Windows XP FAQ A

Alt-Keys

How to use Alt-Key codes and complete list.

Here are all of the special characters that the ALT key can generate. Most symbols require one key press; most accented characters require two. It is important to let up the ALT key after typing the symbol or accent.

Alt-Tab - Restore to Default Behavior

Open Control Panel/Add/Remove Programs. Powertoys for Windows XP. Remove the Alt-Tab replacement. When you install Windows XP Powertoys, it comes with a program called TaskSwitch.exe designed to enhance the Alt+Tab task switcher. To disable this feature, go to Start/Run and type: msconfig. Click the "Startup" tab and uncheck startup item "taskswitch". Click Start, Run and enter TASKMGR. In Processes, locate the TaskSwitch process and end it. Your Alt-Tab will be back to normal.

To manually apply: Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

"CoolSwitchColumns"
"CoolSwitchRows"

The above values reflect how many columns and rows, respectively, you want to appear in the Alt+Tab cool switch display.

Animation - Disable Windows Animation in XP

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics. In the right pane, select New/String. Name it MinAnimate. Set Value to 0. Exit/Reboot.

Anti-Virus

List of Antivirus Software Vendors

Application - Opening Applications In The Back

Make your documents and programs open behind the currently active window by pressing and holding the Ctrl key while you double-click on its icon.

Application Path - Creating Path to use the Run Command

To create an application path, so you can run an application in Windows XP from the Run dialog box you need to:

1. Run regedit and go to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths

2. Create a new key with the what ever you want to use as your run command:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\nameofprogram.exe

3. In the key folder that you created, create a new string, call it 'Path' and modify the value to point the specific folder of your
executable your running: C:\ProgramFiles\nameofprogram.

4. Use the default string and modify it's value to point to the executable you want to run.

Applications - Restrict Users from Running Specific Applications

This setting allows you to specify applications and filenames that users are restricted from running.

Open your registry and find the key [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer]

Create a new DWORD value and name it "DisallowRun" set the value to "1" to enable application restrictions or "0" to allow all applications to run.

Then create a new sub-key called [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun] and define the applications the are to be restricted. Creating a new string value for each application, named as consecutive numbers, and setting the value to the filename to be restricted (e.g. "regedit.exe").

Explained: DK

Right click in the right pane and select New, DWord value. Name the new value DisallowRun. Double click the new value and set it to 1. Then right click on the Explorer sub branch, in the left pane and select New, Key Name the new key Disallow Run. Highlight this key, then in the right pane, right click and select New, String value. Give it "1" for
the name, without the quotes.

Double click this new value and enter the actual file name of the executable you wish to restrict this user from
running. Example: calc.exe This prevents this user from running Calculator. They'll get a "This operation has been cancelled message" when they try. Note: The way around this is for the user to rename Calc.exe to something else. For additional entries, just give the "values" names in numerical order, 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on. DisallowRunReg and DisallowRunCalc

Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

Applications - Restrict Applications Users Can Run

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Value Name: RestrictRun

Open your registry and find the key [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer]

Create a new DWORD value and name it "RestrictRun" set the value to "1" to enable application restrictions or "0" to allow all applications to run.

Then create a new sub-key called [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer\RestrictRun] and define the applications that are allowed. Creating a new string value for each application, named as consecutive numbers, and setting the value to the filename to be allowed (e.g. "regedit.exe" and "calc.exe").

Explained: DK

This example prevents any applications but those that you specify from being run:

Right click in the Right pane and select New, DWord value and name the new value RestrictRun Double click this entry
and set it to 1. Right click on the Explorer sub branch, in the left pane and select New, Key Name the new key RestrictRun. Highlight this key, then in the right pane, right click and select New, String value. Give it "1" for the name, without the quotes. Double click this new value and enter the actual file name of the executable you wish to restrict this user from running. Example: calc.exe Right click again, select New, String value, name the new value "2". Double click the new
value, enter REGEDIT.EXE

This example would only allow Calculator and REGEDIT to be run. Be VERY careful with this setting. You could wind up locking yourself out of REGEDIT if you were to use the restrictions on your Administrator account.

Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

Note: If you are the person who applies Group Policy, do not apply this policy to yourself. If applied too broadly, this policy can prevent administrators from running Group Policy or the registry editors. As a result, once applied, you cannot change this policy except by reinstalling Windows XP.

Software Restriction Policies may be set to determine what software may or may not be run by users on the system. (Jim Cavalaris [MS])

Software Restriction Policies can be configured via the group policy editor (gpedit.msc) at:

Local Computer Policy -->Computer Configuration -->Windows Settings -->Security Settings -->Software Restriction Policies. Policy can be set to either: restrict users from running specified programs - OR -restrict users to allow ONLY the specified programs to be run.

For a non-domain machine, policy can be applied to all users on the system, or non-Admin users only (Admins are not affected by the policy, and may run any/all programs). you cannot specify this policy for only certain users, but for a non-domain machine, the Admin/non-Admin breakdown may be sufficient.

Using Software Restriction Policies in Windows XP and Windows .NET Server to Protect Against Unauthorized Software

Another Option - (KWE) - You can move shortcuts out of %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\StartMenu\Programs and place the shortcuts in specific user account profiles to keep program shortcuts from being visible to all accounts. This does not stop the limited account from running the program using a variety of techniques.

Applications - Set Priority

Open TaskManager (Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shift+Esc), Process Tab. Right click the Program in questions, Set Priority.

Application - Modify Application Timeout

The operating system has a set amount of time that a program must be frozen for before it is timed out. Often this number is set too high. But in some circumstances it is set too low. Depending on if the program is doing a lot of calculations in the background the computer may think that it is timed out. To prevent this increase the value of the timeout in the registry.

Start/Run/Regedit
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Select HungAppTimeout from the list on the right.
Right on it and select Modify. Change the value to the new timeout value. Reboot your computer.

ASPI Drivers for Windows XP - Download.

ASPI stands for Advanced SCSI Programming Interface. Originally developed by Adaptec. It is a software layer that enables programs to communicate with SCSI (and ATAPI) devices.

Attachments - Avoid download of file attachments that may have virus infections.

Start/Run/gpedit.msc. User Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Internet Explorer. Configure Outlook Express/Enable Block attachments that may contain a virus.

Attributes - Display the Attributes Column in Explorer

Right click on the column headers and select Columns. You'll get a list of them to choose from. Attributes is one of them.

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Advanced. Value Name: ShowAttribCol, Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value), Value Data: (0 = disable, 1 = enable). Create a new DWORD value called 'ShowAttribCol' and set the value to '1' to enable the attributes column.

AutoComplete - Clear

IE/Tools/Internet Options/General/Clear History
IE/Tools/Internet Options/Content/AutoComplete

Can't Clear History: Start/Search/Change Preferences/Turn off AutoComplete

Control the Auto Complete Mode

This setting controls whether the automatic text completion (AutoComplete) feature of Windows explorer appends the suggested text to the words as you are typing as well as showing a drop-down list of available values.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\AutoComplete. Value Name: Append Completion, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value), Value Data: yes or no.

Create a new string value, or modify the existing value, named "Append Completion" and set it to "yes" to append the suggested text as you are typing or "no" to only show a drop-down list.

Restart Windows for the change to take effect. Note: This setting also changes the auto complete functionality of Internet Explorer.

You can view the values stored for each input field name, delete incorrect ones, and pre-load the system with additional values.

Clear Form Fields in AutoComplete (Line 37)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

AutoComplete Mode Enabled or Disabled (Line 37)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Restore IE AutoComplete Password Prompt (Line 13)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Close IE. Then go to Start/Run and type in: services.msc
Scroll down to Protected Storage. Note the Status column. If Protected Storage is running, Started will appear under Status.

If Protected Storage is not started, start it. To do this, right-click Protected Storage, and then click Start. If Protected Storage is started, stop and then restart it.

If you receive a Stop Other Services message, record the names of the other services that will be stopped, and then click Yes. Then restart the others services. Close out then reopen IE.

AutoComplete Does Not Save Username and Password
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q306895

For Pro: Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Protected Storage. Make sure the Service Protected Storage is Started.

Addresses Are Not Resolved When the AutoComplete Feature Is Enabled
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q230592

AutoComplete and Vcard and how they work
http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/autocomplete.html

AutoComplete Keys and Storage

The specific subkeys for different applications (appear to be) is as follows:

IE: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db

OE: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\220d5cc1-853a-11 d0-84bc-00c04fd43f8f

FTP, Front Page and password protected web sites:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\5e7e8100-9138-11d1-945a-00c04fc308ff

Outlook XP: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\220d5cd0-853a-11d0-84bc-00c04fd43f8f

Note: the S-1-5-21-839522........ part of the Registry key above may be different on your machine.

InfoDelivery, MSN and Identities have their own sub branches off of the Data branch. These number (other than the User number) appear to be the same from machine to machine.

AutoComplete and HP's

When logging in as Owner, AutoComplete does not work when filling out a form, it does work; however, in the address bar, and also in Outlook Express.

HP support stated that the Owner/Administrator login doesn't save passwords, etc. This is for security reasons. They advice to set up another account, assign it as limited, and log in on that account.

AutoComplete: Remove Google Search History

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System
Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\e161255a-37c3-11
d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\q:StringData]
"Behavior"=-
"Item Data"=-

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System
Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\e161255a-37c3-11
d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\q:StringIndex]
"Behavior"=-
"Item Data"=-

Note: The S-1-5 ... portion of this string may be different on your machine.
Note 2: To delete the value doesn't work unless the Permissions have been set to allow full control. Nor is it possible to delete the keys, without Full Control being allowed.

Tip: Step by Step instruction:

Go to the key listed below:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\
S-1-5-21-1960408961-220523388-682003330-1003

With the S-1-5-21....in blue, choose File/Export and save it to your desktop and name it (ex). googlehistoryclear.reg. Leave the registry open then go to your desktop. Right click the saved reg file and choose Edit. If it needs an association choose Notepad. Scroll down to these keys:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System
Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\q:StringData]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System
Provider\S-1-5-21-839522115-1708537768-1343024091-1003\Data\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\e161255a-37c3-11d2-bcaa-00c04fd929db\q:StringIndex]

To make the search/scroll easier they are listed in alphabetic order and you are looking for the end of the string in this case \q:StringData and \q:StringIndex. So scroll down to the q's....

Under q:StringData
Highlight what is listed after the word "Behavior"= only up to the words "Item Data"= and delete it. Then place a - (minus sign) after the = so that it looks like this: "Behavior"=-

From there highlight what is listed after the words "Item Data"= only up to the next key and delete it. Then place a - (minus sign) after the = so that it looks like this:
"Item Data"=-

Do the same for q:StringIndex.

Once done choose File/Save. Use the red X to close. If it asked to save again, answer yes.

Return to the registy and delete this key: (right click, delete, accept the warning)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider\
S-1-5-21-1960408961-220523388-682003330-1003

Then go back to your desktop and double click your saved regedit, answer yes. Then open Google and the search history is gone.

AutoComplete: Save Passwords

Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

In the right pane, right click FormSuggest PW Ask, modify value data with no = do not ask to save passwords, yes...

IE AutoComplete Password Prompt VB Script
Internet Explorer Control Panel Restrictions
AutoComplete Does Not Save Username and Password
For Pro: Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Protected Storage. Make sure the Service Protected Storage is Started.
Addresses Are Not Resolved When the AutoComplete Feature Is Enabled

Auto-Dial: Disconnect/Disable

Check your settings here:

Right click the My computer icon (Desktop), open Manage/Services and Applications/Services. In the right pane scroll down to Remote Access Auto Connection Manager and double click it. Use the Startup type drop box and choose Disabled.

Network Connections/Advanced/Dial-Up Preferences/Enable Auto-Dial by Location/Uncheck all locations and Always ask me before Auto-Dialing.

Also check all programs with a Notification Area icon (system tray) for an option to disable or not start at startup. Most can be unselected here: Start/Run/Msconfig/Startup and/or removed from here: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Disable Automatic Modem Connections at Startup

If remote connections are enabled in Windows, the system may try to initiate an Internet connection at Windows startup or at the start of many applications. This setting disables that behavior.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole. Value Name: EnableRemoteConnect, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value), Value Data: "Y" = enable automatic connections, "N" = disabled.

Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'EnableRemoteConnect' and edit the value according to the settings above. Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Modify the Internet Auto-Dial Settings

Windows has the option to automatically dial your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to establish an Internet connection. This option can be controlled using this tweak.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings

Create a new binary value named "EnableAutodial", and set the new value to equal "01 00 00 00" to enable autodial or "00 00 00 00" to disable it.

Note: This restriction can be used either on a user by user basis by adding it to HKEY_CURRENT_USER or on a computer wide basis by adding it to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

To view the list of names and addresses recorded by AutoDial, type the following command at a command
prompt: rasautou -s

To delete a name or address entry from the list: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RAS Autodial\Addresses

You can delete any TCP/IP addresses that you see under this key. Note that AutoDial can use IP addresses, DNS fully qualified domain names (FQDN), and NetBIOS names.

How to make auto-disconnect work in Internet explorer

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters

In the right pane, find Autodisconnect and change the time accordingly. Alternately You can try this from command prompt: net config server /autodisconnect:30 -to set the autodisconnect to 30 minutes.

More Information on Auto-Dial and Auto-Disconnect
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_modem.htm

Audigy

Creative SoundBlaster Audigy Audio May Cause an Error Message

Auto-Disconnect Modem

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters. In the right pane, find Autodisconnect and change the time accordingly.

Or...

Start/Run/net config server /autodisconnect:30 (30 being an example). To disable Auto-Disconnect set it to -1. Setting Autodisconnect to 0 does not turn it off and results in very fast disconnects, within a few seconds of idle time. (However, the RAS Autodisconnect parameter is turned off if you set it to a value of 0.)

Modem Issues, Auto-Connect/Disconnect & Dialup for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_modem.htm

Auto-Logon

1. At a command prompt, type "control userpasswords2" and press Enter to open the Windows 2000-style User Accounts application.

2. On the Users tab, clear the Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer check box and then click OK.

3. In the Automatically Log On dialog box that appears, type the user name and password for the account you want to be logged on each time you start your computer.

Add Control UserPasswords2 to the Control Panel (Line 1)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Or...

Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Local Security Settings/Minimum Password Length (0). User account/Remove Password.

How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows

Welcome Screen in Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_wel_screen.htm

Logon and User Profiles
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_logon.htm

AutoPlay - Add Your CD-Rom Burning Program

Add Your CD Burning Program to AutoPlay Actions - Blank CD Inserted
TweakUI/My Computer/AutoPlay/Handlers/Edit

AutoPlay - Checkpoints

Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services/Shell Hardware Detection/Return this service to Automatic.

If you are using TweakUI/My Computer/AutoPlay

Go to Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types. Highlight AudioCD/Advanced. Make sure that Play is in bold type, then go to Edit and verify that this line is listed under Application used:

"C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /prefetch:3 /device:AudioCD "%L"

Related Registry Entries:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AudioCD]
"BaseClass"="Drive"
@="AudioCD"
"EditFlags"=hex:02,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AudioCD\DefaultIcon]
@="C:\\WINDOWS\\System32\\shell32.dll,40"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AudioCD\shell]
@="play"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AudioCD\shell\play]
@="&Play"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AudioCD\shell\play\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Windows Media Player\\wmplayer.exe\" /prefetch:3
/device:AudioCD \"%L\""

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom]
"AutoRun"=dword:00000001

Auto-Play: Disable

TweakUI/My Computer/AutoPlay

To Disable CD Autoplay in Windows XP Pro

[1] Start/Run/GPEDIT.MSC
[2] Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System.
[3] Locate the entry for Turn Off Autoplay and modify.

Start/Run/Gpedit.msc/Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System. Check your settings in the right pane, Turn Off Autoplay (double click).

To Disable CD Autoplay, completely, in Windows XP Home

Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT Then go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Name: NoDriveTypeAutoRun
Type: REG_DWORD

If NoDriveTypeAutoRun does not exist, create it and set its value to 145 (decimal).

Or...

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:0x000000FF

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom
AutoRun = 0

Auto-Play: Enable

Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services/Shell Hardware Detection/Return this service to Automatic.

Start/Run/Gpedit.msc/Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System. Check your settings in the right pane for Turn Off AutoPlay (and modify).

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet\Services\Cdrom. AutoRun = 1

Or run this edit: Enable CD AutoPlay for Pro or Home (Line 10)

If you are using TweakUI/My Computer/AutoPlay
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers. Right click on the AutoplayHandlers subkey and delete it. Do the same here under this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CD Burning\Drives

If still not corrected, manually make these changes under this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CD Burning\Drives

Double click the "Drive Type" value to change it's properties. CD-R should be set to 1; CD-RW should be set
to 2; Non-Writable should be set to 3. Then under AutoPlayHandlers: User Defaults verify MSCDBurningOnArrival. For any listed without an Autoplay LegacyHandler, set it to AutoPlay.

AutoPlay Handler Keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers\
MSTakeNoAction
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers

Restore AutoPlay Handlers (Line 99)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Restore AutoPlay Icon - http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

Note: This REG file contains numerous settings regarding Autoplay, in addition to the icon settings and may correct your problem.

Auto Play - Listen To CDs Without A Click

Since the advent of Microsoft�s Windows Media Player, playing an audio CD has been a click-free task. However, after installing WinXP, when you insert an audio CD for the first time, the Audio CD dialog box appears. The Play Audio CD Using Windows Media Player is already highlighted, so there�s no need to click it. But before you click OK, click the checkbox next to Always Do The Selected Action. This will restore CD playing to its former click-free glory. Click OK and the CD will play.

Auto Play Icon - Restore

Restore the Auto Play Icon - http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm or you can Download it here. Download
the REG file to your hard drive, then double click it. Answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on them and selecting Edit.

Auto - Reboot (Modify auto-reboot setting)

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl. Select AutoReboot from the list on the right. Right on it and select Modify. Change the value to 0 to disable and 1 to enable. Reboot your computer.

Auto-Reply

Create your message in Word, Wordpad, Notepad or any other text program you like. Save as (name you choose) and make sure you have selected a text extension .txt. I find that wordpad works just fine. Save to wherever you can find it again.

Go to OE/Tools/Message Rules/Mail/New and set up a rule.

1. Select your option from the top section for whom you want to send it to.
2. In the second section, scroll down and select "reply with message."
3. In the third section, click on the word "message." You'll be prompted to select the file to use.
4. In the bottom dropdown window, change the extension to text (mail is the default and won't see your saved file.)
5. Select the file you created. It will show the path to the message.

To test it, send an email to yourself and see if you get your message back. When you look at the message you sent yourself
in the inbox, it should show a reply icon.

Auto-Runs

AutoRuns - Shows what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login. Includes items in startup folders, win.ini, and 14 registry keys. Download here.

Automatic Update

Automatic Update Feature in Windows XP Explained

Automatic Window Refresh

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update. Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, named "UpdateMode" and set it to equal "0" for faster updates. Restart Windows for the change to take effect.

Automatically Close Non-Responding Applications on Shutdown

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

Value Name: AutoEndTasks, Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value), Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled). Modify the value of 'AutoEndTasks' to equal '1' to automatically end tasks or '0' to prompt for action.

Note: This change will affect all users but the value can also be changed on a user-by-user basis by modifying [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop] with the same values.

Available Bytes

Description of What the Available Bytes in Task Manager Represents

AVI Files - Fix Movie Interference in AVI Files

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.

File Formats Supported by Windows Movie Maker in Windows XP
Cannot Use Sony MovieShaker v1.1 and v1.2 to Open AVI Files

AVI Fix

This program was created to be able to watch partially downloaded DivX (AVI) movies. It can rebuild or strip the index
part of the movie, which is at the end of the file. There are also a basic error detection, which can detect serious errors in
the audio/video stream. Download here.

AVI - Remove

Close all open apps. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory with the offending files. Then open the Task Manager and click on the Processes tab. select "explorer.exe" under Image Name. Click "End Process".

Now you will only have the command prompt and the task manager. In the Command Prompt, DEL the offending files
(DEL *.mpg, DEL mus*.avi, DEL test.wmv, etc.)

The files should now delete without a problem. Now go back to the task manager and click on the Applications tab. Click the "New Task..." button. in the dialog, type explorer.exe and click OK.

How do I delete an "undeletable" file?

AVI - Explorer.Exe

Start/Run/Regedit -HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.avi\shellex\PropertyHandler. And delete the "Default" key.