Windows XP FAQ M

Modem - Disconnects

ASDL Modems Disconnect

Disable Hibernation and Disable Windows Messenger.

DSL Modem Disconnects

Right click My Computer Icon/Properties/Hardware/Device Manager. Expand USB Controllers/Double Click USB Root Hub. Select Power Management and uncheck, Allow the computer to turn off the device to save power.

     Tip: Stop connection from timing out on Web Pages. Sometimes when trying to connect to a Web site, that connection
              attempt "times-out" due to the slowness of response, and you get a "Could not connect to ... ". Start/Run/Regedit
              HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Class\Net.

              In the left pane, locate the 0000 Key (or 0001, 0002, or 0003) that represents your modem or NIC. Under that
              Key, locate the Value name called "SLOWNET" (right pane). Double click on SLOWNET, and change "Value
              data = 01" (zero & 1), to "00" (2 zero's). Close RegEdit, and reboot.

Troubleshooting Problems Communicating on the Internet
Cable Modem and DSL Speed Tweak to Increase Performance
Windows XP Internet Programs Cannot Connect to the Internet Through Broadband Connection

Troubleshooting Modem and Connection Issues:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_oe.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_modem.htm

Troubleshooting Modem Problems in Windows XP
Troubleshooting TCP/IP Connectivity with Windows
Troubleshooting Problems Communicating on the Internet
Troubleshooting Internet Service Provider Logon Problems
Troubleshooting a Connection to the Internet in Windows XP
Troubleshooting Connection Speeds in Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_resources.htm

Modem Does Not Work on Compaq Armada 7800 and Device Manager Reports "Code 10"

Modem - Keep Connection Between Users

The following entry will stop the prompt to shut down the connection when changing users under Windows XP. This enables a permanent internet connection with multiple users on your PC under Windows XP. Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Then right-click the right-hand pane, select New/String Value. Name the value KeepRasConnections and set it to 1.

Keep Ras Connection within Fast User Switching (Line 32)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Modem - Performance

Test your internet connection. Click here.

Web based tool for testing download performance using text, graphics and streaming video. Click here.

A large section of SpeedGuide.net is dedicated to Cable Modems and DSL technology, stressing on improving TCP/IP performance over high speed/latency networks. Click here.

Speed Test - Bandwidth Testing. Click here.

What affects modem performance? Click here.

Troubleshooting 56k Modems. Click here. How fast is your 56K modem? Click here.

Cable Modem and DSL Speed Tweak to Increase Performance - Click here.

Download Internet Accelerators. Boost Internet Speed. Click here.

Boost your Internet Speed! Enhance your internet connection and Boosts your Internet speed up to 300%! with Modem Booster's a proprietary, patent-pending PING technology! Click here.

Get a faster internet connection and increase modem speed with webROCKET Internet Optimizer. Optimize your modem, computer, and windows system for optimal performance and speed. Click here.

Increase Modem Speed - Click here.

Increase Internet Speed - Click here.

Modem - Persistent Connections

This setting controls whether new network mappings should be created as persistent connections that are automatically reconnected at logon. Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Network\Persistent Connections
Value Name: SaveConnections
Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value Data: yes or no

You may need to create the key if it does not already exist. Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'SaveConnections' and edit the value according to the settings below. Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Modem - Silence Your Modem

Go to Start/Control Panel/Modem/Connection/Advanced. In the extra settings box type: M0, ( 0 being a zero ).
or...

Open the Control Panel--select Start, Control Panel--and assuming you're in the Classic View, double-click Phone and Modem Options. (From Category View, select Network and Internet Connections, and in the left pane, click Phone and Modem Options.) Click the Modems tab, and with your modem selected, click Properties. Click the Modem tab (again), move the lever under Speaker volume all the way to the left and click OK.

Tip: Open Network Connections, right click your dial-up connection and select Properties, then click "Configure..." and
uncheck "Enable modem speaker".

Modem - Won't Disconnect

When you quit Internet Explorer, you may not be prompted to disconnect even if the Disconnect when connection may no longer be needed option is enabled. The following registry value also verifies that the option is enabled: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\RemoteAccess\Profile\"Connection Name"\EnableExitDisconnect
The value should be 01 00 00 00.

This behavior can occur if the Easy CD Creator Adaptec starts automatically at startup.

To prevent the Easy CD Creator program from starting automatically, remove the entry for Easy CD Creator from the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Contact Adaptec Technical Support for additional information about resolving this issue.

Workaround:

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.)

Morpheus - Max Downloads

The max downloads limit in Morpheus is 50, follow these steps to change your downloads limit to anything you like, this will also speed up your downloads.

1. Start/Run/Regedit
2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Morpheus/Transfer
3. Right click on Concurrentdownloads and select Modify
4. Click on Decimal and change the limit to anything you like.

Tip: Stop the Ads. To stop the ads from popping up when you open up Morpheus:
Go to IE/Tools/Internet Options/Security/Restricted Sites/Sites/Add: ads.musiccity.com

Morpheus.exe Causes an Error Message in Windows XP

Mouse

Troubleshooting with Microsoft Pointing Devices Frequently Asked Questions

Move Folders

My Documents Folder in Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_mydocs.htm

How to Move Shell Folders and Contents
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_shell_folders.htm

Movie Maker

Movies: Get Started with Windows Movie Maker

Movies: Transfer Video to Your Computer

Movies: Edit Movies

Moviemk.Exe

Problems When You Are Using an Out-of-Date Version of the C-Media Cmaudio.ax Driver File

MP3

Getting MP3 ripping to work in Windows Media Player 8 in XP. Start/Run/Regedit and enter the following in the registry:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftMediaPlayerSettingsMP3Encoding]
"LowRate"=dword:0000dac0
"MediumRate"=dword:0000fa00
"MediumHighRate"=dword:0001f400
"HighRate"=dword:0002ee00

This corresponds to 56, 64, 128 and 192 Kbps. You can change this to your liking using the following dword hex values :

320 Kbps = dword:0004e200
256 Kbps = dword:0003e800
224 Kbps = dword:00036b00
192 Kbps = dword:0002ee00
160 Kbps = dword:00027100
128 Kbps = dword:0001f400
112 Kbps = dword:0001b580
64 Kbps = dword:0000fa00
56 Kbps = dword:0000dac0

MP3 and WMA

Information here.

MPREXE Error

If you have a system that has multiple passwords, and have ever gotten an error that states "MPREXE Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Kernel32.dll" then you have a corrupted password file. One not-so-pleasant solution is to delete the .PWL files. This will eliminate the errors, but force you to re-key all the passwords.

MS Support

If you have a retail version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional, you are eligible for unlimited no-charge Installation Support and 2 no-charge Personal support incidents by phone or online.

Personal Support is designed to provide support for everyday product usage to help U.S. consumers, home users and home office customers using Microsoft consumer products. (425) 635-3311 (long distance charges may apply)

Msbb.Exe

Msbb.exe May Cause an Error Message in Windows XP

Msconfig

Msconfig and Troubleshooting Tools for Windows XP

Msconfig - Corrupt

To extract: Open a command prompt window. Insert your XP CD into the drive and enter the following command:

EXPAND -R X:\I386\MSCONFIG.EX_ Z:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\BINARIES. This will extract a new copy of the MSCONFIG.EXE from the CD.

Msconfig - To Remove Entries:

These values are stored in the Registry. Click Start/Run/Regedit

For items that were in the Start menu, Programs, Startup folder:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder.
You'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

For items loaded from the Registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg.
Again, you'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

Msconfig - Stops the Selective Startup screen

Download the xp_nomsconfig.vbs file: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_nomsconfig.htm and save it to your Desktop (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double-click the xp_nomsconfig.vbs file after closing MSConfig. You will not see the Selective Startup screen on the next boot.

Or...

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

In the right pane, delete the value for MSConfig. Alternatively, you can use a small VB Script file to do this for you as well. Copy the following three lines to a Notepad file and save as No_MSCONFIG.VBS

On Error Resume Next
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.RegDelete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\MSConfig"

After running MSConfig, run the VBS file and this entry will be removed automatically.

Msinfo32 - System Information (Error or Missing)

Odd msinfo32.exe problem. msinfo32 mystery solved. (written by Vampirefo, furnished by Martin)

<Quote>

I finally figured it out, after running test after test. A index.dat file has been deleted, and that's why when some run msinfo32 they get the help center instead of system information.

I had this problem, and just now got it figured out, I restored a new image and system information was working great, I then ran Spider which cleans temp files, I saved the report rebooted and system information was not working.

I looked at what spider deleted and I found it deleted a index.dat here E:\\WINDOWS\\PCHEALTH\\HELPCTR\\OfflineCache\\index.dat
I opened and image and restored just this dat, and now my system information is working, so this dat file is the cause for the problem.

</Quote>

More info

Tip: Add System Information to the Right Click

"Can't collect information Access denied to Windows Management Instrumentation server on this computer. Have an administrator change your access permissions."

Suggestions and Checkpoints:

Go to Start/Run and type in: services.msc. Scroll down to: Windows Management Instrumentation and make sure the Service is set to Automatic.

Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

If that doesn't help, try this:

Open a Command Prompt and type "winmgmt /clearadap" to clear prior WMI/resyncperf information from the registry.
Then type "winmgmt /resyncperf" to register the system performance libraries with WMI again.

WinMgmt could not initialize the core parts

This will re-install wmi into the registry: Go to Start/Run and type in: CMD, then Winmgmt/? for information. Then run each of these hitting enter after each:

winmgmt /clearadap
winmgmt /kill
winmgmt /unregserver
winmgmt /regserver
winmgmt /resyncperf

If this doesn't help, try posting to this group: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.wmi

Can't Open Msinfo32

Checkpoints: Go to Start/Run and type in: winmsd and/or click here: hcp://system/sysinfo/sysInfoLaunch.htm or
Go to Start/Run and type in: msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules (exactly as written)

If the last one worked for you, and you prefer to use a batch file, download it from here ,save and run from your Desktop. Manual settings: Create a batch file containing the following lines:

C:\
cd C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo
msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules

Verify your settings here: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo
Path value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\msinfo32.exe

Default value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe
Path value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo

Fix for Help and Support and System Information
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Error Message: Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Might Be Corrupted (Unable to view System Information (MSinfo32) http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;319101

To correct this error: Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete
the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

Or:

To resolve this issue, delete and then re-create the files in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem\Repository folder. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start, and then right-click My Computer.
On the shortcut menu, click Manage.
In the left pane of the Computer Management console, double-click Services and Applications.
Under Services and Applications, click Services.
In the right pane of the Computer Management console, locate and then right-click Windows Management Instrumentation.
On the shortcut menu, click Stop.
Start Windows Explorer, and then locate the %SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem\Repository folder.
Delete all of the files in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem\Repository folder.
Restart the computer.

The files that were deleted are re-created when the computer restarts. NOTE: The Windows Management Instrumentation service starts automatically when you restart the computer.

If none of the above helps, replace your Boot.ini. In most cases it has to do with more than one OS being listed.

Go to Start/Run and type in: msconfig. Then go to the Boot.ini Tab and click on Check All Boot Paths. If you receive a warning about a duplicate path: Do you want to remove, choose yes.

Or...

Right click the My Computer icon/Properties/Advanced/Startup and Recovery/Settings/System Startup/Edit.

How to Edit the BOOT.INI File in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q289/0/22.asp

How to Use System Information (MSINFO32) Switches

MSINFO32 displays a comprehensive view of your hardware, system components, and software environment. This article provides an overview of the available switches that can be used with the MSINFO32 command.

Using these switches, MSINFO32 can be used to:

Use System Information from a batch file
Create .nfo or .txt files that contain information from specified categories.
Open System Information and display only specific categories.
Save a file silently (without opening System Information).
Start System Information connected to a remote computer.
Create a shortcut that opens System Information in a commonly used configuration.

To open System Information in History view, type: msinfo32 /pch
To create an .nfo file in the folder C:\TEMP with a name of TEST.NFO, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\TEST.NFO
To create a .TXT file in the folder C:\TEMP with a name of TEST.TXT, type: msinfo32 /report C:\TEMP\TEST.NFO

To view System Information from a remote computer with a UNC name of BIGSERVER, type:
msinfo32 /computer BIGSERVER

To list the available category IDs, type: msinfo32 /showcategories

To start System Information with all available information displayed, except Loaded Modules, type:
msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules

To create an .nfo file called SYSSUM.NFO in the C:\TEMP folder that contains information in the System Summary category, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\SYSSUM.NFO /categories +systemsummary

To create a .NFO file called CONFLICTS.NFO in the C:\TEMP folder that contains information about resource conflicts, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\CONFLICTS.NFO /categories +componentsproblemdevices+resourcesconflicts+resourcesforcedhardware

Msdart.dll Problems, Error Messages and Workarounds and Suggestions

"The procedure entry point GetIUMS could not be found in the dynamic link library MSDART.DLL."

1. This is caused by Windows XP improperly naming the msdart dll file. Download (save) DARTFIX.BAT to your desktop and click on it. This will make a copy of MSDART.DLL and name it MSDART32.DLL. It will be placed in the Windows/System32 directory. This should allow you to run the InfoBase CD.

2. Start/Search for file msdart*.* on your computer.

Should be found in:

C:\I386
C:\Winnt or Windows\System32
C:\Winnt or Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386

3. Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.8

"unregmp2.exe - Entry Point Not Found - The procedure entry point GetIUMS could not be located in the dynamic link library MSDART.DLL".

When the problem occurs, press Shift +F10 to bring up the command prompt. Then type taskmgr.exe in the DOS window
and press Enter. The Task Manager should be started. If not, try to press C+Shift+ESC. In the Task Manager program, select the error message window in the
application list and click "End Task". In the process list, terminate the unregmp2.exe program. Exit the DOS prompt window and resume the installation process.

Note: In some cases: There is another step needed - killing the error may not be enough.

Shift+F10, kill the process, WinXP should continue loading, and around 23 MORE minutes left to go, the monitor will flash several times. Don't panic.

Once loaded, get past the "Microsoft in a box" screens: next, finish. Once on the desktop, log in a user with system admin capabilities (hopefully you still have one). Go to
C:\windows\sr.inf. Right click and select Install. It will ask for sr.sys. Get this OFF the CD!!! The one on C: is corrupt. On the CD, under the I386
folder, you will find sr.sy_. Double click it and it SHOULD decompress itself and load. (Microsoft tech suggests as a convenience, load directory
I386 from CD to C: (root) for ease of use NEXT TIME you have a problem!

That is the fix for the MSDart, repair/reinstall WinXP problem.

2. The next problem to fix will be the DSL and WinSta.dll problems. Your instructions from your ISP tells you to use the Network Connection
Wizard and do some stuff, then select Broadband, use user ID and password. However, the Wizard has disabled this option. AND you find you cannot make
system restore points. And if you open up My Computer, right click on some white space in the window and click properties, you will get 'procedure
entry point RemoteAssistancePrepareSystemRestore could not be located in the dynamic link library winsta.dll. These problems are solved simultaneously
by:

a. Right click My Computer. Manage, Services and Applications, Services. Find Remote Access Connection Manager (on either tab). Right click,
Properties. On the General tab, Startup Type listbox, change Manual to Automatic. Apply. Ok. Restart your machine.

b. Log in as a user that has System Admin capabilities. Start, Run, Regedit. Find HKLM\system\Current Control Set\services\rasman\ppp\eap.
Export the node by selecting, File, Export. (This creates a backup in case of screw-up. If you don't know how to import, maybe you shouldn't be doing
this.) Once this is done, under EAP is a folder/key 25. Delete it. Also delete folder/key 26. (These are the keys for the connection wizard. MS
will not tell you how to modify the keys for the desired result, you must delete them. Or run this edit.

c. Reboot.

Now you SHOULD be able to connect to DSL or recreate your connection as per your ISP's instructions. System restore will now work. You should perhaps
create a restore point for fun. Start, Help, Performance and maintenance, Using System Restore to undo changes, Run the System Restore Wizard, Create
a system restore point.

BTW, you cannot create a dial-up connection using the Wizard. To do this, bring up your browser. If IE, select tools, Internet Options,
connections tab. Select Add. Dial up to private network, next, phone number .. Once done, the connection will be listed with the Network
Wizards and other connections you have off Start, Settings.. or Control Panel, Network Connections.

If these fixes didn't work, MS's next solution involves installing XP to a separate place on your machine. This too ought not remove your data. Once
installed, your DATA, not applications, should be transferrable between OSs. The last option you don't want to know!

Note: If these do not work, call Microsoft: 1-800-936-4900. You get TWO whole free calls to them if encountering problems during installation. (Take
copious notes!). Reference.

Last resort:

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=315341&FR=1

MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message

This installation program will reinstall the missing or corrupt Windows XP system files command.com, autoexec.nt and config.nt. The absence or corruption of one or more of these files causes a "16 Bit Subsystem" error.

XP_Fix.EXE by TRF Systems, Inc.
http://www.visualtour.com/downloads/xp_fix.exe

From Ron:

Running Audit on my computer showed that a program called
WINDUPDATE.EXE (not WINUPDATE.EXE) was deleting my Autoexec.nt file on boot
up. If I replaced the file it would delete it again. Go to \Program
Files\WINDUPDATE folder and delete it!

Go to your registry and delete anything named WINDUPDATE. Put the Autoexec.nt
file back into your \system32 folder and all is well! This was definately the
problem here and I bet most everyone has the same nasty bugger, WINDUPDATE.EXE
on their infected computer.

Another note and workaround:

C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

This problem just started around mid August 2004, so I suspect it to be related to a recent Microsoft Update that you may have downloaded for Windows XP.

HomeSchool Easy Records (the current version) is a Windows program (not a DOS program) but it is a "16 bit" Windows program. Apparently HER and other 16 bit Windows programs will run into this error when you try to run them. Note: HER version 3, now in the works, is a 32 bit Windows program, so it won't be prone to this problem.

There is a cure. Please read the following tip and follow the steps to reinstall three files: autoexec.nt, config.nt, and command.com

Side note: You also want to look for the file "windupdate.exe" (note the spelling closely -- the 'd') and if you find it anywhere on your hard drive, delete it! This is a secondary problem and you are not very likely to find this file. But if you have it, it actually deletes the autoexec.nt file each time you start your PC, so even if you restore the file, it will get deleted again!

Here is the tip originally posted to the Internet by Spencer Greystrong:

This article http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767 is the Microsoft response to that error message. The fix involves expanding the original files from your XP CD and overwriting. The problem with that solution is that many people do not have the original CD. [So the links below were created so you can get the files directly].

When you click on either link below you will see a file-download window appear. Click on the "Open" button and you will get a WinZip self-extractor window. Leave the "Unzip to folder" set to "c:\windows\system32" and leave the "Overwrite files without prompting" check box checked. Ignore the yellow warning sign (this is trustworthy code). Click on the "Unzip" button. The files will save to your hard drive. Then click on the "Close" button.

For Windows XP Professional click on this link: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/spencer.greystrong/XPProfiles.exe

Will read as: DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://public.windupdates.com/get_file.php?bt=ie&p=5b2f12423f01fa3f255a10cc9af8f7b5d60c0438ad44fd2a1a760d51c0241936773ca04aab077905855565abe08139a2080b:c7857c068f27d7cc50f91b20c15a3e0e

Msmsgs.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Ole32.dll May Cause an Error Message in Windows XP

msmqocm.inf - Setup was unable to open information file msmqocm.inf. Contact your system administrator.

Go to Windows\inf. In the right pane scroll down to msmqocm.inf. Right click it and choose install.

If it isn't listed ...

Go to Windows\inf. In the right pane scroll down to sysoc.inf. Open it in Notepad and remove this line:
msmq=msmqocm.dll,MsmqOcm,msmqocm.inf,,6

MSN Explorer - Outlook Express Doesn't Access POP3 accounts

From: http://www.explorer.msn.com/setuphelp.htm

MSN Explorer uses a new e-mail program. This program is based on MSN Hotmail, a Web-based e-mail service. When you upgrade to MSN Explorer, your e-mail Inbox will be converted automatically from POP3 e-mail to Web-based e-mail. All of your new e-mail will come to you in MSN Explorer.

Important details about your e-mail and newsgroups are:

You will not lose any e-mail.
Your e-mail address will not change.
You will receive all your new e-mail in MSN Explorer instead of Outlook Express.
Your old e-mail will remain in Outlook Express, and you will be able to see it there.
Your address book will be copied to MSN Explorer. It will also remain in Outlook Express.
You can access your newsgroups through Outlook Express.
You can access your e-mail from a computer connected to the Internet anywhere in the world.

You cannot switch your e-mail account back to your previous program by uninstalling MSN Explorer and reinstalling a prior version of MSN Internet Access. Click here to learn how to set up Outlook Express to access your new e-mail account. (Note: there is no link here as you must be an MSN user to access this page)

Web based e-mail does not require Outlook Express, so some e-mail features have changed. For example, your address book is now web-based so you can access information on your contacts from any computer.

MSN/MSN Explorer

MSN Help and Support
Adding Additional MSN Internet Access Accounts With Microsoft Windows XP
Cannot Compose a New E-mail Message in Internet Explorer If MSN Explorer Is the Default E-mail Client
Cannot Remove MSN Explorer User Tile(s) In Windows XP--Deleted Tiles Reappear On Welcome Screen
Cannot Set MSN Explorer as Default E-mail Client
MSN Explorer Version 6.0 No Longer Supported Error Message

Cannot Use MSN EXPLORER or AOL To Send a Remote Assistance Invitation via Email Option
Can't Type In Body Of E-mail Window in MSN Explorer
Can't Add New User In MSN Explorer--Account Manager Password Not Accepted
Err Msg: File Does Not Have a Program Associated with It
How To Disable The Internet Connection Firewall In Windows XP

How to Locate Your Version of MSN Explorer
MSN Explorer Sign In Screen Activates Unexpectedly
MSN Explorer Dials But Does Not Connect
MSN Explorer Hangs When Outlook XP Requests Data From The Server
Offline E-mail Features in MSN Explorer--For MSN Internet Access Subscribers

OL2000: Outlook Does Not Receive MSN E-mail Messages (also applies to OE and other Outlook versions)
Reset To POP3 E-mail From A Web-based E-mail Account In MSN Explorer
Transition From MSN E-mail To MSN Explorer E-mail
MSN/Windows Messenger Resources Tips, Help and Support for MSN and Windows Messenger

Multi-Boot

Multibooting with Windows XP: Introduction

Multibooting: Windows XP and Windows 2000 Professional

Multibooting: Windows XP and Windows NT Workstation

Multibooting: Windows XP and Windows Me or Windows 9x

How to Multiple Boot Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 98, and MS-DOS
HOW TO: Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP
How to Enable Dual Boot After You Install Windows Me on a Windows 2000-based Computer
How to Install Windows 98 after Installing Windows XP
How to Install W2K to its Own Partition after Installing Windows XP
Multibooting with Windows XP
Multibooting with Windows 2000 and Windows XP

BootIt NG is a partition and multi boot manager with a powerful and simple to use set of tools for partitioning, imaging, and multi-booting your computer. It combines the features of several standalone products costing hundreds of dollars more.

Multi-Media

Music: Get Started Enjoying Music on Your PC

Music: Copy Tracks from a CD

Music: Download Music from the Internet

Music: Create Playlists

Music: Create Your Own CDs

Music: Using Portable Devices

Music: Tune In the Globe

Music: Give Your Player a New Face

Multi-Monitor

Multiple Monitor Settings May Change After Upgrade to Windows XP
Troubleshooting and Configuring Multiple Monitors in Windows XP

My Briefcase

HOW TO: Use the Briefcase Feature in Windows XP

Tip: How to get "My Briefcase" in Windows XP - Go to C:\WINDOWS\System32\dllcache. Look for a file named
"syncapp". Double click it. An icon should appear on your desktop that says "My Briefcase". Double click it.

My Computer

How to make My Computer' open in Explore mode with folder list. In My Computer click Tools menu, and then click Options. Click the File Types tab. In the list of file types, highlight "(NONE) Folders". Click Advanced button, In the Actions box, highlight "Explore" Click "Set Default"

My Computer Information

Start/Help and Support/Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.

"View general system information about this computer"
"View the status of my system hardware and software"
"Find information about the hardware installed on this computer"
"View a list of Microsoft software installed on this computer"
"View detailed system information (Msinfo32.exe)"
"View running services"
"View Group Policy settings applied"
"View the error log"
"View information for another computer"

Description of My Computer Information Tool in Help and Support

My Computer Icon - Displays My Documents Folders of Other User

Create a NoSharedDocuments string value in the following registry key and set the data value to 1.

For All Users: Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

For Only Users That Are Logged on to the Computer: Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

My Computer - Incorrect Message

Incorrect "Prevent Access to Drives from My Computer" Informational Message

My Computer - Rename

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}. Data Type: REG_EXPAND_SZ (Expanded String Value). Rename the value named "LocalizedString" to "LocalizedString.old". Create a new REG_EXPAND_SZ value named "LocalizedString", and set the value to "%USERNAME% on %COMPUTERNAME%". Exit the registry editor, click on your desktop and press F5 (for refresh). The "My Computer" icon should now be rename to "Username on Computername".

My Computer - System Information

Quick access to your whole system. Simply click and drag your My Computer icon onto the Task Bar near the right side icons next to the clock. This will create a cascading menu from where you can easily access just about anything on your system.

My Documents - Cascade

This tweak makes the 'My Documents' folder on the Start Menu into a cascading folder, which then give you direct access to sub-folders without having to open the main 'My Documents' directory first. Start/Run/Regedit.

You may need to create the key if it does not already exist. Create a new String value, or modify the existing value, called 'CascadeMyDocuments' and edit the value according to the settings below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Value Name: CascadeMyDocuments
Data Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value Data: "Yes" or "No"

Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect. Note: This setting 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.

My Documents Folder - Opens Upon Boot

To Stop Windows Explorer from opening My Documents: Check your settings here: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

In the right pane under Userinit - Change the key that reads:

C:\Windows\System32\Userinit.exe,C:\Windows\System32\Userinit.exe
To:
C:\Windows\System32\Userinit.exe,

And also here: Start/Run/Regedit

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows. In the right pane, check your settings under Load.

This problem can be caused by the DlDer Trojan. More information here:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.dlder.html

Tip: This utility lists everything that opens on startup with an undo: http://www.vtoy.fi/jv16/shtml/powertools.shtml

My Documents Folder - Move

In Explorer right click on "My Documents", and select "Properties", then in the target box enter your new location.

Another option is TweakUI - XP Powertoys
Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder
How to Move Shell Folders and Contents

My Documents Folder - Change the Windows Explorer Default Startup Folder

To change the default startup folder for Windows Explorer:
Click Start, point to All Programs , point to Accessories , and then right-click Windows Explorer. On the menu that appears, click Properties.

In the Target box, append the "/root" command-line switch to the "%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe" command, using the startup location that you want. For example, if you want Windows Explorer to start at the root of drive C, edit the command to th