Checkpoint:  Help and Support Won't Expand

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment.  In the right pane, verify that the windir value is REG_EXPAND_SZ and not a REG_SZ type.  If not, change it.

Tip:  If you want to view only the locally stored Windows XP Help documentation in the Classic View: Go to Start/Run and type in: hh windows.chm

Check the default values for these registry keys to make sure that they match.  Registry keys and values to fix XP's Help and Support after running Toni Arts EasyCleaner. 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES\TypeLib\{FC7D9E00-3F9E-11D3-93C0-00C04F72DAF7}\1.0\0\win32
Default value: C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe\1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES\TypeLib\{FC7D9E00-3F9E-11D3-93C0-00C04F72DAF7}\1.0\HELPDIR
Default value: C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe\

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES\TypeLib\{FC7D9000-3F9E-11D3-93C0-00C04F72DAF7}\1.0\0\win32
Default Value: C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe\2

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES\TypeLib\{FC7D9000-3F9E-11D3-93C0-00C04F72DAF7}\1.0\HELPDIR
Default value: C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe\

Help and Support - Did you know not working...

Delete the following file. C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Config\News\newsver.xml

Help and Support - Start Menu Doesn't Work

Go to Start/Run and type in: helpctr -regserver

Help and Support - Text is missing

Some themes can knock out the text in help and switching to another custom theme may not correct it. Switching back to an original XP theme - so far - will set things right again.

Windows XP Security Patch: Flaw in Windows XP Help and Support Center Could Enable File Deletion
http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/Release.asp?ReleaseID=43681

The above patch resolves the "Flaw in Windows XP Help and Support Center Could Enable File Deletion" vulnerability in Windows XP. Download now to prevent an attacker from deleting files on another user’s computer, via either a Web site or an e-mail.

Restore winhlp32.exe for XP or XPSP1 (Line 57)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Help and Support - Connection

Windows XP Internet Programs Cannot Connect to the Internet Through Broadband Connection

To resolve this behavior, edit the connection settings for the broadband connection to enable automatic detection:
Start Internet Explorer. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. Click the Connections tab.

Under Dial-up and VPN Settings, click the broadband connection, click Settings, and then click Automatically detect settings .
Click OK .

Hyperlinks Open in Internet Explorer Instead of in Default Browser or Help and Support Center

Help and Support - Remove History (Curt Mueller)

Navigate to: (modify the drive letter accordingly) 

C:\Documents and Settings\Curt\Local Settings\ApplicationData\Microsoft\HelpCtr\HelpSessionHistory.dat

Delete the DAT file and the history is gone. Note:  Once done, a new once will be created. 

Help and Support Center - hcp:// links 

Note:  Some come up as undefined, but are still functional (click the word undefined).

For XP Home:

Go to Start/Run and type in: %windir%\hh.exe ms-its:%windir%\Help\ntcmds.chm::/ntcmds.htm

ms-its:C:\WINDOWS\Help\ntcmds.chm::/ntcmds.htm
For Tools:
ms-its:C:\WINDOWS\Help\ntcmds.chm::/ntcmds_new_tools.htm
For Tasks:
ms-its:C:\WINDOWS\Help\ntcmds.chm::/dos_diffs.htm

HH.Exe

Its possible your CHM file association is corrupt.  Click Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to this key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\chm.file\shell\open\command

The Default value for this entry should be: "C:\WINDOWS\hh.exe" %1

Next, go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.chm

The Default value for this entry should be: chm.file.  To modify a value, double click on the Default entry and enter the values as shown.

Hiberfil - Remove Hibernation File

If you do not use hibernation, make sure you do not have it enabled, which reserves disk space equal to your RAM. If you have a hidden file on the root directory of your C-drive called hiberfil.sys, hibernation is enabled. To remove that file, go to Control Panel, select Performance and Maintenance, Power Options, Hibernate tab, and uncheck the Enable hibernation box.

Hibernate

To hibernate manually, select Start, Turn Off Computer, then click the Hibernate button. To set your system to hibernate after it has been idle for a certain amount of time, select Power Options inside the Control Panel (in Category view, select Performance and Maintenance, then select Power Options). On the Power Schemes tab, choose a time next to "System hibernates," then click OK.

Hibernate - Differences Between Hibernate and Standby

Hibernation

Hibernation, which reduces the start time, saves the complete state of the computer and turns off the power. When you resume from hibernation the BIOS performs the typical Power On Self Test (POST), and then reads the hibernation file, Hiberfil.sys, to restore the state of the computer. Everything that was running when you put the computer in hibernation is restored.

Standby

In standby, the computer slows down and uses less electrical power. Programs continue to run in the background although the computer may appears to be off. The computer "wakes up" when it detects user input. With some computers, you can
press the power button to wake up the computer.

Note: If your computer experiences a power outage during standby, all work that you have not saved is lost because the computer is still running in the background.

Hibernate Setting Missing

Click on the start button and select turn off computer. Then hold down the shift key and the hibernate button will be shown. Click it and your computer will enter into hibernation.

Cannot Shut Down, Restart, Log Off, Stand By, or Hibernate
Troubleshooting Hibernate & Standby Issues for Windows XP
Computer Does Not Resume When You Press a Key on Your USB Keyboard
Returning from Hibernation Sets the Inactivity Timer to Five Minutes

     Tip:  When you try to put your computer into Hibernate or Suspend mode while the system is writing data to a compact
              disc (CD), the computer may not enter Hibernate or Suspend mode. You may receive the following error message
              (or a similar one):

The device driver for the '%device name%' device is preventing the machine from entering hibernation/suspend. Please close all applications and try again. If the problem persists, you may need to update this driver.

You receive neither an informational message that the system is writing to a CD nor an error message that offers you the choice of stopping the CD write process or waiting until the process is complete.

This behavior occurs because you cannot put a computer into Hibernate or Suspend mode while the system is writing to a CD.  To work around this behavior, wait until the CD write operation is complete before you try to put the computer into Hibernate or Suspend mode.

Because the computer has already started to enter Hibernate or Suspend mode, some devices may already be turned off. For example, a USB mouse or scanner may be offline until you complete the Hibernate or Suspend process.

Hidden Files Message:  These files are hidden or system files

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\WebView\BarricadedFolders
Once there locate the folder that you want to turn the protection back on. Right click on them and select Modify
Change the value to 1.  Reboot your computer.

Hidden Folders

Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/View/Show Hidden Files and Folders. Right click the folder to be hidden/Sharing and Security/General Tab/Hidden/Apply Changes to.../

History - Clear

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

Under Use AutoComplete for, click to clear the Web Addresses check box, and then click OK. Click the Advanced tab, click to clear the Use inline AutoComplete check box in the Browsing section (if this check box has been selected). Click OK

Clear Recent Files (Typed URL's, Recent Documents, Common Dialog, Search Assistant and Media Player)

How to Prevent the MRU List of File Names from Appearing (Pro Version)

NOTE : After you complete this procedure, the MRU list does not appear in Windows Explorer-style dialog boxes; however, this list is not removed from the registry.

Log on as the user. Click Start, and then click Run. Type gpedit.msc, and then click OK. In the left pane under User Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Windows Components , expand Windows Explorer, and then click Common Open File Dialog. In the right pane, double-click Hide the dropdown list of recent files. Click Enabled, and then click OK. Click File, and then click Exit.

How to Prevent the MRU List of File Names from Appearing (Home Version)

Log on as the user. Click Start, and then click Run. Type regedit, and then click OK. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Comdlg32

NOTE : If the Comdlg32 key does not exist, follow these steps:

Click the Policies key. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key. Type comdlg32, and then press ENTER.
On the Edit menu, point to New , and then click DWORD Value. Type nofilemru, and then press ENTER. On the Edit menu, click Modify. Type 1, and then click OK. On the File menu, click Exit.

The MRU lists for Windows Explorer-style dialog boxes are stored by file type for each user in the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU

History - Not Being Saved

McAfee gave this solution to the bug where VirusScan 6 stops your Internet Explorer History file working. Hope it is of some help:

Open VirusScan console
Select "Pick a task..."
Select "Change my VirusScan settings"
Select "Configure VShield background scanning"
Select "Customise your VShield settings"

Select the "Internet Filter" icon from the icons down the left hand side On the "Detection" tab, in the 'Applet filters' section, remove the tick next to "ActiveX Controls".

Home and Pro - Differences

Windows XP Professional include unlike Home Edition the follow features: SMP support, Roaming user profiles, Remote desktop, Access control, Encrypting file system, Offline files and folders, Remote installation service, Windows server domain support, Group policy, Software installation and maintenance, and Multi-lingual user interface support (add-on).

Differences Between Home and Pro
What is the difference between Home Edition and Professional?

Home Page - Change

If the feature is disabled (greyed out), go to Doug Knox's site and download this script:  http://www.dougknox.com/security/scripts_desc/nosethomepage.htm.  Usage: Download nosethomepage.vbs and save this file to your hard drive. Navigate to where you saved it and double click the file. The VB Script file will check for the appropriate value and if not found will create it. You will be notified whether the option is enabled or disabled.

To manually make the change:  Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel\HomePage
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main] "Start Page"

Home Page Hijacking

Home Page Hijacking - "Has your Browser Been Hijacked?"

Spybot searches your system for so-called spyware, adware and similar threats to your privacy and security.

Prevent Spyware from Being Installed (Line 116)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

You can accidentally pick up objectionable PC files from the Internet! ContentAudit provides a way to safely detect unwanted files. Content Audit is free, safely scans for unwanted content and has an online checker that works in minutes.

Pornography - Clear unwanted files by Content Audit
http://www.contentwatch.com/audit/index.php?cid=260;9;0

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

Net Nanny, the world's leading parental control software, provides responsible adults with the broadest set of Internet safety tools available today. http://www.netnanny.com/index.html

With Kids Passport, you can choose whether a participating Kids Passport Web site can collect, use, or disclose your child's personal information. http://kids.passport.net/?lc=1033

To learn more about the Kids Passport service, please read the .NET Passport Kids Privacy Statement.
http://www.passport.net/consumer/kidsprivacypolicy.asp?lc=1033

Hot Fixes - View Which Hot Fix Patches Have Been Installed

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\Hotfix. Periodically Microsoft releases Hot Fix's to patch bugs in Windows and other products, this key contains information about which Hot fix's have been installed.

Some of the Hotfixes (Mostly security updates) do not have an uninstall feature, these will not appear in the Add and Remove list. If a Hotfix does appear in the Add and Remove list then it can be uninstalled just like any other program. If you uninstall the Hotfix, you will lose the benefits of that patch. This should only be done if you can determine that you are experiencing negative effects from the particular Hotfix.

If you simply do not want them to appear in the Add and Remove list and you are sure that you will not need the uninstall option, you can remove items from that list by using a registry tweak.

Go to Start, Run, type in REGEDIT and press OK. This will open the registry editor. Navigate to the following key.

HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Expand this branch and look at the list. The Hotfixes are all listed by a "Q" number that corresponds to the entry in the Add and Remove list. Make sure that you back up each Key before deleting it. Select the key and then select File/Export and include the Q number in the name of the file. Right click the entries you want to remove and select Delete.

Hotmail - Create Shortcut

This tweak can be used to create a shortcut directly to your Hotmail e-mail account on your desktop.

Right-click on your desktop and create a new shortcut. Set the target to:

%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe
"%ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer\hmmapi.dll",OpenInboxHandler

Hotmail - Slow after Disabling/Removing Messenger

This will prevent Messenger from loading when you access your account via the Hotmail web page, it will also prevent the delay when Messenger has been removed or disabled. 

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Messenger.MsgrObject.  Right click on the Messenger.MsgrObject key and select rename. Rename it to Messenger.MsgrObjectold.

How To

How To Articles for Windows XP

HTTP, FTP and Other Web Prefixes

Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT   Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\URL\Prefixes

In the right pane, you will see values named www, ftp, gopher, mosaic and others.  This is where Windows interprets addresses such as www.msn.com, ftp.microsoft.com and adds the appropriate http:// or ftp:// portion of the URL.  You can add your own definitions. An example would be your personal web site. 

Say the URL is http://johnsmith.freewebsites.com.  You wouldn't be able to type in johnsmith.freewebsites.com in the address bar of IE, as IE wouldn't know how to translate johnsmith.  Add a new String value to the above key, named johnsmith and set the value to http://   Now, IE will be able to translate johnsmith.freewebsites.com and add the http:// portion automatically.