Most settings can be done easily within Windows. However, for some setting you need to dive into the registry or use one of the many registry utilities and some interesting registry tweaks which you can do yourself, using the registry editor.

NOTE: We must be careful editing the registry because worst case scenario will happen such as Windows won’t boot anymore. If you are not sure, leave things unchanged! My advise: create a system image before making major changes!

Windows XP Registry Hacks

Structure of Windows XP Registry:

When you will open the Windows XP Registry , you will see it’s divided into two panes. On the left side there are Five main
Keys as shown below. These can be expanded to several Sub-Keys, which further have many Sub-Keys.
+HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
+HKEY_CURRENT_USER
+HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
+HKEY_USERS
+HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
Before you try out the Tweaks, learn how to Backup and Restore Windows XP Registry.

Types of Registry Backups :
It is very important that before you do editing you make a backup of the current registry. If you ignore this warning, it might prove deadly for you.

Open your registry. Go to Start>Run , type regedit . When you invoke the Export function from File>Export, you are given a choice of different file types that can be saved :
Registration Files (*.reg)
Registry Hive Files (*.*)
Text Files (*.txt)
All Files

Each one of the different file types above plays an important role in how the data you export is saved. Choosing the wrong type can give you unexpected results. So let me explain you quickly these file types.

Registrations Files : The Registration Files option creates a .reg file. This is the most well known file format used for backing up the registry. The Registration File can be used in two ways. As a text file it can be read and edited using Notepad outside of Registry Editor. Once the changes have been made and saved, right clicking the file and using the [Merge] command adds the changed file back into the registry. If you make additions to the registry using regedit and then merge the previously saved Registration File, anything that you’ve added via regedit will not be removed, but changes you make to data using regedit that previously existed in the saved Registration File will be overwritten when it is merged

Registry Hive Files : Unlike the Registration Files option above, the Registry Hive Files option creates a binary image of the selected registry key. The image file is not editable via Notepad nor can you view its contents using a text editor. However, what the Registry Hive Files format does is create an image perfect view of the selected key and allow you to import it back into the registry to insure any problematic changes you made are eliminated.

Text Files : This option does just as the name suggests. It creates a text file containing the information in the selected key. It’s most useful purpose is creating a record or snapshot of a key at a particular point in time that you can refer back to if necessary. It cannot be merged back into the registry like a Registration File.

Out of the give above choices , the safest method of backing up registry is to use Registry Hive Files option. No matter what ever you do or goes wrong in editing, importing the image of the key will eliminate all changes.

Windows XP Registry Tips & Tricks

1. Customize Windows Media Player Title Bar
Change the title bar to read Windows Media Player provided by <your text>, so if I had entered text ?Abhishek Bhuyan? , it would read: Windows Media Player provided by Abhishek Bhuyan
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft
Create the Key [WindowsMediaPlayer]
Create String value named [TitleBar]
Data Type: REG_SZ // Value Name: TitleBar
Double click TitleBar and Enter the text to be displayed in the title bar.
Exit Registry / Reboot

2. Minimize Outlook 2002 to the System Tray

If you frequently access Outlook during the day it?s more convenient to have it minimized to the system tray rather than invoking it each time you need to send/receive e-mail. This tweak minimizes Outlook 2002 to the system tray:
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\O utlook\Preferences
Modify/Create Data Type DWORD named [MinToTray]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Disabled / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

3. Specify Default IE Download Directory
This tweak changes the default directory where downloads initiated in Internet Explorer are stored on the system.

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [Download Directory]
Value Data: [Enter Path to Directory to be Assigned as Defualt for Downloads]
Exit Registry / Reboot

4. Force Use of Classic Start Menu
This tweak loads the Classic Start Menu and makes it impossible to change back to the Windows XP version
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
Modify/Create the DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [NoSimpleStartMenu]
Value Data: [0 = Default / 1 = Force Classic Start Menu]
Exit Registry / Reboot

5. Hide/Show Internet Explorer Desktop Icon
By default, Windows XP does not show the Internet Explorer icon on the Windows desktop. Using the registry tweak below allows you to control whether or not the Internet Explorer icon is displayed.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [NoInternetIcon]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Disabled / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

6. Increase Menu Display Speed
When you click on the Start Menu there is some delay to display the contents , just for no reason. Effects are pretty though. The default speed can be adjusted with a quick registry entry.
The default value is 400. Set it to 0 and the delay is gone. If you are not able to adjust pick a number that suits your style and make the change.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Modify/Create String value of Data type REG_SZ Named [MenuShowDelay]
Value Data: [Default = 400 / Adjust to Preference]
Exit Registry / Reboot

7. Change the Location of Special Folders
This tweak allows changing the location of special folders on the system. Any of the folders listed in the registry key may be moved.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to : HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\UserShell Folders
Modify/Create String value of Data type REG_SZ Named [Various Folder Names]
Data Type: REG_SZ [String Value] // Value Name: Consult RegEdit for Folder Names
Value Data: [Move the folder to the new desired location using explorer, and then edit the matching folder in RegEdit to reflect the new folder location]
Exit Registry and Reboot

8. Faster Browsing in Windows Explorer on Network Computers
By default, a Windows XP machine connecting to a Windows 95/98/Me computer will search for scheduled tasks or enabled printers on the remote computer. Two sub-keys control this behavior. Deleting them will speed up browsing on the remote computer.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace

To Disable Scheduled Task Checking
Value Name: {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Delete the sub-key in the left pane of Registry Editor

To Disable Printer Checking
Value Name: {2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
Delete the sub-key in the left pane of Registry Editor

Exit Registry / Reboot

9. Add Administrator Account to Log In Screen
When Windows XP is first installed it requires you to enter at least one name of a user who will access the computer. Once you create this name the default Administrator account vanishes. To access it, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete twice at the Welcome screen to retrieve the standard Windows 2000 logon dialog. Log on as Administrator from this point. To log the Administrator off, click [Start] [Log Off] and [Log Off] when the [Log Off Windows] selection box appears. The Log On screen with the available users will be displayed.

To Make the Administrator Account Always Visible on the Login Screen use this Registry Tweak.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserLis t
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Administrator]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Disabled / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

10. Increase Internet Download Connections
Increase Simultaneous Internet Download Connections. Increases the number of allowed simultaneous connections to ten (10).
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Internet Settings
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server]
Setting for Value Data: [0000000a]
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [MaxConnectionsPerServer]
Setting for Value Data: [0000000a]
Exit Registry / Reboot

11. Connected Web Files and Folders
Connecting web files and folders allows a primary .htm or .html file to be moved in conjunction with files associated with the primary document. Once the primary document has been defined, create a sub-folder using the same name as the primary document but assign it a .files extension. Whenever the primary file is moved, the sub-folder will also move and remain as a sub-folder of the primary.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [NoFileFolderConnection]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Enabled (Default) / 1 = Disabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

12. Hide/Show My Documents Folder on Desktop
By default, Windows XP does not show the My Documents folder on the Windows desktop. Using the registry tweak below allows you to control whether or not My Documents is displayed.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\CLSID\{450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}\ShellFolder
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Attributes]
Setting for Value Data: [Default = 0xf0400174 / Hidden = 0xf0500174]
Exit Registry / Reboot

13. Create a Hidden User Account
This tweak allows an account that is normally displayed on the Welcome screen to be hidden from view. To log on using the account it’s necessary to use the Log On To Windows dialog box similar to the one in Windows 2000 i.e. press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu rrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Type Name of Account to be Hidden]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Account is Hidden / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot
While the account is hidden on the Welcome screen, note that the account profile will be visible in C:\Documents and Settings or wherever user profiles are stored as well as in Local Users and Groups.

14. Create Legal Notice Logon Dialog Box
In situations where you need users to read a legal notice before logging on, this tweak will create the caption for the notice.
Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [LegalNoticeCaption]
Value Data for LegalNoticeCaption: [Type the Caption for the Dialog Box]
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [LegalNoticeText]
Value Data for LegalNoticeText: [Type the Data for the Legal Notice]
Exit Registry / Reboot
15. Manage Internet Explorer Error Reporting
This tweak removes the IE Error Reporting tool from appearing with the option to send browser debugging reports to Microsoft.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Note:- Create both values listed below and set according to the bold type for the tweak to function properly.
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [IEWatsonEnabled]
Value Data: [0 - Disabled / 1 - Enabled]
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [IEWatsonDisabled]
Value Data: [0 - Disabled / 1 - Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

16. Customize Logon and Security Dialog Title
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [Welcome]
Value Data: [0 = Disabled / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

17. Customize Logon Box Message
This is the message displayed on the Classic Logon box, not the XP ?Welcome? logon screen
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [LogonPrompt]
Value Data: [Enter the text of the message]
Exit Registry / Reboot

18. Welcome Screen Logon Vs Classic Logon
This tweak specifies whether the Welcome screen or the Classic logon will be used to access Windows XP.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [LogonType]
Value Data: [0 - Classic Mode / 1 - Welcome Screen]
Exit Registry / Reboot

19. QoS (Quality Of Service) Bandwidth Reserve Setting
By default, Windows XP reserves 20% of the connection bandwidth for QoS traffic. This tweak allows the setting to be altered to a different percentage of connection bandwidth. If the system uses more than a single adapter for network connections, each adapter may be set individually by navigating to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\Psched\Parameters\Adapters\{Adpater-ID} rather than HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Win dows\Psched
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Win dows\Psched
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [NonBestEffortLimit]
Setting for Value Data: [Enter as a Percentage / Default Value = 20]
Exit Registry / Reboot

20. Enable/Disable Save Password in DUN
This tweak saves user passwords for Dial Up Networking so they do not have to be re-entered each session.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RasMan\Parameters
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [DisableSavePassword]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Disabled (Passwords Saved) / 1 = Enabled (Passwords Not Saved)]
Exit Registry / Reboot
21. Change the Registered Organization/Owner of Windows XP
This tweak allows modification of the registered owner and organization of the Windows XP software.
Note:- This tweak has nothing to do with Windows Product Activation (WPA) and will not allow you to register illegal XP software.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [RegisteredOrganization] or [RegisteredOwner]
Setting for Value Data: [Modify the Values to Reflect Current Information]
Exit Registry / Reboot

22. Remove Links Folder in Favorites
The Links folder is part of Favorites whether it’s being accessed through Internet Explorer or the Favorites menu in the Start Menu. This tweak will remove it from those locations.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar
Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [LinksFolderName]
Value Data: [Set the String Value to a blank string]
Open Internet Explorer and manually delete the Links folder from Favorites Menu.
The Links folder will not be recreated.
Exit Registry / Reboot

23. Enable/Disable Active Window Tracking to Mouse Movements
When the mouse is moved over an open window it automatically sets the focus to that particular window. It does not bring the window to the foreground of the open windows.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [ActiveWindowTracking]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = ActiveWindowTracking Disabled / 1 = ActiveWindowTracking Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

24. Auto Disconnect for Internet Explorer
Use this edit to automatically disconnect from Internet Explorer after a specified length of time has elapsed. Use this trick on anyone whom you don’t like using your computer with net J
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\LanmanServer\Parameters
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Autodisconnect]
Value Data: [Enter a new disconnect time. Use Hexadecimal if you are unfamiliar with Binary]
Exit Registry / Reboot

25. Auto Reboot on System Crash
By default, when the Windows XP operating system crashes an automatic reboot of the system occurs. While this behavior can be convenient, the downside is the error message accompanying the crash is not visible. Often times this information can be a great help in troubleshooting the source of the crash. This behavior can be modified in two ways; via the registry or using the System Properties property sheet.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\CrashControl
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [AutoReboot]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = AutoReboot Disabled / 1 = AutoReboot Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot
Open System Properties via Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System
[System Properties may also be opened using the WinKey+Pause key combination]
Select the Advanced tab and then click Settings in the Startup and Recovery section
In System Failure section, clear the checkbox next to Automatically Restart
Click OK and OK to exit

26. Modify Control Panel Categories
Even if you like the new style for Control Panel, you might at times wish you could shift some items around into a different category. It’s possible.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Control Panel\Extended Properties\{305CA226-D286-468e-B848-2B2E8E697B74} 2
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Choose one of the applets with .cpl extension]
Setting for Value Data: [Select the value from table below]
Other Control Panel Options 0
Appearance and Themes 1
Printers and Other Hardware 2
Network and Internet Connections 3
Sounds, Speed, and Audio Devices 4
Performance and Maintenance 5
Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options 6
Accessibility Options 7
Add or Remove Programs 8
User Accounts 9
Exit Registry / Reboot

To further customize the items that appear in the new Control Panel, do a search of your system for all files that end in .cpl extension. If they aren’t already listed, you can add them with a new DWORD value and then assign them to a category of your choosing.

27. Enable/Disable Run Commands Specific to the Registry
This tweak controls the use of the Run command on the local machine
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Explorer
Create a DWORD value of Data Type REG_DWORD for each Run function that will be disabled.
Modify/Create the Value Name [DisableLocalMachineRun]
Modify/Create the Value Name [DisableLocalMachineRunOnce]
Modify/Create the Value Name [DisableCurrentUserRun]
Modify/Create the Value Name [DisableCurrentUserRunOnce]
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Disabled / 1 = Enabled]
Exit Registry / Reboot

28. Enable/Disable System Properties Access from My Computer
This tweak removes access to System Properties via My Computer as well as via Control Panel.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [NoPropertiesMyComputer]
Value Data: [0 - Display Properties / 1 - Hide Properties]
Exit Registry / Reboot

29. Uninstall Programs Manually
Just because Windows XP has the Add/Remove Programs feature it doesn’t mean your application will appear in the list. Furthermore, even if it does appear, it’s no guarantee that the uninstall feature will work. When you run across one of these situations the items listed below will help in getting rid of the application. Be aware that these steps may not remove everything associated with the application and can impact other applications on the computer. Have a backup or restore point and use caution.
Find the directory for the application and delete all the files in the directory. Delete the directory.
Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
To remove the application entry from Add/Remove Programs (if present) open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and find the folder for the application. Delete the folder.
Some applications have Services attached to them. If this is the case, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services, locate and delete the service.
In Windows Explorer, navigate to the individual user settings and delete program references. Common places to check would be:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs and delete relevant entries.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and delete relevant entries.
C:\Documents and Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programs and delete relevant entries.
[Do this for each User ID listed]

C:\Documents and Settings\%YourUserID%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and delete relevant entries.
[Do this for each User ID listed]
If no entries were found in the previous step and the application launches automatically, navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
and delete the entry.

30. Create a right-click command prompt option
You can right-click a folder to get a list of actions you can apply to it. Hare’s a way to create an action on that right-click menu that opens a command prompt window with that folder as the current directory. In a text editor such as Notepad, type the following exactly:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\Cmd Here]
@=?Command &Prompt Here?
[HKEY_CLASSES-ROOT\Folder\shell\Cmd Here\command]
@=?cmd.exe /k pushd %L?
Save the file with any name you want, with a .reg extension. Then double-click the saved file and choose Yes to merge the file’s information into the Registry. You can delete the file. Right-click any folder and you’ll see the Command Prompt Here option.

31. Adjusting System Restore values
The new System Restore feature in Windows XP automatically backs up a snapshot of your system, including your Registry, every 24 hours. It also saves restore points for 90 days. Neither of these values is directly editable in the System Restore program, but you can change them in the Registry. Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu rrentVersion\SystemRestore
You’ll find an assortment of settings here. To change the interval between automatically created restore points, change the RPGlobalInterval setting. To change the number of days that a restore point is retained, change the RPLifeInterval setting.
System Restore time intervals are measured in seconds, not days, so you must convert the number of days you want into seconds. There are 86,400 seconds in a day, so multiply 86,400 by the number of days you want to determine the value. (There are 3,600 seconds in an hour, I hope you know)

32. Erase the swap file at shutdown
You might be concerned about someone browsing your users? swap files and gathering up little bits of their sensitive data. A remote possibility, to be sure, but it could happen. For that extra measure of security, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management
Set the ClearPageFileAtShutdown DWORD to 1. This will make shutdowns take longer, because it overwrites everything in the swap file with zeroes. Don’t turn this feature on unless you have a serious security threat.

33. Delete the Files Stored on This Computer category in the My Computer window
In Windows XP, the My Computer window’s listing is broken down by categories: Hard Disk Drives, Devices with Removable Storage, and so on. One of these categories is Files Stored on This Computer, which appears at the top of the My Computer window. If a user doesn’t need it, you can get rid of it. To do so, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\Delegate Folders
Delete the {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c55595fe6b30ee} sub key to remove the category.

34. Change the desktop cleanup frequency
Through Display Properties (Desktop tab, Customize Desktop button, General tab), you can turn on and off a feature that runs the Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days. You don?t have an option to set a different interval there, but you can change the interval in the Registry. To do so, go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\CleanupWiz
Change the Days Between Clean Up Value to some other number of days (in decimal format).

35. Sort menus alphabetically
When you install a new program for a user, it doesn?t find its place in the alphabetical Start menu hierarchy right away; it hangs out at the bottom for a little while. If your users employ the Classic Start menu, they can re-alphabetize it manually by right-clicking the taskbar and choosing Properties, clicking the Customize button next to the Classic Start Menu, and clicking the Sort button. With the Windows XP style of Start menu, however, you don?t have an equivalent button. To make Windows always alphabetize the list, remove the permissions from the Registry key that controls the sort order for the Start menu. To do so, go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder
Choose Edit | Permissions and click the Advanced button. Deselect the Inherit From Parent The Permission Entries That Apply To Child Objects check box and then click Copy when the Security dialog box pops up. Click OK and clear the Full Control entry for your account and all security groups you are a member of. Leave only Read permission.

The sure to way to make your laptop secure is to never use them, never bring them with you, never open them nor install software on your laptop. Just locked them down in a fireproof safe place and they will be protected and out of harm’s way forever. However, laptops were made for us to use, to help us more productive in our work and make our lives easy.

Keeping your laptop secure and protected is of course is still possible with some efforts on your part and with the use of existing security tools and software, learn and do good practices and most of the time using common sense.

From basics to the extreme, these are the tips and trick that will keep your laptop secure and safe.

Install Antivirus. Keep it up to date, regularly scan your computer and let it check your email. Without it, your laptop will surely get infected.

Install Anti-Spyware. Some Antivirus have bundled anti-spyware. Use them along with the antivirus and always get them updated. Regularly schedule scanning of laptop for spywares, Trojans, adware and other malwares to make them secure.

Keep Your System Updated. Let Windows constantly apply updates and patch security holes in your system. However, it is a good practice to always create a System Restore Point and backup your important files prior to applying updates on your system.  You can use them to undo changes if problems occur or in case of update failure.

Set a System Password. Most computers have a built in CMOS setup password in its BIOS. This require that a password by typed in before it will boot the Operating System. It will prohibit any access to the computer at all. This is definitely not a password that you want to forget!

Password Protect Your Windows User Account. Windows user accounts can be assigned a password. This means that for a user to log on using an account, she must know the password.

Use Strong Password.  A strong password mixes numbers, letters and specials characters.  There are also websites available online that you can use to generate strong password or an online password checker.

Keep Your Firewall Turned On. A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to steal information, crash your computer or use it to attack other computers.  Even if you know that your company is using corporate firewall to protect the computer inside their network, it is a good practice to always make sure that Windows firewall or third-party firewall is turned on specially when you are working on the road.

Beware of Pop-up Security Fakes. There will be occasions wherein while surfing or browsing some websites, you will be presented with a security warning that you computer could be infected with a virus or malware.  This fake security software will entice you to scan or disinfect your computer by offering you a handy product to do the job for you. Beware of this – it could be rouge security software.

Encrypt Sensitive Data. Consider data encryption if you have sensitive information on your computer. Encryption will protect your business secrets.

Back Up Important Data. You don’t have to back up everything on the laptop. Just copy the important files you will need to the server. This will ensure that you will have something to look for when your laptop gets stolen on your trip. You just need to download your important files from the server to get the information you need.

Kid’s Computing. If you let your children use your laptop occasionally, always make sure that you keep an eye on them. Even if you are extra careful when using your laptop, this could be put at risk by a simple click of your kids especially when you let them browse or surf the internet. You can use parental-control software to prevent internet or computer use during off hours. Vista user accounts have this feature built-in.

Consider Insuring Your Laptop. If you laptop is expensive, it’s worth considering getting your laptop insured. Look for insurance providers such as Safeware that offers this type of service

Physical Security

Don’t be too obvious that you have them. Some fashionable people carry their laptops in expensive cases and this spell trouble for them. Those cases are hot in the prying eyes of thieves. There are available backpacks that are not too obvious that you are carrying a laptop with you and they’re also slash-proof and shock-proof as well.

Bio-metrics. The future of passwords is in your bio-metrics. The most common nowadays is fingerprints, retinas and even the shape of your face.

Lock the Laptop. Most notebook computers have a Kensington Security Slot which is a hole for attaching a lock. That was made for the purpose of securing your laptop – use it.

Track Your Laptop Anywhere. If a PC or notebook is stolen, you can make use of this technology to track down your laptop. It’s not just for car; it’s also available for laptop. There are open source software that is available for free and also proprietary software to choose from.

As the name implies, virtual memory is non-physical memory.

Windows uses virtual memory when it doesn’t have enough “regular” physical memory to perform a task. When it does this, Windows uses your hard drive to store information that normally would be put into your Random Access Memory or RAM .

Virtual memory is simulated RAM. When you have used up all your physical memory, your computer will shift data to an empty space on the hard drive.  The computer swaps data to the hard drive and back to your RAM as needed.  If you don’t have a lot of hard drive space left and you’re experiencing lots of problems, lack of virtual memory may be why. When Windows runs out of memory (virtual and non-virtual), it just doesn’t run all that well.

Why bother to add extra RAM to your computer when you can use hard drive space instead? Main reason – RAM is much faster. Whenever you’re using a lot of virtual memory, you’re slowing your computer down. The best work around is to get more physical memory. Minimum requirement for a computer with Windows XP as its operating system is 512MB and 1GB at least for Vista. RAM price has gone down nowadays and having a 1GB or 2GB for your computer is not that expensive anymore.  The more physical memory the faster the processing of your computer will be and the more programs you can run simultaneously.

How to Increase Virtual Memory

If you find yourself running out of virtual memory, or keep getting messages telling you that you are, you might want to change from the default setting of “System managed size” or “No paging file” to a “Custom size” to increase your Virtual Memory to a more acceptable level using your computer’s control settings.

In Windows XP

1.Click on Start menu and right-click on My Computer and select Properties.

2.Select the Advanced Tab and select “Settings” under Performance option.

3.Under Performance options window, select the “Advanced” tab  and click on “Change” under Virtual memory section located near the bottom of the window.

4.Under Virtual Memory, select “Custom size” under Paging file size for selected drive to manually set your computer Virtual Memory.

5.Enter the amount of Virtual Memory that you need to set in “Initial size” and “Maximum size”. You should choose the same amount for the initial size and maximum size. This will stop your CPU from constantly changing the paging file.

Tip: To stop your CPU from constantly changing the paging file, set the initial and maximum size to the same value.  That is, 768MB for initial size and 768MB also for the maximum size. The value should be at least 1.5 times more than your physical RAM. For example, if you computer has 512MB of RAM, increase the virtual memory paging file to 1.5 * 512 = 768.

6.Click on Set.

When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

In Windows Vista

1.Click on Start menu and right-click on My Computer and select Properties  and then click on the Advanced system settings.

2.Under System properties, select the “Advanced” tab  and click on “Settings” under Performance section.

3.Under Performance options window, select the “Advanced” tab  and click on “Change” under Virtual memory section located near the bottom of the window.

Note: By default, Vista is set to “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”. Uncheck this option and select Custom size to manually set the Virtual Memory for drive C.

4.Under Virtual Memory, select “Custom size” under Paging file size for selected drive to manually set your computer Virtual Memory.

5.Enter the amount of Virtual Memory that you need to set in “Initial size” and “Maximum size”. You should choose the same amount for the initial size and maximum size. This will stop your CPU from constantly changing the paging file.

Tip: To stop your CPU from constantly changing the paging file, set the initial and maximum size to the same value.  That is, 1500MB for initial size and 1500MB also for the maximum size. The value should be at least 1.5 times more than your physical RAM. For example, if you computer has 1GB of RAM, increase the virtual memory paging file to 1.5 * 1000 = 1500.

6.Click on Set.

When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

Tips and Warning

Play around with gradual increases until you are satisfied with your system performance.

Do no lower your Virtual Memory settings below the minimum allowed.  This might cause system crashes and slowdowns.

Check on “Recommended” Virtual Memory settings under “Total paging file size for all drives” at the bottom of the window.

Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) is light years ahead of its predecessors, but by no means does that proclamation mean that the browser is perfect. You are still going to encounter issues with IE from time to time.

Here are some of the concise guides that deliver some troubleshooting steps that will clear up the majority of issues we encountered with IE7.

Issues with Internet Explorer 7.0 with solutions

Problem: Crashes or hangs

If IE crashes, the most likely problem is that there’s a buggy add-on (Toolbar or Browser Helper Object). In order to verify and isolate the buggy add-on, follow these steps:

1. Start IE in No Add-ons mode, either by right-clicking the Desktop icon, or clicking START | RUN and typing: iexplore.exe -extoff
2. Determine if IE fails.
3. If not, use Tools | Manage Add-ons to disable all browser extensions and toolbars.
4. Restart IE and re-enable browser extensions one-by-one.
5. Once you’ve found a broken extension, contact the manufacturer and ask for an update.

(Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=928426)

If IE still crashes often, even when browser add-ons are disabled:

• Please ensure that you are running the very latest version of your anti-virus, anti-malware, and/or firewall programs.
• Please ensure that the drivers for your graphics card are up to date.
• If you have Google Desktop installed, please ensure that you update to the latest version of Google Desktop.
• If you have 7-Zip or other Windows Explorer extensions installed, please ensure that you update to the latest.

Problem: Cannot connect to Internet using IE after updates installed

If you see the “Page Cannot be Displayed” error after installing Internet Explorer updates from Windows Updates, it’s possible that you have a 3rd party firewall installed that is blocking
access because the IE files have been updated. Please see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942818/en-us for more information.

Problem: IE always starts in “No Add-ons” mode

The problem is that you’re launching Internet Explorer using a shortcut icon that has the “-extoff”
command line parameter. That parameter causes IE to start without add-ons. Thus, every time you use that shortcut icon, IE will start in No Add-ons Mode.

1. How do you normally start Internet Explorer? Right-click whatever icon you’re using to start IE, choose “Properties” and remove the -extoff part of the shortcut.
2. If you click the green START button, click Run, type iexplore.exe in the RUN box, then hit the ENTER key, IE will start with Addons enabled.

Problem: IE opens small windows

IE opens new windows at the size of the last closed window. If you find that IE is opening small windows, do this:

• Close all IE windows.
• Open one new IE window.
• Adjust that window to the size you prefer. Do this by dragging the window borders. Do not use the maximize button:
• Close the IE window.

New IE windows will open at the size you chose.

Problem: ClearType Text appears fuzzy

IE7 turns on a text-smoothing technology called “ClearType” by default. ClearType is scientifically proven to make text easier to read, particularly on LCD flat panel monitors.

If ClearType looks fuzzy on your monitor, you might want to try the ClearType
tuning wizard, which can help you adjust the display of ClearType.

If you still don’t like the appearance of ClearType, you can turn it off by unchecking the checkbox: Tools | Internet Options | Advanced | Multimedia | Always use ClearType for HTML.

Problem: IE Startup takes a long time (>3 seconds)

1. IE may start very slowly if you have a huge number of sites listed in your Restricted or Trusted sites zone. Some tools, like “SpyBot Search & Destroy” will place thousands of sites in these zones if you use their “immunize” feature.

2. Follow the “Crashing on startup” steps above to see if starting in No Add-ons mode starts much faster3. If you’re not using a proxy, uncheck IE’s “Automatically detect settings” option on the Tools |
Internet Options | Connections | LAN Settings dialog.

Problem: Slow Page rendering

1. Increase the connection limit. This tweak allows IE to make up to 16 connections per server.

2. Ensure that both “HTTP1.1″ checkboxes in Tools | Internet Options | Advanced are checked.

Problem: IE7 Setup fails to install Internet Explorer

See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917925

Problem: My address bar won’t turn green?

IE7 includes a cool new feature that turns the address bar green when a secure site presents an Extended Validation certificate:

• 

If you’re having trouble with this feature, on a site you know has an EV certificate:

1. Ensure that you either have the Phishing Filter set to “Automatic” mode or Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Security > Check for Server Certificate revocation checked.
2. If that doesn’t work, install this: Windows Root Certificate Update and restart.

Problem: After installing, IE7 starts then vanishes

It’s possible that one of IE’s DLLs isn’t installed correctly

1. Click START | RUN and type cmd
2. In the command prompt, type cd\
3. In the command prompt, type cd Program Files
4. In the command prompt, type cd Internet Explorer
5. In the command prompt, type regsvr32 IEPROXY.DLL

(Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=928427)

Problem: Error message about PSAPI.DLL

If you install IE7 and the following error message begins to show:

The procedure entry point GetProcessImageFileNameW could not be located in the dynamic link library PSAPI.DLL

1. Search your hard disk for PSAPI.dll.
2. Any copies of this DLL that are found outside of the Windows or Windows\System32 folder should be renamed to PSAPI.bak.

Problem: IE always goes to http://runonce.msn.com/runonce2.aspx instead of my homepage

If IE7 always goes to the RunOnce page on startup, even after you’ve tried to save the first run settings, it’s possible that the mechanism that IE is using to save the settings
does not work for some reason.

You can prevent IE from going to the RunOnce page and cause it to go directly to your homepage by running this script.

For more info, check out this Knowledge Base article.]

Problem: IE always goes to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx instead of my homepage

If Internet Explorer always goes to this page on startup, it’s likely that you have an anti-spyware package (like “SpyBot”) that prevented IE from correctly modifying your
registry.

Try running this script. Note: you may need to disable your anti-spyware tool temporarily for the script
to work.

Problem: On startup, IE always shows an error message about the AOL toolbar

If you see the following error message every time IE starts:

“Cannot find ‘file:///C:/Program%20Files/AOL%20Toolbar/welcome.html’.
Make sure the path or Internet address is correct.”

…then you’ve hit a bug in the AOL Toolbar.

Try running this script. Note: you may need to disable your anti-spyware tool temporarily for the script
to work.

Problem: I installed a “branded” version of IE7, but I’d prefer a “plain” copy without toolbars and customizations.

An article on this topic can be found here: How to remove branding in Internet Explorer 7.

Problem: Malware / Adware

If Internet Explorer is behaving strangely (crashing, visiting unwanted sites, etc), it’s possible that there is malicious software installed on your computer.

As a first step, you should allow your antivirus software to scan and attempt to repair your computer. Additionally, you may want to try the following Microsoft tools:

• Windows
• Defender
• Windows
• Live OneCare
• Windows
• Live Safety Center
• Malicious
• Software Removal Tool

You should also ensure your computer has all the security updates available at Microsoft Update.

Problem: My searches are redirected to unrelated sites and I cannot connect to WindowsUpdate or antivirus websites

If Internet Explorer searches are redirected to unrelated sites or search engines, it’s possible that your computer was infected with malware (see the previous tip). However, if your computer is not currently infected with malware, it’s possible that at some time in the past, malicious software altered your computer’s DNS settings.
DNS works like an “internet phonebook” that maps URLs (like “windowsupdate.microsoft.com“) to internet protocol addresses (like “207.46.225.221″).

To determine if a malicious DNS server is configured:

• - Go to Start -> Control Panel ->Network Connections.
• - Right click your default connection, usually Local Area Connection
  or Dial-up Connection, if you are using Dial-up, and left click on Properties.
• - Double-click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item

Check to see if you’re set to something other than “Obtain DNS servers automatically“. If so, contact your ISP to ensure that the address specified is correct, or set the “Obtain DNS servers automatically” checkbox. Then restart your computer.

Problem: After opening many tabs, Windows and IE paint abnormally.

See http://blogs.msdn.com/tonyschr/archive/2005/05/25/desktop-heap-limitations.aspx

Problem: A remote user is having networking

problems with Internet Explorer. How can I collect information about his system to help me to troubleshoot?

Have the user run Netcheck and send you the log file.

Problem: Overlong headers result in HTTP/4xx or HTTP/5xx errors, particularly on devices like routers or webcams

Problems of this nature are usually caused by one of the two request headers in yellow being longer than the device expects.

GET / HTTP/1.1

Accept: image/gif, image/jpeg, image/pjpeg, application/x-ms-application,
application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument, application/xaml+xml, application/x-ms-xbap,application/vnd.ms-excel, application/vnd.ms-powerpoint, application/msword,application/x-shockwave-flash, application/x-silverlight, application/x-silverlight-2-b2,*/*

Accept-Language: en-us

User-Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.0; WOW64;
Trident/4.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; InfoPath.2;

.NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30618; OfficeLiveConnector.1.3; OfficeLivePatch.1.3;MS-RTC LM 8 )

Accept-Encoding: gzip, deflate

Connection: Keep-Alive

Host: 192.168.10.1

These headers are dynamically generated out of registry keys. They can usually be trimmed by editing the registry without any important side-effects.

To trim the list in the Accept header,
click START > RUN > REGEDIT.EXE. Using RegEdit, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet
Settings\Accepted Documents

…and remove elements from the “Name/Type/Value” list
to remove values that aren’t strictly required. Elements in red are

of lower importance than those in black:

image/gif, image/jpeg, image/pjpeg, application/x-ms-application, application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument,application/xaml+xml, application/x-ms-xbap, application/vnd.ms-excel,
application/vnd.ms-powerpoint, application/msword, application/x-shockwave-flash,
application/x-silverlight, application/x-silverlight-2-b2,*/*

A similar problem can occur with the User-Agent header.

To trim the list in the User-Agent header,

click START > RUN > REGEDIT.EXE. Using RegEdit, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent\Post Platform

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\User Agent\Post Platform

…and remove elements from the “Name/Type/Value” list to remove values that aren’t strictly required. Elements in red are of lower importance than those in black:

User-Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.0; WOW64;
Trident/4.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; InfoPath.2; .NET CLR 3.0.30618; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; OfficeLiveConnector.1.3;
OfficeLivePatch.1.3; MS-RTC LM 8)

There will come a time in our life, whether in work or at home that you will be oblige, by choice or because your jobs necessitate it, to move your files and settings from your old computer to a new one. To the expert, this could be a walk in the park but for most of us who are not that information technology savvy, it’s a major undertaking.

Most people spent a lot of time tweaking their system to suit their own need and preference and it is easier said than done to transfer all those colors, fonts, wallpaper and other settings unto the new PC. Finding manually all the data and files you need from your old computer and put them in their proper location in the new PC will be require patience and time.

Microsoft however, has an invaluable tool called the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard which will help you accomplish this task. The wizard just needs to run once on your old computer to collect and backup all your files and personal settings. After the data collection, run the wizard on the new computer and then restore all the information into the new system.

Step-by-step Procedure on How to Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Note: Before you continue, close any other programs that are currently running on your computer to avoid any problem or error while performing the task.

On the old PC:

1.Insert the Windows XP CD installer on your old PC cd-rom drive. Select Perform additional tasks.


2.Select Transfer files and settings.


3. Select the option Old computer when ask which computer is this?


4.Select a drive or folder where to save your backup. Make sure that you have enough free disk space on the drive where you will save your backup data.


5.Select the option that you prefer. You can choose to backup Settings only, Files only or Both files and settings. Most people will simply select the option Both files and settings and let the wizard do the rest.


6.Files and settings data collection. The wizard will then search the drive and collects your files and settings. This would take some time to complete, depending on the size of your data. Click on Finish to exit, once the wizard completed the files and settings collection from your old computer. Check the file size of the backup for you to have an idea how big it is.


7. Share the folder where you save the files and settings backup for later use. You will point to this shared folder from the new PC to read and restore your files and settings.

On the new PC:

After a successful backup, it is time now to transfer the files and settings from your old PC to the new one. Before running the File and Transfer Wizard on the new PC, make sure that you already installed in your new PC, the same application that is installed and running in your old PC to ensure a successful files and settings transfer.

1.Insert the Windows XP CD install on the new computer with fresh installed Windows XP. Select Perform Additional Task and then click on Transfer files and settings.


2.Choose New computer when ask if this is the new computer or your old one?


3. Do you have a Windows XP CD? Just select I don’t need the Wizard Disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer and click Next.


4.When ask Where are the files and settings? Select Other (for example, a removable drive or network drive). Type the network location of the files and settings backup (or click on Browse to locate it) and then click on Next.


5. Files and settings transfers. After the wizard has been pointed on the location of the files and settings backup, it will then begin to transfer and apply the settings from the old PC unto the new system. This transfer process could take some time to complete depending on the size of the files. Patiently wait for the wizard to complete the task.


6.Complete the Files and Settings Transfer. Click on Finish after successfully transferring your files and settings from your old computer to the new one. It is best practice to log off from the computer and restart your new PC for the changes to take effect. After restarting, check and ensure that all of your files and settings is correct and the same as on the old PC.

A communications endpoint is a user instrument, either a desk phone or a software phone application that runs on a PC. In the IP environment, each phone has an Ethernet connection. IP phones have all of the functions that a telephone provides. They can also have additional features such as the ability to access Websites or to run productivity-enhancing applications.

In a Cisco IP Telephony network, you also have the option of choosing the Cisco IP Communicator, a PC-based phone. When using the Cisco IP Communicator remotely, you take your office extensions with you and also have access to the same familiar phone services and features you have in the office. System administrators can provision Cisco IP Communicator as they would any other Cisco IP Phone, greatly simplifying IP phone management.

Unlike traditional PBX systems, in a Cisco IP Telephony network you can perform virtually instantaneous moves, adds and changes. You simply take the IP phone to your new location, plug it into the Ethernet jack, and the phone registers itself with Cisco CallManager. All user privileges and settings are automatically re-established, eliminating the cost and delay of sending technicians to wiring closets. Another helpful feature is extension mobility, which allows you to log into any Cisco IP phones and receive your own phone number and privilege.