewall and forwarded to the errant computer.
11. You can run a program as a different user without logging out and back in again. Right click the icon, select Run As... and enter the user name and password you want to use. This only applies for that run. The trick is particularly useful if you need to have administrative permissions to install a program, which many require. Note that you can have some fun by running programs multiple times on the same system as different users, but this can have unforeseen effects.
12. Windows XP can be very insistent about you checking for auto updates, registering a Passport, using Windows Messenger and so on. After a while, the nagging goes away, but if you feel you might slip the bonds of sanity before that point, run Regedit, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/Advanced and create a DWORD value called EnableBalloonTips with a value of 0.
13. You can start up without needing to enter a user name or password. Select Run... from the start menu and type 'control userpasswords2', which will open the user accounts application. On the Users tab, clear the box for Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer, and click on OK. An Automatically Log On dialog box will appear; enter the user name and password for the account you want to use.
14. Internet Explorer 6 will automatically delete temporary files, but only if you tell it to. Start the browser, select Tools / Internet Options... and Advanced, go down to the Security area and check the box to Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.
15. XP comes with a free Network Activity Light, just in case you can't see the LEDs twinkle on your network card. Right click on My Network Places on the desktop, then select Properties. Right click on the description for your LAN or dial-up connection, select Properties, then check the Show icon in notification area when connected box. You'll now see a tiny network icon on the right of your task bar that glimmers nicely during network traffic.
16. The Start Menu can be leisurely when it decides to appear, but you can speed things along by changing the registry entry HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Control Panel/Desktop/MenuShowDelay from the default 400 to something a little snappier. Like 0.
17. You can rename loads of files at once in Windows Explorer. Highlight a set of files in a window, then right click on one and rename it. All the other files will be renamed to that name, with individual numbers in brackets to distinguish them. Also, in a folder you can arrange icons in alphabetised groups by View, Arrange Icon By... Show In Groups.
18. Windows Media Player will display the cover art for albums as it plays the tracks -- if it found the picture on the Internet when you copied the tracks from the CD. If it didn't, or if you have lots of pre-WMP music files, you can put your own copy of the cover art in the same directory as the tracks. Just call it folder.jpg and Windows Media Player will pick it up and display it.
19. Windows key + Break brings up the System Properties dialogue box; Windows key + D brings up the desktop; Windows key + Tab moves through the taskbar buttons.
20. The next release of Windows XP, codenamed Longhorn, is due out late next year or early 2003 and won't be much to write home about. The next big release is codenamed Blackcomb and will be out in 2003/2004.
Disable CD Autorun
Disable CD Autorun
1) Click Start, Run and enter GPEDIT.MSC
2) Go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System.
3) Locate the entry for Turn autoplay off and modify it as you desire.
1) Click Start, Run and enter GPEDIT.MSC
2) Go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System.
3) Locate the entry for Turn autoplay off and modify it as you desire.
Create a Password Reset Disk
Create a Password Reset Disk
If you’re running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log onto your computer when you forget your password. To create the disk:
1.Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
2.Click your account name.
3.Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
4.Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
5.Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.
If you’re running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log onto your computer when you forget your password. To create the disk:
1.Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
2.Click your account name.
3.Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
4.Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
5.Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.
Copy Files and Folders to CD
Copy Files and Folders to CD
To copy files and folders to a CD
•Insert a blank, writable CD into the CD recorder.
•Open My Computer.
•Click the files or folders you want to copy to the CD. To select more than one file, hold down the CTRL key while you click the files you want. Then, under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file, Copy this folder, or Copy the selected items.
•If the files are located in My Pictures, under Picture Tasks, click Copy to CD or Copy all items to CD, and then skip to step 5.
•In the Copy Items dialog box, click the CD recording drive, and then click Copy.
•In My Computer, double–click the CD recording drive. Windows displays a temporary area where the files are held before they are copied to the CD. Verify that the files and folders that you intend to copy to the CD appear under Files Ready to be Written to the CD.
•Under CD Writing Tasks, click Write these files to CD. Windows displays the CD Writing Wizard. Follow the instructions in the wizard.
Notes:
•Do not copy more files to the CD than it will hold. Standard CDs hold up to 650 megabytes (MB). High–capacity CDs hold up to 850 MB.
•Be sure that you have enough disk space on your hard disk to store the temporary files that are created during the CD writing process. For a standard CD, Windows reserves up to 700 MB of the available free space. For a high–capacity CD, Windows reserves up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of the available free space.
•After you copy files or folders to the CD, it is useful to view the CD to confirm that the files are copied. For more information, click Related Topics.
To stop the CD recorder from automatically ejecting the CD
•Open My Computer.
•Right–click the CD recording drive, and then click Properties.
•On the Recording tab, clear the Automatically eject the CD after writing check box.
To copy files and folders to a CD
•Insert a blank, writable CD into the CD recorder.
•Open My Computer.
•Click the files or folders you want to copy to the CD. To select more than one file, hold down the CTRL key while you click the files you want. Then, under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file, Copy this folder, or Copy the selected items.
•If the files are located in My Pictures, under Picture Tasks, click Copy to CD or Copy all items to CD, and then skip to step 5.
•In the Copy Items dialog box, click the CD recording drive, and then click Copy.
•In My Computer, double–click the CD recording drive. Windows displays a temporary area where the files are held before they are copied to the CD. Verify that the files and folders that you intend to copy to the CD appear under Files Ready to be Written to the CD.
•Under CD Writing Tasks, click Write these files to CD. Windows displays the CD Writing Wizard. Follow the instructions in the wizard.
Notes:
•Do not copy more files to the CD than it will hold. Standard CDs hold up to 650 megabytes (MB). High–capacity CDs hold up to 850 MB.
•Be sure that you have enough disk space on your hard disk to store the temporary files that are created during the CD writing process. For a standard CD, Windows reserves up to 700 MB of the available free space. For a high–capacity CD, Windows reserves up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of the available free space.
•After you copy files or folders to the CD, it is useful to view the CD to confirm that the files are copied. For more information, click Related Topics.
To stop the CD recorder from automatically ejecting the CD
•Open My Computer.
•Right–click the CD recording drive, and then click Properties.
•On the Recording tab, clear the Automatically eject the CD after writing check box.
How to Convert a FAT Partition to NTFS
How to Convert a FAT Partition to NTFS
To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.
Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
In Windows XP, click Start, and then click Run.
At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.
Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
In Windows XP, click Start, and then click Run.
At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
Fix your Slow XP and 98 Network
Fix your Slow XP and 98 Network
You can run "wmiprvse.exe" as a process for quick shared network access to Win98/ME machines. Stick it in Startup or make it a service.
"On the PC running XP, log in as you normally would, go to users, manage network passwords.
Here is where the problem lies. In this dialog box remove any win98 passwords or computer-assigned names for the win98 PCs. In my case , I had two computer-assigned win98 pc names in this box (example G4k8e6). I deleted these names (you may have passwords instead). Then go to My Network Places and -- there you go! -- no more delay!
Now, after I did this and went to My Network Places to browse the first Win98 PC, I was presented with a password/logon box that looked like this: logon: G4k8e6/guest (lightly grayed out) and a place to enter a password. I entered the password that I had previously used to share drives on the Win98 PCs long before I installed XP. I have the guest account enabled in XP.
This solves the problem for Win98 & XP machines on a LAN; I can't guarantee it will work for Win2K/ME machines as well, but the whole secret lies in the passwords. If this doesn't solve your slow WinXP>Win98 access problems, then you probably have other things wrong. Don't forget to uncheck 'simple file sharing,' turn off your ICS firewall, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and install proper protocols, services & permissions."
You can run "wmiprvse.exe" as a process for quick shared network access to Win98/ME machines. Stick it in Startup or make it a service.
"On the PC running XP, log in as you normally would, go to users, manage network passwords.
Here is where the problem lies. In this dialog box remove any win98 passwords or computer-assigned names for the win98 PCs. In my case , I had two computer-assigned win98 pc names in this box (example G4k8e6). I deleted these names (you may have passwords instead). Then go to My Network Places and -- there you go! -- no more delay!
Now, after I did this and went to My Network Places to browse the first Win98 PC, I was presented with a password/logon box that looked like this: logon: G4k8e6/guest (lightly grayed out) and a place to enter a password. I entered the password that I had previously used to share drives on the Win98 PCs long before I installed XP. I have the guest account enabled in XP.
This solves the problem for Win98 & XP machines on a LAN; I can't guarantee it will work for Win2K/ME machines as well, but the whole secret lies in the passwords. If this doesn't solve your slow WinXP>Win98 access problems, then you probably have other things wrong. Don't forget to uncheck 'simple file sharing,' turn off your ICS firewall, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and install proper protocols, services & permissions."
Force users to press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to Logon
Force users to press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to Logon
(XPPro only)
Go to start/run,
and type control userpasswords2
(XPPro only)
Go to start/run,
and type control userpasswords2
Hide 'User Accounts' from users
Hide 'User Accounts' from users
Go to Start/Run, and type:
GPEDIT.MSC
Open the path
User Config > Admin Templates > Control Panel
doubleclick "Hide specified Control Panel applets"
put a dot in 'enabled', then click 'Show"
click Add button,
type "nusrmgt.cpl" into the add box
Go to Start/Run, and type:
GPEDIT.MSC
Open the path
User Config > Admin Templates > Control Panel
doubleclick "Hide specified Control Panel applets"
put a dot in 'enabled', then click 'Show"
click Add button,
type "nusrmgt.cpl" into the add box
How do I enable advanced security settings like found in Windows 2000
How do I enable advanced security settings like found in Windows 2000
Open windows explorer then click on Tools->Folder Options
Click on the View Tab.
Scroll to the bottom and deselect (uncheck) the option that reads 'use simple file sharing'
This will allow you to see the security tab when viewing the properties of a file/folder.
Open windows explorer then click on Tools->Folder Options
Click on the View Tab.
Scroll to the bottom and deselect (uncheck) the option that reads 'use simple file sharing'
This will allow you to see the security tab when viewing the properties of a file/folder.
Mustek 600 CP scanner or other software unable to install on XP
Mustek 600 CP scanner or other software unable to install on XP
If you have a piece of software that refuses to install because it says that you are not running Windows 2000 (such as the Win2K drivers for a Mustek scanner!!) you can simply edit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/ProductName
to say Microsoft Windows 2000 instead of XP and it will install. You may also have to edit the version number or build number, depending on how hard the program tries to verify that you are installing on the correct OS. I had to do this for my Mustek 600 CP scanner (compatibility mode didn't help!!!) and it worked great, so I now have my scanner working with XP (and a tech at Mustek can now eat his words). BTW, don't forget to restore any changes you make after you get your software installed.
If you have a piece of software that refuses to install because it says that you are not running Windows 2000 (such as the Win2K drivers for a Mustek scanner!!) you can simply edit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/ProductName
to say Microsoft Windows 2000 instead of XP and it will install. You may also have to edit the version number or build number, depending on how hard the program tries to verify that you are installing on the correct OS. I had to do this for my Mustek 600 CP scanner (compatibility mode didn't help!!!) and it worked great, so I now have my scanner working with XP (and a tech at Mustek can now eat his words). BTW, don't forget to restore any changes you make after you get your software installed.
AVI File Fix in Windows XP
AVI File Fix in Windows XP
If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, which have interference when opened in Windows XP, there is an easy fix to get rid of the interference: Open Windows Movie Maker. Click View and then click Options. Click in the box to remove the check mark beside Automatically create clips. Now, import the movie file that has interference and drag it onto the timeline. Then save the movie, and during the re-rendering, the interference will be removed.
If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, which have interference when opened in Windows XP, there is an easy fix to get rid of the interference: Open Windows Movie Maker. Click View and then click Options. Click in the box to remove the check mark beside Automatically create clips. Now, import the movie file that has interference and drag it onto the timeline. Then save the movie, and during the re-rendering, the interference will be removed.
How to Convert FAT to NTFS file system
How to Convert FAT to NTFS file system
To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.
Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).
To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.
Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).
How to remove the Default Picture and Fax Preview Action
How to remove the Default Picture and Fax Preview Action
Go To Start > Run and type `Regedit` and press `ok`
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Classes/CLSID/{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}/shellex
Deleted the MayChangeDefaultMenu key.
Go To Start > Run and type `Regedit` and press `ok`
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Classes/CLSID/{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}/shellex
Deleted the MayChangeDefaultMenu key.
Install/Enable NetBEUI Under WinXP
Install/Enable NetBEUI Under WinXP
If for some reason you need to install NetBEUI then follow these instructions.
**Note - You will need the WinXP CD in order to to this!
Support for the NetBIOS Extended User Interface protocols (also called NetBEUI or NBF) in Windows XP has been discontinued. If your configuration requires temporary use of NetBEUI for Windows XP, follow these steps:
To install the NETBEUI protocol:
- Locate the Valueadd/msft/net/netbeui directory on your Windows XP CD.Copy nbf.sys into the %SYSTEMROOT%SYSTEM32DRIVERS directory.
- Copy netnbf.inf into the %SYSTEMROOT%INF directory.
- In Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections and then click Network Connections.
- Right-click the connection you want to configure, and then click Properties.
- On the General tab, click the INSTALL button to add the NetBEUI protocol.
If for some reason you need to install NetBEUI then follow these instructions.
**Note - You will need the WinXP CD in order to to this!
Support for the NetBIOS Extended User Interface protocols (also called NetBEUI or NBF) in Windows XP has been discontinued. If your configuration requires temporary use of NetBEUI for Windows XP, follow these steps:
To install the NETBEUI protocol:
- Locate the Valueadd/msft/net/netbeui directory on your Windows XP CD.Copy nbf.sys into the %SYSTEMROOT%SYSTEM32DRIVERS directory.
- Copy netnbf.inf into the %SYSTEMROOT%INF directory.
- In Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections and then click Network Connections.
- Right-click the connection you want to configure, and then click Properties.
- On the General tab, click the INSTALL button to add the NetBEUI protocol.
How to use Windows Update Properly
How to use Windows Update Properly
If you want to save your files to your hard drive, so after a format you dont have to download them all again, here's How:
- Logon to Windows Update
- Choose Windows Update Catalogue (left hand pane)
- Choose Find updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems (right hand pane)
- Choose your version and language then Search
- Choose one the following:
- Critical Updates and Service Packs
- Service Packs and Recommended Downloads
- Multi-Language Features (0)
- Once chosen simply click on what you want to download and then back at the top click Review Download Basket
- You are taken to the next page where at the top you can specify where the downloads are to be saved.
- Click Download now. Each patch will make a directory under the root of the folder you saved them to.
Once finished you need to go to where you saved the file (s) to and then simply install all your patches.
If you want to save your files to your hard drive, so after a format you dont have to download them all again, here's How:
- Logon to Windows Update
- Choose Windows Update Catalogue (left hand pane)
- Choose Find updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems (right hand pane)
- Choose your version and language then Search
- Choose one the following:
- Critical Updates and Service Packs
- Service Packs and Recommended Downloads
- Multi-Language Features (0)
- Once chosen simply click on what you want to download and then back at the top click Review Download Basket
- You are taken to the next page where at the top you can specify where the downloads are to be saved.
- Click Download now. Each patch will make a directory under the root of the folder you saved them to.
Once finished you need to go to where you saved the file (s) to and then simply install all your patches.
IP address of your connection
IP address of your connection
Go to start/run type 'cmd'
then type 'ipconfig'
Add the '/all' switch for more info.
Go to start/run type 'cmd'
then type 'ipconfig'
Add the '/all' switch for more info.
Make your Folders Private
Make your Folders Private
•Open My Computer
•Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive (C:), unless you have more than one drive on your computer).
•If the contents of the drive are hidden, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.
•Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.
•Double-click your user folder.
•Right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.
•On the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.
Note
•To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.
•This option is only available for folders included in your user profile. Folders in your user profile include My Documents and its subfolders, Desktop, Start Menu, Cookies, and Favorites. If you do not make these folders private, they are available to everyone who uses your computer.
•When you make a folder private, all of its subfolders are private as well. For example, when you make My Documents private, you also make My Music and My Pictures private. When you share a folder, you also share all of its subfolders unless you make them private.
•You cannot make your folders private if your drive is not formatted as NTFS For information about converting your drive to NTFS
•Open My Computer
•Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive (C:), unless you have more than one drive on your computer).
•If the contents of the drive are hidden, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.
•Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.
•Double-click your user folder.
•Right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.
•On the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.
Note
•To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.
•This option is only available for folders included in your user profile. Folders in your user profile include My Documents and its subfolders, Desktop, Start Menu, Cookies, and Favorites. If you do not make these folders private, they are available to everyone who uses your computer.
•When you make a folder private, all of its subfolders are private as well. For example, when you make My Documents private, you also make My Music and My Pictures private. When you share a folder, you also share all of its subfolders unless you make them private.
•You cannot make your folders private if your drive is not formatted as NTFS For information about converting your drive to NTFS
NTFS vs. FAT
NTFS vs. FAT
To NTFS or not to NTFS—that is the question. But unlike the deeper questions of life, this one isn't really all that hard to answer. For most users running Windows XP, NTFS is the obvious choice. It's more powerful and offers security advantages not found in the other file systems. But let's go over the differences among the files systems so we're all clear about the choice. There are essentially three different file systems available in Windows XP: FAT16, short for File Allocation Table, FAT32, and NTFS, short for NT File System.
FAT16
The FAT16 file system was introduced way back with MS–DOS in 1981, and it's showing its age. It was designed originally to handle files on a floppy drive, and has had minor modifications over the years so it can handle hard disks, and even file names longer than the original limitation of 8.3 characters, but it's still the lowest common denominator. The biggest advantage of FAT16 is that it is compatible across a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows 95/98/Me, OS/2, Linux, and some versions of UNIX. The biggest problem of FAT16 is that it has a fixed maximum number of clusters per partition, so as hard disks get bigger and bigger, the size of each cluster has to get larger. In a 2–GB partition, each cluster is 32 kilobytes, meaning that even the smallest file on the partition will take up 32 KB of space. FAT16 also doesn't support compression, encryption, or advanced security using access control lists.
FAT32
The FAT32 file system, originally introduced in Windows 95 Service Pack 2, is really just an extension of the original FAT16 file system that provides for a much larger number of clusters per partition. As such, it greatly improves the overall disk utilization when compared to a FAT16 file system. However, FAT32 shares all of the other limitations of FAT16, and adds an important additional limitation—many operating systems that can recognize FAT16 will not work with FAT32—most notably Windows NT, but also Linux and UNIX as well. Now this isn't a problem if you're running FAT32 on a Windows XP computer and sharing your drive out to other computers on your network—they don't need to know (and generally don't really care) what your underlying file system is.
The Advantages of NTFS
The NTFS file system, introduced with first version of Windows NT, is a completely different file system from FAT. It provides for greatly increased security, file–by–file compression, quotas, and even encryption. It is the default file system for new installations of Windows XP, and if you're doing an upgrade from a previous version of Windows, you'll be asked if you want to convert your existing file systems to NTFS. Don't worry. If you've already upgraded to Windows XP and didn't do the conversion then, it's not a problem. You can convert FAT16 or FAT32 volumes to NTFS at any point. Just remember that you can't easily go back to FAT or FAT32 (without reformatting the drive or partition), not that I think you'll want to.
The NTFS file system is generally not compatible with other operating systems installed on the same computer, nor is it available when you've booted a computer from a floppy disk. For this reason, many system administrators, myself included, used to recommend that users format at least a small partition at the beginning of their main hard disk as FAT. This partition provided a place to store emergency recovery tools or special drivers needed for reinstallation, and was a mechanism for digging yourself out of the hole you'd just dug into. But with the enhanced recovery abilities built into Windows XP (more on that in a future column), I don't think it's necessary or desirable to create that initial FAT partition.
When to Use FAT or FAT32
If you're running more than one operating system on a single computer (see Dual booting in Guides), you will definitely need to format some of your volumes as FAT. Any programs or data that need to be accessed by more than one operating system on that computer should be stored on a FAT16 or possibly FAT32 volume. But keep in mind that you have no security for data on a FAT16 or FAT32 volume—any one with access to the computer can read, change, or even delete any file that is stored on a FAT16 or FAT32 partition. In many cases, this is even possible over a network. So do not store sensitive files on drives or partitions formatted with FAT file systems.
To NTFS or not to NTFS—that is the question. But unlike the deeper questions of life, this one isn't really all that hard to answer. For most users running Windows XP, NTFS is the obvious choice. It's more powerful and offers security advantages not found in the other file systems. But let's go over the differences among the files systems so we're all clear about the choice. There are essentially three different file systems available in Windows XP: FAT16, short for File Allocation Table, FAT32, and NTFS, short for NT File System.
FAT16
The FAT16 file system was introduced way back with MS–DOS in 1981, and it's showing its age. It was designed originally to handle files on a floppy drive, and has had minor modifications over the years so it can handle hard disks, and even file names longer than the original limitation of 8.3 characters, but it's still the lowest common denominator. The biggest advantage of FAT16 is that it is compatible across a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows 95/98/Me, OS/2, Linux, and some versions of UNIX. The biggest problem of FAT16 is that it has a fixed maximum number of clusters per partition, so as hard disks get bigger and bigger, the size of each cluster has to get larger. In a 2–GB partition, each cluster is 32 kilobytes, meaning that even the smallest file on the partition will take up 32 KB of space. FAT16 also doesn't support compression, encryption, or advanced security using access control lists.
FAT32
The FAT32 file system, originally introduced in Windows 95 Service Pack 2, is really just an extension of the original FAT16 file system that provides for a much larger number of clusters per partition. As such, it greatly improves the overall disk utilization when compared to a FAT16 file system. However, FAT32 shares all of the other limitations of FAT16, and adds an important additional limitation—many operating systems that can recognize FAT16 will not work with FAT32—most notably Windows NT, but also Linux and UNIX as well. Now this isn't a problem if you're running FAT32 on a Windows XP computer and sharing your drive out to other computers on your network—they don't need to know (and generally don't really care) what your underlying file system is.
The Advantages of NTFS
The NTFS file system, introduced with first version of Windows NT, is a completely different file system from FAT. It provides for greatly increased security, file–by–file compression, quotas, and even encryption. It is the default file system for new installations of Windows XP, and if you're doing an upgrade from a previous version of Windows, you'll be asked if you want to convert your existing file systems to NTFS. Don't worry. If you've already upgraded to Windows XP and didn't do the conversion then, it's not a problem. You can convert FAT16 or FAT32 volumes to NTFS at any point. Just remember that you can't easily go back to FAT or FAT32 (without reformatting the drive or partition), not that I think you'll want to.
The NTFS file system is generally not compatible with other operating systems installed on the same computer, nor is it available when you've booted a computer from a floppy disk. For this reason, many system administrators, myself included, used to recommend that users format at least a small partition at the beginning of their main hard disk as FAT. This partition provided a place to store emergency recovery tools or special drivers needed for reinstallation, and was a mechanism for digging yourself out of the hole you'd just dug into. But with the enhanced recovery abilities built into Windows XP (more on that in a future column), I don't think it's necessary or desirable to create that initial FAT partition.
When to Use FAT or FAT32
If you're running more than one operating system on a single computer (see Dual booting in Guides), you will definitely need to format some of your volumes as FAT. Any programs or data that need to be accessed by more than one operating system on that computer should be stored on a FAT16 or possibly FAT32 volume. But keep in mind that you have no security for data on a FAT16 or FAT32 volume—any one with access to the computer can read, change, or even delete any file that is stored on a FAT16 or FAT32 partition. In many cases, this is even possible over a network. So do not store sensitive files on drives or partitions formatted with FAT file systems.
Ports That Are Used by Windows Product Activation
Ports That Are Used by Windows Product Activation
Windows Product Activation uses the following ports:
80 - HTTP
443 - HTTPS
Windows Product Activation uses the following ports:
80 - HTTP
443 - HTTPS
Provide Remote Assistance When Using a NAT Device
Provide Remote Assistance When Using a NAT Device
You can provide Remote Assistance to a friend who uses a Network Address Translation (NAT) device by modifying the Remote Assistance invitation using XML. Network Address Translation is used to allow multiple computers to share the same outbound Internet connection. To open a Remote Assistance session with a friend who uses a NAT device:
1. Ask your friend to send you a Remote Assistance invitation by e–mail.
2. Save the invitation file to your desktop.
3. Right–click the file, and then click Open With Notepad. You'll see that the file is a simple XML file.
4.Under the RCTICKET attribute is a private IP address, such as 192.168.1.100.
5. Over–write this IP address with your friend's public IP address. Your friend must send you his or her public IP address: they can find out what it is by going to a Web site that will return the public IP address, such as http://www.dslreports.com/ip.
6. Save the file, and then double–click it to open the Remote Assistance session.
Now, you'll be able to connect and provide them with the help they need. So that your inbound IP connection is routed to the correct computer, the NAT must be configured to route that inbound traffic. To do so, make sure your friend forwards port 3389 to the computer they want help from.
You can provide Remote Assistance to a friend who uses a Network Address Translation (NAT) device by modifying the Remote Assistance invitation using XML. Network Address Translation is used to allow multiple computers to share the same outbound Internet connection. To open a Remote Assistance session with a friend who uses a NAT device:
1. Ask your friend to send you a Remote Assistance invitation by e–mail.
2. Save the invitation file to your desktop.
3. Right–click the file, and then click Open With Notepad. You'll see that the file is a simple XML file.
4.Under the RCTICKET attribute is a private IP address, such as 192.168.1.100.
5. Over–write this IP address with your friend's public IP address. Your friend must send you his or her public IP address: they can find out what it is by going to a Web site that will return the public IP address, such as http://www.dslreports.com/ip.
6. Save the file, and then double–click it to open the Remote Assistance session.
Now, you'll be able to connect and provide them with the help they need. So that your inbound IP connection is routed to the correct computer, the NAT must be configured to route that inbound traffic. To do so, make sure your friend forwards port 3389 to the computer they want help from.
How to Rename the Recycle Bin
How to Rename the Recycle Bin
To change the name of the Recycle Bin desktop icon, open Regedit and go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
and change the name "Recycle Bin" to whatever you want (don't type any quotes).
To change the name of the Recycle Bin desktop icon, open Regedit and go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
and change the name "Recycle Bin" to whatever you want (don't type any quotes).
Remove the Recycle Bin from the Desktop
Remove the Recycle Bin from the Desktop
If you don't use the Recycle Bin to store deleted files , you can get rid of its desktop icon all together.
Run Regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace
Click on the "Recycle Bin" string in the right hand pane. Hit Del, click OK.
If you don't use the Recycle Bin to store deleted files , you can get rid of its desktop icon all together.
Run Regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace
Click on the "Recycle Bin" string in the right hand pane. Hit Del, click OK.
Restricting Logon Access
Restricting Logon Access
If you work in a multiuser computing environment, and you have full (administrator level) access to your computer, you might want to restrict unauthorized access to your "sensitive" files under Windows 95/98.
One way is to disable the Cancel button in the Logon dialog box.
Just run Regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Network/Logon
Create the "Logon" subkey if it is not present on your machine: highlight the Network key -> right-click in the left hand Regedit pane -> select New -> Key -> name it "Logon" (no quotes) -> press Enter. Then add/modify a DWORD value and call it "MustBeValidated" (don't type the quotes). Double-click it, check the Decimal box and type 1 for value.
Now click the Start button -> Shut Down (Log off UserName) -> Log on as a different user, and you'll notice that the Logon Cancel button has been disabled.
If you work in a multiuser computing environment, and you have full (administrator level) access to your computer, you might want to restrict unauthorized access to your "sensitive" files under Windows 95/98.
One way is to disable the Cancel button in the Logon dialog box.
Just run Regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Network/Logon
Create the "Logon" subkey if it is not present on your machine: highlight the Network key -> right-click in the left hand Regedit pane -> select New -> Key -> name it "Logon" (no quotes) -> press Enter. Then add/modify a DWORD value and call it "MustBeValidated" (don't type the quotes). Double-click it, check the Decimal box and type 1 for value.
Now click the Start button -> Shut Down (Log off UserName) -> Log on as a different user, and you'll notice that the Logon Cancel button has been disabled.
Search For Hidden Or System Files In Windows XP
Search For Hidden Or System Files In Windows XP
The Search companion in Windows XP searches for hidden and system files differently than in earlier versions of Windows. This guide describes how to search for hidden or system files in Windows XP.
Search for Hidden or System Files By default, the Search companion does not search for hidden or system files. Because of this, you may be unable to find files, even though they exist on the drive.
To search for hidden or system files in Windows XP:
Click Start, click Search, click All files and folders, and then click More advanced options.
Click to select the Search system folders and Search hidden files and folders check boxes.
NOTE: You do not need to configure your computer to show hidden files in the Folder Options dialog box in Windows Explorer to find files with either the hidden or system attributes, but you need to configure your computer not to hide protected operating system files to find files with both the hidden and system attributes. Search Companion shares the Hide protected operating system files option (which hides files with both the system and hidden attributes) with the Folder Options dialog box Windows Explorer.
The Search companion in Windows XP searches for hidden and system files differently than in earlier versions of Windows. This guide describes how to search for hidden or system files in Windows XP.
Search for Hidden or System Files By default, the Search companion does not search for hidden or system files. Because of this, you may be unable to find files, even though they exist on the drive.
To search for hidden or system files in Windows XP:
Click Start, click Search, click All files and folders, and then click More advanced options.
Click to select the Search system folders and Search hidden files and folders check boxes.
NOTE: You do not need to configure your computer to show hidden files in the Folder Options dialog box in Windows Explorer to find files with either the hidden or system attributes, but you need to configure your computer not to hide protected operating system files to find files with both the hidden and system attributes. Search Companion shares the Hide protected operating system files option (which hides files with both the system and hidden attributes) with the Folder Options dialog box Windows Explorer.
Set Permissions for Shared Files and Folders
Set Permissions for Shared Files and Folders
Sharing of files and folders can be managed in two ways. If you chose simplified file sharing, your folders can be shared with everyone on your network or workgroup, or you can make your folders private. (This is how folders are shared in Windows 2000.) However, in Windows XP Professional, you can also set folder permissions for specific users or groups. To do this, you must first change the default setting, which is simple file sharing. To change this setting, follow these steps:
•Open Control Panel, click Tools, and then click Folder Options.
•Click the View tab, and scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Settings list.
•Clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.
•To manage folder permissions, browse to the folder in Windows Explorer, right–click the folder, and then click Properties. Click the Security tab, and assign permissions, such as Full Control, Modify, Read, and/or Write, to specific users.
You can set file and folder permissions only on drives formatted to use NTFS, and you must be the owner or have been granted permission to do so by the owner.
Sharing of files and folders can be managed in two ways. If you chose simplified file sharing, your folders can be shared with everyone on your network or workgroup, or you can make your folders private. (This is how folders are shared in Windows 2000.) However, in Windows XP Professional, you can also set folder permissions for specific users or groups. To do this, you must first change the default setting, which is simple file sharing. To change this setting, follow these steps:
•Open Control Panel, click Tools, and then click Folder Options.
•Click the View tab, and scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Settings list.
•Clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.
•To manage folder permissions, browse to the folder in Windows Explorer, right–click the folder, and then click Properties. Click the Security tab, and assign permissions, such as Full Control, Modify, Read, and/or Write, to specific users.
You can set file and folder permissions only on drives formatted to use NTFS, and you must be the owner or have been granted permission to do so by the owner.
Set Processes Priority
Set Processes Priority
Follow this tip to increase the priority of active processes, this will result in prioritisation of processes using the CPU.
CTRL-SHIFT-ESC
1.Go to the second tab called Processes, right click on one of the active processes, you will see the Set Priority option
2.For example, your Run your CDwriter program , set the priority higher, and guess what, no crashed CD’s
Follow this tip to increase the priority of active processes, this will result in prioritisation of processes using the CPU.
CTRL-SHIFT-ESC
1.Go to the second tab called Processes, right click on one of the active processes, you will see the Set Priority option
2.For example, your Run your CDwriter program , set the priority higher, and guess what, no crashed CD’s
Set up and Use Internet Connection Sharing
Set up and Use Internet Connection Sharing
With Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows XP, you can connect one computer to the Internet, then share the Internet service with several computers on your home or small office network. The Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP Professional will automatically provide all of the network settings you need to share one Internet connection with all the computers in your network. Each computer can use programs such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express as if they were directly connected to the Internet.
You should not use this feature in an existing network with Windows 2000 Server domain controllers, DNS servers, gateways, DHCP servers, or systems configured for static IP addresses.
Enabling ICS
The ICS host computer needs two network connections. The local area network connection, automatically created by installing a network adapter, connects to the computers on your home or small office network. The other connection, using a 56k modem, ISDN, DSL, or cable modem, connects the home or small office network to the Internet. You need to ensure that ICS is enabled on the connection that has the Internet connection. By doing this, the shared connection can connect your home or small office network to the Internet, and users outside your network are not at risk of receiving inappropriate addresses from your network.
When you enable ICS, the local area network connection to the home or small office network is given a new static IP address and configuration. Consequently, TCP/IP connections established between any home or small office computer and the ICS host computer at the time of enabling ICS are lost and need to be reestablished. For example, if Internet Explorer is connecting to a Web site when Internet Connection Sharing is enabled, refresh the browser to reestablish the connection. You must configure client machines on your home or small office network so TCP/IP on the local area connection obtains an IP address automatically. Home or small office network users must also configure Internet options for Internet Connection Sharing. To enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Discovery and Control on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition computers, run the Network Setup Wizard from the CD or floppy disk on these computers. For ICS Discovery and Control to work on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition computers, Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later must be installed.
To enable Internet Connection Sharing on a network connection
You must be logged on to your computer with an owner account in order to complete this procedure.
Open Network Connections. (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double–click Network Connections.)
Click the dial–up, local area network, PPPoE, or VPN connection you want to share, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
On the Advanced tab, select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box.
If you want this connection to dial automatically when another computer on your home or small office network attempts to access external resources, select the Establish a dial–up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the Internet check box.
If you want other network users to enable or disable the shared Internet connection, select the Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection check box.
Under Internet Connection Sharing, in Home networking connection, select any adapter that connects the computer sharing its Internet connection to the other computers on your network. The Home networking connection is only present when two or more network adapters are installed on the computer.
To configure Internet options on your client computers for Internet Connection Sharing
Open Internet Explorer. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Internet Explorer.)
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
On the Connections tab, click Never dial a connection, and then click LAN Settings.
In Automatic configuration, clear the Automatically detect settings and Use automatic configuration script check boxes.
In Proxy Server, clear the Use a proxy server check box.
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With Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows XP, you can connect one computer to the Internet, then share the Internet service with several computers on your home or small office network. The Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP Professional will automatically provide all of the network settings you need to share one Internet connection with all the computers in your network. Each computer can use programs such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express as if they were directly connected to the Internet.
You should not use this feature in an existing network with Windows 2000 Server domain controllers, DNS servers, gateways, DHCP servers, or systems configured for static IP addresses.
Enabling ICS
The ICS host computer needs two network connections. The local area network connection, automatically created by installing a network adapter, connects to the computers on your home or small office network. The other connection, using a 56k modem, ISDN, DSL, or cable modem, connects the home or small office network to the Internet. You need to ensure that ICS is enabled on the connection that has the Internet connection. By doing this, the shared connection can connect your home or small office network to the Internet, and users outside your network are not at risk of receiving inappropriate addresses from your network.
When you enable ICS, the local area network connection to the home or small office network is given a new static IP address and configuration. Consequently, TCP/IP connections established between any home or small office computer and the ICS host computer at the time of enabling ICS are lost and need to be reestablished. For example, if Internet Explorer is connecting to a Web site when Internet Connection Sharing is enabled, refresh the browser to reestablish the connection. You must configure client machines on your home or small office network so TCP/IP on the local area connection obtains an IP address automatically. Home or small office network users must also configure Internet options for Internet Connection Sharing. To enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Discovery and Control on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition computers, run the Network Setup Wizard from the CD or floppy disk on these computers. For ICS Discovery and Control to work on Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition computers, Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later must be installed.
To enable Internet Connection Sharing on a network connection
You must be logged on to your computer with an owner account in order to complete this procedure.
Open Network Connections. (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double–click Network Connections.)
Click the dial–up, local area network, PPPoE, or VPN connection you want to share, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
On the Advanced tab, select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box.
If you want this connection to dial automatically when another computer on your home or small office network attempts to access external resources, select the Establish a dial–up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the Internet check box.
If you want other network users to enable or disable the shared Internet connection, select the Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection check box.
Under Internet Connection Sharing, in Home networking connection, select any adapter that connects the computer sharing its Internet connection to the other computers on your network. The Home networking connection is only present when two or more network adapters are installed on the computer.
To configure Internet options on your client computers for Internet Connection Sharing
Open Internet Explorer. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Internet Explorer.)
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
On the Connections tab, click Never dial a connection, and then click LAN Settings.
In Automatic configuration, clear the Automatically detect settings and Use automatic configuration script check boxes.
In Proxy Server, clear the Use a proxy server check box.
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Speed up your browsing of Windows 2000 & XP machines
Speed up your browsing of Windows 2000 & XP machines
Here's a great tip to speed up your browsing of Windows XP machines. Its actually a fix to a bug installed as default in Windows 2000 that scans shared files for Scheduled Tasks. And it turns out that you can experience a delay as long as 30 seconds when you try to view shared files across a network because Windows 2000 is using the extra time to search the remote computer for any Scheduled Tasks. Note that though the fix is originally intended for only those affected, Windows 2000 users will experience that the actual browsing speed of both the Internet & Windows Explorers improve significantly after applying it since it doesn't search for Scheduled Tasks anymore. Here's how :
Open up the Registry and go to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace
Under that branch, select the key :
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
and delete it.
This is key that instructs Windows to search for Scheduled Tasks. If you like you may want to export the exact branch so that you can restore the key if necessary.
This fix is so effective that it doesn't require a reboot and you can almost immediately determine yourself how much it speeds up your browsing processes.
Here's a great tip to speed up your browsing of Windows XP machines. Its actually a fix to a bug installed as default in Windows 2000 that scans shared files for Scheduled Tasks. And it turns out that you can experience a delay as long as 30 seconds when you try to view shared files across a network because Windows 2000 is using the extra time to search the remote computer for any Scheduled Tasks. Note that though the fix is originally intended for only those affected, Windows 2000 users will experience that the actual browsing speed of both the Internet & Windows Explorers improve significantly after applying it since it doesn't search for Scheduled Tasks anymore. Here's how :
Open up the Registry and go to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace
Under that branch, select the key :
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
and delete it.
This is key that instructs Windows to search for Scheduled Tasks. If you like you may want to export the exact branch so that you can restore the key if necessary.
This fix is so effective that it doesn't require a reboot and you can almost immediately determine yourself how much it speeds up your browsing processes.
How to make your Desktop Icons Transparent
How to make your Desktop Icons Transparent
Go to ontrol Panel > System, > Advanced > Performance area > Settings button Visual Effects tab "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the Desktop"
Go to ontrol Panel > System, > Advanced > Performance area > Settings button Visual Effects tab "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the Desktop"
How to Upgrade Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition Profiles to Windows XP Domain User Profiles
How to Upgrade Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition Profiles to Windows XP Domain User Profiles
This guide describes how to upgrade a Microsoft Microsoft Windows 98-based, or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition-based client that has user profiles to a Microsoft Windows XP-based client.
The following steps enable the Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) profiles to be retained throughout the process.
Your best method to retain the profiles is to join the domain during the upgrade installation process.
Otherwise, you must use a workaround method to transfer the profile information over to the Windows XP profile.
During the upgrade installation process, at the networking section, the administrator is offered the choice to join a domain or a workgroup.
If you join the domain at this juncture, you ensure that all the existing profiles are migrated successfully to the Windows XP-based installation.
If you did not join the computer to the domain during the upgrade process, you must use the following workaround method:
Join the upgraded computer to the target domain.
All applicable users must log on and log off (which generates a profile).
Copy the appropriate Application Data folder from the Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me profiles to the newly created user profiles.
This guide describes how to upgrade a Microsoft Microsoft Windows 98-based, or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition-based client that has user profiles to a Microsoft Windows XP-based client.
The following steps enable the Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) profiles to be retained throughout the process.
Your best method to retain the profiles is to join the domain during the upgrade installation process.
Otherwise, you must use a workaround method to transfer the profile information over to the Windows XP profile.
During the upgrade installation process, at the networking section, the administrator is offered the choice to join a domain or a workgroup.
If you join the domain at this juncture, you ensure that all the existing profiles are migrated successfully to the Windows XP-based installation.
If you did not join the computer to the domain during the upgrade process, you must use the following workaround method:
Join the upgraded computer to the target domain.
All applicable users must log on and log off (which generates a profile).
Copy the appropriate Application Data folder from the Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me profiles to the newly created user profiles.
Upgrading to Windows XP
Upgrading to Windows XP
You can upgrade a computer that runs Windows 98, 98SE, or Me to Windows XP Home Edition. Those same versions, along with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 and Windows 2000 Professional, can be upgraded to Windows XP Professional.
(1).To ensure a smooth upgrade and avoid networking problems, follow these tips before starting the upgrade:
(2)Install all network cards. XP will detect them and automatically install the right drivers.
(3)Have your Internet connection available. The XP setup process will connect to a Microsoft server to download the latest setup files, including changes that have been made since XP was released.
Some programs are incompatible with XP and can cause networking problems. Un-install these programs. After the upgrade is complete and the network is working, re-install XP-compatible versions of these programs: Internet Connection Sharing, NAT, Proxy Server Anti-Virus Firewall.
You can upgrade a computer that runs Windows 98, 98SE, or Me to Windows XP Home Edition. Those same versions, along with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 and Windows 2000 Professional, can be upgraded to Windows XP Professional.
(1).To ensure a smooth upgrade and avoid networking problems, follow these tips before starting the upgrade:
(2)Install all network cards. XP will detect them and automatically install the right drivers.
(3)Have your Internet connection available. The XP setup process will connect to a Microsoft server to download the latest setup files, including changes that have been made since XP was released.
Some programs are incompatible with XP and can cause networking problems. Un-install these programs. After the upgrade is complete and the network is working, re-install XP-compatible versions of these programs: Internet Connection Sharing, NAT, Proxy Server Anti-Virus Firewall.
New Sound Blaster Drivers
With the loads of problems reported by users with Soundblaster cards on Windows XP Creative has stepped up and offered drivers for at least some models of their Sound Blaster cards, but check your particular model closely. I have downloaded the SB128 drivers and my sound problems have been resolved..! So they do work.
http://www.creative.com/support/winxp/
http://www.creative.com/support/winxp/
Set the Search Screen to the Classic Look
When I first saw the default search pane in Windows XP, my instinct was to return it to its classic look; that puppy had to go. Of course, I later discovered that a doggie door is built into the applet. Click "Change preferences" then "Without an animated screen character." If you'd rather give it a bare-bones "Windows 2000" look and feel, fire up your Registry editor and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ CabinetState.
You may need to create a new string value labeled "Use Search Asst" and set it to "no".
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ CabinetState.
You may need to create a new string value labeled "Use Search Asst" and set it to "no".
How to Remove Windows XP's Messenger
Theoretically, you can get rid of it (as well as a few other things). Windows 2000 power users should already be familiar with this tweak.
Fire up the Windows Explorer and navigate your way to the %SYSTEMROOT% \ INF folder. What the heck is that thingy with the percentage signs? It's a variable. For most people, %SYSTEMROOT% is C:\Windows. For others, it may be E:\WinXP. Get it? Okay, on with the hack! In the INF folder, open sysoc.inf (but not before making a BACKUP copy first). Before your eyes glaze over, look for the line containing "msmsgs" in it. Near the end of that particular line, you'll notice that the word "hide" is not so hidden. Go ahead and delete "hide" (so that the flanking commas are left sitting next to one another). Save the file and close it. Now, open the Add and Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Click the Add / Remove Windows Components icon. You should see "Windows Messenger" in that list. Remove the checkmark from its box, and you should be set. NOTE: there are other hidden system components in that sysoc.inf file, too. Remove "hide" and the subsequent programs at your own risk.
Fire up the Windows Explorer and navigate your way to the %SYSTEMROOT% \ INF folder. What the heck is that thingy with the percentage signs? It's a variable. For most people, %SYSTEMROOT% is C:\Windows. For others, it may be E:\WinXP. Get it? Okay, on with the hack! In the INF folder, open sysoc.inf (but not before making a BACKUP copy first). Before your eyes glaze over, look for the line containing "msmsgs" in it. Near the end of that particular line, you'll notice that the word "hide" is not so hidden. Go ahead and delete "hide" (so that the flanking commas are left sitting next to one another). Save the file and close it. Now, open the Add and Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Click the Add / Remove Windows Components icon. You should see "Windows Messenger" in that list. Remove the checkmark from its box, and you should be set. NOTE: there are other hidden system components in that sysoc.inf file, too. Remove "hide" and the subsequent programs at your own risk.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
PowerToys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience. What are they? PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released.Check out these amazing tools click here
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