This information courtesy of Kellys Korner XP
Taskbar
This application allows you to Repair and Customize the Quick Launch, Taskbar and Notification Area in Windows XP:
Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm
Which includes:
Taskbar
Taskbar is Missing
Lock Taskbar Greyed Out
Minimized Programs Missing
Stuck in Classic View *
Reduce Size of Buttons
Restore to XP Default *
Toolbars Greyed Out or Missing
Remove Specific Toolbars or Remove All *
Remove System Icons from Desktop Toolbar *
Disable Taskbar Context Menus
Remove Taskbar and Start Menu from the Control Panel
Disable Right Click/Properties
Lock Size and Position of the Taskbar
Remove Open, Explore and Find from Start Button Right Click *
Remove Open All, Explore All Users from the Start Button Right Click *
Hide or Show the Taskbar
Repair Taskbar Icon Views
Hide or Show the Start Button
Restore Taskbar to Default Position *
Enable or Disable Taskbar Grouping (Removes the options from Properties)
Repair, Disable or Enable the Task Manager
Notification Area
Hide or Show All Listed Icons
Hide or Show All Inactive Icons
Remove Past Items
Show Missing Icons
Restore/Remove the Clock
Disable Balloon Tips
Remove the Notification Area
Remove Selective Icons (also from Msconfig/Registry) *
Disable Low Disk Space Warning Message and Icon
Quick Launch
Can't Create Toolbar Error Message
Restore Show Desktop Icon
Remove the Quick Launch Area *
Save Quick Launch Sort Order
Auto Add Specific Links to Quick Launch *
Set Quick Launch as Default for any new user added *
NOTE: For a stand alone exe to be run as a startup script, send an email here and choose #8. When this utility is run as
a "Startup script", it will automatically adjust the system Registry to "turn on" the Quick Launch bar, by default,
for all newly created user accounts.
Cannot Move or Resize the Taskbar or Any Toolbars on the Taskbar
Taskbar Is Missing When You Log On to Windows
Taskbar - Context Menus -
This setting removes the context menus (right click on the taskbar) for the system tray, including the Start button, Tab control, and Clock. Open your registry (Start/Run/Regedit) and find the key below. You may need to create the key if it does not already exist.
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'NoTrayContextMenu' and edit the value according to the settings below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: NoTrayContextMenu
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
Taskbar - Grouping
Right click the Notification Tray/Properties/Uncheck Group Similar Taskbar Buttons.
Change number of windows that are open before XP will start grouping them on the Taskbar: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_taskbargrouping.htm
Decrease Size of Taskbar Buttons (Line 97)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Restore Taskbar Grouping (Line 218)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Taskbar Grouping by #, Least or Most Used (Line 86)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Add Taskbar Grouping to Customize with All Options (Line 149)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Manual Editing:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\TaskbarGroupSize and set it to:
0 = Group least used apps first
1 = Group app with most windows first
2 - n = Group apps with this many windows
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\TaskbarGlomming
0 = Don't group
1 = Group
Standard behavior is to group least used apps first.
Taskbar - Hide Clock (Notification Area)
This setting allows you to remove the clock from the system tray on the taskbar. Open your registry (Start/Run/Regedit) and find the key below. You may need to create the key if it does not already exist.
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'HideClock' and edit the value according to the settings below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: HideClock
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = Show Clock, 1 = Hide Clock)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
This restriction is used to remove all the toolbars, including Quick Launch, from the taskbar. It also restricts the ability to re-enable them. Open your registry (Start/Run/Regedit) and find the key below. You may need to create the key if it does not already exist.
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'NoToolbarsOnTaskbar' and edit the value according to the settings below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: NoToolbarsOnTaskbar
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = default, 1 = enable restriction)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
Taskbar - Programs Aren't Minimized in the Taskbar
Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm
Download this reg file and double click it. Answer yes to the import prompt:
Programs Aren't Minimized in the Taskbar (Line 240)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Taskbar - Remove Notification Tray Items from Taskbar
This setting removes and restricts access to the tray icons normally found next to the clock on the taskbar. Open your registry and find the key below. You may need to create the key if it does not already exist.
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'NoTrayItemsDisplay' and edit the value according to the settings below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: NoTrayItemsDisplay
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = default, 1 = enable restriction)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
Taskkill - Home
You could try to copy it from a Pro installation is you can, or use the command line utility PsKill.exe in the free PsTools suite at: http://www.sysinternals.com/
Taskkill - Pro
Start/Run/CMD: taskkill /?
Task Manager
Launching the Task Manager can sometimes be difficult depending on the situation. Some people didn't know that the Task Manager can actually be launched in at least three different ways to make it easier to use when you need it the most.
First Method:
Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE and click on the 'Task Manager...
Second Method:
Right click on the Windows Notification area and chose 'Task Manager...
Third Method:
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC and the Task Manager will be launched instantly.
*Task Manager Menu Bar and Tabs Are Not Visible in Windows XP
Description of What the Available Bytes in Task Manager Represents
Task Manager - Control/Alt/Delete - Doesn't work
Lift Restrictions - TM, Regedit and CMD (Line 275)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Enable the Task Manager (Line 51)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Check your settings here: For Pro
Start/Run/gpedit.msc. User Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Crtl+Alt+Del Options. In the right pane double click Remove Task Manager and enable it.
Also, if you have disabled the Alerter Service, CAD will be disabled. If neither of these are the case and the Task Manager only opens for a few seconds, then closes:
This behavior can be caused by a virus. One of three:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.spybot.worm.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.klez.gen@mm.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.yaha.e@mm.html
If this is not the case: Check your settings here
Taskmgr.exe should be listed in the %SystemRoot%\system32 directory. If you cannot find the file, you can extract it from the Windows XP CD. To do so, you can perform the following steps:
a. Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD-ROM.
b. Click Start, Run, type cmd and press Enter.
c. At the Command Prompt mode, type the following command:
For example, if the drive letter of your CD-ROM is F, you can type the following commands:
F:
cd \i386
expand taskmgr.ex_ %SystemRoot%\SYSTEM32\taskmgr.exe
If it is a policy setting, run this edit:
Enable the Task Manager (Line 113)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Restore Task Manager, Msconfig and Regedit:
This worm disables NAV, Msconfig, Regedit and Task Manager:
http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/virusinfo.php?menu_id=1&v_id=114
Rename regedit.exe to regedit.com then: Download then Merge the edit on line 251 then delete all the files mentioned in the above link. 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.
Task Scheduler - A scheduled task can be run without passwords
For Pro: Start/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Local Security Policy/Local Policies/Security options.
In the right hand pane (third down). Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. This is enabled by default, disable it.
For Home: Manual Edit and Automated Edit
For Home: Run Scheduled Task without a Password (Line 68)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Backup your registry before modifying. Locate the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
Value name: limitblankpassworduse
Type: REG_DWORD
Data: 0 (disabled) 1 (enabled)
It is enabled by default. Disable it and scheduled tasks should run.
HOW TO: Modify Scheduled Tasks in Windows XP
Task Scheduler Does Not Run Tasks When "Run As" User Account Has No Password
Task Scheduler - Auto Run
Getting tasks to run when no one is logged on. If you follow these steps, the shedlgu.txt file will be replaced without any information other than system start-up information upon the first boot.
Go to Start/Run/Msconfig. Click Selective Startup and uncheck Load System Services, click ok. Reboot.
Upon reboot, click OK to the first Window that indicates that you have selected "Selective Startup". When the System Configuration Utility reappears, Check the Normal
Startup Box.
Then go to Start/Search and type in: schedlgu.txt. When it appears, right click on the file and delete it. Reboot.
You will now have a new Task Scheduler Log File. It can be checked by going to Start/Search and typing in: schedlgu.txt. Appearing will be your new Task Scheduler Log.
Running Scheduled Tasks without a password:
For Pro: Start/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Local Security Policy/Local Policies/Security options. In the right hand pane (third down).
Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. This is enabled by default, disable it.
For Home: Run Scheduled Task without a Password (Line 68)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Troubleshooting the Task Scheduler
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_t.htm#ts
To disable this service, follow these steps:
1. Open Control Panel
2. Double-click Administrative Tools
3. Double-click Services
4. Locate "HID Input Service" and double-click on it
5. Select "Disabled" under the "Startup type" pulldown menu
6. Hit OK and reboot
Added Info:
How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315231
HOW TO: Schedule Tasks in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308569
HOW TO: Modify Scheduled Tasks in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308671
Tasks doesn't work on XP Home
Log in as an administrator, Open Control Panel - Folder Options, click the View tab and select Show hidden files and folders.
Go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\S-1-5-18 and delete the files in there.
Scheduled Tasks will recreate the files needed.
Note: This folder is hidden by default. Go to Start/Run and type in: control folders. View: Show hidden files and folders.
Tasks issues 0x80090016 or 0x8009000f error?
Use Computer Management/Services and Application/Services to configure Protected Storage to start Automatically and to Start it.
NOTE: If the Cryptography subsystem has become corrupt, delete the following key and restart your computer:
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers\Type 001
How to Un-schedule Tasks:
See chkntfs. Type chkntfs /? in a command prompt or type chkntfs in help.
TCP/IP - Can't Uninstall
When viewing the list of components for a network interface, you may notice that the Uninstall button is disabled when Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is selected. In Windows XP, the TCP/IP stack is considered a core component of the operating system; therefore, it is not possible to uninstall TCP/IP in Windows XP. In extreme cases, reinstalling the Internet Protocol stack may be the most appropriate solution. With the NetShell utility, you can now reset the TCP/IP stack back to a pristine state, to the same state as when the operating system was installed.
Tip: RWIN: Where is this located to change it manually
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
In 2K, it is called "TcpWindowSize" and is a DWORD, instead of a String Value. Create a new one, but choose DWORD instead of String Value. Value may be entered in decimal or hex. Note: DRTCP will set all of these very easily.
Description of Windows TCP Features
Temporary Internet Files (TIF)
Internet Explorer (IE) can enter a state where it almost immediately hangs and starts to use 100 percent of CPU time. In particular, trying to delete Temporary Internet files via Tools, Internet Options triggers this behavior. Also, all attempts to delete files or folders from %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files (or wherever the Temporary Internet files folder is located) causes Windows Explorer to hang. This behavior occurs because the Temporary Internet files database is corrupt.
The Temporary Internet files aren't really files but entries in %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat. Deleting that file solves the problem.
Exit IE and Windows Explorer (iexplore.exe and explorer.exe, respectively, in Task Manager). Use the following command from a command prompt to delete the file:
Type in cd.. enter, cd.. enter then paste this line:
del "%userprofile%\local settings\temporary internet files\content.ie5\
Empty Temp Folders v2.8.3
http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/emptemp/index.html
Text - Data (Extracting text data from a PDF file)
To do this open the PDF file with Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0, a free program available for download from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Select the text tool, which looks like a "T" on the toolbar and drag it over the text in the PDF document and then use the copy command from the Edit menu. Pop into the program you want to put the text into and go to its "Edit" menu and select "Paste".
Text to Speech
HOW TO: Configure and Use Text to Speech in Windows XP
HOW TO: Use Speech Recognition in Windows XP
HOW TO: Install and Configure Speech Recognition in Windows XP
Themes (Won't Load or only Windows Classic is listed)
Go to Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Themes. Set to Automatic. Also check your settings here:
Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Terminal Services/Log On. At the bottom ensure that Hardware Profile Original Configuration is Enabled.
If the above doesn't apply/nor help: Only windows Classic is listed under Appearance:
1. Right click on the desktop and choose Properties.
2. On the Theme tab, choose the Windows XP.
3. If this option is missing, you may choose Browse... to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Luna.theme
4. The Luna.theme is the theme of the Windows XP.
If Luna.theme is missing: Go to Start/Run/Msconfig/Expand Files: Luna.MS_ and Luna.TH_
Restore Luna Theme (Line 187)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Restore Themes Functionality (Line 187)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Windows/Buttons Greyed Out under Appearance and/or Windows XP Style Changes to Windows Classic or (Line 214) http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm.
Themes - Customize
WinCustomize - The Definitive Desktop Web Site (Daily Shots/Library)
Windows Customization 2002 More and more programs have become "Skinnable" in themselves and the latest version of Windows (Windows XP) allows users to choose between a "Classic" Windows look and a new "Windows XP" style of look. Microsoft introduced a new terminology to describe skins that are applied across the operating system - visual styles.
Windows XP: Adding more visual themes When Windows XP was released, users immediately could see that something was different. It came with an updated user interface that looked more polished. The new look came with a new term: A visual style. A visual style represents the customization of the main parts of the Windows graphical user interface (GUI). Windows XP came with 1 called "Windows XP style".
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'NoThemesTab' and edit the value according to the settings below.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
Value Name: NoThemesTab
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = default, 1 = enable restriction)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.
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