TUTORIAL & FREE DOWNLOAD

2009-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

Remove The "Shortcut To" Prefix

2008-03-23T19:41:00.003-07:00

Is the "Shortcut to" text prefix on your shortcuts annoying you no end? Here is the way to remove all instances from all your shortcuts.

Fire up your registry editor and go to HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. On the left pane, create a new binary value named link. Set the value to 00 00 00 00. Restart your system and the "Shortcut To" text prefix is gone.

Note: This applies to all your existing as well as and newly added shortcuts!

Using Quick View On Any File

2008-03-23T19:41:00.002-07:00

A handy tool that comes with Windows95/98 is the Quick View application. By right-clicking on some files, you'll see an option called Quick View, that will allow you to view the contents of a file without opening the application. The problem is that this doesn't work with just any file. Some files are sometimes just stamped with and unknown extension but maybe the contents can still be viewed with Quick View.

Open up registry editor and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\. Under this key, add a new key named QuickView. Set the value of the Default value to * and close the Registry Editor. This should work for most files now. And who said Quick View is useless?

Customizing The Shortcut Arrow

2008-03-23T19:41:00.001-07:00

Windows will attach a black arrow to icons to distinguish shortcuts from the original. Most of us just find this more annoying than helpful. Most tipsters will advice you to search the registry for a value called Piffile and delete every instances of it. But we find that it is impossible to recover it when the deed is done. We have another trick with a little twist.

Open up your registry editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Shell Icons. Now, on the right pane is a list of icons ( we found out that on some systems, Windows 98 especially, the right pane is blank. Don't worry, just add the value as required ). Find the value 29. If it isn't there, just add it. The value of this string should be C:\Windows\system\shell32.dll, 29 ( which means the 30th icon in shell32.dll - the first one begins with 0 ). Now, we need blank icon to do this. Just create one with white as the whole icon. Go here to learn how to create an icon. Once done just change the value to C:\xxx.ico, 0 where "xxx" is the full path of the icon file and "0" is the icon in it.

Now for some fun. If the blank icon is a bit boring, change it again. You will find that under shell32.dll there is a gear icon, a shared folder ( the hand ) and much more. Experiment for yourself!

Make DLL Files Show Their Own Icons

2008-03-23T19:39:00.001-07:00

If you find the generic Control Panel Applets or DLL old icon with the two gears boring, something can be done.

Fire up your registry editor and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\DefaultIcon. Change the default string value to %1. This for Control Panel icons. For DLLs, go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dllfile\DefaultIcon and change the default string value to %1.

The next time you take a look at your C:\Windows\System directory, you will see that old icon with the two gears, any DLLs and Control Panel applets (CPLs) that contain even one icon will show something more interesting--the first icon they contain. The only drawback is that DLLs and CPLs that do not contain icons are represented by the "unknown type" icon. But you might just think it is worth it.

Save Window Settings

2008-03-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Funny why you have customized the look (toolbars, view, details) of an Explorer or Control Panel window only to find that the second window doesn't look the same as the one you have just customized. But there are ways to have your Explorer/Control Panel window keep its settings for good. Start your registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. In the right hand pane you'll find the NoSaveSetting key. No matter what value is given to this Registry key, the Desktop/Explorer/Control Panel settings will still be modified again after opening 29 of those windows. Delete the NoSaveSettings key. Just refresh your desktop to take effect.

Instant Refresh

2008-03-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

You might find that Windows doesn't refresh Explorer instantly. If you have created a new file, you might have to wait a few seconds before the file shows up under explorer. And if system resources are low, Explorer sometimes won't even refresh by itself! If you are tired of pressing F5, launch the registry editor and scroll to HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update. On the left pane, double click UpdateMode. Change the binary value from 01 to 00. Restart and Windows will refresh at a faster rate.

Default Icon Display

2008-03-23T19:37:00.003-07:00

Default Icon Display

Most of use are not so satisfied with the default icon view. A little tweak on the registry can cure that. Open up your registry editor and get ready.

Control Panel Icon Display

The default icon view for windows such as the control panel, windows opened with the "Open" command on the context menu and similar windows can be changed by modifying the registry. Go to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Streams On the right panel, there is an entry like this: 03,00,00,00,03,00,00,00 and the fifth group of numbers controls the icons.

Large icons = 01
Small icons = 02
List = 03
Details = 04

Place the cursor to the left of the fifth position, hit delete and then enter the new value.

Explorer Icon Display

LIke the above tip, the default icon view that displays in the right panel of the Explorer can also be changed by modifying the registry. Open up HKEY_CURRENT_ USER\ Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ExpView. Highlight ExpView. On the tool bar, click Registry and select Export Registry File. This brings up a save screen where you name the file and direct where it is filed when saved. Edit the exported file. There are three lines of data in the data stream. There are 21 bytes of data in the first line and 25 bytes of data in the second. The 45th byte of data (the next to last in line two) controls how the icons are displayed. Refer to the above paragraph for entering the new icon display value. After making a change, save the file and close it. Then double click the file to merge it into the registry.

BMP Thumbnail As Icon

2008-03-23T19:37:00.002-07:00

You can actually use a thumbnail version of a BMP file for its own icon displayed in Explorer. Go to HKCU\Paint.Picture\Default. Double-click default and change its value to %1. Please note however that this will slow down the display rate in explorer if there are too many BMP thumbnails to display. To restore it, change default back to C:\Progra~1\Access~1\MSPAINT.EXE,1. You may use other icons if you feel like it.

More Start Button Fun

2008-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

Lets say you have a bout 4-5 very useful applications which you use always. By placing them all on the first level menu will eventually crowd your start menu. Now why not utilize the right-click option instead? The right-click option gives you the ability to Open, Explore and Find. If you can add a shortcut to your application to that menu, it would be great.

To do this, crank up your registry editor and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell. Right-click on Shell and create a new key. Type in an appropriate name for the key. On the right pane, double-click on the Default value, and add a title with a & character in front of the letter as an accelerator key. Right-click on the key you just created and create another key under it called command . For the Default value of command, enter the full path and program you want to execute in the Value data box.

For example, if you wanted Notepad, you would add that as the first key, the default in the right panel would be &Notepad so when you right click on the Start Button, the N would be underlined and you could just press that key. The command would be something like C:\Windows\notepad.exe. Now when you right click on the Start Button, your new program will show up.

Restore Start Menu To Alphabetical Order

2008-03-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

We always liked the alphabetical order of the Start Menu. It will help organize things. But we noticed that with IE4 (and Windows 98), Windows will arrange all items that is in the Start Menu in alphabetical order first during installation. Observe and you will see that all single items will be placed below all folders.

Now for the problem. You will also notice that after the installation of Windows, all new folders added will be placed below the single items that comes with Windows. This means that there will be 3 sections, one for folders, one for single items and another one for new folders after installation. Wondering why Windows can't just group all the folders together in alphabetical order but to put new folders apart from the old ones after install?

We found that the answer lies in the registry. Open your registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu Click once on Menu and on the right pane, you will see a string value named Order. Double-click this value. On the right side, you will see a list of folder and shortcut names This string was created during install to record all folders and shortcuts. All new entries added after install will be recorded in the end of the value rather than placing them in the middle of the key which is why, although all new folders created will be placed in alphabetical order too but not together with the folders after setup.

The workaround is simple - just delete the Order value and the registry will create a new one without any order. Since the registry has lost all records on how the start menu should be arranged, restart and you will see that the start menu has been rearranged in alphabetical order - together.

This tip works on all the Start Menu branch. Another branch that has also the "record" thing is the Accessories branch. Repeat the same step.

Remove Settings Menu Items

2008-03-23T19:34:00.002-07:00

Remove Windows Update From Settings

There will be a Windows Update item at the Settings branch of the Start Menu. To get remove it, flare up the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Create a new Binary value called NoWindowsUpdate. Set the value to 01 00 00 00.. To restore, change the value of the key to 00 00 00 00.

Remove Active Desktop From Settings

To remove the Active Desktop submenu item from the Settings branch of the Start Menu, use the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Create a new Binary value called NoSetActiveDesktop. Set the value to 01 00 00 00.. To restore, change the value of the key to 00 00 00 00.

Remove Taskbar From Settings

To remove the Taskbar submenu item from the Settings branch of the Start Menu, use the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Create a new Binary value called NoSetTaskbar. Set the value to 01 00 00 00.. To restore, change the value of the key to 00 00 00 00.

Remove Folder Options From Settings

To remove the Folder Options submenu item from the Settings branch of the Start Menu, use the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Create a new Binary value called NoSetFolders . Set the value to 01 00 00 00.. To restore, change the value of the key to 00 00 00 00.

Remove Find From Start Menu

2008-03-23T19:34:00.001-07:00

If you already have a better search program and want to disable the one in the Start Menu, here's how to remove it.

Launch the registry editor.
Scroll to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Right-click on the right pane and select New, DWORD Value. Name it NoFind.
Double-click and enter 1 as value. Note: This will also disable the Find under Explorer and won't respond to the F3 key. To restore the Log Off User option, reverse the steps by changing 1 to 0 or delete DWORD value.

Remove Documents From Start Menu

2008-03-23T19:32:00.002-07:00

The Documents menu is a nuisance for those who never actually used it.

To remove, launch registry editor.
Scroll to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Right-click on the right pane and select New, DWORD Value. Name it NoRecentDocsMenu.
Double-click and enter 1 as value. To restore the Documents menu, reverse the steps by changing 1 to 0 or delete DWORD value.

Remove Favorites From Start Menu

2008-03-23T19:32:00.001-07:00

If you think you really don't need the favorites menu, follow the steps to remove it.

Flare up registry editor.
Scroll to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Right-click on the right pane and select New, DWORD Value. Name it NoFavoritesMenu.
Double-click and enter 1 as value. To restore the Favorites menu, reverse the steps by changing 1 to 0 or delete DWORD value.

Remove Run From Start Menu

2008-03-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

To remove the Run command from the Start Menu,

Fire up the registry editor.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Double-click NoRun on the right pane and change it to from 0 to 1.
To restore the Run command, reverse the steps by changing 1 to 0.

Remove Log Off User From Start Menu

2008-03-23T19:30:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't need the Log Off User option, these are the steps to remove it.

Flare up registry editor.
Scroll to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Right-click on the right pane and select New, DWORD Value. Name it NoLogOff.
Double-click and enter 1 as value. To restore the Log Off User option, reverse the steps by changing 1 to 0 or delete DWORD value.

Editing Inaccessible Appearance Items

2008-03-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

You can change the appearance of Windows in your Control Panel, Display applet or right-click your desktop and select Properties. But there are still some things you just can't change. For example, you might find it tempting to change your disabled (grayed out), highlighted or shadowed object. Never mind that, just open your registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Control Panel\Colors. On the right pane are the display options in RGB triplets. Search for keys with highlight or shadow descriptions.

Aligning Drop-Down Menus to the Right

2008-03-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

All Windows' drop-down menus will be aligned to the left of the menu item itself. It is possible to align it to the right instead. This features becomes useful when trying to access menus with submenus that appear directly to the right.

Open up the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. On the right pane, create a string entry called MenuDropAlignment. Set its value to 1. Restart and you will notice that now all the drop-down menus are aligned to the right.

Editing Menu Pop/Slide Out Speed

2008-03-23T19:14:00.001-07:00

When you pass your mouse over a menu, you will notice that there is a slight delay before the submenu pops out (Windows 95, NT4) or slide out (Windows98, NT5). Now this is suppose to be a feature from Microsoft for new Windows users to look "friendly". Now there are 2 groups of people who will get very annoyed. The first one are the ones who think that the delay is not needed. They want the menu to fly out instantaneously. The second line are the ones who don't want the menu to pop out when you pass your mouse over them - they want them to pop out only when you click at the menu like old DOS and Win 3.11 menus.

Open up the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ On the right pane, look for a value called MenuShowDelay. If it isn't there, just create one. Now, to set the value in milliseconds. Now, we have seen a lot of books and sites saying that the value should be set to 1 for fastest and 10 for slowest. Wrong! Since the value is set to milliseconds, a little calculation will tell you that the figures don't make any sense. The default is 400 (see? 1-10 is way off the track). Set 50 or below for fast or near instant fly-out or 65534 for near eternity. Since we can't disable the menu to fly out when you mouse over them, you can set them to the maximum value so that they won't pop out until a long time. Click on the menu for them to pop out.

However, we noticed that if you use the "click once to select" and "highlight when pointing" option, you will find that this registry tip will effect your mouse. If you set the menu delay to very fast, you will notice that the brief delay of highlighting icon is gone (hurray!). But if you set the menu delay to almost never, your icon highlighting will also be gone! You will have to click once to highlight and click again to activate the icon.

Turn Off Windows Zooming Animation

2008-03-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

The windows zooming animation probably originated from Mac OS's. It is considered one of the cute features of window. But if you have plenty of windows to maximize and minimize, you will wish there isn't such a feature. Open up the registry editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\desktop\. On the right pane, look for a value called MinAnimate. Change the value to 0. Restart Windows and the animation is gone.

Maintaining the Registry

2008-03-23T19:08:00.002-07:00

How can you backup and restore the Registry?

Windows 95
Microsoft included a utility on the Windows 95 CD-ROM that lets you create backups of the Registry on your computer. The Microsoft Configuration Backup program, CFGBACK.EXE, can be found in the \Other\Misc\Cfgback directory on the Windows 95 CD-ROM. This utility lets you create up to nine different backup copies of the Registry, which it stores, with the extension RBK, in your \Windows directory. If your system is set up for multiple users, CFGBACK.EXE won't back up the USER.DAT file.

After you have backed up your Registry, you can copy the RBK file onto a floppy disk for safekeeping. However, to restore from a backup, the RBK file must reside in the \Windows directory. Windows 95 stores the backups in compressed form, which you can then restore only by using the CFGBACK.EXE utility.

Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 98 automatically creates a backup copy of the registry every time Windows starts, in addition to this you can manually create a backup using the Registry Checker utility by running SCANREGW.EXE from Start | Run menu.

What to do if you get a Corrupted Registry
Windows 95, 98 and NT all have a simple registry backup mechanism that is quite reliable, although you should never simply rely on it, remember to always make a backup first!

Windows 95
In the Windows directory there are several hidden files, four of these will be SYSTEM.DAT & USER.DAT, your current registry, and SYSTEM.DA0 & USER.DA0, a backup of your registry. Windows 9x has a nice reature in that every time it appears to start successfully it will copy the registry over these backup files, so just in case something goes wrong can can restore it to a known good state. To restore the registry follow these instruction:

1. Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

2. Click Restart The Computer In MS-DOS Mode, then click Yes.

3. Change to your Windows directory. For example, if your Windows directory is c:\windows, you would type the following:

cd c:\windows

4. Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each one. (Note that SYSTEM.DA0 and USER.DA0 contain the number zero.)

attrib -h -r -s system.dat
attrib -h -r -s system.da0
copy system.da0 system.dat
attrib -h -r -s user.dat
attrib -h -r -s user.da0
copy user.da0 user.dat

5. Restart your computer.

Following this procedure will restore your registry to its state when you last successfully started your computer.

If all else fails, there is a file on your hard disk named SYSTEM.1ST that was created when Windows 95 was first successfully installed. If necessary you could also change the file attributes of this file from read-only and hidden to archive to copy the file to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.DAT.

Windows NT
On Windows NT you can use either the "Last Known Good" option or RDISK to restore to registry to a stable working configuration.

How can I clean out old data from the Registry?
Although it's possible to manually go through the Registry and delete unwanted entries, Microsoft provides a tool to automate the process, the program is called RegClean. RegClean analyzes Windows Registry keys stored in a common location in the Windows Registry. It finds keys that contain erroneous values, it removes them from the Windows Registry after having recording those entries in the Undo.Reg file.

Editing the Registry

2008-03-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

The Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE) is included with most version of Windows (although you won't find it on the Start Menu) it enables you to view, search and edit the data within the Registry. There are several methods for starting the Registry Editor, the simplest is to click on the Start button, then select Run, and in the Open box type "regedit", and if the Registry Editor is installed it should now open and look like the image below.

An alternative Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) is available for use with Windows NT/2000, it includes some additional features not found in the standard version, including; the ability to view and modify security permissions, and being able to create and modify the extended string values REG_EXPAND_SZ & REG_MULTI_SZ.

Create a Shortcut to Regedit
This can be done by simply right-clicking on a blank area of your desktop, selecting New, then Shortcut, then in the Command line box enter "regedit.exe" and click Next, enter a friendly name (e.g. 'Registry Editor') then click Finish and now you can double click on the new icon to launch the Registry Editor.

Using Regedit to modify your Registry
Once you have started the Regedit you will notice that on the left side there is a tree with folders, and on the right the contents (values) of the currently selected folder.

Like Windows explorer, to expand a certain branch (see the structure of the registry section), click on the plus sign [+] to the left of any folder, or just double-click on the folder. To display the contents of a key (folder), just click the desired key, and look at the values listed on the right side. You can add a new key or value by selecting New from the Edit menu, or by right-clicking your mouse. And you can rename any value and almost any key with the same method used to rename files; right-click on an object and click rename, or click on it twice (slowly), or just press F2 on the keyboard. Lastly, you can delete a key or value by clicking on it, and pressing Delete on the keyboard, or by right-clicking on it, and choosing Delete.

Note: it is always a good idea to backup your registry before making any changes to it. It can be intimidating to a new user, and there is always the possibility of changing or deleting a critical setting causing you to have to reinstall the whole operating system. It's much better to be safe than sorry!

The Structure of the Registry

2008-03-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Structure of the Registry

The Registry has a hierarchal structure, although it looks complicated the structure is similar to the directory structure on your hard disk, with Regedit being similar to Windows Explorer.

[font_body]Each main branch (denoted by a folder icon in the Registry Editor, see left) is called a Hive, and Hives contains Keys. Each key can contain other keys (sometimes referred to as sub-keys), as well as Values. The values contain the actual information stored in the Registry. There are three types of values; String, Binary, and DWORD - the use of these depends upon the context.

There are six main branches, each containing a specific portion of the information stored in the Registry. They are as follows:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - This branch contains all of your file association mappings to support the drag-and-drop feature, OLE information, Windows shortcuts, and core aspects of the Windows user interface.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER - This branch links to the section of HKEY_USERS appropriate for the user currently logged onto the PC and contains information such as logon names, desktop settings, and Start menu settings.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - This branch contains computer specific information about the type of hardware, software, and other preferences on a given PC, this information is used for all users who log onto this computer.
HKEY_USERS - This branch contains individual preferences for each user of the computer, each user is represented by a SID sub-key located under the main branch.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - This branch links to the section of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE appropriate for the current hardware configuration.
HKEY_DYN_DATA - This branch points to the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, for use with the Plug-&-Play features of Windows, this section is dymanic and will change as devices are added and removed from the system.

Each registry value is stored as one of five main data types:

REG_BINARY - This type stores the value as raw binary data. Most hardware component information is stored as binary data, and can be displayed in an editor in hexadecimal format.
REG_DWORD - This type represents the data by a four byte number and is commonly used for boolean values, such as "0" is disabled and "1" is enabled. Additionally many parameters for device driver and services are this type, and can be displayed in REGEDT32 in binary, hexadecimal and decimal format, or in REGEDIT in hexadecimal and decimal format.
REG_EXPAND_SZ - This type is an expandable data string that is string containing a variable to be replaced when called by an application. For example, for the following value, the string "%SystemRoot%" will replaced by the actual location of the directory containing the Windows NT system files. (This type is only available using an advanced registry editor such as REGEDT32)
REG_MULTI_SZ - This type is a multiple string used to represent values that contain lists or multiple values, each entry is separated by a NULL character. (This type is only available using an advanced registry editor such as REGEDT32)
REG_SZ - This type is a standard string, used to represent human readable text values.

Other data types not available through the standard registry editors include:

REG_DWORD_LITTLE_ENDIAN - A 32-bit number in little-endian format.
REG_DWORD_BIG_ENDIAN - A 32-bit number in big-endian format.
REG_LINK - A Unicode symbolic link. Used internally; applications should not use this type.
REG_NONE - No defined value type.
REG_QWORD - A 64-bit number.
REG_QWORD_LITTLE_ENDIAN - A 64-bit number in little-endian format.
REG_RESOURCE_LIST - A device-driver resource list.

Enable UDMA/66 mode on IDE Channels

2008-03-21T00:29:00.007-07:00

Even if DMA is enabled on IDE channels, by default UDMA/66 mode is disabled. You can improved
disc performance by enabling it. Open registry by going to START-RUN and entering REGEDIT and
Navigating to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\ {4D36E96AE325-
11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0000]. In right pane look for a key by the name
"EnableUDMA66". If it is there, set its value to 1 if it is not already set to 1. If not, add a dword entry
by the name "EnableUDMA66" and set its value to 1.

Enable UDMA/66 mode on IDE Channels

2008-03-21T00:29:00.006-07:00

How is the Icon color depth and Size information controlled ?

2008-03-21T00:29:00.005-07:00

Icon color and Icon Size information is controlled by following entries in Registry. Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics and look for two keys by the
following name:
"Shell Icon BPP"
"Shell Icon Size"
Value of "Shell Icon BPP" determines bits per pixel (color depth) and value of "Shell Icon Size"
determines icon size in pixels. You can determine number of colors that Icon have by raising 2 to the
power of "Shell Icon BPP" value. If value is 16, total number of colors (or color depth) is 2^16 =
65536

Surfing the web ? Find related web sites easily and quickly

2008-03-21T00:29:00.004-07:00

Gone are the days when you were forced to have a separate application (like Alexa) to get relevant and
related information to a site being viewed. With Internet Explorer 6, you can have this functionality by
default. All that you need to do is to follow steps listed below and you have unraveled the secret.
1. Right-click the toolbar at the top of the browser window, and then click Customize.
2. In the Customize Toolbar dialog box, click related under Available toolbar buttons, click Add, and
then click Close. Now you would see a new icon appearing on your Internet explorer tool bar. Click on
this and you would get all the relevant information on the site being visited.

Make Windows XP load frequently used programs in quickly accessible location

2008-03-21T00:29:00.003-07:00

Windows XP is smart enough to analyze user behavior and adjust accordingly (somewhat !) Important
example is MRU list. Periodically (default is 3 days I think), XP would do some file movements to
keep most actively used programs in that part of the disk that are quickly accessible. (Believe me all
parts of disk are not the same,some are quicker to access and some are not..its simple law of physics).
Anyway if you want to do it at your will, go to START-RUN and enter Rundll32.exe
advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks and start the reordering process.

If you have a faster hard disk, keep your pagefile.sys

2008-03-21T00:29:00.002-07:00

If you do not already know, pagefile.sys is your swap file. It makes common sense to put it on a hard
disk that is fastest. So say if you have upgraded you machine and a newer and faster harddisk, change
the pagefile location to that drive. Open registry and navigating to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\
MemoryManagement and then looking for Paging files Change its drive location (on mine its says
C:\pagefile.sys) to the one that is faster (say D:\pagefile.sys if D: denotes the faster drive).

Remove unnecessary Scheduled Tasks scan by Internet Explorer and make Internet Explorer

2008-03-21T00:29:00.001-07:00

I read about this tip on internet at INFOWORLD. This tips is about a bug in Windows OS (was
originally present in Windows 2000 and I do see it in Windows XP as well) that causes Internet
explorer to search for Scheduled Tasks whenever your launch the Internet explorer as a user. Microsoft
has it documented in a knowledgebase article. Anyway trick is to open registry and navigating to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current
Version\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace and then looking for shared tasks ClassId key
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}. Simply delete it and get out of registry. No need to
reboot. Launch Internet Explorer and see the difference. I noticed significant gains on my computer
and I sure bet you will as well.

How to alter behavior of System Restore Utility

2008-03-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

There are three specific keys that control behavior of System Restore Utility. It has many values that
can be altered and also have some that should not be altered under any circumstances. Microsoft
Article The Registry Keys and Values for the System Restore Utility (Q295659) explains it all in detail
this but in brief following three keys are important.
1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Sr
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Srservice
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore
Only some sub-keys of third key can be modified without harming your computer. Read the Microsoft
Article to know what can not be modified.Following keys can be modified (copied from Microsoft
Article):
CompressionBurst
This value, listed in seconds, specifies the idle time compression: The amount of time to compress data
after the computer reaches its idle time. A service can compress data for the amount of time that is
specified in this value, and then stop. Then, at the next idle time compression, the computer can repeat
the process.
DiskPercent
This value relates to the percentage of disk space that System Restore uses for its data store. The
default value is 12 percent. The data store size is always calculated as "max(12 percent, DSMax),"
regardless of the size of the hard disk. The maximum (max) size is what is specified in DSMax. For
hard disk sizes that are less than 4 gigabytes (GB) in size, 12 percent is less than 400 megabytes (MB),
so "max(12 percent, DSMax) equals 400 MB." For hard disk sizes that are greater than 4 GB, 12
percent is greater than 400 MB, so "max(12 percent, DSMax) equals 12 percent." This data store size is
not a reserved disk space, and the data store size is used only on demand.
DSMax
This value specifies the maximum size for the System Restore data store. The default size of the data
store is 400 MB. The data store size is always calculated as "max(12 percent, DSMax)," regardless of
the size of the hard disk. The maximum (max) size is what is specified in DSMax. For hard disk sizes
that are less than 4 GB, 12 percent is less than 400 MB, so "max(12 percent, DSMax) equals 400 MB."
For hard disk sizes that are greater than 4 GB, 12 percent is greater than 400 MB, so "max(12 percent,
DSMax) equals 12 percent." This data store size is not a reserved disk space, and the data store size is
used only on demand.
DSMin
This value relates to the minimum amount of free disk space that System Restore needs so that it can
function during the installation process. Also, this value relates to the minimum amount of free disk
space that is needed for System Restore to reactivate and to resume the creation of restore points after
System Restore has been disabled because of low disk space.
RestoreStatus
This value specifies if the last restore operation failed (0), succeeded (1), or had been interrupted (2).
RPGlobalInterval
This value specifies, in seconds, the amount of time that System Restore waits before it creates the
automatic computer check points for elapsed time. The default value is 24 hours.
RPLifeInterval
This value specifies, in seconds, the restore points Time to Live (TTL). When a restore point reaches
this time and it is still on the system, it gets deleted. The default value is (7776000), which will be 90
days.
RPSessionInterval
This value specifies, in seconds, the amount of time that System Restore waits before it creates the
automatic computer check points for session time (the amount of time that the computer has been on).
The default value is zero (0), which means that this feature is turned off.
ThawInterval
This value specifies, in seconds, the amount of time that System Restore waits before it activates itself
from a disabled state (after the conditions for this process to occur have been met). If you start the
System Restore user interface, System Restore is activated immediately.

Change default directory of Windows Explorer

2008-03-21T00:20:00.006-07:00

If you are one of those who are annoyed by Windows Explorer always opening my documents folder
by default, here is a solution.In the properties of explorer or explorer shortcut which you access by left
click you enter this in the end: /n,/e,c: After this , it look like : %SystemRoot%explorer.exe /n,/e,c: .
You can change C: to anything you want !! .

Create your own popup menu in TASK BAR

2008-03-21T00:20:00.005-07:00

This is not a registry tweak or anything big at all but may still be helpful to some. Remember what
happens when you click on START button. You see a popup window coming up. You can create your
own popup window other than START MENU in taskbar. Put down shortcuts to all applications that
you want to see in your popup in a folder. Then you right click on taskbar->toolbars->new toolbar->
and select the new folder.

Having trouble with MSDOS program ? Tips on troubleshooting.

2008-03-21T00:20:00.004-07:00

I read a good article on Troubleshooting MS-DOS-Based Programs in Windows (Q314106) at
Microsoft knowledgebase website. One of the first thing to test when you are having problems with
MS-DOS-based programs is the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) subsystem. Open STARTRUN
and enter command.com or cmd.exe. If you don't see a MSDOS windows coming up you of
course have a problem. Check the Config.nt and Autoexec.nt files in the SystemRoot%\System32
folder for nonstandard settings.
Use a REM statement to remark out all entries except the following default entries:
Config.nt
---------
dos=high, umb
device=%SystemRoot%\System32\Himem.sys
files=20
Autoexec.nt
-----------
lh %SystemRoot%\System32\Mscdexnt.exe
lh %SystemRoot%\System32\Redir
lh %SystemRoot%\System32\Dosx
lh %SystemRoot%\System32\Nw16 (only if CSNW is installed)
lh %SystemRoot%\System32\Vwipxspx (only if CSNW is installed)
The registry entries that are associated with the NTVDM subsystem are:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment
This key stores the environment variables from the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files for use in
Windows.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\ VirtualDeviceDrivers
This key stores the device drivers that are used in an NTVDM session. Windows Setup creates these
entries when a device driver is installed.
Read the article at Troubleshooting MS-DOS-Based Programs in Windows (Q314106) for complete details as I am simply repeating what's already available in the article.

Prevent a Program From Being Displayed in the Most Frequently Used Programs List

2008-03-21T00:20:00.003-07:00

This is easy.Open registry by going to START-RUN and entering regedit. Navigate to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\ Program name.exe where Program name.exe is the name of
the application that you do not want to be displayed in the Most Frequently Used Programs List. Add
an empty string value named NoStartPage. That's it. Reboot your computer.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Before doing anything with registry, It is very important that you take a
backup of registry by exporting it. Remember even a minor mistake in registry could render your
system unusable or will cause it to stop or crash. XPTOOLS is not responsible for any such damage
that may occur directly or indirectly as a result of your applying these changes. Don't try it if you are
not sure. Use at your own risk.

Do you have a problem with your Video ? Always going in VGA MODE ?

2008-03-21T00:20:00.002-07:00

This happens to everyone at some point of time or other and is most likely caused by some application
or third party utility overwriting your drivers files (or if you do not have had a right video driver to
begin with). To verify exactly what gets loaded, follow these steps. Open registry by going to STARTRUN
and entering regedit. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\hardware\DeviceMap\Video . In
this value of Device\Video0 points to a registry key that has the location of the video driver that
Windows is configured to load. for example:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\ videodriver \Device0 . Navigate to
this key. Check value of "InstalledDisplayDrivers" . Its value indicates whether driver was loaded or
not. If the setting shows another registry location, a third-party driver may be getting loaded. Check out
Microsoft Knowledgebase article for more details:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314854

Securing your WINDOWS XP computer

2008-03-21T00:20:00.001-07:00

You can provide added level of security to your WINDOWS XP System. This is called securing your
Windows XP accounts database. You can store all information related to your accounts in a encrypted
form on a floppy disk. What this would do is that if You do not have access to your floppy disk, You
can not access the system. I am not sure You realized what I just said ! Even if You know your
userid/password, You will not be able to access the system unless and until You have this startup disk.
Process of generating the this secure startup floppy disk is simple. Go to START-RUN and type
syskey. You would see a window coming up. Click on Upgrade command button. You would see
another window poping up which will give You the option of storing the encrypted accounts database
either locally or on your floppy disk. Choose floppy disk and click OK and let the process complete.
You are done.
Next time You reboot the computer and get to the logon prompt, make sure that You have the
floppy disk available in A: drive else You can not log on.

Disable Default CD Burning capability

2008-03-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

If you have a good CD burning software, you may want to disable the CD burning capability. There are
couple of ways to, do this:
REGISTRY METHOD:
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] and look
for key "NoCDBurning". You may not find it there if this is your first time. In this case, create a new
DWORD key "NoCDBurning" and set its value to disable it.
ALTERNATE METHOD:
Go to your windows explorer and locate the drive that corresponds to CD-RW drive. Right click on it
and select properties. Within Properties window, go to Recording tab and you would see and option
called "Enable CD Recording on this drive". If it is checked , deselect it.

How to enable/disable thumbnail cache

2008-03-21T00:19:00.002-07:00

For performance reason, Windows explorer stores thumbnail of pictures in a cache. This is good but
there is a problem. Some time caching mechanism would show incorrect pictures just because update
process is not instantaneous. If you want to have thumbnail pictures refreshed every time (mind you,
this would be an additional load on your CPU resources), do this:
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] and
look for key "DisableThumbnailCache". You may not find it there if this is your first time. In this case,
create a new DWORD key "DisableThumbnailCache" and set its value to 1 to disable caching
mechanism.

Stop a user from changing Start Menu

2008-03-21T00:19:00.001-07:00

This can be considered a security tip. If you want to restrict modifications to Start menu, do the
following:
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] and look
for key "NoChangeStartMenu". Set its value to 1 to enable it to stop users from changing the Start
Menu.

Control Scrolling or Cascading behavior of Start Menu

2008-03-21T00:16:00.002-07:00

If there are more items in Start-Program menu than can be shown in a single screen, then windows has
to do either scrolling or cascading effect to display rest of the items. You can tell Windows what to do
by doing this:
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] and
look for key "StartMenuScrollPrograms". You may not find it there if this is your first time. In this
case, create a new STRING key "StartMenuScrollPrograms" and set its value to "YES" to enable
scrolling or "NO" for the cascading effect.

Get back to old days, see the file attributes in Windows Explorer

2008-03-21T00:16:00.001-07:00

I have noticed that in Windows Explorer, when you click on the detailed mode, you do not see the file
attributes any more. This used to be there in previous versions of Windows (Well in office, I still use
Windows 95 and Windows Explorer out there shows the file attributes). If you want to enable this
setting, do this:
In regedit, navigate to [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\Advanced] and look for key "ShowAttribCol". You may not find it there if this is your first
time. In this case, create a new DWORD key "ShowAttribCol" and set its value to 1 to enable it.

Customize windows explorer's Default search

2008-03-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

This is a customizing tip. If you want to customize your windows explorer search here are some tips. In
regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer] and look for
following keys
"CaseSensitive"
"IncludeSubFolders"
"SearchHidden"
"SearchSlowFiles"
"SearchSystemDirs"
Key names are self revealing. If you want a CaseSensitive search set its value to 1 else 0. This is the
technique, if you prefer to enable any of the above feature, set its value to 1 else set it back to 0.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Before doing anything with registry, It is very important that you take a
backup of registry by exporting it. Remember even a minor mistake in registry could render your
system unusable or will cause it to stop or crash. XPTOOLS is not responsible for any such damage
that may occur directly or indirectly as a result of your applying these changes. Don't try it if you are
not sure. Use at your own risk

Change alignment of Start Menu panel

2008-03-21T00:15:00.003-07:00

This is a customizing tip. If you have noticed, START MENU PANEL has all the entries aligned to
left. Well that's not a cause of concern but may be you are one of those who want it to be the other way,
say you want it to align to right. This can be done by a quick registry tweak. In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop] and look for key "MenuDropAlignment". Set its
value to 1 to align the menu entry to right or if you did not like the idea of entries aligned to right, set it
back to 0 for align back to left which is the Default XP behavior.

How to disable MSN Messenger from loading up whenever you start Outlook Express.

2008-03-21T00:15:00.002-07:00

I thought I had this covered in one of my tips. Actually, I told you indirectly about how to uninstall
MSN messenger and also how to stop from loading it at boot time. But recently I saw few mails/posts
where people want to keep the MSN messenger , but do not want it to run whenever Outlook Express is
executed.
For these folks here are a couple of solution. There is a Microsoft knowledgebase article on this as
well. Visit How to Prevent Windows Messenger from Running on a Windows XP-Based Computer
(Q302089) and learn more.
In regedit, navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft]. Create a new key
by the name "Messenger" and then within that another key by the name "Client". This is equivalent to
creating and navigation to
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client]. Within this create a
DWORD key by the name "PreventRun" and set its value to 1. Quit registry and even though not a
must, its a good idea to reboot.
One more way of doing the same without sacrificing run time is to go to C:\Program Files and
rename Messenger directory to something else e.g. MessengerOff. This works as well.

How to use program aliases ?

2008-03-21T00:15:00.001-07:00

You can use program aliases to run actual program. Well there are ways to hide actual program name.
Not sure what's the good use for this tip but here it is anyway
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths]. To
create a new alias, create a sub-key, and call it the name of the alias you wish to create. Then modify
the Default value of the sub-key to equal the fully qualified path and filename of the application you
want to be launched.

Do not let Regedit remember last changed key

2008-03-21T00:07:00.002-07:00

You'll need to be in the admin account, or yours must have admin privileges.
In regedit, navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Regedit] and look
for the value LastKey. Double-click it and clear the string. Then right-click the Regedit key (in the lefthand
pane) and select Permissions. Set Permissions to Deny for any/all users/group. IMPORTANT
DISCLAIMER: Before doing anything with registry, It is very important that you take a backup
of registry by exporting it. Remember even a minor mistake in registry could render your system
unusable or will cause it to stop or crash. XPTOOLS is not responsible for any such damage that
may occur directly or indirectly as a result of your applying these changes. Don't try it if you are
not sure. Use at your own risk

Restrict certain users from running an application

2008-03-21T00:07:00.001-07:00

You can selectively restrict access to few apps and file names. To do this, open registry by going to
START-RUN and entering regedit. Navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer] and a
sub-key by the name "DisallowRun". Within this key, add many string keys you like each mapped to
an application or file that you want to be restricted.

Activate Automatic Boot Disk Optimization

2008-03-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

To activate automatic boot disk optimization, do this.Open registry by going to START-RUN and
entering regedit. Navigate to
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction] . In this look for
value of "Enable". You can set its value to "Y" to enable it.

Customize task bar grouping

2008-03-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is a customizing tip. If you want to change the default number of grouping in task bar do
this.Open registry by going to START-RUN and entering regedit. Navigate to
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] . In
this look for value of "TaskbarGroupSize". You can set it to any value you want. Default is 3.

DMA Mode on IDE Devices

2008-03-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just like Windows 2000, Windows XP still fails to set the DMA
mode correctly for the IDE device designated as the slaves on the
primary IDE and secondary IDE channels. Most CD-ROMS are capable
of supporting DMA mode, but the default in XP is still PIO.
Setting it to DMA won't make your CD-ROM faster, but it will
consume less CPU cycles. Here's how:
Open the Device Manager. One way to do that is to right-click on
"My Computer", select the Hardware tab, and select Device
Manager.
Expand "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" and double-click on "Primary
IDE Channel".
Under the "Advanced Settings" tab, check the "Device 1" setting.
More than likely, your current transfer mode is set to PIO.
Set it to "DMA if available".
Repeat the step for the "Secondary IDE Channel" if you have
devices attached to it. Reboot.

Windows XP Tips and Tweaks

2008-03-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Disable XP Boot Logo
DMA Mode on IDE Devices
Turn Off Indexing to Speed Up XP
Clean Your Prefetch to Improve Performance
Performance Increase Through My Computer
Reduce 10 Second Scandisk Wait Time

Disable XP Boot Logo

2008-03-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

It is possible to disable the XP splash screen, which will
slightly speed up the overall boot process. Be aware that
removing the splash screen will also cause you not to see any
boot-up messages that might come up (chkdsk, convert ... ), but
if your system runs without any problems then it should not
matter.
Edit boot.ini.
Add " /noguiboot" right after "/fastdetect".
Upon restarting, the splash screen will be gone. It can be reenabled
by removing the new switch.

Repairing Damaged Winsock2

2008-03-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

And you get the following error message:

An error occurred while renewing interface 'Internet': An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket.

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

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

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

Winsock Test Method 1
Run netdiag /test:winsock

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

Winsock Test Method 2

Run Msinfo32
Click on the + by Components
Click on the by Network
Click on Protocol
There should be 10 sections if the Winsock2 key is ok
MSAFD Tcpip [TCP/IP]
MSAFD Tcpip [UDP/IP]
RSVP UDP Service Provider
RSVP TCP Service Provider
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...

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

To repair Winsock2

Run Regedit
Delete the following two registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2

Restart the computer
Go to Network Connections
Right click and select Properties
Click on the Install button
Select Protocol
Click on the Add button
Click on the Have Disk button
Browse to the \Windows\inf directory
Click on the Open button
Click on the OK button
Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Click on the OK button
Reboot

Change the location of the My Music or My Pictures folders

2008-03-11T11:14:00.001-07:00

In Windows 2000, Microsoft added the ability to right-click the My Documents folder and choose a new location for that folder in the shell
. With Windows XP, Microsoft has elevated the My Music and My Pictures folders to the same "special shell folder" status of My Documents, but they never added a similar (and simple) method for changing those folder's locations. However, it is actually pretty easy to change the location of these folders, using the following method.

Open a My Computer window and navigate to the location where you'd like My Music (or My Pictures) to reside. Then, open the My Documents folder in a different window. Drag the My Music (or My Pictures) folder to the other window, and Windows XP will update all of the references to that folder to the new location, including the Start menu.

Or use Tweak UI

Ten tips to keep your computer running smoothly

2008-03-11T11:13:00.002-07:00

1. Never, never, turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down.

The one exception to this rule is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running (hard drive light is not blinking). In this situation, you can turn the power off without harmful effects to the hard drive. As cutting the power can also result in lost data or Windows files, you should only do this when you have to.

Following this rule will prevent permanent hard drive defects caused by the hard drive heads contacting the surface of the drive disc, and it will prevent a host of Windows problems.
Whenever possible, recover from crashes by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time. Press them again to reboot your computer.

2. I highly recommend that you purchase an UPS (uninteruptable power supply) for your computer. This will keep your computer from crashing during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage occurrences.
An UPS is far superior to a surge protector and will save your computer from almost any power type of disaster. (See #1 above for what happens when your computer crashes.)

3. Backup, backup, backup, any data you cannot afford to lose to at least two separate physical drives. So backup data to floppies, Zip disks, CD-RWs etc.
The time to backup is when you create something you can't afford to lose. Don't wait until tomorrow.

4. Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month. This will keep your hard drive healthy and prevent crashes. Alternatively, purchase Norton Utilities and use it to keep your hard drive healthy.

5. Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up. Unplugging with the power on can short out the connector socket or the motherboard.

The only exception to this rule is if you know a peripheral is "hot pluggable". If you do not know what "hot pluggable" means then ignore this exception.

6. Do keep at least 100 MBs of your C: drive free for Windows to use. If you use Windows Me or Windows XP then you should have 200 MBs of free space on your C: drive.
If you do not have enough free space you will choke Windows and it will start dumping data to your hard drive, or it will just get really, really, slow.
Use the ADD/Delete tool in the Windows Control Panel to delete unneeded programs from your drive.
You can also use Cleansweep included in Norton Utilities to clean up your drive. If you do use Cleansweep or another hard drive cleaner, do not delete shared files unless you back them up. The cleaners do a rotten job of knowing if another program uses shared files.

7. Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer. They use valuable memory and Windows Resources (Windows internal workspace).
All programs in your Windows System Tray (in the lower left of your screen) are running on your computer. Close them if you don't need them or run them and configure them not to load when you boot up.
Other programs running in the background can be found by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time.

8. Do use a virus checker regularly. Everyone should use a virus checker. The best type of protection is continuous monitoring from a dedicated anti-virus program like Norton Antivirus Or any other which you feel best
The second best thing is to use is the free online virus checker provided by Trend Micro.

9. If you have a high speed Internet connection you need a firewall program. A firewall program keeps those who want to hijack your computer from gaining access to your system. You really do not want someone else running your computer.
I suggest you purchase and run Norton's Personal Firewall program. Your firewall should boot up with your computer to protect it from invasion.

Case in point: When I run Windows Me for 10 hours or more with my DSL connection, my computer is usually attacked by a hacker at least once.
Do not think you are safe from hackers!! Hackers use search programs to seek out computers at random. Get a firewall program and use it.

10. Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and new peripherals. These disks contain valuable software drivers and programs for Windows and are needed when Windows must be reloaded. Keep these disks and your Windows software disks in a safe, dry, place -- you never know when you will need them.

Remove Windows Messenger

2008-03-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

It seems that a lot of people are interested in removing Windows Messenger for some reason, though I strongly recommend against this: In Windows XP, Windows Messenger will be the hub of your connection to the .NET world, and now that this feature is part of Windows, I think we're going to see a lot of .NET Passport-enabled Web sites appearing as well. But if you can't stand the little app, there are a couple of ways to get rid of it, and ensure that it doesn't pop up every time you boot into XP. The best way simply utilizes the previous tip:

If you'd like Windows Messenger to show up in the list of programs you can add and remove from Windows, navigate to C:\WINDOWS\inf (substituting the correct drive letter for your version of Windows) and open sysoc.inf (see the previous tip for more information about this file). You'll see a line that reads:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7

Change this to the following and Windows Messenger will appear in Add or Remove Programs, then Add/Remove Windows Components, then , and you can remove it for good:

msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,7

Autolog On tip for XP
real easy and straight forward.
1. click on "Start" - then click on "Run" - type "control userpasswords2"
2. click OK
3. On the Users tab, clear the "Users must enter a user name and password to
use this computer" check box.
4. A dialog will appear that asks you what user name and password should be used to logon automatically.

Your all set.

Aspi
WinXP does not come with an Aspi layer. So far almost 90% of the problems with winXP and CD burning software are Aspi layer problems. After installing winXP, before installing any CD burning software do a few things first:

1. Open up "My computer" and right click on the CD Recorder. If your CD recorder was detected as a CD recorder there will be a tab called "Recording". On this tab uncheck ALL of the boxes. apply or OK out of it and close my computer.

2. Next install the standard Aspi layer for NT. Reboot when asked.

Thats is. after the reboot you can install any of the currently working CD recording applications with no problems. If using CD Creator do not install direct CD or Take two as they are currently incompatible but Roxio has promised a fix as soon as XP is released.

Print Dir
XP alas does not include a way to print a directory listing aside from using the command prompt. I talking about a right click on the directory and print the files names on the printer type of Dir print. So I guess we will need to add one - start up regedit and add the following

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\print\command]
@="command.com /c dir %1 > PRN"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\print\command]
@="command.com /c dir %1 > dirprnt.txt"

Right click on a folder in windows explorer and choose "print". The contents of the folder will appear in a file called dirprnt.txt in the folder. open the file and print it out. If you want to print directly to the printer remove the second line containing "dirprnt.txt"

Rename Multiple files
A new, small, neat feature for winXP deals with renaming files. I personally have always wanted the OS to include a way to do a mass file renaming on a bunch of files. You can now rename multiple files at once in WinXP. Its real simple:

1. Select several files in Explorer, press F2 and rename one of those files to
something else. All the selected files get renamed to the new file name (plus a number added to the end).

2. thats it. Simple huh.

I would recommend that you only have the files you want to rename in the directory your working in. I would also recommend that until you get used to this neat little trick that you save copies of the files in a safe location while your getting the hang of it.

Handy for renaming those mass amounts of porn pics you d/l from the web
Use Window Blinds XP to add themes
Windows Blinds XP has been integrated into the Windows XP operating system. Microsoft and Stardock have entered into a partnership in which Microsoft will use their technology in the Windows XP operating system. With Windows Blinds XP installed you have additional styles to choose from in display properties.
And the best part is you can download over 1000 different styles and even make your own very easily with the SDK.
To get started you need to download the Windows Blinds XP extension: www.stardock.com/files/wbxp-b5_private.exe to download the latest beta
Note: You must register at http://scripting.stardock.com/customer/wbxp_beta.asp to be able to legally download the Windows Blinds XP beta. Once you register they will even e-mail you when new builds are available for download.
Once downloaded, install the program and you will notice the extra styles in the display properties when you run the program.
To download more styles www.wincustomize.com/index.asp and select windows blinds on the menu on the left.

Show file extensions
Ever wonder where you file extensions went? Working with files when you can not tell what the file extension can be a huge pain in the butt. Thankfully, MS has made it possible for all file names with the extensions to be shown.
In any folder that contains files. Click on the tools menu and select folder options.
Then click on the view tab.
Locate where it lists Hide extensions of known file types and uncheck it.
Click OK.

XP memory tweaks
Below are some Windows XP memory tweaks. They are located in the windows registry at: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
DisablePagingExecutive - When enabled, this setting will prevent the paging of the Win2k Executive files to the hard drive, causing the OS and most programs to be more responsive. However, it is advised that people should only perform this tweak if they have a significant amount of RAM on their system (more than 128 MB), because this setting does use a substantial portion of your system resources. By default, the value of this key is 0. To enable it, set it to 1.
LargeSystemCache - When enabled (the default on Server versions of Windows 2000), this setting tells the OS to devote all but 4 MB of system memory (which is left for disk caching) to the file system cache. The main effect of this is allowing the computer to cache the OS Kernel to memory, making the OS more responsive. The setting is dynamic and if more than 4 MB is needed from the disk cache for some reason, the space will be released to it. By default, 8MB is earmarked for this purpose. This tweak usually makes the OS more responsive. It is a dynamic setting, and the kernel will give up any space deemed necessary for another application (at a performance hit when such changes are needed). As with the previous key, set the value from 0 to 1 to enable. Note that in doing this, you are consuming more of your system RAM than normal. While LargeSystemCache will cut back usage when other apps need more RAM, this process can impede performance in certain intensive situations. According to Microsoft, the "[0] setting is recommended for servers running applications that do their own memory caching, such as Microsoft SQL Server, and for applications that perform best with ample memory, such as Internet Information Services."
IOPageLockLimit - This tweak is of questionable value to people that aren't running some kind of server off of their computer, but we will include it anyway. This tweak boosts the Input/Output performance of your computer when it is doing a large amount of file transfers and other similar operations. This tweak won't do much of anything for a system without a significant amount of RAM (if you don't have more than 128 MB, don't even bother), but systems with more than 128 MB of RAM will generally find a performance boost by setting this to between 8 and 16 MB. The default is 0.5 MB, or 512 KB. This setting requires a value in bytes, so multiply the desired number of megabytes * 1024 * 1024. That's X * 1048576 (where X is the number, in megabytes). Test out several settings and keep the one which seems to work best for your system.

Add/Remove optional features of Windows XP

2008-03-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

To dramatically expand the list of applications you can remove from Windows XP after installation, navigate to C:\WINDOWS\inf (substituting the correct drive letter for your version of Windows) and open the sysoc.inf file. Under Windows XP Professional Edition RC1, this file will resemble the following by default:

[Version] Signature = "$Windows NT$"
DriverVer=06/26/2001,5.1.2505.0

[Components]
NtComponents=ntoc.dll,NtOcSetupProc,,4
WBEM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wbemoc.inf,hide,7
Display=desk.cpl,DisplayOcSetupProc,,7
Fax=fxsocm.dll,FaxOcmSetupProc,fxsocm.inf,,7
NetOC=netoc.dll,NetOcSetupProc,netoc.inf,,7
iis=iis.dll,OcEntry,iis.inf,,7
com=comsetup.dll,OcEntry,comnt5.inf,hide,7
dtc=msdtcstp.dll,OcEntry,dtcnt5.inf,hide,7
IndexSrv_System = setupqry.dll,IndexSrv,setupqry.inf,,7
TerminalServer=TsOc.dll, HydraOc, TsOc.inf,hide,2
msmq=msmqocm.dll,MsmqOcm,msmqocm.inf,,6
ims=imsinsnt.dll,OcEntry,ims.inf,,7
fp_extensions=fp40ext.dll,FrontPage4Extensions,fp40ext.inf,,7
AutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,au.inf,hide,7
msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
msnexplr=ocmsn.dll,OcEntry,msnmsn.inf,,7
smarttgs=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,msnsl.inf,,7
RootAutoUpdate=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,rootau.inf,,7
Games=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,games.inf,,7
AccessUtil=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,accessor.inf,,7
CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,HIDE,7
MultiM=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,multimed.inf,HIDE,7
AccessOpt=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,optional.inf,HIDE,7
Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,pinball.inf,HIDE,7
MSWordPad=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,wordpad.inf,HIDE,7
ZoneGames=zoneoc.dll,ZoneSetupProc,igames.inf,,7

[Global]
WindowTitle=%WindowTitle%
WindowTitle.StandAlone="*"

The entries that include the text hide or HIDE will not show up in Add/Remove Windows Components by default. To fix this, do a global search and replace for ,hide and change each instance of this to , (a comma). Then, save the file, relaunch Add/Remove Windows Components, and tweak the installed applications to your heart's content.

Add album art to any music folder

2008-03-11T11:07:00.007-07:00

One of the coolest new features in Windows XP is its album thumbnail generator, which automatically places the appropriate album cover art on the folder to which you are copying music (generally in WMA format). But what about those people that have already copied their CDs to the hard drive using MP3 format? You can download album cover art from sites such as cdnow.com or amguide.com, and then use the new Windows XP folder customize feature to display the proper image for each folder. But this takes time--you have to manually edit the folder properties for every single folder--and you will lose customizations if you have to reinstall the OS. There's an excellent fix, however.

When you download the album cover art from the Web, just save the images as folder.jpg each time and place them in the appropriate folder. Then, Windows XP will automatically use that image as the thumbnail for that folder and, best of all, will use that image in Windows Media Player for Windows XP (MPXP) if you choose to display album cover art instead of a visualization. And the folder customization is automatic, so it survives an OS reinstallation as well. Your music folders never looked so good!

Album cover art makes music folder thumbnails look better than ever!

Enable ClearType on the Welcome Screen!

2008-03-11T11:07:00.006-07:00

As laptop users and other LCD owners are quickly realizing, Microsoft's ClearType technology in Windows XP really makes a big difference for readability. But the this feature is enabled on a per-user basis in Windows XP, so you can't see the effect on the Welcome screen; it only appears after you logon.

But you can fix that. Fire up the Registry Editor and look for the following keys:

(default user) HKEY_USERS \ .Default \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ FontSmoothing (String Value)
HKEY_USERS \ .Default \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ FontSmoothingType (Hexadecimal DWORD Value)

Make sure both of these values are set to 2 and you'll have ClearType enabled on the Welcome screen and on each new user by default.

Speed up Internet Explorer 6 Favorites

2008-03-11T11:07:00.005-07:00

For some reason, the Favorites menu in IE 6 seems to slow down dramatically sometimes--I've noticed this happens when you install Tweak UI 1.33, for example, and when you use the preview tip to speed up the Start menu. But here's a fix for the problem that does work, though it's unclear why:
Just open a command line window (Start button -> Run -> cmd) and type sfc, then hit ENTER. This command line runs the System File Checker, which performs a number of services, all of which are completely unrelated to IE 6. But there you go: It works.

Speed up the Start Menu

2008-03-11T11:07:00.004-07:00

The default speed of the Start Menu is pretty slow, but you can fix that by editing a Registry Key. Fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ MenuShowDelay

By default, the value is 400. Change this to a smaller value, such as 0, to speed it up.

Speed up the Start Menu
If your confounded by the slow speed of the Start Menu, even after using the tip above, then you might try the following: Navigate to Display Properties then Appearance then Advanced and turn off the option titled Show menu shadow . You will get much better overall performance.

Rip high-quality MP3s in Windows Media Player 8

2008-03-11T11:07:00.003-07:00

The relationship between Windows Media Player 8 and the MP3 audio format is widely misunderstood. Basically, WMP8 will be able to playback MP3 files, but encoding (or "ripping" CD audio into MP3 format will require an MP3 plug-in. So during the Windows XP beta, Microsoft is supplying a sample MP3 plug-in for testing purposes, but it's limited to 56 Kbps rips, which is pretty useless. However, if you have an externally installed MP3 codec, you can use WMP8 to rip at higher bit rates. But you'll have to edit the Registry to make this work.
Fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ MediaPlayer \ Settings \ MP3Encoding

Here, you'll see sub-keys for LowRate and LowRateSample, which of course equates to the single 56 Kbps sample rate you see in WMP8. To get better sampling rates, try adding the following keys (Using New then DWORD value):

"LowRate" = DWORD value of 0000dac0
"MediumRate" = DWORD value of 0000fa00
"MediumHighRate" = DWORD value of 0001f400
"HighRate" = DWORD value of 0002ee00

Now, when you launch WMP8 and go into Tools, then Options, then Copy Music, you will have four encoding choices for MP3: 56 Kbps, 64 Kbps, 128 Kbps, and 192 Kbps. Note that you will not get higher bit rate encoding unless you have installed an MP3 codec separately; the version in Windows Media Player 8 is limited to 56 Kbps only.

Find the appropriate location in the Registry... ...add a few DWORD values... ...And then you'll be ripping CDs in higher-quality MP3 format!

This tip For older XP builds

2008-03-11T11:07:00.002-07:00

Edit or remove the "Comments" link in window title bars

During the Windows XP beta, Microsoft has added a "Comments?" hyperlink to the title bar of each window in the system so that beta testers can more easily send in a problem report about the user interface. But for most of us, this isn't an issue, and the Comments link is simply a visual distraction. And for many programs that alter the title bar, the Comments link renders the Minimize, Maximize, and Close window buttons unusable, so it's actually a problem.
Let's get rid of it. Or, if you're into this kind of thing, you can edit it too.

Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
My Computer \ HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ LameButtonEnabled
My Computer \ HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop \ LameButtonText

The first key determines whether the link appears at all; change its value to 0 to turn it off. The second key lets you have a little fun with the hyperlink; you can change the text to anything you'd like, such as "Paul Thurrott" or whatever.

Editing either value requires a restart before the changes take effect.

Before: An unnecessary hyperlink. Have some fun with it! Or just remove it entirely. It's up to you.

Remove the Shared Documents folders from My Computer

2008-03-11T11:07:00.001-07:00

One of the most annoying things about the new Windows XP user interface is that Microsoft saw fit to provide links to all of the Shared Documents folders on your system, right at the top of the My Computer window. I can't imagine why this would be the default, even in a shared PC environment at home, but what's even more annoying is that you cannot change this behavior through the sh*ll
: Those icons are stuck there and you have to live with it.
Until now, that is.

Simply fire up the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ My Computer \ NameSpace \ DelegateFolders

You'll see a sub-key named {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee}. If you delete this, all of the Shared Documents folders (which are normally under the group called "Other Files Stored on This Computer" will be gone.

You do not need to reboot your system to see the change.

Before: A cluttered mess with icons no one will ever use (especially that orphaned one). After: Simplicity itself, and the way it should be by default.

Change your CD key

2008-03-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

You don't need to re-install if you want to try the key out ... just do this:

1. Go to Activate Windows
2. Select the Telephone option
3. Click "Change Product Key"
4. Enter RK7J8-2PGYQ-P47VV-V6PMB-F6XPQ
5. Click "Update"

Now log off and log back in again. It should now show 60 days left, minus the number of days it had already counted down.

Note: If your crack de-activated REGWIZC.DLL and LICDLL.DLL, you are going to have to re-register them.

Use your Windows Key

2008-03-11T11:02:00.002-07:00

The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a little-used treasure. Don't' ignore it. It is the shortcut anchor for the following 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 + Q: Quick switching of users (Powertoys only)
Windows + Q: Hold Windows Key, then tap Q to scroll thru the different users on your PC

Software not installing?

2008-03-11T11:02:00.001-07:00

If you have a piece of software that refuses to install because it says that you are not running Windows 2000 (such as the Win2K drivers for a Mustek scanner!!) you can simply edit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/ProductName to say Microsoft Windows 2000 instead of XP and it will install. You may also have to edit the version number or build number, depending on how hard the program tries to verify that you are installing on the correct OS. I had to do this for my Mustek 600 CP scanner (compatibility mode didn't' help!!!) and it worked great, so I now have my scanner working with XP (and a tech at Mustek can now eat his words).

BTW, don't' forget to restore any changes you make after you get your software installed

You do this at your own risk.

Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar

2008-03-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Do you want to quickly map a drive, but can?t find the toolbar button? If you map drives often, use one of these options to add a Map Drive button to the folder toolbar.

Option One (Long Term Fix)

Click Start, click My Computer, right-click the toolbar, then unlock the toolbars, if necessary.

Right-click the toolbar again, and then click Customize.

Under Available toolbar buttons, locate Map Drive, and drag it into the position you want on the right under Current toolbar buttons.

Click Close, click OK, and then click OK again.

You now have drive mapping buttons on your toolbar, so you can map drives from any folder window. To unmap drives, follow the above procedure, selecting Disconnect under Available toolbar buttons. To quickly map a drive, try this option.

Option Two (Quick Fix)

Click Start, and right-click My Computer.
Click Map Network Drive.

If you place your My Computer icon directly on the desktop, you can make this move in only two clicks!

Instantly Activate a Screen saver

2008-03-11T11:01:00.001-07:00

Turn on a screen saver without having to wait by adding a shortcut to your desktop:

Click the Start button, and then click Search.
In the Search Companion window, click All file types.

In the file name box, type *.scr

In the Look in box, choose Local Hard Drives (C or the drive where you have system files stored on your computer.

Click Search.

You will see a list of screen savers in the results. Pick a screen saver you want. You can preview it by double-clicking it.

Right click on the file, choose Send To, and then click Desktop (create shortcut).

To activate the screen saver, double-click the icon on your desktop

Create a Shortcut to Start Remote Desktop

2008-03-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Tip: You can add a shortcut to the desktop of your home computer to quickly start Remote Desktop and connect to your office computer.

To create a shortcut icon to start Remote Desktop

Click Start, point to More Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click on Remote Desktop Connection.

Click Options.

Configure settings for the connection to your office computer.

Click Save As, and enter a name, such as Office Computer. Click Save.

Open the Remote Desktops folder.

Right-click on the file named Office Computer, and then click Create Shortcut.

Drag the shortcut onto the desktop of your home computer.

To start Remote Desktop and connect to your office computer, double-click on the shortcut

Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Computer

2008-03-11T11:00:00.001-07:00

Leaving your computer in a hurry but you don?t want to log off? You can double-click a shortcut on your desktop to quickly lock the keyboard and display without using CTRL+ALT+DEL or a screen saver.

To create a shortcut on your desktop to lock your computer:

Right-click the desktop.
Point to New, and then click Shortcut.

The Create Shortcut Wizard opens. In the text box, type the following:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Click Next.

Enter a name for the shortcut. You can call it "Lock Workstation" or choose any name you like.

Click Finish.

You can also change the shortcut's icon (my personal favorite is the padlock icon in shell32.dll).

To change the icon:

Right click the shortcut and then select Properties.
Click the Shortcut tab, and then click the Change Icon button.

In the Look for icons in this file text box, type:
Shell32.dll.

Click OK.

Select one of the icons from the list and then click OK

You could also give it a shortcut keystroke such CTRL+ALT+L. This would save you only one keystroke from the normal command, but it could be more convenient.

Temporarily Assign Yourself Administrative Permissions

2008-03-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Many programs require you to have Administrative permissions to be able to install them. Here is an easy way to temporarily assign yourself Administrative permissions while you remain logged in as a normal user.

Hold down the Shift key as you right-click on the program?s setup file.

Click Run as.

Type in a username and password that have Administrative permissions.

This will also work on applications in the Start menu.

Forgetting What Your Files Are?

2008-03-11T10:58:00.002-07:00

This procedure works under NTFS.

As times goes along you have a lot files on your computer. You are going to forget what they are. Well here is way to identify them as you scroll through Windows Explorer in the future.

This procedure works under NTFS.

1.. Open up a folder on your system that you want to keep track of the different files you might one to identify in the future.

2.. Under View make certain that you set it to the Details.

3.. Highlight the file you want to keep more information on. Right click the file and you will get a pop up menu. Click on properties.

4.. Click on the Summary Tab (make sure it says simple not advanced on the button in the box), You should now get the following fields,

Title,Subject, Author, Category, Keywords, Comments

You will see advanced also if you have changed it to simple, Here will be other fields you can fill in.

5.. Next you can fill in what ever field you want.

6.. After you finished click the apply button then OK.

7.. Next right click the bar above your files, under the address bar and you should get a drop down menu. Here you can click the fields you want to display.

8.. You should now see a list with the new fields and any comments you have done.

9.. Now if you want to sort these just right click a blank spot and then you sort the information to your liking.

Group Policy for Windows XP

2008-03-11T10:58:00.001-07:00

One of the most full featured Windows XP configuration tools available is hidden right there in your system, but most people don't even know it exists. It's called the Local Group Policy Editor, or gpedit for short. To invoke this editor, select Start and then Run, then type the following:

gpedit.msc

After you hit ENTER, you'll be greeted by gpedit, which lets you modify virtually every feature in Windows XP without having to resort to regedit. Dig around and enjoy!

WinXP Clear Page file on shutdown

2008-03-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

WINXPCPS.REG (WinXP Clear Page file on shutdown)

This Registration (.REG) file clears the Page file when you power off the computer.
Restart Windows for these changes to take effect!
ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES!

Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager \ Memory Management

and add the DWORD variable "ClearPageFileAtShutdown"=dword:00000001

You can also do this without reg hacking.
Go to Control panel Administrative tools, local security policy. then go to local policies ---> security options.
Then change the option for "Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile"

Change Web Page Font Size on the Fly

2008-03-11T10:56:00.002-07:00

If your mouse contains a wheel for scrolling, you can change font size on the fly when viewing a Web page. To do so:

Press and hold Ctrl. Scroll down (or towards yourself) to enlarge the font size. Scroll up (or away from yourself) to reduce the font size.

You might find it useful to reduce font size when printing a Web page, so that you can fit more content on the page.

Create a Password Reset Disk

2008-03-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

If you?re running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log onto your computer when you forget your password. To create the disk:

Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click your account name.
Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.

Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.

Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account

Fix Movie Interference in AVI files

2008-03-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, which have interference when opened in Windows XP, there is an easy fix to get rid of the interference:

Open Windows Movie Maker.
Click View and then click Options.
Click in the box to remove the check mark beside Automatically create clips.

Now, import the movie file that has interference and drag it onto the timeline. Then save the movie, and during the re rendering, the interference will be removed.

How do I get the "Administrator" name on Welcome Screen?

2008-03-11T10:38:00.001-07:00

To get Admin account on the "Welcome Screen" as well as the other usernames, make sure that there are no accounts logged in.

Press "ctrl-alt-del" twice and you should be able to login as administrator!

finally worked for me after I found out that all accounts have to be logged out first

Unlocking WinXP's setupp.ini

2008-03-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

WinXP's setupp.ini controls how the CD acts. IE is it an OEM version or retail? First, find your setupp.ini file in the i386 directory on your WinXP CD. Open it up, it'll look something like this:

ExtraData=707A667567736F696F697911AE7E05
Pid=55034000

The Pid value is what we're interested in. What's there now looks like a standard default. There are special numbers that determine if it's a retail, oem, or volume license edition. First, we break down that number into two parts. The first five digits determines how the CD will behave, ie is it a retail CD that lets you clean install or upgrade, or an oem CD that only lets you perform a clean install? The last three digits determines what CD key it will accept. You are able to mix and match these values. For example you could make a WinXP CD that acted like a retail CD, yet accepted OEM keys.

Now, for the actual values. Remember the first and last values are interchangeable, but usually you'd keep them as a pair:

Retail = 51882 335
Volume License = 51883 270
OEM = 82503 OEM

So if you wanted a retail CD that took retail keys, the last line of your setupp.ini file would read:

Pid=51882335

And if you wanted a retail CD that took OEM keys, you'd use:

Pid=51882OEM

Learn Microsoft Windows Shortcut Keys

2008-03-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Windows SHORTCUT KEYS
Shortcut keys help provide an easier and usually quicker method of navigating and using computer software programs.
Command Prompt:

Code:

ANSI.SYS Defines functions that change display graphics, control cursor movement, and reassign keys.
APPEND Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running a command.
ARP Displays, adds, and removes arp information from network devices.
ASSIGN Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter.
ASSOC View the file associations.
AT Schedule a time to execute commands or programs.
ATMADM Lists connections and addresses seen by Windows ATM call manager.
ATTRIB Display and change file attributes.
BATCH Recovery console command that executes a series of commands in a file.
BOOTCFG Recovery console command that allows a user to view, modify, and rebuild the boot.ini
BREAK Enable / disable CTRL + C feature.
CACLS View and modify file ACL's.
CALL Calls a batch file from another batch file.
CD Changes directories.
CHCP Supplement the International keyboard and character set information.
CHDIR Changes directories.
CHKDSK Check the hard disk drive running FAT for errors.
CHKNTFS Check the hard disk drive running NTFS for errors.
CHOICE Specify a listing of multiple options within a batch file.
CLS Clears the screen.
CMD Opens the command interpreter.
COLOR Easily change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window.
COMP Compares files.
COMPACT Compresses and uncompress files.
CONTROL Open control panel icons from the MS-DOS prompt.
CONVERT Convert FAT to NTFS.
COPY Copy one or more files to an alternate location.
CTTY Change the computers input/output devices.
DATE View or change the systems date.
DEBUG Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings.
DEFRAG Re-arrange the hard disk drive to help with loading programs.
DEL Deletes one or more files.
DELETE Recovery console command that deletes a file.
DELTREE Deletes one or more files and/or directories.
DIR List the contents of one or more directory.
DISABLE Recovery console command that disables Windows system services or drivers.
DISKCOMP Compare a disk with another disk.
DISKCOPY Copy the contents of one disk and place them on another disk.
DOSKEY Command to view and execute commands that have been run in the past.
DOSSHELL A GUI to help with early MS-DOS users.
DRIVPARM Enables overwrite of original device drivers.
ECHO Displays messages and enables and disables echo.
EDIT View and edit files.
EDLIN View and edit files.
EMM386 Load extended Memory Manager.
ENABLE Recovery console command to enable a disable service or driver.
ENDLOCAL Stops the localization of the environment changes enabled by the setlocal command.
ERASE Erase files from computer.
EXIT Exit from the command interpreter.
EXPAND Expand a M*cros*ft Windows file back to it's original format.
EXTRACT Extract files from the M*cros*ft Windows cabinets.
FASTHELP Displays a listing of MS-DOS commands and information about them.
FC Compare files.
FDISK Utility used to create partitions on the hard disk drive.
FIND Search for text within a file.
FINDSTR Searches for a string of text within a file.
FIXBOOT Writes a new boot sector.
FIXMBR Writes a new boot record to a disk drive.
FOR Boolean used in batch files.
FORMAT Command to erase and prepare a disk drive.
FTP Command to connect and operate on a FTP server.
FTYPE Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO Moves a batch file to a specific label or location.
GRAFTABL Show extended characters in graphics mode.
HELP Display a listing of commands and brief explanation.
IF Allows for batch files to perform conditional processing.
IFSHLP.SYS 32-bit file manager.
IPCONFIG Network command to view network adapter settings and assigned values.
KEYB Change layout of keyboard.
LABEL Change the label of a disk drive.
LH Load a device driver in to high memory.
LISTSVC Recovery console command that displays the services and drivers.
LOADFIX Load a program above the first 64k.
LOADHIGH Load a device driver in to high memory.
LOCK Lock the hard disk drive.
LOGON Recovery console command to list installations and enable administrator login.
MAP Displays the device name of a drive.
MD Command to create a new directory.
MEM Display memory on system.
MKDIR Command to create a new directory.
MODE Modify the port or display settings.
MORE Display one page at a time.
MOVE Move one or more files from one directory to another directory.
MSAV Early M*cros*ft Virus scanner.
MSD Diagnostics utility.
MSCDEX Utility used to load and provide access to the CD-ROM.
NBTSTAT Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT
NET Update, fix, or view the network or network settings
NETSH Configure dynamic and static network information from MS-DOS.
NETSTAT Display the TCP/IP network protocol statistics and information.
NLSFUNC Load country specific information.
NSLOOKUP Look up an IP address of a domain or host on a network.
PATH View and modify the computers path location.
PATHPING View and locate locations of network latency.
PAUSE Command used in batch files to stop the processing of a command.
PING Test / send information to another network computer or network device.
POPD Changes to the directory or network path stored by the pushd command.
POWER Conserve power with computer portables.
PRINT Prints data to a printer port.
PROMPT View and change the MS-DOS prompt.
PUSHD Stores a directory or network path in memory so it can be returned to at any time.
QBASIC Open the QBasic.
RD Removes an empty directory.
REN Renames a file or directory.
RENAME Renames a file or directory.
RMDIR Removes an empty directory.
ROUTE View and configure windows network route tables.
RUNAS Enables a user to execute a program on another computer.
SCANDISK Run the scandisk utility.
SCANREG Scan registry and recover registry from errors.
SET Change one variable or string to another.
SETLOCAL Enables local environments to be changed without affecting anything else.
SETVER Change MS-DOS version to trick older MS-DOS programs.
SHARE Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities.
SHIFT Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.
SHUTDOWN Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt.
SMARTDRV Create a disk cache in conventional memory or extended memory.
SORT Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.
START Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt.
SUBST Substitute a folder on your computer for another drive letter.
SWITCHES Remove add functions from MS-DOS.
SYS Transfer system files to disk drive.
TELNET Telnet to another computer / device from the prompt.
TIME View or modify the system time.
TITLE Change the title of their MS-DOS window.
TRACERT Visually view a network packets route across a network.
TREE View a visual tree of the hard disk drive.
TYPE Display the contents of a file.
UNDELETE Undelete a file that has been deleted.
UNFORMAT Unformat a hard disk drive.
UNLOCK Unlock a disk drive.
VER Display the version information.
VERIFY Enables or disables the feature to determine if files have been written properly.
VOL Displays the volume information about the designated drive.
XCOPY Copy multiple files, directories, and/or drives from one location to another.
TRUENAME When placed before a file, will display the whole directory in which it exists
TASKKILL It allows you to kill those unneeded or locked up applications

Run Commands To Access The Control Panel:

Code:

Add/Remove Programs control appwiz.cpl
Date/Time Properties control timedate.cpl
Display Properties control desk.cpl
FindFast control findfast.cpl
Fonts Folder control fonts
Internet Properties control inetcpl.cpl
Keyboard Properties control main.cpl keyboard
Mouse Properties control main.cpl
Multimedia Properties control mmsys.cpl
Network Properties control netcpl.cpl
Password Properties control password.cpl
Printers Folder control printers
Sound Properties control mmsys.cpl sounds
System Properties control sysdm.cpl

Run Commands:

Code:

compmgmt.msc - Computer management
devmgmt.msc - Device manager
diskmgmt.msc - Disk management
dfrg.msc - Disk defrag
eventvwr.msc - Event viewer
fsmgmt.msc - Shared folders
gpedit.msc - Group policies
lusrmgr.msc - Local users and groups
perfmon.msc - Performance monitor
rsop.msc - Resultant set of policies
secpol.msc - Local security settings
services.msc - Various Services
msconfig - System Configuration Utility
regedit - Registry Editor
msinfo32 _ System Information
sysedit _ System Edit
win.ini _ windows loading information(also system.ini)
winver _ Shows current version of windows
mailto: _ Opens default email client
command _ Opens command prompt

Windows XP Shortcuts:

Code:

ALT+- (ALT+hyphen) Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu
ALT+ENTER View properties for the selected item
ALT+ESC Cycle through items in the order they were opened
ALT+F4 Close the active item, or quit the active program
ALT+SPACEBAR Display the System menu for the active window
ALT+TAB Switch between open items
ALT+Underlined letter Display the corresponding menu
BACKSPACE View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer
CTRL+A Select all
CTRL+B Bold
CTRL+C Copy
CTRL+I Italics
CTRL+O Open an item
CTRL+U Underline
CTRL+V Paste
CTRL+X Cut
CTRL+Z Undo
CTRL+F4 Close the active document
CTRL while dragging Copy selected item
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging Create shortcut to selected iteM
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph
SHIFT+DELETE Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin
ESC Cancel the current task
F1 Displays Help
F2 Rename selected item
F3 Search for a file or folder
F4 Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer
F5 Refresh the active window
F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10 Activate the menu bar in the active program
SHIFT+F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
CTRL+ESC Display the Start menu
SHIFT+CTRL+ESC Launches Task Manager
SHIFT when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing
WIN Display or hide the Start menu
WIN+BREAK Display the System Properties dialog box
WIN+D Minimizes all Windows and shows the Desktop
WIN+E Open Windows Explorer
WIN+F Search for a file or folder
WIN+F+CTRL Search for computers
WIN+L Locks the desktop
WIN+M Minimize or restore all windows
WIN+R Open the Run dialog box
WIN+TAB Switch between open items

Windows Explorer Shortcuts:

Code:

ALT+SPACEBAR - Display the current window’s system menu
SHIFT+F10 - Display the item's context menu
CTRL+ESC - Display the Start menu
ALT+TAB - Switch to the window you last used
ALT+F4 - Close the current window or quit
CTRL+A - Select all items
CTRL+X - Cut selected item(s)
CTRL+C - Copy selected item(s)
CTRL+V - Paste item(s)
CTRL+Z - Undo last action
CTRL+(+) - Automatically resize the columns in the right hand pane
TAB - Move forward through options
ALT+RIGHT ARROW - Move forward to a previous view
ALT+LEFT ARROW - Move backward to a previous view
SHIFT+DELETE - Delete an item immediately
BACKSPACE - View the folder one level up
ALT+ENTER - View an item’s properties
F10 - Activate the menu bar in programs
F6 - Switch between left and right panes
F5 - Refresh window contents
F3 - Display Find application
F2 - Rename selected item

Internet Explorer Shortcuts:

Code:

CTRL+A - Select all items on the current page
CTRL+D - Add the current page to your Favorites
CTRL+E - Open the Search bar
CTRL+F - Find on this page
CTRL+H - Open the History bar
CTRL+I - Open the Favorites bar
CTRL+N - Open a new window
CTRL+O - Go to a new location
CTRL+P - Print the current page or active frame
CTRL+S - Save the current page
CTRL+W - Close current browser window
CTRL+ENTER - Adds the http://www. (url) .com
SHIFT+CLICK - Open link in new window
BACKSPACE - Go to the previous page
ALT+HOME - Go to your Home page
HOME - Move to the beginning of a document
TAB - Move forward through items on a page
END - Move to the end of a document
ESC - Stop downloading a page
F11 - Toggle full-screen view
F5 - Refresh the current page
F4 - Display list of typed addresses
F6 - Change Address bar and page focus
ALT+RIGHT ARROW - Go to the next page
SHIFT+CTRL+TAB - Move back between frames
SHIFT+F10 - Display a shortcut menu for a link
SHIFT+TAB - Move back through the items on a page
CTRL+TAB - Move forward between frames
CTRL+C - Copy selected items to the clipboard
CTRL+V - Insert contents of the clipboard
ENTER - Activate a selected link
HOME - Move to the beginning of a document
END - Move to the end of a document
F1 - Display Internet Explorer Help

Accessibility Shortcuts

Code:

Tap SHIFT 5 times - Toggles StickyKeys on and off.
Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for 8 seconds - Toggles FilterKeys on and off.
Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for 5 seconds - Toggles ToggleKeys on and off.
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK - Toggles MouseKeys on and off.
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN - Toggles High Contrast on and off.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcut Keys

Important Word Shortcuts

Code:

All Caps - CTRL+SHIFT+A
Annotation - ALT+CTRL+M
Auto Format - ALT+CTRL+K
Auto Text - F3 or ALT+CTRL+V
Bold - CTRL+B or CTRL+SHIFT+B
Bookmark - CTRL+SHIFT+F5
Copy - CTRL+C or CTRL+INSERT
Copy Format - CTRL+SHIFT+C
Copy Text - SHIFT+F2
Create Auto Text - ALT+F3
Date Field - ALT+SHIFT+D
Delete Back Word - CTRL+BACKSPACE
Delete Word - CTRL+DELETE
Dictionary - ALT+SHIFT+F7
Do Field Click - ALT+SHIFT+F9
Doc Maximize - CTRL+F10
Doc Move - CTRL+F7
Doc Restore - CTRL+F5
Doc Size - CTRL+F8
Grow Font - CTRL+SHIFT+.
Grow Font One Point - CTRL+]Hanging Indent - CTRL+T
Header Footer Link - ALT+SHIFT+R
Help - F1
Hidden - CTRL+SHIFT+H
Hyperlink - CTRL+K
Indent - CTRL+M
Italic - CTRL+I or CTRL+SHIFT+I
Justify Para - CTRL+J
Left Para - CTRL+L
Line Up Extend - SHIFT+UP
List Num Field - ALT+CTRL+L
Outline - ALT+CTRL+O
Outline Collapse - ALT+SHIFT+- or ALT+SHIFT+NUM -
Outline Demote - ALT+SHIFT+RIGHT
Outline Expand - ALT+SHIFT+=
Outline Expand - ALT+SHIFT+NUM +
Outline Move Down - ALT+SHIFT+DOWN
Outline Move Up - ALT+SHIFT+UP
Outline Promote - ALT+SHIFT+LEFT
Outline Show First Line - ALT+SHIFT+L
Lock Fields - CTRL+3 or CTRL+F11
Web Go Back - ALT+LEFT
Web Go Forward - ALT+RIGHT
Word Left - CTRL+LEFT
Word Left Extend - CTRL+SHIFT+LEFT
Word Right - CTRL+RIGHT

Excel Time saving Shortcuts

Code:

Move to next cell in row - Tab
Move to previous cell in row - Shift + Tab
Up one screen - Page Up
Down one screen - Page Down
Move to next worksheet - Ctrl + Page Down
Move to previous worksheet - Ctrl + Page Up
Go to first cell in data region - Ctrl + Home
Go to last cell in data region - Ctrl + End
Bold toggle for selection - Ctrl + B
Italic toggle for selection - Ctrl + I
Underline toggle for selection - Ctrl + U
Strikethrough for selection - Ctrl + 5
Change the font - Ctrl + Shift + F
Change the font size - Ctrl + Shift + P
Apply outline borders - Ctrl + Shift + 7
Remove all borders - Ctrl + Shift + Underline
Wrap text in same cell - Alt + Enter
Format cells - Ctrl + 1
Select font - Ctrl + Shift + F
Select point size - Ctrl + Shift + P
Format as currency - Ctrl + Shift + 4
Format as general - Ctrl + Shift + # (hash sign)
Format as percentage - Ctrl + Shift + 5
Format as number - Ctrl + Shift + 1
Autosum a range of cells - Alt + Equals Sign
Insert the date - Ctrl + ; (semi-colon)
Insert the time - Ctrl + Shift + ; (semi-colon)
Insert columns/rows - Ctrl + Shift + + (plus sign)
Insert a new worksheet - Shift + F11
Read Monitor Cell One - Alt + Shift + 1
Read Monitor Cell Two - Alt + Shift + 2
Read Monitor Cell Three - Alt + Shift + 3
Read Monitor Cell Four - Alt + Shift + 4
List Visible Cells With Data - Ctrl + Shift + D
Lists Data In Current Column - Ctrl + Shift + C
List Data In Current Row - Ctrl + Shift + R
Select Hyperlink - Ctrl + Shift + H
Move To Worksheet Listbox - Ctrl + Shift + S
Move To Monitor Cell - Ctrl + Shift + M
Select Worksheet Objects - Ctrl + Shift + O
List Cells At Page Breaks - Ctrl + Shift + B
Options Listbox - Insert + V

Easy move through Powerpoint

Code:

Apply subscript formatting - CTRL+EQUAL SIGN (=)
Apply superscript formatting - CTRL+PLUS SIGN (+)
Bold - CTRL+B
Capitalize - SHIFT+F3
Copy - CTRL+C
Delete a word - CTRL+BACKSPACE
Demote a paragraph - ALT+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW
Find - CTRL+F
Insert a hyperlink - CTRL+K
Insert a new slide - CTRL+M
Italicize - CTRL+I
Make a duplicate of the current slide - CTRL+D
Open - CTRL+O
Open the Font dialog box - CTRL+T
Paste - CTRL+V
Print - CTRL+P
Promote a paragraph - ALT+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW
Repeat your last action - F4 or CTRL+Y
Save - CTRL+S
Select all - CTRL+A
Start a slide show - F5
Switch to the next pane (clockwise) - F6
Switch to the previous pane - SHIFT+F6
Undo - CTRL+Z
View guides - CTRL+G

I Love Lake Tahoe Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

I Love Lake Tahoe

Four long years ago
Searching for the snow
We found the Tahoe lakes
Just about the perfect place

Fifty rooms at Heavenly
And the nights at Squaw Valley
Yeah, the trees are pretty wide-
That's where Sonny Bono died

All is quiet on New Year's day,
Think I'll try'n impress my mates
So I jump into the lake
Yeah, I won't do that again!

Every year we say the same,
"Try somewhere different for a change"
But we jump onto the plane, yeah,
And here we go again!

Naa naa naa (etc.)

The south shore has the lot
And last month Dave Lee Roth,
He did a solo spot
And some German bloke got shot

Every year we say the same
"Try somewhere different for a change"
But we jump onto the plane, yeah,
And here we go again!

Naa naa naa (etc.)

Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh... (etc.)

Naa naa naa (etc.)

Hopper Jonnus Fang Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hopper Jonnus Fang

I want to feel important, want to think I'm worth it
Still feeling lame in the end
Sit in, in the evening, talking to my robots
Still feel the same in the end

Spend a little time, spend a bit more cash
Makes you feel alright
Want to know the truth, I feel the same as you do

Wake up in the morning, be careful what you ask for
It's never gonna do in the end
The telephone is ringing, let 'em do the talking
It's never gonna do in the end

I want to have a girlfriend, want a bigger garden
Still feeling lame in the end
Move to California, sell a million albums
Still feel the same in the end

Everybody knows better than you know
It makes 'em feel alright
Want to know the truth
Feel the same as you do

Wake up in the morning, be careful what you ask for,
It's never gonna do in the end
The telephone is ringing, let 'em do the talking
It's never gonna do in the end

Homeless Heart Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Homeless Heart

Lonesome Stranger,
With a crowd around you,
I see who you are,
You joke, they laugh,
Till the show is over,
Then you fall so hard,

If you're leading a soul to soul connection
I’ll run to your side

When you're lost in the dark
When you're out in the cold
When you're looking for something that resembles your soul
When the wind blows your house of cards
I’ll be a home, to your homeless heart

Open, close me, leave your secrets with me
I can ease your pain
And my arms will be, just like walls around you
come in from the rain,
If your running, in the wrong direction,
I will lead you back

When you're lost in the dark
When you're out in the cold
When you're looking for something that resembles your soul
When the wind blows your house of cards
I’ll be a home, to your homeless heart

Broken, shattered like a mirror in a million pieces
Sooner or later
You’ve got to find
Something, Someone
To find you and save you

When you're lost in the dark
When you're out in the cold
When you're looking for something that resembles your soul
When the wind blows your house of cards
I’ll be a home, to your homeless heart

When your looking for something that resembles your soul
When the wind blows your house apart
I’ll be a home, to your homeless heart
I’ll be a home, to your homeless heart

Hi-Fi Serious Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:31:00.001-08:00

Hi-Fi Serious

Right back at you, record three
Makes you wish that you were me
'Cos we got no job for life
Build 'em up like Frank Lloyd Wright
No two days turn out the same
Only sleeping on the plane
Not exactly Monkey days
C'mon, rock it up, from the back to the front, go!

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, so come on

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, bring it on!

Banshee wailing from my throat
Only dogs can hear the notes
Be myself to pay the bills
From L.A. to Skillmans Hill
We've done time for stealing shows
There ain't nothing we don't know
Plug us in and watch us go!

C'mon, rock it up, we're all about to jump from the back to the front, go!

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, so come on

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, bring it on!

Hot, like the desert sky
You're so cool on the inside
You hate being recognised
Going off on outside

Gotta get up, gotta get out, picking it up, gotta get up, gotta get out
Gotta get up, gotta get out, picking it up, gotta get up, gotta get out
Gotta get up, gotta get out, picking it up, gotta get up, gotta get out
Got a fever and I want to clear my lungs!

Coming round for one more go
Way too loud for radio
Mosh pit full of casualties
OAP's get in for free
Time to even out the score
Thought we'd done enough before
Now we're kicking down your door

Come on, rock it up, to the back
Measure twice, cut it once
Clear the room, we're barbequeing up for lunch!

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, so come on

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, bring it on!

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, so come on

So get your, so get your ears on
So get your, so get your ears on
'Cos I'm Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi
I'm serious, bring it on!

Hey Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hey

Hang on, don't be frightened,
Hold on, keep the light on,
You call me anytime you want to.
Keep a night in summer,
Don't cry when its over,
You take me anywhere you need to.

Like its your birthday,
Like on your first date,

Hey! You're gonna make it in your own way!
You're gonna make it in your own way!
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Or you're gonna fall...

Come on, getting violent,
Be strong, and don't be frightened,
That's crazy talk where out from hold you lost this.
Go where the weather takes you,
Don't care, they'll never break you,
Love is all we needed in the first place.

Like its your birthday,
Like on your first date,

Hey! You're gonna make it in your own way!
You're gonna make it in your own way!
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Or you're gonna fall...
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Or don't make it at all...

Days'll never feel the same,
I get your tears, I feel your pain,
I know two people that think the same,
I'm giving you your own way.

Like its your birthday,
Like on your first date,
Like its your birthday,
Like on your first date,

Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
You gotta make it in your own way!
Hey! You gotta make it in your own way!
Or you're gonna fall...
Hey! You're gonna make it in your own way!
Hey! You're gonna make it in your own way!
Hey! You're gonna make it in your own way!
Or don't make it at all...

House Under The Ground Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

House Under The Ground

I'd have my house under the ground
All my friends would all come round
Laugh about the ones who got away
I wouldn't know the time of year
It's easier to tan down here

I find it funny
I laugh at people
And I don't know why
I sometimes giggle
If there's an earthquake
When good people die

I'd have my house under the ground
All my friends would all come round
Laugh about the ones who got away
I wouldn't know the time of year
It's easier to tan down here

I'll meet the big man
I'll do what I can
I'll suffer for my sins
Speak with a deep voice
Listen to metal
So that the good guys never win

I'd have my house under the ground
All my friends would all come round
Laugh about the ones who got away
I wouldn't know the time of year
It's easier to tan down here

Yeah, you should see the man
That you see on Christmas day
By six o'clock on the sixth of June it's OK...

Gather round under the sun
Make the things I've done
Make them understand

I'd have my house under the ground
All my friends would all come round
Laugh about the ones who got away
I wouldn't know the time of year
It's easier to tan down here

House under the ground (x4)

I'd have my house under the ground
All my friends would all come round
Laugh about the ones who got away
I wouldn't know the time of year
It's easier to tan down here
Sorry for the things I said that day
(Repeat to fade)

Here We Go Again (I Love Lake Tahoe) Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:24:00.001-08:00

Here We Go Again (I Love Lake Tahoe)

4 long years ago, searching for the snow, found thee Tahoe Lakes, just about the perfect place. 50 runs at heavenly and the nights at Squaw Valley, yeah the trees are pretty wild, that's where Sonny Bono died. All is quiet on new years day, think I'll try and impress my mates, so I jump into the lake, I won't do that again.

Here we go again . . .

The south shore has the lot. And last month Dave Lee Roth did a solo spot and some german bloke got shot. Every year we say the same, "Go somewhere different for a change", but we jump onto the plane, yeah, here we go again.

Here we go again . . .(Till Fade).

Going Down Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

Going Down

Suck it up, we're going down
30 seconds 'till we smash into the ground
The passengers have lost their smiles
Soon their bodies will be wreckage spread for miles.

I'm in the shit, knee-deep in it, I know that this might hurt a bit
I leave my debts but no regrets - except I wish I'd took the train

Another day, another flight
There's not a chance of going down, but then we just might
So this is it, this is goodbye
And I feel like I'm gonna lose my mind.

I'm in the shit, knee-deep in it, I know that this might hurt a bit
I leave my debts but no regrets - except I wish I'd took the train
Everybody has their day and I guess I'm just the same
But I'm going nowhere.
Everybody has their day, never thought it would be this way
And I really don't care.

I'm in the shit, knee-deep in it, I know that this might hurt a bit
I leave my debts but no regrets - except I wish I'd took the train

We're going down, we're out of sky
It sure helps if you can see the funny side
So this is over and out, this is goodbye
And I'm feeling like I'm gonna lose my mind.

I try to reach her, but she's not there
But back home I hope she knows how much I care
I ease the seat back and start to pray
To the same God that puts bombs in cargo bays.

Getting Around Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Getting Around

All of your friends are famous
You're the man at pulling favours
Is that the best that you can do?
Is that the best that we can do?

You said it before, and you'll say it again
"You're gonna be massive, it's a matter of when"
Is that the best that we could do?
And do we owe it all to you?

You're getting around
You're getting me down

It's not that you're used to failure
You put the hours in, the cheque comes later
Is that the best that you can do
It's time to take on something new

You're moving in circles, your all over LA
You're big with the ladies, so they don't think you're gay
And that's the best that you can do?
And do we owe it all to you?

You're getting around
You're getting me down
You're getting around
You're getting me down

And when it don't work out, you put them on the stand
It's not your fault, you want them eating from your hand
You say the words and everybody leaves
You change you hair before anyone can breathe You don't make sense, and you don't wanna know
You're self defensive, Oh-oh!

You're getting me down
You're getting around
You're getting me down
You're getting around

Is that the best that you can do?
And do we owe it all to you?
Is that the best that you can do?
And do we owe it all to you?

You're getting around
You're getting me down
(Repeat)

For Starters Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

For Starters

Waaaaaaa!

Well, we did this once before
And we're giving it some more
And it's OK to be as you are, you know
It's always five on one, you'll notice when we're done
That nobody got hurt
You're the same as what you were, you know, Yeah!

I've got something for starters
Throw it up in the air, and I bet you don't care
We're getting louder

Well, it sounds OK to me, on the desk at ICP
Roll the tape 'cause we're rocking album two
And our manager don't mind
'Cause we put that all behind
We've got another bite
And you know the time is right to rock for you

I've got something for starters
Throw it up in the air, and we really don't care
We're getting louder

Hey, it's another day in 'A'
I'm proud to be myself
'Cause rock made me this way
I said hey, I've got plenty more to say
So let me clear my throat
'Cause I'm not cool Britannia,
Not getting any younger
They hate me at NME
I don't care where you've been,
I don't care for your scene
You make me feel like an amputee

Yeah! I've got something for starters
Throw it up in the air, and we really don't care
We're getting louder

Yeah! I've got something for starters
Throw it up in the air, and we really don't care
We're getting louder

Foghorn Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Foghorn

Sick of you, how old do you think you are?
Never move, you think everything's too far
Telling you you're a fool but you don't wanna know
You think you do but let me tell you, you're not even close

I can't stay, you're in the way so
Listen when I'm talking
(x4)

It's better than alright
I'm out there every night
You said to me you might
But you won't

What kept you? I'm not bothered any more
Complacent, got me headed for the door
Foot down, you're not allowed to look outside
You're frightened you'll find something that you like

I can't stay, you're in the way so
Listen when I'm talking
(x4)

You tell me when I should
I don't drink in your pub
What makes you think I would,
Round your way?

I don't feel bad, I don't look back (x3)

Shame on you, you hate everything that's new
You look down your nose at everything I do
You catch on years later, you're not even slow
Can't stay, have a good day, now I've gotta go
I can't stay, you're in the way so
Listen when I'm talking
(Repeat)

It's better than alright
I'm out there every night
You said to me you might
When I'm talking

It's better than alright
I'm out there every night
You said to me you might
When I won't
Won't
Won't

Flipsyde Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

Flipsyde

Come on..
Shalalalala.. Shalalalala

[Chorus]
Some day, we gonna rise up on that wind, you know,
Some day, We gonna dance, with those lions..
Someday, we gonna break free from these chains..
And keep on, flyin..
Yeaa..

They tellin me it's all good, just wait
You know im gonna be there, some day
Sippin on champain, ok,
Gotta get these things, one day
You've been through another lie,

You know,

Searchin for that other high,
Starve or i gotta steal, We steal
Kill or im gonna be killed,
I got a sack in my pocket..
Count ya gel and drop it,*
You know we gonna lose it..

Some day..

And we try to hold it all together,
But the devil is too clever so
I'm gonna die, You gonna die, We gonna die,
Some day, one day, I said..

[Chorus]
Some day, we gonna rise up on that wind, you know,
Some day, We gonna dance, with those lions..
Someday, we gonna break free from these chains..
And keep on, flyin.. Yea.

Come on..

Try ta lie, but it aint me
Aint me, tryin ta look but I cant see,
Cant stop right now, cause im too far
And I cant keep goin cause it's too hard
When the day and the night- is the same thing,
Only field on the block, It's the same game

Only real if you stop, Then thres no pain
But ya cant feel pain, and it's no game.
Rearrange and ya change and its all there,
Then ya try to maintain but ya fall back,
When ya crawl and ya slip and ya slide down,
Gonna make it to the top, and it's hard now,

Tore a hole in my soul and i die hard,
All alone in the night, in the graveyard
Some day, one day, Imma be free
And they wont try ta kill me for being me.

Hey,
Someday.

[Chorus]
Some day, we gonna rise up on that wind, you know,
Some day, We gonna dance, with those lions..
Someday, we gonna break free from these chains..
And keep on, flyin.. Yea.

If you know how this is,
Gonna see, It's not that easy.
Dont stop, get it till it's done,*
And where you are or I'll be gone,

I said..
Keep on, Try a little harder,
To see everything, you need to be..

Believe. In your dreams, that you see,
When your asleep....

[Chorus w. different end]
Some day, we gonna rise up on that wind, you know,
Some day, We gonna dance, with those lions..
Someday, we gonna break free from these chains..
And keep on, Keep on, Keep on, Keep on,

Keep on flyin... Yea..

Get it right now..[x like 20] Till song fades.

Five In The Morning Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Five In The Morning

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've seen it all
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I've heared it all
J.P wants to rock
Not at five o'clock he's not
There's a medal in the kitchen
For catching early worms
Yeah, yeah, yeah you're gonna bet
Yeah, yeah you're gonna learn

Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know
Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know

Stevie knows that it ain't dead, yeah
Farmer, uncle still in bed
M.A.C was born to rock
There's not a moment that he's not
'A' Communication, illin' in my sleep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I lost count of my sheep

Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know
Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know

Don't look back (x2)

No-
Never, never looking back
Never falling off the track
Never clocking late for work
'Cos rocking pays the bills so I don't
Need no occupation,
I don't need any sleep
Yeah, yeah, yeah I never need to set my 'Series 3'

Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know
Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know
Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know
Don't bother waking me at five in the morning
'Cos I don't wanna know

Waaaagh!

Fistral Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

Fistral

I like the summer like you like your wife
Live in the master for the rest of my life

Every year since I was young
And always here and always fun,
Distant places, stinging faces
All at once I understand it's the summer

Over and over it's summer again
Fills up the sad hole in my head again

Sit for hours just passing vows to
Let their hair down to the sound
Distant places, stinging faces
All at once I understand it's the summer

It's withered flowers and big huge skies
It's high for hours and then it dies

Ocean keeps me up all night
The sunshine makes my hair turn white
You know I hate the winter time
All because there's nothing quite like the summer

It's withered showers and breeze off shore
It's high for hours and back for more
It's withered showers and big, big skies
It's high for hours and then it dies...

Ender Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

Ender

Thanks a bunch for staying with us tonight
Over lunch we'll talk about the lights

I need to go now, I need to drive round
I need to lie down

Thanks, I'm stunned, it's time to go
I promise you're the best friend
Then in the end, that wont make it so

I need to go now, I need to drive round
I need to lie down

Probably noticed, probably worth it, just about
Probably noticed, probably worth it, just about

Thanks, thanks a lot
Yeah we love you all
And thanks, please thank your mums
'Cos you are the best that we've ever known

I need to go now, I need to drive round
I need to lie down

Probably noticed, probably worth it, just about
Probably noticed, probably worth it, just about

Everytime I hear you I feel lonesome inside
Everytime I see you I feel happy and around

I need to lie down
I need to go now, I need to lie down
My head's in a spin, the state that I'm in
I need to go now

Down on the Floor Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:12:00.001-08:00

Down on the Floor

I'm down on the floor, there's a man on the door
He won't let me in 'cause he thinks he's the law
He'll give me shout when he's figured it out
Gotta pick up myself, what am I waiting for?
It's never enough, it's never too late
I reminded myself that I'm starting again
You're telling me "never", it should be "whenever"

And while the world is swinging
I feel like I don't fit in
Don't even know the way
Don't hear a word they say
And all the money makin'
Oh, I just want to have a go
I'm always up on time, man
Why can't I be just like the people that I know?

I've got what it takes, I'm bang up to date
You know how it is, I'm all over the place
Kicked in the face, I'm backstage
Everyone here is half of my age
Standing in line, I'm hitching a ride
I'll give it a try but I dont have the time
You're telling me "never", it should be "whenever"

And while the world is swinging
I feel like I don't fit in
Don't even know the way
Don't hear a word they say
And all the money makin'
Oh, I just want to have a go
I'm always up on time, man
Why can't I be just like the people that I know?

Ohhhh...

Na na na na na (etc.)
You're telling me "never", it should be "whenever"

And while the world is swinging
I feel like I don't fit in
Don't even know the way
Don't hear a word they say
And all the money makin'
Oh, I just want to have a go
I'm always up on time, man
Why can't I be just like the people that I know?

And while the world is swinging
I feel like I don't fit in
Don't even know the way
Don't hear a word they say
And all the money makin'
Oh, I just want to have a go
I'm always up on time, man

I'm always up on time, man (Repeat)

Don't Be Punks Lyrics

2008-03-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Don't Be Punks

It's a badly calculated move
When you think we feel we need to prove
That we paid our fucking dues
Well, you're the one that's fucking new
You'd know if you'd ever spent a day
That these things don't fucking go away
You can see our contract says
That "We get to do this our own way"

You can't tell us what to do..don't be punk
You can't tell us where to go.. don't be punk.