WINDOWS XP TIPS "N" TRICKS

Finding Your XP Product ID
Added 11/25/05
There is a great little utility available to help you find your currently installed product IDhttp://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
It also works for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Office 97, and Office XP

Forgotten Admin or User's Password
Added 11/25/05
You do not need to reinstall if you forgot the admin password.There is a boot disk you can download at:http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/that will let you reset the password of any account on NT4, Windows2000 or XP.Just follow all the default settings which are for the admin account. Used it many times with great success.They also have a bootable CD image you can download.

Showing Common Tasks in Window
Added 11/25/05
When you open a window from My Computer or the Control Panel, and you don't see the blue bar with additional options on the left side, you may simply need to turn on Common Tasks
From that same windows, go to Tools / Folder Options
Check Show common tasks in folders
Renaming Multiple Files in a Directory
Added 11/19/06
If you want to rename multiple files in the same directory:
Using the Windows Explorer, select all the files you want to rename
Press F2 or right click and select Rename
Enter the prefix for the name you want (e.g. Newname)
This will automatically rename the rest of the files Newname (1).jpg, Newname (2).jpg etc.
Make sure you include the extension if you have the Explorer configured to show them.
Disable Windows Tour
Added 11/19/06

If you want to disable the Take Tour of Windows XP that comes up after you install WindowsXP:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Tour
Create a new DWORD key called RunCount
Give it a value of 0
Download Reg File
Windows Help and Support Error
Added 11/19/06
If you get an error Windows cannot find HELPCTR.EXE, it may be that a registry entry has gotten corrupted.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\HELPCTR.EXE
If the key isn't there, right click and create a new key HELPCTR.EXE
It should have a value of C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe
Reboot
Speeding Up Network Browsing
Added 11/14/06
There are a lot of things which can negatively impact how fast XP will browse network shares. One has been previously covered regarding browsing to Win9x computers.
Other things you can try, especially when there is slow browsing to network shares with a lot of files:
1. Remove current shortcuts in My Network Places
2. Change the registry so shared folders on remote computers are not automatically added to My Network Places when you even open a document from that shared folder
Start Regedit
Create a DWORD value:
HKEY_Current_User \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \ NoRecentDocsNetHood to 1.
I have also seen setting the following help as well.HKEY_Current_User \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \ UseDesktopIniCache to 1.
Download Reg file to do both
3. Increase the amount of data is buffered at one time to send to a client. On the computer with the shared directory:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters
Create a DWORD Key called SizReqBuf
Give it a value of Hex FFFF
Download Reg file
Editing the Boot.ini file
Added 10/18/06
The boot.ini file is a simple text file that is on the root of the boot drive. You can edit this with any plain text editor like Notepad (may need to unhide the file first)
Right click on My Computer
Select Properties
Click on the Advanced tab
Under Startup and Recovery, click on the Settings button
Click on the Edit button
Running CHKDSK
Added 8/17/05
One way to run a chkdsk (this is like Scandisk that was with Win9X), is to
Double click on My Computer
Right click on the drive you want to check
Select Properties
Click on the Tools tab
Click on the Check Now button
Check to Automatically fix file system errors - This is the same as running chkdsk /f
If you want to Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, check that box - This is the same as running chkdsk /R. It can also add a lot of time to the scan
Reboot if necessary
You can also run chkdsk from the command line with will give you more options.The following switches are available:
/F - fix any errors/R - identifies bad sectors/V - with FAT32, displays a verbose outputWith NTFS Volumes:/I - Performs simpler check (stage 2)/C - Skips the checking of cycles within folder structures/X - Forces the volume to dismount if necessary. Intended for server administrators and should be avoided for normal use
Opening Shared Folders Snap-In
Added 8/17/05
To manage all your shared folders, you can run the snap-in directly
Start / Run / fsmgmt.msc
This will show you all your shared folders in a single windowYou can also see what other computers are connected and what files they have open
Additional Utilities
Added 8/17/06
On the XP CD in the \Support\Tools directory, there are a lot of additional support and troubleshooting utilities.You can run SETUP from that directory to install them.
Just a few are:
diruse
Shows Disk Usage
dupfinder
Finds Duplicate files
getmac
Get's MAC address of the network card
hostname
Shows the host name of the computer
netdiag
Diagnoses a variety of network components
pviewer
Show a list of process and allows you to get a memory detail or kill any process
windiff
Compare files and directories
Viewing Your IP Address Information
Added 8/17/05
There are several ways you can determine your IP address information:
IPCONFIG
Start / Run / cmd
IPCONFIG /ALL
This opens a command window. One advantage is that you can send the information to a text file (IPCONFIG /ALL > c:\ip.txt)But sometimes the window shows show much information you need to scroll around to fine it.
VIEW STATUS
Control Panel / Network Connections / Double click the icons for your network (If the network has an icon in the system tray you can also just double click on that icon)
Click on the Support tab
Click on the Details button
Make Pictures Smaller Unavailable
Added 8/17/06
When you try and send pictures through e-mail, you should normally be given the option to make them smaller. If this option is not available, a DLL file may need to be registered.
Start
Run
regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
Creating a Suspend Shortcut
Submitted 3/2/05
If you would like to create an icon to suspend your computer,
Right click on the Desktop
New / Shortcut
Enter in rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState
Give it whatever name you want
Now when you click on that shortcut, your computer will shutdown and suspend
Submitted by Gabe
Changing the User Type
Added 3/2/05
Normally in XP Pro, through the Control Panel / User Accounts icon, you are only allowed to create administrators or limited users.If you want to create
Right click on My Computer
Manage
Local Users and Groups
Users
Right click on the user you want to change
Properties
Member of tab
Add button
Advanced button
Find Now button
From here you see the full list of possibilities (e.g. Power User, Backup Operator etc.)
Determining Which Services are Associated with SVCHOST
Added 3/2/05
Since so many critical services are run with each svchost,You can see which ones are being used by opening a cmd prompt and running:
tasklist /svc /fi "imagename eq svchost.exe"
Note: This is available only with XP Pro
Identify Faulty Device Drivers
3/2/05
If you are having problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,often the problem is due to a faulty device driver.
One way to help identify them is through the use of the Verfier program
Start / Run / Verifier
Keep the default of Create Standard Settings
Select the type of drivers you want to confirm
A list of drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.
Reboot
If your computer stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with the problem driver
To turn off the Verifier, run verifier /reset

Viewing Installed Drivers
Added 3/2/05
If you want to see a list of installed drivers, you can run the driverquery programThere are a lot of available switches to view different types of information.On use can be to export to a CSV file for viewing in ExcelAn example would then be:
Driverquery /v /fo csv > drivers.csv
Operation Was Attempted on Something That Is Not a Socket Error
Added 11/19/04
If you get this error when you try and renew your IP address, Likely the winsock2 registry entries are corrupted.
The basic steps to fix this are:
Remove the old registry entries - Download Reg file
Import the correct registry entries - Download Reg file
Reboot the computer
Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall
Added 9/30/04
Click on Start / Run
Enter in firewall.cpl
Click on the Exceptions tab
Adding a Port for Internet Access:
Click on the Add Port button
Name it whatever you want
Enter in the ports you want to open
Adding a Program for Internet Access
Click on Add Program... button
A list of all installed programs will be displayed
Highlight the one you want to include for Internet access
Click on the OK button
Autoexec.nt or Config.nt Errors
Added 9/17/04
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.
Common Control Panel Applets
Added 9/17/04
The follow are some common Control Panel Applets that are located in the \windows\system32 directory.If you find yourself using any of these frequently, then you can simply make shortcuts to them on your desktop.
appwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs
desk.cpl
Display Properties
firewall.cpl
Firewall Settings
inetcpl.cpl
Internet Options
mmsys.cpl
Sound and Audio
ncpa.cpl
Network Connections
nusrmgr.cpl
User Accounts
powercfg.cpl
Power Options
sysdm.cpl
System Properties
wscui.cpl
Security Center
wuaucpl.cpl
Automatic Updates Configuration
Windows Explorer Opens Search Companion Rather than the Folder
If the Windows Explorer opens up the Search Companion rather than opening up the actual folder, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.
To correct this:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Running SFC without a CD ROM
Added 6/9/04
If you run sfc /scannow and get prompted to insert a CD,there are a couple of changes you might need to make.
Slipstream your copy of WindowsXP with the latest service pack you have applied.For detailed unstructions on how to do this see:SlipStreaming a Service Pack into Windows XP
Once these files are on your hard drive, you can simply make a few registry changes to point to those locations.
Start Regedit
Go to the follow locations and change the path to wherever you copied the source files.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePathHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\SourcePath the last one might not be necessaryHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SourcePath
Guest Only Network Access
Added 4/11/04
If you try and connect to an XP computer and are shown a logins screen with only the computername/Guest,You may need to change one of the Local Security Policies:
Got to Control Panel - Administrative Tools
Go to Local Policies - Security Options
Check teh Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
Set it to Classic - local users authenticate as themselves
Repairing Damaged Winsock2
Updated 6/26/04
The symptoms when Winsock2 is damaged show when you try to release and renew the IP address using IPCONFIG.
And you get the following error message: An error occurred while renewing interface 'Internet': An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket.
Also Internet Explorer may give the following error message: The page cannot be displayed Additionally, you may have no IP address or no Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, and you may be receiving IP packets but not sending them.
There are two easy ways to determine if Winsock2 is damaged:
From the XP source files, go to the Support / Tools directory
Winsock Test Method 1Run netdiag /test:winsock
The end should say Winsock test ..... passed
Winsock Test Method 2
Run Msinfo32
Click on the + by Components
Click on the by Network
Click on Protocol
There should be 10 sections if the Winsock2 key is ok
MSAFD Tcpip [TCP/IP]MSAFD Tcpip [UDP/IP]RSVP UDP Service ProviderRSVP TCP Service ProviderMSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip... MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip... MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip... MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip... MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip... MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
If the names are anything different from those in this list, then likely Winsock2 is corrupted and needs to be repaired. If you have any 3rd party software installed, the name MSAFD may be changed.There should be no fewer than 10 sections.To repair Winsock2
Run Regedit
Delete the following two registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinsockHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
Download Reg file to delete these entries
Restart the computer
Go to Network Connections
Right click and select Properties
Click on the Install button
Select Protocol
Click on the Add button
Click on the Have Disk button
Browse to the \Windows\inf directory
Click on the Open button
Click on the OK button
Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Click on the OK button
Reboot
Or Download Reg file to add the correct registries back in
Not Displaying Previous Network Share Shortcuts
Added 3/26/04
By default, when you go to Network Places, it will scan and show shortcuts to previous network shares.To turn this off and remove any current shortcuts
Open up the Windows Explorer
Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
The top section should be Files and Folders
Uncheck Automatically search for network folders and printers
Then go into Network Neighborhood Select all the previous netowork connections Delete them
Next time you look at the Network Neighborhood, they should not repopulate
Hiding a XP Computer from Network Neighborhood
Added 3/26/04
If you want to share files from a XP computer, yet want to remove it from showing up in the Network Neighborhood,
Run net config server /hidden:yes
Easy Way to Share Multiple Folders
Added 3/26/04
If you need to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE will bring up a simple dialog box to let you:
Browse to the folder you want to share
Enter in a Share name
Ender in a Share description
Set permissions. Several choices are available
Restart the process from within the same program
System32 Folder Opens When Logging On
Added 3/26/04
If the System32 folder shows on the desktop, there may be an invalid entry in the Registry
Start Regedit
Go to both:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Double check that the values do not have incorrect, incomplete, or blank entries
Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders
Added 3/4/04
If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,just run:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock
Added 3/4/04
If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys, you just need to edit the registry.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard
Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
Change the value to one of the following numbers0 - All Keys off1 - Caps Lock on2 - Num Lock on4 - Scroll Lock onFor multiple keys, add their values: 3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on
Log off and back on again
Running Network Diagnostics
Added 3/4/04
Network Diagnostics scans your system to gather information about your hardware, software, and network connections.
Start / Run / NETSH DIAG GUI
The following is the type of information that can be displayed:
Ping
Connect
Show
Verbose
Save to Desktop
Mail Service
News Service
Internet Proxy Server
Computer Information
Operating System
Windows Version
Modems
Network Clients
Network Adapters
Domain Name System (DNS)
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
Default Gateways
Internet Protocol Address
Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS)
DOS Tips in XP
Submitted 3/4/04
Windows XP cmd tip (DOS isn’t dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder creation examples:
To create multiple folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command:
C:\> md this is a test
To create a folder several folders deep, use:
C:\> md this\is\a\test
Creating a folder with a long name requires the double-quote at the beginning:
C:\> md "this is a test
Bonus tip: Windows XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style CD command to change your present working directory:
C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc
Submitted by Bob and Tina
Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar
Added 12/26/03
If you mistakenly deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\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=2IconFile=explorer.exe,3[Taskbar]Command=ToggleDesktop
You can also DOWNLOAD a file, uncompress it, and copy to the toolbar or wherever you would like.
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install
Added 12/9/03
Sometimes you can't access a WinXP computer after installing Norton Anti-Virus.There might be a variety of errors at the other computer depending on the operating system.On the XP computer, in the Event Viewer / System log, there will be the following error:The server's configuration parameter "irpstacksize" is too small for the server to use a local device.
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters
Edit the IRPStackSize
Give it a value of 15
Reboot the computer

Fixing Cryptographic Services Error
Added 12/8/03
If you get an error about the Cryptographic services when trying to apply the Security Updates or Service Pack 1,run the following from Start / Run - note, you might want to just cut and paste the text.
net stop cryptsvcren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 oldcatroot2net start cryptsvcregsvr32 softpub.dllregsvr32 wintrust.dllregsvr32 initpki.dllregsvr32 dssenh.dllregsvr32 rsaenh.dllregsvr32 gpkcsp.dllregsvr32 sccbase.dllregsvr32 slbcsp.dllregsvr32 cryptdlg.dll
Fixing Explorer Searching Rather Than Opening Directories
Added 11/30/03
Sometimes after adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.To correct this:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Configure for Auto-Logon
Added 11/28/03
If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,
Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer
Services You Can Disable
Updated 10/30/03
There are quite a few services you can disable from starting automatically. This would be to speed up your boot time and free resources.They are only suggestions so I suggestion you read the description of each one when you run Servicesand that you turn them off one at a time.Some possibilities are:
Alerter - Sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to the server computer.
Application Management - Allows software to tap directly into the Add/Remove Programs feature via the Windows Installer technology.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - The Background Intelligent Transfer service is used by programs (such as Windows AutoUpdate) to download files by using spare bandwidth.
Clipbook - ClipBook permits you to cut and paste text and graphics over the network.
Error Reporting Service - Allows applications to send error reports to Microsoft in the event of an application fault.
Fast User Switching - Windows XP allows users to switch quickly between accounts, without requiring them to log off.
Help and Support - Allows the XP Built-in Help and Support Center to run.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - You don't need this if you have other software to create CDs.
Indexing Service - Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language.
IP SEC - Manages IP security policy and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver. If you are not on a domain, you likely don't need this running.
Messenger - Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This is how a lot of pop-up windows start appearing on your desktop.
Net Logon - Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain. If you are not on a domain, you don't need this running
Network DDE - Provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers.
NT LM Security Support Provider - Provides security to remote procedure call (RPC) programs that use transports other than named pipes.
Performance Logs and Alerts - Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If you don't need to monitor your performance logs, then you don't need this service.
Portable Media Serial Number - Retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer
QOS RSVP - Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If you are not using Remote Desktop you don't need this service.
Remote Registry - Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer.
Routing & Remote Access - Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments. Allows dial-in access.
Secondary Login - Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. This is what allows you to run an application as another user.
Smart Card - Manages access to smart cards read by this computer.
Smart Card Helper - Enables support for legacy non-plug and play smart-card readers used by this computer.
SSDP Discovery Service - Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. This should not be needed in today's network environment.
Telnet - Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Service - Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer.
Universal Plug and Play Device Host - Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices
Upload Manager - Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network.
Volume Shadow Copy Service - Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes.
Web Client - Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify non-local files across the Internet.
Wireless Zero Configuration - Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters
WMI Performance Adapter - Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers.
Stopping the Messenger Service
Added 6/21/03
To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer, you can disable the Messenger service.
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance
Click Administrative Tools
Double click Services
Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
Click the STOP button
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK
Submitted by Thomas Bitner Olson
Faster DOS Printing
Submitted 6/21/06
If you are experiencing slow printing for DOS programs with Windows2000
Go Start Run Regedit
Click Hkey_Local_Machine
Click on System
Click CurrentControlSet
Click Control
Go to the bottom of this part of the list and click WOW
Click LPT timeout and change it to a 3
Submitted by Steve Cohen
Cleaning the Prefetch Directory
Added 3/2/03
WindowsXP has a new feature called Prefetch. This keeps a shortcut to recently used programs. However it can fill up with old and obsolete programs.
To clean this periodically go to:
Star / Run / Prefetch
Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the files
Delete them
Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages
Added 3/2/30
To turn these off:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
Give it a value of 1
Download a reg file

Repair Install
Added 2/9/03
If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings. Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computerIf you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
This will start the repair
Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
When prompted, click on the Next button
When prompted, enter your XP key
Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
The computer will reboot
Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
Register if you want (but not necessary)
Finish
At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.
NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
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
HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.Typically this will be #1
Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
Added 2/9/03
If you get the error:Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
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 corruptedcopy \windows\repair\systemcopy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit
NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,
If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS. Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.
For NTFS:
Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\: COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\
Take out the CD ROM and type exit
Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box
Added 1/31/03
Create a new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this one line: (new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows();
Save and Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
You can make a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.
Submitted by DJ Speed Racer
Adding TCP/IP Printers
Added 1/7/02
To create a connection to a printer connected to your network:
Start to add a new printer through the control panel.
Select Local Printer / Next
Instead of a LPT port, check Create a new port at the bottom on the window
Scroll to Standard TCP/IP Port
Keep going and enter the IP address of the printer.
Increasing the Folder Cache
Added 1/6/02
The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.To increase it:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)
1000 - 3e82000 - 7d03000 - bb84000 - fa05000 - 1388
You can Dowload a reg file that will set it for 5000
Hiding the Last User Logged On
Added 1/4/03
If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:
Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name
Set it to Enable
Poweroff at Shutdown
1/4/03
If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to do this.
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
Download reg file
Remembering Folder Settings
Added 12/21/02
If XP does not remember your folder settings, delete or rename the following registry keys
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU][HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
Download reg file
Stop Password Expiration
Updated 12/21/02
If you want to do this for all users, enter:
Start / Run / net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited
Added 3/18/02
If you are getting an error message that your password is about to expire:
Right click on the My Computer icon
Select Manage
Go to Local Users and Groups / Users
Right-click on the user you want to change
Select Properties
On the General tab, check Password never expires
Click OK
Installing Java Virtual Machine
Updated 12/21/02
If you are getting errors when browsing the web to install Java Virtual Machine,
You can still download it from Microsoft (version 3810)If this link is removed by MS or is too slow you can download it here
If you need a previous version, you can download 3805
It is now included in Service Pack1
You can also download Sun's version
Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus
Added 12/14/02
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
Download reg file
Disable Explorer Thumbnail View
Added 12/4/02
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
Download reg file
Adding Environment Variables
Added 12/04/02
Since any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,to add environment variables to WindowsXP:
Right click on My Computer
Select Properties
Click on the Advanced tab
Click on the Environment Variables button
From here you can change it for the system or just the current user.
Disable Passport Pop-Up
Added 11/26/02
Normally, WindowsXP will prompt you 10 times that You Need a Passport to use WindowsXP Internet communication features...
To disable this
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ MessengerService
Edit the binary key PassportBalloon
Give it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00)

Show Hidden Devices
Submitted 11/26/06
You can show hidden devices in the Device Manager. One way is by making a simple registry change. The other is through a batch file.
Registry Change:
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ ControlSet001 \ Control \ Session Manager \ Environment
Create a string DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
Give it a value of 1
Download reg file
Batch File
@Echo OffPrompt $p$gset DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1start devmgmt.mscexit
Submitted by Michael Kinsel

Disable Shared Documents
Added 11/23/02
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 the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu
Submitted 11/23/02
To Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu:

Enable / Disable the Task Manager
Added 10/17/02
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr
Give it a value of 0 to enable it
Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it

Saving Desktop Settings
Added 9/11/02
If you desktop or folders on your desktop do not retain their settings:
Start Regedit
Go go HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Program Manager\Restrictions
Create or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings
Give it a value of 0
Download reg file
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop
Added 9/10/02
If your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop andyou would like to remove it:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Edit or Create the DWORD entry PaintDesktopVersion
A value of 0 will hide the version from the desktop
Logoff or reboot
Download reg file
To make this change for all future users, editHKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop in the same manner.

Restoring Access to CD ROMs
Added 5/22/02
If after you remove CD Burning software, you can no longer access your CD ROM's,the following registry keys need to be deleted:
Locate and delete the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values under the following key in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Download Reg File
ReInstalling WindowsXP
Added 5/21/02
If you need to reinstall WindowsXP and want to keep all your current installed applications and settings:
Start WindowsXP
Go to the location of your source files
Run WINNT32 /unattend
I've often need to do this to repair something that had gotten corrupted and didn't want to do a clean install.

Enabling NumLock on by Default
Added 8/16/01
To have numlock turned on for each user:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard\InitialKeyboardIndicators
Change the value from 0 to 2
Turn Numlock on manually
Log off and back on again.
For all users, make the same change to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard\InitialKeyboardIndicators
Download reg file