Windows Xp Tricks And Tweaks

Editing the Boot.ini file

Added 10/18/05

The boot.ini file is a simple text file that is on the root of the boot drive.
You can edit this with any plain text editor like Notepad (may need to unhide the file first)

1. Right click on My Computer
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Under Startup and Recovery, click on the Settings button
5. Click on the Edit button

Running CHKDSK

Added 8/17/05

One way to run a chkdsk (this is like Scandisk that was with Win9X), is to

1. Double click on My Computer
2. Right click on the drive you want to check
3. Select Properties
4. Click on the Tools tab
5. Click on the Check Now button
6. Check to Automatically fix file system errors - This is the same as running chkdsk /f
7. If you want to Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, check that box - This is the same as running chkdsk /R. It can also add a lot of time to the scan
8. Reboot if necessary

You can also run chkdsk from the command line with will give you more options.
The following switches are available:

/F - fix any errors
/R - identifies bad sectors
/V - with FAT32, displays a verbose output
With NTFS Volumes:
/I - Performs simpler check (stage 2)
/C - Skips the checking of cycles within folder structures
/X - Forces the volume to dismount if necessary. Intended for server administrators and should be avoided for normal use
Opening Shared Folders Snap-In

Added 8/17/05

To manage all your shared folders, you can run the snap-in directly

Start / Run / fsmgmt.msc

This will show you all your shared folders in a single window
You can also see what other computers are connected and what files they have open
Additional Utilities

Added 8/17/05

On the XP CD in the \Support\Tools directory, there are a lot of additional support and troubleshooting utilities.
You can run SETUP from that directory to install them.

Just a few are:
diruse Shows Disk Usage
dupfinder Finds Duplicate files
getmac Get's MAC address of the network card
hostname Shows the host name of the computer
netdiag Diagnoses a variety of network components
pviewer Show a list of process and allows you to get a memory detail or kill any process
windiff Compare files and directories
Viewing Your IP Address Information

Added 8/17/05

There are several ways you can determine your IP address information:

IPCONFIG

1. Start / Run / cmd
2. IPCONFIG /ALL

This opens a command window. One advantage is that you can send the information to a text file (IPCONFIG /ALL > c:\ip.txt)
But sometimes the window shows show much information you need to scroll around to fine it.

VIEW STATUS

1. Control Panel / Network Connections / Double click the icons for your network (If the network has an icon in the system tray you can also just double click on that icon)
2. Click on the Support tab
3. Click on the Details button

Make Pictures Smaller Unavailable

Added 8/17/05

When you try and send pictures through e-mail, you should normally be given the option to make them smaller.
If this option is not available, a DLL file may need to be registered.

1. Start
2. Run
3. regsvr32 shimgvw.dll

Creating a Suspend Shortcut

Submitted 3/2/05

If you would like to create an icon to suspend your computer,

1. Right click on the Desktop
2. New / Shortcut
3. Enter in rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState
4. Give it whatever name you want
5. Now when you click on that shortcut, your computer will shutdown and suspend

Submitted by Gabe
Changing the User Type

Added 3/2/05

Normally in XP Pro, through the Control Panel / User Accounts icon, you are only allowed to create administrators or limited users.
If you want to create

1. Right click on My Computer
2. Manage
3. Local Users and Groups
4. Users
5. Right click on the user you want to change
6. Properties
7. Member of tab
8. Add button
9. Advanced button
10. Find Now button
11. From here you see the full list of possibilities (e.g. Power User, Backup Operator etc.)

Determining Which Services are Associated with SVCHOST

Added 3/2/05

Since so many critical services are run with each svchost,
You can see which ones are being used by opening a cmd prompt and running:

tasklist /svc /fi "imagename eq svchost.exe"

Note: This is available only with XP Pro
Identify Faulty Device Drivers

3/2/05

If you are having problems with lockups, blue screens, or can only get to safe mode,
often the problem is due to a faulty device driver.

One way to help identify them is through the use of the Verfier program

1. Start / Run / Verifier
2. Keep the default of Create Standard Settings
3. Select the type of drivers you want to confirm
4. A list of drivers to be verified on the next boot will be shown.
5. Reboot
6. If your computer stops with a blue screen, you should get an error message with the problem driver
7. To turn off the Verifier, run verifier /reset

Viewing Installed Drivers

Added 3/2/05

If you want to see a list of installed drivers, you can run the driverquery program
There are a lot of available switches to view different types of information.
On use can be to export to a CSV file for viewing in Excel
An example would then be:

Driverquery /v /fo csv > drivers.csv
Operation Was Attempted on Something That Is Not a Socket Error

Added 11/19/04

If you get this error when you try and renew your IP address,
Likely the winsock2 registry entries are corrupted.

The basic steps to fix this are:

1. Remove the old registry entries - Download Reg file
2. Import the correct registry entries - Download Reg file
3. Reboot the computer

Opening Ports or Adding Allowed Programs with SP2's Firewall

Added 9/30/04

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

Adding a Port for Internet Access:

1. Click on the Add Port button
2. Name it whatever you want
3. Enter in the ports you want to open

Adding a Program for Internet Access

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

Autoexec.nt or Config.nt Errors

Added 9/17/04

If you are getting errors similar to:
The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and m*cro$oft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

Try copying the file from \windows\repair directory to the one that is in the \windows\system32 directory.
Common Control Panel Applets

Added 9/17/04

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

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

Windows Explorer Opens Search Companion Rather than the Folder

If the Windows Explorer opens up the Search Companion rather than opening up the actual folder, the default setting for opening a folder is changed.

To correct this:

1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Drive \ shell]
3. Edit the default value to be explorer or none

Download reg file
Running SFC without a CD ROM

Added 6/9/04

If you run sfc /scannow and get prompted to insert a CD,
there are a couple of changes you might need to make.

Slipstream your copy of WindowsXP with the latest service pack you have applied.
For detailed unstructions on how to do this see:
SlipStreaming a Service Pack into Windows XP

Once these files are on your hard drive, you can simply make a few registry changes to point to those locations.

Start Regedit

Go to the follow locations and change the path to wherever you copied the source files.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\SourcePath
the last one might not be necessary
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SourcePath
Guest Only Network Access

Added 4/11/04

If you try and connect to an XP computer and are shown a logins screen with only the computername/Guest,
You may need to change one of the Local Security Policies:

1. Got to Control Panel - Administrative Tools
2. Go to Local Policies - Security Options
3. Check teh Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts
4. Set it to Classic - local users authenticate as themselves

Repairing Damaged Winsock2

Updated 6/26/04

The symptoms when Winsock2 is damaged show when you try to release and renew the IP address using IPCONFIG.

And you get the following error message:
An error occurred while renewing interface 'Internet': An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket.

Also Internet Explorer may give the following error message:
The page cannot be displayed Additionally, you may have no IP address or no Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, and you may be receiving IP packets but not sending them.

There are two easy ways to determine if Winsock2 is damaged:

From the XP source files, go to the Support / Tools directory

Winsock Test Method 1
Run netdiag /test:winsock

The end should say Winsock test ..... passed

Winsock Test Method 2

1. Run Msinfo32
2. Click on the + by Components
3. Click on the by Network
4. Click on Protocol
5. There should be 10 sections if the Winsock2 key is ok

MSAFD Tcpip [TCP/IP]
MSAFD Tcpip [UDP/IP]
RSVP UDP Service Provider
RSVP TCP Service Provider
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...

If the names are anything different from those in this list, then likely Winsock2 is corrupted and needs to be repaired.
If you have any 3rd party software installed, the name MSAFD may be changed.
There should be no fewer than 10 sections.

To repair Winsock2

1. Run Regedit
2. Delete the following two registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2

Download Reg file to delete these entries

3. Restart the computer
4. Go to Network Connections
5. Right click and select Properties
6. Click on the Install button
7. Select Protocol
8. Click on the Add button
9. Click on the Have Disk button
10. Browse to the \Windows\inf directory
11. Click on the Open button
12. Click on the OK button
13. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
14. Click on the OK button
15. Reboot

Or Download Reg file to add the correct registries back in
Not Displaying Previous Network Share Shortcuts

Added 3/26/04

By default, when you go to Network Places, it will scan and show shortcuts to previous network shares.
To turn this off and remove any current shortcuts

1. Open up the Windows Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Folder Options / View
3. The top section should be Files and Folders
4. Uncheck Automatically search for network folders and printers
5. Then go into Network Neighborhood Select all the previous netowork connections Delete them
6. Next time you look at the Network Neighborhood, they should not repopulate

Hiding a XP Computer from Network Neighborhood

Added 3/26/04

If you want to share files from a XP computer,
yet want to remove it from showing up in the Network Neighborhood,

Run net config server /hidden:yes
Easy Way to Share Multiple Folders

Added 3/26/04

If you need to share multiple folders, running the program SHRPUBW.EXE will bring up a simple dialog box to let you:

1. Browse to the folder you want to share
2. Enter in a Share name
3. Ender in a Share description
4. Set permissions. Several choices are available
5. Restart the process from within the same program

System32 Folder Opens When Logging On

Added 3/26/04

If the System32 folder shows on the desktop, there may be an invalid entry in the Registry

1. Start Regedit
2. Go to both:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
5. Double check that the values do not have incorrect, incomplete, or blank entries

Not Viewing Zip Files as Folders

Added 3/4/04

If you want to turn of WindowsXP showing Zip files as folders,
just run:

regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Setting Capslock, Numlock, Scroll Lock

Added 3/4/04

If you want to set the startup state for any or all of these keys,
you just need to edit the registry.

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

The following is the type of information that can be displayed:

* Ping
* Connect
* Show
* Verbose
* Save to Desktop
* Mail Service
* News Service
* Internet Proxy Server
* Computer Information
* Operating System
* Windows Version
* Modems
* Network Clients
* Network Adapters
* Domain Name System (DNS)
* Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
* Default Gateways
* Internet Protocol Address
* Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS)

DOS Tips in XP

Submitted 3/4/04

Windows XP cmd tip (DOS isn’t dead... it just smells funny) Some command-line folder creation examples:

To create multiple folders at once, add them directly to the "md" command:

C:\> md this is a test

To create a folder several folders deep, use:

C:\> md this\is\a\test

Creating a folder with a long name requires the double-quote at the beginning:

C:\> md "this is a test

Bonus tip: Windows XP supports the forward slash "/" as a folder divider. Unix/Linux users: don't let the DOS environment get you down. Use a Unix-style CD command to change your present working directory:

C:\> cd Windows/system32/drivers/etc

Submitted by Bob and Tina
Restoring Desktop Icon to the Quicklaunch Bar

Added 12/26/03

If you mistakenly deleted the icon for the Desktop on the Quicklaunch toolbar

Go to C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Application Data\m*cro$oft\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

You can also DOWNLOAD a file, uncompress it, and copy to the toolbar or wherever you would like.
Network Access After Norton Anti-Virus Install

Added 12/9/03

Sometimes you can't access a WinXP computer after installing Norton Anti-Virus.
There might be a variety of errors at the other computer depending on the operating system.
On the XP computer, in the Event Viewer / System log, there will be the following error:
The server's configuration parameter "irpstacksize" is too small for the server to use a local device.

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

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
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 oldcatroot2
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
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

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

Stopping the Messenger Service

Added 6/21/03

To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up messages on your computer,
you can disable the Messenger service.

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 files
3. Delete them

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\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
3. If it is not already there, create a DWORD value named DisableStatusMessages
4. Give it a value of 1

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.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
3. This will start the repair
4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
8. You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
9. When prompted, click on the Next button
10. When prompted, enter your XP key
11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
12. The computer will reboot
13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
15. Register if you want (but not necessary)
16. Finish
17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.

NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt

Added 2/9/03

If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:

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

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. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

Added 2/9/03

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

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. 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
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found

Added 2/9/03

If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup,

If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS.
Just boot with a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.

For NTFS:

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. 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:\
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

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\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
3. Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)

1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
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

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\m*cro$oft\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 m*cro$oft (version 3810)
If this link is removed by MS or is too slow you can download it here

If you need a previous version, you can download 3805

It is now included in Service Pack1

You can also download Sun's version
Preventing Applications from Stealing the Focus

Added 12/14/02

To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working

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 \ m*cro$oft \ 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
2.

Select Properties
3.

Click on the Advanced tab
4.

Click on the Environment Variables button
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 \ m*cro$oft \ 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
3.

Give it a value of 1

Download reg file

Batch File

@Echo Off
Prompt $p$g
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
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\m*cro$oft 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 \ m*cro$oft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer \
3.

Create a new DWORD Value
4.

Give it the name NoSharedDocuments
5.

Give it a value of 1
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
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\m*cro$oft\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

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
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
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
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\m*cro$oft\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\m*cro$oft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Program Manager\Restrictions
2.

Create or edit the DWORD value NoSaveSettings
3.

Give it a value of 0

Download reg file
Hiding the Windows Version on the Desktop

Added 9/10/02

If your version of WindowsXP is displaying on the desktop 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 m*cro$oft 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.
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Desktop tab
4. Click on the Customize Desktop button
5. Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard

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
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:

1.

Right click on My Computer
2.

Click on Properties
3.

Click on the Advanced tab
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,
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 / m*cro$oft / 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

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="m*cro$oft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
might copy and then change to:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="m*cro$oft 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.

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\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
3. For all users: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
4. Create a DWORD key called MessageExpiryDays
5. Give it a value of 0

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\m*cro$oft\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

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 \ m*cro$oft \ 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\m*cro$oft\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\m*cro$oft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
3. Add a String Key called Use Search Asst
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\m*cro$oft\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
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 m*cro$oft at:
http://www.m*cro$oft.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

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

Note: This can only be done for drives that do not have the Operating System Installed or you are booting to.
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
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
* 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\m*cro$oft\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
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory \ shell
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

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\m*cro$oft\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

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
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion
3. Create a String Value called RegDone
4. Give it a value of 1

Download reg file
Decreasing Boot Time

Added 3/4/02

m*cro$oft 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
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
4. Right click on My Computer
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
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ m*cro$oft \ Windows NT \ 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

Reinstalling the TCP/IP Protocol