Windows XP Repair Guide

Repair XP
Repair XP
Following are my experiences with repairing XP. I will not assume any responsibility for problems
that may occur to your system from using any of these suggestions. It is always prudent to backup
important data before you make any changes to your operating system.
Windows Update Site Problems - Jupiter Jones MS MVP

How To Access Safe Mode
How To Access Last Known Good Config
How To Create a Boot Disk to Start Windows XP
Cannot Start Windows XP if the System or Software Hive Is Missing or Damaged - From Kelly
Theriot
Password Problems and Windows XP - From Kelly Theriot
How To Fix The Cryptographic Service Error - Fix for "Error:Setup could not verify the integrity
of the file Update.inf. Make sure the Cryptographic service is running on this computer"
System Cannot Access CD-Rom, CD-Recorder or DVD Devices
Error Messages After Removing Easy CD Creator from XP
How to log on to Windows XP if you forget your password
How To Take Ownership of a File or Folder
How To Access Recovery Console
How To Create a Set of Emergency Floppies - If your computer can not boot from a CD-Rom
create a 6 floppy disk set that corresponds to your version of Windows XP. Click here for Home
Edition Click here for Pro Edition
How To Repair Boot sector
How To Format
How To Partition
How To Exit the Recovery Console
How To Run a Repair Install
How To Uncover Windows XP Product Key
How To Change The Product ID
A better boot diskette for WinNT/2000/XP
Has XP Been Activated?
NTFS Reader for DOS (freeware) - lets you access an NTFS partition from a floppy and copy files
off it
Known Issues with Windows XP Service Pack 1
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Repair XP
AIDA32 - AIDA32 is a professional system information, diagnostics and benchmarking program

running on Win32 platforms. It extracts details of all components of the PC. You can even uncover
your Windows XP and Office 2000/XP Product Keys with this freeware app. READ the FAQ!!!
Tweaks&Fixes - From Kelly's Korner this is a fantastic set of registry hacks and fixes.
NTBackup Is Missing From My OEM version of XP (download)- Some OEMs don't include
NTBackup - Bob Cerelli has it at his site in his Windows XP Tips section
Knoppix - Ok this might appear to be blasphemy on a site dedicated to Windows but if your system
is really hosed and you are desperate to get data off the drive then give Knoppix a go. The download
is a whopping 700MB but you get an ISO that, when burned to CD, creates a version of Linux that
runs directly off the CD and doesn't require installation to your Hard Drive. With this CD Operating
System you can access your NTFS or FAT partitions and with it's built in CD Burning software copy
your important data off the drive . Or if you have a network you can transfer files to another system.
This is a must have!
How to access Safe Mode:

Reboot your computer while holding down the F8 Key. At the Advanced Options Menu select the
option for Safe Mode and press Enter.
How to access Last Known Good Configuration:

Reboot your computer while holding down the F8 Key. At the Advanced Options Menu select Last
Known Good Configuration.

Repair XP
How to access the Recovery Console:

The Recovery Console is a set of tools which run from a Command prompt. If your system is
formatted as NTFS then these tools can help you manage the partition. You can learn more about the
Recovery Console through Help and Support or
Click here for information about the different commands and their functions . The Recovery
Console can be run from a Command Prompt by going to Start->Run and enter "CMD" to open a
command window. Type HELP for a list of functions.
To run the Recovery Console from CD boot with the Windows XP CD (or with the optional 6
floppy disk set) and select "R" at the Welcome Screen.

Repair XP
The screen will switch to black and you will be asked which installation to log on to. If you only have
one installation you will press "1". Remember that numlock is off at this time.

Repair XP
Next you'll be prompted to enter your Admin password. By default it is created blank so just press
Enter.

Repair XP
At the C:\Windows command prompt type "Help" for a list of commands you can use.

Repair XP
How to Repair the Boot Sector:

If XP won't start it may be due to a damaged boot sector or a missing or corrupt ntldr or ntdetect.
com files.
To replace damaged ntldr and ntdetect.com you can copy fresh files from the XP CD using the
COPY command. Boot with the XP CD and enter the Recovery Console (as above). At the Command
Prompt type the following (where "X" is your CD-Rom drive letter) allowing the files to overwrite
the old files
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:
To repair a damaged Boot Sector at the command prompt type FIXBOOT and press Enter. Then
answer "Y"

Repair XP
How To Format using the Recovery Console (click for info on How To Access The Recovery
Console)
format drive : /Q /FS:file-system
Use the above command (where /Q performs a quick format of the drive, drive is the drive letter of
the partition to format /FS:file-system specifies the type of file system to use [FAT, FAT32, or
NTFS]) to format the specified drive to the specified file system. For example the following quick
formats C partition as NTFS
FORMAT C: /Q /FS:NTFS
the following will do a full format of C as FAT32
FORMAT C: /FS:FAT32
*** Note: If a file system is not specified, then the existing file system format is retained.
Type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and restart your Computer

Repair XP
How Partition using the Recovery Console: (click for info on How To Access The Recovery
Console)
At the command prompt type DISKPART and press Enter.

Repair XP
An interface is displayed which you can move through with the Arrow Keys. Press "C" to create a
partition in unused space. Pressing "D" will delete the highlighted partition.

Repair XP
How To Exit the Recovery Console:

You can not use Ctrl+Alt+Del to quit the Recovery Console. Instead type "EXIT" at the command
prompt and Windows will be started.

Repair XP
Boot to Windows.

Repair XP
How to Repair Install: (also called "In place reinstall")

Sometimes the only way to repair XP is to reinstall. You do not have to wipe your partition and start
over. Just as with previous versions of Windows you can install over top of an existing setup. This
has the advantage of retaining your installed applications, data and settings. You will lose previously
saved System Restore Points but System Restore will begin creating new restore points again
immediately following the Repair Install. You will need to reinstall SP1a and any Critical Updates
from the Windows Update Site. Be aware that a Repair Install will leave your system vulnerable to
the Blaster and Welchia worms. Do not go on line until you have enabled XP's firewall first. Then
visit the Windows Update Site to patch your system It is always prudent to backup important data
before you make changes to XP.
There are two approaches. The first one should be used if you can still boot to your Windows
Desktop. Simply pop the XP CD into the CD-Rom drive and select Install->Upgrade[recommended].
This will install XP overtop of itself in the same way as upgrading from a previous setup. However if
your version is an OEM version then you will not have this option. If you do not see the option to
Upgrade[recommended] DO NOT choose New Install as that will either overwrite your current setup
completely or give you a dual boot setup.

Repair XP
If you cannot boot to the Desktop or you have an OEM version of XP then the following should be
used to complete a Repair Install.
Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen press the Enter Key
You will be taken to the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. After reading the agreement press F8 to
proceed.

Repair XP
The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install or to "Repair the selected Windows
XP installation." Press "R"

Repair XP
Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation and will then
reboot. You will see the message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD". Do not press
any keys this time just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed.
Following this you will be greeted by the Windows XP Setup Screens.

Repair XP

Repair XP

Repair XP
When Setup has completed you should find all of your previously installed apps and settings are
intact.
How To Determine If XP was Activated?

You installed XP and then can't remember if you activated it. Go to Start->Run and enter the
following
oobe/msoobe /a
View Product Key XP - Visit the Keyfinder Homepage by Aleks Ozolins

If you have more than one system running XP you have obviously purchased more than one copy of
the Operating System. However you may have forgotten which Product Key you used for which
system. It happens. I have 5 systems and have had all of them running XP at times. XP does not store
the Product Key in a recognizable format in the registry.
Click this link and select "Open" and your Windows XP Product Key will be displayed
Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key. has the options to copy the key to
clipboard, save it to a text file, or print it for safekeeping. It works on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4,
2000, XP, .NET, Office 97, and Office XP. It even has the ability by using Microsoft's own script to
change the Windows XP, 98, and ME installation key. See the Microsoft Knowledgebase article here

Repair XP
Q328874
If your version of XP came pre-installed on your computer the revealed Product Key could be that of
an image used by the manufacturer. If this is the case you will likely be unable to use it to install
another version of Windows XP such as one purchased separately from the computer. Find an
alternate location for ViewKeyXP if my link is broken.
Known Issues with Windows XP Service Pack 1

Fix Switch Identities in Microsoft Outlook Express After Service Pack 1
HP/Compaq SP1 Notice - The System Restore feature in these computers seriously conflicts with
SP1
Cannot Start Windows XP After Installing Service Pack 1 and Then Performing a System
Recovery Operation
Fix for SP1 Problems and Compaq Pressario 6330
Microsoft Knowledgebase Articles Pertaining to Windows XP SP1
Setup Could Not Verify the Integrity of the File" Error Message Occurs When You Try to
Install SP1
'The Password Is Not Valid' Error Message Appears When You Log On to Recovery Console in
Windows XP

Windows Update
Windows Update
To protect your computer, you need the proper updates

for your operating system. This is Number Two on the
list of "Must do" to protect your computer.
Microsoft will now send you for FREE a Windows Security

Update CD.
This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me,
Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second
Edition (SE).
This CD does not replace the need for regular updates
but it can make the update process easier especially
after a reload.
Windows Update Checklist...for some of the most common

problems with Windows Update issues
A basic checklist of items to check when you are
having issues with Windows Update. Most items
apply to all versions of Windows, otherwise they are
marked for the applicable version. Most Windows
Update issues can be solved here.
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Use Microsoft's Windows Update Troubleshooter if
the checklist does not solve your issue.
If you are unable to access the Windows Update
Troubleshooter, update the MSXML parser in case of
a damaged/corrupted installation or a mismatch of .
xml files.
Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) 3.0 Service Pack 4
(SP4)
Windows Update Fixes for common problems
There will be information on updates that have
issues as well as the resolution.
Look on this list to see if your specific problem is
here.
Often the resolution for a similar issue will also fix
your issue.
Any operating system must be kept up to date. Without the

updates, your computer will become increasingly more vulnerable
to new threats.
Some of these threats are made possible by weaknesses
discovered in Windows after Windows was released. Other
weaknesses became apparent as new technology creates a
weakness where there was none before.
Windows has made it easy to keep up to date
You can perform Windows Update automatically, prompted or
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Windows Update
manually.
Windows XP:
To set Windows Update on automatic (recommended for most
home users)
Right click "My Computer"
Click "Properties"
Click "Automatic Updates"
Place check in "Keep my computer up to date"
Also place a bullet in "Automatically download the updates"
NOTE: Be sure your computer is powered on the day/time you set.
To set Windows Update to prompt for the updates choose one of
the other two bullets on that page.
To manually update:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update
Follow the prompts.
Windows 9X:
Start/Settings/Control Panel
Double click "Automatic Updates"
Put a check mark in the "Automatically download updates and
notify me when they are ready to be installed"
You should install ALL Critical Updates.

Install the Recommended Updates that you have determined apply
to you.
Get the drivers directly from the manufacturer
If you have not updated in a while, you may have a lot of updates.
Install Service Packs first and by itself
Reboot
Install updates no more than four at a time.
Reboot
Install next four.
Don't forget to check for and install updates for other software
such as Microsoft Office.
Home | Up | Firewall | Windows Update | Anti Virus | Spyware | More Security
This site was last updated Thursday, 19 February 2004
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314079 - How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP
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Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 314079
How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk Support Centers

to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows Windows
XP XP
View products that this article applies to.

Other Support Options
Contact Microsoft
This article was previously published under Q314079 Phone Numbers, Support
Options and Pricing, Online
For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 101668. Help, and more.
Customer Service
SUMMARY For non-technical
This article describes how to guard against a situation when it is not assistance with product
possible to start Windows or any other operating system on your purchases, subscriptions,
computer. This situation can occur when Windows is installed on a online services, events,
computer that has an Intel x86-based processor and the boot training courses, corporate
record for the active partition or files that are required to start sales, piracy issues, and
Windows becomes corrupted. more.
Newsgroups
MORE INFORMATION
Pose a question to other
To guard against this situation, create a Windows boot disk when users. Discussion groups
you first install Windows on the computer. This disk is different from and Forums about specific
an MS-DOS boot disk. Unlike MS-DOS, the entire Windows
Microsoft products,
operating system cannot fit on one floppy disk. A Windows boot disk
contains only the files that are necessary to start the operating
technologies, and services.
system with the remainder of the Windows system files installed on
the hard disk drive.
Page Options
Use the following procedure to create this disk: Send
Print
1. Place a blank floppy disk in drive A, and format the disk by
using Windows XP.
2. From the root folder of the system partition of your hard
disk drive (for example, C:\-), copy the following files to the floppy disk:
Boot.ini
NTLDR
Ntdetect.com
You may have to remove the hidden, system, and read-only attributes from the files.
3. Restore the hidden, system, and read-only attributes to the files on your hard disk if
you removed these attributes.
4. If either the Bootsect.dos or the Ntbootdd.sys file resides in the system partition,
also use the procedure that is described in steps 2 through 4 to copy these files to the
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314079 - How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP
boot disk.
If you format a floppy disk in Windows XP, the boot record points to the NTLDR file. When
NTLDR runs, it loads the available operating system selections from the Boot.ini file. If you
select Windows, NTLDR runs Ntdetect.com, and then passes control to Osloader.exe. If you
select MS-DOS or OS/2, NTLDR loads Bootsect.dos.
The information in this article applies to:
● Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

● Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Last Reviewed: 11/4/2003 (1.2)

Keywords: kbhowto kbenv kbinfo kbsetup kbusage KB314079
Contact Us
© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of use Security & Privacy Accessibility

Corrupt Hive
Windows XP From A to Z
Cannot Start Windows XP if the System or Software Hive Is Missing or Damaged
(Q303012)
SYMPTOMS
When you try to start or restart your Windows XP-based computer, you may receive one of
the following error messages:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS
\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS
\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot
\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate
CAUSE
This issue can occur if the System or Software hive for the Windows XP installation is
missing or damaged.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.
Use the Recovery Console Tool

To restore a damaged registry hive, use the Recovery Console to restore the backup copy
of the hive from the Repair folder. The Repair folder contains a copy of the system's registry
hives that were created after the first successful startup of Windows XP.
WARNING : Although data should not be affected by the following procedure, you may need
to restore changes you previously made to programs or system settings since the first time
you successfully started Windows XP.
To replace the damaged registry hive and restore the backup copy of the hive from the
Repair folder: Start your computer to the Recovery Console.
Determine if the file that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section of this article is present,
and if it is, rename it:
In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
Type cd sytem32\config , and then press ENTER.
Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is missing), skip to
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Corrupt Hive
step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully, type ren system system.bak ,
and then press ENTER.
NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file, replace "system" with
"software" in the preceding command. For example, you would type ren software software.
bak (instead of ren system system.bak ), and then press ENTER.
Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file, replace "system" with
"software" in the preceding command. For example, you would type copy c:\windows\repair
\software (instead of copy c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For additional information
about how to use Recovery Console during startup, click the article number below to view
the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP
IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands, you may
need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time before you run the
preceding commands. For example, type cd system32 , press ENTER, type cd config , and
then press ENTER.
Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the computer.
You Cannot Start from the Windows XP CD-ROM or Use Recovery Console
If you cannot start from the Windows XP CD-ROM or use Recovery Console and you are
using the FAT file system (not the NTFS file system):
Use a startup disk from one of the following operating systems to start your computer to a
command prompt:
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 95
At the command prompt, type c:\windows .
Follow the steps in the "Use the Recovery Console Tool" section of this article, beginning
with step 2b (type cd sytem32\config , and then press ENTER).
IMPORTANT : After you complete the steps in the "Use the Recovery Console Tool" section
of this article, remove the startup disk, and then restart the computer.
Use System Restore to Revert to the Most-Recent Restore Point

You may want to use System Restore to revert to the most-recent restore point if you have

Corrupt Hive
replaced the specific registry hive, but the issue has not been resolved.
For additional information about how to use System Restore to revert to the most-recent
restore point, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge
Base:
Q307545 How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry

Run a Repair Installation of Windows XP
You may need to run a repair installation. For additional information about how to do so,
click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q312369 You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or
Upgrading Windows XP
MORE INFORMATION
By default, the administrative password for Windows XP Home Edition is blank.
For additional information about how to use Recovery Console, click the article numbers
below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q307654 HOW TO: Access the Recovery Console During Startup

Q240831 How to Copy Files from Recovery Console to Removable Media
Q229716 Description of the Windows Recovery Console
Home Page Win98 - 02/12/2003 11:44 PM - Home Page WinXP

© Copyright Kelly Theriot MS-MVP(DTS) 2002 All rights reserved.

Administrator and User Passwords in Windows XP
How to Hide the Logon Script Dialog Box on a Windows Client

For Detailed Information click here.
Direct Bootup Without Typing Password
1. At a command prompt, type "control userpasswords2" and press Enter to open the Windows 2000-style
User Accounts
application.
2. On the Users tab, clear the Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer
check box and then
click OK.
3. In the Automatically Log On dialog box that appears, type the user name and password for the account
you want to be
logged on each time you start your computer.
Remove Login Password
Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Local Security Settings/Minimum Password Length/Reduce it to 0

(No password required). Control Panel/User Account/Your Account/Remove Password.
Cannot Change the Administrator Password in Control Panel
After you log on as an administrator to a computer that is not a member of a domain, when you double-
click User Accounts in Control Panel to change the password for the built-in Administrator account, the
Administrator account may not appear in the list of user accounts. Consequently, you cannot change its
password.
This behavior can occur because the Administrator account logon option appears only in Safe mode if
more than one account is created on the system. The Administrator account is available in Normal mode
only if there are no other accounts on the system. To work around this behavior:
- If you are running Windows XP Home Edition, restart the computer and then use a power user account
to log on to the
computer in Safe mode.
- If you are running Windows XP Professional, reset the password in the Local Users and Groups snap-in
in Microsoft
Management Console (MMC):
1. Click Start, and then click Run.

2. In the Open box, type "mmc" (without the quotation marks), and then click OK to start MMC.
3. Start the Local Users and Groups snap-in.
4. Under Console Root, expand "Local Users and Groups", and then click Users.
5. In the right pane, right-click Administrator, and then click Set Password.
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6. Click Proceed in the message box that appears.

7. Type and confirm the new password in the appropriate boxes, and then click OK.
How to Change User Password at Command Prompt
How to use the net user command to change the user password at a Windows command prompt. Only
administrators can change domain passwords at the Windows command prompt. To change a user's
password at the command prompt, log on as an administrator and type: "net user <user_name> * /
domain" (without the quotation marks)
When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing
password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm.
The password is now changed.
Alternatively, you can type the following command: net user <user_name> <new_password>. When you
do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change
passwords in a batch file.
Non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" error message when they
attempt to change the password.
How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows
If you set a computer for auto logon, anyone who can physically obtain access to the computer can gain
access to all of the computer contents, including any network or networks it is connected to. In addition, if
you enable autologon, the password is stored in the registry in plaintext. The specific registry key that
stores this value is remotely readable by the Authenticated Users group.
As a result, this setting is only appropriate for cases where the computer is physically secured, and steps
have been taken to ensure that untrusted users cannot remotely access the registry.
1. Start/Run/Regedit, and then locate the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
2. Using your account name and password, double-click the DefaultUserName entry, type your user
name, and then click
OK.
3. Double-click the DefaultPassword entry, type your password, and then click OK.
NOTE: The DefaultPassword value may not exist. If it does not:
a. Click Add Value on the Edit menu.

b. In the Value Name box, type DefaultPassword, and then click REG_SZ for the Data Type
c. Type your password in the String box, and then save your changes.
Also, if no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows automatically changes the value of the
AutoAdminLogon key
from 1 (true) to 0 (false), thus disabling the AutoAdminLogon feature.

4. Click Add Value on the Edit menu, enter AutoAdminLogon in the Value Name box, and then click
REG_SZ for the Data
Type.
5. Type "1" (without the quotation marks) in the String box, and then save your changes.
6. Quit Regedit.
7. Click Start, click Shutdown, and then click OK to turn off your computer.
8. Restart your computer and Windows. You are now able to log on automatically.
NOTE: To bypass the AutoAdminLogon process, and to log on as a different user, hold down the SHIFT
key after you log off or after Windows restarts.
Note that this procedure only applies to the first logon. To enforce this setting for subsequent logoffs, the
administrator must set the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Value: ForceAutoLogon
Type: REG_SZ
Data: 1
Windows XP Inherits Autologon Setting After Upgrade from Win2000
After you upgrade a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer, Windows XP Professional may start
directly to the desktop without stopping at the Welcome screen or requiring you to type a username and
password. If you then create a new user account, you may not receive any option that allows you to log on
by using the new account.
This behavior can occur if Windows 2000 was configured for automatic logon (Autologon). Windows XP
inherits this configuration setting.
To resolve this behavior, turn off the automatic logon feature and require a username and password at
logon:
1. Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and then click Run.

2. In the Open box, type control userpasswords2, and then click OK.
3. In the dialog box that appears, click to select the "Users must enter a user name and password to use
this computer"
check box, and then click OK.
To work around this behavior, log off from the Autologon account, and then log on by using the new
account.
Not Prompted to Create Password with New XP User Account
When you create a new user on a Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition-based computer, you are not
prompted to create a password. To create a password for a user account, click the icon for the account,

and then click "Create a Password".
Stored User Names and Passwords Feature Interoperability at a Command Prompt
By default, the Stored User Names and Passwords feature creates a "key" for any connection that you
make in the graphical user interface (GUI) that requires alternate credentials. When you make a
connection at a command prompt by using the net use command and by passing alternate credentials, a
key is not created.
For the net use command to save the credentials in Credential Manager, use the /savecred switch. When
you use the /savecred switch, any credentials that you are prompted for when you use the net use
command are saved as a key.
Therefore, if you are prompted for the user name and password (or if you are prompted only for the
password) when you use the net use command (but not because you used an asterisk [*] in the net use
command for password prompting) and the /savecred switch, the credentials are saved.
When you type the net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name /savecred command, the user is prompted
for a user name, and then the user is prompted for a password.
When you type the net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name /u: domain_name \ user_name /savecred
command, the user is prompted for a password.
However, when you type one of the following commands, a key is not created:
net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name * /user: domain_name \ user_name /savecred
-or-
net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name * /savecred /user: domain_name \ user_name
If you type net help use at a command prompt, more information is displayed about the net use command.
Password Has Expired Message
Start/Programs/Administrative Tools/Local Security Policy/Account Policies/Password Policy. In the

right pane, right click, properties, modify (use accordingly). And Start/Programs/Administrative Tools/
Computer Management/Local Users and Groups/Right Click "User"(intended)/Properties...Or with
Admin privileges, at a command prompt type: net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited.
To Create a Password Reset Disk
The Forgotten Password Wizard lets you create a password reset disk that you can use to recover your
user account and personalized computer settings if you forget your password. The steps to perform this
task differ depending on whether your computer is a member of a network domain or is part of a
workgroup (or is a stand-alone computer).
My Computer is on a Domain
Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to open the Windows Security dialog box. Click Change Password.

Click Backup to open the Forgotten Password Wizard. Click Next and then follow the instructions as they
appear on the screen.
My Computer is not on a Domain
The steps to perform this task differ depending on the type of user account you have. If you have a
computer administrator account: Open User Accounts in Control Panel. Click your account name. Under
Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click Prevent a forgotten password. In the Forgotten
Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
If you Have a Limited Account
Open User Accounts in Control Panel. Under Related Tasks located on the left side of the window, click
Prevent a forgotten password. In the Forgotten Password Wizard, follow the instructions as they appear
on the screen.
Notes: To open User Accounts, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then click User
Accounts.
Certain Programs Do Not Work Correctly If You Log On Through a Limited User Account.
After you log on to a computer by using a Limited User Account, you may observe one or more of the
following
behaviors when you try to use a program that is not expressly designed for Windows XP. Information
here.
Password Reset Disk Overview
To protect user accounts in the event that the user forgets the password, every local user should make a
password reset disk and keep it in a safe place. Then, if the user forgets his or her password, the password
can be reset using the password reset disk and the user is able to access the local user account again.
Resetting the Password
After you reset the password of an account on a Windows XP-based computer that is joined to a
workgroup, you may lose access to the user's: Web page credentials, File share credentials, EFS-
encrypted files, Certificates with private keys (SIGNED/ENCRYPTed e-mail). More information in detail
here.
I assume no responsibility for the purpose to which this information is used. This includes employees
attempting to bypass restrictions put into place by System Administrators on corporate machines.
Delete Admin Password
Boot up with DOS and delete the sam.exe and sam.log files from Winnt\system32\config in your hard
drive. Now when you boot up in NT the password on your built-in administrator account will be blank
(No password). This solution works only if your hard drive is FAT. [Editor's note: Use with caution,

there may be other ramifications from performing this tip.]
Forgot your Admin Password
This is a utility to (re)set the password of any user that has a valid (local) account on your NT system, by
modifying the crypted password in the registrys SAM file. You do not need to know the old password to
set a new one.
It works offline, that is, you have to shutdown your computer and boot off a floppydisk. The bootdisk
includes stuff to access NTFS partitions and scripts to glue the whole thing together. Note: It will now
also work with SYSKEY, including the option to turn it off! More information here. Download here.
All Passwords-Master Copy
With Darn! Passwords! Just one password opens the safe that holds all those other ones for programs and
web sites that require you to log in. Download Here.
Just pick the password, and drag it and it's log-in (if there is one) into the program that uses it. No
retyping is necessary (even in programs that do not accept the drag, you can just paste the password in).
Go to the URL of a password protected site with the click of a button.
Information on System Restore and Password Restoration
Passwords That Are Restored:
1. Program passwords are restored, such as Hotmail Messenger, AOL Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and
other Web server-based passwords. This behavior is by design: The programs simply cache these
passwords; the actual passwords are
stored on a Web server. System Restore does not actually change the password, but it changes the
password that is remembered by the program. You can use the current password for the program to log on
to the server.
2. Domain and Computer passwords are restored. This behavior is by Design and is a limitation of System
Restore. System Restore only rolls back the local machine state. Part of the information about joining
domains resides in Active Directory, and Active Directory is not rolled back by System Restore.
Migration Wizard Does Not Migrate Passwords
The Migration Wizard does not migrate passwords. Passwords for Dial-Up Networking connections,
Microsoft Outlook Express accounts, Microsoft Internet Explorer saved passwords, mapped drives, and so
on will need to be reconfigured once the migration is complete.
Administrator Account Not Used for Logon
The administrator account and password created during Setup are used to log on in Safe Mode only. To
create a password for user accounts, double-click Manage Users in Control Panel.

Therefore, if you are prompted for the user name and password (or if you are prompted only for the
password) when you use the net use command (but not because you used an asterisk [*] in the net use
command for password prompting) and the /savecred switch, the credentials are saved.
When you type the net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name /savecred command, the user is prompted
for a user name, and then the user is prompted for a password.
When you type the net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name /u: domain_name \ user_name /savecred
command, the user is prompted for a password.
However, when you type one of the following commands, a key is not created:
net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name * /user: domain_name \ user_name /savecred
-or-
net use * \\ computer_name \ share_name * /savecred /user: domain_name \ user_name
If you type net help use at a command prompt, more information is displayed about the net use command.
Logon Name Not in Task Manager or Under Documents & Settings
When the Welcome screen is appears, the names that are displayed do not match any of the names of
users' folders under the Documents and Settings folder or any of the names on the Users tab in Task
Manager.
This behavior may occur if you have changed the name of the account in the User Accounts tool in
Control Panel. By doing so, the new name appears on the Welcome screen, but the actual account name
remains the same. The folders under the Documents and Settings folder and the names that are listed in
Task Manager show the actual account name.
To resolve this behavior, if the display name for a user account has been changed, you can find out which
account the new display name belongs to by logging on as that user, starting Task Manager, and then
clicking the Users tab.
The user account that is marked as active is the one that is currently logged on. Also, you can find out
which of the folders under Documents and Settings belongs to the currently logged-on user by right-
clicking Start, and then clicking Explore. Windows Explorer will then start in the Start Menu folder of the
currently logged-on user's folder.
Administrator Unable to Unlock a "Locked" Computer
This behavior can occur for either of the following reasons: When the default screen saver is set to use a
non-existent screen saver program. And/or When you use a corrupted screen saver that is password
protected. More Information.
Information About Unlocking a Workstation

The following registry setting is received every time the computer is locked: Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
ForceUnlockLogon
REG_DWORD
0 - Do not force authentication inline (default)

1 - Require online authentication to unlock
The preceding value controls whether a full logon is performed during the unlock process. This
can force a validation at the domain controller for the user attempting the unlock process.
NOTE: If the value is not present, it functions as if it had been set to 0 (zero).
Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys
To use the shortcut, press the Windows logo key+L. The following list has different computer lock-up
scenarios that are available to you, as well as other ways to lock the computer: Click Here.
Create a Shortcut to Lock Computer
Right click a blank space on the desktop, select new, shortcut. Copy and Paste this line: "rundll32.exe
user32.dll,LockWorkStation" in the program location box. Click next and create a name for your shortcut,
click finish.
Lock the Taskbar
This restriction is used to force the locking of the taskbar and restrict users from making any changes to
its position. Start/Run/Regedit: Navigate to this key and create a new DWORD value, or modify the
existing value, called 'LockTaskbar' and edit the value according to the settings below. Exit your registry,
you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: LockTaskbar
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = Unlocked, 1 = Locked)
Home Page Win98 - 01/01/2004 12:25 AM - Home Page WinXP

© Copyright Kelly Theriot MS-MVP(DTS) 2004. All rights reserved.


cryptographic service error and how to fix it!
Home Page | FREE XP Newsletter | Contact Me | Privacy Policy
Cryptographic Service Error!
How To Fix The "Cryptographic Service Error"
Are YOU getting the following error when you

try to install
Windows XP Service Pack 1?
"Service Pack 1 Setup Error:
Setup could not verify the integrity of the file Update.inf.

Make sure the Cryptographic service is running on this
computer"
Or
YOU are trying to a Windows XP security patch and are

getting a similar error message?
In which case this article is for YOU...
However please read these Four side notes Before
proceeding...
Side Note 1
NB - When you use the Windows Update Web site to

install updates, you may receive a 643 error message...
if this is the case please go straight to the end of this
article!
http://www.updatexp.com/cryptographic-service.html (1 of 14)21/03/2004 04:39:23 AM

Side Note 2
If You have installed patch KB823980 AND Windows

Update keeps prompting you to install it again - this is
not really a cryptographic service error.
But the good news is that you can update your registry
to stop this happening again!
More here: windows update keeps prompting
Side Note 3
If You have used Windows Update and keep getting a

0x800B0004 error - this is not really a cryptographic
service error.
But the good news is that you can stop this happening
again!
More here: The 0x800B0004 error
Side Note 4
If You have used Windows Update and keep FAILING

with this error code 0x800A138F Try this article:
More here: The 0x800A138F error

Side Note 5
If You YOUR problem is that the cryptographic service will

NOT start and you get error "126 module not found".
See the 126 error at the end of this article...
Now lets read on and try to solve YOUR problem...
Why is this Cryptographic
Service Error happening?
NB - If you get Error codes 126 or 643 then go to the end of this article for more
information relating to these specific code errors.
This cryptographic service error issue occurs for one of TWO reasons:
REASON ONE:
The Cryptographic Services that should be running on your computer is for some reason set
to Disabled for Startup type...
REASON TWO:
There is log file or database corruption in the Windows\System32\Catroot2 folder
If this makes as much sense to you as Sir Isaac Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation -
Don't' PANIC...
---
You do NOT need to understand

what is happening, just follow these remedies:
---
1) Follow this if - You are trying to install Windows XP Service Pack 1
The first thing is to be aware of is that Microsoft themselves are aware of this issue and
have released a fix to the database corruption issue... But more of that in a moment...
First we must just check the Cryptographic Services is actually running on your machine.

To do this:
Start the Administrative Tools utility in Control Panel.
Double-click Services. (this will open the services window)
Right-click Cryptographic Services, and then click Properties.
Click Automatic for Startup type, and then click Start.
You can now try to reinstall Windows XP Service Pack 1
Tip 1:
If you CAN NOT start the service try booting your machine in SAFE MODE and
then repeating the above.. For SAFE MODE press F8 when your PC starts up
but, BEFORE you get the Windows XP screen!
Tip 2:
If you can not start the Cryptographic Service then the likely cause is that the
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is not running. To check this go to the "Services"
window by running through the steps detailed above... Now right click the
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service. If the status shows it is not running
then it has been disabled!
Since the Cryptographic Service is a dependency of the Remote Procedure Call

(RPC) - We MUST get this running. Sadly you will not be able to do this from the
the "Services" Window... You will see it is "greyed out"!
Follow these instructions...
You will need to use your XP CD to boot the computer into the Recovery
Console, then type
the command: Enable RPCSS Service_Auto_Start
Now press the Enter key to submit the command.
Now type: exit and press Enter to restart the computer.
If you are unfamiliar with the Recovery Console this Microsoft Article may help:
314058
Now try and install again...
If it FAILS again...
Click Start menu, and then click the Run icon.

In the small box that Opens, type the three letters: cmd then click the OK button.
In the command prompt window that just opened (a black background and white text), type
the following commands, pressing the ENTER key on your keyboard after each line:
net stop cryptsvc

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 oldcatroot2

net start cryptsvc
Now type exit to close the command prompt window, and then try to install Windows XP
Service Pack 1 again. It should now work... You may in some rare instances have to reboot
your machine again first, so give this a try if it fails again...
Manually delete the contents of %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 and reboot....
As I said earlier Microsoft are aware of this corruption issue and have made a an update
available that can correct this issue. To obtain it visit the Windows Update site and
download Q817287: Critical Update (Catalogue Database Corruption in Microsoft Windows),
this should correct the corruption problem!
Tip:
If you get a reply stating "access denied" try booting your machine in SAFE
MODE and then repeating the above.. For SAFE MODE press F8 when your PC
starts up but, BEFORE you get the Windows XP screen!
If THAT fails... find the folder called "catroot2" and MANUALLY change it to "catroot2old"
---
2) Follow this if - You are trying to install a Windows XP Security Patch
I have been surprised at the amount of emails I continue to received on the subject of
cryptographic error messages...! Hopefully this will help you.
First we must just check the Cryptographic Services is actually running on your machine.
To do this:
Start the Administrative Tools utility in Control Panel.

Double-click Services. (this will open the services window)
Right-click Cryptographic Services, and then click Properties.
Click Automatic for Startup type, and then click Start.
You can now try to reinstall security patch 823980

If you can not start the Cryptographic Service then the likely cause is that the
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is not running. To check this go to the "Services"
window by running through the steps detailed above... Now right click the
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service. If the status shows it is not running
then it has been disabled!
Since the Cryptographic Service is a dependency of the Remote Procedure Call

(RPC) - We MUST get this running. Sadly you will not be able to do this from the
the "Services" Window... You will see it is "greyed out"!
Follow these instructions...
You will need to use your XP CD to boot the computer into the Recovery
Console, then type
the command: Enable RPCSS Service_Auto_Start
Now press the Enter key to submit the command.
Now type: exit and press Enter to restart the computer.
If you are unfamiliar with the Recovery Console this Microsoft Article may help:
314058
Now Try again...
If that fails, try this:

net stop cryptsvc

net start cryptsvc
Now type exit to close the command prompt window, and then try to security patch 823980.
It should now work... You may in some rare instances have to reboot your machine again
first, so give this a try if it fails again...

Tip:
If you get a reply stating "access denied" try booting your machine in SAFE
If THAT fails... find the folder called "catroot2" and MANUALLY change it to
"catroot2old"
Manually delete the contents of %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 and reboot....
FAILED again?
Well seems to be happening to a few of you... so lets re-register some DLL files. sounds like
fun, eh? Onwards and upwards!

net start cryptsvc

regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll
regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 sccbase.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll
Now type the word: exit and the window will close. Now Reboot and try and reply the
Microsoft Patch again...
NB - If you just can not face typing all that in the command line, simply download this batch
file I have made and run it on your machine... It will do the typing for YOU!
Tip:
If you get a reply stating "access denied" try starting your machine in SAFE

FAILED yet Again?
(The following is ONLY XP Professional - NOT XP Home Edition)
Well, this is going to happen only to a handful of you... I hope!
Without getting too "techie" on you, there is an issue for some Windows XP Professional
users where the computers Software Restriction Policy for the Local Computer only allows
"Local computer administrators" to select "trusted publishers". This is causing the failure....
This occurs whether the user installing the security patch is an Administrator or not!
This may mean nothing to you and it does not have too.
Here is the work around:

In the small box that Opens, type: gpedit.msc then click the OK button.
In the new windows that opens you will see a menu on the left hand side.
Under Computer Configuration you will see a folder called Windows Settings - double click it.
The new options that appear directly below include Security Settings - double click it.
The new options that appear directly below include Software
Restriction Policies - double click it.
Now on the right hand side of the window you will see an object called Trusted Publishers -
double click it and a new window appears.
In this window change the setting under Allow the following users to select trusted
publishers to the default which should be End Users.
FAILED yet Again?
You're kidding me?
Well, this is the LAST one "up my sleeve" for you...
Thanks to Bill Prentice a Network Administrator from the US for this tip...
It seems that in some patches can be installed with this workaround:
When a patch installs itself it will "unpack" all the files in too a temporary folder on your PC.
If the install fails you might just be able to grab the file you need and move it to the folder
Windows XP should have put it in...
Here is an example of what I mean.
First look for the following file on your computer: dberr.txt
Open it and look for the entry that matches the patch number you just tried to install. In
this example it is the security patch KB823980

CatalogDB: 10:09:37 AM 8/19/2003: Adding Catalog File: _000000_.cat

CatalogDB: 10:09:37 AM 8/19/2003: DONE Adding Catalog File: _000000_.cat
CatalogDB: 10:09:37 AM 8/19/2003: File #2 at line #2701 encountered error 0x00000002
CatalogDB: 10:09:37 AM 8/19/2003: The following file was not found - C:\WINDOWS
\System32\CatRoot\{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}\KB823980.cat

We can clearly see that the security patch KB823980 failed to install because Windows XP
claims it could NOT find it...
So we are going to give it a helping hand...
We will do this by copying the KB823980.cat file from the temporary unpack folder at the
root of C: AND placing this copy in the C:\WINDOWS\System32\CatRoot folder... PLEASE do
not put the copied file in the CatRoot2 folder by mistake!
(If you can not find the KB823980.cat file in this example, you could use the search facility
on the start menu..)
Now run the patch again and it should install for you... :-)
---------------
Well that is all the "fix's" I have at the moment - but I do update this page when I hear of
ANY more!
This just in:
27/08/2003 - I received an email from the Head of IT at a Swiss Bank! Some of you
might find this helpful.....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Marc
First of all: congratulations to your web site - even Microsoft Support

Services are referencing it when using phone support options!
Here another source for possible errors when installing Hot fixes/using
Windows Update with Windows XP (SP1):
We had cloned notebook images (syspreped) where we couldn't install any

hot fix because of "cryptographic services" issues. We opened a MS
Support Case because no hint (including your website) led to the
resolution of the problem. After some in depth debugging we found the
following error:

On those Notebooks we have predefined group policy settings (for local

computer) which were part of the image itself. One of the settings was:
Group Policy -> User Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Internet
Explorer Maintenance -> Security -> Authenticode Settings -> Enable
Trusted Publisher Lockdown
Where the box has been checked. Disabling the checked box made the bug
disappearing (i.e. all hot fix installation & windows update site worked
correctly after this). We were further investigating this behaviour and
found the following:
On a newly installed Windows XP (SP1) machine (or a

cloned, syspreped one) when a user logs in locally for the first time
and the mentioned group policy setting is not active he can't use any
active x controls (e.g. windows update site) and can't install any signed
(Microsoft) hot fixes.
Disabling this group policy setting re-enables the

user for mentioned tasks. On an already installed Windows XP (SP1)
machine where trusted publisher elections (e.g. for windows update
active x controls or hot fix installations) already have been made (once)
the group policy settings has no effect (resp. only disables further
trusted publisher elections for other active x codes / hot fixes from
other trusted publishers).
Please let me know whether you have any questions and whether you could
reproduce the settings -> I think publishing this hint to your website
would be very helpful for the desperate ones who still can't
update/patch their windows machines.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please Read:
To stop future cryptographic service corruption issues, make sure you have installed
Windows XP Service Pack 1. Then install the specific patch for this issue: 817287: Critical
Update (Catalogue Database Corruption in Microsoft Windows)... (please note you MUST
have Windows XP SP1 installed!)

ERROR 643
When you use the Windows Update Web site to install updates, you
may receive a 643 error message.
If this is the case then we need to delete the database catalogue

and let Windows XP rebuild it automatically:

In the small box that Opens, type the three letters: cmd then
click the OK button.
In the command prompt window that just opened (a black

background and white text), type the following command, pressing
the ENTER key on your keyboard afterwards:
del /q "%SystemRoot%\System32\Catroot2\Edb.log
Now type exit to close the command prompt window, and then try
to install the patch again... This is also worth doing if you find your
Windows Media Player is slow to respond...
ERROR 126
Some folks get the message:
Error 126: The specified module could not be found
This is a very "general" error code, however in this instance the following may help:
a) Delete the contents of the "Windows\System32\catroot2" folder and see if that helps
resolve the issue.
b) If that fails, then check all the root directories and see if any are set as "Read
Only"... this is a common symptom of an incomplete SP1 install. If they are then
uncheck them! and try again...
C) Make sure cryptui.dll is in system32 folder and is NOT corrupt!
d) Make sure certcli.dll is in system32 folder and is NOT corrupt!
Use the sfc /scannow utility to check for file corruption in c) and d)
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html
e) Re-register DLL Files That Are Associated With the Cryptographic

Service
To register .dll files that are associated with Cryptographic Services,
follow these steps: (NB - you may have used the batch file in the
article above... however this may not have worked so we need to
manually un-register then register them...)
Click Start, and then click Run.

In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing

ENTER after each line:
Note Click OK if you are prompted to do so.

regsvr32 /u wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /u initpki.dll
regsvr32 /u dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /u rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /u gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /u slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 /u softpub.dll
exit
Restart your computer.

Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following commands (press
ENTER after each command):
Note Click OK if you are prompted to do so.

regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
exit
Now check to see if the service will now start.
Print this Page Now?
I hope this cryptographic service article helps YOU! Don't forget to sign up for my Windows
XP newsletter below!
NOW sit down and have a cup of your favourite beverage (or something stronger) YOU
deserve it!
Regards
Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP - Digital Media
Contact Page
Coming Soon!
The Windows XP Registry eBook

Simple, Clean and Fun!
(Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter to be one

of the FIRST to get the release date of this essential guide!..)
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Scannow sfc New!

Learn how to use this useful troubleshooting tool in Windows XP - sfc /scannow
Codec For Windows Media Player 9

Windows Media Player 9 is a GREAT media player for
video and music - However it only ships with a
limited number of codec's. Find out why you are
having trouble playing ALL your files...

XP Stop Messages
Just like us, Windows XP sometimes becomes
unwell. When it does it produces a "STOP Error" to
let you know what is going wrong. This article list
some of the most common....
The views on this website are my own and not that of Microsoft.
I am not responsible for the content of any sites linked to.
ALL information is provided "As Is"
This page was last updated 21st January 2004
Home Page | Main Article Index | FREE XP Newsletter | Privacy Policy
This article is on the cryptographic service error in

Windows

Tips and Fixes
Tips and Fixes
Uncover Windows XP Product Key - If you have more than one system running XP you have
obviously purchased more than one copy of the Operating System. However you may have forgotten
which Product Key you used for which system. It happens. I have 5 systems and have had all three
running XP at times. As you know XP does not store the Product Key in a recognizable format in the
registry as Windows 9x/Me does. The app ViewKeyXP is your salvation.
System Cannot Access CD-Rom, CD-Recorder or DVD Devices

If you uninstalled and reinstalled Nero in XP, or did an upgrade from a previous OS to XP without
uninstalling Nero first, this is a known error (for both Adaptec and Nero). There is a problem caused
by an association created in the system registry between some Adaptec driver files and the CD file
system drivers for Windows 2000/XP. If the Adaptec driver files are renamed or removed, then the
system will loose access to any CD drive (CD ROM, CD recorder, or DVD)
Check here before trying the fix below
IMPORTANT: The following contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the
registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. If Windows XP won't start
you can restore the registry by rebooting while pressing the F8 Key. Select "Last Known Good
Configuration". Or you can use "System Restore" from Start->Programs->Accessories->System
Tools.
1. Uninstall all CD Burning software from the system.

2. Go to the RUN line and type in Regedt32 and press Enter.
3. Go to the following registry locations and delete the key values for UPPERFILTERS and
LOWERFILTERS (Do NOT delete the entire 4D36E965-E325-11CE-BBFC1-08002BE10318 key
just right click the individual keys and select Delete)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-
BBFC1-08002BE10318}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-
BBFC1-08002BE10318}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-
BFC1-08002BE10318}
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tips_fixes.htm (1 of 2)21/03/2004 04:39:36 AM

Tips and Fixes
4. Close out of Regedt32.exe and reboot the computer.

5. You should have access to your CDROM drives after reboot.
Make sure you create a System Restore Point before you make changes to the registry.
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tips_fixes.htm (2 of 2)21/03/2004 04:39:36 AM

270008 - Cannot Access CD-ROM and "Code 31" Error Message in Devi...nager After You Remove Adaptec Easy CD Creator from Your Computer
All Microsoft.com
Products Guide

Cannot Access CD-ROM and "Code 31" Error Support Centers

Message in Device Manager After You Remove Small Business Server
Adaptec Easy CD Creator from Your Computer Windows 2000
Windows 2000 -
View products that this article applies to. Developer
This article was previously published under Q270008

For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 314060. Contact Microsoft
Phone Numbers, Support
This article also applies to Adaptec Easy Creator 5.01. Options and Pricing, Online
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the Help, and more.
registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up
and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a Customer Service
problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and For non-technical
edit the registry, click the following article number to view the assistance with product
article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: purchases, subscriptions,
online services, events,
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry training courses, corporate
sales, piracy issues, and
SYMPTOMS more.
Newsgroups
After you remove Adaptec Easy CD Creator versions 5.01 and
earlier or DirectCD version 3.01 or 3.01c from your computer, your Pose a question to other
computer may experience the following behavior: users. Discussion groups
and Forums about specific
Microsoft products,
● You are cannot access your CD-ROMs in My Computer.
● In Device Manager, the following error message occurs with
all CD-ROM devices connected to your system:
The device is not working properly because Page Options
Windows cannot load the drivers required for Send
this device (Code 31).
Print
● The Device Manager displays the following error code
message:
A driver for this device was not required, and has been turned off (Code
32 or Code 31).
NOTE: You may also receive an error code 39 message that indicates that the driver is
corrupted.
● The Device Manager displays the following error code message:

Your registry might be corrupted. (Code 19)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q270008&ID=KB;EN-US;Q270008 (1 of 3)21/03/2004 04:40:39 AM

This code means that the registry returned an unknown result.
RESOLUTION
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve
problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
There are two supported methods to resolve this issue.
Method One
1. Remove the Upperfilters and Lowerfilters values completely from the following
registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class
\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
NOTE: If you are getting a code 39 message, it may be that additional third-party
filter drivers were added to UpperFilters and LowerFilters values in addition to Adaptec
filter drivers. In that case, you may try to remove the non-Adaptec filter drivers first,
leaving the Easy Creator filters in place to see if the Code 39 goes away. If you still
receive an error code 39, 32, or 31 message, remove the Upperfilters and Lowerfilters
values completely in the preceding key.
2. Restart your computer.
Method Two
If the above method does not resolve the code 31 error message and restore access to your CD-
ROMs, if you also have Media Player version 7.0 installed, you can uninstall Media player
version 7.0 and download and install the latest release posted at the following Microsoft Web
site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia
STATUS
This is a known issue with Easy CD Creator versions 5.01 and earlier, and DirectCD versions
3.01c and earlier.
MORE INFORMATION
This issue may also occur with the latest versions of Easy CD Creator 5.01 and DirectCD 3.01d
or later.
The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that
are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the
performance or reliability of these products.
NOTE: There may be other third party CD-Writing Software that exhibit similar behavior. Some
or all of these troubleshooting steps can apply to them if they also add entries under the
UpperFilters or LowerFilters registry values by either adding their filter drivers or by removing
the registry keys and values outlined in this article that start with:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-
E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

WARNING: Ensure you perform a backup of your registry before you make any changes.
● Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

● Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
● Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

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314060 - CD-ROM Access Is Missing and Messages Cite Error Code 31, ... Code 19, or Code 39 After You Remove Easy CD Creator in Windows XP
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CD-ROM Access Is Missing and Messages Cite Support Centers

Error Code 31, Code 32, Code 19, or Code 39 Windows
After You Remove Easy CD Creator in Windows XP
XP
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Help, and more.
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the Customer Service
registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up
For non-technical
and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a
problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and assistance with product
edit the registry, click the following article number to view the purchases, subscriptions,
article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: online services, events,
training courses, corporate
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry sales, piracy issues, and
more.
Newsgroups
For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 270008.
users. Discussion groups
SYMPTOMS and Forums about specific
After you remove either compact disc (CD) recording software or Microsoft products,
other software from your computer, your computer may exhibit the technologies, and services.
following behavior:
● In My Computer, there is no access to your CD-ROMs. Page Options

Send
● In Device Manager, the following error message appears in
connection with any CD-ROM device that is part of your Print
computer system:
The device is not working properly because
Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device (Code 31).
● Device Manager displays the following error message:

A driver for this device was not required, and has been disabled (Code
32 or Code 31).
You may also receive an error Code 39 message that indicates that the driver is
corrupted.
● Device Manager displays the following error Code 19 message, which means that the
registry returned some unknown result:
Your registry might be corrupted. (Code 19)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];q314060 (1 of 3)21/03/2004 04:41:10 AM

● You may also receive the following error message:

Windows successfully loaded the device driver for this hardware but
cannot find the hardware device. (Code 41)
RESOLUTION
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve
problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
To resolve this behavior, follow these steps:
1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

2. Locate the UpperFilters value under the following key in the registry:
\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
3. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click OK.
4. Locate the LowerFilters value under the same key in the registry:
\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
5. On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.NOTE: After you remove the Upperfilters value and the
Lowerfilters value, if you notice lost functionality in a particular program, such as CD
recording software, you may need to reinstall that software. If the problem recurs,
consult with the software vendor for assistance.
7. Restart your computer.
STATUS
This is a known issue that can occur when you remove Easy CD Creator version 5.01 or earlier
or DirectCD version 3.01c or earlier. This issue may also occur with Easy CD Creator version
5.01 and with DirectCD 3.01d or later.
MORE INFORMATION
There may be other third-party CD-writing software products that exhibit similar behavior.
Some or all of the troubleshooting steps in this article might apply if such a product also adds
entries under the UpperFilters or LowerFilters value in the registry, either by adding its own
filter drivers or by removing the registry keys and values outlined in this article that begin with:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-
E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
WARNING: Make sure that you perform a backup of your registry before making any changes.
The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that
are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the
performance or reliability of these products.



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321305 - How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your Password Expires
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How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Support Centers

Your Password or Your Password Expires Windows
XP

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SUMMARY Options and Pricing, Online
This article describes how to log on to Windows XP if you forget Help, and more.
your password, or if your password expires and you cannot create a Customer Service
new one.
For non-technical
NOTE: If you have not created a password reset disk and you have assistance with product
also forgotten the password for all user accounts, you cannot log on purchases, subscriptions,
to your existing Windows installation for security reasons. This online services, events,
information applies to starting Windows XP typically, to Safe mode, training courses, corporate
and to Recovery Console. In this case, you must perform a "clean" sales, piracy issues, and
installation of Windows XP, re-create all user accounts, and reinstall
more.
all of your programs.
Newsgroups
MORE INFORMATION Pose a question to other
To log on to Windows XP, use any of the following methods: and Forums about specific
Microsoft products,
Method 1: Use a Password Reset Disk technologies, and services.
If you created a password reset disk for Windows XP, reset your
password by using the password reset disk. For additional Page Options
information about how to use a password reset disk, click the article Send
numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge
Print
Base:
305478 HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a
Computer That Is Not a Domain Member in Windows XP
306214 HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a Computer in a Domain in
Windows XP
Method 2: Log On as an Administrator and Reset the Password
If you cannot log on to Windows by using a particular user account (including the Administrator
or Computer Administrator accounts), but you can log on to another account with
administrative priveliges (including the Administrator or Computer Administrator accounts),
follow these steps:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;enus;321305 (1 of 3)21/03/2004 04:41:37 AM

1. Log on to Windows by using the administrator account that has a password that you
remember.
Note You cannot log on as usual by using the Administrator or Computer

Administrator account to a Windows XP Home Edition-based computer or a Windows
XP Professional-based computer in a workgroup. To log on as the Administrator or
Computer Administrator, you must start Windows XP in Safe Mode. For additional
information, see the "Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional in a
Workgroup" section of this article.
3. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK:
control userpasswords2
4. Click the user account that you forgot the password for, and then then click Reset
Password.
5. Type a new password in both the New password and the Confirm new password
boxes, and then click OK.
WARNING: If you reset the password for a user account in this manner in Windows XP
Professional, the following types of information for that user will be no longer available:
● E-mail messages that are encrypted with the user's public key
● Internet passwords that are saved on, or remembered by, the computer
● Any files that the user has encrypted
You should now be able to log on to Windows with the user account and the new password.
The following sections provide step-by-step instructions to reset the password for a normal user
account in Safe Mode by using the Administrator (or Computer Administrator account.
Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional in a Workgroup
To log on as Administrator and reset the password:
1. Restart the computer. After the Power On Self Test (POST), press the F8 key.
2. On the Windows Advanced Options menu, use the ARROW keys to select Safe
Mode, and then press ENTER.
3. When you are prompted to select the operating system to start, select Microsoft
Windows XP edition (where edition is the edition of Windows XP that is installed),
and then press ENTER.
4. On the To begin, click your user name screen, click Administrator.
5. Type the administrator password, and then press ENTER.
NOTE: In some cases, the Administrator password may be set to a blank password. In
this case, do not type a password before you press ENTER.
6. Click Yes to acknowledge that Windows is running in Safe mode.
7. Click Start, and then click Control Panel (or point to Settings, and then click
Control Panel).
8. Click User Accounts.

9. Click the user account whose password you want to change.

10. Click Change the Password if you want to keep a password, or click Remove
password if you do not want to use a password. If you remove the password, skip
the next step.
11. Type the new password for the user, and then click Change Password.
12. Quit the User Accounts tool, and then restart the computer.
Windows XP Professional in a Domain
To log on as Administrator and reset the password:
1. In the Welcome to Windows dialog box, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

2. Type the logon information for the Administrator account, including the password, and
then click OK.
NOTE: In some cases, the Administrator password may be set to a blank password. In
this case, do not type a password before you click OK.
3. Click Start, click Run, type compmgmt.msc, and then click OK.
4. In the Computer Management (Local) box, expand Local Users and Groups.
5. Click the Users folder.
6. In the right pane of the Computer Management window, right-click the user account
whose password you want to reset, and then click Set Password.
7. Click Proceed.
8. In the New password box, type the new password for the user account.
9. Type the same password in the Confirm password box, and then click OK.
10. Click OK to acknowledge that the new password has been set.
11. Quit the Computer Management snap-in, and then restart the computer.

● Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
● Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
● Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2002

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305478 - HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a Computer That Is Not a Domain Member in Windows XP
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HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk Support Centers
for a Computer That Is Not a Domain Member in Windows
Windows XP XP

Contact Microsoft
This article was previously published under Q305478 Phone Numbers, Support
Options and Pricing, Online
IN THIS TASK Help, and more.
Customer Service
● SUMMARY For non-technical
❍ How to Create a Password Reset Disk assistance with product
purchases, subscriptions,
■ Use a Computer Administrator Account online services, events,
■ Use a Limited Account training courses, corporate
❍ How to Log on to the Computer By Using a Password sales, piracy issues, and
Reset Disk more.
❍ Troubleshooting Newsgroups
SUMMARY and Forums about specific
Microsoft products,
This article describes how to create and use a password reset disk
for a computer that is part of a workgroup, or that is not connected
to a network. You can use a password reset disk to gain access to
your Microsoft Windows XP-based computer if you forget your
password. Page Options
Send
For additional information about how to create a password reset
disk for a computer that is a member of a domain, click the article Print
number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
306214 How to Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a Computer in a Domain
back to the top
How to Create a Password Reset Disk
Note that the following procedure requires one blank, formatted floppy disk. To create a
password reset disk for your local user account, use one of the following methods.
back to the top
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;305478 (1 of 4)21/03/2004 04:42:26 AM

Use a Computer Administrator Account
If you are logged on to the computer by using an administrator account, use the following steps
to create a password reset disk for a user account:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. In Control Panel, click User Accounts.
3. In the User Accounts pane, click the account that you want to work with.
4. Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten
Password Wizard, and then click Next.
5. Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next.
6. In the Current user account password box, type the password for the user account
that you chose in step 3, and then click Next.
NOTE: If the user account does not have a password, do not type a password into the
Current user account password box.
The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.

7. When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
8. Remove, and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
back to the top
Use a Limited Account
If you are logged on to the computer by using a limited account, use the following steps to
create a password reset disk for your user account:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Under Pick a category, click User Accounts.
3. Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten
Password Wizard.
4. Click Next.
5. Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next.
6. In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click
Next.
NOTE: If your user account does not have a password, do not type a password into
the Current user account password box.
The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.

7. When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
back to the top
How to Log on to the Computer By Using a Password Reset Disk
If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer with a new password that you
create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk:

1. At the Windows XP logon screen, click the user name that you want to use. The Type
your password box appears. Press ENTER, or click the right-arrow button. The
following error message appears:
Did you forget your password?
You can click the "?" button to see your password hint.
Or you can use your password reset disk.
Please type your password again.

Be sure to use the correct uppercase and lowercase letters.
2. Click use your password reset disk. The Password Reset Wizard starts. The
Password Reset Wizard enables you to create a new password for your user account.
3. Click Next.
4. Insert the password reset disk into drive A, and then click Next.
5. Type a new password in the Type a new password box.
6. Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
7. In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint to remind you of your password if
you forget the new password.
NOTE: This hint is visible to anyone who attempts to log on to the computer by using
your user account.
8. Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits, and you return to
the Windows XP logon screen.
NOTE: The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password
information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.
9. Type your new password into the Type your password box, and then click the right-
arrow button to log on to the computer.
back to the top
Troubleshooting
● The password reset disk cannot be used to reset the password on another computer.
The password reset disk that you create can only be used with the computer on which
it was created. For example, if you have two Windows XP-based computers with the
same user names and passwords, a password reset disk that you create on the first
computer cannot be used to reset the password on the second computer.
● The password reset disk contains sensitive information.
The password reset disk may be used by others to gain access to your computer. For
this reason, it is important to store this disk in a safe and secure location.
back to the top


Last Reviewed: 10/30/2003 (1.1)

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306214 - HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a Computer in a Domain in Windows XP
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for a Computer in a Domain in Windows XP Windows
XP

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IN THIS TASK Options and Pricing, Online
Help, and more.
● SUMMARY Customer Service
❍ How to Create a Password Reset Disk For non-technical
assistance with product
❍ How to Use a Password Reset Disk
❍ Troubleshooting online services, events,
SUMMARY more.
This article describes how to create and use a password reset disk Newsgroups
for a computer that is a member of a domain. You can use a Pose a question to other
password reset disk to gain access to your Windows XP Professional- users. Discussion groups
based computer if you forget your password. and Forums about specific
For additional information about creating a password reset disk for a Microsoft products,
computer in a workgroup, or a computer that is not networked, click technologies, and services.
the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base:
Page Options
305478 HOW TO: Create and Use a Password Reset Disk for a Send
Computer That Is Not a Domain Member
Print
back to the top
How to Create a Password Reset Disk
Note that this procedure requires one blank, formatted floppy disk.
To create a password reset disk for your local user account:
1. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The Windows Security dialog box appears.

2. Click Change Password. The Change Password dialog box appears.
3. In the Log on to box, click the local computer. For example, click Computer (this
computer).

4. Click Backup. The Forgotten Password Wizard starts.

5. On the Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard page, click Next.
6. Insert a blank, formatted disk in drive A, and then click Next.
7. In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click
Next. The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
8. When the progress bar reaches 100 percent complete, click Next, and then click
Finish. The Forgotten Password Wizard quits and you return to the Change
Password dialog box.
10. In the Change Password dialog box, click Cancel.
11. In the Windows Security dialog box, click Cancel.
back to the top
How to Use a Password Reset Disk
If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer with a new password that you
create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk.
To gain access to your local user account on a computer that is a member of a domain, or has
been disconnected from a domain:
1. In the Welcome to Windows dialog box, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

2. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type an incorrect password in the Password
box, and then click OK.
3. In the Logon Failed dialog box that appears, click Reset. The Password Reset Wizard
starts. The Password Reset Wizard lets you create a new password for your local user
account.
4. On the "Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard" page, click Next.
5. Insert the password reset disk in drive A, and then click Next.
6. On the Reset the User Account Password page, type a new password in the Type
a new password box.
7. Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
8. In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint that will help you remember the
password if you forget it.
NOTE: This hint is visible to anyone who attempts to log on to the computer by using
your user account.
9. Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits and you return to
the Log On to Windows dialog box. The password reset disk is automatically
updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new
password reset disk.
10. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your new password in the Password
box.
11. In the Log on to box, click the local computer. For example, click Computer (this
computer), and then click OK. You are logged on to the local computer with your
local account information.
back to the top

Troubleshooting
● You cannot use the password reset disk to reset the password on another computer.
You can use the password reset disk that you create with only the computer on which
it was created. For example, if you have two Windows XP-based computers with the
same user names and passwords, you cannot use a password reset disk that you
create on the first computer to reset the password on the second computer.
● You cannot use the password reset disk to reset your domain account password.
You can use the password reset disk only to reset the local computer account
password. If you forget your domain account password, contact your system
administrator.
● The password reset disk contains sensitive information.
Others may use the password reset disk to gain access to your computer. It is
important to store this disk in a safe location.
back to the top
Last Reviewed: 10/30/2003 (1.1)

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308421 - HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
All Microsoft.com
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HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Support Centers

Windows XP Windows
XP

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IN THIS TASK Options and Pricing, Online
Help, and more.
● SUMMARY Customer Service
❍ How to Take Ownership of a Folder For non-technical
assistance with product
❍ How to Take Ownership of a File
● REFERENCES online services, events,
SUMMARY more.
This article describes how to take ownership of a file or folder to Newsgroups
which you have been denied access. Pose a question to other
If you require access to a file or folder to which you do not have
access (permission), you must take ownership of that file or folder,
where you replace the security permissions to allow yourself access. Microsoft products,
back to the top
Page Options
How to Take Ownership of a Folder
Send
NOTE: You must be logged on to the computer using an account Print

that has administrative privileges. If you are running Windows XP
Home Edition, in order to have access to the Security tab, you must
first start in Safe Mode and log on with an account that has Administrative rights.
If you are using Windows XP Professional, you must disable Simple File Sharing. By default,
Windows XP Professional uses Simple File sharing when not joined to a domain. For additional
information about how to do this, click the following article number to view the article in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307874 How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP
To take ownership of a folder:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421 (1 of 3)21/03/2004 04:44:05 AM

1. Right-click the folder you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab, and then click OK on the Security message (if one appears).
3. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
4. In the Name list, click your user name, Administrator if you are logged in as
Administrator, or click the Administrators group. If you want to take ownership of the
contents of that folder, click to select the Replace owner on subcontainers and
objects check box.
5. Click OK. The following message appears, where folder name is the name of the folder
that you want to take ownership of:
You do not have permission to read the contents of directory folder name. Do you
want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you Full
Control?
All permissions will be replaced if you press Yes.
Click Yes.
6. Click OK, and then reapply the permissions and security settings that you want for the
folder and its contents.
back to the top
How to Take Ownership of a File
NOTE: You must be logged on to the computer using an account that has administrative
privileges.
To take ownership of a file, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the file you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab, and then click OK on the Security message (if one appears).
3. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
4. In the Name list click Administrator, or click the Administrators group, and then
click OK.
The Administrator or Administrators group now owns the file. To change the
permissions on the files and folders under this folder, continue to step 5.
5. Click Add.
6. In the Enter the object names to select (examples) list, type the user or group
account to which you want to give access to the file. For example, Administrator.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Group or user names list, click the account that you want (for example,
Administrator), and then click to select the check boxes of the permissions that you
want to assign that user. For example, Full Control [Allow]. When you are finished
assigning permissions, click OK.
back to the top
REFERENCES
For additional information about file and folder permissions, click the article number below to
view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

161275 Interaction of File and Folder Security on NTFS Volumes
back to the top


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Download details: Windows XP Home Edition Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
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The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new
Internet installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct
Windows (Security & drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup.
Updates)
Windows Media Quick Info

Drivers File Name: WinXP_EN_HOM_BF.EXE Windows XP Home Edition
Utility: Setup Disks for
Office and Home
Download Size: 4284 KB Floppy Boot Install
Applications
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Date Published: 10/24/2001
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Overview Change language
System Management
Tools The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a English Go
bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the
Development Resources
operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will
Resources automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the
Related Resources
Download Center Help CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You
cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk.
Related Download Sites ● Download Winter Fun Packs
Windows XP Home Edition startup disks will not work for for Windows XP
Automatic Update
Services Windows XP Professional installations and vice-versa. ● More Information About This
Download
Windows XP Setup boot disks are available only by download
from Microsoft. The Setup boot disks are available so that ● Windows XP Home Edition
you can run Setup on computers that do not support a with Service Pack 1a Utility:
bootable CD-ROM. Setup Disks for Floppy Boot
Install
If your computer does support booting from a CD-ROM, or if
● Expert Zone Community for
network-based installation is available, Microsoft
Windows XP
recommends that you use those installations methods
instead.
Future products will no longer support installation via the

setup boot disks. Installation of future Microsoft Operating
Systems will require the ability to boot from the CD or PXE
boot from Network. Setup boot disks that are provided for
Windows XP are provided and supported on an as is basis.
System Requirements
● Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME,
Windows NT, Windows XP
● Any x86 compatible system that meets the requirements for installing Microsoft Windows
XP Home Edition
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Download details: Windows XP Home Edition Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
Instructions
1. Click the Download link to start the download, or choose a different language from the
drop-down list and click Go.
2. Do one of the following:
❍ To start the installation immediately, click Open or Run this program from its
current location.
❍ To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save
or Save this program to disk.
Additional Information
There are six Windows XP Setup boot floppy disks. These disks contain the files and drivers that
are required to access the CD-ROM drive and begin the Setup process.
Creating the Setup Disks

When you download the Setup disks, the download contains only one large program file. When
you run the downloaded file, it extracts the files. You receive the following prompt: This program
creates the Setup boot disks for Microsoft Windows XP. To create these disks, you need to provide
6 blank, formatted, high-density disks.
Specify the Floppy Drive to Copy the Images To

Type the drive letter for the floppy disk drive (this is typically drive A). After you type the floppy
disk drive letter, you see the following prompt:
Insert one of these disks into drive drive letter :. This disk will become the Windows XP Setup Boot
Disk.
Press any key when you are ready.
When you press a key, the downloaded file starts extracting and copying the files. Continue
inserting the blank disks as you are prompted to do so until all six disks are created. If the process
is interrupted you must run the downloaded program file again to create all six disks.
Make sure to label each disk appropriately with the number that is specified by the program. You
will have to use the disks in the correct order during the Setup process.
Using the Setup Disks

After you create all six disks, insert the first disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart the
computer. Note that the computer must be configured to boot from the floppy disk drive. In some
cases, you may need to modify your computer's BIOS settings to do this.
The Setup process starts. Insert the other floppy disks as you are prompted to do so. Note that
you will need to use the Windows XP CD-ROM to finish Setup.
Manage Your Profile |Contact Us
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use |Privacy Statement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?...en&FamilyID=E8FE6868-6E4F-471C-B455-BD5AFEE126D8 (2 of 2)21/03/2004 04:45:03 AM

Download details: Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
Microsoft.com Home | Site Map

Search Microsoft.com for:
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Download Center Home

Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot
Download Categories
Games
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DirectX
The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new
Internet installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct
Windows (Security & drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup.
Updates)
Windows Media Quick Info

Drivers File Name: WinXP_EN_PRO_BF.EXE Windows XP Professional
Utility: Setup Disks for
Office and Home
Download Size: 4287 KB Floppy Boot Install
Applications
English
Date Published: 10/24/2001
Mobile Devices
Macintosh & Other Version: 310994 Download
Platforms
Server Applications
Overview Change language
System Management
Tools The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a English Go
bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the
Development Resources
operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will
Resources automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the
Related Resources
Download Center Help CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You
cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk.
Related Download Sites ● TechEd 2004: Register by
Windows XP Home Edition startup disks will not work for April 16 and Save $300 US
Automatic Update
Services Windows XP Professional installations and vice-versa. ● Support Article: Obtaining
Windows XP Setup Boot
Disks
● Windows XP Professional
with Service Pack 1a Utility:
Setup Disks for Floppy Boot
Install
● Windows XP Expert Zone
Community
System Requirements
● Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME,
Windows NT, Windows XP
● Any x86 compatible system that meets the requirements for installing Microsoft Windows
XP Professional
Instructions
1. Click the Download link to start the download, or choose a different language from the
drop-down list and click Go.
2. Do one of the following:
❍ To start the installation immediately, click Open or Run this program from its
current location.
❍ To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save
or Save this program to disk.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?...en&FamilyID=55820EDB-5039-4955-BCB7-4FED408EA73F (1 of 2)21/03/2004 04:45:29 AM

Download details: Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
Manage Your Profile |Contact Us
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use |Privacy Statement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?...en&FamilyID=55820EDB-5039-4955-BCB7-4FED408EA73F (2 of 2)21/03/2004 04:45:29 AM

328874 - HOW TO: Change the Volume Licensing Product Key on a Windows XP SP1-Based Computer
All Microsoft.com
Products Guide

HOW TO: Change the Volume Licensing Product Key on a Windows XP SP1- Support Centers
Based Computer Windows
XP

Contact Microsoft
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the Options and Pricing, Online
registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a
Help, and more.
problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following
article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Customer Service
For non-technical
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry assistance with product
IN THIS TASK online services, events,
● SUMMARY
more.
❍ Use the Activation Wizard Newsgroups
❍ Use a Script Pose a question to other
■ ChangeVLKeySP1.vbs
■ ChangeVLKey2600.vbs
Microsoft products,
■ Example
SUMMARY Page Options

This article describes how to change the Windows XP product key in a Volume Licensing installation. Send
Because of changes in Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows XP-based computers that use a leaked Print
product key that is known to be available to the general public may not be able to install SP1 or
automatically obtain updates from the Windows Update Web site. For example, you may experience the
symptoms that are described in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article when you install SP1:
326904 Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
There are two methods that you can use to change the product key with volume licensing media after installation. You can use either
the Windows Activation Wizard graphical user interface (GUI) or a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) script.
The easier method to use is the Use the Activation Wizard method. Use this method when you only have a few computers on which to
change the product key. The Use a Script method is best when you have a number of computers on which you have to change the
product key.
back to the top
Use the Activation Wizard
If you have only a few volume licensing product keys to change, you can use the Activation Wizard.
NOTE: Microsoft recommends that you run System Restore to create a new restore point before you complete the following steps. For
information about how to create a restore point by using System Restore, see the "To Create a Restore Point" help topic in Help and
Support.
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating
system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor
at your own risk.

2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.


7. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9. Click Change Product key.
10. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.
If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
11. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.

12. Click OK.
13. Install SP1 for Windows XP.
If you cannot restart Windows after you install SP1, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good
Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.
back to the top
Use a Script
You can create a WMI script that changes the volume licensing product key, and then deploy this script in a startup script. The sample
ChangeVLKey2600.vbs script and the sample ChangeVLKeySP1 script that are described in this section use the new volume licensing
key that you want to enter, in its five-part alphanumeric form, as a single argument. Microsoft recommends that you use the
ChangeVLKey2600.vbs script on Windows XP-based computers that are not running SP1 and that you use the ChangeVLKeySP1.vbs
script on Windows XP-based computers that are running SP1. These scripts perform the following functions:
● They remove the hyphen characters (-) from the five-part alphanumeric product key.
● They create an instance of the win32_WindowsProductActivation class.
● They call the SetProductKey method with the new volume licensing product key.
You can create a batch file or a cmd file that uses either of the following sample scripts, together with the new product key as an
argument, and either deploy it as part of a startup script or run it from the command line to change the product key on a single
computer.
back to the top
ChangeVLKeySP1.vbs
'
' WMI Script - ChangeVLKey.vbs
'
' This script changes the product key on the computer
'
'***************************************************************************
ON ERROR RESUME NEXT
if Wscript.arguments.count<1 then
Wscript.echo "Script can't run without VolumeProductKey argument"
Wscript.echo "Correct usage: Cscript ChangeVLKey.vbs ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO-PRSTU-WYQZX"
Wscript.quit
end if
Dim VOL_PROD_KEY
VOL_PROD_KEY = Wscript.arguments.Item(0)
VOL_PROD_KEY = Replace(VOL_PROD_KEY,"-","") 'remove hyphens if any
for each Obj in GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}").InstancesOf

("win32_WindowsProductActivation")
result = Obj.SetProductKey (VOL_PROD_KEY)
if err <> 0 then

WScript.Echo Err.Description, "0x" & Hex(Err.Number)
Err.Clear
end if
Next
back to the top

ChangeVLKey2600.vbs
'
' WMI Script - ChangeVLKey.vbs
'
' This script changes the product key on the computer
'
'***************************************************************************
ON ERROR RESUME NEXT
if Wscript.arguments.count<1 then
Wscript.echo "Script can't run without VolumeProductKey argument"
Wscript.echo "Correct usage: Cscript ChangeVLKey.vbs ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO-PRSTU-WYQZX"
Wscript.quit
end if
Dim VOL_PROD_KEY
VOL_PROD_KEY = Wscript.arguments.Item(0)
VOL_PROD_KEY = Replace(VOL_PROD_KEY,"-","") 'remove hyphens if any
Dim WshShell
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.RegDelete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents\OOBETimer" 'delete OOBETimer
registry value
for each Obj in GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}").InstancesOf
("win32_WindowsProductActivation")
result = Obj.SetProductKey (VOL_PROD_KEY)
if err <> 0 then

WScript.Echo Err.Description, "0x" & Hex(Err.Number)
Err.Clear
end if
Next
back to the top
Example
The following example describes how to use the ChangeVLKeySP1.vbs script from a command line:

2. In the Open box, type the following command, where AB123-123AB-AB123-123AB-AB123 is the new product key that you
want to use, and then click OK:
c:\changevlkeysp1.vbs ab123-123ab-ab123-123ab-ab123
back to the top
● Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1

Keywords: kbenv kbhowto KB328874
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AIDA32 - Worldwide Sysinfo Tool
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Intl Forum and benchmarking program diagnosztikai és sebességmérõ
running on Win32 platforms. It program, mely a gép minden apró
===> FAQ extracts details of all porcikájáról képes mélyreható
Guide components of the PC. It can információkat gyûjteni, és azt a
Articles display information on the képernyõn megjeleníteni,
HW Links screen, print it, or save it to file kinyomtatni, vagy többféle
in various formats like HTML, formátumban (pl. HTML, CSV, XML)
CSV or XML. For corporate fájlba menteni. Vállalati felhasználók
users, AIDA32 offers command- számára az AIDA32 parancssori
line switches, network audit kapcsolókat, hálózati leltárt és leltár
and audit statistics, remote statisztikát, távoli rendszer
system information and információt és hálózati menedzselést
network management. is kínál.
Starting with version 3.00, A 3.00 verzióval kezdõdõen, az

AIDA32 is released in 3 AIDA32 három különbözõ
different variants. Please read változatban jelenik meg. A
the product matrix below to változatok közötti eltérésekrõl a lap
find out what are the alján található terméktáblázat
advantages of each variants. tájékoztat.
Features: Szolgáltatások:
full hardware & software teljes hardver és szoftver

information on 85 pages információ 85 oldalon
built-in hardware database: beépített hardver adatbázis:
detailed information about részletes információ 28000
28000 components alkatrészrõl
physical information for CPU, alaplap, merevlemez,
CPU, motherboard, hard optikai meghajtó fizikai információ
disk, optical drive alaplapi lapkakészlet, busz,
motherboard chipset, buses, szenzor információ
sensor information lista a telepített programokról,
installed programs, event eseménynaplókról
logs list
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-features.php?bit=32 (1 of 4)21/03/2004 04:48:36 AM

diagnostics module to diagnosztikai modul az esetleges

reveal possible problems problémák feltárására
memory benchmark memóriasebesség mérése
automatic audit via automatikus leltár készítés
command-line switches parancssori kapcsolókkal
SQL database support (ADO/ SQL adatbázis kezelés (ADO/
ODBC) ODBC)
remote control through TCP/ távoli vezérlés TCP/IP hálózaton
IP network keresztül
32-bit low-level hardware 32 bites alacsonyszintû hardver
detection felismerés
multi-threaded program többszálú program modell
model teljes Windows XP kompatibilitás
full Windows XP compatibility teljes Windows Server 2003
full Windows Server 2003 kompatibilitás
compatibility Iomega Active Disk támogatás
Iomega Active Disk support magyar, angol, albán, bolgár,
English, Albanian, cseh, dán, finn, francia, galego,
Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, görög, holland, horvát, japán,
Croatian, Czech, Danish, katalán, kínai, koreai, lengyel,
Dutch, Finnish, French, lett, litván, macedón, német,
Gallegan, German, Greek, norvég, olasz, orosz, portugál,
Hungarian, Italian, román, spanyol, svéd, szerb,
Japanese, Korean, Latvian, szlovák, szlovén, török, ukrán
Lithuanian, Macedonian, nyelvi modul
Norwegian, Polish,
Portuguese, Romanian,
Russian, Serbian, Slovak,
Slovenian, Spanish,
Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian
language module
Requirements: Követelmények:
32-bit or 64-bit Windows 32 vagy 64 bites Windows

operating system operációs rendszer
80386 or later x86 or IA-64 80386 vagy újabb x86 vagy IA-
processor 64 processzor
16 MB system memory 16 MB rendszermemória
5 MB disk space 5 MB lemezterület
Supported operating Támogatott operációs

systems: rendszerek:

Microsoft Windows 95 Microsoft Windows 95

Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2 Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2
Microsoft Windows 98 SE Microsoft Windows 98 SE
Microsoft Windows Me Microsoft Windows Me
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows XP 64- Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit
Bit Edition (AMD64, IA-64) Edition (AMD64, IA-64)
Microsoft Windows Server Microsoft Windows Server 2003
2003 (x86, AMD64, IA-64) (x86, AMD64, IA-64)
Microsoft Windows Longhorn Microsoft Windows Longhorn
Feature AIDA32 AIDA32 AIDA32

Szolgáltatás Enterprise Edition Personal Edition Network Edition
Full hardware information

Teljes hardver információ
Full software information
Teljes szoftver információ
DirectX information
DirectX információ
Diagnostics module
Diagnosztikai modul
Benchmarks
Sebességmérés
Web links
Webes linkek
Built-in hardware
database
Beépített hardver
adatbázis
Full Windows XP
compatibility
Teljes Windows XP
kompatibilitás
Automatic update from
LAN or Internet
Automatikus frissítés
helyi hálózatról vagy
internetrõl
32-bit Windows XP icons
32 bites Windows XP
ikonok
Network audit & audit
statistics
Hálózati leltár és leltár
statisztika

ADO/ODBC database
support
ADO/ODBC adatbázis
kezelés
Remote control through
TCP/IP network
Távoli vezérlés TCP/IP
hálózaton keresztül
TXT, HTML, MHTML
reports
TXT, HTML, MHTML
riportok
XML, CSV, MIF, INI
reports
XML, CSV, MIF, INI
riportok
AIDA32 plugins support
AIDA32 plugin támogatás
License
Freeware Freeware Freeware
Licenc
Copyright © 2002, 2003 Tamas Miklos. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

[ Back to Table of Contents ] [ << ] [ >> ] [ Feedback ]
XXCOPY TECHNICAL BULLETIN #33
From: Kan Yabumoto tech@xxcopy.com

To: XXCOPY user
Subject: A better boot diskette for WinNT/2000/XP
Date: 2003-03-05 (revised)
====================================================================
Introduction:
The previous article, XXTB #32 shows a technique to create a

quick boot disk which is convenient to start up a Win9x/ME system
when it fails to enter the Windows environment because any of the
master boot record (MBR), the boot sector, or the essential files
in the root directory is missing or damaged.
This article presents a similar technique for a Windows NT/2000/XP

system which fails to boot up into the Windows environment.
Again, the cause of the problem is typically in the MBR, the
boot sector and/or a few key files in the root directory.
When you install a Win9x/ME system on a Windows NT/2000/XP system,

the capability of dual-boot is sometimes lost. The standard
procedure for such an occasion is to use the Emergency Repair Disk
(ERD). But it requires an in-depth understanding of the operating
system environment. It is not for everybody. Besides, it is just
too slow.
Enter the Quick Boot Diskette:
Here's a simple procedure to create a Quick Boot diskette for

WinNT/2000/XP. It allows you to start up the Windows NT/2000/XP
system with a minimum hassle in case of bootup trouble.
Assume that you are running a healthy WinNT/2000/XP system.
http://www.xxcopy.com/xxcopy33.htm (1 of 7)21/03/2004 04:53:33 AM

Here's how to create the "Windows Quick Boot" diskette:
1. Open a DOS Box (Start > Run... > cmd).

2. FORMAT A:
3. XXCOPY16 C:\NTLDR A:\ /H
4. XXCOPY16 C:\NTDETECT.COM A:\ /H
5. XXCOPY16 C:\BOOT.INI A:\
Note: if you don't have XXCOPY16, use the standard ATTRIB

and COPY command to copy the hidden files. XXCOPY16 is a 16-bit
version of the XXCOPY freeware utility that is available at
http://www.xxcopy.com.
The three files listed above (NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM, and BOOT.INI)

are all essential. Optionally, you may copy the following files
if they are present in the root directory (needed only when you
need to boot into Win9x/ME as a dual-boot system)
6. XXCOPY16 C:\BOOTSECT.DOS A:\ /H

7. XXCOPY16 C:\IO.SYS A:\ /H
8. XXCOPY16 C:\MSDOS.SYS A:\ /H
9. XXCOPY16 C:\CONFIG.SYS A:\ /H
10. XXCOPY16 C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT A:\ /H
If you have a Recovery Console entry in the menu, add the

following two files.
11. XXCOPY16 C:\CMDCONS\NTDETECT.COM A:\CMDCONS\ /H

12. XXCOPY16 C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT A:\CMDCONS\ /H
If you use a SCSI disk, you also need the SCSI driver
13. XXCOPY16 C:\NTBOOTDD.SYS A:\ /H
That is it!!!
If you are not familiar with XXCOPY16, it is available in the

XXCOPY Freeware package.
The diskette is a bootable diskette which does not rely on any

file in the root directory of the C: drive.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Caution: The FORMAT command in the Windows NT/2000/XP
looks deceptively similar to the one which comes

with a DOS/Win9x/ME system. But, the boot

sectors of the two types of diskette are different
each other.
The boot code of a DOS/Win9x/ME diskette loads

and executes the IO.SYS file whereas that of a
WinNT/2000/XP diskette is tied to the NTLDR file.
If you use a pre-formatted diskette, you must

initialize the diskette using the FORMAT command
run in the NT/2000/XP environment as described
above (don't have the absense of the /S switch
in the FORMAT command fool you). You must not
skip the FORMAT step in this procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The BOOTSECT.DOS and \CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT are
specific to the particlar hard disk's drive
dimension and cannot be shared with other drive.
This dependency makes the WinXP Quick Boot Diskette
specific to the drive. If you have nearly identical
disk drives on a different machine, you may use one
Win9X Quick Boot Diskette on multiple machines as
long as the BOOT.INI configurations are made
sharable.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Customization:
The initial bootup menu reflects the contents of the BOOT.INI

file which you can edit by NotePad. The following pages in
Microsoft's web sites explains technical details of BOOT.INI.
Contents of the boot.ini file

Parameters for the boot.ini file
will show you how to edit the file in order to customize the
boot up procedure which is different from the disk-based bootup
configuration.

The version differentiation:
If you have studied my previous article, XXTB #32, you will

find many parallels in the DOS family (DOS/Win9x/ME) boot
procedure and the NT family (WinNT/2000/XP) boot procedure.
Unfortunately, this scheme does not work with XP.
The MBR is universal whether it is for DOS, Win9x, WinNT, or

even for Linux. On the other hand, once the boot up partition
is selected the corresponding boot sector (the first sector
of the partition) supplies a specific boot code which is
either for the DOS family (DOS/Win9x/ME) or the NT family.
In the DOS family, the first file loaded will be C:\IO.SYS

which is Windows-version specific. That is, when a particular
IO.SYS is loaded, it accepts only the proper version of Windows
and fails to boot up with any other version. The next file
looked at is C:\MSDOS.SYS which supplies the location of the
Windows system directory. So, once the IO.SYS is loaded,
you cannot choose Windows versions --- this is why it is
difficult to have multiple-versions of DOS family OS to be
loaded.
On the other hand, in the NT family, the first file loaded will
be NTLDR which is not version-specific. Therefore, you may select
which version within the NT family to load (WinNT4 or Win2000).
But if you mix NT versions, make sure that you use the NTLDR
module which came from the newer version. That is, Win2000's
NTLDR is good for NT4 but NT4's NTLDR cannot load Win2000.
About the Recovery Console:
The bare DOS environment is often useful in accessing files in

partitions formatted in FAT. On the other hand, files in an
NTFS partition cannot be accessed from DOS. When you have problem
in an NTFS volume, the standard method to repair the disk is
to load the Recovery Console. Even if you have a FAT-based
system disk for an NT/2000/XP system, fixing the MBR and the boot
sector needs the Recovery Console. After all, the Emergency
Repair Disk (ERD) is useful only when you establish the Recovery
Console (or the Emergency Repair Session).
It is strongly advised that you should go through the Recovery

Console at least once while your WinNT/2000/XP system is in good
health. There are three ways to enter the Recovery Console:

1. Use the set of Setup Diskettes (4 floppies).
This method is painfully slow. But, simplest to operate.
2. Use the original install CD-ROM and run /I386/WINNT.EXE (from

DOS), or /I386/WINNT32.EXE (from Windows). If the Install CD
is a bootable CD and your BIOS supports booting from the CD,
this is faster. Even if your system cannot boot from the CD,
if you have a Win9x Emergency Disk, it lets you configure
a DOS environment with CD access so that you can launch the
WINNT.EXE or WINNT32.EXE. Note, entering the Recovery
Console
uses the same setup procedure which is also used for a fresh
WinNT/2000/XP install. Be assured that you will be given a
menu to enter the Recovery Console instead of re-installing
the whole OS from scratch.
3. Use the files in the C:\CMDCONS (hidden) directory which can

be set up on your hard disk (while you have a healthy
Win2000). As one of the boot options in the menu which
are shown from entries in BOOT.INI, you can simply select
the Recovery Console option at the boot up time. This is
the quickest method of all. (We have tested this technique
only with Win2000 --- but not with NT4.)
We recommend the 3rd option as the most convenient method.

Basically, all of the three alternatives use exactly the same set
of files --- the difference is where these files are loaded from.
In the third case, it consumes about 7 MB of disk space which is
not much, today. Even in rare instances where your system fails
to go far enough to show you the boot menu, you can use the Quick
Boot Diskette to load the files in the C:\CMDCONS directory.
Here's how to set up the C:\CMDCONS files.
1. Inside Windows 2000, run the following console command

from the Install CD (assume it is accessed at D:)
D:\I386\WINNT32.EXE /cmdcons
This will create the C:\CMDCONS (hidden) directory and saves

all the files which are neccessary for the Recovery Console.
It also modifies the BOOT.INI file with an appropriate entry
for the Recovery Console option.

2. Edit the BOOT.INI file in your Quick Boot Diskette by

looking
at the newly modified C:\BOOT.INI file on your hard disk.
The line should look like the following:
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="MS Win2000 Recovery Console" /

cmdcons
Note: In the above discussion, the system volume was assumed

to
be C:\ which can be another drive letter.
Once you are in the Recovery Console, it is like the DOS world
(many familiar commands such as DIR, MKDIR, CHDIR, COPY, are
there).
The long filename is also supported. You can even invoke a batch
file (using a different syntax).
Troubleshooting:
If your system cannot boot up using the Quick Boot Diskette

made by this technique, you still need to run the Emergency
Repair Disk which is outside the scope of this article.
The following Microsoft article may be a good starting point:
"Description of the Windows 2000 Recovery Console".
Let me know if you encounter problems with the techniques

described in this article.
Kan Yabumoto
© Copyright 2003 Pixelab, Inc. All rights reserved.
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http://download.com.com/3000-2094-10126096.html21/03/2004 04:54:28 AM
Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
Registry Edits for Windows XP

"Tweaks and Tips"
View by Category by choosing one the groups below or scroll down to View
by List
To use the Regedits: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import
prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.
To use the VBS Files: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use
Save Target As). Double
click the vbs file. You will be prompted when the script is done.
NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have
"Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These scripts are not malicious, but they do make
changes to the System Registry.
Disclaimer: These registry edits and script files are presented "as is". Every effort has been made to ensure
the files work as stated. I assume no responsibility for your use of these files.
1. Add XP TweakUI Icon to the Control Add ControlUserPasswords2 To Control

Panel Panel
2. Increase Folder View Size Limit to Add Folder to Start Menu - Replace MP
8000 or MM
3. Restore Missing Toolbars EXE or VBS Disable CD AutoRun for Home or Pro
4. Repairs the Icon View Set Numlock State On or Off at Startup
Enable/Disable Administrator on
5. Background Switcher PowerToy
Welcome Screen
6. Restore System Default Sounds Fix the Ding.Wav File

Change Registered Owner and
7. Increase Balloon Tip Display Time
Organization
8. Ports Lock Remove Internet Explorer Branding
Restore OE to the E-mail List in Internet
9. Disable the Windows Logo Keys
Options
10. Enable CD AutoPlay for Pro Disable Media Player Update Message
11. Disable Balloon Tips or Disable All Disable Media Players Play List
12. EXE Fix for Windows XP Link File Fix for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm (1 of 21)21/03/2004 04:55:38 AM

Restore IE AutoComplete Password

13. Disable "No Computers Near Me"
Prompt
14. Uninstall/Reinstall NetMeeting Remove/Disable CD Burning Capability
15. Remove Common Tasks from the
Disable Search Assistant - Undo
Desktop
Add Recent Documents to the Classic

16. Active Desktop - Enable or Disable
Menu
17. Restore AutoPlay Icon Restore Thumbnail Views in XP
Search Opens When Double Clicking A
18. Add Google as Primary Search
Folder
19. Add Outlook Express as Default
Correct the Sort Order in Windows XP
Client
20. Restore IE Desktop Shortcut Icon Disable the File Menu in Windows
Functions Explorer
Add Empty Recycle Bin to the Right

21. Disable System Beeps
Click
22. Hide Users on Welcome Screen -
Disable the Security Tab - Hardware Tab
Unhide
23. Run Startup Programs from the CMD
Allow or Disable CD Burn Options
Prompt
24. Add Move To and Send To to the
Clear Search History under Search
Right Click
25. Prompt for Password on Resume - Open With Notepad for Files with No
Undo Extension
Disable Internet Search for File

26. Add Command Line to the Right Click
Extensions
Remove Set Program Access & Defaults -
27. Secure Desktop - Undo
Undo

Windows Update Restriction Error

28. Control Panel Icons are Missing
(Network)
29. Run Command - Reinstalling Internet Disable Getting Started Welcome Screen
Explorer - Logon
30. Windows XP Doesn't Save User Change Associations from the Run
Settings Command
31. Windows XP Startup - Boot Disable Changes Made to the Start Menu
Performance - Undo
32. KeepRas Connection (FUS) Exe or
Remove the Search Button
Reg
33. Remove Toolbars from Taskbar Right Remove Users Folder From the Start
Click Menu
Super Fast Switcher PowerToy (Winkey
34. Restore Fast User Switching
+ Q)
Drive Rescue - Undelete and Data
35. Do Not Request Alternate Creditials
Recovery Tool
Enable Clear Type also on the Welcome

36. Recover and Restore Deleted Files
Screen
37. Clear Form Fields in AutoComplete AutoComplete Mode Enabled or Disabled
Remove Added Links from the Tool
38. Set Auto Disconnect Back to Default
Menu
39. AutoRuns - All Programs Running Delete an Undeletable File in Windows
Boot/Login XP
40. Enhance CMD Quick Edit Options XP Info - Verifies Activation Components
41. Disable the Indexing Service (cisvc.

Clear Recent File Lists
exe)
42. Hide the Common Dialog Places Bar Remove CD Burning Features - Undo
43. Hide the Display List of Recent Files Hide the Common Dialog Back Button

44. Add Switch User to the Start Button Remove Access to all Windows Update
& RC Features
45. Add Copy To/Move To (Right Click) Restore the Welcome Screen - Gina.Dll
- Undo Error
46. Content Advisor On (Place in Startup Content Advisor Off (Place in Startup
Folder) Folder)
47. Regedit - Save to Favorites Regedit - Clear Last State
Disk Cleanup-Compress Old Files
48. Disable Windows Installer Rollback
Freezes-Undo
Add Toolbar to Outlook Express
49. Old Style Search Engine On or Off
(OETool)
Prevent My Documents and Recent
50. Clear History of Typed URL's
Documents
51. ScreenSaver Disable , Enable or Tab Enable the Task Manager - Disable Task
Missing Manager
52. Shutdown.Exe - Andrej Budja Add a Website Link to the Start Menu
53. Remove Past Items From Notification Hide or Show Inactive Icons -
Area Notification Area
Save Settings on Exit - Don't Save
54. Restore Admin Tools (.msc)
Settings
55. Restore Recent Documents, My Increase Internet Explorer Downloads to
Documents 10
56. Remove Files Stored on this Enable or Disable Right Click Context
Computer Undo Menu
57. Restore winhlp32.exe for XP or
Restore the Run Command
XPSP1
58. Recovery Console Fix for XP SP1 Restore User Default Pictures
Remove "For Testing Purposes Only" -
59. Disable Messenger in Outlook Express
Desktop

60. Email Page - IE (right click) w/ Correct IE Window Placement (Reg or

Clickable Link VBS)
Restore/Add Show Desktop to Quick

61. Change Provided By in IE
Launch Bar
62. Disable the Desktop Cleanup Wizard Separate Process for the Desktop and
- Undo Explorer
63. Home Page Lock for Internet Explorer Home Page Unlock for Internet Explorer
64. Reset OE for Send To , Mail To , Replace/Repair the Recycle Bin in
Send Mail Windows XP
Search Google Address Bar, Q#'s, MS-
65. Disable Low Disk Space Message
KB, TN
66. Error 1606 ... Access Network Prevent Programs from Stealing Focus -
Location Undo
67. Run Scheduled Tasks w/o PW Home
Enable Show Status Bar
- Undo
Page Cannot be Found and/or DNS/
68. Set Menu Delay to 400
Server Error
69. Reuse Same Window Internet Startup/Shutdown/Logon/Logoff Status
Explorer-Undo Messages
70. Search is Missing from the Start Menu Clear Recent Documents
71. Speed up Moving or Copying Zip

WinFile.Exe
Files
SendTo Any Folder and SendTo
72. Enable/Disable Desktop Icons
Clipboard
73. Enable or Disable Personalized Enable or Disable Personalized Menus -
Menus - Start Favorites
Network Places Missing from the Start
74. AVI Search Remove - Restore
Menu
75. Search Shows Yellow Triangle with ! MS Windows File Extension Identifier

Auto End Tasks to Enable a Proper

76. Power Off or Reboot After Shutdown
Shutdown
77. Disable "Log on using dial-up
Uninstall NetMeeting
connection"
78. Common Tasks View - Disable or
Enable or Disable Winkeys
Enable
79. Speedup Browsing (Explorer and IE)
Speedup Network Logon/Boot
Undo
80. Disable or Restore Picture and Fax
Enable the Welcome Screen
Viewer
Disable Pop-Up Error Messages Upon

81. Increase Slide Show Timeout
Boot
82. Disable or Enable Check Disk Upon
Change Program File Directory
Boot
83. Change File Time Created/Modified/
Properties Missing From My Computer
Accessed
Windows Installer Logging or Cleanup
84. Restore Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr)
Utility
85. Set Detail View for all Folders Open/ Restore Compressed Zipped Folders
Save As Association
86. Taskbar Grouping by # or Least ,

Shortcut to Search
Most Used
87. Dial-up Modem or PPPoE is
Check E-Mail from Anywhere
Unavailable
88. Set Default Web Browser in Windows Hide Inactive Icons and More
Find File Information (Name, Version
89. Easy Log Off, Shutdown and Restart
and Path)
90. Expand ReadMe.Txt Zip Files w/o Read Reg, VBS Edits w/o Opening (also
Opening File info)

91. Disable or Enable AutoDial Customize Folder Shell Extensions

92. Show Full URL Path links in IE Change Online Support Link under IE/
Status Bar Help
93. Logon Using a Dial-Up Connection Remove Links folder from IE/Favorites -
Prompt Undo
Enable Notepad Status Bar with Word
94. Windows Installer Fix
Wrap
95. Disable Messenger Service (Pop-up Change the Warning Message in
Spam) Messenger
Add SpellChecker & Button to Internet

96. Disable Control/Alt/Delete
Explorer
97. Decrease the Size of Taskbar Buttons Increase the Size of Taskbar Buttons -
- Undo Undo
98. Enable/Disable LogOff - Classic or
Create Start Up List or Start Up Log
New
99. Restore the Task Bar to Default
Security Hotfix Checker Tool
Settings
100. Disable Unread Mail on the Check and Open Desktop Paths or MP or
Welcome Screen MM
101. Prevent IE History Being Removed -

Disable Show My Pictures Toolbar in IE
Undo
102. Hide System Desktop Icons Hide IE Icon from the Desktop Toolbar
103. Enable Mouse Snap To Option/ Save As - Disable: Back, MRU and
Function Places Bar
104. Remote Task Manager Active Registry Monitor
105. Disable Remote Dial-Up
Disable "Save As" File History
Connections
Restore Hide Underlined Letters -

106. Lock Default Browser
Keyboard Nav

107. Change the Sort Order back to Pre-

Restore the Device Manager
XP
108. FavesToGo - Save Favorites Quickly FavOrg - Restore and Save Favorite Icons
109. Change Computer Name Empty Temporary Internet Files on Exit
110. Add Message above User Name & Add Dialog Box/Message to Logon and
Password Shutdown
111. Restore Run As - Which user

Change the Name of the Start Button
account issue
112. Add "Log Folder Contents" to
Show File Information
SendTo Menu
113. Enable the Task Manager - Disable - BootVis - Performance Trace
Repair Visualization Tool
114. Redirect Help and Support to a link Enable Reinstallation of Internet Explorer
of choice or OE
115. Rename/Remove the Recycle Bin Read/Find your Product ID Number
116. Prevent Spyware from Being Show All Hidden Devices in the Device
Installed Manager
Add Trillian to the Tools Menu and
117. Restore Taskbar and Start Menu
Toolbar in IE
Add Folders to the "Save As" Dialog
118. Change Notification Error Wave File
(Places Bar)
Change the Folder Icon &/or Opened
119. Change the Hard Drive Icon
Folder Icon
120. Mouse/Left Hand Users - Welcome
List My Computer or My Documents First
Screen
Change Icon Wrap to One Line on the

121. Increase Icon Cache
Desktop
IE/Windows Update - Change Text or
122. Show All Bitmap Views
Remove

Disable Changes to File Associations -

123. Add Notepad as a Right Click Item
Undo
124. Add Explore CD-Rom to Start Add a Folder to the Start Button - Right
Button (R/C) Click
125. List Page File Location, Min and
System Up Time
Max
126. Show Boot Configuration(s) View Log Events by Code or List or Clear
Show Super Hidden File Extensions -
127. Disable Windows File Protection
Undo
128. Task Bar Lock - Task Bar Unlock Restore Desktop and Screensaver Tabs
Control the F Lock Key Functionality
129. Restore Folder Options Under Tools
State/Status
130. Add a Folder to My Computer and
Add Clipboard to the Control Panel
Desktop
Change My Computer Name to User

131. Disable the Shutdown Command
Name-Undo
Disable Searched Word Being
132. Change and/or Add an HTML Editor
Highlighted in Blue
133. Restore Most Frequently Used - Replace AM & PM (Clock) with word of
Undo Choice
134. Hide All Notification Area Icons - Hide the Clock in the Notification Area -
Undo Undo
Restore Accessibility Options to Default
135. Clear Read-Only Attributes
Settings
Show IP Address on the Desktop, plus

136. Search for All File Types
more.
137. Remove "Open With" from Context
Disable Stand-by: Per User or Per System
Menu

138. New Folder Hotkey - SM, Desktop, Google Search from IE's Right-Click
Specify Menu
Add to or Modify the "New" Menu
139. Restore Zip Folders to Default in XP
Listings
Show Slide Show of Attached Pictures in
140. Rename Files and Folders En Masse
OE
Add a Custom Splash Screen for User

141. Help, CHM, HH Checker/Fixer
Logon's
Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes -
142. Disable the Script Debugger in IE
Disable
143. Enable or Disable the Splash Screen
Enable or Disable the Splash Screen for IE
for OE
144. Clear Wallpaper Most Frequently
Add (OE) Send E-Mail to the Right Click
Used List
145. Control Panel - Classic or Category
Clear NetMeeting Call History
View
146. Retrieve the Class Name for a File Add or Remove Programs Restriction -
Extension Undo
147. Add Internet E-mail Message to
Restore or Place Briefcase to the Desktop
New Menu
148. Set All Search Options to Active - Clear Disabled Items from Msconfig
Undo Startup
Add Taskbar Grouping Options to the
149. Clear Cache on Reboot
Start Menu
150. Add Open New Window to the Clear Last User on W2K Style Boot
Right Click Screen in XP
151. Rename "Search" on the Start Menu

Set "Search" Advanced Options as Default
- Undo
152. Rename "Run" on the Start Menu - Rename "Help and Support" on Start
Undo Menu-Undo

153. Restore Missing "New" and Text Change Size of Desktop Wallpaper to
Doc Suit - Undo
Remove "All Programs" from Start Menu
154. Disable Shut Down Per User
- Undo
155. Enable/Disable Show Hidden Files/ Repair Loss of Internet Access/Certain
Folders Web Sites
156. Disable SSPD and UPNP Services -

Clear the Run Command MRU List
Undo
157. Prevent Automatic Folder and Icon Prevent Delay Opening My Computer/
Refresh Explorer
Remove Throbber from IE & Explorer -
158. Change the Recycle Bin Icon - Undo
Undo
159. Minimize Any Program to System Add "Show Related Links" to Internet
Tray Explorer
160. Enable Monitor Power-off on Logon Disable or Enable Pin to Start Menu -
Screen Right Click
Restore: On Resume, Display Welcome

161. Hide Start Menu Subfolders - Undo
Screen
162. Restore HTML, HTM, URL Thumb
Restore XML Thumbnail View
View
Disable/Enable Caps Lock or the Insert
163. Restore Terminal Services
Key
164. Restore Taskbar to Default Disable or Enable Always Ask Before
Functionality Opening...
165. Disable/Enable Start Menu Disable/Enable Run Keys Per User or Per
Subfolders System
166. Restore/Place Search on the Start Add Icon Cache Size to Folder Options/
Menu View
167. Force Classic Start Menu Remove Send Feedback Menu Option

168. Clipboard Reader Read Host Files in Notepad

Enable or Disable Pinned Items on the
169. Shutdown Shortcut
Start Menu
170. Add Windows Explorer to the Right Expand "System" in the Start Menu/
Click Control Panel
171. Enable or Disable Active Window Office XP Error 1706 - ProPlus.Msi Fix -
Tracking O2K
172. Msinfo32 Batch File - To Gain Add System Information to the Right
Access Click
173. Repair the Registry Editor Stops the Selective Startup Screen
174. Remove Added IE Toolbar Entries Restore Media Files
175. Restore Empty/Full Icons - Recycle
Restore Right Click .inf/Install
Bin
176. Add XP Google Group Search to IE Add MS Knowledge Base to the IE

Toolbar Toolbar
177. Restore the Web Tab - Display Restrict Changes from Being Made in OE
Properties - Undo
178. Restore the Go Button Disable Open in a New Window
179. Shell Icon Changer - Or Set Back to
Windows Update Greyed Out - Restore
Default
180. Add a Folder Under the Run Add Attributes/InfoTips to Files and
Command Folders
181. Account SID Association (run w/

Network Login Profile (run with cscript)
cscript)
182. User Account Information (run w/ Listing Local User Account Information
cscript) (SID)
183. View Source - Restore Notepad as View Source - Add or Change Editor
Default (Also for 6)

Restore Jdbgmgr.Exe (3805) For Build

184. Disable Thumbnail Cache
3810
185. Remove Desktop Version from
Remove Icon Shortcut Symbols - Restore
Desktop
186. Restore Run As to the Right Click - Show File and Folder Names Using
Undo Correct Case
Restore Luna Theme - Restore Classic
187. Restore Themes Functionality
Theme
188. Add or Remove - Administrator Add Save & Restore Desktop Layout to
Error Menu
Correct Windows Media Player 9 "Logo
189. Correct DirectX 9 "Logo Error"
Error"
190. Hide Selected/Specific File
Customize Auto Hide Taskbar Settings
Extension Paths
191. Change CD/RW, DVD Name in

Restore Paint
Explorer
Restore the Toolbars From Being Greyed
192. Change .bmp Default to Paint
Out
193. Remove Hotfixes from Add or
Disable Messenger from Outlook
Remove
194. Disable Highlight New Programs -
Language Bar Remove - Restore
Undo
195. Remove Hotbar Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar
196. Sort All by Alphabet - Start Menu

Top 10 XP Most Frequently Asked Q & A
and Fav's
197. Display Simple Folder View - Undo Remove Shared Documents - Undo
198. Add Open Target Folder to Context
Enable or Disable Ctrl/Alt/Delete
Menu

Hide Recycle Bin on Desktop - Not from

199. Enable Folder and Icon Refresh
Explorer
200. Disable Save This Program to Disk
Change Thumbnail View to 96 or 32
Option
Disable IE HTML Source Editor Check -

201. Restore marscore.dll
Undo
202. Disable Notepad being listed under
Set Magnify Options Back to Default
FUP
203. Restore Display Icon in Control
Restore Right Click Properties
Panel
204. Force Auto Refresh Restore Power Schemes/Configurations
Disable the Auto Logon Shift Override
205. Backup DUN Settings
Feature
Remove Hand Icon for Shared Resources

206. Hotbar - Explorer/New Freezes
- Undo
207. Hide User Name in Start Menu - Restore Properties - My Computer &
Undo Documents
208. Disable Update Device Driver Remove Add or Remove Restrictions -
Wizard Undo Undo
209. Remove "Shortcut to..." Prefix on Open Each Folder in New or Same
Shortcuts Window
Change the Number of Recent
210. Allow Folder Names in Uppercase
Documents to 25
211. Restore Startup and Shutdown Disable Sticky Keys or Delete Sticky
Sounds Keys
212. Disable - Use the Web Service to Disable .Net Passport Balloon Pop-up -
find ... Restore
213. Disable or Enable Registry Editing
Display Mouse Pointer Trails - Undo
Tools

214. Windows/Buttons Greyed Out - Windows XP Style Changes to Windows

Appearance Classic
215. Advanced Tab Missing in IE - Set Folder Default to Open & Use Same
Restore Window
216. Set Toolbar Backgrounds back to Remove My Computer from Desktop/

Default Start Menu
217. Set Stretch as Default Desktop - Highlight Text Blue - Set own
Undo Customized Color
218. Disable Save As MRU Restore Taskbar Grouping
219. Re-Run Missed Tasks Notification - Remove the Display Icon from the
Undo Control Panel
220. Restore Open With on the Right
Remove Overture Search Branding in IE
Click
221. Set SnapTo and Mouse Trails as

Restore System Information (Msinfo32)
Default
222. Restore Address Bar Search - Google Restore Save As Web Page Complete
223. Align Drop Down Menu's to the
Disable Storage of .Net Passwords
Right
224. Show Control Panel on the Start Restore Disk Management Snap-In
Menu Extension
225. Restore Folder Options/Internet Change the Logon Screen Saver
Options Automatically
Remove the White Space from Add or

226. Remove the Taskbar
Remove
Restore/Enable Screensaver Tab Settings/
227. Set IE Text Font to Smaller or Larger
Display
228. Use Small Icons for Start Menu Stop My Documents from Opening Upon
Programs Boot
229. Set IE Search to Default Open TIF Images within Internet Explorer

Wait is Greyed Out under Screen Saver

230. Restore Group Policy Snap-in
Tab
Set Internet Explorer to Full Screen -

231. Show Favorites Expanded
Undo
232. Lift Screen Saver Restrictions -
Change Screen Saver Automatically
Admin
233. Enable Single Click to Open an Item Enable Drag and Drop
234. Automatically Resize Image in IE
AutoPlay Repair Tool
Window
Set Splash Screen to None - Remove
235. Restore Help and Support Service
OEM
236. Appearance/Effects - Restore Enable or Disable Clear Type under

Smooth Edges Effects
237. Change Hard Drive Icon in Explorer Alt-Tab Replacement PowerToy
238. Disable Update Checks for Internet
Remove Keylogger Reg Files
Explorer
239. Disable Local Stylesheets in Internet Close Command Greyed Out in IE and
Explorer WE
240. Programs Aren't Minimized in the Restore My Music Folder on the Start
Taskbar Menu
241. Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit

Restore Choose Program - Open With
Tools
242. Set the "Save Attachments" Default Disable Background Notice Balloon in
in OE Messenger
243. Allow Changes Being Made to Taskbar Toolbar Menu is Greyed Out -
Taskbar Restore
244. Disable File Deleted Confirmation - Remove Restriction on Recycle Bin Size
Undo Limit

245. Remove the ">" from OE Forwarded

Set the Address Bar to IE/XP Default
E-Mail
246. Restore Show Desktop Icons TweakUI with XP SP1 - TweakUI

Context Menu without SP1
247. Set IE to Check for Default Browser Enable the Favorites Wizard Restriction
248. Enable or Disable Scroll Programs Clear Page File on Exit - Undo
Restore My Network Places to the
249. Set Default XP Font Back to Tahoma
Desktop
250. List Loaded and Installed Device Restore Hotmail, Outlook and OE under
Drivers Programs
Specify Exe Files to be Lauched by

251. Remove NetMeeting Call History
Winlogon
Restore Remote Access Connection
252. Download OE Quote Fix
Manager
253. Lan Settings- Proxy Server - Disable PSP Thumbnail Handler - Paint Shop Pro
Disable or Enable Downloads per User in
254. Remove JRE - Sun TreatAs Entry
IE
My Documents Folder Opens Upon Boot
255. Restore Group Policy Snap-In
(for C:\)
Effects Options are Greyed Out -

256. Restore the Control Panel - Disable
Appearance
257. Remote Procedure Call Worm A-E - Win XP Security Patch: Buffer Overrun
Edit In RPC e
Disable Send To from the Context Menu
258. Remove the W32.Randex.E Worm
- Undo
259. Online Virus Scanner: Trend -
Kaspersky Labs Anti-Virus Software
Symantec
260. Open New IE Window is Blank - Fix System32 Folder Opens Upon Boot

261. List of Startup Programs Running at

Restrict Desktop Theme Controls
Login
262. Remove W32. Sobig.F Worm Prevent Manipulations of the Taskbar
263. Disable Default Save As to My
iLookup Spyware Uninstaller
Pictures
264. Restore Missing Tabs to Task Access Denied - CD Rom, Floppy,
Manager Removable
265. Default XP Calculator Enlarged Restore Search to the Context Menu
266. Prevent Prompting for Hotfix Lock Internet Explorer Toolbar Options
KB828026 in Place
267. Restore "Turn Off Computer" - Start
Restart the Shell Automatically
Menu
268. Restore All Tabs under Internet
Restore RasMan Service to Automatic
Options
269. Disable or Enable Resize Graphic -
Hide Start Up Scripts
Send To
Restrict Changes Made to Connections -
270. Connect To - Restore Options
Undo
271. Stuck in Classic View? Undo Now Notepad with Spell Check and More
272. Remove Network Places - Undo Prevent Prompting for Hotfix Q811493
273. Outlook Mail Counter on Welcome
Restore Offline Files Tab - Folder Options
Screen
274. Repair the Office XP Shortcut Bar/ Add Open New Browser Window to IE
Buttons Toolbar
275. Lift Restrictions - TM, Regedit and Search for Network Folders and Printers -
CMD Undo
276. Enable/Disable My Computer Icon Enable/Disable Taskbar Grouping

Restore Show Net Connections - Connect
277. Enable or Disable Thumbnail View
To

278. Restore/Enable System Restore Disable Start Menu Pin To List - Enable
Change/Customize Branding in Outlook
279. Clear File Name MRU
Express
280. Restore Defrag.Exe W32.Swen.A@mm Removal Tool
OETune Sets Individual Sounds To Mail

281. Disable the Floppy Drive - Enable
Folders
282. Enable the Appearance Tab - Display Disable All Internet Explorer Toolbars
283. Restore Content Advisor to Default
Add the Outlook 2003 Icon to the Desktop
Settings
284. Restore or Remove Manage -
Reveal Hidden Dll Files/Icons - Undo
Context Menu
285. Restore/Replace the Manage CLSID
Restore All Display Tabs
Default
286. Restore the "New" Context Menu to

Search asks for Office CD
Default
287. Restore Download to Directory
Restore Search - Indexing Service
Setting
288. Restore Cryptographic Service -
Add Run in Separate Memory - 16 bit
CryptSvc
289. Start Menu - Enable Restore System Restore Service
Open My Computer - Double Pane or
290. Hide Inactive Icons - Greyed Out
Single Pane
291. Restore Defrag Snap-In Restore My Computer Manage

292. Update Rollup 1for XP View All Running Processes
293. Remove Media Player from
QHosts Removal Tool
Toolbars - Undo
294. Prevent Check Disk Upon Boot -
Hide or Show Notification Area Icons
Undo

Suppress Online Media Content via the

295. Lift Active Desktop Restrictions
Media Bar
296. Lift MMC/GPEDIT Snap-In

Microsoft Security Bulletin Service
Restrictions
Remove Taskbar/ Start Menu from
297. Disable the Taskbar Context Menus
Control Panel
298. Taskbar Repair Tool Plus! Hide System Clock - Undo
299. List Administrative Tools in Control
Microsoft Glossary and Acronyms
Panel
Enable or Disable the Outlook Express
300. Restore the Machine Debug Manager
Toolbar
301. Lock XP with Fast User Switching

Restore .ico File Associations
Enabled
Require Alphanumeric Windows
302. Disable CMD
Password
303. Hide Share Passwords with Asterisks Disable the Windows XP Tour
304. Cardfile Replacement of MS cardfile. Show Window Contents While Dragging
exe - Undo
305. Set .vbs Files to Open as Default Set Txtfile to Default to Notepad
306. Decryption of XP Files Clear Recent Media Player List - Undo

307. Disable Monitor Power-off on
Save Attachments OE - Greyed Out
Logon Screen
308. Clear Run Commands Selectively Restore Wordpad.Exe
309. Restore Accessories - Start Menu/
Outlook - Minimize To System Tray
All Prog
310. Restore Services to Default Messenger Service Add
311. Doug's Windows XP Security NCS Account View/Account

Console Management

312. Save User Name and Password

Restrict Author Mode in MMC
Greyed Out
313. CWShredder version 1.52.2 IE Crashes - Browse in New Process
314. File Associations are Greyed Out
. List All Links On This Page
Note:
The majority of these tweaks and fixes are my own work. Others are collaborative efforts with MVP's
Doug Knox, Bill James and David Candy. Any others, remain the property of their original authors.
Special thanks to Doug Knox, Bill James and David Candy.
Tweak Downloads Windows XP From A to Z

Troubleshooting Windows XP Registry Edits
Utilities for XP
Home Page Win98 - 03/19/2004 - Home Page WinXP

© Copyright Kelly Theriot MS-MVP(DTS) 2004. All rights reserved.

WindowsXP Tips
WindowsXP Tips
Performance
Services You Can Disable - Updated 10/30/03
Faster DOS Printing - Added 6/21/03
Cleaning the Prefetch Directory - Added 3/2/03
Increasing the Folder Cache - Added 1/6/03
Increasing Graphics Performance - Added 11/27/01
Disabling Balloon Tips - Added 11/9/01
Speeding Up the Display of Start Menu Items - 11/8/01
Increasing System Performance - Added 8/16/01
Networking / Internet
Running Network Diagnostics - Added 3/4/04
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install - Added 12/9/03
Adding TCP/IP Printers - Added 1/7/03
Installing Java Virtual Machine - Updated 12/21/02
Disable Shared Documents - Added 11/23/02
Fix Browsing Delay to Win98/ME Computers - Added 5/4/02
Using the Internet Explorer Classic Search - Added 4/20/02
WINIPCFG for XP - Added 4/1/02
Allowing Network Access with Blank Passwords - Added 3/23/02
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windowsxp_tips.htm (1 of 58)21/03/2004 04:58:29 AM

WindowsXP Tips
Reinstalling the TCP/IP Protocol - Added 3/2/02

Remembering Outlook / Outlook Express Password - Submitted 1/26/02
Turning Off the Firewall - Added 1/26/02
Installing the NetBEUI Protocol - Added 11/7/01
Setting System Time Over the Internet - Added 11/5/01
Configuring the Firewall - Added 8/16/01
Changing the Internet Explorer Title - Added 8/16/01
Repairing
Fixing Cryptographic Services Error - Added 12/8/03
Fixing Explorer Searching Rather Than Opening Directories - Added 11/30/03
Repair Install - Added 2/9/03
Missing or Corrupt NTOSKRNL - Added 2/9/03
Missing or Corrupt HAL.DLL - Added 2/9/03
Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG - Added 2/9/03
NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found - Added 2/9/03
ReInstalling WindowsXP - Added 5/21/02
Startup/Shutdown
Configure for Auto-Logon - Added 11/28/03
Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages - Added 3/2/03
Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box - Added 1/31/03
Hiding the Last User Logged On - Added 1/4/03
Poweroff at Shutdown - Added 1/4/03
Adding SafeBoot to the Boot Menu - Added 4/23/02
Speeding the Startup of Some CD Burner Programs - Added 4/23/02
No GUI Boot - Added 4/23/02
Getting Rid of Unread Email Messages- Updated 4/20/02
Re-Installing User Login Pictures - Added 4/5/02
Decreasing Boot Time - Added 3/4/02
Hide/Unhide Logon Names - Added 3/3/02
Original NT Style Logon Screen - Updated 1/19/02
Creating a Shutdown/Reboot Icon - Added 11/11/01
Desktop / Toolbar / Explorer

Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders - Added 3/4/04
Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar - Added 12/26/03

WindowsXP Tips
Remembering Folder Settings - Added 12/21/02

Disable Explorer Thumbnail View - Added 12/4/02
Saving Desktop Settings - Added 9/11/02
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop - Added 9/10/02
Controlling the Desktop Cleanup Wizard - Added 7/24/02
Using the Classic Search in Explorer - Added 4/11/02
Search Companion Error - Added 4/1/02
Opening a Command Prompt to a Particular Directory from Explorer - Added 3/18/02
Selecting What Details to Display in the Explorer - Added 2/3/02
Changing the Default Search Settings - Added 11/5/01
Opening an Explorer Window to the Directory You Want - Added 9/4/01
Displaying the QuickLaunch Toolbar - Added 8/16/01
Displaying and Configuring the Classic Start Menu - Added 8/16/01
Misc
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock - Added 3/4/04
DOS Tips in XP - Submitted 3/4/04
Stopping the Messenger Service - Added 6/21/03
Accessing Non-Listed Display Configurations - Added 3/2/03
Stop Password Expiration - Updated 12/21/02
Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus - Added 12/4/02
Adding Environment Variables - Added 12/4/02
Disable Passport Pop-Up - Added 11/26/02
Show Hidden Devices - Submitted 11/26/02
Spell Check Not Working With Outlook Express and Office97 - Added 11/23/02
Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu - Submitted 11/23/02
Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray - Submitted
11/23/02
Printing a Directory - Added 11/12/02
Removing Thumbs.db Files - Added 11/12/02
Enable / Disable the Task Manager - Added 10/17/02
Using Media Player 6.4 - Added 9/10/02
Clearing the Page File on Shutdown - Updated 7/24/02
Restoring Access to CD ROMs - Added 5/22/02
Setting the Dir Command to Display Filenames on the Left - Added 5/10/02
Dell Computer Not Keeping Correct Time - Added 5/5/02
Formatting a Partition Greater than 32 GIG with FAT32 - Added 4/27/02
Logging in as Administrator - Added 4/11/02
Correcting Fast User Switching Error - Added 4/11/02
No To All When Overwriting Files - Added 4/5/02

WindowsXP Tips
Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version - Added 4/1/02

Changing Drive Letters - Added 3/30/02
Turn off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as the Default Image Viewer - Updated 3/29/02
Changing the Default DOS Window Properties - Added 3/22/02
Changing the Registered Owner - Added 3/20/02
Adding Time Servers - Added 3/18/02
Creating a Boot Floppy - Added 3/14/02
Changing the Login Screen Saver - Added 3/8/02
Running NetMeeting - Added 3/8/02
Set the Online Registration as Being Completed - Added 3/4/02
Re-Enabling System Restore - Added 3/3/02
Renaming the Start Button - Added 2/25/02
Rollback a Device Driver - Added 2/18/02
Closing Multiple Taskbar Items - Submitted 2/3/02
Grouping Similar Taskbar Buttons - Added 1/26/02
Turning Off the Guest Account - Added 1/22/02
Turning Off the Built-In CD Burner - Added 1/15/02
Hiding System Tray Icons - Added 1/10/02
Faster Task Switching - Added 1/6/02
WindowsXP Command Line Utilities - Added 2/5/02
Disabling Error Reporting - Added 12/5/01
Adding a Title for the Command Prompt Title Bar - Added 11/27/01
Creating an Automated Install of WindowsXP - Added 11/12/01
Command Line Help Reference - Added 11/11/01
Using the System File Checker - Added 11/11/01
Creating a Password Recovery Disk - Added 11/5/01
Disabling Hibernation - Added 8/20/01
Locking the Workstation - Added 8/19/01
Changing the Picture Displayed for a User - Added 8/19/01
Removing the MSN Messenger - Added 8/16/01
Common Command Console Utilities - Added 8/16/01
Automatically Ending Non-Responsive Tasks - Added 8/16/01
Changing Visual Effects - Added 8/16/01
Changing System Restore Settings - Added 8/16/01
Changing Programs That Start Automatically - Added 8/16/01
Adding / Removing Additional Programs - Added 8/16/01
Increasing File System Caching - Added 8/16/01
Enabling NumLock on by Default - Added 8/16/01

WindowsXP Tips
Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders
Added 3/4/04
If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,

just run:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock
Added 3/4/04
If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Keyboard
3. Open InitialKeyboardIndicators
4. Change the value to one of the following numbers
0 - All Keys off
1 - Caps Lock on
2 - Num Lock on
4 - Scroll Lock on
For multiple keys, add their values:
3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on
5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on
6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on
7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on
5. Log off and back on again
Running Network Diagnostics
Added 3/4/04
Network Diagnostics scans your system to gather information about your hardware, software, and
network connections.
Start / Run / NETSH DIAG GUI

WindowsXP Tips
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

WindowsXP Tips
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=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install
Added 12/9/03
Sometimes you can't access a WinXP computer after installing Norton Anti-Virus.
There might be a variety of errors at the other computer depending on the operating system.
On the XP computer, in the Event Viewer / System log, there will be the following error:
The server's configuration parameter "irpstacksize" is too small for the server to use a local device.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver
\parameters
3. Edit the IRPStackSize
4. Give it a value of 15
5. Reboot the computer

WindowsXP Tips
Fixing Cryptographic Services Error
Added 12/8/03
If you get an error about the Cryptographic services when trying to apply the Security Updates or
Service Pack 1,
run the following from Start / Run - note, you might want to just cut and paste the text.
net stop cryptsvc

net start cryptsvc
regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
Fixing Explorer Searching Rather Than Opening Directories
Added 11/30/03
Sometimes after adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for opening a folder is
changed.
To correct this:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Configure for Auto-Logon

WindowsXP Tips
Added 11/28/03
If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,
1. Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes

2. Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer
Services You Can Disable
Updated 10/30/03
There are quite a few services you can disable from starting automatically.
This would be to speed up your boot time and free resources.
They are only suggestions so I suggestion you read the description of each one when you run Services
and that you turn them off one at a time.
Some possibilities are:
● Alerter - Sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to the server computer.
● Application Management - Allows software to tap directly into the Add/Remove Programs
feature via the Windows Installer technology.
● Background Intelligent Transfer Service - The Background Intelligent Transfer service is
used by programs (such as Windows AutoUpdate) to download files by using spare bandwidth.
● Clipbook - ClipBook permits you to cut and paste text and graphics over the network.
● Error Reporting Service - Allows applications to send error reports to 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.

WindowsXP Tips
● 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.

WindowsXP Tips
1. Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel

2. Click Performance and Maintenance
3. Click Administrative Tools
4. Double click Services
5. Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
7. Click the STOP button
8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar Click OK
Submitted by Thomas Bitner Olson
Faster DOS Printing
Submitted 6/21/03
If you are experiencing slow printing for DOS programs with Windows2000
1. Go Start | Run | Regedit

2. Click Hkey_Local_Machine
3. Click on System
4. Click CurrentControlSet
5. Click Control
6. Go to the bottom of this part of the list and click WOW
7. Click LPT timeout and change it to a 3
Submitted by Steve Cohen
Cleaning the Prefetch Directory
Added 3/2/03
WindowsXP has a new feature called Prefetch. This keeps a shortcut to recently used programs.
However it can fill up with old and obsolete programs.
To clean this periodically go to:
1. Star / Run / Prefetch

2. Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the shorcuts
3. Delete them

WindowsXP Tips
Not Displaying Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages
Added 3/2/30
To turn these off:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies
\system
3. If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
Download a reg file
Accessing Non-Listed Display Configurations
Added 3/2/03
If you want to access display configurations not normally listed (e.g. 256 colors)
1. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab.

2. Click the Advanced button.
3. Click the Adapter tab,
4. Click the List all modes button.
5. Select the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate that you want and click OK.
Repair Install
Added 2/9/03
If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
1. Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key

2. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
3. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
4. This will start the repair
5. Eventually you will be prompted for your XP key

WindowsXP Tips
NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:
1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you
want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.
5. CD i386
6. expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
7. If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to C:
\Windows
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt
Added 2/9/03
If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply be the BOOT.INI file on
the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured

want to repair.
4. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
Added 2/9/03

WindowsXP Tips
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

want to repair.
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. cd \windows\system32\config
6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
7. Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
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:

want to repair.
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to
the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

WindowsXP Tips
Bringing Up the Shutdown Dialog Box
Added 1/31/03
1. Create a new txt file somewhere on your system, open it and put in this one line:
(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows();
2. Save and Close the file. Change the extension to js and your got it.
3. You can make a shortcut to that file to make it easy to shut down your system.
Submitted by DJ Speed Racer
Adding TCP/IP Printers
Added 1/7/02
To create a connection to a printer connected to your network:
1. Start to add a new printer through the control panel.

2. Select Local Printer / Next
3. Instead of a LPT port, check Create a new port at the bottom on the window
4. Scroll to Standard TCP/IP Port
5. Keep going and enter the IP address of the printer.
Increasing the Folder Cache
Added 1/6/02
The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.
To increase it:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
3. Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)
1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0

WindowsXP Tips
5000 - 1388
You can Dowload a reg file that will set it for 5000
Hiding the Last User Logged On
Added 1/4/03
If you use the standard NT style of login and want to hide the last user:
1. Start the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies /
Security Options
3. Scroll down to Interactive logon: Do not display last user name
4. Set it to Enable
Poweroff at Shutdown
1/4/03
If your computer does not turn off the power when doing a shutdown,
you may need to edit the registry. I have all the correct BIOS and Power settings and still needed to
do this.
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
4. You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Download reg file
Remembering Folder Settings
Added 12/21/02
If XP does not remember your folder settings, delete or rename the following registry keys

WindowsXP Tips
[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:
1. Right click on the My Computer icon

2. Select Manage
3. Go to Local Users and Groups / Users
4. Right-click on the user you want to change
5. Select Properties
6. On the General tab, check Password never expires
7. Click OK
Installing Java Virtual Machine
Updated 12/21/02
If you are getting errors when browsing the web to install Java Virtual Machine,
You can still download it from 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

WindowsXP Tips
Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus
Added 12/14/02
To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3. Edit the key ForegroundLockTimeout
4. Give it a value of 00030d40
Download reg file
Disable Explorer Thumbnail View
Added 12/4/02
If you want disable the Explorer's ability to show the Thumbnail View ,
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \
Explorer \ Advanced \
3. Change ClassicViewState to 1
Download reg file
Adding Environment Variables
Added 12/04/02
Since any version of NT does not use an autoexec.bat file,

to add environment variables to WindowsXP:
1. Right click on My Computer

3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Click on the Environment Variables button

WindowsXP Tips
5. From here you can change it for the system or just the current user.
Disable Passport Pop-Up
Added 11/26/02
Normally, WindowsXP will prompt you 10 times that You Need a Passport to use WindowsXP
Internet communication features...
To disable this
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ MessengerService
3. Edit the binary key PassportBalloon
4. Give it a value of 0A (0A 00 00 00)
Show Hidden Devices
Submitted 11/26/02
You can show hidden devices in the Device Manager. One way is by making a simple registry
change. The other is through a batch file.
Registry Change:
1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ ControlSet001 \ Control \ Session Manager \

Environment
2. Create a string DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
Download reg file
Batch File
@Echo Off
Prompt $p$g
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc

WindowsXP Tips
exit
Submitted by Michael Kinsel
Spell Check Not Working With Outlook Express and Office97
Added 11/23/02
This is simply due to a missing or corrupted DLL file
1. Go to the i386 directory of your XP source files

2. Run Expand csapi3t1.dl_ csapi3t1.dll (Note: If your source files are on a CD, you will need
to put a path before the csapi3t1.dll since you can't write to the CD).
3. Copy the file to the Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof directory
4. You can also download the file from my site.
Disable Shared Documents
Added 11/23/02
To disable the Shared Documents folder that shows up on the network
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \
Policies \ Explorer \
3. Create a new DWORD Value
4. Give it the name NoSharedDocuments
6. Log off or reboot
Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu
Submitted 11/23/02
To Disable the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon's menu:
1. Start regedit.exe

WindowsXP Tips
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Conferencing\Mcpt
3. Create a new string value (Click on Edit > New > String Value).
4. Name the value Nx
5. Double-click on it and set it's value to 1
6. Close the registry
Now the menu options will be grayed out.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the
notification tray
Submitted 11/23/02
To Prevent the Remote Desktop Sharing (RDS) icon from appearing in the notification tray:
1. Click Start, then Run.

2. Type services.msc and then click ok.
3. Scroll down until you find the NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing service
4. Double-click on it.
5. Click on the Log On tab.
6. Uncheck Allow service to interact with desktop
7. Click OK then close the services window.
8. Reboot (You must reboot).
There you go. When you return, RDS will work, but there will be no icon in the notification area.
Submitted by Justin Herron
Printing a Directory
Added 11/12/02
WindowsXP does not allow you to use previously describe methods for printing the contents of a
directory.
To do this requires the creation of a small batch file which is then added to your right-click options.
Batch File

WindowsXP Tips
On the root of the C: drive, create a batch file called print_directory.bat with the following lines:
@echo off
dir %1 /o:g > c:\directory.txt
start /w notepad /p c:\directory.txt
del c:\directory.txt
exit
Note: dir %1 /o:g will print with any directories listed first. You can add whatever other switches you
like
Adding to the Explorer Right Click
1. Start the Explorer

2. Go to Tools / Folder Options
3. On the File Types tab, click File Folder.
4. Click Advanced button and then click New.
5. In the Action box, type Print Directory (or whatever text you want to appear).
6. In the Application used to perform action box, type C:\print_directory.bat, and then click OK.
7. Click OK, click OK, and then click Close
Fixing the Registry
Sometimes after adding the right click with the Explorer, the default setting for opening a folder is
changed.
To correct this:
1. Start Regedit
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none
Download reg file
Removing Thumbs.db Files
Added 11/12/02
When viewing a folder with the Thumbnail view, WindowsXP creates a thumbs.db file.
This is a cache of the current pictures in that directory.
If you want to turn this feature off and save a little disk space
1. Start the Windows Explorer

WindowsXP Tips
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / View

3. In the first section under Files and Folders, check Do not cache thumbnails
4. Now you can search for the thumbs.db file on your computer and remove them. No more
should be created.
Enable / Disable the Task Manager
Added 10/17/02
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
\System
3. Create the Dword value DisableTaskMgr
4. Give it a value of 0 to enable it
5. Give it a vaule of 1 to disable it
Download Reg File
Saving Desktop Settings
Added 9/11/02
If you desktop or folders on your desktop do not retain their settings:
Start Regedit
1. Go go HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Program
Manager\Restrictions
2. Create or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings
Download reg file
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop
Added 9/10/02

WindowsXP Tips
If your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop and

you would like to remove it:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
3. Edit or Create the DWORD entry PaintDesktopVersion
4. A value of 0 will hide the version from the desktop
5. Logoff or reboot
Download reg file
To make this change for all future users, edit

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop in the same manner.
Using Media Player 6.4
Added 9/10/02
If you want to use the older version of Microsoft Media Player 6.4, it is still on your computer.
Make a shortcut on your desktop to the:

C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\mplayer2.exe file
You can also change the file associations from this program to set it as the default for all media types.
Controlling the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Added 7/24/02
By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard will pop up every 60 days to cleanup your desktop.
To stop this:
1. Right click on the desktop.

3. Click on the Desktop tab
4. Click on the Customize Desktop button
5. Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard

WindowsXP Tips
Clearing the Page File on Shutdown
Updated 7/24/02
Another way to set the computer to clear the pagefile without directly editing the registry is:
1. Click on the Start button

2. Go to the Control Panel
3. Administrative Tools
4. Local Security Policy
5. Local Policies
6. Click on Security Options
7. Right hand menu - right click on "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"
8. Select "Enable"
9. Reboot
Submitted by Arthur Pounder
Added 8/16/01
If you want to clear the page file on each shutdown:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
\Memory Management\ClearPageFileAtShutdown
3. Set the value to 1
Download reg file
Restoring Access to CD ROMs
Added 5/22/02
If after you remove CD Burning software, you can no longer access your CD ROM's,
the following registry keys need to be deleted:
Locate and delete the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values under the following key in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-
BFC1-08002BE10318}
Download Reg File

WindowsXP Tips
ReInstalling WindowsXP
Added 5/21/02
If you need to reinstall WindowsXP and want to keep all your current installed applications and
settings:
1. Start WindowsXP
2. Go to the location of your source files
3. Run WINNT32 /unattend
I've often need to do this to repair something that had gotten corrupted and didn't want to do a clean
install.
Setting the Dir Command to Display Filenames on the Left
Added 5/10/02
Previous versions of Windows displayed the filenames on the left hand side when you run the dir
command.
WindowsXP changes this and the default it to put it on the right.
To change this back:

2. Click on Properties
4. Click on the Environment Variables button
5. Click on New button
6. Enter the Variable name: dircmd
7. Enter the Variable value: /-n
Dell Computer Not Keeping Correct Time
Added 5/5/02
If your Dell computer is loosing time while the computer is turned on,

WindowsXP Tips
You can run the following commands:
1. Start / Run / CMD

2. Net stop w32time
3. w32tm /unregister
4. w32tm /unregister
5. w32tm /register
6. Net start w32time
You can also download a Dell Patch to do the same process automatically
Fix Browsing Delay to Win98/ME Computers
Added 5/18/01
If you experience a 30 second or so delay when browsing to Windows98 or WindowsME computers,

delete the following registry key on the Windows2000 or WindowsXP computer.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Explorer /

RemoteComputer / NameSpace {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Download reg file
Formatting a Partition Greater than 32 GIGs with FAT32
Added 4/27/02
WindowsXP will only format a partition greater than 32 GIGs as NTFS.

If you want to format it with FAT32:
1. You can use a regular Win98 Boot disk and use that version of FDISK to create the partition
(with Large Hard Drive Support)
2. Reboot with the same boot disk and format
3. WindowsXP will then be able to use the partition with no problems
Adding SafeBoot to the Boot Menu

WindowsXP Tips
Added 4/23/02
You can add Safeboot as an option to the normal XP boot screen
1. Open a command prompt

2. Copy the current c:\boot.ini to another name (just in case)
3. With your favorite text editor, edit c:\boot.ini
4. Copy then edit the current boot line to another line. For example:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /
fastdetect
might copy and then change to:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Safeboot" /fastdetect
5. Start MSCONFIG
6. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
7. Highlight the second line with the additional name of Safeboot
8. Check the /SAFEBOOT box with option you want
Minimal - Minimal set of drivers
Network - With Network Support
Dsrepair - Directory Services Repair
Minimal (Alternate Shell) - Standard Explorer Desktop
9. You will now have this option every time you start XP
No GUI Boot
Added 4/23/02
If you don't need to see the XP boot logo,
1. Run MSCONFIG
2. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
3. Check the box for /NOGUIBOOT
Speeding the Startup of Some CD Burner Programs
Added 4/23/02
If you use program other than the native WindowsXP CD Burner software,
you might be able to increase the speed that it loads.

WindowsXP Tips
1. Go to Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Services

2. Double-click on IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
3. For the Startup Type, select Disabled
4. Click on the OK button and then close the Services window
5. If you dontYou should notice
Getting Rid of Unread Email Messages
Updated 4/20/02
To remove the Unread Email message by user's login names:
1. Start Regedit
2. For a single user: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
3. For all users: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
4. Create a DWORD key called MessageExpiryDays
Download reg file
Using the Internet Explorer Classic Search
Added 4/20/02
If you want to use the classic search engine in the Internet Explorer
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
3. If it is not there, create a String Value of Use Search Asst
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
Logging in as Administrator
Added 4/11/02

WindowsXP Tips
If you want to log in as Administrator, but it is not show on the Welcome screen,
1. Hold the Ctrl-Alt key and press Del twice.

2. This will bring up the normal login and you can log on as Administrator
To unhide the Administrator account so it does show up:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \
CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Unhide the Administrator key by giving it a value of 1
Download reg file
Correcting Fast User Switching Error
Added 4/11/02
If you are getting an error that:

A recently installed program has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching
with a reference to CSGina.DLL
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. Delete the key GinaDLL
Download reg file
Using the Classic Search in Explorer
Added 4/11/02
If you prefer to use the classic search style in Explorer,
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
\CabinetState
3. Add a String Key called Use Search Asst

WindowsXP Tips
4. Give it a value of no
Download reg file
No To All When Overwriting Files
Added 4/5/02
When overwriting files in the Windows Explorer, there is an option for Yes To All.
This would overwrite any files you would normally be prompted for.
To have No To All, simply hold down the Shift key while you click on the No option.
Re-Installing User Login Pictures
Added 4/5/02
Normally WindowsXP shows assigned pictures for each user on the system.
If you have deleted your user pictures, want to know the location, or need to reinstall them,
they are stored in the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User
Account Pictures\Default Pictures
directory.
If you need to reinstall them, they can be expanded from the source CD. The actual files are:
airplane.bmp
astronaut.bmp
ball.bmp
butterfly.bmp
cat.bmp
fish.bmp
pink flower.bmp
guitar.bmp
snowflake.bmp
beach.bmp
car.bmp
chess.bmp
dirt bike.bmp
dog.bmp
drip.bmp
duck.bmp

WindowsXP Tips
frog.bmp
horses.bmp
kick.bmp
lift-off.bmp
palm tree.bmp
red flower.bmp
skater.bmp
WINIPCFG for XP
Added 4/1/02
If you like the graphic IP configuration program that comes with Windows98,
you can download a similar one for WindowsXP or Windows2000 from Microsoft at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/wntipcfg-o.asp
The actual file is at:

WntIpcfg_setup.exe
Search Companion Error
Added 4/1/02
When doing a file search, if you get the error A File That Is Required to Run Search Companion
Cannot Be Found
1. Log on as an Administrator
2. Click Start
3. Select Run
4. Enter in the command - %systemroot%\inf
5. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file
6. Click Install
Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version
Added 4/1/02

WindowsXP Tips
By default, the NTBACKUP program is not installed on the home version.
You can find it on the CD in the \VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP directory
Since not all vendors include the actual source code for XP,
you can download a copy
Changing Drive Letters
Added 3/30/02
If you want to change the letters assigned to your fixed or removable drives:
1. Right Click on My Computer

2. Select Manage
3. Select Disk Management
For a Fixed Disk:
1. Select it
2. Right click
3. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
4. Click on the Edit button
5. Enter in the letter you want to use
For a Removable Disk:
1. In the lower, right hand panel, right click on the Disk or CD ROM #
2. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
3. Click on the Edit button
4. Enter in the letter you want to use
Turn off the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as the Default Image Viewer
Updated 3/29/02
You can also change the file associations for the specific file types you want.
1. Open the Windows Explorer

2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / File Types

WindowsXP Tips
3. Scroll down to the extension you want to change

4. Click on the Change button
5. Select the program you want to associate with that extension
6. Click on the OK button
Added 3/4/02
If the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is set as the default for many of your graphic file types,
you can remove it so other graphics programs can be used.
1. Run Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT / SystemFileAssociations / image / ShellEx /
ContextMenuHandlers
3. Delete the key ShellImagePreview
Download reg file
Allowing Network Access with Blank Passwords
Added 3/23/02
Although you can log in locally without a password, by default, WindowsXP Pro does not allow
network users to access the computer without a password. Typically you will receive an Unknown
error 31 if this is the case.
To change this setting:
1. Run gpedit.msc
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies /
Security Options
3. Double click on Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only
4. Disable this option
Changing the Default DOS Window Properties
Added 3/22/02
If you want to change the default DOS windows properties like:
● Size

WindowsXP Tips
● Color
● Font
● Buffer Size
● Window / Full Screen
1. Open up a DOS window

2. Right click on the Title Bar
3. Select Defaults
4. Make any of the changes you like
5. All subsequent DOS windows will assume these defaults
Changing the Registered Owner
Added 3/20/02
1. Start Regedit
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
3. From there you can edit the name in the Registered Owner key
Opening a Command Prompt to a Particular Directory from Explorer
Added 3/18/02
If you want to open a command prompt to a directory that is selected in the Explorer:
1. Start Regedit
3. Create a new key called Command
4. Give it the value of the name you want to appear in the Explorer. Something like Open DOS
Box
5. Under this create a new key called command
6. Give it a value of cmd.exe /k "cd %L"
7. Now when you are in the Explorer, right click on a folder, select Open DOS Box, and a
command prompt will open to the selected directory.
Download reg file
Adding Time Servers

WindowsXP Tips
Added 3/18/02
With WindowsXP, you can double-click on the time in the System Tray and connect to Time Servers
on the Internet to synchronize with.
To add to the list of available servers:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\DateTime\Servers
3. Add new string keys named 2, 3, etc. with a value of the time server you want to use.
Creating a Boot Floppy
Added 3/14/02
To create a bootable floppy from within WindowsXP:
1. Insert a floppy into the A: drive

2. Open the Explorer
3. Right click on the A: Drive
4. Select Format
5. Check Create an MS-DOS startup disk
6. Click on the Start button
7. This will create a Millennium boot disk
Changing the Login Screen Saver
Added 3/8/02
If you want to change the screen saver that runs at the login prompt:
Start Regedit
1. Go to HK_USERS / .DEFAULT / Control Panel / Desktop

2. Double click on SCRNSAVE.EXE
3. Enter in the screen saver you want to use

WindowsXP Tips
Running NetMeeting
Added 3/8/02
To run NetMeeting:
1. Do a Start / Run
2. Enter conf
3. Answer the prompts along the way for name, e-mail etc.
Set the Online Registration as Being Completed
Added 3/4/02
You can set WindowsXP to assume the online registration has been completed.
1. Run Regedit
CurrentVersion
3. Create a String Value called RegDone
Download reg file
Decreasing Boot Time
Added 3/4/02
Microsoft has made available a program to analyze and decrease the time it takes to boot to
WindowsXP
The program is called BootVis
1. Uncompress the file.

2. Run BOOTVIS.EXE
3. For a starting point, run Trace / Next Boot + Driver Delays
4. This will reboot your computer and provide a benchmark
5. After the reboot, BootVis will take a minute or two to show graphs of your system startup.
6. Note how much time it takes for your system to load (click on the red vertical line)
7. Then run Trace / Optimize System
8. Re-Run the Next Boot + Drive Delays

WindowsXP Tips
9. Note how much the time has decreased

10. Mine went from approximately 39 to 30 seconds.
Re-Enabling System Restore
Added 3/3/02
If you previously disabled system restore through the Group Policy Editor,
the option to start it again does not show in the System Properties.
You can re-enable it again by:
1. Run the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

2. Go to Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / System Restore
3. Set Turn off System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Disable
5. Select Manage
6. Go to Services and Applications / Services
7. Scroll down to System Restore Service
8. Set it for Automatic
9. Click on the Start button to start the service
10. Close down this window
11. Go back to the Group Policy Editor and configure both to Not configured
12. Now when you right click on My Computer, there should be a tab for System Restore and you
can configure how much space will be used.
Hide/Unhide Logon Names
Added 3/3/02
If you want to hide or unhide the names of users that are displayed on the initial logon screen:
1. Start Regedit
CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList
3. Add a DWORD with the name of the user account you want to hide
4. Make sure it has a value of 0
5. If there is an existing account, you can unhide it by giving it a value of 1

WindowsXP Tips
Reinstalling the TCP/IP Protocol
Added 3/2/02
If you've worked on previous versions of Windows,

there are times when you need to completely reinstall the TCP/IP protocol stack.
This is typically due to corrupted files.
To do this with XP,

you need to run a small script:
netsh int ip reset [ log_file_name ]
the log_file_name needs to be specified.
e.g.
netsh int ip reset ip_reset.txt
Renaming the Start Button
Added 2/25/02
To rename the start button, you will need a hex editor.

My preference is UltraEdit
1. Copy the \windows\explore.exe file to a new name (e.g. explorer_1.exe)

2. With the hex editor, open that file and go to offset 412b6
3. You will see the word start with blanks between each letter
4. Edit it be any 5 characters or less
5. Save the file
6. Boot to DOS
7. Copy the existing c:\windows\explorer.exe to explorer.org
8. Copy explorer_1.exe to explorer.exe
9. You will also need to replace the explorer.exe in the c:\windows\system32\dllcache file as
well with the new one.
Note: If the partition is NTFS and you can't access the files from DOS:
1. Start Regedit
CurrentVersion \ Winlogon.
3. Change the value of Shell from Explorer.exe to explorer_1.exe

WindowsXP Tips
Rollback a Device Driver
Added 2/18/02
If you install a device drive that does not work correctly,

you can restore the previous one fairly easily.
1. Log in with an administrator account

4. Click on the Hardware tab
5. Click on the Device Manager button
6. Go to the device you want to reconfigure
7. Click on the Driver tab
8. Click on the Roll Back Drive button
Selecting What Details to Display in the Explorer
Added 2/3/02
To add or remove items to be displayed in the Explorer when using the Details View
1. Start the Explorer

2. Go to View / Choose Details
3. Right click on the columns by Name and check or uncheck any item you want displayed
Available options are:
● Owner
● Name
● Size
● Type
● Date Modified
● Status
● Attributes
● Author
● Title
● Subject
● Category
● Pages

WindowsXP Tips
● Comments
● Copyright
● Date Created
● Date Accessed
● Attributes
● Artist
● Album Title
● Year
● Track Number
● Genre
● Duration
● Bit Rate
● Protected
● Camera Model
● Date Picture Taken
● Dimensions
● Company
● Description
● File Version
● Product Name
● Product Version
Closing Multiple Taskbar Items
Submitted 2/3/02
If you hold down the Control Key when you click on the taskbar icons,
it selects multiple tasks. Then you can simply right-click on the selected items and choose close
group.
This tip works with all windows, not just one applications. If you have the cal, ie, notepad and
solitaire open, it will close them all, unlike the group similar items command that only lets you close
all of one type (ex: all IE or all notepads).
Submitted by Terry Cadieux
Remembering Outlook / Outlook Express Password
Submitted 1/26/02

WindowsXP Tips
On systems, Outlook or Outlook Express will not remember the e-mail password,
which would then need to be entered in each time.
To solve the problem:
1. Open Registry Editor

2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft
3. Right Click Protected Storage System Provider
4. Choose the Permissions option
5. Click the Advanced box near the bottom right hand corner. This should open another box,
Towards the bottom of this box there should be two tick boxes, make sure that both of them
are ticked. Click Apply, another box will open Click Yes, then Click OK and OK again.
6. Left Click the + next to Protected Storage System Provider and Delete any sub folder in this
tree. (Right clicking and choose the delete option or press the delete key and choosing yes to
delete)
7. Shutdown and Restart Computer.
Submitted by Naste
Turning Off the Firewall
Added 1/26/02
If you want to turn off the firewall for your computer:
1. Go to Start / Settings / Network Connections

2. Right click on the network connection you want to change
5. Uncheck the box in Internet Connection Firewall
Grouping Similar Taskbar Buttons
Added 1/26/02
When you open more than one document in the same program and then minimize each document,
rather that showing separate icons on the taskbar for each document, WindowsXP groups them under
a single icon for that application.
If you want to group, or ungroup, similar taskbar buttons,

WindowsXP Tips
1. Right click on the Taskbar

3. Check or Uncheck Group similar taskbar buttons
Turning Off the Guest Account
Added 1/22/02
For security purposes, you might want to turn off the Guest account
1. Open up the Control Panel

2. Click on User Accounts
3. Click on Change an account
4. Click on the Guest account
5. Click Turn off the guest account
Original NT Style Logon Screen
Updated 1/19/02
If you want to have the original NT style windows logon screen with XP,
simply hold the Ctrl-Alt keys and press the delete key twice.
The following Update Submitted by:

Steven Pennypacker
To make a permanent change so the logon screen is always like the traditional NT4/2000 style:

2. Open up User Accounts
3. Click Change the way users log on and off
4. Uncheck Use the Welcome screen
5. Click on Apply Options
Turning Off the Built-In CD Burner
Added 1/15/02

WindowsXP Tips
If you want to turn off the ability to using the built-in CD burner software that comes with
WindowsXP:
1. Open up the Explorer

2. Right click on the drive that is your CD burner
4. Click on the Recording tab
5. Uncheck Enable CD recording on this drive
Hiding System Tray Icons
Added 1/10/02
With WindowsXP, you can manually select how you want individual icons in the System Tray to be
displayed.
1. Right click on the Taskbar

3. Check Hide inactive icons
4. Click on the Customize button
5. This will bring up a dialog box that will allow you to select one of three options for your
applications:
Hide when inactive, Always hide, or always show
6. Highlight current or past applications and make any changes you like.
7. A small arrow will now appear in the System Tray that will allow you to show or hide these
icons.
Faster Task Switching
Added 1/6/02
If you installed WindowsXP Power Tools from Microsoft, when you press Alt-Tab to switch between
running applications,
you get a screen that shows a small graphic of the window that is of that application along with its
icon.
This also takes a long time to display. (Or at least longer than I'm comfortable with)
You can speed this up and revert back to previous ways task switching is displayed.

WindowsXP Tips
To Turn This Off After Your Reboot:
1. Run MSCONFIG
2. Click on the Startup tab
3. Uncheck Taskswitch
4. Click on the OK button
5. If you want to keep working, click on Exit without Restart
To Turn This Off Immediately:
1. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete
2. Click on the Processes tab
3. Highlight TaskSwitch.exe
4. Click on the End Process tab
5. Click on the Yes button
WindowsXP Command Line Utilities
Added 1/5/02
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
Disabling Error Reporting

WindowsXP Tips
Added 12/5/01
By default, WindowsXP will request to report application errors to Microsoft.

To turn this off:
1. Right click on the My Computer icon on the desktop

2. Select Properties / Advanced
3. Click on the Error Reporting tab
4. Check Disable error reporting
Adding a Title for the Command Prompt Title Bar
Added 11/27/01
If you create a batch file that might take a while to run,

you can add a title to the command prompt title bar it by simply adding the line:
title YOUR TEXT
where YOUR TEXT would be replaced by whatever text you want to show.
Increasing Graphics Performance
Added 11/27/01
By default, WindowsXP turns on a lot of shadows, fades, slides etc to menu items.
Most simply slow down their display.
To turn these off selectively:
1. Right click on the My Computer icon

4. Under Performance, click on the Settings button
5. To turn them all of, select Adjust for best performance
6. My preference is to leave them all off except for Show shadows under mouse pointer and
Show window contents while dragging

WindowsXP Tips
Creating an Automated Install of WindowsXP
Added 11/12/01
On the WindowsXP CP, in the SUPPORT\TOOLS directory,

there is a file called DEPLOY.CAB.
1. Extract the programs DEPLOY.CHM (help file) and SETUPMGR.EXE (main program)
2. Run SETUPMGR and answer the prompts.
3. This will create both a unattend.bat and unattend.txt file you can use for automated installs.
4. Note: The batch file might need some minor modification for file locations but it is fairly basic.
Creating a Shutdown/Reboot Icon
Added 11/11/01
WindowsXP has a program called SHUTDOWN.EXE which allows you to easily create icons to
shutdown or restart your computer.
To create a shutdown shortcut on the desktop:
1. Right click on an open area of the desktop

2. Select New / Shortcut
3. Enter in "shutdown -s -t 00" - no quotes
4. Press the Next button
5. For the name, enter in anything you like. I just use shutdown. Click on the Finish button.
For a reboot, enter "shutdown -r -t 00"
Shutdown [{-l|-s|-r|-a}] [-f] [-m [\\ComputerName]] [-t xx] [-c "message"] [-d[u][p]:xx:yy]
Parameters
● -l - Logs off the current user, this is also the defualt. -m ComputerName takes precedence.
● -s - Shuts down the local computer.
● -r - Reboots after shutdown.
● -a - Aborts shutdown. Ignores other parameters, except -l and ComputerName. You can only
use -a during the time-out period.
● -f - Forces running applications to close.
● -m [\\ComputerName] - Specifies the computer that you want to shut down.
● -t xx - Sets the timer for system shutdown in xx seconds. The default is 20 seconds.

WindowsXP Tips
● -c "message" - Specifies a message to be displayed in the Message area of the System

Shutdown window. You can use a maximum of 127 characters. You must enclose the message
in quotation marks.
Command Line Help Reference
Added 11/11/01
To get a quick help for all the commands you can enter from WindowsXP,
simply create a shortcut:
hh.exe ms-its:C:\WINDOWS\Help\ntcmds.chm::/ntcmds.htm
Using the System File Checker
Added 11/11/01
You can run the System File Checker to verify protected system files.
Command line switches are:
sfc [/scannow] [/scanonce] [/scanboot] [/revert] [/purgecache] [/cachesize=x]
● /scannow - Scans all protected system files immediately.

● /scanonce - Scans all protected system files once.
● /scanboot - Scans all protected system files every time the computer is restarted.
● /revert - Returns the scan to its default operation.
● /purgecache - Purges the Windows File Protection file cache and scans all protected system
files immediately.
● /cachesize=x - Sets the size, in MB, of the Windows File Protection file cache.
Disabling Balloon Tips
Added 11/9/01
To turn off balloon tips in applications that support XP Themes:
1. Start Regedit

WindowsXP Tips
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
\Advanced\
3. Create a DWORD value of EnableBalloonTips
Download reg file
Speeding Up the Display of Start Menu Items
Added 11/8/01
An easy way to speed up the display of the Start Menu Items is to turn off the menu shadow.
1. Right click on an open area of the Desktop

3. Click on the Appearance tab
4. Click on the Effects button
5. Uncheck Show shadows under menus
Installing the NetBEUI Protocol
Added 11/7/01
Microsoft no longer supports the NetBEUI protocol as part of WindowsXP.
You can add it as a installable protocol by going to the VALUEADD \ MSFT \ NET \ NETBEUI
directory on the CD ROM.
Note: %SYSTEMROOT% refers to the drive and directory where you installed WindowsXP.
Typically this is in the C:\WINDOWS directory
1. Copy the nbf.sys into the %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ directory

2. Copy netnbf.inf into the %SYSTEMROOT%\INF\ directory
3. Open the Network connection properties for your local area network and use "Install..." button
to add NetBEUI protocol
I included a zipped file with the above files and a simple batch file to copy both to the appropriate
directories
This is only if you absolutely need NetBEUI. It is not at all a necessary requirement for most

WindowsXP Tips
networks.
Setting System Time Over the Internet
Added 11/5/01
You can set your system clock to a time server on the Internet.
1. Double-click the time on your taskbar

2. Click the Internet Time tab
3. Check Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server
4. Click on the Update Now button
Creating a Password Recovery Disk
Added 11/5/01
In case you forget your password, you can create a password recovery floppy disk beforehand to help
you out of this problem.
1. Single-click Start menu

2. Go to the Control Panel / User Accounts
3. Click the User Account
4. On the left hand side, click on Prevent forgotten password
5. You will need to know your password to create the disk.
6. If you don't remember your password sometime in the future, click on the green arrow like
normal at the login and you will be prompted to insert the password recover disk.
Changing the Default Search Settings
Added 11/5/01
By default, when you start a search,

you are prompted for what you want to search for.
(e.g. Pictures, Documents, Files, Computers)
To change the preferences, simply click on Change preferences

WindowsXP Tips
From here you can:
1. Turn off the animated screen character

2. Change files and folders search behavior (setting it to Advanced changes the default search
screen to be for simply files)
3. Internet search settings
4. Turn off balloon tips
Opening an Explorer Window to the Directory You Want
Added 9/4/01
If you want to create a shortcut for the Explorer to a specific directory,

include the directory you want in the Target.
For example:
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /n, /e, d:\internet
would open the Explorer to the D:\INTERNET directory
Disabling Hibernation
Added 8/20/01
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.
1. Open up the Control Panel / Power Options icon

2. Click on the Hibernation icon
3. Uncheck Enable Hibernation
Locking the Workstation
Added 8/19/01
There are two ways you can lock the workstation.

WindowsXP Tips
1. With a Windows key + L

2. Create an shortcut rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
Changing the Picture Displayed for a User
Added 8/19/01
You can change the picture that gets displayed for a particular user

2. Select User Accounts
3. Click on the Account to change
4. Click on Change my picture
5. You can then browse to the picture you want to use
Displaying the QuickLaunch Toolbar
Added 8/16/01
By default, WindowsXP does not show the QuickLaunch toolbar.

To enable it again:
1. Right click on an open area of the toolbar

2. Select Toolbars
3. Select Quick Launch
Now you can add programs like with Win98
Increasing System Performance
Added 8/16/01
If you have 512 megs or more of memory, you can increase system performance
by having the core system kept in memory.
1. Start Regedit
\Memory Management\DisablePagingExecutive

WindowsXP Tips
3. Set the value to be 1

4. Reboot the computer
Download reg file
Removing the MSN Messenger
Added 8/16/01
If you want to remove the MSN Messenger from always starting in the system tray, do
1. Start / Run
2. Then enter in the following string: RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF
\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
To remove it completely, see the section Adding / Removing Additional Programs
Remove the hide from the line:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
Common Command Console Utilities
Added 8/16/01
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

WindowsXP Tips
Automatically Ending Non-Responsive Tasks
Added 8/16/01
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\AutoEndTasks
3. Set the value to be 1
4. In the same section, change the WaitToKillAppTimeout to the number of milliseconds you
want.
Download reg file
Changing the Internet Explorer Title
Added 8/16/01
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Window Title
3. Enter what you want appear in the title bar
Changing Visual Effects
Added 8/16/01
To change visual effects such as fade menus, mouse shadow, visual styles on buttons, drop shadows
for icons, slide open boxes and buttons etc.:

4. Under Performance, click on the Settings button
5. From here you have a list of items you can select
Changing System Restore Settings
Added 8/16/01

WindowsXP Tips
By default, WindowsXP uses a large amount of hard drive space for storing system restore points.
If this is not necessary, you can change the settings.
1. Go to Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools

2. Run System Restore
3. For each drive or partition, you can click on the Setting button to change how much hard drive
space is devoted to each one.
4. There is even the option to turn it off for all drives.
Configuring the Firewall
Added 8/16/01
WindowsXP has firewall capabilities built into the operating system.
1. For your network connection to the Internet, select Properties

3. Check the Internet Connection Firewall section
4. Click on the Settings button to change the settings
Changing Programs That Start Automatically
Added 8/16/01
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)
Adding / Removing Additional Programs
Added 8/16/01
By default, WindowsXP does not display all the programs you can add or remove.
To show this list:

WindowsXP Tips
Edit the \Windows\Inf\sysoc.inf file
In the Components section, simply remove the word hide.

This will leave two commas together (like on the rest of the items).
Then you can go to the Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs / Add/Remove Windows
Components and the new items will be displayed.
[Components]
NtComponents=ntoc.dll,NtOcSetupProc,,4
WBEM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wbemoc.inf,hide,7
Display=desk.cpl,DisplayOcSetupProc,,7
Fax=fxsocm.dll,FaxOcmSetupProc,fxsocm.inf,,7
NetOC=netoc.dll,NetOcSetupProc,netoc.inf,,7
iis=iis.dll,OcEntry,iis.inf,,7
com=comsetup.dll,OcEntry,comnt5.inf,hide,7
dtc=msdtcstp.dll,OcEntry,dtcnt5.inf,hide,7
IndexSrv_System = setupqry.dll,IndexSrv,setupqry.inf,,7
TerminalServer=TsOc.dll, HydraOc, TsOc.inf,hide,2
msmq=msmqocm.dll,MsmqOcm,msmqocm.inf,,6
ims=imsinsnt.dll,OcEntry,ims.inf,,7
fp_extensions=fp40ext.dll,FrontPage4Extensions,fp40ext.inf,,7
AutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,au.inf,hide,7
msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
msnexplr=ocmsn.dll,OcEntry,msnmsn.inf,,7
smarttgs=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,msnsl.inf,,7
RootAutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,rootau.inf,,7
Games=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,games.inf,,7
AccessUtil=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,accessor.inf,,7
CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,HIDE,7
MultiM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,multimed.inf,HIDE,7
AccessOpt=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,optional.inf,HIDE,7
Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,pinball.inf,HIDE,7
MSWordPad=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wordpad.inf,HIDE,7
ZoneGames=zoneoc.dll,ZoneSetupProc,igames.inf,,7
Displaying and Configuring the Classic Start Menu
Added 8/16/01
If you prefer the original Start Menu, you can easily switch it back.

WindowsXP Tips
1. Right click on the Taksbar

3. Click on the Start Menu tab
4. Select Classic Start Menu
5. If you click on the Customize button you can choose to display Administrative Tools,
Favorites, Run, and expanding many of the sub-menus like the Control Panel.
Increasing File System Caching
Added 8/16/01
To increase the amount of memory Windows will locked for I/O operations:
1. Start Regedit
\Memory Management
3. Edit the key IoPageLockLimit
4096 - 32megs of memory or less

8192 - 32+ megs of memory
Enabling NumLock on by Default
Added 8/16/01
To have numlock turned on for each user:
1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard\InitialKeyboardIndicators
3. Change the value from 0 to 2
4. Turn Numlock on manually
5. Log off and back on again.
6. For all users, make the same change to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
\InitialKeyboardIndicators
Download reg file

WindowsXP Tips
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Knoppix Linux Documentation - Home Page
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Knoppix Wiki Home | RecentChanges | LikePages |
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KnoppixFaq - The Frequently Asked Questions page should

probably be your first port of call:
● FaqGeneral - Who , what, why etc.

● FaqDownloading - Downloading and burning Knoppix
● FaqBooting --- FAQ about the Knoppix booting
process.
● FaqUsing - Using Knoppix
● FaqHardware - Hardware support and autodetection.
The use of CheatCodes.
● FaqHdBased - FAQ about booting the Knoppix
compressed filesystem from HD
● FaqUSBBased - FAQ about booting from an USB Flash
Memory.
● FaqInstall - FAQ about installing Knoppix on Hard disk
● FaqRescue - Using Knoppix as a rescue disk
(filesystems supported: NTFS ?)
● FaqNetwork - Network and dialup configuration (ETH,
ISDN, ADSL, etc...)
● FaqPXE - How to use the network boot feature
(network terminal server) on Knoppix.
● FaqSambaQuick - Sharing your files via the Microsoft
Windows Networking (SMB) protocol
● FaqFTP - How to setup FTP/ssh from the Knoppix CD
● FaqNewQuestions - Add new questions, answers or
move them to the real FAQs
● FaqError - Error messages
● FaqCustomising - Customising Knoppix by
remastering
http://www.knoppix.net/docs/ (1 of 4)21/03/2004 04:59:32 AM

● FaqKnoppixEmu - How to run Knoppix in an x86

emulation environment
Knoppix-HowTo - Let us write one HowTo about Knoppix in

several chapters:
● PersistentHomeHowTo - How to add persistent home

to Knoppix 3.1
● Preparing a Boot/Root Diskette
● HdInstallHowTo - How to create a GNU/Linux
installation out of Knoppix CD
● KnoppixHdinstallTweakHowTo - How to tweak your
hard disk install and make a perfect desktop
● HdGnomeHowTo - How to install Gnome a hard disk
with Debian.
● HdBasedHowTo - How to boot Knoppix from HD, this
does not mean installing!
● InstallSoftwareHowTo - You can "install" software
while running from CD.
● KnoppixRemasteringHowto - Cookbook for your
custom CD
● KnoppixCustomKernelHowto - How to make a
remaster with a custom kernel
● HomePartitionHowTo - How to move your /home to a
separate partition.
● HdInstallUserChangeHowTo - How to change the
knoppix user to your own user on install.
● PrintingHowTo --- How to install and configure
printers in Knoppix.
● Headless Knoppix - How to copy files with ssh and ?
samba without a monitor and keyboard.
● ImageYourHardDriveUsingKnoppix - Instructions on
how to use Knoppix to image your hard drive to a
remote ssh server, Windows/Samba file share or to
another hard drive.
● Knoppix Data Recovery HowTo - HowTo use Knoppix
3.2 to recover data from a crashed computer.
● SecurityHowTo - If you install knoppix to your hard
drive, read this
?KnoppixInformation - General information about certain

Knoppix aspects:
● WorkingInConsole
● DebianX - Interesting material related to Debian and

XFree86.
● CheatCodes - Used at booting to control hardware
detection (i.e. graphics card, monitor and keyboard),
language and other boot-time settings.
Knoppix Software - About the software included on the CD
● SoftwareAdditionRequests - What software would you

like to see added?
● SoftwareRemovalRequests - What software could be
removed?
Using Knoppix in certain systems- Stories of happy(?)

Knoppix users
● KnoppixOnLapTop - Title says it all

● KnoppixOnArmada - Compaq Armada 1750
● KnoppixOnThinkPads - 600E and X20 models
PartitionManagers - A couple of links to free and commercial

partition managers
KnoppixProjects - Addons, mods, changes, utilities
KnoppixToDo- Suggestions to improve Knoppix.
KnoppixCustomizations - Versions of Knoppix customized by

users, and available for download: Gnoppix.
GetSupport - How to get support for Knoppix
● KnoppixForNewbies - A good introduction to the

Knoppix world for people with little or no linux
experience
● HelpForWindowsUsers. Introduction to Knoppix for
former Windows users.
KnoppixLinks - Links to pages of interest
MailingList - Information about the debian-knoppix mailing

list
SiteMap

Discussion Search Knoppix.net
-This area is a wiki and is mainly for the process of

documenting Knoppix. -Please also translate it to and from
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somebody else to do so.
Using this PHPWiki
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Repair XP

Windows Update Site Problems - Jupiter Jones MS MVP

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (1 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

AIDA32 - AIDA32 is a professional system information, diagnostics and benchmarking program

How to access Safe Mode:

How to access Last Known Good Configuration:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (2 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

How to access the Recovery Console:

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http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (4 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (5 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (6 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

How to Repair the Boot Sector:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (7 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

format drive : /Q /FS:file-system

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http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (9 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (10 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

How To Exit the Recovery Console:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (11 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (12 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

How to Repair Install: (also called "In place reinstall")

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http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (14 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (15 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (16 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (17 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (18 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

How To Determine If XP was Activated?

View Product Key XP - Visit the Keyfinder Homepage by Aleks Ozolins

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (19 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

Known Issues with Windows XP Service Pack 1

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm (20 of 20)21/03/2004 04:35:27 AM

To protect your computer, you need the proper updates

Microsoft will now send you for FREE a Windows Security

Windows Update Checklist...for some of the most common

Any operating system must be kept up to date. Without the

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/update.htm (1 of 2)21/03/2004 04:35:50 AM

You should install ALL Critical Updates.

Home | Up | Firewall | Windows Update | Anti Virus | Spyware | More Security

This site was last updated Thursday, 19 February 2004

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/update.htm (2 of 2)21/03/2004 04:35:50 AM

Home FAQs Downloads Newsgroups Customer Service Contact Us

How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk Support Centers

View products that this article applies to.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314079 (1 of 2)21/03/2004 04:36:23 AM

The information in this article applies to:

● Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Last Reviewed: 11/4/2003 (1.2)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314079 (2 of 2)21/03/2004 04:36:23 AM

Use the Recovery Console Tool

In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.

Type cd sytem32\config , and then press ENTER.

Type dir system , and then press ENTER.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm (1 of 3)21/03/2004 04:36:44 AM

Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.

Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

At the command prompt, type c:\windows .

Use System Restore to Revert to the Most-Recent Restore Point

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm (2 of 3)21/03/2004 04:36:44 AM

Q307545 How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry

Q307654 HOW TO: Access the Recovery Console During Startup

Home Page Win98 - 02/12/2003 11:44 PM - Home Page WinXP

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