Windows Tips & Tricks

Be careful when using ctrl+c for copy

2006-03-16T10:05:00.001-08:00

We do copy various data by ctrl+c for pasting elsewhere. This copied data is stored in clipboard and is accessible from the net by a combination of Javascripts and ASP.

Just try this:
1) Copy any text by ctrl+c
2) Click the Link:
http://www.friendlycanadian.com/appl.../clipboard.htm
3) You will see the text you copied on the Screen which was
accessed by this web page.

Do not keep sensitive data (like passwords, credit card numbers, PIN etc.) in the clipboard while surfing the web. It is extremely easy to extract the text stored in the clipboard to steal your sensitive information.

************************************************** ***********************************

Fortunately, the fix for this is also quite simple:

1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Security

2. Click on Custom Level

3. In the security settings, click to Disable the ï¿½Allow Paste Operations via Script.ï¿½ That will keep your clipboard contents private.

Speedup your work by using keyboard more and mouse less.2

2006-03-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

General Keyboard-Only Commands:

F1: Starts Windows Help
F10: Activates menu bar options
SHIFT + F10: Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
CTRL + ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
CTRL + ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
ALT + DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
ALT + TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
ALT + SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
ALT +- (ALT + hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI)child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
CTRL + TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
ALT + underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
ALT + F4: Closes the current window
CTRL + F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
ALT + F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Find dialog box is displayed
ALT + F6: switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell Objects and General Folder/Windows Explorer Shortcuts For a selected object:

F2: Rename object
F3: Find all files
CTRL + X: Cut
CTRL + C: Copy
CTRL + V: Paste
SHIFT + DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
ALT + ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object
To Copy a File: Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.
To Create a Shortcut: Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General Folder/Shortcut Control:

F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
F5: Refreshes the current window.
F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
CTRL + G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
CTRL + Z: Undo the last command
CTRL + A: Select all the items in the current window
BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
SHIFT + click + Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer Tree Control:

Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties Control:

CTRL + TAB/CTRL + SHIFT + TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility Shortcuts:

Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
Left ALT + left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
Left ALT + left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Keys:

Windows Logo: Start menu
Windows Logo + R: Run dialog box
Windows Logo + M: Minimize all
SHIFT + Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
Windows Logo + F1: Help
Windows Logo + E: Windows Explorer
Windows Logo + F: Find files or folders
Windows Logo + D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
CTRL + Windows Logo + F: Find computer
CTRL + Windows Logo + TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
Windows Logo + TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
Windows Logo + Break: System Properties dialog box
Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType Software Installed:

Windows Logo + L: Log off Windows
Windows Logo + P: Starts Print Manager
Windows Logo + C: Opens Control Panel
Windows Logo + V: Starts Clipboard
Windows Logo + K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
Windows Logo + I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
Windows Logo + A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
Windows Logo + SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
Windows Logo + S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog Box Keyboard Commands:

TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box
SHIFT + TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box
SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.
ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)
ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button
ALT + underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

Speedup your work by using keyboard more and mouse less.1

2006-03-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

Useful Shortcut:

Start + M: Minimizes all open windows
Start + Shift + M: Maximizes All Windows
Start + E: Runs Windows Explorer
Start + R: Open the RUN Dialog Box
Start + F: Open the Search Results Dialog box
Start + CTRL + F: Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog Box (if the computer is connected to a network)
Start + Pause (Break): Opens the System Properties Dialog Box

Windows System Key Combinations:

F1: Help
CTRL + ESC: Open Start menu
ALT + TAB: Switch between open programs
ALT + F4: Quit program
SHIFT + DELETE: Delete item permanently

Windows Program Key Combinations:

CTRL + C: Copy
CTRL + X: Cut
CTRL + V: Paste
CTRL + Z: Undo
CTRL + B: Bold
CTRL + U: Underline
CTRL + I: Italic

Mouse Click/Keyboard Modifier Combinations for Shell Objects:

SHIFT + right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
SHIFT + double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
ALT + double click: Displays properties
SHIFT + DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

ARROW TRICKS

2006-03-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a cool little arrow trick to try with word processing programs. Next time you're using your arrow keys to go from one area of a sentence to another (left and right arrows), hold down your CTRL key. Instead of moving one space at a time, you'll go one word at a time.
If you're using the up and down arrows to go from line to line, holding down the CTRL key will make your cursor jump from paragraph to paragraph (well, from carriage return to carriage return anyway).
One last thing, if you hold down the SHIFT key while you do this (i.e. hold down SHIFT + CTRL at the same time), you select text as you arrow along.
I've tested this in MS Word and Wordpad, but it *should* work no matter what word processing program you use.
HOME / END KEY FUN
Do you ever find yourself scrolling through a huge folder ? Well, if you need to get to the beginning or the end quickly, just press Ctrl+Home . If you want to get to the end, click Ctrl+End.

Hey, that's not all!
This little trick works on more than just folders. If you use the Home key in a word processor, it goes to the beginning of the line you're currently working on. If you hit the END key, it should head to the end of the current line. If you pair Home & End up with the Ctrl key in a word processor, you will be whisked away to the beginning or end of the document. Again, this should work, but it depends on your word processor.

WINDOWS KEY SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Windows key can be used in conjunction with other keys to act as a keyboard shortcut for faster access to menu commands. Now, while the Alt key tends to open program menus (ex: Alt+F opens the File menu and Alt+E opens the Edit menu) and the Ctrl key performs actual operations (ex: Ctrl+C will copy and Ctrl+V will paste), the Windows key will open various Windows tools...
Win key + R will open the Start menu's Run box
Win key + F will open the Start menu's Find window
Win key + E will quickly launch Explorer
Win key + Pause/Break will open the System Properties window
Win key + M will Minimize all windows
Win key + Shift + M will undo Minimize all windows
Win key + D will switch between minimizing all open programs and showing them all
Win key + Tab will cycle through items on the taskbar
Win key by itself will open the Start menu
You can also open programs or folders on your desktop by pressing the Windows key + the first letter of the program/folder/shortcut + Enter . Sounds kinda tedious, but if you're in a bind with your mouse, it can come in quite handy.

INTERNET BROWSER SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:56:00.001-08:00

For Internet Explorer 6 and Netscape 7 (may work in older versions)
Open History Window Ctrl+H
Reload Ctrl+R
Back (Previous Page) Alt+Left Arrow or Alt+Backspace
Forward (Next Page) Alt+Right Arrow
Stop Esc
Home Alt+Home
Go to Bottom of Page End
Go to Top of Page Home
New Window Ctrl+N
Close WIndow Ctrl+W
Go Up one Line Up Arrow
Go Down One Line Down Arrow
Full Screen (toggle) F11
Find on Page Ctrl+F
Add Current Page to Favorites Ctrl+D

Print Current Page
or Active Frame Ctrl+P

Organize Favorites (IE)/
Manage Bookmarks (NS)
Ctrl+B
Maximize a Window Alt+Space+x
Minimize a window Alt+Space+N
Scroll page up Alt+Up Arrow
Scroll page down Alt+Down Arrow

Internet Explorer ONLY
Open Favorites Bar Ctrl+I
Select text in address bar Alt+D
Force Reload (not from cache) Ctrl+F5

A faster way to type in addresses with IE is to just type in the name of the site:
worldstart
and hit CTRL + Enter. The "http://www. " and ".com" will be added for you!
Netscape ONLY
Open / Close Sidebar Panel (toggle) F9
Select text in Location Bar Ctrl+L
Force Reload (not from Cache) Ctrl+Shift+R
Zoom Text Smaller Ctrl+- (minus)
Zoom text larger Ctrl+= (plus sign)

FILE & DESKTOP SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hold SHIFT while inserting a CD - Prevents the CD from "autorunning"
If an item is selected:
CTRL while dragging a file - Copies the file
CTRL - SHIFT while dragging a file - Creates a shortcut to the file
SHIFT - DELETE - Deletes an item without sending it to the recycle bin.
ALT-ENTER - Display a file's properties.
F2 - To rename the file
In Windows Explorer:
LEFT ARROW - Collapse the current selection if it is expanded
NUM LOCK-MINUS SIGN (-) - Collapse the selected folder
RIGHT ARROW - Expand the current selection if it is collapsed -Or- Select the first subfolder
NUM LOCK- * Expand all folders below the current selection
NUM LOCK- PLUS SIGN (+) - Expand the selected folder
F6 - Switch between left and right panes
In My Computer:
BACKSPACE - View the folder one level up
ALT- RIGHT ARROW - Move forward to a previous view
ALT- LEFT ARROW -Move backward to a previous view

GENERAL SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

ALT- F4 - Quit a program / Shut down
ALT-TAB - Hold down the ALT key and hit tab to cycle through open windows.
CTL-ESCAPE - Display the Start menu
SHIFT - TAB - tab backwards through a form
CTRL - X - Cut
CTRL - C - Copy
CTRL - V - Paste
F1 - Help menu
CTRL - Z - Undo

SHIFT & Restart - To restart just windows and not your whole computer, hold down the shift key when you click the OK button on the shutdown screen. Saves lots of time. (not for XP)
CRTL-TAB - Navigate tabs on a tabbed screen

Your Admin password is lost??? No problem, XP has the security hole!!!!

2006-03-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Joja, U Forgot Your Administrator Password and Can't Log On to Windows XP? No Problemo....

If that’s your only problem, then you probably have nothing to worry about. As long as you have your Windows XP CD, you can get back into your system using a simple but effective method made possible by a little known access hole in Windows XP.

This method is easy enough for newbies to follow – it doesn’t require using the Recovery Console or any complicated commands. Here’s how with a step-by-step description of the initial Repair process included for newbie’s.

1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)

2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”

3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.

4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.

6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.

It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”

Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.

8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”

9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.

10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.

11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.

12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).

13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.

I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and also used this method in a real situation where someone could not remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the problem. This security hole allows access to more than just user accounts. You can also access the Registry and Policy Editor, for example. And its gui access with mouse control. Of course, a Product Key will be needed to continue with the Repair after making the changes, but for anyone intent on gaining access to your system, this would be no problem.

And in case you are wondering, NO, you cannot cancel install after making the changes and expect to logon with your new password.

Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.

Ok, now that your logon problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new password.

Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a domain:

Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
This will initiate a wizard.
Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk

Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.

Note: If your computer is part of a domain, the procedure for creating a password disk is different.

See here for step by step instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;306214&

How to Enable REGEDIT

2006-03-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

Copy and paste the following code between the lines in a notepad and save it as EnableRegistryEdit.vbs on our desktop (or any other location)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Enable Registry Editing'
'© Veegertx - 4/7/2004
'This code may be freely distributed/modified
On Error Resume Next
'Prevents errors from values that don't exist
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
'Delete DisableRegistryTools registry values
'save this file as EnableRegistryEdit.vbs

WshShell.RegDelete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Po licies\System\DisableRegistryTools"
WshShell.RegDelete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Po licies\System\DisableRegistryTools"

'display message
Message = "You should have access to Regedit now"

X = MsgBox(Message, vbOKOnly, "Done")
Set WshShell = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once saved, click on that script file and your registry should start working.

================================================== =========================

Lets say now for some logical reason if you want to disable the regedit again, save the following text between the lines in a notepad on desktop as DisablingRegEdit.reg and execute it once saved. your registry will get disabled.

You can always enable it from the above procedure.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System]
"DisableRegistryTools"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Group Policy Objects\LocalUser\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System]
"DisableRegistryTools"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoSaveSettings"=dword:00000000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to increase the size of Virtual Memory

2006-03-16T09:42:00.001-08:00

Systems like Windows XP require more operational memory than most systems have installed as actual "physical memory". All modern operating systems handle this by using "Virtual Memory" : memory, which does not exist as physical existing memory chips, but has emulated memory by using a part of the disk to temporary store information, which is currently not used by the CPU, from physical memory to disk, to make room for information currently used by the CPU. if such information placed on the disk is required by the CPU at a later time, other information in memory is store to disk, making
space for the needed information to be put back into physical memory.

Since information be be swapped several time between physical memory and the disk, the file on the disk used to store memory information is often called "Swap-file". Since the information is swapped in fixed size units called "Pages", the file is also call "Page File".

The Windows Task-Manager is giving you an overview on the usage of the PF = Page-File

It is very important, that XP never runs out of memory :

If Task Manager shows that you get close to the limit , either install more physical memory chips (best solution) or increase the size of the Page-File :

In the Control-Panel, select the System icon: (or right-click "My Computer" on the desktop and select Properties)
Select the tab: "Advanced" and then
use in the section "Performance"
the button "Settings"

In the Window "Performance Options",
use the tab : "Advanced"
In the section "Virtual Memory",
the system shows the total size
of the Paging file, which you can
increase with the "Change" button.

Usually, Windows stores the Paging File on drive C:, but if you are short on disk-space on drive C:, you can place a Paging File on a different disk and then decrease the size of the paging file on the C-drive.

When using a Application, which use a lot of memory and therefore use heavily the memory emulated by the paging files, it is strongly suggested to increase the "Initial Size" of the Paging file, which reserves already the space on the disk for the page-file.

SOME USEFUL AND EASY TO REMEMBER HANDY SHORTCUTS 5

2006-03-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Keys:

· Windows Logo: Start menu

· Windows Logo + R: Run dialog box

· Windows Logo + M: Minimize all

· SHIFT + Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all

· Windows Logo + F1: Help

· Windows Logo + E: Windows Explorer

· Windows Logo + F: Find files or folders

· Windows Logo + D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop

· CTRL + Windows Logo + F: Find computer

· CTRL + Windows Logo + TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)

· Windows Logo + TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons

· Windows Logo + Break: System Properties dialog box

· Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType Software Installed:

· Windows Logo + L: Log off Windows

· Windows Logo + P: Starts Print Manager

· Windows Logo + C: Opens Control Panel

· Windows Logo + V: Starts Clipboard

· Windows Logo + K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box

· Windows Logo + I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box

· Windows Logo + A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)

· Windows Logo + SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys

· Windows Logo + S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog Box Keyboard Commands:

· TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box

· SHIFT + TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box

· SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.

· ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)

· ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button

· ALT + underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

SOME USEFUL AND EASY TO REMEMBER HANDY SHORTCUTS 4

2006-03-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

General Folder/Shortcut Control:

· F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)

· F5: Refreshes the current window.

· F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer

· CTRL + G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)

· CTRL + Z: Undo the last command

· CTRL + A: Select all the items in the current window

· BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder

· SHIFT + click + Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer Tree Control:

· Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection

· Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.

· RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child

· LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties Control:

· CTRL + TAB/CTRL + SHIFT + TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility Shortcuts:

· Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off

· Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off

· Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off

· Left ALT + left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off

· Left ALT + left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

SOME USEFUL AND EASY TO REMEMBER HANDY SHORTCUTS 3

2006-03-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

General Keyboard-Only Commands:

· F1: Starts Windows Help

· F10: Activates menu bar options

· SHIFT + F10: Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object

· CTRL + ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)

· CTRL + ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)

· ALT + DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box

· ALT + TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)

· SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature

· ALT + SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)

· ALT +- (ALT + hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI)child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)

· CTRL + TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program

· ALT + underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu

· ALT + F4: Closes the current window

· CTRL + F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window

· ALT + F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Find dialog box is displayed

· ALT + F6: switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell Objects and General Folder/Windows Explorer Shortcuts For a selected object:

· F2: Rename object

· F3: Find all files

· CTRL + X: Cut

· CTRL + C: Copy

· CTRL + V: Paste

· SHIFT + DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin

· ALT + ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object

· To Copy a File: Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.

· To Create a Shortcut: Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

SOME USEFUL AND EASY TO REMEMBER HANDY SHORTCUTS 2

2006-03-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Windows Program Key Combinations:

· CTRL + C: Copy

· CTRL + X: Cut

· CTRL + V: Paste

· CTRL + Z: Undo

· CTRL + B: Bold

· CTRL + U: Underline

· CTRL + I: Italic

Mouse Click/Keyboard Modifier Combinations for Shell Objects:

· SHIFT + right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands

· SHIFT + double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)

· ALT + double click: Displays properties

· SHIFT + DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

SOME USEFUL AND EASY TO REMEMBER HANDY SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Useful Shortcut:

· Start + M: Minimizes all open windows

· Start + Shift + M: Maximizes All Windows

· Start + E: Runs Windows Explorer

· Start + R: Open the RUN Dialog Box

· Start + F: Open the Search Results Dialog box

· Start + CTRL + F: Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog Box (if the computer is connected to a network)

· Start + Pause (Break): Opens the System Properties Dialog Box

Windows System Key Combinations:

· F1: Help

· CTRL + ESC: Open Start menu

· ALT + TAB: Switch between open programs

· ALT + F4: Quit program

· SHIFT + DELETE: Delete item permanently

EXCEL SHORTCUT KEYS

2006-03-16T09:36:00.001-08:00

Shortcut Keys
Description

F7
Spell check selected text and or document.

F11
Create chart.

Ctrl + Shift + ;
Enter the current time

Ctrl + ;
Enter the current date

Alt + Shift + F1
Insert New Worksheet

Shift + F3
Open the Excel formula window.

Shift + F5
Bring up search box.

Ctrl + A
Select all contents of the worksheet.

Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.

Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.

Ctrl + K
Insert link.

Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.

Ctrl + 5
Strikethrough highlighted selection.

Ctrl + P
Bring up the print dialog box to begin printing.

Ctrl + Z
Undo last action.

Ctrl + F9
Minimize current window.

Ctrl + F10
Maximize currently selected window.

Ctrl + F6
Switch between open workbooks / windows.

Ctrl + Page up
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.

Ctrl + Page down
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.

Ctrl + Tab
Move between Two or more open Excel files.

Ctrl + Shift + !
Format number in comma format.

Ctrl + Shift + $
Format number in currency format.

Ctrl + Shift + #
Format number in date format.

WINDOWS KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

2006-03-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows operating system and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts the windows key is represented by "WINKEY". If you are looking for Windows shortcut keys see the above Microsoft Windows shortcut key section .

Shortcut Keys
Description

WINKEY + D
Minimizes all windows and returns the user to the desktop.

WINKEY + M
Minimizes all windows.

WINKEY + SHIFT + M
Undo the minimize.

WINKEY + E
Open Microsoft Explorer.

WINKEY + Tab
Cycle through open programs through the taskbar.

WINKEY + F
Display the Windows Search / Find feature.

WINKEY + CTRL + F
Display the search for computers window.

WINKEY + F1
Display the Microsoft Windows help.

WINKEY + R
Open the run window.

WINKEY + Pause / Break key
Open the system properties window.

WINKEY + U
Open Utility Manager.

WINKEY + L
Lock the computer (Windows XP and above only).

MICROSOFT WINDOWS SHORTCUT KEYS

2006-03-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Shortcut Keys
Operating System
Description

Alt + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch between open applications.

Alt + Shift + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch backwards between open applications.

Alt + Print Screen
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Create a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.

Ctrl + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Bring Up start button.

Alt + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch Between open applications on taskbar.

F2
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Renames selected Icon

F3
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Starts find from desktop

F4
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens the drive selection when browsing.

F5
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Refresh Contents

Alt + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Current open program.

Ctrl + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Window in Program

Ctrl + (the '+' key on the keypad)
98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Automatically adjust the width's of all the columns in Windows explorer

Alt + Enter
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens properties window of Selected icon or program.

Shift + F10
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Simulates right click on selected item.

Shift + Del
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Delete programs/files without throwing into the recycle bin.

Holding Shift
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Boot safe mode or by pass system files.

Holding Shift
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
When putting in an audio CD will prevent CD Player from playing.

BASIC SHORTCUT KEYS

2006-03-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

The below basic shortcut keys are a listing of shortcut keys that will work with almost all IBM compatible computers and software programs. It is highly recommended that all users keep a good reference of the below short cut keys and/or try to memorize the below keys. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.

Shortcut Keys
Description
Alt + F
File menu options in current program.

Alt + E
Edit options in current program

F1
Universal Help in 90% of Windows programs.

Ctrl + A
Select all text.

Ctrl + X
Cut selected item.

Shift + Del
Cut selected item.

Ctrl + C
Copy selected item.

Ctrl + Ins
Copy selected item

Ctrl + V
Paste

Shift + Ins
Paste

Home
Goes to beginning of current line.

Ctrl + Home
Goes to beginning of document.

End
Goes to end of current line.

Ctrl + End
Goes to end of document.

Shift + Home
Highlights from current position to beginning of line.

Shift + End
Highlights from current position to end of line.

Ctrl + Left arrow
Moves one word to the left at a time.

Ctrl + Right arrow
Moves one word to the right at a time.

Create a shortcut to lock computer

2006-03-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Create a shortcut to lock computer
Right click on desktop and select new -> shortcut.
Then copy and paste this in the program location box "rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation"
Click next and enter a name for you shortcut and then click finish.
Now you can copy and paste that shortcut anywhere you want on your computer.

No GUI Boot

2006-03-09T04:25:00.001-08:00

If you don't need to see the XP boot logo,
Run MSCONFIG
Click on the BOOT.INI tab
Check the box for /NOGUIBOOT

Changing Programs That Start Automatically

2006-03-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

WindowsXP has a similar program, MSCONFIG, that was available in Windows98.
This allows you to view and change what programs are automatically started each time you log in.
The new version also allows you to view and edit the boot.ini file (as well as check for errors and use several advanced switches)

Changing the Internet Explorer Title

2006-03-09T04:23:00.001-08:00

Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Window Title
Enter what you want appear in the title bar

Automatically Ending Non-Responsive Tasks

2006-03-09T04:23:00.000-08:00

Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\AutoEndTasks
Set the value to be 1
In the same section, change the WaitToKillAppTimeout to the number of milliseconds you want.

Common Command Console Utilities

2006-03-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

WindowsXP comes with quite a few console utilities you can easily run from the command line:
Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Disk Managment - diskmgmt.msc
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Disk Defrag - dfrg.msc
Event Viewer - eventvwr.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Group Policies - gpedit.msc
Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Resultant Set of Policies - rsop.msc
Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
Services - services.msc
Component Services - comexp.msc

Increasing System Performance

2006-03-09T04:21:00.000-08:00

If you have 512 megs or more of memory, you can increase system performance
by having the core system kept in memory.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\DisablePagingExecutive
Set the value to be 1
Reboot the computer

Disabling Hibernation

2006-03-09T04:20:00.001-08:00

If you don't want to use up the disk space taken by Hibernation, or don't need to use it at all,
you can easily disable it.
Open up the Control Panel / Power Options icon
Click on the Hibernation icon
Uncheck Enable Hibernation

Creating an Automated Install of WindowsXP

2006-03-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

On the WindowsXP CP, in the SUPPORT\TOOLS directory,
there is a file called DEPLOY.CAB.
Extract the programs DEPLOY.CHM (help file) and SETUPMGR.EXE (main program)
Run SETUPMGR and answer the prompts.
This will create both a unattend.bat and unattend.txt file you can use for automated installs.
Note: The batch file might need some minor modification for file locations but it is fairly basic.

WindowsXP Command Line Utilities

2006-03-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

While there are a lot of command line utilities in WindowsXP, here are some that I have been using lately.
bootcfg - Configures, queries, or changes Boot.ini file settings.
driverquery - Displays a list of all installed device drivers and their properties.
getmac - Returns the media access control (MAC) address and list of network protocols associated with each address for all network cards in each computer
gpresult - Displays Group Policy settings and Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP) for a user or a computer
netsh - You can use commands in the Netsh Interface IP context to configure the TCP/IP protocol
schtasks - Schedules commands and programs to run periodically or at a specific time
systeminfo - Displays detailed configuration information about a computer and its operating system

Hide/Unhide Logon Names

2006-03-09T04:10:00.000-08:00

If you want to hide or unhide the names of users that are displayed on the initial logon screen:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
Add a DWORD with the name of the user account you want to hide
Make sure it has a value of 0
If there is an existing account, you can unhide it by giving it a value of 1

Decreasing Boot Time

2006-03-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has made available a program to analyze and decrease the time it takes to boot to WindowsXP
The program is called BootVis
Uncompress the file.
Run BOOTVIS.EXE
For a starting point, run Trace / Next Boot + Driver Delays
This will reboot your computer and provide a benchmark
After the reboot, BootVis will take a minute or two to show graphs of your system startup.
Note how much time it takes for your system to load (click on the red vertical line)
Then run Trace / Optimize System
Re-Run the Next Boot + Drive Delays
Note how much the time has decreased
Mine went from approximately 39 to 30 seconds.

Changing the Registered Owner

2006-03-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

Start Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
From there you can edit the name in the Registered Owner key

Changing Drive Letters

2006-03-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

If you want to change the letters assigned to your fixed or removable drives:
Right Click on My Computer
Select Manage
Select Disk Management
For a Fixed Disk:
Select it
Right click
Select Change Drive Letter and Path
Click on the Edit button
Enter in the letter you want to use
For a Removable Disk:
In the lower, right hand panel, right click on the Disk or CD ROM #
Select Change Drive Letter and Path
Click on the Edit button
Enter in the letter you want to use

Using the Classic Search in Explorer

2006-03-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

If you prefer to use the classic search style in Explorer,
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
Add a String Key called Use Search Asst
Give it a value of no

Clearing the Page File on Shutdown

2006-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Another way to set the computer to clear the pagefile without directly editing the registry is:
Click on the Start button
Go to the Control Panel
Administrative Tools
Local Security Policy
Local Policies
Click on Security Options
Right hand menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
Select "Enable"
Reboot

If you want to clear the page file on each shutdown:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\ClearPageFileAtShutdown
Set the value to 1

Enable / Disable the Task Manager

2006-03-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System
Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr
Give it a value of 0 to enable it
Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it

Removing Thumbs.db Files

2006-03-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

When viewing a folder with the Thumbnail view, WindowsXP creates a thumbs.db file.
This is a cache of the current pictures in that directory.
If you want to turn this feature off and save a little disk space
Start the Windows Explorer
Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
In the first section under Files and Folders, check Do not cache thumbnails
Now you can search for the thumbs.db file on your computer and remove them. No more should be created.

Disable Shared Documents

2006-03-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

To disable the Shared Documents folder that shows up on the network
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer Create a new DWORD Value
Give it the name NoSharedDocuments
Give it a value of 1
Log off or reboot

Disable Explorer Thumbnail View

2006-03-04T20:49:00.001-08:00

If you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View ,
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced Change ClassicViewState to 1

Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus

2006-03-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Edit the key ForegroundLockTimeout
Give it a value of 00030d40

Remembering Folder Settings

2006-03-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

If XP does not remember your folder settings, delete or rename the following registry keys
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell NoRoam\BagMRU]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell NoRoam\Bags]

Poweroff at Shutdown

2006-03-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to do this.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

Hiding the Last User Logged On

2006-02-14T09:33:00.001-08:00

If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:
Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name
Set it to Enable

Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box

2006-02-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

Create a new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this one line:
(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindow s();
Save and Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
You can make a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.

NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found

2006-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,
If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.
For NTFS:
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

2006-02-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
cd \windows\system32\config
Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

2006-02-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt

2006-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.
CD i386
expand ntkrnlmp.ex _ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to C:\Windows
Take out the CD ROM and type exit
That's it...You are done with it

Windows Repair Install

2006-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
This will start the repair
Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
When prompted, click on the Next button
When prompted, enter your XP key
Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
The computer will reboot
Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
Register if you want (but not necessary)
Finish
At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.

Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages

2006-01-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

To turn these status messages off:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\policies\system
If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
Give it a value of 1

Cleaning the Prefetch Directory

2006-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

WindowsXP has a new feature called Prefetch. This keeps a shortcut to recently used programs.
However it can fill up with old and obsolete programs.
To clean this periodically, go to:
Star / Run / Prefetch
Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the shorcuts
Delete them

Services You Can Disable

2006-01-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few services you can disable from starting automatically.
This would be to speed up your boot time and free resources.
They are only suggestions so I suggestion you read the description of each one when you run Services
and that you turn them off one at a time.
Some possibilities are:
Alerter - Sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to the server computer.
Application Management - Allows software to tap directly into the Add/Remove Programs feature via the Windows Installer technology.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - The Background Intelligent Transfer service is used by programs (such as Windows AutoUpdate) to download files by using spare bandwidth.
Clipbook - ClipBook permits you to cut and paste text and graphics over the network.
Error Reporting Service - Allows applications to send error reports to Microsoft in the event of an application fault.
Fast User Switching - Windows XP allows users to switch quickly between accounts, without requiring them to log off.
Help and Support - Allows the XP Built-in Help and Support Center to run.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - You don't need this if you have other software to create CDs.
Indexing Service - Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language.
IP SEC - Manages IP security policy and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver. If you are not on a domain, you likely don't need this running.
Messenger - Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This is how a lot of pop-up windows start appearing on your desktop.
Net Logon - Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain. If you are not on a domain, you don't need this running
Network DDE - Provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers.
NT LM Security Support Provider - Provides security to remote procedure call (RPC) programs that use transports other than named pipes.
Performance Logs and Alerts - Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If you don't need to monitor your performance logs, then you don't need this service.
Portable Media Serial Number - Retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer
QOS RSVP - Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If you are not using Remote Desktop you don't need this service.
Remote Registry - Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer.
Routing & Remote Access - Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments. Allows dial-in access.
Secondary Login - Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. This is what allows you to run an application as another user.
Smart Card - Manages access to smart cards read by this computer.
Smart Card Helper - Enables support for legacy non-plug and play smart-card readers used by this computer.
SSDP Discovery Service - Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. This should not be needed in today's network environment.
Telnet - Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Service - Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer.
Universal Plug and Play Device Host - Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices
Upload Manager - Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network.
Volume Shadow Copy Service - Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes.
Web Client - Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify non-local files across the Internet.
Wireless Zero Configuration - Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters
WMI Performance Adapter - Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers.

Configure for Auto-Logon

2006-01-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

If you are the only person using the computer and want to have it automatically log you on,
Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer

Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install

2006-01-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you can't access a WinXP computer after installing Norton Anti-Virus.
There might be a variety of errors at the other computer depending on the operating system.
On the XP computer, in the Event Viewer / System log, there will be the following error:
The server's configuration parameter "irpstacksize" is too small for the server to use a local device.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\lanmanserver\parameters
Edit the IRPStackSize
Give it a value of 15
Reboot the computer

Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar

2006-01-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

If you mistakenly deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
(where user_name is replaced by your login name)
Create a Text file called ShowDesktop.SCF with the following contents:
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

That's it. You have your 'Show Desktop' icon back.

Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock

2006-01-22T04:28:00.001-08:00

If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard
Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
Change the value to one of the following numbers
0 - All Keys off
1 - Caps Lock on
2 - Num Lock on
4 - Scroll Lock on
For multiple keys, add their values:
3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on
5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on
6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on
7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on
Log off and back on again

Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders

2006-01-22T04:28:00.000-08:00

If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,
just run:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll

Easy Way to Share Multiple Folders

2006-01-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

If you need to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE will bring up a simple dialog box to let you:
Browse to the folder you want to share
Enter in a Share name
Ender in a Share description
Set permissions. Several choices are available
Restart the process from within the same program

Hiding a XP Computer from Network Neighborhood

2006-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

If you want to share files from a XP computer,
yet want to remove it from showing up in the Network Neighborhood,
Run net config server /hidden:yes

Guest Only Network Access

2006-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you try and connect to an XP computer and are shown a logins screen with only the computername/Guest,
You may need to change one of the Local Security Policies:
Got to Control Panel - Administrative Tools
Go to Local Policies - Security Options
Check teh Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
Set it to Classic - local users authenticate as themselves

Windows Explorer Opens Search Companion Rather than the Folder

2006-01-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

If the Windows Explorer opens up the Search Companion rather than opening up the actual folder, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.
To correct this:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
Edit the default value to be explorer or none

Common Control Panel Applets

2006-01-20T23:57:00.000-08:00

The follow are some common Control Panel Applets that are located in the \windows\system32 directory.
If you find yourself using any of these frequently, then you can simply make shortcuts to them on your desktop.

appwiz.cpl >>Add/Remove Programs
desk.cpl >> Display Properties
firewall.cpl >> Firewall Settings
inetcpl.cpl >> Internet Options
mmsys.cpl >> Sound and Audio
ncpa.cpl >> Network Connections
nusrmgr.cpl >> User Accounts
powercfg.cpl >> Power Options
sysdm.cpl >>System Properties
wscui.cpl >> Security Center
wuaucpl.cpl >> Automatic Updates Configuration

Autoexec.nt or Config.nt Errors

2006-01-20T23:56:00.000-08:00

If you are getting errors similar to:
The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
Try copying the file from \windows\repair directory to the one that is in the \windows\system32 directory.

Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall

2006-01-20T01:57:00.000-08:00

1.Click on Start / Run
2.Enter in firewall.cpl
3.Click on the Exceptions tab

Adding a Port for Internet Access:
1.Click on the Add Port button
2.Name it whatever you want
3.Enter in the ports you want to open

Adding a Program for Internet Access
1.Click on Add Program... button
2.A list of all installed programs will be displayed
3.Highlight the one you want to include for Internet access
4.Click on the OK button