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~P~ |
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Check to see if the sites are listed here, if so delete them. Go
to: Windows\System32\DRIVERS\etc. In the right pane open your hosts file using
Notepad. Note: Some XP users have found renaming the Hosts files
folder works as well.
Read Host Files in Notepad (Line 168)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Repair Loss of Internet Access/Certain Web Sites (155)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Page Cannot be Found and/or DNS/Server Error (Line 68)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Download and install version 1173 of mshtml.dll from Microsoft:
http://tinyurl.com/80up
Excerpt from a MS-Article
To resolve this problem, delete the Index.dat file in Internet
Explorer:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options. On the General
tab, under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files. On the Delete Files
dialog box message that is displayed, click OK .
Under History, click Clear History. On the Delete all items in your History
folder? dialog box, click OK. Quit Internet Explorer.
Log on to the computer by using the account of a user who does not experience
the problem, and then open a command prompt. Change the directory to the
following path:
drive :\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet
Files\Content.IE5
Type del index.dat , and then press ENTER. Exit the command prompt and then
restart the computer.
The Index.dat file is re-created the next time that you log on to the computer.
Error
Message: The Page Cannot Be Displayed
Cannot
Open a Web Page in Internet Explorer and "Page Cannot Be Displayed" Error Is
Displayed
Page
cannot be displayed / Cannot find server or DNS Error
Tweak DNS
Errors Caching in Windows 2000 / XP
Page File
How to force Windows XP to clear the pagefile on shutdown.
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory
Management
"ClearPageFileAtShutdown"=dword:00000001
Pagefile too small or Missing
Start/Run/Regedit:
Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement
There you will find these entries:
PagingFiles:Reg_Multi_SZ:C:\pagefile.sys.
TempPageFile:Reg_Dword:0x1
If the PagingFiles: entry is populated, delete the entire TempPageFile entry
then reboot. Or...
Check your settings here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement
PagingFiles
Reg_Multi_SZ type
Value for System Managed on C: is C:\Pagefile.sys 0 0
To change the minimum and maximum values, change the 0's to the Min and Max
values you want. Example: C:\Pagefile.sys 766 1024
You will also need to make this change in the
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ControlSet001, ControlSet002 and ControlSet003
branches, if they exist.
Note:
This behavior may occur with certain Intel chipsets -- for example, the Intel D845WN motherboard or the Intel 815 graphics chipset.
To resolve this issue, download and then install the Intel Application Accelerator (IAA) for Windows XP. For more information about how to do this, contact Intel or browse to the following Intel Web site: http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/iaa. For more information about the Intel D845WN motherboard, browse to the following Intel Web site: http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/wn/index.htm. For more information about the Intel 815 chipset, browse to the following Intel Web site: http://support.intel.com/design/chipsets/815.
Error
Message: Your System Has No Paging File, or the Paging File Is Too Small
HOW
TO: Set Performance Options in Windows XP
HOW
TO: Move the Paging File in Windows XP
Configuring Page Files for Optimization and Recovery
Page File Monitor - MVP Bill James
This script does a mini-setup on first run, adding itself as a scheduled job to
run at whatever increment of minutes you select. It creates a file,
pagefile.log, in the directory you ran the script from, and updates that with
the measured pagefile usage. You might want to pull a shortcut from the log
file to desktop to keep from having to drill down to it when you
want to take a look. Download here.
Passport Balloon - Disable
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MessengerService. In the right pane, find
"PassportBalloon" and change to value to 0A. When done it should read 0A 00 00
00.
Password Recovery
Can't Login To Windows? Locked Out? Forgot Your Password? Click
here.
If you can't get in/login to Windows there is a program that can do it
automatically and instantly for you. Windows Geeks Password Removal Tool will
remove all passwords including for Administrator on Vista, XP and NT/2000/2003
Servers/Workstation.
One Step - No Hassle Solution! Removes and Unlocks All Windows Passwords
Instantly.
Click here for more information.
Password Recovery for Expired Notice
Windows XP may not display a notice to a user that the user's password is about to expire. This problem may occur if the user logs on to a Microsoft Windows 2000-based domain from a Windows XP Professional-based computer on which the user has previously logged on, and the user's password will expire in the specified expiry period. More information here.
This article explains how to log on to Windows XP if you forget your password, or if your password expires and you are not able to create a new one. How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password
Password Recovery Expired - How to:
This will remove the warning message:
Start/Programs/Administrative Tools/Local Security Policy/Account
Policies/Password Policy.
In the right pane, right click, properties, modify (use accordingly). And
Start/Programs/Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Local Users and
Groups/Right Click "User"(intended)/Properties...
Or...With Admin privileges, at a command prompt type: net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited.
Click Start, Run and enter LUSRMGR.MSC. Open the Users group and then
double click on the entry for your account. Check Password never expires.
More information on User and Admin Passwords here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_passwords.htm
Path Command Line Completion - Enable
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor] Value Name:
PathCompletionChar Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value) Value Data: Hex Control
Character Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'PathCompletionChar'
and set it to equal the hex value of the required control character.
For example to use the TAB key set the value to '9', to use Ctrl-D set the value
to '4' and for Ctrl-F set the value to '6'. Now when you are using a command
prompt and type the first part of a directory name then press the specified key,
Windows will complete the remainder for you. Pressing the key multiple times
will scroll through the available options.
Performance - Increase Windows XP performance by adjusting
view options
Right Click the My Computer Icon/Properties/Advanced/Performance/Settings and
uncheck these settings: (Or select the Adjust for best performance option)
Fade or slide menus into view
Fade or slide ToolTips into view
Fade out menu items after clicking
Show Shadows under menus
Slide open combo boxes
Slide taskbar buttons
Use a background image for each folder type
Use common tasks in folders
Or select the Adjust for best performance option.
Tip: Change the
Transition Effect for Menus and Tooltips.
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Value Name: UserPreferencesMask Data
Type: REG_BINARY (Binary Value) Double-click on the "UserPreferencesMask" value
to open the Edit Binary Value screen. Press the right arrow to move over to the
second set of digits. Press the delete key to remove the digits and type either
'28' for the scroll effect or '3e' for the fade effect. Restart Windows for the
change to take effect.
Hard Disk Performance Is Slower Than You Expect
Performance - Fred Langa
Permission Denied - When Trying to Delete Folders/Files
Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/View/Unmark "Use Simple File Sharing".
Right click the folder/file in question/Properties/Security/Advanced/Owner/Set
Permissions.
HOW TO:
Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions
More information here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_mydocs.htm
Personal Web Server
You can download the Apache Web Server from here.
Photos
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Photos: Get Started Working with Photos | |
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Photos: E-mail Photos | |
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Photos: Printing Your Photos | |
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Photos: Order Prints Online | |
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Photos: Publish Photos on the Web | |
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Photos: Brighten Up Your Desktop with Photos | |
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Photos: Organize Your Photos | |
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Photos: Store Your Photos on CD |
Picture and Fax Viewer - Prevent Image and Fax Viewer From
Stealing Associations
Delete this string:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview
@="{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}"
Manually Edit: 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.
Disable Picture and Fax Viewer
Go to
Start/Run and type: regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll
Enable Picture and Fax Viewer
Go to Start/Run and type: regsvr32 shimgvw.dll or regsvr32
/i shimgvw.dll
To get a new copy: EXPAND X:\i386\shimgvw.dl_C:\Windows\system32\shimgvw.dll
If you disabled the fax/picture viewer by using regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll, then
changing user icons fail to work: You need to re-load the dll and it will
work. Have only tried this w/ XP Pro. Reload by typing in regsvr32 shimgvw.dll.
Remove Image Preview
Start/Run/Regedit - Delete the key.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview
Disable as Default
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ SystemFileAssociations\ image\ ShellEx\ ContextMenuHandlers.
Delete the ShellImagePreview key. Close the Registry Editor or...
Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ CLSID\{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}\
shellex.
Delete the MayChangeDefaultMenu key.
Pictures - Welcome Screen
HOW
TO: Add or Change a User's Picture in Windows XP
Restore User Default Pictures (Line 54)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
How to Add a Specific Picture
Find a picture you are interested in using and use Save As to download and/or
move the picture in question to your My Pictures Folder. Then go to User
Account/Change my picture/Browse for more pictures/My Pictures Folder/Choose the
picture you want to use, then click Open.
Default Pictures are stored here:
Windows Explorer\Documents and Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\User
Accounts\Default Pictures. Summary of an image is 48x48/71 dpi, depth 24.
Note: If you have disabled Picture and Fax Viewer by using regsvr32 /u
shimgvw.dll, you will not be able to change the picture. To restore, go to
Start/Run and type in: regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
Pin Program Icon To Start Menu
Want to add more icons to this somewhat-permanent list? Locate the program you
want to add--on the desktop, in the Start menu, wherever--Right click it and
select Pin to Start Menu. Click Start, and you'll see that icon officially
"pinned" to the Start menu. To "unpin" it, Right click the item and select Unpin
From Start Menu. Note: Icons pinned to the Start menu don't fluctuate,
whereas the most-frequently-used icons, just below them, do.
You could "unpin" a program pinned to the Start menu by right-clicking it and
selecting Unpin From Start Menu. Did you happen to notice the Remove From This
List command in the same dropdown menu? What's the difference?
Nothing, if you didn't pin the icon to the Start menu from the frequently used
program list (on the left area of the Start menu, below the gray line). However,
if the item was pinned from the frequently used list, Unpin From Start Menu
moves the program back to this list, while Remove From This List removes it
altogether.
Plug and Play
How to Add OEM Plug and Play Drivers to Windows XP
Plus!
Error Message: A Problem Occurred in This Installation of Plus! CD Label Maker
Running Plus! for Windows XP - Installation
Advisor
Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP - Installation Advisor is a diagnostic tool that
analyzes your computer’s major system components and tells you if it can run
Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP. This tool is specifically designed for Plus! for
Windows XP and is the fastest way to verify your system configuration.
Download here.
Policy Settings
Policy
Settings for the Start Menu in Windows XP
Pop-Ups
PopUpKiller
Pop-Up Stopper 2.6 - FREE version is a completely FREE product that is not
spyware or adware. This product runs as a system tray icon next to your system
clock.
http://www.panicware.com/product_dpps.html
Pornography - Clear unwanted files by Content Audit
You can accidentally pick up
objectionable PC files from the Internet! ContentAudit provides a way to safely
detect unwanted files. Content Audit is free, safely scans for unwanted
content and has an online checker that works in minutes.
Power Management
Unable
to Use Power Management Features
Description of the Different Advanced Power Management States
Screen
Blank If Computer Wakes from Sleep During Scheduled Task
Power Management - Change Power Management Configuration
This parameter allows you to specify the primary role of the computer
so that predefined power management configurations can be used. For example a
laptop will have different power saving features than a home desktop PC.
Go to Start/Run/Regedit and find the key below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\PowerCfg]
System Key: [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\PowerCfg]
Value Name: CurrentPowerPolicy
Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Modify the existing value, or create a new string value, called "CurrentPowerPolicy" and set it to a value (0 to 5) from the table below.
Restart Windows for the change to take effect.
Power Menu
From the developer: "PowerMenu adds some powerful new extensions to the windows system menu. It adds the following extensions: -Minimize windows to the system tray. Make windows overlap other windows (always on top). Set the parent process priority of windows. Set the transparency level of a window (Windows 2000/XP only). "Version 1.5.0 supports making console windows top most (under NT) and new command line options." Download Here.
PowerShot
Digital Camera Products Windows XP Compatibility Information
PPPoE - How to get PPPoE in Windows XP
to log in Automatically on boot:
Note: Remember PPPoE is now native to Windows XP.
1) In Control Panel open "Network Connections"
2) Right click on your broadband connection icon and select "Properties"
3) Uncheck "Prompt for name and password..."
4) Click "OK"
5) Open your "C:/Documents and settings" folder
6) Open the "All Users" folder
7) Open the "Start Menu" folder
8) Open the "Programs" folder
9) Go to your Programs Folder -> Startup
9) Copy a short-cut of your Broadband Connection, from the Network Connections
folder in to the "Startup" folder.
Prefetch is a new and very useful technique in Windows XP.
However, after using XP some time, the Prefetch directory can get full and have
obsolete links in the Prefetch catalog, which can
slow down your computer
significantly.
The Prefetcher component in Windows XP is part of the Memory Manager, and helps
to shorten the amount of time it takes to start Windows and programs.
Windows XP "monitors" itself and notices which applications are launched
frequently. It gathers information about these applications and what they access
with the launch and stores this information in the prefetch folder. It
then uses this information to "optimize" access to these files so that they
launch faster.
Once every three days, by default, Windows XP will perform a partial
defragmentation and adjust the layout of the disk based upon current use. The
files to be moved are written in the file Layout.ini (found in the Prefetch
directory under the System Root directory).
Suggestion: Open C:\Windows\Prefetch and delete
the obsolete files, reboot. However, if you don't have a real good
reason to delete these files, just leave them be. Let the system handle this
folder.
If system performance is an issue:
XP automatically optimizes itself every three days, bootvis forces the
optimization to happen now rather than having to wait three days. Fast Boot
/Fast Resume Design: A performance trace visualization tool for use with Windows
XP systems.
Bootvis can be downloaded here. For more information click here.
Manage the
Windows Prefetcher Service: Go to
Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory
Management\PrefetchParameters
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called "EnablePrefetcher"
and set it according to
(0 = disabled, 1 = Application launch prefetching, 2 = Boot prefetching, 3 =
Both prefetching). To clear the Prefetcher cache, delete all the files in
the Prefetch sub-directory (e.g. "C:\Windows\Prefetch").
Or use this tool: MajorGeeks
has posted up a freeware tool for flushing the Prefetch log and controlling the
Prefetch Parameters in Windows XP. Windows XP monitors the files that are used
when the computer starts and when you start applications.
By monitoring these files, Windows XP can prefetch them. Prefetching data is the
process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the
cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to
start Windows XP and start applications. Get more info and download from the
link below:
Windows XP Prefetch Clean And Control
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495
Prefetch Defined: This
directory is used by the defrag utility to help organize the files on your PC
for more efficient
loading.
"I/O performance is strongly influenced by the layout of files on disk. Files
and directories that are heavily fragmented or dispersed across the disk will
hurt performance. While Windows XP will automatically reposition some files to
improve performance, this will generally be done infrequently and will usually
include only a small fraction of the files on the disk.
Therefore, it is a good idea to defragment the disk following an installation.
Once every three days, by default, Windows XP will perform a partial
defragmentation and adjust the layout of the disk based upon current use. The
files to be moved are written in the file Layout.ini (found in the Prefetch
directory under the System Root directory)."
Windows XP Performance
Boot Prefetching
Windows XP speeds up system boot by observing the code and data needed each time
the system is booted and prefetching the necessary file contents early in the
boot process. This prefetching is not done until the third boot of the system,
when sufficient information is available to make the prefetching most effective.
The files observed during system boot will be used in the disk layout process
mentioned above. Additional information on the prefetcher and the Windows XP
boot process can be found at
Fast Boot/Fast Resume for the Windows Platform.
* Side note: When cleaning for Spyware, Malware, Viruses, etc. Remember to check and/or clear your prefetch folder as well.
Application-Launch Prefetching
Windows XP also uses prefetching when launching applications. The files and the
contents of the files accessed by each new process are observed and recorded. No
prefetching can be done for the first launch of an application, so first
launches are often considerably slower than subsequent launches. About 85% to
90% of the improvement is realized after just one launch of an application, with
the remaining speed improvement coming after the system has had an opportunity
to adjust the disk layout with information specific to this application.
Benchmarking on Windows XP.
Preview Image File
Scouring around a folder for a particular image file? Even if you aren’t viewing
that folder’s contents in Thumbnails view, you can steal a sneak peek at any
image. Right-click the file, select Preview and the image appears inside the
Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.
Preview Image File Replaced by Common Tasks
In Explorer go to Tools, Folder Options, General and select Use Common Tasks in Folders. Now go to any folder with images in it, and go to the Explorer Toolbar and click the Folders button. The folder tree will be replaced by a new pane, Common Tasks. At the bottom you'll be able to see the preview of the image.
Print Job Notification
By default Windows notifies a user with a popup message that their print job has been completed on the printer. This setting controls that behavior. Open your registry (Start/Run/Regedit) and find the key below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers]
Value Name: NetPopup
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled)
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, named "NetPopup" and
set it to equal "0" to disable notification or "1" to enable it.
Restart the printer spooler service or restart Windows for the change to take
effect.
Specify Where to
Display Printer Notifications
Print Key Pro
PrintKey-Pro is a system tray-based program that can capture
your screen or any part of it with the press of the PrintScrn key (or any other
key you configure). You can adjust the captured picture's brightness,
contrast,
color balance, size, color invert, or convert to grayscale or black and white.
Pictures can be edited, using an image editor of your choice, printed or saved
in multiple formats such as JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIF and PCX. You can
capture the full screen or just the active window, the client area, or any
rectangular or circular area with or without the cursor.
You can also insert text and free hand draw on the picture.You can preview the
picture, add the date, user info, and any text you choose before printing on the
selected printer. Download
here.
Print Out - Directory
Print the names, and other information, of all folders and files on your
computer.
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptdirprn.html
HOW TO: Add a "Print Directory" Feature for Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q321379
Add "Log Folder Contents" to the SendTo Menu (Line 112)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Print Out a Directory Listing
For your convenience, the BAT file
and a REG file to add this feature can be downloaded
here. Open the ZIP file and extract the files. Copy PRIN.BAT to
the Windows folder and double click the REG file to add the menu option.
Either file can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on it and selecting Edit.
Printer - Always Found after Reboot
This problem can occur when the printer driver is initially
installed. The printer installation program from the manufacturer does not
enable the New Hardware Wizard to finish its detection of the newly installed
printer.
To work around this problem, enable the New Hardware Wizard to finish, even
though the wizard cannot detect a new printer.
New
Hardware Wizard Detects Printer Device After Every Restart
Workaround for HP Printers:
1. When the Found New Hardware Wizard starts at startup of the computer,
click <next>.
2. When it asks you for the HP disk, (the next thing that will require a
response from you probably), click <ok>. However, do NOT insert the disk into
your CD-ROM drive.
3. On the next screen that comes up, there will be a button that is already
highlighted telling the wizard where to find the printer driver (which is what
it is looking for). This button will be pointing it at "other media, CD-ROM,
etc.
The trick is to DESELECT this button. At that point, the button for your C:
drive will become active and you can select the C: drive. It will also probably
be prompting you with the location for the already installed HP printer driver
that is somewhere on your C: drive. (If not, you need to click browse and locate
the driver).
4. After you have deselected the CD-ROM and selected the C: drive, click <ok> (or
<next> or whatever.) The Wizard then makes a second copy of your printer driver
(and, by the way, creates a second "installed printer" in your Control
Panel/Printers). And then, the wizard finally completes and
tells you that you have successfully installed the new hardware.
5. On subsequent startup, the Wizard should then NOT run.
Printer
Windows XP KB Articles About Printing and Fax
Printer Issues
Troubleshooting Printer Issues
How to
Add Printers with No User Interaction in Windows
Managing Network Printing in a Windows Environment
How to
Troubleshoot Windows Printing Problems
Windows
Printer Driver Support
HOW TO:
Install a Printer Driver Locally for a Remote Printer
100
Percent CPU Usage Occurs When You Print on an LPT Printer Port
"Operation Could Not Be Completed" Error Message When You Use the Add Printer
Wizard
HOW
TO: Make a Local Printer Available During a Connection to a Remote Desktop in
Windows XP Professional
IntelliPoint 4.0: "HPVLS60" or "HPFVLS06" Error Message or Printer Problem After
You Install IntelliPoint 4.0 Software
Problems with Canon MultiPass Printer and Windows XP
Printing Detailed Documents
If you want to print detailed documents, such as a map off of the Web, then the
default Windows settings for your printer are probably insufficient. The easiest
way to change the printer is within the application from which you wish to
print. Click the Print or Print setup button to load the Print Screen. On this
screen you should see a Properties or Settings button. Click this button.
Another way to get to this location is to open the Control Panel, click the
Printer icon, right-click the printer you want to use, and select Properties.
Click the graphics tab and click the arrow in the drop-down box labeled
'Resolution.' Increasing this number increases the number of dots printed per
inch. This will increase the printer's graphics resolution. However, this will
also cause your printer to take more time while printing pages.
Priority Programs - Setting
Task Manager/Processes Tab/Right click Program/Set Priority/Select accordingly.
Problems
Windows XP Problems and Solutions
PrcView is a process viewer utility that displays detailed information about processes running under Windows. For each process it displays memory, threads and module usage. For each DLL it shows full path and version information. PrcView comes with a command line version that allows you to write scripts to check if a process is running, kill it, etc.
Processors (number of) Supported in XP
Windows XP Home :
1 processor (Normal and HT)
Windows XP Pro:
2 processors (Normal and HT)
Windows Server 2003 Standard:
4 processors
Windows server 2003 Enterprise:
8 processors
Windows server 2003 Datacenter:
32 processors
Product Key
Q: I am reinstalling Windows XP and I am using the product
key off the bottom of the laptop but it says it is no good, what can I do?
A: Are you using the same OEM installation CD that came with the
laptop?
If so, you need to examine the Product Key very carefully. It's
awfully easy to mistake a "B" for an "8," a "G" for a "6," an "S" for
a "5," or a "Q" for a "0" or "O." Fortunately, Microsoft had the good
sense to leave the "1's," "I's," "O's," and "0's" out of the equation.
Also, be sure that your <CapsLock> is _off_ while entering the
Product Key -- this isn't supposed to make a difference, but I've seen
it do so.
Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637
If not, you'll need to use either the original or another OEM CD, at
the very least. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language
of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa.
An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom
line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.
Added info:
The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. If it was an OEM (factory installed)
license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer affixed to
the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.
To recover a lost Product Key:
If your system still runs, you should be able to use Belarc
Advisor from
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to find the
Product Key. (If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and
haven't since reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably
of the drive image used at the factory and not your specific Product
Key; therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not
be -- used for a re-installation.)
If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246
If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of
the Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy
a new license.
MS-MVP Bruce Chambers
Profiles - Understanding User Profiles
A user profile defines customized desktop environments, which
include individual display settings, network and printer connections, and other
specified settings. You or your system administrator may define your desktop
environment.
Types of user profiles include:
A local user profile, which is created the first time you log on to a computer
and is stored on a computer's local hard disk. Any changes made to your local
user profile will be specific to the computer in which you made the changes.
A roaming user profile, which is created by your system administrator and is
stored on a server. This profile is available every time you log on to any
computer on the network. Any changes made to your roaming user profile will be
updated on the server.
A mandatory user profile, which is a roaming profiles that can be used to
specify particular settings for individuals or an entire group of users. Only
system administrators can make changes to mandatory user profiles.
Open System in Control Panel. On the User Profiles tab, and
under Profiles stored on this computer, click the user profile you want to copy,
and then click Copy To.
In the Copy To dialog box, under Copy profile to, type the location for the new
profile, or click Browse to select the path.
Click Change to open the Choose User dialog box, click a new user from the Names
list, and then click Add. The new user name will appear in Add Name. Click OK to
add the user as a new user profile on your computer.
Note: You must be logged on as an administrator to the local computer to
copy user profiles. To open a Control Panel item, click Start, point to
Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the appropriate icon.
Note 2: You cannot copy the account you are currently logged in on. You must log into another account.
Note 3: If you create a new account, you must logon once before you copy another account over top of it. Windows creates the user profile at logon, not at account creation, and it will not use the copy you created before that first logon, it will create a user.COMPUTERNAME folder instead.
Note 4: To resolve this issue, verify that the user
account is not logged on before you try to copy its profile. If you are
currently logged on as this user, log off, log on again by using a different
user account, and then copy the profile. If
you are not logged on as the user account that you are trying to copy, that
account may be logged on in a different session (using Fast User Switching).
To force that account to be logged off, start Task Manager,
click the Users tab, click the user account, and then click Logoff.
To work around this behavior, you can also create a user who has administrative
privileges, log on as that user, and then copy the profile of the first user.
Delete a User Profile:
Open System in Control Panel. On the User Profiles tab, under Profiles stored on
this computer, click the user profile you want to delete, and then click Delete.
Note: You must be logged on as an administrator to the local
computer to delete user profiles. To open a Control Panel item, click Start,
point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the appropriate
icon.
Switching between a Roaming and Local User Profile:
Open System in Control Panel. On the User Profiles tab, under Profiles stored on
this computer, click the user profile you want to change, and then click Change
Type. In the Change Type dialog box, click Local profile or Roaming profile.
Note: To open a Control Panel item, click Start, point to Settings,
click Control Panel, and then double-click the appropriate icon. If Roaming
profile is unavailable, this indicates that the profile is a local user profile
See your system administrator to create a roaming user profile.
To avoid downloading the roaming profile when you have a slow network
connection, select the Use cached profile on slow connections check box after
you click Roaming profile. If you use a roaming profile on more than one
computer simultaneously, it will preserve the settings from the last computer
that logs off.
Disable Roaming Profiles and Cache
Start/Run/gpedit.msc
Local Computer Policy/Computer Configuration/Administrative
Templates/System/User Profiles/Only Allow Local User Profiles.
If you enable both the "Prevent Roaming Profile changes from propogating to the
server" setting and the "Only allow local user profiles" setting, roaming
profiles are disabled.
Delete Cached Copies of Roaming Profiles
If this setting is enabled, when users with roaming profiles log off, the system
will delete the cached copy of their roaming profile. This will help to save
disk space where that are lots of roaming users.
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'DeleteRoamingCache' and edit the value according to the settings above.
Value Name: DeleteRoamingCache
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
Program - Getting an Older Program to Run on Windows XP
If an older application gives you trouble when running Windows XP, you can
set the compatibility properties manually so that the program runs in a
different mode, such as Windows 95, or in a different display or resolution
setting. To set the compatibility properties for a program:
Right–click the executable or the program shortcut to the executable, and then
click Properties. Select the Run this program in compatibility mode check box.
From the list, select an operating system that the program runs in comfortably.
If necessary, also change the display settings and/or resolution, or disable the
Windows XP visual themes.
Run the program again when you’re finished changing the settings. Adjust the
compatibility settings again if the program is still not running smoothly: a
program that’s unhappy on Windows 2000 may flourish on Windows 98.
Program Permissions
Limits the Windows programs that users have permission to run on the computer. If you enable this setting, users can only run programs that you add to the List of Allowed Applications. NOTE: This setting only prevents users from running programs that are started by the Windows Explorer process.
Start/Run/Gpedit.msc/User configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Run Only Allowed Windows Applications/Right click/Properties/Enable/Find Application/Ok/Reboot.
Programs - Restrict
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.Value
Name: DisallowRun
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer.
Create a new DWORD value and name it "DisallowRun" set the value to "1" to
enable application restrictions or "0" to allow all applications to run.
Then create a new sub-key called HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun and define the applications the are to be
restricted. Creating a new string value for each application, named as
consecutive numbers, and setting the value to the filename to be restriced (e.g.
"regedit.exe"). Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
Value Name: RestrictRun Open your registry and find the key [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Policies\Explorer] Create a new DWORD value and name it "RestrictRun" set the
value to "1" to enable application restrictions or "0" to allow all applications
to run.
Then create a new sub-key called [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Policies\Explorer\RestrictRun] and define the applications that are allowed.
Creating a new string value for each application, named as consecutive numbers,
and setting the value to the filename to be allowed (e.g. "regedit.exe").
Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.
Note: If you are the person who applies Group Policy, do not apply this
policy to yourself. If applied too broadly, this policy can prevent
administrators from running Group Policy or the registry editors. As a result,
once applied, you cannot change this policy except by reinstalling Windows.
Processor - Manage Native Processor Performance Control
Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\P3\ Parameters. Value Name:
HackFlags, Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value). Create a new DWORD value, or
modify the existing value, called 'HackFlags' and edit the value according to
the settings below.
0 = disable native XP support 1 = use settings inherited from Intel software during XP upgrade 5 = system can support all modes when running on battery Restart Windows for the change to take effect. Note: This tweak only applies to processors with either Intel SpeedStep or AMD PowerNow! processor performance control technologies.
Proxy Server - Automatically set the Proxy Server to an Address
Go to Start/Run/Gpedit.msc
Note: This compilation of
information are from various sources. All credit due to its authors.
XP Support-
02/02/2009 06:30 PM -
Home Page WinXP
© Copyright Kelly Theriot
MS-MVP(DTS) 2002
All rights reserved.