IBM

IBM Thinkpad A30 May Not Correctly Enter Suspend Mode and the LCD Back Light May Not Turn Off

Icons 

Professional XP style icons for use in websites, software, desktops and web based applications.  http://www.icongalore.com

Icons - Adjust Vertical Spacing

Depending on your desktop resolution, a certain number of icons fit in each auto-arranged column down the screen -- for example, if your resolution is set to 800 by 600 pixels, 7 icons fit in each column. Want to fit more without changing your resolution? Adjust your icon spacing.

Right-click the desktop and select Properties. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Appearance tab, then click the Advanced button. Click the down arrow under Item and select Icon Spacing (Vertical). Decrease the Size, click OK, then click Apply to see the result on screen. (Tip: On our system, going from the default 43 to 39 squeezed 8 icons into each column.) Repeat these steps until you're happy with the result, then click OK to keep the change.

Icons - Change (To change the icon used for specific drives in Explorer)  Start/Run/ Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer

Create a key called DriveIcons.  Within DriveIcons, create another key with the drive letter you want to change (..\DriveIcons\K).  Create another key within the drive letter key called DefaultIcon.  Set the default value equal to the icon you want to use. If you have a file that has more than one icon in it, such as a DLL file, use the standard C:\full_path\icon_file.dll,x <file:///C:/full_path/icon_file.dll,x>) where x is the number of the icon within the file icon_file.dll.

You can change a hard drive's icon in any 32-bit Windows platform by including a valid Autorun.inf file in that drive's root directory. Windows Desktop Update presents another way to change a hard drive's icon. To change the icon for drive C:, insert the name and (optional) icon index number of a valid icon file as the (Default) value for this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\driveicons\C\DefaultIcon. Replace C with a different letter to change another drive's icon.  Explained here.

Icons - Change Size

This setting will let you resize them to suit your desktop preference. Go to:  Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
Value Name: Shell Icon Size
Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value Data: Size in Pixels (Default = 32)

Create a new value named 'Shell Icon Size' and set the value, or modify the existing value, to equal the size of your icons in pixels. Smaller values = smaller icons!

Icons - Keep in Place after Reboot

Normally when Windows exits it saves the desktop configuration, including icon location, appearance etc. This setting disables these changes from being saved, this is useful in both a secure environment.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Value Name: NoSaveSettings
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled)

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value called 'NoSaveSettings' set the value to equal '1' to enable the restriction. Exit your registry, you may need to restart for the changes to take effect. Note:  You want it set to 0.

Icons - Lock on Desktop

"In Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP you can lock down the position of the Desktop icons using a couple of files from the MS Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit.  Download Layout.dll here. ftp://ftp.zdnet.com/wsources/0598/layout.zip

Place it here: C:\Winnt\System32 then double click the Layout.reg file. You will now have a new right click option.

Icons - Fast Path to Icons

Call up all your desktop icons without leaving whatever applications you have currently open. Just click on Start/Run
and enter a period (.) without parenthesis, then ok.

Icons - Hide Desktop Icons

Want a quick way to hide all the icons on your desktop--for example, if you've got a great photo displayed there? Right click the desktop, select Arrange Icons By, then select Show Desktop Icons (to deselect this option). To get your icons back, simply re-select the same option.

Icons - Missing in C Drive

The Folders Bar in Windows Explorer Does Not Contain Any Icons

Icons - Notification Area

Windows XP provides a number of options for customizing what Microsoft has decided to call the "Notification Area" of your Taskbar (the area that displays the clock and a number of icons). By default, Windows XP hides any inactive icons here. But if you prefer, you can choose to hide (or show) individual icons all the time.

For example, suppose you want to keep the Volume and Synchronization Manager icons out of site, regardless of how often you use them. Right click a blank area of the Taskbar and select Properties. Under Notification area, click Customize. Alternatively, Right click a blank area of the Notifications Area and select Customize Notifications.

One at a time, select the Volume and Synchronization Manager icons, then Right click the down arrow next to it and select Always hide (in the same way, you could select any icon and choose the "Always show" option). Click OK twice, and now, an arrow appears on the edge of the Notifications Area. Click it to display the hidden icons.

Icons - Notification Area - Chevron Missing

For some users, setting the very first icon to Always Hide, restores the arrow.

Icons - Notification Area - Missing

Three methods/workarounds: Log off and Log back on, password protect your account or...

Right click My Computer/Manage. Expand Services and Applications then Click on Services. A list of services appears in the right column. Scroll down to the SSDP and uPnP Service. Right click each, choose properties. Change the text next to "Startup type:" to Disabled.

Or if you are running XP SP1 uninstall UPnP from Add/Remove Windows Components.

Hide or Show Inactive Icons in the Notification Area (Line 53)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Remove Past Items From the Notification Area (Line 53)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Once done, Open Task Manager, click the Processes tab, click Explorer.exe, and then click End Process. In Task Manager, click File, click New Task, type explorer, and then click OK.

After you have all icons in place, run this edit:

Save Settings on Exit (Line 54)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: 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.

PS Tray Factory will allow you:
- hide low-activity icons from a system tray into menu;
- hide inactive icons from a system tray into menu;
- get fast access to the hidden icons with the help of hot keys;
- change the order of icons in the menu;
- hide from the menu seldom used icons;
- restore icons in system tray area at crash or restarting Explorer.exe.
http://www.pssoftlab.com/download/pstrayf.zip

Icons - Remove and Restore

This article explains how to remove and restore the default Desktop icons such as Inbox, Windows Internet Explorer, and Recycle Bin.  How to Remove and Restore Default Desktop Icons and Windows System Tray Icons.

To delete an icon from your desktop step through the sub-keys until you find the key representing the icon you want to remove. Delete the sub-key and the icon should disappear after your press F5 to refresh the desktop.

To add an icon to your desktop create a new sub-key named using the CLSID from the table below and the icon should appear after your press F5 to refresh the desktop. Below are a list of common IDs: Description CLSID

Note: Not all icons can be successfully placed on your desktop. Right-click on the icon to display the options available.
Key:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

Icons - Remove Text

Transparent text under icons - Right click the Icon/Rename and type in: ALT+0160

Icons - Rename

With the icon you want to rename selected, press the F2 key. Type the new name, then press Enter.

Icons - Rename Desktop (System) Icons

Rename Your Desktop (System) Icons

Icons - Rename Shortcuts

If you have shortcuts saved in your Quick Launch bar that uses favicons and they revert...  This workaround will help:  Save each as (ex) google.ico, msn.ico, etc.  Right click each/properties/change icon/browse/ok/apply.

Icons - Replace with Old Style

Bring back old Desktop icons. New users of WinXP may wonder what happened to the My Documents, Internet Explorer, Network Neighborhood, and My Computer icons that were planted on the Desktop in earlier Windows versions. Most of these icons are still available for the Desktop, but they are buried in the Start menu and other menus. A few twists of the Registry keys will unlock them.

The values that turn back My Documents, Internet Explorer, My Computer, and Network Neighborhood icons all are in:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel

To restore the My Documents icon, right-click the {450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103} value, modify the Value Data from 1 to 0, and click OK.

To restore the Internet Explorer icon, right-click {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}, modify the Value Data from 1 to 0, and click OK.

To restore the My Network Neighborhood icon, right-click {208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}, modify the Value Data from 1 to 0, and click OK.

To restore the My Computer icon, right-click the {20DD04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} value, modify the data value from 1 to 0, and click OK.

Icons - Repair View

TweakUI Icon Fix - Repairs the View 16 & 32 (Line 4)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: 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.

Icon - Titles

This setting controls whether the icon titles should be word wrapped over multiple lines or shown in one longer line. Go to: Start/Run/Regedit.  You may need to create the key if it does not already exist.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Value Name: IconTitleWrap
Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value Data: (1 = Enabled, 0 = Disabled)

Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'IconTitleWrap' and edit the value according to the settings above. Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Icons - Transparent

Start/Settings/Control Panel/System/Advanced/Performance/Settings/Visual Effects/"Use drop shadows for icon labels on the Desktop".  If this still doesn't do the trick, right-click the desktop, point to Arrange Icons By and make sure that Lock Web Items on Desktop is un-checked.

Icons - True Color

Windows supports true-color icons (16-bit/65,000 colors or higher) for users with displays that can support them. However, there are two obstacles to using them on your system. First, you need to turn on Windows' support for true-color icons (which may not be enabled on your system). Secondly, you need to be able to create these icons (most icon editors only support 16-colors). Here's what you need to do:

     To enable true-color icons:

First of all, your display color-depth needs to be set to 16-bit or higher. Double-click on the Display icon in Control Panel, and click on the Settings tab. Adjust the Color Palette to your liking. Note: Your video card or monitor may not support the higher color depths necessary to use true-color icons.
Next, choose the Effects tab, and make sure the Show Icon Using All Possible Colors option is checked.
Press Ok when you're done.

If your Show Icon Using All Possible Colors option is grayed out, open the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop, and change the UserPreferencesMask value to 9c 00 00 80.

     To create true-color icons:

Create a Windows Bitmap (.BMP), 32 pixels by 32 pixels, any color depth, and save it to a directory on your hard disk.
In the properties window (right-click on the icon) of any shortcut, choose the Program tab, click Change Icon, and specify your new .BMP file.

Icons - Shell32:  %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll  (IT Library)

ICQ - AdKiller

Maximize your bandwidth with this free ad-blocking tool. It speeds up your surfing by removing banner ads and other advertisements from Web pages. It supports both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape. Download here.

ICQ - Ad Banner (Remove)

To remove the flashing banners at the bottom of ICQ. Simply open the ICQ folder with windows explorer. C:\Program Files\ICQ and Delete the file "ICQHttp.dll".  Do not delete "ICQHttp_.dll" (note the underscore).  Re-start ICQ.

ICQ - Connection Problems

The Problem is that when XP loads, ICQ pops up and says "no connection detected". This occurs despite the fact that 'Net Detect Agent' and 'automatically connect to internet when no connection present' are checked.

1. Go to the Group Policy Editor (Start/Run/gpedit.msc)
2. Under 'User Configuration', click "Administrative Templates"
3. Click 'System'-> 'Logon'
4. In the window on the right, double-click on "Run these programs at user logon"
5. Make sure 'Enabled' is checked, then click 'Show'
6. You'll now want to add ICQ's Net Agent Detect to the list (which is probably empty unless you've already been in here).
    To do this, first locate on your HD the exact location of 'NDetect.exe'.

           Example: C:\Internet\ICQ\NDetect.exe
           Click 'Add', then type the filename & path of the above file

7. Click 'OK', 'OK', and 'OK' again to exit.
8. Now make sure that there are NO traces of ICQ or Net Detect Agent in your Programs->Startup folder. If there are,
    delete them from Startup.
9. Start up ICQ, and go to 'Connections'(Main->Preferences->Connections->General tab). Under 'Launch' make sure
    'Launch ICQ at startup' is NOT checked.
10. Click 'OK'. Disconnect from Internet if connected. REBOOT.

If everything goes properly, you should now see the Net Detect Agent appear in the system tray as WinXP starts up the desktop. When you connect to the Net, it magically disappears.. to be replaced with the ICQ 'flower' which will shortly find a connection.

ICQ - Send files and Firewall Workaround

1. First you must limit the range of port that ICQ use for send. In ICQ, click on Main, Preferences, User tab, click on 'Not
    using proxy' and choose 'Use the following TCP listen port for incoming event from 1030 to 1030'. (use port number of
    your choice, 1030 is only for example)
2. The go into the Control Panel/Network Connections
2. Right click on your connection and select Properties
3. Left click the Advanced Tab
4. Left click the Settings Button
5. Under Services, left click the Add Button
6. For description type "ICQ", for Name of IP put the name that identifies your system with your ISP OR your IP if it is
    static.
7. Both external and internal ports are 1030 by default and TCP. (depends of which port you set at beginning)
8. Click OK and Restart.

ICQ - Removing the 'From ICQ' Favorites Folder

Deleting this folder doesn't usually do any harm, however ICQ will keep bringing it back, which can be annoying if you don't want it in your Favorites menu.

To permanently prevent it from coming back, you need to make a change inside ICQ. Start ICQ if it isn't already running and find your way to the Preferences panel. From there, select the Events tab. Different versions of ICQ work in different ways, but hopefully you should be able to find what you're after in here somewhere.

If you can't find an option in ICQ and it's still annoying you to see the folder there, you can always right-click it, choose Properties… and select the Hidden attribute to hide it!

ICS - Internet Connection Sharing

Troubleshooting Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics.htm
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics_troubleshoot.htm

Troubleshooting Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP
Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing
Dial-Up Connection in ICS Does Not Prompt to Disconnect
Resources for Troubleshooting ICS in Windows XP
Dial-Up Connection in ICS Does Not Prompt to Disconnect
Using Internet Connection Sharing with User Profiles
The Redirector Failed to Determine the Connection Type
Domain Policy to Stop the Use of ICS or ICF Stops Services

Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles - Dealing with Internet Connection Sharing

     Tip:  To disable ICS go to:  Administrative Tools/Component Services/Internet Connection Firewall. Right
              click/properties. Change Startup type to Disabled. Close/Reboot.

Index.Dat - AutoComplete Won't Clear

When you go to the Tools menu then Internet Options then Content then click the AutoComplete button there's an option to "clear forms". This is designed to stop Internet Explorer from guessing the correct URL when you type it. You may not want it to do this if it suggests some illicit site you may have visited.

However some people may find that this doesn't work. So here's how to overcome the problem.

There's file on your computer called index.dat. It allows Microsoft Windows to find Web files faster. It is an index containing names of files that have been stored in the "Temporary Internet Files" folder. These files are usually either Web pages that have been visited using your computer or images viewed on the Web that appear on those visited Web pages.

In Windows XP:
Click START, then Search then "For Files and Folders". Next click "All Files and Folders" then type in index.dat in the "All or part of the file name" box. Under the "Look in" option choose "My Computer". Then click "More advanced options" and check off "Search system folders" as well as "Search hidden files and folders".

To view or delete the contents of the index.dat files on your computer, you can use a free program called Spider 1.16. It can be downloaded from here.

Index.Dat - Auto History Kill and Download.

Index.Dat Files

[Delta2] deletes the folders the index.dat files are in and restores any saved cookies each time you start or reboot your computer. Download here.

Index.Dat Files and Primary I.E. Folders - Reference

The 'Index.dat' file within the Cache folder is used to contain URL names, date and time stamps, and pointers to the actual cache files which are spread among the four to eight cache sub-folders. These sub-folders are named with randomly-generated 8-character names.

The 'Index.dat' file within the Cookie folder is used to contain URL names, date and time stamps, and pointers to the actual Cookie files which are stored within this same folder.

The 'Index.dat' file within the upper level of the History folder is used to store 'Visited URL' names, date and time stamps. This is the data used by I.E. for its AutoComplete function and controlling the highlighting of imbedded links on the displayed Web pages.  Download the removal tool here.

There is one 'mshist...' file for each day of history that you have instructed I.E. to retain. The daily history is stored in the subordinate 'Index.dat' files.

Indexing Service - Eluent

Indexing Service is a Windows XP feature which supports rapid searching of file contents and properties across many thousands of files. Indexing Service provides this capability by extracting information from files and storing it in indexes organized for fast searching. These indexes are stored in units called catalogs.

The default catalog is called System, and it indexes your local hard drives. You can create additional catalogs, delete existing catalogs, add and remove folders from catalogs, and perform other management tasks through the Computer Management Console, where Indexing Service appears under Services and Applications.

Once you've configured Indexing Service to your liking, it works in the background indexing your files and requires little if any further attention from you. While the initial catalogs may take a while to build, once built, we find that this background processing is sufficiently non-intrusive that it's often acceptable to leave Indexing Service on all the time. (Note that Indexing Service is not enabled by default, so you must enable it yourself.)

Indexing Service - Improve Performance By Disabling Indexing Service - InfiniSource

The Indexing Service in Windows XP Indexes your files presumably to shorten the time needed to search your hard drive if you are looking for a specific file or part of a phrase inside a file.

By default, this service is set to manual (so it won't start), but when you do a search on your computer, there's that little question asking you if you want to make future searches faster.... so you could have enabled it (it will tell you that you are going to enable the Indexing service when you choose this).

Anyway, having run it for a while, it was one of the first things I decided switched off, and I haven't noticed any delay when I do my searches (and I presume that with my C:\ drive holding in excess of 106,000 files in over 2,700 folders I'm not a typical user!), but I did notice the improvement of having more CPU cycles available at all times.

To disable the Indexing service, open Computer Management from Administrative Tools (on the Start menu if you enabled this, or from the Control Panel), select Services and Applications, double click Services, and find the Indexing Service.

Double click to bring up the Properties window, and click Stop to let Windows stop the service. Then from the Status type drop down box select Disabled.

HOW TO: Use Computer Management in Windows XP

Indexing Service - Plain English Computing

Windows XP comes with an Indexing Service which boosts the efficiency of searches. When enabled, the Indexing Service works in the background, extracting the contents and the properties of documents and organizing them in a way streamlined for fast searching.

If your computer strains under the weight of Windows XP, you may want to keep the Indexing Service switched off, as it slows your system somewhat. If you’d like to have faster searches, then turn it on.

You can switch the Indexing Service on and off, and adjust its properties, via the Search Companion:

1. Open the Search Companion and click Change Preferences.
2. Click the With Indexing Service option (if Indexing Service is already enabled, the option will be Without Indexing Service).
3. Select the options you want and click OK.

Indexing Service - Turning it On

Once you turn Index Server ON, it will take some time before the index is created. Index Server runs automatically when your system is otherwise idle, so how long depends upon how you use your system. 

In order for the index to remain updated, it's a good idea to leave the computer on unattended overnight, or at least for a couple of hours, on a regular basis.  Checking & Managing Index Server.

Internet

Are downloads taking too long to load--even with a high-speed connection? Does your ISP say "It's not our problem."?  PC Pitstop's Internet Connection Center can help. This is the place to start to diagnose and hopefully fix connection problems for your home or office system. Our series of diagnostics will help you determine if you're getting optimal performance from your connection. The tools will also help diagnose whether the problem is your modem, your PC, the site you're visiting or your ISP. More information here:  Internet Connection Center

     PC Pitstop Download Bandwidth Test

This bandwidth test works by measuring the time it takes to download a block of random text embedded in a Web page. The JavaScript in the page reads the clock time just before and just after the block of nearly random text. The text block is generated at our server when your computer requests the page. The text block will not display on your computer, since each line is enclosed in HTML comment tags.  More information here.

Internet Connection Firewall Troubleshooting

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall

IE - Internet Explorer

Adding sites to the Allow list (after SP2) or wanting to copy the list for other profiles:

Go to - Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow

Once there:  Name = (starting with www) Url, Type: Binary

To copy/save:  Right click, Export.

Internet Explorer Issues, Tips, & Auto-Dialing and Auto-Disconnect Options

Internet Explorer Support Center

Tip:  Clicking on a link opens in a new window and is empty:  Start/Run and type in: REGSVR32 URLMON.DLL. Ok. 
Then go to:  IE/Tools/Internet Options/Programs/Reset Web Settings.

Tip:  Re-install Internet Explorer -  Go to Start/Run, and type : rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132
         %windir%\inf\ie.inf.  Or:  Run Command - Reinstalling Internet Explorer (Line 29). 

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

If you receive this error message:  Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system. Setup cannot continue.  To work around this issue and reinstall the same customized Internet Explorer 6 installation package a second time, run this edit then reinstall:  Enable Reinstallation of Internet Explorer or OE (Line 114)

Once running this edit, rename the CatRoot2 folder and then run the ie.inf. Or use this run command:
Go to Start/Run, and type: rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\inf\ie.inf

If you received this error message:  The software you are installing has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. This software will not be installed. Contact your system administrator.

Rename the CatRoot2 folder (Windows\System32\CatRoot2) and then run (right click/install) the ie.inf (Windows\inf\ie.inf).

Tip:  No Home Page - Right Click Internet Explorer Shortcut/Properties/Shortcut Tab. Place this In the target field:
        "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" –nohome

Tip:  Get MailTo Hyperlinks in IE to Open OE - Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types. Highlight
         URL:MailTo Protocol/Advanced/Edit. Under Application used to perform action it should read:
         "C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE" /mailurl:%1

Tip:  Speed up Internet Explorer - Find your IE icon and right click on it. Select properties and then click on the Shortcut
         tab. In the Target line at the very end, add -nohome to get a speed boost.

Tip:  Speed up Browsing in Internet Explorer - Start/Run/Regedit
         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace
         In the right pane find: {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF} Value and delete it.

Tip:  Add Internet Explorer Toolbar Buttons - 1. Go to Start/Run, 2. Type in gpedit.msc, 3. Go to user configuration -
         Windows Settings - IE Maintenance - Browser UI. Then click on browser toolbar customizations.

Tip: The option to save as jpeg/jpg is not available:  Clear your Temporary Internet Files, then try again.

Go to IE/Internet Options/Delete Files. Also in Settings change the amount to 40 MB. This will help in preventing the index files from becoming overloaded.

If that doesn't help check your settings here: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.jpg
For Content Type, it should read "image/jpeg".

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.jpeg
For content Type, it should read: image/jpeg

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.gif
For Content Type is should read "image/gif"

If it already set to that, go to Start, Run and type in: regsvr32 /i shdocvw.dll, regsvr32 /i shdoc401.dll,regsvr32 webvw.dll and regsvr32 thumbvw.dll (for upgrades).

NOTE: If you are using AOL:

This behavior may occur when AOL's graphic compression option is turned on. When this option is on, the images are saved as the .art file type.  Connect to the Internet through AOL, and then visit the following AOL Web site: www.aol.com. Click My AOL. On the Settings menu, click Preferences.

In the Preferences dialog box, click Internet Options (WWW). In the Internet Options dialog box, click to clear the Always Compress Graphics dialog box. Click to select the Never Compress Graphics dialog box. Click Apply, and then click OK.

Internet Explorer Does Not Save Graphics Files in the Proper Format
You May Be Unable to Save .jpg Files with Microsoft Paint After You Install Office 2000 SR1 or SP2

IE - Internet Explorer - To Create a Customized Throbber

Create Your Own Throbber for Internet Explorer & Outlook Express in Windows XP

IE - Internet Explorer - To restore the IE logo...

Start/Run/Regedit- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar. In the Toolbar key, if you see the BrandBitmap and SmBrandBitmap values on the right, delete them.

     Tip:  Remove IE/OE Branding
     Tip:  Change the IE Title Bar Text
     Tip:  Delete IE Wallpaper - Start/Run/%appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer    

IE - Reinstall Internet Explorer

Re-install IE - Go to Start/Run, and type: rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\inf\ie.inf

To work around this issue and reinstall the same customized Internet Explorer 6 installation package a second time, change the IsInstalled (REG_DWORD) value for the Branding component from 1 to 0 in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components. The Branding key always begins with a greater than (>) character.  Or...  Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/ie6/default.asp

In the download box, select your desired language and click Go. On the next page click the Internet Explorer 6 link under Download.  Save the file to your hard drive and note where you saved it to:

When the download is complete, click Start, Run, Browse, and browse to the location you saved the file to. Highlight the IE6SETUP.EXE file and click Open.

In the Run dialog, move the cursor to the end of the command and press the space bar. Copy and past the following into the Run dialog at the end of the current command:  /c:"ie6wzd.exe /d /s:""#E"""

The #E needs to be replaced by the full path and file name of the IE Setup file.  An example command line would look like this:  "C:\Temp\ie6setup.exe" /c:"ie6wzd.exe /d /s:""C:\Temp\ie6setup.exe"""

Replace C:\Temp in this example with the actual path to the ie6setup.exe file. All parameters must be in the line and all of the quote characters must be as shown.

Troubleshooting the install: 

When using this article the issues that surface are covered below:
How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

If you receive this error message:  Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system. Setup cannot continue.  To work around this issue and reinstall the same customized Internet Explorer 6 installation package a second time, run this edit then reinstall:  Enable Reinstallation of Internet Explorer or OE (Line 114)

Once running this edit, rename the CatRoot2 folder and then run the ie.inf. Or use this run command:
Go to Start/Run, and type: rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\inf\ie.inf

If you received this error message:  The software you are installing has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. This software will not be installed. Contact your system administrator.

Rename the CatRoot2 folder (Windows\System32\CatRoot2) and then run (right click/install) the ie.inf (Windows\inf\ie.inf).

Internet Explore Issues, Tips and Fixes
Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP
How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

     Tip:  Configure Internet Downloads - Start/Run/Regedit
              HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings. To increase the
              number of  simultaneous connections that are allowed to 10, follow these steps: On the Edit menu, click Add Value,
              and then add the following registry values: "MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server"=Dword:0000000a
              "MaxConnectionsPerServer"=Dword:0000000a.

     Tip:  Auto-Disconnect for Internet Explorer - Start/Run/Regedit
             HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters In the right pane,
             find Autodisconnect and change the time accordingly.

     Tip:  Disable the Custom Search Page in Internet Explorer - Start/Run/Regedit
              HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main. Value Name: Use Custom Search URL,
              Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value), Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled). Create a new DWORD
              value, or modify the existing value, called 'Use Custom Search URL' 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.

     Tip:  Disable the "Log on using dial-up connection" Check Box - Start/Run/Regedit
              HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon. Value Name:
              RasDisable, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value), Value Data: (0 = restriction disabled, 1 = restriction enabled).
              Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'RasDisable' 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.

     Tip:  Display Internet Explorer on the Desktop
              HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\
              NewStartPanel.  Once there, locate {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} in the list on the right.
              Right click on it and select Modify.  Change the value equal to 0.  Reboot your computer.

     Tip:  Correct Internet Explorer Window Location

     Tip:  Clear Entries from Tools

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions.  Select each subkey and look at its MenuText value in the right-hand pane. When you locate the menu item, delete the entire subkey.  If you don't find the item, do the same search here:   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions.

     Tip:  Disable The Image Bar In Microsoft Internet Explorer 6. 
              IE/Tools/Internet Options/Advanced/Multimedia/Uncheck Enable Image Toolbar.

Availability and Description of Internet Explorer 6
A Description of the Changes to the Security Settings of the Web Content Zones in Internet Explorer 6

Error Message: This Web Page Could Not Be Saved
Error Message: A Previous Program Installation Was Never Completed

How to Change the Internet Search Behavior of Your Browser in Windows XP
How to Manage Cookies in Internet Explorer 6
How to Troubleshoot Java Problems in Internet Explorer
How to Troubleshoot Script Errors in Internet Explorer
Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP
How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 6

Image Toolbar Does Not Appear Over Image in Internet Explorer
Information About the Unsafe File List in Internet Explorer 6
Pictures Are Not Displayed on Internet Web Sites
Web Page Displays an Image As a Red X or Not at All
Privacy Settings Only Affect Internet Zone
Text May Be Unreadable in Internet Explorer if High Contrast Mode Is Enabled
The Internet Search Results Are Not Displayed in the Search Bar
Unable to Open a Link in New Window in Internet Explorer
Unable to Refresh Web Page That Uses Cookies if Set to Prompt for Cookies
Description of Internet Explorer Security Zones Registry Entries

Internet History Won't Clear

Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

F4 = Open URL Address/History command line menu
F5 = Reload current web page
F11 = Toggle between full screen (kiosk mode) and windowed screen + menu

ESC = Stop loading of current web page
HOME = Go to top of current web page
END = Go to bottom of current web page

Page down or SPACE = Scroll down one screen at a time
Page up or SHIFT = Scroll up one screen at a time

ALT + Left Arrow = Back to previous web page
ALT + Right Arrow = Forward to next web page

CTRL + B = Open Organize Favorites menu
CTRL + D = Open Add to Favorites menu for current web page
CTRL + H = Open History folder
CTRL + L = Open new web page
CTRL + N = Open new browser window
CTRL + O = Open new (internet) location
CTRL + P = Print current web page or highlighted text
CTRL + R = Reload current web page
CTRL + S = Save current web page to disk
CTRL + W = Close active browser window

Image and Fax Viewer - Prevent Image and Fax Viewer From Stealing Associations

Go to:  Start/Run/Regedit and Delete this string:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview
@="{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}"

     Tip:  To manually change the association - Right Click On image file. Choose "open with", then "choose program"
              Select your favorite image viewer program. Check the "always use selected program" box Click OK.
     Tip:  Disable Image (Picture) and Fax Viewer - Click Start, Run and enter regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll
    
Note: Using the command REGSVR32 /U SHIMGVW.DLL will prevent you from being able to change a User's picture in User Accounts.  The Change Picture button will not function.  You can re-enable this feature by clicking Start, Run and entering REGSVR32 SHIMGVW.DLL, making your desired changes, then re-running the command above.

IIS

The Pro installation doesn't install IIS by default. Go to Start->Control Panels->Add/Remove Programs, and click on "Add Windows Components". IIS will be listed in there.

Increase Shutdown Time For Services to Close Properly

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control. On the Edit menu, click Add Value. Value Name: WaitToKillServiceTimeout, Data Type: REG_SZ , String: In milli-seconds; default is 20,000. Ok/Exit/Reboot.

Indexing Service - Disable

Improve Performance By Disabling Indexing Service - The Indexing Service in Windows XP Indexes your files presumably to shorten the time needed to search your hard drive if you are looking for a specific file or part of a phrase inside a file.

By default, this service is set to manual (so it won't start), but when you do a search on your computer, there's that little question asking you if you want to make future searches faster.... so you could have enabled it (it will tell you that you are going to enable the Indexing service when you choose this). To Disable, go to:

Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Services and Applications. Double click Services and find the Indexing Service. Double click/properties/Stop. From the Status Type Box, select Disabled.

Inst32.Exe

Inst32.exe Causes an Error Message in Windows XP

Install - To Perform a Quick Upgrade

Turn on your computer. Scan for viruses. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD–ROM drive. After your computer automatically launches the CD, click Install Windows XP. If your computer doesn't automatically launch the CD, start Setup manually:  Click Start and then click Run. Type the following command, replacing "d" with the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive: d:\setup.exe Press ENTER.

When you're asked to choose the type of installation you want, select Upgrade, and then click Next. You can upgrade to Windows XP if all of the following are true:

You're already using a previous version of Windows that supports upgrading. These include: Windows 98 (including Second Edition); Windows Millennium (Me); Windows NT® 4.0 (Service Pack 6 or later); Windows 2000 Professional; or Windows XP Home Edition. (Windows 95 and earlier versions do not support upgrade to Windows XP Professional.)

You want to replace your previous operating system with Windows XP Professional. You want to keep your existing files and personalized settings. If none—or only some—of these are true for you, perform a new installation. For more information, see New Installation. Review the license agreement and, if you agree, accept it.

Enter the Product Key from the Windows XP folder. Review the text for performing Dynamic Update. If you wish to perform Dynamic Update, select Yes, and then click Next. Windows installation starts. You must have an active Internet connection to perform Dynamic Update.

When the “Welcome to Windows” screen appears, follow the instructions to complete your upgrade. Go to “Configure Windows XP” for information on setting up user accounts and network connections.

Install - Repair the Windows XP Installation

Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive. For more information about how to do this, please refer to your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer.

Insert your Windows XP compact disc (CD) into your CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.  (You can also boot with a Windows 98/Me Startup disk with CD support and run WINNT.EXE in the I386 folder on the CD).  When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

When you see the following message displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER:
To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER. At this point an option to press R to enter the Recovery Console is displayed. Do not select this option. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP (in your case, the one you wish to repair) is selected in the box, and then press the R key to repair Windows XP. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

Installing & Configuring XP

Learn what steps to take and what computer requirements are necessary when upgrading your computer to Windows XP. Why you need to activate Windows XP and the steps to take when activating your copy of Windows XP. More info here.

Installation Problems/Conflicts

Install Windows XP Professional
Install Windows XP Troubleshooter

Installation Issues and Conflicts
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_conflicts.htm

Setup Stops Responding (Hangs) During File Copy
Error Msg: Cannot find file: \Windows\System32\hal.dll
Cannot Install Windows XP from a Folder That Is Not Named i386
"NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message When You Upgrade or Install Windows XP Over Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Millennium Edition
Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup

Installing XP

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade on a Windows XP-Based Computer
How to Move a Windows XP Installation to Different Hardware

Installing XP From DOS

If XP will not install from the CD or if you have a new drive with no operating system on it yet try these:

     Install Windows XP from the hard drive with Windows 98 already installed:

Boot Windows 98, Insert the XP CD into your CD reader, Explore Windows XP through My Computer
Copy i386 folder to C:\.  Go into C:\i386 folder and double click on winnt32.exe to launch the setup from the hard drive.

     Install Windows XP from DOS (with no OS on a new hard drive):

Boot with a Windows 98 Start Up disk, Insert the Windows 98 CD into the CD reader, Run smartdrv.exe from the Win98 directory on the windows 98 CD (file caching).  Type cd to back up to the root directory.  Insert Windows XP CD into the CD reader, Copy the i386 folder to C:\. Go into C:\i386 folder on C: and type winnt.exe to launch the setup from the hard drive.

Install XP- Unattended Product Key

WINNT.SIF.  Its created by the Configuration Manager which can be found in the SUPPORT\TOOLS folder in the DEPLOY.CAB.  The lines you're concerned with are:

[UserData]
FullName=Your Name
ComputerName=ComputerName
ProductID=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Installing Windows 98 to its Own Partition after Installing XP

Installing Windows 98 after Installing Windows XP

Install W2K to its Own Partition after Installing XP

Use a 98 Startup disk and run WINNT.EXE from the I386 directory. After 2K is installed, boot with the XP CD and at the Setup/Repair screen, choose Repair. In Recovery Console, use the following commands:

1) FIXBOOT, answer Yes
2) CD \
3) ATTRIB -H NTLDR
4) ATTRIB -S NTLDR
5) ATTRIB -R NTLDR
6) ATTRIB -H NTDETECT.COM
7) ATTRIB -S NTDETECT.COM
8) ATTRIB -R NTDETECT.COM
9) COPY X:\I386\NTLDR C:\
10) COPY X:\I386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

In Steps 9 and 10, X is the letter of your CD-Rom drive.

Installing Win2K after installing Windows XP.

Installation or Removal Was Not Complete Error Message

When you are installing a program that uses the InstallShield Wizard, you may receive an error message similar to one of the following:

The installation/removal of a previous program was not completed. Setup must restart your computer before proceeding with Installation. After windows has been restarted, please run setup again to complete installation.
-or-
A previous program installation was never completed. You need to restart your computer to complete that installation before running Internet Explorer Setup. Setup will now close.  If you restart the computer as suggested and then try to install the program again, you receive the same error message.

The Installation/Removal of a Previous Program Was Never Completed

IntelliPoint

IntelliPoint 4.0: "HPVLS60" or "HPFVLS06" Error Message or Printer Problem After You Install IntelliPoint 4.0 Software

Internet Connection

Troubleshooting Modem Issues, Auto-Connect/Disconnect & Dialup for Windows XP
Troubleshooting Modem Problems in Windows XP
Troubleshooting Cable Modems
Troubleshooting TCP/IP Connectivity with Windows
Troubleshooting TCP/IP Problems in Windows XP Using TRACERT
Troubleshooting Problems Communicating on the Internet
Troubleshooting Internet Service Provider Logon Problems
Troubleshooting a Connection to the Internet in Windows XP
Troubleshooting Connection Speeds in Windows XP
Troubleshooting a PPPoE Connection in Windows XP
Troubleshooting Setting Up an NNTP Server in Windows XP
Cannot Connect To Internet Or MSN With Two Network Cards

Internet Downloads

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings. To increase the number of simultaneous connections that are allowed to 10, follow these steps: On the Edit menu, click Add Value, and then add the following registry values: "MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server"=Dword:0000000a "MaxConnectionsPerServer"=Dword:0000000a.

Internet Time

The Internet Time service in its default state does not work with the Windows XP Personal Firewall enabled on a dial-up connection.  To re-enable this ability while maintaining your firewall follow these steps:

Go to My Network Places, and in the Network Tasks sidebar select View Network Connections. Right-click your dial-up account and select Properties. Click the Advanced tab and click Settings. Click Add and enter "Internet Time Service" for the description. Enter 127.0.0.1 for the IP, and enter 123 for both the External and Internal port numbers and select TCP. Click OK until the Properties box disappears.

If you are online, a dialog box will appear telling you that you need to disconnect and reconnect for the settings to take effect.
Now when you double-click the system tray Clock and select Update Now from the Internet Time tab, it should work correctly."

Internet Time - Adjust Synchronization

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DateTime\Servers. Create a New String Value Name the new value with a number one higher than the last. Under Value Data enter the hostname. Registry/Exit.

Internet Time Server

Want to be sure your computer always displays the correct time? Synchronize your system clock with an Internet time server.

Double-click the clock in the notification area of your taskbar, and the Date and Time Properties dialog box appears (you can also access these settings from the Control Panel). Click the Internet Time tab, then select "Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server." Choose a server in the dropdown list, then click OK. From now, assuming you have a continuous Internet connection, your clock will be synchronized once a week.

Note: If your computer is a member of a domain, most likely, it is already synchronized automatically by a network time server, and the Internet Time tab will not appear in your Date and Time Properties dialog box.

IP Addresses

What is your IP Address:  Click here.

Start/Run:  %windir%\System32\cmd.exe /k ipconfig.exe /all or...

Better Easy IP Check - Simply copy and paste the following into notepad

@echo.
@ipconfig | find "IP Address"
@echo.
@pause

And save as IP.BAT (save to your windows dir if you want to be able to access it anywhere).  or...

Lists the IP Address(es) for your computer

This VB Script will determine the IP Address(es) available on your computer and display them, along with the hostname associated with that IP Address.  Download the Find IP.vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use Save Target As).

Double-click the Find IP.vbs file. http://www.dougknox.com/dbknox/utility/scripts_desc/find_ip.vbs.  A dialog will open listing the available IP Address(es) and the corresponding hostname.

IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

To try to work around this issue: If Easy CD Creator is still installed, uninstall it, or uninstall only the DirectCD component.

Rename the Udfreadr.sys and Cdudf.sys files that are located in the %Systemroot%\System32\Drivers folder to Udfreadr.old and Cdudf.old. File properties: Udfreadr.sys, 23-Oct-01, 5.0.2.155 Cdudf.sys, 11-Jan-01, 5.0.2.155.  NOTE : These files may have already been removed by the uninstaller program for Easy CD Creator.

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and Delete the following registry keys and then Rebooot:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UdfReadr
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\cdudf

Computer Automatically Restarts After You Upgrade to Windows XP

IRQ's - Prioritizing

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl. Create a new DWORD value called IRQ8PRiority and set the data to 1, reboot.  

Isass.Exe

You Cannot Log On to Windows XP After Running the Out-of-Box Experience

ISP

New Service Setup (Slow Loader)

Note:  This compilation of information are from various sources.  All credit due to its authors.
XP Support- 07/28/2005 04:49 AM - Home Page WinXP
© Copyright Kelly Theriot MS-MVP(DTS) 2002 All rights reserved.