FreeCommander - Standard Windows file Manager...

FreeCommander is an easy-to-use alternative to the standard windows file manager. The program helps you with daily work in Windows. Here you can find all the necessary functions to manage your data stock. You can take FreeCommander anywhere - just copy the installation directory on a CD or USB-Stick - and you can even work with this program on a foreign computer.



Main features in FreeCommander:

* Dual-panel technology - horizontal and vertical
* Tabbed interface
* Optional tree view for each panel
* Built in file viewer to view files in hex, binary, text or image format
* File viewer inside archives too
* Built in archive handling: ZIP (read, write), CAB (read, write), RAR (read)
* Nested archive handling
* Built in FTP client
* Easy access to system folders, control panel, desktop and start menu
* Copy, move, delete, rename files and folders
* Multi rename tool
* Wipe files
* Create and verify MD5 checksums
* File splitting
* File properties and context menu
* Calculation of folder size
* Folder comparison / synchronization
* Modification of file date and attributes
* Folder / program favorites
* File searching (inside archive too)
* File filters for display
* User defined columns for detailed view
* DOS command line
* Multiple language support

Source and More Information

Royale Theme for WinXP - Official...

Royale Theme for WinXP - Official description

A new theme, potentially destined for Windows XP. Freeware



Royale Theme is a new theme, potentially destined for Windows XP, that has leaked out of Microsoft and onto the web. The theme appears to have come out of a beta version of Media Center 2005 that was in testing.

The theme is not a substantially different incarnation of the existing of Luna, the current default theme for Windows XP. You can see the main changes in the screenshots below; one could describe it as being a 'glass mod' of Luna.



As Microsoft knows, it is very hard to please everyone when it comes to themes. However, I think they can be reasonably certain that most people will like this new version of Luna.

Microsoft New Zealand is making available some free desktop backgrounds for use on your computer. Includes the New Zealand version of Bliss; the world-famous directional sign in Bluff; and the theme pack for Royale.

Download

When starting the Server service in Windows XP, This Error message Display..

When you use a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer to share files with another user over a network, you receive the following error message:

Error: Server service not started

Additionally, when you try to start the Server service, the service does not start. Instead, you receive one the following error messages

Error 126: The specified module cannot be found

Could not start the Server service on local Computer. Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified.

Also, the Event log has the following entry:

Type: Error
Source: Service Control Manager
Error: Event ID: 7023
Description: The Server service terminated with the following error: The
system cannot find the file specified.

Resolution

This problem occurs if the Srvsvc.dll file is missing. To resolve this problem, extract a new copy of the Srvsvc.dll file from the Windows XP disk to the %systemroot%\system32 folder on the computer's hard disk. To do this, follow these steps:

• Insert the Windows XP disk into the CD drive.
• Click Start, click Run, type cmd in the Open box, and then click OK
• At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER.

expand CD drive:\i386\srvsvc.dl_ %systemroot%\system32\srvsvc.dll

• Similarly, expand srv.sys file to the drivers folder. Use the following command:

expand CD drive:\i386\srv.sy_ %systemroot%\system32\drivers\srv.sys

Notes

1. Make sure that there is a character space between "srvsvc.dl_" and "%systemroot%."
2. CD drive represents the letter of the computer's CD drive. And %systemroot% represents the path and folder in which the Windows system files are located. For example, assume that the letter of the computer's CD drive is E and that the folder that contains the Windows system files is C:\Windows. In this situation, type the following at the command prompt, and then press ENTER: expand E:\i386\srvsvc.dl_ C:\Windows\system32\srvsvc.dll
3. To close the command prompt, type exit, and then press ENTER. Restart Windows.
4. Expand a copy of srvsvc.dll from %windir%\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder if the following conditions are true:
   
• You installed Windows XP SP2 from a Windows XP SP2 CD that included SP2 as part of the base installation.
• You downloaded and installed Windows XP SP2 from the Microsoft Web site.
• Note If the ServicePackFiles folder is not present on the computer, you can copy the files from a slipstreamed Windows XP SP2 installation CD.

Windows XP Setup Simulator

Windows XP Setup Simulator is a program that teaches you how to install Windows XP, without having to worry you will mess up your hardware or software. It just simulates installing Windows XP as if it was the real setup. It reproduces every step exactly as it is in the real setup, and it does not restart your computer.



This program can also be used as a guide for learning how to install Windows 2003, because the steps are very similar. The package also includes an e-book that explains every step of the Windows XP Setup and some other Windows XP Basics. You can also find the simulation with every step explained in several languages.

Download : http://getitfreely.co.cc/xp

Windows XP built-in Firewall

Some users report difficulties getting Windows XP to work when first connected. It is possible that the built-in firewall might be causing problems with the strange requirements of the cable modem DHCP system. It is suggested that you should not enable the built-in firewall until after (a) you have a working cable connection, and (b) you understand how to configure the built-in firewall. You should only consider enabling the firewall if your XP PC is directly connected to the cable modem. You should disable the firewall if there is a NAT router and/or home LAN between the XP PC and the cable modem.

• Open Control Panel.
• Double-click Network Connections.
• Right-click the appropriate connection icon, and select Properties.
• Click on tab Advanced to bring it to the front.
• To enable the firewall, check Protect my computer (etc); or
• To disable the firewall, uncheck Protect my computer (etc).
• Click on button Settings...
• With tab Services at the front:
• check any services offered on your PC that you wish outside users to be able to connect to. If there are no such services, uncheck all boxes.
• Click tab ICMP to bring it to the front:
• check Allow incoming echo request.
• check all the Allow outgoing options.
• Click OK to exit Advanced Settings.
• Click OK to exit Connection Properties.

What's the difference between Basic and Dynamic Disks in Windows XP/2000/2003?

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 offer two types of disk storage: basic and dynamic

Basic Disk Storage

Basic storage uses normal partition tables supported by MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP. A disk initialized for basic storage is called a basic disk. A basic disk contains basic volumes, such as primary partitions, extended partitions, and logical drives. Additionally, basic volumes include multidisk volumes that are created by using Windows NT 4.0 or earlier, such as volume sets, stripe sets, mirror sets, and stripe sets with parity. Windows XP does not support these multidisk basic volumes. Any volume sets, stripe sets, mirror sets, or stripe sets with parity must be backed up and deleted or converted to dynamic disks before you install Windows XP Professional.

Dynamic Disk Storage

Dynamic storage is supported in Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. A disk initialized for dynamic storage is called a dynamic disk. A dynamic disk contains dynamic volumes, such as simple volumes, spanned volumes, striped volumes, mirrored volumes, and RAID-5 volumes. With dynamic storage, you can perform disk and volume management without the need to restart Windows.

Note: Dynamic disks are not supported on portable computers or on Windows XP Home Edition-based computers.

You cannot create mirrored volumes or RAID-5 volumes on Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP 64-Bit Edition-based computers. However, you can use a Windows XP Professional-based computer to create a mirrored or RAID-5 volume on remote computers that are running Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, or Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, or the Standard, Enterprise and Data Center versions of Windows Server 2003.

Storage types are separate from the file system type. A basic or dynamic disk can contain any combination of FAT16, FAT32, or NTFS partitions or volumes.

A disk system can contain any combination of storage types. However, all volumes on the same disk must use the same storage type.

To convert a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk:

Use the Disk Management snap-in in Windows XP/2000/2003 to convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log on as Administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click Performance and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management. You can also right-click My Computer and choose Manage if you have My Computer displayed on your desktop.
4. In the left pane, click Disk Management.
5. In the lower-right pane, right-click the basic disk that you want to convert, and then click Convert to Dynamic Disk. You must right-click the gray area that contains the disk title on the left side of the Details pane.



6. Select the check box that is next to the disk that you want to convert (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.



7. Click Details if you want to view the list of volumes in the disk. Click Convert.



8. Click Yes when you are prompted to convert the disk, and then click OK.
Warning: After you convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk, local access to the dynamic disk is limited to Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. Additionally, after you convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk, the dynamic volumes cannot be changed back to partitions. You must first delete all dynamic volumes on the disk and then convert the dynamic disk back to a basic disk. If you want to keep your data, you must first back up the data or move it to another volume.

Dynamic Storage Terms

A volume is a storage unit made from free space on one or more disks. It can be formatted with a file system and assigned a drive letter. Volumes on dynamic disks can have any of the following layouts: simple, spanned, mirrored, striped, or RAID-5.


A simple volume uses free space from a single disk. It can be a single region on a disk or consist of multiple, concatenated regions. A simple volume can be extended within the same disk or onto additional disks. If a simple volume is extended across multiple disks, it becomes a spanned volume.

A spanned volume is created from free disk space that is linked together from multiple disks. You can extend a spanned volume onto a maximum of 32 disks. A spanned volume cannot be mirrored and is not fault-tolerant.

A striped volume is a volume whose data is interleaved across two or more physical disks. The data on this type of volume is allocated alternately and evenly to each of the physical disks. A striped volume cannot be mirrored or extended and is not fault-tolerant. Striping is also known as RAID-0.

A mirrored volume is a fault-tolerant volume whose data is duplicated on two physical disks. All of the data on one volume is copied to another disk to provide data redundancy. If one of the disks fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining disk. A mirrored volume cannot be extended. Mirroring is also known as RAID-1.

A RAID-5 volume is a fault-tolerant volume whose data is striped across an array of three or more disks. Parity (a calculated value that can be used to reconstruct data after a failure) is also striped across the disk array. If a physical disk fails, the portion of the RAID-5 volume that was on that failed disk can be re-created from the remaining data and the parity. A RAID-5 volume cannot be mirrored or extended.

The system volume contains the hardware-specific files that are needed to load Windows (for example, Ntldr, Boot.ini, and Ntdetect.com). The system volume can be, but does not have to be, the same as the boot volume.

The boot volume contains the Windows operating system files that are located in the %Systemroot% and %Systemroot%\System32 folders. The boot volume can be, but does not have to be, the same as the system volume.

Administer Exchange 2003 from Windows XP SP1

How can I manage my Exchange 2003 server from a Windows XP/2000/2003 workstation?

This article describes the steps to be taken in order to be able to administer an Exchange 2003 server from a Windows XP Pro computer that is installed with SP1 or SP1a or from a Windows Server 2003 Member Server.

Note: For an Exchange 2000 version of this page and for more background on this issue (with detailed screenshots) click on the following article: Administer Exchange 2000 from Windows XP SP1.

You can administer Exchange Server 2003 servers from a Windows computer by using Exchange Setup to install only Microsoft Exchange System Management Tools.

Note: If you have not installed an Exchange 2003 server in your organization, you must first run ForestPrep. ForestPrep extends the Active Directory schema to include Exchange-specific classes and attributes, and creates the container object for the Exchange organization in Active Directory.

To install Exchange System Management Tools ensure that the computer meets the following requirements:

*
The computer is running Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows 2000 Server SP3.
*
The computer name does not contain unsupported characters.
*
The language version matches any previous installation of Exchange 2000 System Management Tools (except for upgrades from English to Korean, Traditional Chinese, or Simplified Chinese).
*
Log onto the domain with an account that has local machine administrator permissions.

Depending on the version of Windows that is running on the computer, install the required services.

Windows XP Service Pack 1

*
Internet Information Services Snap-In component
*
SMTP Service component
*
World Wide Web Service
*
Windows Server 2003 Administration Tools Pack, AdminPak.msi

Windows XP SP2

*
Internet Information Services Snap-In component
*
Windows Server 2003 Administration Tools Pack (AdminPak.msi)

Windows Server 2003

*
Internet Information Services Manager component

Windows 2000 Professional SP3

*
Internet Information Services Snap-In component
*
Windows Server 2000 Administration Tools Pack (AdminPak.msi)

Windows 2000 Server SP3

*
Internet Information Services Snap-In component
*
Windows Server 2000 Administration Tools Pack (AdminPak.msi)
*
SMTP Service component
*
NNTP Service component

Next, run Exchange Setup, located in the SETUP\I386 folder. On the Component Selection page, set the installation action to Custom, and then select Microsoft Exchange System Management Tools.



After the installation is complete go to the Start menu and see if the Microsoft Exchange folder and shortcuts have been successfully created.



Finally, you must install the latest Exchange 2003 Service Pack:

Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) was released on the 19th of October 2005. You can download SP2 for Exchange 2003 right here:

Download Exchange 2003 SP2 (109mb)

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is a free update for Windows XP. SP3 includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates, hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases.

Get ready for Windows XP SP3

Read the Windows XP SP3 overview white paper

Steps to take before you install Windows XP SP3

Get Windows XP SP 3 now

The easiest way to update your Windows XP–based PC with SP3 is by using the Windows Update. Just set Windows Update to automatically download important updates and Windows Update will download SP3 when it's available for your PC.

If you don’t update your PC automatically, download Windows XP SP3 from Windows Update manually.

More Info : http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsxp/sp3/default.mspx

Windows XP : Question and Answers 3

Q: What is fast user switching?
A: This is a new feature included in Windows XP. "Based on the Windows 2000 profiles, user accounts are created for all users during installation. As the default, passwords are not required, although users can create them if desired. A friendly new welcome screen featuring user names and pictures or icons rather than code names or aliases replaces the logon dialog box. Further, a new control panel applet makes it easy to add and edit user accounts. Each user has their own settings, including wallpaper, music, pictures, favorites, and so forth. In fast user switching, multiple users do not have to not log off when using a single computer. Instead, their accounts are always logged on, and they can switch quickly between all open accounts."

Q: When did testing of Windows XP begin?
A: The first developers preview was sent out to testers mid-July 2000.

Q: Do you have a feature list from a developer's point of view?
A:

• Windows XP employs Windows 2000 power management features
• Graphics Device Interface Plus (GDI+) is the portion of Microsoft Windows.NET that provides two-dimensional vector graphics, imaging, and typography. GDI+ improves on GDI (the graphics device interface included with earlier versions of Windows) by adding new features and by optimizing existing features.
• 64 bit compatibility
• Support for high density displays

Q: What is the build number for Beta 2?
A: 2462a

Q: What are the design goals for Windows XP? What will it improve?
A:

• Richer communications. Real-time voice, video and application-sharing will enable people to communicate more effectively.
• Enhanced mobility. Mobile users' ability to access their information any time, anywhere will be further improved.
• Improved help and support. Users will be able to easily connect to people and resources for help whenever they need it.
• Simple digital photos and video. Windows XP will make it easy to create, organize and share digital memories.
• Exciting music and entertainment. Windows XP will deliver the best experience for the discovery, download, personalization and playback of high-quality audio and video content.
• Enabling of the "connected home." Windows XP will give people an easy way to share information, devices and Internet connections within the home.

Q: Will most of my programs from Windows 9* work in Windows XP?
A: Most programs that work on Windows 95/98/Me and NT will work on versions of Windows XP. As with Windows 2000, several compatibility updates are sure to made after the product is released. There will be problems running older DOS programs (if they will run at all).

Q: If I am a games player, should I go for Windows 2000 or Windows XP?
A: Definitely go for Windows XP for the simple reason that it is designed for both the business & consumer thus is more adept at games playing.

Q: Is the Microsoft Management Console included in the release of Windows XP?
A: Yup, to be specific MS Management Console 2.0 is released.

Q: What are Win32 classes? How many new ones are released with Windows XP?
A: Microsoft Win32 classes give you the means to manipulate a variety of objects. Objects can be divided into four main categories. There are 40 new ones.

What's the difference between Windows 2000 and Windows XP?

Windows 2000 and Windows XP are essentially the same operating system (known internally as Windows NT 5.0 and Windows NT 5.1, respectively.) Here are some considerations if you're trying to decide which version to use:

Windows 2000 benefits

• Windows 2000 has lower system requirements, and has a simpler interface (no "Styles" to mess with).
• Windows 2000 is slightly less expensive, and has no product activation.
• Windows 2000 has been out for a while, and most of the common problems and security holes have been uncovered and fixed.
• Third-party software and hardware products that aren't yet XP-compatible may be compatible with Windows 2000; check the manufacturers of your devices and applications for XP support before you upgrade.

Windows XP benefits

• Windows XP is somewhat faster than Windows 2000, assuming you have a fast processor and tons of memory (although it will run fine with a 300Mhz Pentium II and 128MB of RAM).
• The new Windows XP interface is more cheerful and colorful than earlier versions, although the less-cartoony "Classic" interface can still be used if desired.
• Windows XP has more bells and whistles, such as the Windows Movie Maker, built-in CD writer support, the Internet Connection Firewall, and Remote Desktop Connection.
• Windows XP has better support for games and comes with more games than Windows 2000.
• Windows XP is the latest OS - if you don't upgrade now, you'll probably end up migrating to XP eventually anyway, and we mere mortals can only take so many OS upgrades.
• Manufacturers of existing hardware and software products are more likely to add Windows XP compatibility now than Windows 2000 compatibility.

Windows XP : Question and Answers Part 2

Q: What are the minimum requirements?

Here’s exactly what Microsoft says:

• PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
• 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
• 1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.*
• Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

You can check out more information on Windows XP requirements here for Home or here for Pro.

Q: What is Windows XP pricing?
A: Windows XP Home is $99 for an upgrade copy and $199 for the full version. Windows XP Pro is $199 for the upgrade version and $299 for a full copy.

Q: What are the upgrade paths?
A: Both Home and Professional can be upgraded from Windows 98, Windows 98SE, and Windows ME. Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP Home can all be upgraded to Windows XP Professional. Windows 95 is not a supported upgrade path from either version.

Q: What’s next for Windows development?
A: With SP1 complete, Microsoft will be working on Longhorn, the next consumer version of Windows. Longhorn isn't expected to hit stores till 2004 or later (probably later), so expect a second service pack in the works soon!

Q: What were the milestones in Windows XP development?
A: There were 6 major steps in the development of Windows XP:

• Beta 1 – October 31, 2000, build 2296
• Beta 2 – March 25, 2001, build 2462a
• RC1 – June 29, 2001, build 2505
• RC2 – July 28, 2001, build 2526
• RTM – August 24, 2001, build 5.10.2600
• SP1 RTM - August 30, 2002

Q: Does Windows XP have a new Graphic User Interface (GUI)?
A: Yes, Windows XP will have a "newer" look to it but will still have the basics of Windows we have grown accustomed to. The one that is debuted at the EMP is the "Luna" theme.

Q: When was SP1 released?
A: SP1 went RTM on August 30, 2002 and was released to the public on September 9, 2002.

Q: What features does SP1 include?
A: Although Microsoft has developed a habit of not including new features, Windows XP SP1 was an exception to that rule. It included support for USB 2.0 and included a nifty, government-required tool that will let you hide MS products, if you want. It also included support for other version of Windows, like Media Center and Windows Powered Smart Displays editions (codenames Freestyle and Mira, respectively). Windows XP SP1 also includes bug fixes and other general improvements.

Q: Where can I download SP1?
A: SP1 should be available to download from Windows Update, but if you would like to order a CD or download the entire file, both can be obtained from Microsoft's website.

Q: When is SP2 coming?
A: Windows XP Service Pack 2 is currently scheduled to come out during the summer of 2004. It currently is in beta testing.

Q: What additions will SP2 bring?
A: Along with the usual bug fixes, Service Pack two will bring a number of new features to Windows XP. Most of the additions deal with security. Along with ushering in version 5 of Windows Update, SP2 also brings a more complex firewall. Internet Explorer is also more set to a more secure mode by default. The new version of IE will also include a pop-up blocker.

Q: What are some of the new visual features, what did they change?
A: The taskbar has been overhauled (icon grouping), and a new uncluttered notification area. Only the recycle bin is on the desktop - the rest are kept in a new, larger start menu.

Q: But what if we want to keep the classic look?
A: Well, luckily, it seems that you can keep either the classic look or the newer, XP look as default. The GUI should be skinnable to developers.

Windows XP : Question and Answers

What is Windows XP
A: Windows Whistler is the codename for the first joint business/consumer version of Windows built on the Windows 2000 OS kernel for stability and reliability. To bring the reliability of Windows 2000 to consumers as soon as possible and address the feedback from enterprise customers, Microsoft planned a phased release of Windows XP beginning with the desktop products and followed by the server versions. Windows XP is their first step in the Microsoft .Net vision.

Q: Is Microsoft Windows XP available in multiple languages?
A: Windows XP Professional will be available in 24 official localized versions in addition to English. In any version of Windows XP Professional, you can display, input, edit, and print documents in hundreds of languages. Users or administrators can set regional preferences, fonts, keyboard layouts, sorting orders, date formats, and so on.

The biggest innovation for multilingual computing is the Windows XP Multilingual User Interface Pack, which is an add–on to the English version of Windows XP Professional. It lets users or administrators switch the User Interface (menus, dialogs and help files) from one language to another. This feature greatly eases desktop administration in multilingual computing environments, and lowers cost of desktop change and configuration management considerably. The Multilingual User Interface Pack will be available in 33 languages.

Q: What version of DirectX does Windows XP ship with?
A: Windows XP ships with DirectX 8.1, which improves pixel shaders among other things.

Q: What is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions?
A: The 64-bit versions will only work on newer Intel Itanium based hardware. The 32-bit versions will work on all x86 compatible hardware (such a Pentium III, 4, etc).

Q: What is the official website?
A: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp

Q: What is "Whistler Embedded"?
A: "Whistler Embedded" delivers all the richness, innovation and reliability of the next generation of Windows in a componentized version, enabling embedded developers to select specific technology components required for a wide range of unique Windows Powered devices. Beta 1 is focused on delivering embedded client scenarios, including Windows-based terminals, advanced set-top boxes and retail point-of-sale kiosks. With the release of "Whistler Embedded" beta 1 coming only 48 days after release of the "Whistler" beta, Microsoft underscores its commitment to bringing the latest, most innovative Windows technology to the embedded space in a timely manner."

Q: When was Windows XP released?
A: October 25, 2001

Q: When did Windows XP RTM?
A: August 24, 2001

Q: What features of Windows XP have been taken from Windows Me?
A: Features such as System Restore, Image acquisition and more. Most of the new multimedia features in Windows Me will be carried over to Windows XP.

Q: What is new in Windows XP?
A: Microsoft is aiming to combine the features of Windows Me for the consumer, and reliability of Windows 2000 for businesses and power users into one new operating system. This operating system in its' different flavors will have new features for gaming, multimedia applications, audio, etc. in addition to features for networking, development, etc. for businesses and power users.

Q: What flavors is Windows XP available in?
A: Windows XP comes in Professional and Home versions. Servers will also come out, but they are still in beta testing.

Q: What is the difference between Home and Profession editions?
A: The features of Windows XP Home and Pro are very similar. Most home users have no need to the Professional version. Windows XP Pro has support for multiple processors and an encrypted file system.

Q: What are the major new features?
A: Windows XP has many new features. Users upgrading from the 9x code will find the larges changes in terms of stability. Other great advances are built-in CD-R/RW support, Remote Assistance, a built-in firewall, and Device Driver Rollback.

How To Take Backup the Entire Registry in Windows XP?

If you're going to make several changes to different areas of the registry in Windows XP, backing up each individual registry key could be really frustrating.

Luckily, there's an easy way to export the entire Windows Registry.

After backing up the entire registry, you can make changes to many different registry keys and then restore them all at once if need be.

Follow these easy steps to back up the entire Windows XP Registry.

Note: The steps below require working with the Windows Registry. Making changes other than the ones described below could cause serious problems in Windows XP.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Backing up the entire Windows XP Registry usually takes less than 10 minutes

Here's How:

1. Click on Start and then Run....

2. In the text box in the Run window, type regedit and click OK. This will open the Registry Editor program.

3. Navigate to the very top of the registry key branches until you reach Computer.

4. Highlight Computer by clicking on it once.

5. From the Registry Editor menu, choose File and then Export....

6. In the Export Registry File window that appears, choose a location to save the file in.

   Note: I recommend choosing your desktop or the C:\ drive. Both are very easy to access if you run into problems later and need to use the file.

7. Locate the File name: text field and enter a name for the backup file.

   Note: This name is for you to remember what the exported registry file is for. Since you're backing up the entire Windows XP Registry, I would recommend calling this file Registry Backup or something like that.

8. Click the Save button.

   A Registration File with an REG File extension will be created in the location you chose in Step 6 and with the file name you chose in Step 7. Continuing the example from the last step, the file would be named Registry Backup.reg.

9. You can now make as many changes to any area of the registry that you want.

10. If after making your registry changes, you realize that they did not give you the results you were looking for, you can simply restore the entire Windows XP registry back to the point at which you backed it up.

Ten Useful Tips and Tweaks for Windows XP

1)Easily Disable Messenger Go into: C:/Program Files/Messenger. Rename the Messenger folder to "MessengerOFF". This does not slow down Outlook Express or hinder system performance.

2) Turn Off Autoplay for Program CDs How can you stop Windows XP from launching program CDs? Click Start, click Run, type GPEDIT.MSC to open Group Policy in the Microsoft Management Console. Double-click Computer Configuration, double-click Administrative templates, double-click System, and then click Turn off autoplay. The instructions on your screen describe how to configure this setting. Click Properties to display the setting dialog. Click Enabled, and choose CD-ROM drives, then click OK, to stop CD autoplay. This setting does not prevent Autoplay for music CDs.

3) Synchronize Your Computer Clock with an Internet Time Server Does your computer have the right time? If your computer is not part of a domain, you can synchronize your computer clock with an Internet time server. To do so: Double–click the time on your task bar. Click the Internet Time tab. Select the time server you want to use and make sure to select the Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server check box.

4) Win XP Won’t Completely Shutdown Go to Control Panel, then go to Power Options. Click on the APM tab, then check the "Enable Advanced Power Management support." Shut down your PC. It should now successfully complete the Shut Down process.

5) Adjust Various Visual Effects Open up the Control Panel. Go under System and click on the Advanced tab. Click settings under Performance options. You can now change various graphical effects (mainly animations and shadows).

6) Disable Error Reporting Open Control Panel. Click on Performance and Maintenance. Click on System. Then click on the Advanced tab. Click on the error-reporting button on the bottom of the windows. Select Disable error reporting. Click OK. Click OK.

7) Increase Your Cable Modem or DSL Speed in XP This tweak is for broad band cable connections on stand alone machines with WinXP professional version - might work on Home version also. It may also work with networked machines as well. This tweak assumes that you have let WinXP create a connection on install for your cable modem/NIC combination and that your connection has tcp/ip - QoS - file and print sharing - and client for Microsoft networks , only, installed. It also assumes that WinXP will detect your NIC and has in-box drivers for it. If it doesn't do not try this. In the "My Network Places" properties (right-click on the desktop icon and choose properties), highlight the connection then at the menu bar choose "Advanced" then "Advanced Settings". Uncheck the two boxes in the lower half for the bindings for File and Printer sharing and Client for MS networks. Click OK.

8) Stop Jerkey Graphics If you are connected to a LAN and have problems with jerkey graphics, this might be the solution: Right-click "MyComputer". Select "Manage". Click on "Device Manager". Double-click on your NIC under "Network Adapters". In the new window, select the "Advanced" tab. Select "Connection Type" and manually set the value of your NIC. (Not "Auto Sense" which is default.). You should reboot.

9) Speeding Up Your Old Pentium by 50% We all know that you really shouldn't try to run Windows XP on anything less that about a Pentium 3 of some sort if you are out for speedy operations and amazing reaction times, but for those of us with the good old Pentium 2's who want to see just how well we can run XP, we have to tweak as much as we can where-ever we can. A real killer to the system's performance is Windows Media Player. Although it may look desirable and fancy with it's rounded off edges and 3rd-Dimensional appearance, the truth is, it takes up a large amount of that precious processing power. All of these troubles however, lead to one thing in particular with this 'new-look' over-rated music and video player...the Visualizations. The look-great I'll admit but like a lot of software these days, it has no purpose. If you run the task manager, and click the Performance tab along the top, you'll see that when Windows Media Player is running and nothing else is active, it takes up around 50% of the processors power. Once these visualizations are turned off, it barely takes up 2-3% of the processors power, which leaves much more room for other applications to work efficiently. Here's how to disable the feature: Open Media Player. Make sure the Now Playing tab on the left is selected. Click the View menu along the top. Go down to Now Playing Tools

10) Turn Off System Restore to Save Space By default, Windows XP keeps a backup of system files in the System Volume Information folder. This can eat up valuable space on your hard drive. If you don't want Windows to back up your system files: Open the Control Panel. Double-click on System. Click the System Restore tab. Check "Turn off System Restore on all drives". Hit Apply. You may now delete the System Volume Information folder. ............................

Windows XP Ten Useful Tips and Tweaks

1) Easy Way to Adjust Large SystemCache Normally, the tweak I've seen asks you to go into HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management and change the value to either O or 1 to the adjustment the LargeSystemCache. However, in Windows XP, all you have to do is: Right-click My Computer. Select Properties. Click Advanced. Choose Performance. Click Advanced again. Select either Programs or System Cache under Memory Usage. Programs = 0 for the registry tweak equivalent System Cache = 1 for the registry tweak equivalent

2) Disable XP Boot Logo 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 re-enabled by removing the new switch.

3) Turn Off Indexing to Speed Up XP Windows XP keeps a record of all files on the hard disk so when you do a search on the hard drive it is faster. There is a downside to this and because the computer has to index all files, it will slow down normal file commands like open, close, etc. If you do not do a whole lot of searches on your hard drive then you may want to turn this feature off: Open My Computer. Right-click your hard drive icon and select Properties. At the bottom of the window you'll see "Allow indexing service to index this disk for faster searches," uncheck this and click ok. A new window will pop up and select Apply to all folders and subfolders. It will take a minute or two for the changes to take affect but then you should enjoy slightly faster performance.

4) Clean Your Prefetch to Improve Performance This is a unique technique for WinXP. We know that it is necessary to scrub registry and TEMP files for Win9X/ME/2000 periodically. Prefetch is a new and very useful technique in Windows XP. However, after using XP some time, the prefetch directory can get full of junk and obsolete links in the Prefetch catalog, which can slow down your computer noticeably. Open C(system drive):/windows/prefetch, delete those junk and obsolete files, reboot. It is recommended that you do this every month.

5) Performance Increase Through My Computer Easy enough tweak to usually find out about it on your own, but still, some of us still don't find it right away. So here it is: Start > right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Click on the "Advanced" tab. See the "Performance" section? Click "Settings". Disable the following: Fade or slide menus into view Fade or slide ToolTips into view Fade out menu items after clicking Show Shadows under menus Slide open combo boxes Slide taskbar buttons Use a background image for each folder type Use common tasks in folders There, now Windows will still look nice and perform faster.

6) Reduce 10 Second Scandisk Wait Time Start MS Dos Prompt (Start run CMD), and type: CHKNTFS /T:4 where 4 is the amount of wait time. CHKNTFS /? for more info.

7) DMA Mode on IDE Devices 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.

8) Load Internet Explorer the Fastest Way Possible Edit your link to start Internet Explorer to have -nohome after it. For Example: "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" -nohome This will load internet explorer very fast because it does not load a web page while it is loading. If you want to go to your homepage after it is loaded, just click on the home button.

9) Cracking Windows XP Login Password download the nice and easy Nt/2k/xp password cracker from our community or other way is if u get acess to the computer then go to Start>Run and type “control userpasswords2” without Quotes and a new pop up windows will open and u will reach to user account properties. Here u can Reset the Administrator and any Users password so anytime when u Want to use the Computer start it in safemode pressing F8 at Booting get into the xp as u have Administrator password and go to Controlpanel>Useraccounts and create a New Account .Start Computer Normally and get into WinXP with ur newely made account and do ur job. (Don’t forget to Delete ur newely made account Otherwise u will be in trouble) Delete ur account again starting the computer in Safemode as Administrator and Delete ur Account.

10) Shutdown XP Faster Like previous versions of windows, it takes long time to restart or shutdown windows XP when the "Exit Windows" sound is enabled. To solve this problem you must disable this useless sound. Click Start button. Go to settings > Control Panel > Sound, Speech and Audio devices > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sounds. Then under program events and windows menu click on "Exit Windows" sub-menu and highlight it. Now from sounds you can select, choose "none" and then click Apply and OK. Now you should see some improvements when shutting down your system.

MS XML Installation Hangs - Tips

MSXML installation hangs

If Dial-a-fix seems to "hang" (or sits idle indefinitely) when installing either Microsoft XML Parser 3.0 or 4.0, it is somewhat normal, and can be easily remedied. In most cases, this is a Microsoft Installer (MSI) bug rather than a Dial-a-fix problem.

1. In Dial-a-fix, click the red X so that all checkboxes become unchecked. Dial-a-fix is not locked up, but is merely waiting for a response from the XML parser installation package.

2. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up Task Manager (2000/XP) or the Close Program dialog (98/Me).

3. Highlight MSIEXEC.EXE on the Processes tab (2000/XP) or select the file name of the XML parser currently being installed (98/Me).

4. Click End Process (2000/XP) or End Task (98/Me).

5. Dial-a-fix will recover and continue.

6. Checkmark the XML parser(s) you were unable to install before. Checkmark "Debug". Click GO. This will allow you to manually install the XML parser(s) and it will either successfully install, or you will be able to at least receive an error message that will allow you to understand why it hung in the first place.

If you continue to have issues with the installation of the XML parsers, contact the Dial-a-fix email address for further support. Alternatively, close Dial-a-fix, open the folder where you have stored Dial-a-fix full, and double click on the XML parser(s) that you were unable to install.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

Please click on the warnings below proceeding with the Repair Install.

l Warning #1

l Warning #2

It is extremely important that you backup important data that is not available from other

media sources. This backup should be located on a separate hard drive, CD, DVD,

network storage, etc. that will not be affected by the repair install.

Please check out the warning links before attempting the Repair Install. It is to your

advantage you follow the suggestions to prevent data loss and especially if you also have

the capability to boot into XP, perform the steps listed in the Warning #1 , before

proceeding with the repair install.

After completing [if Windows is still accessible] the steps listed to prevent data loss in

warning #1 and you did not remedy the no boot situation, you can use an OEM XP

Pro or Home, "retail" XP Home or Pro full or upgrade version CD of the same version

Home or Pro to perform a Repair Install. OEM Restore disks or hidden restore

folders on the hard drive will not work for the Repair Install.

A Repair Install will replace the system files with the files on the XP CD used for the

Repair Install. It will leave your applications and settings intact, but Windows updates

will need to be reapplied.

A Repair Install will replace files altered by adware and malware, but will not fix an

adware, malware problem.

You can use the In place upgrade option to change a Product Key in the event you

entered a key that was already activated. The In Place Upgrade also produces the same

result as the Repair Install.

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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

An option I highly recommend is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD with SP1, SP2, etc..

Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good

Another Slipstream step by step Better

AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!

Step by Step on AutoStream

Alternate options to Change XP Product Key #18 on the FAQ list.

XP Repair install

1. Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in the

system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system

documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.

2. When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below

This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft

Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

3. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.

do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the

Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery

Console). I repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation

using the Recovery Console, press R".

4. Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows

installations.

5. Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the

repair. If Repair is not one of the options, read this Warning#2!

6. Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press

any key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will continue

as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain

intact.

If you get files not found during the copying stage.

Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when

asked, enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can activate

after the firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the

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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page.

KB 833330 Blaster removal

What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and Its Variants

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011

7. Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation.

Please note that a Repair Install from the Original install XP CD will remove SP1/

SP2 and service packs will need to be reapplied.

Windows XP Service Pack 1

Service Pack 2

An option I highly recommend; is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD with SP1, SP2,

etc. .

Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good

Another Slipstream step by step Better

AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!

Step by Step on AutoStreamer

Printable Repair Install step by step. repair.txt

Warning! #1

Should you do a repair install; and is it the best choice?

A Repair Install is not foolproof, and should not be considered the cure-all fix

for non-boot situations.

To prevent loss of data or program settings, perform the following before the

Repair Install.

Manually delete the Undo_guimode.txt file from the Windows\System32 folder

before you perform any of the actions that are listed in the "Symptoms" section

of this article. To do this in Windows XP, type the following command at a

command prompt:

del /a /f %windir%\system32\undo_guimode.txt

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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

1. From the Start menu, click Run. Screenshot Image

2. In the Run dialog box, in the Open text box, type: cmd. Click OK.

3. Delete the undo_guimode.txt file. In the C:\Windows\System32\cmd.

exe dialog box, type: del /a /f c:\windows\system32

\undo_guimode.txt. Press the ENTER key. Screenshot Image

KB Q312369

Check the link below for an option for recovering from a non-boot event.

Windows XP Crashed? Here's Help

A salvage mission into the depths of Windows XP, explained by a

non-geek

by Charlie White

Also as a precaution the windows\system32\WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK

should be copied to a floppy before doing a repair install. For more information

see Alex Nichol's article on XP activation.

More articles to help prevent data loss.

http://cquirke.mvps.org/reinst.htm

Additional tips to perform before initiating the Repair Install.

You should complete the basic requirements of backing up all files and folders

that cannot be restored from other media. This includes passwords, applications

purchased and downloaded from the internet without CD support, financial

records and folders, digital images that cannot be replaced...............

Backup copies of your registry files (in the %systemroot%\Repair folder) are

also replaced after the in-place upgrade is complete. Copy these registry

backups to another location before you perform an in-place upgrade/Repair

Install. You may need to use them after the in-place upgrade is complete.

It would also be a good idea to run the Files And Settings Transfer wizard F.

A.S.T located on the XP CD.

If you made unorthodox registry changes with third party software, there is the

potential of data loss from a Repair Install. Another consideration of concern

would be a power failure during the repair install could render your system

unbootable and result in loss of data.

The likelihood of you losing the files and folders is probably of minimal risk, but

you have to expect the worst and make sure you are prepared for recovery.

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If you are sure you have explored all other troubleshooting avenues, then

proceed with the repair install.

Warning!! #2

If the Repair Option is not Available

What should I do? Most important do not ignore the information

below!

If the option to Repair Install is NOT available and you continue with the install;

you will delete your Windows & Documents and Settings folders. All

Applications that place keys in the registry will need to be re-installed.

You should exit setup if the repair option is not available and consider other

options. I have found if the Repair option is not available, you have a few paths I

have listed to try before XP requires a Clean install.

Very important!!

If you still have the ability to access the Windows XP installation, backup all

important files not restorable from other sources before attempting any

recovery console or other trouble shooting attempts.

Possible Fix by reconfiguring boot.ini using Recovery Console.

1.Boot with XP CD or 6 floppy boot disk set.

2. Press R to load the Recovery Console.

3. Type bootcfg.

4. This should fix any boot.ini errors causing setup not to see the XP OS

install.

5. Try the repair install.

One more suggestion from MVP Alex Nichol

"Reboot, this time taking the immediate R option, and if the CD letter is say K:

give these commands

copy K:\i386\ntldr C:\

copy K:\i386\ntdetect.com C:\

(two other files needed - just in case)

1. Type: attrib -h -r -s C:\boot.ini del C:\boot.ini

2. Type: BootCfg /Rebuild

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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

which will get rid of any damaged boot.ini, search the disk for systems and make

a new one. This might even result in a damaged windows reappearing; but gives

another chance of getting at the repair"