Carney Creations Presents:
Mailing List:If you want to be on the mailing list when I add new XP tips...just E-Mail, but please do NOT send messages on this link...it's for listings only. If you have a great tip to pass on, click on the e-mail link at the bottom of this page.
Disclaimer: I am only responsible for the actions/inactions of myself. All other use of the tips in connection with my home page and links are the sole responsibility of the end-user. It is recommended by most people that you back up your registry before running regedit. Here's How.
More help elsewhere:
A GREAT place for help on those stubborn problems that you can't find answers for here. Kelly's Korner is an EXCELLENT place to start.
Kelly's Korner
and another excellent place is:
Doug's Windows
Scheduled Task to automatically copy
Create a scheduled task to automatically back up critical files such as your address book, your Favorites list, and any other files and/or folders that change on a regular basis. This procedure works best as a "Scheduled Task" if you have 2 hard drives on your computer. That way if your main drive crashes, you still have all your backups on your second hard drive. This Scheduled Task will create those back ups for you...automatically.
This part is only a one time deal. Once you set the password, you won't have to do this part again. You can just skip down to creating your tasks.
You may not like the idea of having a password to turn on your computer, but with XP, you have to in order to have scheduled tasks. The good news is that the computer CAN bypass the password and you'll never know about it.
Here's how to set a password:
Go to Control Panel, then User Accounts
Where it says "or Pick an account to change", click on your account.
Go through the steps to create a password
Make it EASY, since you're the only one using it.
Now, close that.
Go to Start, Run and type: control userpasswords2
press enter
REMOVE the check in the box for "Users must enter a user name and password...."
click on Apply
Type in your user name, and password
click on OK
#1 Create a task:.
First, Open a windows explorer go to a folder you always keep on your second hard drive. As in the example below, I save all this type of stuff in my folder called F:\zbackups. Right click on the right side and choose New, Text Document.
Type in the following:
copy "C:\Documents and Settings\Tracy\Favorites\*.*" "F:\zBackups\Favorites"
copy "C:\Documents and Settings\Tracy\Favorites\Links\*.*" "F:\zBackups\Favorites\Links"
You'll need to change the name of the folder, of course.
NOTE: You can ONLY have alphanumeric characters. You can NOT have things such as & or $ in the names of the folders...trust me. I did and THAT was the reason mine weren't working.
Click on File, Save As.
Change the Files Of Type to read All Files
In the filename to save, type: "favorits.bat"
You MUST include the " marks. DOS still requires 8 or less characters...that's the reason for the shortened word.
#2 Go to Control panel and choose Scheduled Tasks, Add Scheduled Task.
Click on Next, then Browse. Find that file you created called favorits.bat and double click on it.
Choose how often you want to have those files copied. For favorites, address books, etc...I recommend daily.
Go through all the questions and when asked for your password, that's what you have to put in....the same password you created above.
#3 Test your task. Go to Control Panel. Right click on Scheduled Tasks, and choose Open.
Right click on the task you just created and choose Run. Then check your windows explorer and see if the files were copied.
To copy your address book for Outlook Express, do the same procedures above but the lines in NotePad would be:
copy "C:\Documents and Settings\Tracy\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\Tracy*.*" "F:\zBackups\Odds & Ends\OE Address Book"
Your path will differ according to what part of Documents and Settings that YOUR address book is in.
Stop Error Reporting
Ok....you've had enough of the error reporting stuff. You know...every time a program shuts down and XP wants to send the error report to Microsoft.
Here's how you stop it from coming back over and over again.
Go to Control Panel, System, click on the Advanced tab, then click on the Error Reporting button at the bottom
Put the circle in for Disable Error Reporting. If you still want to be notified that a program will be shutting down from an error, the you can put the Check IN the box for 'But notify me when critical errors occur'
$ Folders to remove
When you do an update for XP, it creates folder in your C:\Windows Folders starting with the $ sign...one right after the other. These folders start adding up in time. But...the good news is that you CAN delete them. As long as your computer has been working fine (I recommend about 2 weeks, just to be safe AND you have NO intention of uninstalling them (except the ServicPackUninstall one....leave that one there), then these other folders can be deleted.
Open a Windows Explorer and go to the C:\Windows folder.
Write down the name of the first $ folder you want to delete
Delete the folder
Go to Control Panel, Add Remove Programs
Scroll down to the Windows XP HotFix items. Locate the one that has the same name/number as the folder you just deleted
Click on the Remove button. You'll get a notice that it may have been uninstalled aready and asks if you want to remove it from the list. Say Yes
Now you can go do the next folder with the same procedures.
Common Dialogs Customized
When opening a file, you may have icons on the left side of the dialog box such as My Documents, My Computer,...and more that look like this:
You can adjust those and choose your own by using TweakUI for WinXP Freeware from Microsoft
Once you have Tweak installed, click Common Dialogs on the left side. On the right side, you can click on the down arrow and choose the one you want, and ones you don't, then from the drop down list, choose None. OR...to add ones you do NOT see...just manually type in the path to the folder you want. In the picture above, the bottom one shows Downloads...that's because in one of those lines in Tweak, I type: F:\Downloads. Because I want to be able to quickly go to the Downloads folder and open something
Not all programs will have these common dialog box icons...there's nothing you can do (that I know of) to force a program to have them.
OR - - - - -
If you don't want to get the powertoy from Microsoft, or just want to customize it more, you can make the changes manually in the registry
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\comdlg32\PlaceBar
Double click on any of the DWORD icons and change the value that's highlighted to any of your choices in the list below. Only use the one or 2 digits at the beginning of the lines shown below
To add one manually, right click in a blank area and choose New, DWORD and call it Place4 (or whatever up to and not past 4). Then double click on it and give it one of the values as listed below.
To add a path to a specific folder, such as C:\Graphics\CD\Landscapes thata you might have created on your computer to save those pictures, then right click in a blank area and choose New, String Value.
Put in the path of the folder you want.
0 Desktop
Click on File, Save. Click on the UP arrow on the toolbar, and keep clicking until you see My Computer showing in the top blank line. Then double click on C:, then double click on Windows. In the box for File Name, type in:
Here's a way you can have both your theme...AND the new XP style
Now you have 3 choices:
If you like the blue, change the word Metallic to NormalColor
If you like the greenish look: change the word Metallic to Homestead
Next you can go to Control Panel, Internet Options and click on the buttons for Delete Cookies and for Delete files (in the section for Temporary Internet Files). While you're here...it might be a good idea to drop your History down to just a few days for less garbage on your computer.
So...the best thing is to go to both places to clean up your computer.
Not all items will be on that site, but I'm sure it'll give you a good idea
After you're done, click on OK. You'll be asked to restart the computer. Go ahead and do it. When it starts back up, you'll get a message regarding the changes you made...just click on Don't Remind me...then click on OK
If you found something you SHOULDN'T have removed, just go back in to msconfig and put the check mark back in, click on OK and reset. each person has different computers and different "flavors" for what starts. But it'll give you an idea of what some of them are.
Question: I have Windows XP Home, and my Outlook Express doesn't remember my e-mail password. I have checked the "Save password" checkbox, but Outlook Express still doesn't remember my password. What is the problem and what can I do to fix it?
Answer: The problem is that your Windows Registry doesn't have the correct information for the Protected Storage System Provider subkey. I will warn you that this fix will involve having to edit your registry. That being said, I would suggest that you back up this registry subkey before you edit it. To do this, click Start | Run, type "regedt32" (sans quotes), and click OK. Now you need to navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Protected Storage System Provider" (sans quotes) and then click File | Export. From here, just type in a file name you'll recognize, and in the "Save In" box navigate to a familiar place, like My Documents or My Desktop, and click Save. You have successfully backed up this registry key.
Since we are already at the proper key in the registry, we might as well continue on from here. Click Edit | Permissions. Ensure that "Read" and "Full Control" permissions are both set to "Allow" for the account you are logged in as. Now, click the Advanced button to ensure that the user that is currently logged on has Full Control listed in the Permissions column, and that This Key and Subkeys is listed in the "Apply To" column. If not, then just click Edit to add the appropriate permissions. Make sure there is a check in the checkbox next to "Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects." From here, click the Apply button, and then click "Yes" when you receive a prompt to continue. Click the OK button until you get back to the Registry Editor. Now, expand the Protected Storage System Provider registry key and delete the user subkey folders listed inside. The user subkey folder should have a name like: S-1-5-21-124525095-708259637-1543119021-16701. You can delete the folder by clicking on it, and then clicking Edit | Delete.
The next step is to close the Registry Editor and then restart your computer. When your computer comes back up, you will want to re-enter your password in Outlook Express. Open Outlook Express, and if you get a login error, then just close the dialog box and continue. Once in Outlook Express, click Tools | Accounts. In the Internet Accounts window, click on the Mail tab. Choose your e- mail account where the password needs to be re-entered, and then click the Properties button. On the Server tab, type your e-mail password in the Password box and put a check in the checkbox next to "Remember password." Now, click OK and close all the way back to the main Outlook Express window. Go to the File | Exit to close Outlook Express. The next time you open Outlook Express, you shouldn't have the password problem anymore; just click the Send and Receive button to test this.
To have a cascading menu of icons:
Note: if you use Desktop Sidebar, this trick won't work ;(
This page hosted by
(Get your own Free Home Page)
and maintained by: Tracy
Download
1 Internet Explorer
2 Start Menu\Programs
3 My Computer\Control Panel
4 My Computer\Printers
5 My Documents
6
7 Start Menu\Programs\Startup
8
9
a
b
c logical "My Documents" desktop icon
d "My Music" folder
e "My Videos" folder
10
11 My Computer
12 Network Neighborhood (My Network Places)
13
14 Windows\Fonts
16 All Users\Start Menu
17 All Users\Start Menu\Programs
18 All Users\Startup
19 All Users\Desktop
1a
1b
1c
1e Nonlocalized common startup
1f Common favorites
20 Internet Cache
21 Cookies
22 History
23 All Users\Application Data
24 GetWindowsDirectory()
25 GetSystemDirectory()
26 C:\Program Files
27 C:\Program Files\My Pictures
28 USERPROFILE
29 x86 system directory on RISC
2a x86 C:\Program Files on RISC
2b C:\Program Files\Common
2c x86 Program Files\Common on RISC
2d All Users\Templates
2e All Users\Documents
2f All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
30
31 Network and Dial-up Connections
35 All Users\My Music
36 All Users\My Pictures
37 All Users\My Video
38 Resource Directory
39 Localized Resource Directory
3a Links to All Users OEM specific apps
3b USERPROFILE\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning
"Owner" changes name
Your computer says that you are Owner. Not Tracy, not Mark, not...well anyone. Just "Owner"
You can change that:
Go to Start, Run and type: control userpasswords2
press enter
Put a check in the box at the top, then select Owner from the list (you'll remove the check shortly),
Choose Properties and change your name.
Click on OK. Remove the check in the box. Click on OK
Put your password back in and click on OK again.
Start Menu picture change
You probably have a chess piece for your picture on your Start Menu. Yuk (if you don't play chess)
Change it:
Go to the Start Menu and click right ON that picture.
Now..pick a new one. You're not limited to those, you can click on Browse for more pictures and pick one of your OWN pictures if you want. XP will size it according to it's needs...so no need to find a tiny picture.
Once you do, you'll see a new dialog box. If you don't like the picture you just chose, click on Change My Picture and try again.
Java Virtual Machine (VM)
There are many times you may need to have Java (also knows as Java Virtual Maching (VM). Your browser will tell you if you don't have it...or you may not be able to play games in Yahoo! because of it, or visit other places you did before (and want to go to again).
You can get the file HERE (from Microsoft), or from Here (from Bob's page). The Java is part of SP1, but if you've chosen not to get SP1, then you have to get it manually.
Critical Updates not working
If you can't get the Critical Updates page to work properly, here's a probable fix:
Go to Control Panel, Internet Options. Click on Delete Files in the section for Temporary Internet Files.
Try the updates again.
If it doesn't work, then try resetting the computer (after doing the above), then try again.
Start Menu not showing Open or Explore with right click
If you right click on the Start button, and you can't choose Open, or Explorer, you can fix it (you probably made the change in Tweak and didn't know what the results were...I did):
Open Tweak click on the + for My Computer, then click on Drives. Make sure that ALL drives had a checkmark for them
Show Desktop Icon again (after losing it)
If you've lost your Show Desktop icon, you CAN get it back...here's how:
Open NotePad
Copy and paste the following lines
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
"Show Desktop.scf"
You MUST include the " marks
Open a Windows Explorer and go to the folder C:\Windows
Find the file you just created called Show Desktop, right click AND HOLD, then drag it to your Quick Launch and choose Create Shortcut Here
If you don't have your QuickLaunch showing and you want it back...then see the next tip below.
QuickLaunch Restored
Did you lose your QuickLaunch (by accident, or by upgrading to XP, or installing XP? Here's how you can get it back.
Right click on Start, choose Properties
Click on the tab at the top called Taskbar
The 5th box needs to be checked for Show QuickLaunch
Internet Options Missing
If you've lost your Interent Options button in Control Panel, then it's quite possible that you've been hacked. Here's how to get it back.
Open a Windows Explorer and go to C:\Windows
On the file called control.ini, (the file type is Configuration Settings), right click on it and choose Open
If you see the line that says:
inetcpl.cpl=yes
then remove it, close the file and choose YES to save
Close all Internet Explorer windows
Click on Start, Run, and type regedit
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_CURENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Interent Explorer
On the left side, click on the + for Explorer
If you see a sub folder listed there called restricted, or control panel, then delete those folders and choose YES.
Do the same thing for:
HKEY_LOCAL_MCAHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
ClearType Font for better viewing
Using the Clear Type Font aspect of Windows XP, you can see your fonts better...especially on laptop computers.
Just give it a try and see what your icons names look like on your desktop.
To make this change go to Control Panel, Display, click on the Appearance tab. Then click on the button for Effects
In the second box, put the check in for Use the following method to smooth edge of screen fonts. Then from the drop down list, choose ClearType.
My Computer icon back on desktop
If you want to have your My Computer icon back on your desktop, you can. When you install Windows XP from a full installation CD, you probably lost it. Here's how to get it back
Right click on the desktop and choose Properties
Click on the Desktop tab, then click on the Customize Desktop button at the bottom
Put the check in any of the boxes at the top you want to have shown on your desktop.
Click on OK all the way back and you're done.
Security Level Changed
If you've installed any program that just happened to put an icon for Free AOL on your desktop, yes you can remove the icon. But...there's something else that the program probably changed...your Security Settings. Better check it!!!
Go to Control Panel, Internet Options, then click on the Security tab
Click on the icon for Trusted Sites, then click on the button that's called Sites...
AOL is probably there...I'd remove it!
Remove all that you don't want listed there, then click on OK
Now, you're Secuity level was probably changed down to Low...Move it back up to Medium for safer surfing
.eml thumbnails retrieved after SP1
I don't use .eml for my stationery. Personally I use the the regular way of .html messages (by clicking on Message, New Message Using, then choosing my own stationery). However, there ARE people who DO use .eml, and this tip was provided by one of those people. I hope it works for those of you who use .eml
The fix was provided by: Dirk Diggler, Forum Moderator http://www.bit-quest.com/forums/
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Right Click on This Link and choose Save Target As....and save it to your hard drive.
2. Open a Windows Explorer and go to the folder where you just saved that file.
If you DO see the .txt at the end of the file name, then proceed to step 4. If you do NOT see the file extention called .txt at the end of that file, proceed to step 3.
3. Click on Tools, Folder Options. Click on the View Tab. REMOVE the check for "Hide extensions for know file types". Then click on OK.
4. Click once on the file you just saved to highlight it. Click on File, Rename, and Rename the file to EMLThumbnailFix.reg (click Yes for the change)
5 Right click the "EMLThumbnailFix.reg" file and click "Merge" (click yes to the 'are you sure' message)
6. If you did step 3, then you can change the view back by putting the check mark back in that you took out in step 3.
7. Restart the computer
Resizing window won't stay next time it's opened
If you resize a window, it should stay that size and location next time you open it. However, at times it won't. Here's how to make it work:
Resize the window. You can't use the middle button in the upper right corner...you have to use the corners of the window to drag it to the size you want..
After you do, hold down the control key on your keyboard, and as you're holding it down, click on the X to close the window.
Next time you open that program, it should be the same size as when you last closed it...and there after.
CD Burning stopped copying on a CD
You've copied files to a CD...and the next day you did the same...and the next day you did it 3 different times. Actually you do this about 14 different times..all to the same CD. Then all of a sudden you can't copy more on there. Well it's SUPPOSE to hold 650meg of files...but you can only get 300 on it. The program says it's full.
Well, in a sense it is. Think of it this way:
You go to an ATM and put in the wrong PIN number. You're given 3 tries, and after that it keeps your card if you put in the wrong PIN on try #4. The XP CD Burning is the same way. It'll only copy files to that one specific CD so many times.
So...the best thing to do is either use Easy CD Creator (which I do), where you can add as many times as you want. Or Make sure that when you copy files to the CD using the XP CD Burner, you do them in large sessions.
Themes: old theme with new XP style
You have a theme from before...and it's all working properly. However, you like the new rounded feel that XP has when using Windows XP Style instead of the flat looking Windows Classic Style.
Go go where your themes currently are that are working properly
Note: new themes are stored in the folder called:
C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes
Right click on the .theme file and choose Open With. Then choose Open With. If you see Notepad listed...choose it. Otherwise click on Choose Program.
Ensure that the check is NOT in the box for 'Always use.....'
Double click on Notepad
Paste the following at the end of that document
[VisualStyles]
Path=%WinDir%resources\Themes\Luna\Luna.msstyles
ColorStyle=Metallic
Size=NormalSize
If you like the silver look: Leave it as is
Registered computer with a different name
Your acquired a computer with XP on it. And everything keeps popping up with Registered to Jane Doe.
Well, you're NOT Jane Joe...you're Joe Newman
Here's how to change the information from hers to yours
Start, Run, regedit.
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
Where you see her information on the right side...just double click on it and change it to YOUR information
Close Regedit and all is changed.
Taskbar won't move
This is your Taskbar
When you installed XP, your settings were probably set default to the taskbar being in a "locked" position. Meaning you can't resize it, move it, or move items on your QuickLaunch (or move that from one side to the other)
In a locked position, some of your icons in the QuickLaunch area may be showing...even if you don't want them to.
To unlock it so you CAN moving things around, right click on a blank are on the taskbar, choose Lock the Taskbar to remove the check next to it.
You can now move things around.
Systray and hiding the icons
You can now hide icons on your systray. This is your systray
By hiding icons, it gives you more room on your taskbar for the larger icons for program you have open.
Wait...many icons hide anyway, right? Not all of them. Just the ones that aren't used very much are hidden until you click on that arrow. But...YOU can decide what you want to see all the time, and what you never want to see...until you click that arrow to show them all.
Right click anywhere in a blank area of your systray and choose Properties
Put the check in the box (if it's not there already) for Hide inactive icons
Click on the Customize button.
Click right on the words Hide when inactive for any item
You can change it to Always Hide, Always Show, or Hide when inactive.
These icons will always show...just when you click on the arrow next to the systray. Otherwise they're hidden. For space, make them all Always Hidden, except for one that you frequently use. I keep ICQ and my schedule program showing...just the 2. If I want to get to another, I just click on the arrow and they all show up.
Shutdown/Reset with one click
You can shut down Windows with just one click of an icon on your desktop...or reset the same way
Right click on a blank area on the desktop
Click on New, then Shortcut
Type this: shutdown -s -t 00
(those are zero's not the letter)
Click Next, then give it a name, such as Shutdown, then click on Finish
For a Reset button
Do the same thing only type: shutdown -r -t 00
Then give it the name Reset
Now...those icons look ugly...change them too
Right click on the first icon you just created, click on Properties, click on Change Icon (you'll probably get a message...just click on OK), then find a different icon to use and double click on it. Then click on OK. Then change the other icon (if you create 2 of them)
Ballooon Tips disabled
If you have TweakUI for WinXP, just start that and then click on Taskbar on the left side. You can Uncheck the box for Enable Balloon Tips
If you DON'T have Tweak, you can still do it
Start, Run, regedit
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\
Right click on the right side and choose New, DWORD Value
Type: EnableBalloonTips
Hit enter twice and make sure that it has a value of 0
Hit ok...and close regedit
Icon Shadows/Transparent on desktop
On the desktop, your icons should have a shadow on the words, and be transparent so you can see the background behind the words.
If you've lost this capability, to get it back:
Right click on the desktop, choose Arrange Icons, then click on Lock Web Items On Desktop to REMOVE the check. Your shadow and transparency will be back.
Icon text to NOT have shadowed
However, if you choose that you DON'T want to have them shadowed, there are 2 places you need to go:
Control Panel, System,Advanced tab, click on the button for Settings in the first section for Performance.
If you don't already and the circle in for Custom, click on that, then scroll to the bottom and uncheck the box for Use Drop Shadows for Icons Labels on the Desktop.
Icon text color on desktop
If you use the Windows Classic Style instead of Windows XP Style and you need change the text of your icons on the desktop to a different color because of your desktop image, you need to change the color of your desktop (not your picture, but of the background color.
Right click on the desktop and choose Properties
Click on the Appearance tab, then click on Advanced
The first item in the list is Desktop. Change it from a dark color to a light color (or vice-versa)
NOTE: this does NOT work if you are using the Windows XP Style...only with the Windows Classic Style
Open program full screen
To make your programs open full screen, right click on the shortcut to open a program. On the Shortcut tab, change the Run box from Normal to Maximized.
For some programs, that may not work...and in those cases, open the program, resize the window manually by using the corners to drag the size bigger. Clicking on the middle button to maximize it won't keep the settings....use the corners to make it big. Then close the window and open it again.
View Source is not available
If you find that you can't View Source of a web page, then it's time to clear out your Temporary Internet Files in IE.
Click on Tools, Interent Options, then click on the Delete Files button.
This should allow you to View Source again
Zip files to have not showing in left pane of explorer
If you have a zip program like WinZip, or some other zipping program you got (that was NOT part of WinXP) then here's a fix to have .zip files NOT show up in the left pane...because it really slows down the viewing of a folder
Here's a fix. This will stop explorer from checking each zip file before displaying it....and stops it from displaying it in the left pane
Go to Start, Run and type the following:
regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
Click on OK to the notice
Repeat and this time type:
regsvr32 /u cabview.dll
Again, click on OK to the notice
Restart the computer
Then start WinZip and you'll get a message that the .zip files are not associated with WinZip. Choose Yes to associate them
Icons aren't looking like the XP for some users
If you just can't seem to get your icons to have the XP look, while other users can, then you have to check Regedit
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
Onthe right side, double click on 'Shell Icon BPP' and change the number to read: 16
NumLock needed to be on during startup
If you have the problem of your NumLock being set to on when you turn on the computer, go to Regedit and navigate your way to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
Double click on InitialKeyboardIndicators and change the value to 2
Reset the computer
Searching made faster
I don't know about you, but when I use Search, it takes for ever. And it searches in places I don't even want it to.
I've found a great program that puts your "Searching" back to the better feel in Win98
It's called AgentRansack
You can get it at:
AgentRansack
If you really like it and want to use it all the time (like me), then you can have it on your start menu...right at the beginning
Right click on the Start button and choose Properties
On the Start Menu tab, click on Customzie, then click on the Advanced tab
Remove the check mark in the box for Search
In a Windows Explorer, go to the folder where you installed AgentRansack.
Right click AND HOLD...and as your holding, drag it to the right a little then release the click and choose Create Shortcut Here.
Now, click and hold on that shortcut you just created. As you're holding the click, drag (still holding the click) the mouse down to the Start Button (don't release yet)...the Start Menu will pop up. AS YOU'RE STILL HOLDING the click, move the mouse up to the top left section. NOW you can release the click and then choose Create Shortcut Here.
Now just rename it: Click on Start, right click on AgentRansack and choose Rename. Rename it to Search and click on OK.
Your "Search" will be on you start menu as before...only in a different place now and a faster searching like before.
Explorer not to open folder on left side
You click on a folder in the left side and it automatically opens up all the sub folders below. Boy, I hate that...how about you?
To stop this from happening
In an Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View (tab) and UNCHECK 'Display Simple Folder View in Explorer's Folder List.'
That's it...no more opening of the folder unless you click on the + to show the sub-folders
Control Panel icon changed
To change the icon of your control panel, go to your regedit and work your way to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\DefaultIcon
On the right side, double click and change the value to the location of the icon you want to use.
Just make sure it's not going to be an icon that you'll delete later. For that icon, I recommend you get the icon from somewhere in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder (even if you have to put the .ico file there first)
And...go here (in regedit) if you need to if it doesn't change after you close Regedit edit the first time.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartMenu\StartPanel\ControlPanel
Then double click on Bitmap to change the value to the location of your new icon.
Folder icons changed for My Pictures and My Music
Yes, even for the My Music, and My Pictures
In most folders, you can right click on the folder in an explorer, choose Propeties, then click on the Customzie tab. However, in some folders (as mentioned above) there's no Customize tab.
Well in those folders, there IS a file called desktop.ini file.
Just double click on that file.
The bottom line will look something like this (if you don't see something similiar, then just copy the lines below to get started and paste it in there):
IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll
IconIndex=-237
All you have to do is change those 2 lines.
Find where the icon is that you want to use and change the lines to something like this:
IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll
IconIndex=38
Now...here's the tricky part. Experiment on a different shortcut on your desktop by right clicking on it and choose Properties. Then click on Change Icon (Don't worry, you're not really going to change that one). Most of the icons you'll find good to use will be in your shell32.dll file. Click on Browse, button then work your way to the folder C:\Windows\System32.
Then double click on the file called shell32.dll
Look around until you see something you like.
Once you find it, click on it once.
Then scroll back to the beginning. You need to count your way to the icon you want to use. Start with the first icon as #0, then going downward. The second column will start with 4, then the 3rd icon starting with 8....keep going until you get to the icon you want. With that number you counted to...write it down (so you don't have to count all over again if you forget).
Now double click in the long white box at the top of that dialog box to highlight it. Press ctrl+c to copy it.
Now click on Cancel all the way out...unless you WANT to change that shorcut icon.
Back in the desktop.ini file, highlight from AFTER the IconFile= to the end of the line. Then press ctrl+v to paste.
Then change the next line IconIndex= to the number you wrote down.
Click on File, Save, and your new icon will appear.
The reason for doing the copy and paste above is because you may be able to save icons from the interent and use them...or you can open many other files (.icl, .dll, .exe) and find icons in there that you might want to use. Also, if you've created icon libraries, you can use those to find icons for your folders also.
Preview a file in a windows explorer
In previous version, you could click on an image, and see a preview of the file (on the right side of the explorer.
In XP it's a bit different, but it can still be done.
In Windows Explorer if you see a tree view (list of folders) on the left side, then click on the Folders button on your toolbar. This will put you in the Common Tasks view.
Now you can click on an image and on the left side at the bottom in the Details section, you'll see a preview of the image.
Themes without buying a program to change them
All the sites you go to and try to get new themes for XP tell you that you have to have a certain program...and they AREN'T free
Well, you CAN have new themes withOUT paying for those programs
Get the file you need from LightStar
Read the instuctions on how to install it!! Reason: Windows will tell you that you shouldn't remove the file and replace it with the one you want...you have to say yes that you DO want to use the new file.
Now you can download and play around with themes
Folder icons in explorer all changed at once
If you have some cute little icon files laying around, or that you found on the internet, then here's a neat little script you can get to change all of your explorer folder icons at once to your new icons. The script is to change the folder appearance as it's open and when it's closed. It's a script written by Kelly. If you don't like the new folder settings, all you have to do is run the script again and leave all the options blank....the folders will revert back to normal.
Anyway...this script can be gotten from Kelly's site
Kelly's Korner XP Tweaks and get it at line #119 on the right column.
Right click on the link and save target.
You need to disable your virus protecter before running the script. Then double click on that file to run it. Or if you want to leave your protector running, then you'll have to choose Allow this entire script.
You don't NEED to reset your computer though, as it says.
Instead: Right click on the desktop, then Properties, then Appearance, then Advanced.
Choose Icon from the drop down list and increase or decrease the size of the icon by one. Close and you should now see your new icons.
Add/Remove listed items trimmed down
If you find that items in your Add/Remove Programs are still hanging around when you remove a program here's a fix.
Go to Start, Run, Regedit
Navigate your way to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Click on the + for Uninstall on the left side
Scroll down until you see the item(s) you KNOW that you uninstalled and don't have any more
On the left side when you see it, click on it then delete it and say Yes to the "are you sure" dialog box.
Messenger Stopped from trying to run/sign on
I don't use Messenger, but when I got WinXP...it always wanted to start.
If you don't want/use it either and it still keeps trying to start (or it's leaving the icon on your systray (down by the time), Get rid of it.
In Outlook Express click on Tools, Options, REMOVE the check for Automatically Log On To Windows Messenger
Click on Start, Run, then type:
msconfig
then press the enter key
Click on the Start Up tab
If you see Messenger in the list, and there's a check in the box...click in the box to remove it.
Click on OK, then reset the computer
When you restart, you'll get a message regarding the changes you made...just cick on Don't Remind me...then click on OK
Restart the computer again.
Automatic Updates are needed
It's highly recommend that you let your computer automatically check for WinXP updates.
That doesn't mean you have to have it set to automatically download and install them. If you have a dial-up to get to the internet, then you will want to download when YOU are ready...and to install only the ones YOU want.
There are several "recommended updates" that pop up on my list (such as Media Player 9) but I don't always want them. (see how to customize this with this
So...set your computer to automatically check for updates. Here's how:
Open Control Panel, then go to System
Click on the tab for Automatic Updates
Put the circle in for the first one (Notify me before downloading....)
From now on there will be an icon down by the time that will pop up a tiny message stating new updates are available.
Click on that icon and the instructions will pop up for you to download them now, install them now...etc.
Critical Updates Customized
Only get what you need (which would be ALL of the CRITICAL Updates.)
But when it comes to the Recommended Updates, read them and decide for yourself if you want them.
Example:
There's an update for Windows Messenger. Well, since you never USE Windows Messenger, then why get the update.
You can edit and save the changes that the Critical Updates page shows:
After you've scanned for updates, on the left side scroll down and click on Personalize Windows Update
On the right side, remove the check for each of the items you do NOT want to show up again
Not sure? Leave the check in the box, then on the right side, click on Save Settings.
On the left side, click back on Windows XP.
See what is listed. Sometimes you'll only get a number...take a look at that, and if you know you don't want it, go back to Personalize, then remove the check for that box, and Save Settings again.
If you decide you DO want any of these "Recommended Updates", you can always put the check in the box and go get the updates because they'll always be listed in the Personalize Windows Update section
Prefetch emptied
You can (and should periodically) empty your Prefetch folder. C:\Windows\Prefetch
By deleting all the files in there, your computer will speed back up.
Just go to that folder, select all, and delete them. DON'T delete the folder...just all the files in there. Then reset your computer. The Prefetch files will be re-created automatically.
Prefetch files are stored on your computer to assist XP in starting programs faster. But, if there are a lot of unnecessary files in there, it's just a waste of time and space for XP to look at.
Many recommend deleting all those files once a month or so.
Clean up your computer from the junk files
To clean up your computer, XP has a feature to do several at once: Temporary Internet Files, Temporary files, Offline Web pages, Recycle bin...and more. But it does NOT give you the option to Delete Cookies in here. The second step does though.
First step Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup.
It will then scan your computer for all components that will be safe to get rid of.
Put the check marks in the all the items you want to have cleaned out and press Ok.
However, this way doesn't give you the option of deleting Temporary Files, Recycle Bin or Offline Web Pages.
Scan Disk your computer
Windows XP can't run a scan disk when Windows is running. Weird, I know.
But..it can still be done.
Open a windows explorer
Right click on the C: drive and choose Properties
Click on the Tools tab
Click on Check Now for the Error-Checking section and put a check in the both boxes, then click on Start
Here's the kicker...you CAN'T do the scan disk yet...it won't let you. What it will do is give you a message asking you if you want to re-schedule the scan disk. You have to say YES. You then reset the computer.
Upon resetting, the scan disk will run and then when finished, will continue to load Windows as usual.
Icons in Systray - TOO many
If you see a lot of icons down by the time and you have no idea what they are. There's a good chance you don't need them there.
For example, why do you need a Messgenger icon there if you don't use Messenger (that's not Yahoo Messenger I'm talking about)? Or do you really need a printer icon there? What about the scanner icon?
Chances are pretty good you DON'T need them unless you click on THOSE icons to use your scanner or to start your printer (UN-likely)
By having all those things there are little programs that are starting every time you start your computer...and the more you have, the slower it starts!!
You CAN clean it up
Click on Start, Run. type: msconfig
then press OK
Click on the tab for Start Up
There will be a long list of items in there. If you resize the second column for Command, you'll likely get an idea of WHAT is running
Take a good look. I have one in there for Event Reminder that was put there when I installed Print Master. Heck, I don't need THAT!!
Just remove the check in the boxes that you don't need/want. IF you're not sure what it is, leave it. Or check out the site at:
MSCONFIG programs listed
Passwords Saved In Outlook Express
I haven't tried this because I've never run into the problem. But I'm posting these instructions that were passed on to me in here for future reference for me in case I ever need it. If you have this problem and try this, please let me know if it works.
Computer System Information printed
This information can be very useful if you need to know your system manufacturer, model, type (such as X86-based PC), BIOS version, your sound card information, modem information...it's all there in one place to look at.
Go to Start, Run, type in:
msinfo32
Click on File, Print and ensure that the circle is in the dot for ALL and not just Selection
Let 'er rip! Note: it'll take about 50 pages to print it all out.
System Volume Information folder viewed
If you click on the folder called System Volume Information, you'll get a notice that you can't view it. Well, you CAN, if you want. I have a 2nd hard drive and don't even use the System Restore (because I use a program called GoBack instead). I have no need to even HAVE that folder. You can view what's inside, if you'd like though. The folder is used by the System Restore Tool to store information and restore points.
Here's how to view it (and delete it if you choose)
Go to Start, Run and type: cmd
Go to the root folder of the drive you want, such as G:
The type this:
cacls "G:\System Volume Information" /E /G username:F
and press enter
You can now see what's inside and even delete the folder from your 2nd drive if you choose.
Shortcut underlines showing on menus again
I use my keyboard a lot. I choose Alt+F to show the menu dropdowns on the File menu. However, XP seems to think that the underlined letter doesn't need to show because they probably think after all these years, we've learned them....NOT!!!
Here's how to get them back
Right click on your desktop and choose Properties.
Click on the Appearance tab, then click on Effects
Remove the bottom check for the box that says "Hide Underlined Letters for Keyboard Navigation Until I Press The Alt Key.
Control Panel shortcut added to QuickLaunch
Would you like to have the Control Panel in a more visible place? Like the QuickLaunch?
To have a link to the Control Panel:
Open a windows explorer and go to the Windows\System32 folder
Locate the file called control.exe
Drag the icon down to the QuickLaunch. A shortcut will automatically be created for you there.
Then right click on the icon and choose Properties. Click on Change Icon and choose a different icon of your choosing.
Open a Windows Explorer and navigate something like C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch.
On the right side, right click and choose New, Folder. Give it the name (you might want to just copy this part and paste it:
Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Now you need to resize your QuickLaunch so the ControlPanel icon is hiddent. When you click on the >> icon, you'll see the menu of all the Control Panel icons to choose from individually without having to fully open Control Panel.
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