Wallpaper (Folder) Background

Background for folders:  To create a template folder with a background image, create a new folder and customize it to create a hidden desktop.ini file inside.  Edit the desktop.ini in the folder and add two lines:

[{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}]
IconArea_Image=Background.bmp

Then create a hidden image file in the folder and name it "Background.bmp". This image can be .bmp, .jpg, or .gif, but you will need to edit the image file extension in your desktop.ini file to match the image file name.

Wallpaper - Desktop - Disable Changing

Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes - Disable

Manual:  Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop.  NoChangingWallPaper
DWord value: 1 prevents changing wallpaper, 0 allows changes.

The same value can be created in the following Registry branch, to make the restriction machine wide.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop

Wallpaper - Users

To modify the wallpaper for every new user added to the machine.. and has the added benefit of showing up during log on:

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop. In the right pane change to path to Wallpaper.

Change ScreenSaver Automatically in the Registry (Line 97)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Warez Links: 

Watermark

How to Create a Fixed, Centered Watermark Using Cascading Style Sheets

WAV Files

Personalized email with a voice message: You can do these tasks using the Windows Sound Recorder that's located in Start/Programs/Accessories/Entertainment and finally, Sound Recorder. Use the buttons just like you would a tape recorder and save the file to wherever you want, and then attach it to an email.

Specify the Wave File for Sound Notification

This tweak is used to specify the path and filename of the wave file to be played during an application error if sound notification has been enabled.  Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DrWatson]
Value Name: WaveFile
Data Type: REG_EXPAND_SZ (Expanded String Value)
Value Data: File Location

Create a new Expanded String value, or modify the existing value, called "WaveFile" and set it according to the value data below.
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

To increase the maximum recording time in the Sound Recorder utility:

Make sure your microphone is muted so it will not pick up sound. Click Record, and then let Sound Recorder run for 60 seconds.
After Sound Recorder stops recording, click Save As on the File menu, and name the file Blank.wav.

To increase the maximum recording time in Sound Recorder, click Insert File on the Edit menu, and then insert the Blank.wav file that you saved. When you do this, the maximum recording time is increased by 60 seconds. You can repeat this step once for each additional minute of recording time that you want to add. For example, for a 5-minute recording time, insert the Blank.wav file five times.

Web-Bugs

A Web bug is a graphic on a Web page or in an e-mail message designed to monitor who is reading the page or message. Web bugs are often invisible because they are typically only 1-by-1 pixels in size. In many cases, Web bugs are placed on Web pages by third parties interested in collecting data about visitors to those pages.  More information here.

Web Hosting

Several options for cheap web hosting which provider dedicated server and virtual private server options.

Web Page - Update in IE

Would you like to know when a specific Web page was last updated? If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can easily determine when a page was updated last. Navigate to the page you want to check and type into the Address Bar:

javascript:alert(document.lastModified) and press Enter. A dialog box will open display the date and time of the last update.
Note that you must enter the line exactly as shown here.

Web - Shortcuts

Do you like to visit specific Web sites on a regular basis? To simplify your life, you can either create Favorites within Explorer, or you can actually create a shortcut on your desktop that, when clicked, takes you directly to the Web page you want to view. Here's how:

Open Explorer. Then open the Web page. Place the mouse in an area of the Web page with no links or banners. Right-click that area and select Create Shortcut.

Now, when you're connected to the Web, simply click the new desktop icon, and it will bring up Explorer and take you to your favorite Web site!

Web Sites

Can't Access Certain Websites (Suggestions and Checkpoints)

IE/Tools/Internet Options/Advanced and uncheck the option
to Enable third party browsing extensions, restart IE.

Go to Start/Run and type in: regsvr32 actxprxy.dll and regsvr32 shdocvw.dll. Then reboot.

Open Internet Options control panel to the Privacy tab and put one of these web sites in the exception list.

Try putting the web site in the "Trusted Zone" and if this fixes the problem, you can begin to diagnose cookie/script problems with that site and your Internet zone settings.

If you have more than one local number for dialup, remove the primary number that is dialing up first and use the secondary dialup number.  Clear the checkbox for "negotiate multilink for single link connections" in the PPP settings.

A file in your Windows folder called 'hosts' (no extension) may have an incorrect IP address for the page. To find out, open Windows Explorer, select your C:\Windows folder, and look in the right pane for a hosts file.

If you can't find it in your Windows folder, this isn't your problem. If you do find a hosts file, open it in Notepad and look for a line referring to the page that's giving you trouble. If it's there, enter # at the beginning of the line. Save and exit the file.

Unable to Log on to Web Site or Gain Access to Some Web Sites
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q301/4/55.asp

PPPoE with ICS Requires MTU Setting Below 1492 on the ICS Clients
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q259/7/83.asp

Many people have reported solving the problem by using the RASPPPoE client instead of XP's. Details at these sites:

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/adslpoe2.htm
http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~normanb/

For DNS/Page Cannot Be Displayed:  For most users this works:

Lan Settings - Proxy Server - Disable (Line 253)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Manual: IE/Tools/Internet Options/Connections/Lan Settings. Uncheck Use a proxy server.....

Rename your hosts file: Go to: Windows\System32\DRIVERS\etc.

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

More information here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_p.htm#pnf

Added info/articles:

Troubleshooting Problems Communicating on the Internet
Unable to Log on to Web Site or Gain Access to Some Web Sites
Windows XP Internet Programs Cannot Connect to the Internet Through Broadband Connection

Website Design and Maintenance

Create a website that fits your personal, family, or company profile.

Web Sites - Restrict Web Sites from Installing Software

StartPage Guard

IE-SPYAD: Restricted Sites List for Internet Explorer
http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD

These restrictions allow you to block unwanted web sites from downloading software onto your system. This can be useful in disabling the installation of some common "cursor" programs. Start/Run/Regedit

Create a new sub-key for each site you want to block, naming it based on the top-level domain for the site. For example to block www.spam.com you would create a new sub-key called:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InternetSettings\ZoneMap\Domains
\spam.com.  Under the sub-key create a new DWORD value called "*" and set it to equal "4".

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains
Value Name: *
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (4 = restricted)

Restart Internet Explorer for the change to take effect.

Note: This setting can also be applied on a user-by-user basis by modifying the same key under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive.

Web Sites - Who is linking to yours?

Google and AltaVista: type: link:www.yourwebsite.com
AOL, HotBot, iWon and MSN: type: linkdomain:www.yourwebsite.com
AllTheWeb: type: link.all:www.yourwebsite.com

Web Surfing

Tools for Power Searching - Search Bootmarklets

Web Tab - Missing

Restore the Web Tab - Display Properties (Line 177)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Active Desktop - Enable/Disable (Line 16)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Webhelper1

Checkpoints: Try each step until the situation is resolved.

1. IE/Tools/Internet Options/Advanced and uncheck the option to Enable third party browsing extensions, restart IE.

2. Go to Start/Run/cmd and type in: regsvr32 /u iehelper.dll

3. Go to Start/Run/Regedit and delete this key:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\BrowserHelperObjects\{00000000-5eb9-11d5-9d45-009027c14662}

4. Go to Start/Search and type in: IEHelper.dll
If found, rename IEHelper.dll file to IEHelper.old

Webucator - Windows Training

Webucator offers customized onsite Windows training for groups and instructor-led online Windows training for individuals.

For private groups of three or more, Webucator offers completely customizable and cost-effective Windows classes delivered at your offices or a location near you. Our Windows courses are listed here.
 

Welcome Screen

Hide User or Add User on the Welcome Screen (Line 22)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Enable/Disable Administrator on the Welcome Screen (Line 5)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Add ControlUserPasswords2 To Control Panel (Line 1)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Manual Steps:

Control Panel/Users/Change the Way Users Logon/Welcome Screen or... Start/Run/Regedit Key

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\Winlogon]

Value Name: LogonType Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value) Value Data: (0 = Classic Mode, 1 = Welcome Screen) Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'LogonType' and edit the value according to the settings below. Reboot.

More information and options here:

A User Logon Request Is Rejected Without Any Messages
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313322

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_wel_screen.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_logon.htm

Welcome Screen Old Style

Change the Login Window to W2K Style -
This setting controls which type of logon screen is shown, either the classic Windows NT/2000 format or the Windows XP welcome screen.

Start/Run/Regedit

Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\
CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
Value Name: LogonType
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = Classic Mode, 1 = Welcome Screen)

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'LogonType' 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.

Note: Using the classic logon method will also disable the use of fast user switching, where applications remain active in other users sessions.

Tip:  Clear Last User on W2K Style Boot Screen

Welcome Screen - Colors

Select theme and color scheme for welcome screen

With this tweak you will be able to modify which color selection of the default theme is shown when the computer start up screen is displayed. Currently since there is only one theme you can only change the color scheme for the theme but in the future when more themes are available for XP you will be able to change which theme is used in the same place in the windows registry.

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ThemeManager
Locate the key NormalColor
Right Click on it and select modify.
Change where it says "NormalColor" to "Metallic"
Click Ok, and exit regedit
Restart

Note: To go back to the old color scheme durring startup just change "Metallic" back to "NormalColor" Once more themes are released you will be able to modify the DllName key to select different themes.

Welcome Screen - Hide

This setting hides the welcome screen that is normally displayed each time the user logs on to Windows XP Professional. Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. 

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'NoWelcomeScreen' and edit the value according to the settings (0 = default, 1 = hide).  Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Welcome Screen User Pictures

Default Pictures are stored here:

Windows Explorer\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures

Restore User Default Pictures (Line 58)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

HOW TO: Add or Change a User's Picture in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q292434

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.

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

User Picture is Missing on Start Menu:  It's only there if you are using XP themes. If using classic there is no picture.

Wheel Mouse - Navigating Internet Explorer With A Wheel Mouse
 
If you hold down the Shift key while you move the wheel on your super new wheel mouse, Internet Explorer will navigate backward and forward through visited pages. Just like clicking the Back and Forward buttons, or holding down the Alt key while you click the left or right keypad arrows.

White Space

When making a post and someone urges for white space, it means:

That you should repost your question, clearly and concisely, using paragraph breaks or numbered points. As it stands for the those who do not include white space, it reads like a stream-of-a-consciousness novelette and most people, myself included, will glance over it and not bother to wade throught it.

You want to make it easy for people to help you. Here are some links to help you make a good newsgroup post:

http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

People like myself and others, who help out in various groups every day go through those groups quickly. We tend to skip over posts with subjects like "help" or "problem" and if we do look at one of those, if the question is written as one long page with no breaks, we often move on.

These comments are not meant to hurt your feelings - they are meant to help you maximize your chances of getting an answer.

MS-MVP Malke

Win32 Application Errors - Possibilities for the Win32 application error:

1. Run a virus check.

2. Your program or download may be corrupted and the "exe" cannot be run. Remove or rename the current "exe" and try to redownload, re-install the program.

3. It it is a game, this article may help:

Games: Error Message: Not a Valid Win32 Application
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q315589

4. If it is a dos-based program, you are probably not running it from a command prompt.

Win32.DlDer

D1Der.exe was installed in November and December 2001 as an added component called "ClickTillUWin" with LimeWire, KaZaa, Grokster, Net2Phone, BonziBUDDY, and some other person-to-person file-sharing software programs. The trojan program was installed even if you selected not to install any additional components from those packages during setup. Most software packages no longer contain DlDer.  Description of the Win32.DlDer Spyware Trojan Program

Winamp3

Winamp3 May Cause an Error Message in Windows XP

Window Refresh - Automatically

Folders blink and/or icons flash, run the edit here on line 157: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Enable Refresh, run the edit on line 199:  http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Manual Checkpoints:

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update. Value Name: UpdateMode, Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value), Value Data: default = 1. Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, named "UpdateMode" and set it to equal "0" for faster updates. Restart Windows for the change to take effect.

Windows for Dummies

Windows XP Resource Center for Dummies

Windows Explorer

Explorer.exe Process Uses Many CPU Cycles When Windows Is Idle
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;EN-US;q317751

Windows Explorer May Stop Responding When You Close a Window

Windows File Protection

About Windows File Protection

Windows Installer Issues

Run the edit on line 94:  http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm and/or:

Go to Start/Run and type in:
msiexec /unregister [click ok]

Then Start/Run and type in:
msiexec /regserver [click ok]

If neither of the above has helped:  Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer

Does the image path in the right pane correctly point to: (modify drive letter as needed)
C:\Windows\System32\Msiexec.exe /V

If not:  boot into safe mode and then go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: msiexec.exe

Once done and while still there type in: msiexec /regserver
Check the image path again, if it is now present, reboot.

The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed" Error Message When You Add or Remove Program

Error Message:  The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.  This can occur if you are running Windows in safe
mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed. Contact your support personnel for assistance.  Line 94.

Another note is, if you are running DirectX 9, many users are having this same issue. It seems to be prevelent to certain graphics cards and the dxdiag tool, doesn't help.

The only workaround so far is to uninstall DirectX 9. If this is your case and an option you are willing to try...

I have the download for the uninstaller listed on my site. The only modification to be made is to extracte the zip file to C:\DXTEMP and
not C:\DXTEMP! as per the readme. Also, run it only in safe mode.

Uninstall DirectX 9 (Line 112)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Added info:

Windows Installer can use logging to help assist in troubleshooting issues with installing software packages. To enable verbose logging apply this edit:

Windows Installer Logging or Cleanup Utility (Line 84)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Windows Installer will store the logs in the TEMP directory. The filename is random, but begins with the letters "Msi" and end with a .log extension.

Windows Installer CleanUp Utility (Office Products)
http://download.microsoft.com/download/office2000pro/util20/1/NT4/EN-US/msicuu.exe

Troubleshooting Windows Installer
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_w.htm#xp_wininstaller

"Error 1719. The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed" Error Message When You Add or Remove Program
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q315346

Windows Installer Cleanup Utility
http://download.microsoft.com/download/office2000pro/util20/1/NT4/EN-US/msicuu.exe

Run Windows Installer Clean Up, select the application which pops up with the Windows Installer, and click Remove.

Windows Installer - Remote Administration

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer]

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called "EnableAdminTSRemote" and set it according to the value data below. Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Windows Installer - Disable

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer]

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called "DisableMSI" and set it according to (0 = default, 1 = admin only, 2 = disabled). Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Windows Installer Logging

Windows Installer can use logging to help assist in troubleshooting issues with installing software packages. You can enable verbose logging with this setting. Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer]

Create a new string value called "Logging" and set it to a combination of the letters below to enable the logging options. A value of "voicewarmup" will enable all the logging options.

The next time Windows Installer is used a log will be created.

Note: Windows Installer will store the logs in the TEMP directory. The filename is random, but begins with the letters "Msi" and end with a .log extension.

Windows Key - Commands

Windows: Display the Start menu
Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
Windows + F: Display Search for files
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
Windows + break: Display System Properties dialog box
Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
Windows + L: Lock the workstation
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager

Windows Key - Disable the Windows Key

Start/Run/Regedit
Create a new Binary value, or modify the existing value, called 'Scancode Map' and edit the value according to the settings below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
Keyboard Layout. Value Name: Scancode Map, Data Type: REG_BINARY (Binary Value), Value Data: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 5B E0 00 00 5C E0 00 00 00 00

A REG (Registry) file that will make this change for you can be downloaded here.  Save the file to your hard drive and double click it. Answer yes to the import prompt.  REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking the file and selecting Edit.

Windows Logo Key - Disable

Go to: Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

Create a new Binary value, or modify the existing value, called 'Scancode Map' and edit the value according to 
Value Data: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 5B E0 00 00 5C E0 00 00 00 00

To disable or re-enable the Windows Key

Windows Logon and Security Dialog Title

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\Winlogon.

Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'Welcome' 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.

Windows Management Instrumentation - WinMgmt could not initialize the core parts

Go to Start/Run/CMD and then run each of these hitting enter after each:

winmgmt /clearadap
winmgmt /kill
winmgmt /unregserver
winmgmt /regserver
winmgmt /resyncperf

This may or may not repair the repository but will re-install wmi into the registry.

For this error:  "Help and Support" Does Not Collect All Hardware Information

Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete
the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

Windows Media Player - Digital Playback

Your digital playback setting in Windows XP Device Manager is inconsistent with Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player in Windows XP sets the CD audio properties for digital playback as the default. Device Manager indicates that digital playback is NOT enabled on your CD-ROM?  The Windows Media Player settings override the Device Manager settings.

To enable or disable digital playback in Windows Media Player:

1. Press Options on the Tools menu.
2. Select the Devices tab.
3. Select your CD-ROM drive and press Properties.
4. Make the selections you want for playback.
5. Press OK and OK.

Troubleshooting Playback in Media Player for Windows XP MS-KB Article
Troubleshooting with Windows Media Player Error Code Page
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_resources.htm

      Checkpoint:  Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types/Audio CD/Advanced/Edit/Application used:
                             "C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /prefetch:3 /device:AudioCD "%L"

Windows Media Player - Change/Remove 3rd Party Branding

Close Media Player.  Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT  Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsMediaPlayer

Right click in the right pane and select New, String value.  Name the value TitleBar.  Double click the value you just created and enter the text you want to appear on the Title Bar.  Value Name: TitleBar, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value). Create a new string value called "TitleBar" and set it to the text you would like display in the title. Restart Media Player for the change the take effect. If you want to get rid of the branding entirely, right click on the TitleBar value and select Delete.

Windows Media Player - Clear Recent Files List

To clear the Recent Files list in Windows Media Player, close Media Player and click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT.  Go to:  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\RecentFileList

Right click on the RecentFileList sub-key and select Delete.  A small VB Script which will do this for you is available here.  Download the VBS file and save it.  Double click the file you just saved.  This Registry key will be recreated the next time you open a file in Media Player. 

Windows Media Player - Disable Recent File List

Clear Recent File Lists (Media Player and Prevent List)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/ClearRecent.Exe

Disable and/or Clear Media Players Play List (Line 11)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To change it manually - Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\RecentFileList
Delete RecentFileList, or manually remove them in the right pane.

NOTE: This registry key is re-created the next time you open a file in Media Player.

To Keep Media Player from maintaining the Recent Files List.

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences
Create a new Binary value, or modify the existing value, called "AddToMRU". Double click this item and set the value to 00 (two zeros)

Disable Media Player Play List - VBS Script
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Clear MRU and Disable
http://www.nwlink.com/~zachd/pss/pss.html#mru

Added Tips and Workarounds:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\RecentFileList]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\RecentFileList]

In the reg key noted above, replace (Default) with the user name you use to log into Windows.
Save the file as "noplay.reg". Note the path where you saved the file (for example, C:\My Documents\Registry Fixes\noplay.reg).

You then add the noplay.reg file to your Startup folder. Whenever you start Windows, the Windows Media Player history will clear. Here's how you add the
file to the Startup folder:

Click on the Start menu, point to Settings, and select Taskbar.
Click on the Start Menu Programs tab.
Click on the Add button.
In the Command line box, type, "regedit /s" and then the path to the
noplay.reg file (for example, regedit /s C:\My Documents\Registry
Hacks\noplay.reg).
Click on Next.
Find the Startup folder and double-click it.
Click Finish.

Remember, if you put it in your StartUp, it will clear only when your machine boots. That means if you use WMP and don't reboot, it will not clear the
history. In that case, just run the batch file manually.

The Recent Files list in Windows Media Player 8 can be disabled.  Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT.  Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences

Right click in the right pane and select New, Binary value and add a new value called AddToMRU.  Double click the entry you just created and set the value to 00.  For your convenience, you can download a REG file or a VB Script file that will make this change for you.  Download the REG or VBS file and double click it. For REG files, answer yes to the import prompt. Either file can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

Delete/Repair the Windows Media Player Library

If you have moved your music around on your hard drives, Windows Media Player continues to add new entries into it's library instead of modifying the existing ones. This means that you will now have multiple entries for the same song, half of which will not work now because you have moved the files to their new location. To delete the current library and build a new one, do the following:

1. Close Windows Media Player, wait about 3 seconds for the database to close.

2. Using "My Computer", navigate to the following folder:
Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Index

3. Delete the "wmplibrary....db" file here. This is not your actual music, only the database which Windows Media Player uses as a listing.

4. Start Windows Media Player

5. Hit "F3" and enter the location where you have moved your music to. If it is on muliple drives, check "All Drives". Let it finish.

Windows Media Player - Disable Update Message

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\PlayerUpgrade. Value Name: AskMeAgain, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value), Value Data: "yes" or "no". Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'AskMeAgain' 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.

This may occur even if your computer is connected to, or is preconfigured to connect to the Internet.  To resolve this behavior, quit Windows Media Player and then run the Internet Connection Wizard.

Windows Messenger

Messenger: Disable, Remove and Troubleshooting

Windows XP Pro - Install

Troubleshooting the Install of Windows Pro

Setup and Conflict Issues
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_conflicts.htm

Windows Product Activation - Troubleshooting

Blank Activate Windows Page in the WPA Wizard

Windows Product Activation - Explained

Windows XP will typically remind you to activate the product (most users will have 30 days to activate XP after installation).

To activate XP manually, you can use the Start menu shortcut in the System Tools Accessories folder. At the command prompt, type:  oobe/msoobe /a or Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Activate Windows.

     Tip:  msoobe stands for "Microsoft Out of Box Experience."

Windows Product Activation Explained - by MVP Alex Nichol

Windows Update

Registry Edits and Workarounds listed here:  Why can't I download updates?

Access Denied:  Error Message

Network policy settings prevent you from using Windows Update to download and install updates on your computer. If you believe you have received this message in error, please check with your system administrator.

     For Windows XP Pro:

Start/Run/gpedit.msc. User Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update. In the right pane, double click, Remove access to all Windows Update Features and set it to disabled.

     For Windows XP Home Edition:

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate

Locate the value in the right pane called DisableWindowsUpdateAccess. Double click this entry and change the value to 0 (zero) or right click it and select Delete.

If editing the Registry manually isn't to your liking click here for a small Visual Basic Script that will make the change for you.

 Access Denied:  Error Message

Network policy settings prevent you from using Windows Update to download and install updates on your computer. If you believe you have received this message in error, please check with your system administrator.

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

Dword value: NoWindowsUpdate

Gives the same error as

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate\
DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

Double click this entry and change the value to 0 (zero) or right click it and select Delete.

If editing the Registry manually isn't to your liking click here for a small Visual Basic Script that will make the change for you.

Windows Update - Administrators Only

Administrators Only -To install items from Windows Update, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

"Administrators Only" Error Message When You Attempt to Use the Windows Update Site (Q316524)

Windows Update - Cannot Display Page

Delete your Temporary Internet Files and History, then delete the configuration files from the WindowsUpdate folder. Then add Windows Update to the Trusted Zones Site. Steps for each of these tasks are listed below.

Click Tools, click Internet Options, and then click the General Tab. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Files. Also in the Temporary Internet Files section, click Settings and then click View Objects.  Right-click the Update Class file, click Remove, and then click Yes to confirm.

Security settings in Internet Explorer must be set to Medium or lower for ActiveX files to correctly pass to your computer. Only the Web sites listed in Internet Explorer's Trusted Sites Zone will be affected by the lowering of Security settings. Your current security settings for all other Web sites will remain as they are currently configured.

From the main toolbar in Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
Click Security.
Click Trusted Sites Zone.
Click Sites.
Click "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone" to clear the selection.
In the "Add this Web site to the zone:" field, type http://*.microsoft.com and then click Add.
Click OK.
Click Custom Level and select Enable for the following items:
Download signed ActiveX controls.
Download unsigned ActiveX controls.
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe.
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins.
Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting.
Click OK, and then click OK again to exit Internet Properties.

If you continue to receive the Cannot Display Page error, disable any antivirus software or Internet filter software which may interfere with the download of the Windows Update control. For additional troubleshooting steps, see:

241783 WINUP-Errors Using Windows Update Through a Proxy Server or Firewall
241234 WINUP-Third Party Products That Conflict with Windows Update

Windows Update - Issues

There are various solutions being put forth for the failed update result.

Option 1) Click Start, Run and enter SERVICES.MSC Go to Cryptographic Services and double click it. It should be set to Automatic and should be Started. If you were required to change this, try the Windows Update site again.

Option 2) Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT Go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate

If the key WindowsUpdate does not exist, create it by right clicking on the Policies sub-key and selecting New, Key and giving the new key the name WindowsUpdate.

Within this key, you may see one or both of the following DWORD entries:

NoWindowsUpdate and/or DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

If either of these entries appear, change their values to zero by double clicking on them and setting the value to 0 (zero). If they do not appear, add them as DWORD entries with their values at zero. To create a new value, right click in the right pane and select New, DWord value and name it as indicated.

Next, go to:

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

you may see the entry NoWindowsUpdate. If it exists, it may be set to 1. To change this, double click the NoWindowsUpdate value and set it to 0 (zero). If it does not exist, right click in the right pane and select New, DWord value. Give it the name NoWindowsUpdate and leave the value at 0.

Next, go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate

Right-click on the WindowsUpdate folder, click on Permissions.  Give Admin (and/or System) Full Control and Read permissions by checking the allow boxes. Close Regedit and reboot. Try the Windows Update site again.

To get the updates to re-appear and/or to be listed as available again. Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: 
del /q "%SystemRoot%\System32\Catroot2\Edb.log.  Then try again. 

Can't download any updates and/or you receive an error message: 

Go to Start/Run and type in: regsvr32 wintrust.dll.  If that doesn't help:  Go to Start/Run and type in CMD. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each line:

net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 oldcatroot2
net start cryptsvc

Then try the install again.

Another issue: When you use the Windows Update scan feature, the scan quickly reaches 100%, and then displays the "There are no updates available at this time" message.  To correct this:

Verify that your computer's date and time are accurate and that the Internet Explorer language option is not empty.

To check the language setting in Internet Explorer:

1. Click "Tools" and then choose "Internet Options"
2. Click the "Languages" button
3. Make sure at least one language is listed in the "Language Options" dialog.

Windows Update Site Lists Updates That You Already Installed
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q319109

Troubleshooting Windows Update Issues
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Errors Occur When You Try to Install Updates from the Windows Update Web Site
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=817753

Troubleshooting Windows Update Issues:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_u.htm#update

Windows Update Restriction Error (Network) Line 28
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Windows Update Greyed Out - Restore (Line 179)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Windows Update - Run Windows Update Manually

Select Start, All Programs, Windows Update and if you aren't online already, you'll be prompted to make a connection. At the Welcome to Windows Update screen, click Scan for Updates. When the scan is finished, available updates appear by category on the left side of the screen. One at a time, select a category and click the Add or Remove button next to each update, depending on whether you want to add it to the list of updates to be installed. When you're finished, click Review and install updates, then click the Install Now button.

Winhelp32

After installing SP1 for some users the correct version of win32hlp.exe is not properly placed in the System32 folder. If this is the case replace the older version with the version found in windows\ServicePackFiles\i386. Or you can download it here:

Restore winhelp32.exe for XP or XPSP1 (Line 57)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Manual Edit:

1. Insert the Windows XP installation CD into your CD-ROM.
2. Browse to your CD-ROM and change the folder to \I386
3. Copy the following files into a temporary folder on your hard disk:

Winhlp32.cn_
Winhlp32.ex_
Winhlp32.hl_

4. Click Start->Run, type "CMD" without the quotation marks and then press Enter.
5. Change to the temporary folder where you stored the Winhlp32 files.
6. Type the following commands:

EXPAND WINHLP32.CN_ WINHLP32.CNT
EXPAND WINHLP32.EX_ WINHLP32.EXE
EXPAND WINHLP32.HL_ WINHLP32.HLP

7. Copy Winhlp32.exe to your \%SYSTEMROOT%\ folder.
8. Copy the Winhlp32.cnt, and Winhlp32.hlp to the \%SYSTEMROOT%\Help\folder.
9. Typically this folder is C:\Windows.
10. Delete the contents of your temporary folder.

Winipconfig - What happened to WINIPCFG.EXE?

WINIPCFG.EXE is a GUI application in Windows 9x/Me that lets you check the status of your network connections. Because Windows XP was designed for networking from the ground up, however, and supports far more network connections, something a little more elegant was required.

So Windows XP has two replacements for WINIPCFG.EXE. The first is ipconfig.exe, a command line application that supplies the same information, via text interface. The second is a much more elegant (GUI) interface that is individual to each network connection: Just right-click (or double-click) each network connectoid to make configuration changes and check their status.

For XP:  Open a Command Prompt window and enter IPCONFIG /ALL

The Windows 2000 version of WINIPCFG (WNTIPCFG.EXE) can be downloaded here.

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

Wink

Is a part of WinKlez -- the random name beginning with Wink. See:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.klez.e@mm.html and similar.

WinK32

The behavior may occur if the win32k.sys is corrupted. Go to
C:\WINDOWS\System32 and rename the Win32k.sys file to Win32k.old and then close the window. Now go back to the system32 folder and you will have a new and non-corrupt Win32k.sys file.

The behavior also may be caused by that the virtual memory of the Windows XP is corrupted. Disable and then enable the Virtual Memory to see whether it solved the problem.

To disable Virtual memory:

1. Right click My Computer and choose properties
2. Click the Advanced tab
3. Under Performance click settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Under Virtual memory click change
6. Click no paging file
7. Click OK
8. Restart the computer

To enable Virtual memory:

1. Right click My Computer and choose properties
2. Click the Advanced tab
3. Under Performance click settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Under Virtual memory click change
6. Click System Managed Size
7. Click OK
8. Restart the computer

WinMgmt - Could not initialize the core parts

Run winmgmt/? for some info.
You could try these commands from the command line. (in the correct order-pressing enter after each)

Go to Start/Run and type in: CMD, then Winmgmt/? for information.
Go to Start/Run/CMD and then run each of these hitting enter after each:

winmgmt /clearadap
winmgmt /kill
winmgmt /unregserver
winmgmt /regserver
winmgmt /resyncperf

This may or may not repair the repository but will re-install wmi into the registry.

Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete
the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

"Help and Support " Does Not Collect All Hardware Information
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/7/33.asp

If that doesn't help, try this:

Open a Command Prompt and type "winmgmt /clearadap" to clear prior WMI/resyncperf information from the registry.
Then type "winmgmt /resyncperf" to register the system performance libraries with WMI again.

If this doesn't help, try posting to this group: microsoft.public.windowsxp.wmi

Winsta.dll fix

Boot into Safe Mode
Go to Start/Run and type in: inf
Scroll down to sr.inf, right click and choose install.
Reboot.

Wish:  Make a wish post to Microsoft

How to Contact the Microsoft Wish Program
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;114491

Wjview

"WJView error Could not execute main" error message when you start your Windows XP-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=831427

Wjview: Remove the runkey from here:  To do so, go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Run

To verify your version, go to Start/Run and type in: wjview

MS JVM Version 3809:  http://tinyurl.com/fwvu
MS JVM Version 3810:  http://tinyurl.com/fwty

Once 3809 is installed you can get the Update 3810 - 816093: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=816093

WMI

WMIPRVSE hosts the provider that sends your events on WinXP. On WinXP providers are out of process from the actual WMI service.  You can specify the wbemConnectFlagUseMaxWait which will cause the timeout to be 2 minutes instead of the default DCOM one which is up to 20 minutes. What may help is to ping the remote machine first before attempting a ConnectServer.

WMI relies on DCOM for remoting which in turn uses RPC which then uses TCP/IP, so there could be several reasons why it isn't connecting initially.  This is a known issue. Basically, when the provider calls MSI, it doesn't necessarily cancel the initial request and attempts to finish it so wmiprvse.exe will still show cpu usage.

To correct permission issues:

1 - In the Management Console\Services STOP WMI and set to manual.
2 - Go to the WMI repository %Windows%system32%wbem and delete the repository.
3 -Set the WMI service back to Automatic
4 - From %Windows%system32%wbem run "wbemtest" and connect to your namespace.
5 - Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:  Locate current   HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class. Open the class key and right click on the sub key 0000 and select permissions and make sure that the permissions for you [administrator] are "Full".

Word 2000-2002

MouseTrax File Cataloger v1.0 [156k]
http://www.mousetrax.com/Downloads.html

Word - Misc.

The "...document is already open, do you want to make a copy message" only occurs in this case when a document is opened via association (i.e., through Explorer, or Recently Opened Documents) and doesn't happen if Word is
already open (for example, if you open a document through Word, File - Open; or by association with Word already running).

For Word: Go to Start/Run and type in: windword /r
For Excel: Go to Start/Run and type in: excel /regserver
For PowerPoint: Start/Run and type in: powerpnt /regserver
For Access:Go to Start/Run and type in: msaccess /regserver

Word - MRU

When you open MS Word and click save; Save as window open, and on the file name field, if you click arrow down, you will see history of saved
documents, how do you clear that?  Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key and delete accordingly:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Common\Open Find\Microsoft
Word\Settings\Save As\File Name MRU

Wordpad as HTML Editor

Add a new action via the Windows Explorer View menu's Folder Options. This puts an Edit with WordPad option on the Context menu for any .htm (or .html) file.   Start/Run/Regedit and go to: 
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.htm\OpenWithList\NOTEPAD.EXE

Rename the NOTEPAD.EXE subkey as WORDPAD.EXE. Or if you want to retain the Notepad option, add a new WORDPAD.EXE subkey beneath the OpenWithList key.

Check for the following key structure and add it as shown if it does not already exist: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\WORDPAD.EXE\shell\edit\command
(Default) "C:\Program Files\Accessories\WORDPAD.EXE" "%1"

On the IE Tools menu, select Internet Options, click on the Programs tab and then on the down-arrow in the HTML editor box. Select WordPad, click on the OK button. The browser's Edit button should now launch WordPad as your default HTML editor, with other edit options available via its own down-arrow.

Wordpad - Add to New Context Menu

Create a blank document in Wordpad and Save it. Run TweakUI for XP and go to the Templates tab. Select Create. Point the file dialog to the file you just saved. Click Apply. It will be listed as Rich Text Format in the Templates list.

To change the item Rich Text Format in the Templates list, open Regedit and go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Word.RTF.8.  Change the default value to Wordpad Document (default is Rich Text Format).  A REG (Registry) file that will make this change for you can be downloaded here. Save the file to your hard drive, then double click the file. Answer yes to the import prompt.  REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on them and selecting Edit.

Worm Removal Scripts

W32.Blaster.Worm
W32.Randex.E Worm
W32.Sobig.F. Worm

Zip Drive - Write Cache Disabled - Possible Causes of the Error Message

Intel Application Accelerator
Zip Drive
Controller Cards

Check your settings here:  Right click your C drive: Properties/Hardware/Properties/Policies- "write cache enabled"
Also in the BIOS.

XP Tech Downloads

NT/2000/XP Tech Downloads

Yahoo!

OLEXP: How to Configure Outlook Express for Use with a Yahoo! POP3 Account

Zip Files - Confirm after Download is Missing

Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types/[File Type in Question]/Advanced. Put a check in the box that reads: Confirm open after download.

Enable Always Ask Before Opening... (Line 164)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

This problem may be caused by this registry settings. Start/Run/Regedit

When you first choose to download a file in Internet Explorer, you receive a Confirm File Open dialog box. The "Always ask before opening this type of file" check box in this dialog box is selected.

If you clear the "Always ask before opening this type of file" check box, the registry entry for this setting is changed and you do not see the Confirm File Open dialog box in subsequent download sessions. Instead, Internet Explorer automatically opens files instead of downloading them.

To resolve this problem, enable the "Always ask before opening this type of file" option. To do so, go to Start/Run/Regedit and modify the third octet for the EditFlags value in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile value from 01 to 00.

Zip Files and Extensions

Go to Window Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types/Scroll down to Zip (If it doesn't exist, create it). Highlight it, click Edit, place a check mark in the box that reads confirm after download. Also Edit the Open Command to re-associate it with the program that you are using to extract Zip files.

Alternatively you can locate a zip file, hold down the shift key, open with and choose from the list.

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.zip

In the right pane, double click PerceivedType and change it to: compressed

If that still doesn't restore the function, use this edit:

Restore Compressed Zipped Folders Assoc./Functionality (Line 85)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Zip Folders - Verify Settings

Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types/.zip/Advanced/Edit

"Application used to perform action":
rundll32.exe zipfldr.dll,RouteTheCall %L

"Use DDE" is checked
"DDE Message:"
[ViewFolder("%l", %I, %S)]

"Application:"
Folders

"DDE Application Not running:"
[]

"Topic:"
AppProperties

Tip:  To view contents of zip files, readme's, scripts, reg files without opening:

Download both executes on line 90
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
 

Zip Folders - To disable ZIP files being shown as folders

Click Start/Run, enter the string below, and click OK:  regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll

You should receive a dialog that says "DllUnregisterServer in zipfldr.dll succeeded."  To restore the default behavior, simply do the same with this string: regsvr32 zipfldr.dll

     Tip:  Stop Search from Scanning ZIP files:  Un-register the zip and cab file dlls, then reregister them after that.

Before Search:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
regsvr32 /u cabview.dll

After Search:
regsvr32 cabview.dll
regsvr32 zipfldr.dll

Zone Settings

Privacy/cookie settings:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InternetSettings\P3P\History

Restricted sites here:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InternetSettings\ZoneMap\Domains