windows xp tips 'n' tricks

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    Windows Xp Tips 'n' Tricks

    Please note that some of these tips require you to use a Registry Editor (regedit.exe),which could render your system unusable. Thus, none of these tips are supported in anyway: Use them at your own risk. Also note that most of these tips will require you to belogged on with Administrative rights.

    Unlocking WinXP's setupp.ini============================

    WinXP's setupp.ini controls how the CD acts. IE is it an OEM version or retail? First,find your setupp.ini file in the i386 directory on your WinXP CD. Open it up, it'll looksomething like this:

    ExtraData=707A667567736F696F697911AE7E05Pid=55034000

    The Pid value is what we're interested in. What's there now looks like a standard default.There are special numbers that determine if it's a retail, oem, or volume license edition.First, we break down that number into two parts. The first five digits determines how theCD will behave, ie is it a retail cd that lets you clean install or upgrade, or an oem cd thatonly lets you perform a clean install? The last three digits determines what CD key it willaccept. You are able to mix and match these values. For example you could make aWinXP cd that acted like a retail cd, yet accepted OEM keys.

    Now, for the actual values. Remember the first and last values are interchangable, butusually you'd keep them as a pair:

    Retail = 51882 335Volume License = 51883 270OEM = 82503 OEM

    So if you wanted a retail CD that took retail keys, the last line of your setupp.ini filewould read:

    Pid=51882335

    And if you wanted a retail CD that took OEM keys, you'd use:

    Pid=51882OEM

    How do I get the "Administrator" name on Welcome Screen?================================================== ======

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    To get Admin account on the "Welcome Screen" as well as the other usernames, makesure that there are no accounts logged in.

    Press "ctrl-alt-del" twice and you should be able to login as administrator!

    finally worked for me after i found out that all accounts have to be logged out first

    Fix Movie Inteferance in AVI files==================================

    If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, which have interference whenopened 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 savethe movie, and during the rerendering, the interference will be removed.

    Create a Password Reset Disk============================

    If youre 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 yourpassword. To create the disk:

    Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.Click your account name.Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.

    Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.

    Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local useraccount

    Change Web Page Font Size on the Fly====================================

    If your mouse contains a wheel for scrolling, you can change font size on the fly when

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    viewing a Web page. To do so:

    Press and hold Ctrl. Scroll down (or towards yourself) to enlarge the font size. Scroll up(or away from yourself) to reduce the font size.

    You might find it useful to reduce font size when printing a Web page, so that you can fitmore content on the page.

    WinXP Clear Page file on shutdown=================================

    WINXPCPS.REG (WinXP Clear Page file on shutdown)

    This Registration (.REG) file clears the Page file when you power off the computer.Restart Windows for these changes to take effect!

    ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES!

    Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ SessionManager \ Memory Management

    and add the DWORD variable "ClearPageFileAtShutdown"=dword:00000001

    You can also do this without reg hacking.Go to Control panel Administartative tools, local security policy. then goto local policies---> security options.Then change the option for "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"

    Group Policy for Windows XP===========================

    One of the most full featured Windows XP configuration tools available is hidden rightthere in your system, but most people don't even know it exists. It's called the LocalGroup Policy Editor, or gpedit for short. To invoke this editor, select Start and then Run,then type the following:

    gpedit.msc

    After you hit ENTER, you'll be greeted by gpedit, which lets you modify virtually everyfeature in Windows XP without having to resort to regedit. Dig around and enjoy!

    Forgetting What Your Files Are?===============================

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    This procedure works under NTFS.

    As times goes along you have a lot files on your computer. You are going to forget whatthey are. Well here is way to identify them as you scroll through Windows Explorer inthe future.

    This procedure works under NTFS.

    1.. Open up a folder on your system that you want to keep track of the different files youmight one to identify in the future.

    2.. Under View make certain that you set it to the Details.

    3.. Highlight the file you want to keep more information on. Right click the file and youwill get a pop up menu. Click on properties.

    4.. Click on the Summary Tab (make sure it says simple not advanced on the button inthe box), You should now get the following fields,

    Title,Subject, Author, Category, Keywords, Comments

    You will see advanced also if you have changed it to simple, Here will be other fields youcan fill in.

    5.. Next you can fill in what ever field you want.

    6.. After you finished click the apply button then OK.

    7.. Next right click the bar above your files, under the address barand you should get adrop down menu. Here you can click the fields you want to display.

    8.. You should now see a list with the new fields and any comments you have done.

    9.. Now if you want to sort these just right click a blank spot and then you sort theinformation to your liking.

    Temporarily Assign Yourself Administrative Permissions================================================== ====

    Many programs require you to have Administrative permissions to be able to install them.Here is an easy way to temporarily assign yourself Administrative permissions while youremain logged in as a normal user.

    Hold down the Shift key as you right-click on the programs setup file.

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    Click Run as.

    Type in a username and password that have Administrative permissions.

    This will also work on applications in the Start menu.

    Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Computer=======================================

    Leaving your computer in a hurry but you dont want to log off? You can double-click ashortcut on your desktop to quickly lock the keyboard and display without usingCTRL+ALT+DEL or a screensaver.

    To create a shortcut on your desktop to lock your computer:

    Right-click the desktop.Point to New, and then click Shortcut.

    The Create Shortcut Wizard opens. In the text box, type the following:rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

    Click Next.

    Enter a name for the shortcut. You can call it "Lock Workstation" or choose any nameyou like.

    Click Finish.

    You can also change the shortcut's icon (my personal favorite is the padlock icon inshell32.dll).

    To change the icon:

    Right click the shortcut and then select Properties.Click the Shortcut tab, and then click the Change Icon button.

    In the Look for icons in this file text box, type:Shell32.dll.

    Click OK.

    Select one of the icons from the list and then click OK

    You could also give it a shortcut keystroke such CTRL+ALT+L. This would save youonly one keystroke from the normal command, but it could be more convenient.

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    Create a Shortcut to Start Remote Desktop=========================================

    Tip: You can add a shortcut to the desktop of your home computer to quickly startRemote Desktop and connect to your office computer.

    To create a shortcut icon to start Remote Desktop

    Click Start, point to More Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, andthen click on Remote Desktop Connection.

    Click Options.

    Configure settings for the connection to your office computer.

    Click Save As, and enter a name, such as Office Computer. Click Save.

    Open the Remote Desktops folder.

    Right-click on the file named Office Computer, and then click Create Shortcut.

    Drag the shortcut onto the desktop of your home computer.

    To start Remote Desktop and connect to your office computer, double-click on theshortcut

    Instantly Activate a Screensaver================================

    Turn on a screensaver without having to wait by adding a shortcut to your desktop:

    Click the Start button, and then click Search.In the Search Companion window, click All file types.

    In the file name box, type *.scr

    In the Look in box, choose Local Hard Drives (C or the drive where you have systemfiles stored on your computer.

    Click Search.

    You will see a list of screensavers in the results. Pick a screensaver you want. You can

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    preview it by double-clicking it.

    Right click on the file, choose Send To, and then click Desktop (create shortcut).

    To activate the screensaver, double-click the icon on your desktop

    Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar=====================================

    Do you want to quickly map a drive, but cant find the toolbar button? If you map drivesoften, use one of these options to add a Map Drive button to the folder toolbar.

    Option One (Long Term Fix)

    Click Start, click My Computer, right-click the toolbar, then unlock the toolbars, if

    necessary.

    Right-click the toolbar again, and then click Customize.

    Under Available toolbar buttons, locate Map Drive, and drag it into the position you wanton the right under Current toolbar buttons.

    Click Close, click OK, and then click OK again.

    You now have drive mapping buttons on your toolbar, so you can map drives from anyfolder window. To unmap drives, follow the above procedure, selecting Disconnect underAvailable toolbar buttons. To quickly map a drive, try this option.

    Option Two (Quick Fix)

    Click Start, and right-click My Computer.Click Map Network Drive.

    If you place your My Computer icon directly on the desktop, you can make this move inonly two clicks!

    Software not installing?========================

    If you have a piece of software that refuses to install because it says that you are notrunning Windows 2000 (such as the Win2K drivers for a Mustek scanner!!) you cansimply edit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion/ProductName to say Microsoft Windows 2000 instead of XP and itwill install. You may also have to edit the version number or build number, depending on

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    how hard the program tries to verify that you are installing on the correct OS. I had to dothis for my Mustek 600 CP scanner (compatibility mode didn''t help!!!) and it workedgreat, so I now have my scanner working with XP (and a tech at Mustek can now eat hiswords).

    BTW, don''t forget to restore any changes you make after you get your software installed

    You do this at your own risk.

    Use your Windows Key====================

    The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a little-used treasure. Don''t ignore it. It is the shortcut anchor for the following commands:

    Windows: Display the Start menuWindows + D: Minimize or restore all windowsWindows + E: Display Windows ExplorerWindows + F: Display Search for filesWindows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computerWindows + F1: Display Help and Support CenterWindows + R: Display Run dialog boxWindows + break: Display System Properties dialog boxWindows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windowsWindows + L: Lock the workstationWindows + U: Open Utility ManagerWindows + Q: Quick switching of users (Powertoys only)Windows + Q: Hold Windows Key, then tap Q to scroll thru the different users on yourpc

    Change your cd key==================

    You don't need to re-install if you want to try the key out ... just do this:

    1. Go to Activate Windows2. Select the Telephone option3. Click "Change Product Key"4. Enter NOT ALLOWED ~ Zabref5. Click "Update"

    Now log off and log back in again. It should now show 60 days left, minus the number ofdays it had already counted down.

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    Note: If your crack de-activated REGWIZC.DLL and LICDLL.DLL, you are going tohave to re-register them.

    Remove the Shared Documents folders from My Computer================================================== ==

    One of the most annoying things about the new Windows XP user interface is thatMicrosoft saw fit to provide links to all of the Shared Documents folders on your system,right at the top of the My Computer window. I can't imagine why this would be thedefault, even in a shared PC environment at home, but what's even more annoying is thatyou cannot change this behavior through the sh*ll: Those icons are stuck there and you have to live with it.Until now, that is.

    Simply fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \Explorer \ My Computer \ NameSpace \ DelegateFolders

    You'll see a sub-key named {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee}. If you deletethis, all of the Shared Documents folders (which are normally under the group called"Other Files Stored on This Computer" will be gone.

    You do not need to reboot your system to see the change.

    Before: A cluttered mess with icons no one will ever use (especially that orpaned one).After: Simplicity itself, and the way it should be by default.

    This tip For older XP builds===================

    Edit or remove the "Comments" link in window title bars

    During the Windows XP beta, Microsoft has added a "Comments?" hyperlink to the titlebar of each window in the system so that beta testers can more easily send in a problemreport about the user interface. But for most of us, this isn't an issue, and the Commentslink is simply a visual distraction. And for many programs that alter the title bar, theComments link renders the Minimize, Maximize, and Close window buttons unusable, soit's actually a problem.Let's get rid of it. Or, if you're into this kind of thing, you can edit it too.

    Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:

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    My Computer \ HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \LameButtonEnabledMy Computer \ HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ LameButtonText

    The first key determines whether the link appears at all; change its value to 0 to turn it

    off. The second key lets you have a little fun with the hyperlink; you can change the textto anything you'd like, such as "Paul Thurrott" or whatever.

    Editing either value requires a restart before the changes take effect.

    Before: An unnecessary hyperlink. Have some fun with it! Or just remove it entirely. It'sup to you.

    Rip high-quality MP3s in Windows Media Player 8================================================

    The relationship between Windows Media Player 8 and the MP3 audio format is widelymisunderstood. Basically, WMP8 will be able to playback MP3 files, but encoding (or"ripping" CD audio into MP3 format will require an MP3 plug-in. So during theWindows XP beta, Microsoft is supplying a sample MP3 plug-in for testing purposes, butit's limited to 56 Kbps rips, which is pretty useless. However, if you have an externallyinstalled MP3 codec, you can use WMP8 to rip at higher bit rates. But you'll have to editthe Registry to make this work.Fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ MediaPlayer \ Settings \MP3Encoding

    Here, you'll see sub-keys for LowRate and LowRateSample, which of course equates tothe single 56 Kbps sample rate you see in WMP8. To get better sampling rates, try addingthe following keys (Using New then DWORD value):

    "LowRate" = DWORD value of 0000dac0"MediumRate" = DWORD value of 0000fa00"MediumHighRate" = DWORD value of 0001f400"HighRate" = DWORD value of 0002ee00

    Now, when you launch WMP8 and go into Tools, then Options, then Copy Music, youwill have four encoding choices for MP3: 56 Kbps, 64 Kbps, 128 Kbps, and 192 Kbps.Note that you will not get higher bit rate encoding unless you have installed an MP3codec separately; the version in Windows Media Player 8 is limited to 56 Kbps only.

    Find the appropriate location in the Registry... ...add a few DWORD values... ...And then

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    you'll be ripping CDs in higher-quality MP3 format!

    Speed up the Start Menu

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

    The default speed of the Start Menu is pretty slow, but you can fix that by editing aRegistry Key. Fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ MenuShowDelay

    By default, the value is 400. Change this to a smaller value, such as 0, to speed it up.

    Speed up the Start Menu (Part two)

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

    If your confounded by the slow speed of the Start Menu, even after using the tip above,then you might try the following: Navigate to Display Properties then Appearance thenAdvanced and turn off the option titled Show menu shadow . You will get much betteroverall performance.

    Speed up Internet Explorer 6 Favorites======================================

    For some reason, the Favorites menu in IE 6 seems to slow down dramaticallysometimes--I've noticed this happens when you install Tweak UI 1.33, for example, andwhen you use the preview tip to speed up the Start menu. But here's a fix for the problemthat does work, though it's unclear why:Just open a command line window (Start button -> Run -> cmd) and type sfc, then hitENTER. This command line runs the System File Checker, which performs a number ofservices, all of which are completely unrelated to IE 6. But there you go: It works.

    Do an unattended installation=============================

    The Windows XP Setup routine is much nicer than that in Windows 2000 or WindowsMe, but it's still an hour-long process that forces you to sit in front of your computer foran hour, answering dialog boxes and typing in product keys. But Windows XP picks upone of the more useful features from Windows 2000, the ability to do an unattendedinstallation, so you can simply prepare a script that will answer all those dialogs for youand let you spend some quality time with your family.

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    I've written about Windows 2000 unattended installations and the process is pretty muchidentical on Windows XP, so please read that article carefully before proceeding. Andyou need to be aware that this feature is designed for a standalone Windows XP system:If you want to dual-boot Windows XP with another OS, you're going to have to gothrough the interactive Setup just like everyone else: An unattended install will wipe out

    your hard drive and install only Windows XP, usually.

    To perform an unattended installation, you just need to work with the Setup Manager,which is located on the Windows XP CD-ROM in D:\SupportTools\DEPLOY.CAB bydefault: Extract the contents of this file and you'll find a number of useful tools and helpfiles; the one we're interested in is named setupmgr.exe. This is a very simple wizardapplication that will walk you through the process of creating an answer file calledwinnt.sif that can be used to guide Windows XP Setup through the unattendedinstallation.

    One final tip: There's one thing that Setup Manager doesn't add: Your product key.

    However, you can add this to the unattend.txt file manually. Simply open the file inNotepad and add the following line under the [UserData] section:

    ProductID=RK7J8-2PGYQ-P47VV-V6PMB-F6XPQ

    (This is a 60 day cd key)

    Then, just copy winnt.sif to a floppy, put your Windows XP CD-ROM in the CD drive,and reboot: When the CD auto-boots, it will look for the unattend.txt file in A:automatically, and use it to answer the Setup questions if it's there.

    Finally, please remember that this will wipe out your system! Back up first, and spendsome time with the help files in DEPLOY.CAB before proceeding.

    For Older builds or not using setupreg.hiv file===============================================

    Remove the Desktop version text

    During the Windows XP beta, you will see text in the lower right corner of the screen thatsays Windows XP Professional, Evaluation Copy. Build 2462 or similar. A lot of peoplewould like to remove this text for some reason, and while it's possible to do so, the cure ismore damaging than the problem, in my opinion. So the following step will remove thistext, but you'll lose a lot of the nice graphical effects that come in Windows XP, such asthe see-through icon text.

    To remove the desktop version text, open Display Properties (right-click the desktop,then choose Properties) and navigate to the Desktop page. Click Customize Desktop andthen choose the Web page in the resulting dialog. On this page, check the option titled

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    Lock desktop items. Click OK to close the dialog, and then OK to close DisplayProperties. The text disappears. But now the rest of your system is really ugly. You canreverse the process by unchecking Lock desktop items.

    There's also a shortcut for this process: Just right-click the desktop and choose Arrange

    by then Lock Web Icons on the Desktop.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Enable ClearType on the Welcome Screen!=======================================

    As laptop users and other LCD owners are quickly realizing, Microsoft's ClearTypetechnology in Windows XP really makes a big difference for readability. But the thisfeature is enabled on a per-user basis in Windows XP, so you can't see the effect on theWelcome screen; it only appears after you logon.

    But you can fix that. Fire up the Registry Editor and look for the following keys:

    (default user) HKEY_USERS \ .Default \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ FontSmoothing(String Value)HKEY_USERS \ .Default \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ FontSmoothingType (HexadecimalDWORD Value)

    Make sure both of these values are set to 2 and you'll have ClearType enabled on theWelcome screen and on each new user by default.

    Stop Windows Messenger from Auto-Starting=========================================

    If you're not a big fan of Windows Messenger simply delete the following Registry Key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\MSMSGS

    Display Hibernate Option on the Shut Down dialog================================================

    For some reason, Hibernate may not be available from the default Shut Down dialog. Butyou can enable it simply enough, by holding down the SHIFT key while the dialog isvisible. Now you see it, now you don't!

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    Add album art to any music folder=================================

    One of the coolest new features in Windows XP is its album thumbnail generator, whichautomatically places the appropriate album cover art on the folder to which you are

    copying music (generally in WMA format). But what about those people that havealready copied their CDs to the hard drive using MP3 format? You can download albumcover art from sites such as cdnow.com or amguide.com, and then use the new WindowsXP folder customize feature to display the proper image for each folder. But this takestime--you have to manually edit the folder properties for every single folder--and youwill lose customizations if you have to reinstall the OS. There's an excellent fix, however.

    When you download the album cover art from the Web, just save the images as folder.jpgeach time and place them in the appropriate folder. Then, Windows XP willautomatically use that image as the thumbnail for that folder and, best of all, will use thatimage in Windows Media Player for Windows XP (MPXP) if you choose to display

    album cover art instead of a visualization. And the folder customization is automatic, so itsurvives an OS reinstallation as well. Your music folders never looked so good!

    Album cover art makes music folder thumbnails look better than ever!

    Change the location of the My Music or My Pictures folders================================================== ========

    In Windows 2000, Microsoft added the ability to right-click the My Documents folderand choose a new location for that folder in the sh*ll. With Windows XP, Microsoft has elevated the My Music and My Pictures folders to thesame "special sh*llfolder" status of My Documents, but they never added a similar (and simple) method forchanging those folder's locations. However, it is actually pretty easy to change thelocation of these folders, using the following method.

    Open a My Computer window and navigate to the location where you'd like My Music(or My Pictures) to reside. Then, open the My Documents folder in a different window.Drag the My Music (or My Pictures) folder to the other window, and Windows XP willupdate all of the references to that folder to the new location, including the Start menu.

    Or use Tweak UI

    Add/Remove optional features of Windows XP==========================================

    To dramatically expand the list of applications you can remove from Windows XP after

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    installation, navigate to C:\WINDOWS\inf (substituting the correct drive letter for yourversion of Windows) and open the sysoc.inf file. Under Windows XP ProfessionalEdition RC1, this file will resemble the following by default:

    [Version] Signature = "$Windows NT$"

    DriverVer=06/26/2001,5.1.2505.0

    [Components]NtComponents=ntoc.dll,NtOcSetupProc,,4WBEM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wbemoc.inf,hide,7Display=desk.cpl,DisplayOcSetupProc,,7Fax=fxsocm.dll,FaxOcmSetupProc,fxsocm.inf,,7NetOC=netoc.dll,NetOcSetupProc,netoc.inf,,7iis=iis.dll,OcEntry,iis.inf,,7com=comsetup.dll,OcEntry,comnt5.inf,hide,7dtc=msdtcstp.dll,OcEntry,dtcnt5.inf,hide,7

    IndexSrv_System = setupqry.dll,IndexSrv,setupqry.inf,,7TerminalServer=TsOc.dll, HydraOc, TsOc.inf,hide,2msmq=msmqocm.dll,MsmqOcm,msmqocm.inf,,6ims=imsinsnt.dll,OcEntry,ims.inf,,7fp_extensions=fp40ext.dll,FrontPage4Extensions,fp4 0ext.inf,,7AutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,au.inf,hide,7msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7msnexplr=ocmsn.dll,OcEntry,msnmsn.inf,,7smarttgs=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,msnsl.inf,,7RootAutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,rootau.inf,,7Games=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,games.inf,,7AccessUtil=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,accessor.inf,,7CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,HIDE,7MultiM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,multimed.inf,HIDE,7AccessOpt=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,optional.inf,HIDE,7Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,pinball.inf,HIDE,7MSWordPad=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wordpad.inf,HIDE,7ZoneGames=zoneoc.dll,ZoneSetupProc,igames.inf,,7

    [Global]WindowTitle=%WindowTitle%WindowTitle.StandAlone="*"

    The entries that include the text hide or HIDE will not show up in Add/Remove WindowsComponents by default. To fix this, do a global search and replace for ,hide and changeeach instance of this to , (a comma). Then, save the file, relaunch Add/Remove WindowsComponents, and tweak the installed applications to your heart's content.

    Cool, eh? There are even more new options now under "Accessories and Utilities" too.

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    Remove Windows Messenger========================

    It seems that a lot of people are interested in removing Windows Messenger for somereason, though I strongly recommend against this: In Windows XP, Windows Messengerwill be the hub of your connection to the .NET world, and now that this feature is part ofWindows, I think we're going to see a lot of .NET Passport-enabled Web sites appearingas well. But if you can't stand the little app, there are a couple of ways to get rid of it, andensure that it doesn't pop up every time you boot into XP. The best way simply utilizesthe previous tip:

    If you'd like Windows Messenger to show up in the list of programs you can add andremove from Windows, navigate to C:\WINDOWS\inf (substituting the correct driveletter for your version of Windows) and open sysoc.inf (see the previous tip for more

    information about this file). You'll see a line that reads:

    msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7

    Change this to the following and Windows Messenger will appear in Add or RemovePrograms, then Add/Remove Windows Components, then , and you can remove it forgood:

    msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,7

    Windows xp hidden appsTo run any of these apps go to Start > Run and type the executable name (ie charmap).

    WINDOWS XP HIDDEN APPS:=========================================

    1) Character Map = charmap.exe (very useful for finding unusual characters)

    2) Disk Cleanup = cleanmgr.exe

    3) Clipboard Viewer = clipbrd.exe (views contents of Windows clipboard)

    4) Dr Watson = drwtsn32.exe (Troubleshooting tool)

    5) DirectX diagnosis = dxdiag.exe (Diagnose & test DirectX, video & sound cards)

    6) Private character editor = eudcedit.exe (allows creation or modification of characters)

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    7) IExpress Wizard = iexpress.exe (Create self-extracting / self-installing package)

    8) Microsoft Synchronization Manager = mobsync.exe (appears to allow synchronizationof files on the network for when working offline. Apparently undocumented).

    9) Windows Media Player 5.1 = mplay32.exe (Retro version of Media Player, verybasic).

    10) ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32.exe (something to do with databases)

    11) Object Packager = packager.exe (to do with packaging objects for insertion in files,appears to have comprehensive help files).

    12) System Monitor = perfmon.exe (very useful, highly configurable tool, tells youeverything you ever wanted to know about any aspect of PC performance, for uber-geeksonly )

    13) Program Manager = progman.exe (Legacy Windows 3.x desktop shell).

    14) Remote Access phone book = rasphone.exe (documentation is virtually non-existant).

    15) Registry Editor = regedt32.exe [also regedit.exe] (for hacking the WindowsRegistry).

    16) Network shared folder wizard = shrpubw.exe (creates shared folders on network).

    17) File siganture verification tool = sigverif.exe

    18) Volume Contro = sndvol32.exe (I've included this for those people that lose it fromthe System Notification area).

    19) System Configuration Editor = sysedit.exe (modify System.ini & Win.ini just like inWin98! ).

    20) Syskey = syskey.exe (Secures XP Account database - use with care, it's virtuallyundocumented but it appears to encrypt all passwords, I'm not sure of the fullimplications).

    21) Microsoft Telnet Client = telnet.exe

    22) Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for monitoring theactions of drivers, might be useful for people having driver problems. Undocumented).

    23) Windows for Workgroups Chat = winchat.exe (appears to be an old NT utility toallow chat sessions over a LAN, help files available).

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    24) System configuration = msconfig.exe (can use to control starup programs)

    25) gpedit.msc used to manage group policies, and permissions

    Windows shortcutsRun Commands:

    Quote:compmgmt.msc - Computer managementdevmgmt.msc - Device managerdiskmgmt.msc - Disk managementdfrg.msc - Disk defrageventvwr.msc - Event viewer

    fsmgmt.msc - Shared foldersgpedit.msc - Group policieslusrmgr.msc - Local users and groupsperfmon.msc - Performance monitorrsop.msc - Resultant set of policiessecpol.msc - Local security settingsservices.msc - Various Servicesmsconfig - System Configuration Utilityregedit - Registry Editormsinfo32 _ System Informationsysedit _ System Edit

    win.ini _ windows loading information(also system.ini)winver _ Shows current version of windowsmailto: _ Opens default email clientcommand _ Opens command prompt

    Run Commands to access the control panel:

    Quote:Add/Remove Programs control appwiz.cplDate/Time Properties control timedate.cpl

    Display Properties control desk.cplFindFast control findfast.cplFonts Folder control fontsInternet Properties control inetcpl.cplKeyboard Properties control main.cpl keyboardMouse Properties control main.cplMultimedia Properties control mmsys.cplNetwork Properties control netcpl.cpl

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    Password Properties control password.cplPrinters Folder control printersSound Properties control mmsys.cpl soundsSystem Properties control sysdm.cpl

    Command Prompt:

    Quote:ANSI.SYS Defines functions that change display graphics, control cursor movement, andreassign keys.APPEND Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running acommand.ARP Displays, adds, and removes arp information from network devices.ASSIGN Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter.

    ASSOC View the file associations.AT Schedule a time to execute commands or programs.ATMADM Lists connections and addresses seen by Windows ATM call manager.ATTRIB Display and change file attributes.BATCH Recovery console command that executes a series of commands in a file.BOOTCFG Recovery console command that allows a user to view, modify, and rebuildthe boot.iniBREAK Enable / disable CTRL + C feature.CACLS View and modify file ACL's.CALL Calls a batch file from another batch file.CD Changes directories.CHCP Supplement the International keyboard and character set information.CHDIR Changes directories.CHKDSK Check the hard disk drive running FAT for errors.CHKNTFS Check the hard disk drive running NTFS for errors.CHOICE Specify a listing of multiple options within a batch file.CLS Clears the screen.CMD Opens the command interpreter.COLOR Easily change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window.COMP Compares files.COMPACT Compresses and uncompress files.CONTROL Open control panel icons from the MS-DOS prompt.CONVERT Convert FAT to NTFS.COPY Copy one or more files to an alternate location.CTTY Change the computers input/output devices.DATE View or change the systems date.DEBUG Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings.DEFRAG Re-arrange the hard disk drive to help with loading programs.DEL Deletes one or more files.DELETE Recovery console command that deletes a file.

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    MEM Display memory on system.MKDIR Command to create a new directory.MODE Modify the port or display settings.MORE Display one page at a time.MOVE Move one or more files from one directory to another directory.

    MSAV Early M*cros*ft Virus scanner.MSD Diagnostics utility.MSCDEX Utility used to load and provide access to the CD-ROM.NBTSTAT Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBTNET Update, fix, or view the network or network settingsNETSH Configure dynamic and static network information from MS-DOS.NETSTAT Display the TCP/IP network protocol statistics and information.NLSFUNC Load country specific information.NSLOOKUP Look up an IP address of a domain or host on a network.PATH View and modify the computers path location.PATHPING View and locate locations of network latency.

    PAUSE Command used in batch files to stop the processing of a command.PING Test / send information to another network computer or network device.POPD Changes to the directory or network path stored by the pushd command.POWER Conserve power with computer portables.PRINT Prints data to a printer port.PROMPT View and change the MS-DOS prompt.PUSHD Stores a directory or network path in memory so it can be returned to at anytime.QBASIC Open the QBasic.RD Removes an empty directory.REN Renames a file or directory.RENAME Renames a file or directory.RMDIR Removes an empty directory.ROUTE View and configure windows network route tables.RUNAS Enables a user to execute a program on another computer.SCANDISK Run the scandisk utility.SCANREG Scan registry and recover registry from errors.SET Change one variable or string to another.SETLOCAL Enables local environments to be changed without affecting anything else.SETVER Change MS-DOS version to trick older MS-DOS programs.SHARE Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities.SHIFT Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.SHUTDOWN Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt.SMARTDRV Create a disk cache in conventional memory or extended memory.SORT Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.START Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt.SUBST Substitute a folder on your computer for another drive letter.SWITCHES Remove add functions from MS-DOS.SYS Transfer system files to disk drive.TELNET Telnet to another computer / device from the prompt.

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    TIME View or modify the system time.TITLE Change the title of their MS-DOS window.TRACERT Visually view a network packets route across a network.TREE View a visual tree of the hard disk drive.TYPE Display the contents of a file.

    UNDELETE Undelete a file that has been deleted.UNFORMAT Unformat a hard disk drive.UNLOCK Unlock a disk drive.VER Display the version information.VERIFY Enables or disables the feature to determine if files have been written properly.VOL Displays the volume information about the designated drive.XCOPY Copy multiple files, directories, and/or drives from one location to another.TRUENAME When placed before a file, will display the whole directory in which itexistsTASKKILL It allows you to kill those unneeded or locked up applications

    Windows XP Shortcuts:

    Quote:ALT+- (ALT+hyphen) Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window'sSystem menuALT+ENTER View properties for the selected itemALT+ESC Cycle through items in the order they were openedALT+F4 Close the active item, or quit the active programALT+SPACEBAR Display the System menu for the active windowALT+TAB Switch between open itemsALT+Underlined letter Display the corresponding menuBACKSPACE View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows ExplorerCTRL+A Select allCTRL+B BoldCTRL+C CopyCTRL+I ItalicsCTRL+O Open an itemCTRL+U UnderlineCTRL+V PasteCTRL+X CutCTRL+Z UndoCTRL+F4 Close the active documentCTRL while dragging Copy selected itemCTRL+SHIFT while dragging Create shortcut to selected iteMCTRL+RIGHT ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next wordCTRL+LEFT ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous wordCTRL+DOWN ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph

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    CTRL+UP ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraphSHIFT+DELETE Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in theRecycle BinESC Cancel the current taskF1 Displays Help

    F2 Rename selected itemF3 Search for a file or folderF4 Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows ExplorerF5 Refresh the active windowF6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktopF10 Activate the menu bar in the active programSHIFT+F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected itemCTRL+ESC Display the Start menuSHIFT+CTRL+ESC Launches Task ManagerSHIFT when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playingWIN Display or hide the Start menu

    WIN+BREAK Display the System Properties dialog boxWIN+D Minimizes all Windows and shows the DesktopWIN+E Open Windows ExplorerWIN+F Search for a file or folderWIN+F+CTRL Search for computersWIN+L Locks the desktopWIN+M Minimize or restore all windowsWIN+R Open the Run dialog boxWIN+TAB Switch between open items

    Windows Explorer Shortcuts:

    Quote:ALT+SPACEBAR - Display the current windows system menuSHIFT+F10 - Display the item's context menuCTRL+ESC - Display the Start menuALT+TAB - Switch to the window you last usedALT+F4 - Close the current window or quitCTRL+A - Select all itemsCTRL+X - Cut selected item(s)CTRL+C - Copy selected item(s)CTRL+V - Paste item(s)CTRL+Z - Undo last actionCTRL+(+) - Automatically resize the columns in the right hand paneTAB - Move forward through optionsALT+RIGHT ARROW - Move forward to a previous viewALT+LEFT ARROW - Move backward to a previous view

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    SHIFT+DELETE - Delete an item immediatelyBACKSPACE - View the folder one level upALT+ENTER - View an items propertiesF10 - Activate the menu bar in programsF6 - Switch between left and right panes

    F5 - Refresh window contentsF3 - Display Find applicationF2 - Rename selected item

    Internet Explorer Shortcuts:

    Quote:CTRL+A - Select all items on the current page

    CTRL+D - Add the current page to your FavoritesCTRL+E - Open the Search barCTRL+F - Find on this pageCTRL+H - Open the History barCTRL+I - Open the Favorites barCTRL+N - Open a new windowCTRL+O - Go to a new locationCTRL+P - Print the current page or active frameCTRL+S - Save the current pageCTRL+W - Close current browser windowCTRL+ENTER - Adds the http://www. (url) .comSHIFT+CLICK - Open link in new windowBACKSPACE - Go to the previous pageALT+HOME - Go to your Home pageHOME - Move to the beginning of a documentTAB - Move forward through items on a pageEND - Move to the end of a documentESC - Stop downloading a pageF11 - Toggle full-screen viewF5 - Refresh the current pageF4 - Display list of typed addressesF6 - Change Address bar and page focusALT+RIGHT ARROW - Go to the next pageSHIFT+CTRL+TAB - Move back between framesSHIFT+F10 - Display a shortcut menu for a linkSHIFT+TAB - Move back through the items on a pageCTRL+TAB - Move forward between framesCTRL+C - Copy selected items to the clipboardCTRL+V - Insert contents of the clipboardENTER - Activate a selected link

    http://www/http://www/
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    HOME - Move to the beginning of a documentEND - Move to the end of a documentF1 - Display Internet Explorer Help