Mr Michele De Nardo
EMAIL: techfiles@yahoo.co.uk
THE TECH FILES
Last updated: 22 August 2011
INDEX:
SUBJECT: remove 100 MB
System Reserved Partition When Installing Windows 7.
SOLUTION: See: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/20/hack-to-remove-100-mb-system-reserved-partition-when-installing-windows-7/
SUBJECT: ScanDisk (Scandskw.exe) or Disk
Defragmenter (Defrag.exe) cannot run because there is not enough memory.
CAUSE: you are using a not-default
cluster size in Hard Disks bigger than 8 GB. This applies to Win 98 SE, Win 98
or Win 95.
SOLUTION: you can use a third party disk tool to
resolve this issue. (See also Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q229154)
SUBJECT: incorrect
cluster size. The standard cluster sizes are listed in the following table:
Hard disk size Cluster
size FAT 32 Cluster size
FAT 16
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
511 MB 8 KB
512 MB
4 KB
16 KB
up to 1 GB 4 KB
16 KB
up to 2 GB 4 KB
32 KB (MS DOS limit)
up to 4 GB 4 KB
64 KB (NT only)
4 to 8 GB 4 KB
8 to 16 GB 8 KB
16 GB and larger 16 KB
CAUSE: if you disk duplicate an Hard Disk using programs like Ghost or Partition Magic,
you also duplicate the original cluster size. As a result, you may end having
hard disks bigger than 8 GB with incorrect cluster size (for example, 4 KB
instead than 8KB). Because of this, scandisk and defrag do not work.
SOLUTION disk duplicate
hard disks bigger than 8 GB from hard disks bigger than 8 GB, and hard disks
bigger than 16 GB from hard disks bigger than 16 GB. (See
also Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q229154 and Q140365)
SUBJECT: incorrect
booting after having duplicated a partition (various OS).
CAUSE: if you duplicate a C partition
using programs like Ghost or Partition Magic, you also duplicate the boot
sector. This means to duplicate the same booting options of the source C
partition. If the destination HD had originally a different booting sequence,
now this may be lost or incorrect.
SOLUTION the change in the booting option is
due to the change in the boot sector (and in other system files). To avoid
this, you can back up the original boot sector, using for example the Norton
Utilities. Alternatively, you can easily repair a NT partition. (See also
Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q140418)
SUBJECT: how to backup and restore emails and contacts in Outlook Express.
EXPLANATION: from Outlook Express, select -> Tools -> Options
-> Maintenance -> Store Folder. You see a dialog with the name of the
directory that has your mail files. In that directory you find files named
after your mail folders and news groups. They all have a .DBX suffix. Outlook
Express keeps all messages in these database files. If you make copies of these
files regularly, you'll have a safe backup of your Outlook Express emails.
RESTORE: just copy the files back to
the directory described above. You can selectively restore folders by just
copying specific files back. Alternatively, from Outlook Express, go to ->
File -> Import -> Messages to import one or more of the backup folders.
CONTACTS: The contacts are stored by default under C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application
Data\Microsoft\Address Book\username.wab.
You can import them from Outlook Express -> File -> Import -> Address
Book.
SUBJECT: how to add or change the Address Book in Outlook 2003.
1) To view or change Outlook 2003 Address Book: from Outlook 2003 select -> Tools -> E-mail Acoounts…
-> View or change existing
directories or address books -> Next
-> Change… -> (perform your
action) -> Close -> Finish. Then exit from Outlook and
re-open it again.
2) To designate a Contacts folder as an Outlook
Address Book: from Outlook 2003 select -> Go
-> Contacts -> on the left
pane select Contacts -> Properties -> on the Outlook Address Book tab select the Show this folder as an e-mail Address Book
check box -> OK.
SUBJECT: information in Contacts does not appear in Outlook Address Book.
EXPLANATION: when you use your Address Book to select recipients
for an e-mail message or a fax message in Microsoft Outlook, information from
your Contacts folder does not appear in the list. So the Contacts has MORE entries than the Address Book.
SOLUTION: Outlook
requires that you complete the following steps before your contact information
is available for you to address messages by using your Address Book:
* Install
the Outlook Address Book service.
* Mark
your contact folder for use with your address book.
* Specify
either an e-mail address or a fax number for each item that you want to appear
when you address messages.
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/287563
ADDITIONAL
NOTE: if you delete a contact from
the Contacts, you do not delete
it from the Outlook Address Book,
but if you delete it from Outlook
Address Book, you delete it from the Contacts.
SUBJECT: how to add a user to your user profile in Outlook 2002-3.
SOLUTION: 1) Start Outlook.
2) On the Tools
menu, click E-mail Accounts.
3) Select View
or change existing e-mail accounts, and then click Next.
4) Click Microsoft
Exchange Server, and then click Change.
5) Click More
Settings.
6) Click Advanced,
Add and then type the name of the
user you want to add.
SUBJECT: how to add a user to your user profile in Outlook 2000.
SOLUTION: 1) Start Outlook.
2) On the Tools menu, click Services.
3) In the box labelled “The following
information services are set up in this profile”, click Microsoft Exchange
Server.
4) Click Proprieties, and then click the Advanced tab.
5) Click Add, and then type the name of the
user you want to add.
6) Click OK until you are back to Outlook.
SUBJECT: how to add/see another user to your
main Outlook Calendar.
TO ADD: select Calendar -> Properties
-> Permissions -> Add (user name).
TO SEE: Files -> Open -> Other User’ s Folder -> Name (user name).
SUBJECT: how
to make a copy of Outlook Calendar
and let other people to use it.
1) The person that is sharing the Calendar has to make
a copy of the Calendar, go to the new Calendar Properties and -> set the
Permissions adding the other user.
2) THE OTHER USER has to open Outlook -> Tolos
-> Services -> Microsof Exchange Server
-> Proprieties -> Advanced -> Add, and add the Mailbox of the
user he want to give permission to see the Calendar. Then close and open
Outlook.
SUBJECT: how to edit the Outlook Signature.
SOLUTION: go to:
Tools -> Options -> Mail Format -> Signature.
It is normally
situated in: C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application
Data\Microsoft\Signatures.
SUBJECT: how to export a
folder from Microsoft Outlook 2003.
SOLUTION: File -> Import and
Export… -> Export to a file
-> Next -> select the file
type for the export, for example: Personal
Folder Files (.pst) -> Next
-> select the folder to export from and thick Include subfolders -> Next
-> browse to the location of your choice, type a name -> OK -> Finish -> OK.
SUBJECT: how to import a
folder in Microsoft Outlook 2003.
SOLUTION: File
-> Import and Export… -> Import from another program or file
-> Next -> select the file
type to import from -> Next ->
browse to the location where the file is located and select the file -> Open -> thick Replace duplicates with items imported -> Next -> select the folder to import from, and thick Include
subfolders -> Finish.
SUBJECT: how to receive notifications of sent messages in Outlook.
SOLUTION: go to:
Tools -> Options -> E-mail Options -> Tracking Options.
SUBJECT: how to modify in Outlook the font color and size on replies and forwards.
SOLUTION: in
Outlook, go to Tools -> Options… -> Mail Format -> from there examine
all the options (such as Use Microsoft Office Word). If you click on the Fonts…
button (under Stationery and Fonts), you can change the font type and size.
SUBJECT: how to avoid that Outlook indent messages on replies and forwards.
SOLUTION: in Outlook, go to Tools -> Options…
-> Preferences -> E-MAIL OPTIONS… and then
modify the section “On
replies and forwards”.
SUBJECT: in Outlook, Out of Office Assistant is Missing from Tools Menu (Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q238280).
SOLUTION: see Microsoft at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-GB;q238280
SUBJECT: how
to repair a *.PST and *.OST in Outlook.
SOLUTION: run
SCANPST.EXE; in Windows 2000, under C:\program Files\Common
Files\System\Mapi1\1033\NT\SCANPST.EXE.
SUBJECT: “Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe
attachments...”
NOTE: Outlook
2003, Outlook 2002 and Outlook 200 SP3 (but not earlier versions) block
the access to a list of potentially unsafe attachments.
SOLUTION: 1) run Regedit,
and go to this key:
2)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Outlook\Security (change 10.0
to 9.0 for Outlook 2000 SP3 or to 11.0 for Outlook 2003).
3) under
that key, add a new string value, named Level1Remove.
4) in
Level1Remove, enter a semicolon-delimited list of file extensions. For example,
entering: mdb;url would unblock Microsoft Access files
and Internet shortcuts.
SUBJECT: during the installation of Office, automatically install the product code.
SOLUTION: 1) if you install form the *.exe file, such as setup.exe, you must
edit the related *.ini file, such as setup.ini.
The *.ini files are typically located in
D:\FILES\SETUP directory, where D:\ is the CD-ROM with Office.
In the *.ini file, under [Options], type
PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.
2) If you install form the *.msi file, such as setup.msi, type msiexec/i *.msi PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.
For example: D:\std11.msi PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.
SUBJECT: use the Spelling in PowerPoint.
SOLUTION: select all the text on each page and
from Tools -> Language, ensure that the correct language is selected.
SUBJECT: change the index in Winword 2007.
SOLUTION: select -> References -> Table of
Contents -> Insert Table of Contents... -> Modify -> select for
example “TOC 1” to change “Heading 1” -> Modify... -> Format -> change
the Font, Paragraph, Tabs, etc.
SUBJECT: change the spacing between lines inside a cell in Winword 2003.
SOLUTION: select the text -> Format ->
Paragraph… -> Spacing
SUBJECT: change the AutoCorrect Options in Winword
(for example, i becomes I).
SOLUTION: go to Tools -> AutoCorrect Options
-> Replace.
SUBJECT: choose a colour for the Header in
a Word document.
SOLUTION: select the Header, then: File ->
Page Setup… -> Layout (tab) -> Borders… -> Shading
(tab).
SUBJECT: separate the Header fom the body of the page in a Word document.
SOLUTION: first
check the
Header settings: go to: File -> Page Setup… -> Layout (tab).
Then check the body settings: File -> Page
Setup… -> Margins (tab) and correct the values for -> Top.
SUBJECT: put different Headers on different pages in Word 2007.
SOLUTION: wherever
in the document you need a new Header or a new Footer insert a section break.
In Word 2007, inserting a section break is located in the Page Layout tab (it is not in the Insert tab!). So:
1) Left-click on Page Layout.
2) Left-click on Breaks in the group Page Setup
and select "Section Break...Next Page"
3) In the new section, double left-click in the
header to edit it. NOTICE that the Ribbon has automatically switched to Design.
4) In the group labeled "Navigation"
left-click on "Link to Previous" to undo the link.
5) Edit the section header to your liking.
SUBJECT: remove annoying horizontal lines (border) automatically created in Winword.
CAUSE: in Tools -> AutoCorrect Options ->
AutoFormat As You Type -> un-check Border lines -> OK.
SOLUTION: to delete already created lines
(borders), on the Format menu, click Borders and Shading…, and
then click the Page Border tab. Under Setting,
select None. If in doubt, from the Format
menu, you can also click Reveal Formatting…
SUBJECT: change the indent in Winword 2003.
SOLUTION: -> Format -> Paragraph… ->
Indents and Spacing.
SUBJECT: Winword caused an invalid page fault in module MSACM32.DLL.
This error may be caused during the Spelling
Check in Word 97 under Windows 98 SE.
CAUSE: your Word document is divided in two sections
having different page settings.
SOLUTION: use the same page settings for the
whole document. You can also copy the whole document, make a new document and
paste the text there.
SUBJECT: Winword 2003 (but also 2007) is not
able to open old versions of Word
documents.
Error message in Word 2003: “You are
attempting to open a file that was created in an earlier version of Microsoft
Office. This file type is blocked from opening in this version by your registry
policy settings.”
SOLUTION: In Word 2003, there are no
trusted locations. You can create an exempt location to override the registry
policy settings. To create an exempt location, follow these steps:
1.
Exit Word 2003.
- Click Start,
click Run, type regedit -> OK.
- Locate and then click one of the following
registry subkeys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Common
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Common
- Point to New on the Edit
menu, and then click Key.
- Type OICEExemptions for the name of the
key.
- Point to New on the Edit
menu, and then click String Value.
- Type a string name, and then press ENTER. For
example, type ExemptDirectory.
- Right-click the string name that you typed in
step 7, and then click Modify.
- In the Value data box, type the
path of the directory that contains the files to open, and then click OK.
For example, if your document is in the C:\My Documents folder, type C:\My
Documents in the Value data box.
Note You must create the folder. Any subfolders are not automatically exempted. For any additional folders that you would like to make exempt, repeat steps 6 to 9 by creating string values such as "ExemptDirectory1," and "ExemptDirectory2." - On the File menu, click Exit
to exit Registry Editor.
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922849
SUBJECT: insert/change the page nmber in a Word document.
SOLUTION: go to View -> Header and Footer
-> select Format Page Number (pay attention to the various options).
SUBJECT: how copy and paste options works in Microsoft Word
2002 and 2003.
SOLUTION: in all
versions of Microsoft Word, you can paste copied text using ctrl-v or Edit -> Paste. You
get more control if you choose Edit
-> Paste Special. In Word 2002
and 2003, you get yet another option: in Tools
-> Options -> Edit you can tick Show Paste Options buttons to get more control. If you tick that
option, when you paste (using ctrl-v or Edit > Paste), you see a little
clipboard thingy, which contains a drop down menu. Word interprets the various
options in this clipboard in different ways depending on the circumstances.
For more details, see: http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/styles/HowPasteOptionsWorks.html
SUBJECT: open
a PDF document at a given page.
SOLUTION: use the following commandline: AcroRd32
/a page=number filename.pdf
The following command
will open the PDF document filename.pdf
at page 5.
"C:\Program
Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe" /a page=5 filename.pdf
* KEY
COMBINATIONS:
Alt + Ctrl if you end up in a
situation where you can' t type anything into a window
for no apparent reason, try pressing & releasing Alt and Ctrl and then
typing again. This should re-set the modifier key-state correctly.
Alt-Gr +
Ctrl + Alt + Ins send
a Ctrl + Alt + Canc to a VmWare
machine (virtual machine).
Ctrl + A select
all.
Ctrl + C copy.
Alt+ Stamp copy the current
window.
Ctr+ Stamp copy the current page.
Ctrl + X cut.
Ctrl + V paste.
Ctrl + Z undo last action.
> send the output to (for example) a
file.
>> add the output to (for example) a file.
Windows logo key+D to minimize or to restore all open programs and to view the
Windows desktop. This function is the same of the Show Desktop icon on the Windows Quick Launch toolbar.
Windows logo key+E to open My Computer. This function is
the same of the My Computer icon on
the Windows Desktop.
* SOME
COMMANDS FROM DOS PROMPT:
AUTOCHK.EXE this is a version of chkdsk.exe that runs only before Windows XP starts. Autochk.exe runs in the following
situations: if you try to run chkdsk on the boot volume; if chkdsk cannot gain
exclusive use of the volume; if the volume is flagged as dirty. When a drive's
dirty bit is set, autochk automatically checks the volume for errors the next
time the computer is restarted. Cfr. -> chkdsk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.
CHCPCOM displays or sets the active
code page number. External command used from MS-DOS to Windows XP to supplement
the international keyboard and character set, allowing the OS to be used in
different countries and languages.
CHKDSK.EXE cfr. ->
autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.
CHKNTFS.EXE displays
or modifies the checking of disk at boot time. If no switches are specified, chkntfs.exe will display if the
specified drive is
dirty or scheduled to be
checked on next reboot. Cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkdsk.exe
-> fsutil.exe.
LABEL label a volume. Cfr. -> vol.exe.
See: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/label.mspx?mfr=true
PATH: the path to a file is
basically its address on the computer. It tells programs how to find a file. It
is the drive plus any directories and sub-directories where the file is
located. The %PATH% environment variable specifies the command search path.
Typically, this is a group of directories where executable files that are
repeatedly used are to be found. It is essential to remember that any
changes that are made in a command window only endure until the window is
closed. For permanent changes, use the method discussed in another
section. It is also possible to use the command-line executable setx.exe
that is contained in the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Tools.
Examples:
Path display system
path.
Echo
%PATH% to see on a computer what is in
the PATH variable.
Path = dir1;dir2;dir3 this command will create a PATH
environment variable consisting of the three directories dir1, dir2,
and dir3. Note that the directory names are separated by a
semicolon in the command statement. (An alternate form omits the
"equals" sign.) This command will replace any previous
directories that were in the PATH variable.
Path = %PATH%;newdir to add a directory
"newdir" to the current path..
SCANDISK
VER display the OS version. Cfr. -> winver.exe.
VOL displays
the disk volume label and serial number, if they exist. A serial number is
displayed for a disk formatted with MS-DOS version 4.0 or later. Cfr. -> label.exe.
See: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/vol.mspx?mfr=true
* SOME
NETWORK COMMANDS:
ARP.EXE:
(Address Resolution Protocol) external Network command used to display and
modify the IP address on a network card.
CACLS.EXE:
to display or modify Access Control Lists (ACLs) of files. Used
to set permission for users.
FINGER:
displays information about a user on a specified system.
DHCPLOC.EXE:
Support Tools executed from a cmd in
XP.
HOSTNAME.EXE
(UNIX & WINDOWS 2000/XP cmd):
shows the computer name.
IPCONFIG.EXE (IFCONFIG): utility that can
monitor and control TCP/IP settings for the local PC.
Examples: ipconfig /displaydns display the contents of the DNS
Resolver Cache.
ipconfig /flushdns purges the DNS Resolver cache.
ipconfig /registerdns refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names.
IPXROUTE.EXE
LOOPBACK
ADDRESS: 127.0.0.1.
NBTSTAT.EXE:
displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT (NetBios
over TCP/IP).
NET.EXE:
net logon username
+ password /domain:domainname to login into a domain.
net print \\computer\printer to
display information about print queues and to control print jobs.
net share to
view the shares.
net send to
send messages.
net start to
start a service.
See: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/net_start.mspx
net use “drive”: \\computer\directory
/delete to
MAP a drive.
net user username
/domain show
username settings
net view lists
shared resources on a domain. Used with no parameters lists
all machine accounts in a domain.
NETCAP.EXE:
Support Tool executed from a cmd in
XP.
NETDIAG.EXE:
Support Tool executed from a cmd in
XP.
NETDOM.EXE:
Support Tool executed from a cmd in
XP. Used to rename a computer member of Windows 2000 domain.
(Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – Q298593).
NETSH.EXE: cmd
from Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 used to configure and
monitor computers. Netsh consists of a command line calling selected .DLL
files.
See: http://www.petri.co.il/configure_tcp_ip_from_cmd.htm
netsh interface ip show config view
your TCP/IP settings.
netsh -c interface dump > C:\location1.txt export
your current IP settings to a text file.
netsh -f C:\location1.txt import IP settings
from a text file.
netsh interface ip set address
name="Local Area Connection" static 192.168.0.100 255.255.255.0
192.168.0.1 1 configures the interface
named Local Area Connection with the static IP address 192.168.0.100, the
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and a default gateway of 192.168.0.1.
NETSTAT.EXE: displays active TCP connections,
ports, Ethernet statistics, the IP routing table, etc.
netstat –a displays
all connections and listening ports.
netstat –an displays
all connections and listening ports.
netstat –snap tcp is
something/somebody trying to connect to your PC?
NLTEST.EXE:
Support Tool executed from a cmd in
XP. Used from a desktop to test the connection to the server and to query the
secure channel.
NSLOOKUP.EXE (UNIX & WINDOWS 2000/XP cmd): Name Servers Look Up. Query Domain Name Servers anywhere
on the Internet for any kind of supported name record/IP address.
Example1: nslookup
lserver 193.43.2.1 (public DNS)
set type=any
yark.it (company
address)
marte.yark.it (server address)
Example2: nslookup
set type=mx
microsoft.com
Note that an MX record or Mail exchange record is
a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) specifying how
Internet e-mail should be routed. MX records point to the servers that should
receive an e-mail, and their priority relative to each other.
PATHPING
(Windows 2000 & XP): shows the path to a specific host and any loss of
packets.
ping –t ping
the specified host until stopped.
ping –a resolve
addresses to hostnames (form the IP gets the hostname).
PPTPCLNT.EXE:
cmd from XP.
PPTPSRV.EXE:
cmd from XP.
REXEC.EXE:
runs
commands on remote computers running the Rexec service (daemon). For example, type rexec hostname
sh. After the authentication with username and password, type cmd.
ROUTE.EXE: manipulates network routing tables.
For example, to see your routing table, type route print.
To
add a static route, use the following:
Route add subnet mask gateway netmask metric
metric if interface
Route delete to delete a route
Route print prints a route on the screen.
Examples:
Route add 192.168.0.68 mask 255.255.255.255
192.168.0.140 metric 10
Route delete 192.168.0.68
TRACERT:
show the route between two hosts.
WINIPCFG:
Win 9x utility similar to IPCONFIG.
* Files
hosts and services:
The services file list the services and the
related port.
The hosts file list the IP address and the
related PC.
Windows XP/Server2003: C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows
NT/2000: C:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows 95/98/Me: C:\windows\hosts
SUBJECT: where to find chkdsk.exe logs.
SOLUTION: go
to -> Event Viewer -> Application -> immediately after Chkdsk you' ll find an entry called 'Winlogon'. If you click on
that you' ll get a Summary.
When chkdsk runs at boot time or from the
Recovery Console, it creates the file C:\bootex.log. However you will only see
this file if boot-time chkdsk is interrupted or your are
using the Recovery Console. Cfr. -> autochk.exe
-> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.
See: http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/xp-chkdsk-where-are-the-results/132863.html
SUBJECT: how to remove check disk on every restart.
SOLUTION: from a cmd, type fsutil dirty query
X:, where
X: is the drive you want to check. If the return message indicates that the
volume is dirty, type chkdsk X: /f /x.
After that finishes, type again fsutil
dirty query X:.
If it is no longer dirty then reboot and you should see no more CHKDSK. Cfr.
-> autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> chkdsk.exe.
See: http://commandwindows.com/fsutil.htm
See: http://www.ehow.com/how_2280944_remove-check-disk-every-restart.html
See: http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=575839
SUBJECT: find Another Computer’s MAC Address.
SOLUTION: since
the IP address has to be resolved to the MAC address, following a ping an entry
will be added to your physical address translation table.
1)
from a cmd,
ping the remote computer.
2)
from the same cmd,
type arp -a. The results will
display the IP address and the MAC address of the remote computer.
SUBJECT: unable to copy “autorun” files on remote PC.
SOLUTION: this
problem is related to McAfee antivirus (various version).
Try this or similar procedure:
1)
Right-click the VirusScan icon in the systray
2)
Select "VirusScan Console…"
3)
Double-click "Access Protection".
4) De-select "Prevent
remote creation of autorun files".
SUBJECT: change the “autorun” behaviour.
SOLUTION: from
Regedit, search for:
1) Hive: HKEY_USERS
Key: .DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Name: NoDriveTypeAutoRun
Type: REG_DWORD
Hexadecimal value: 91
(or Decimal 145 – default value)
Other possible values: 149 enable autostart.
2) Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Name: NoDriveTypeAutoRun
Type: REG_DWORD
Hexadecimal value: 91
(or Decimal 145 – default value)
Other possible values: 149 enable autostart.
3) Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom
Name: AutoRun
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1 (default = autorun
enabled)
Other possible values: 0 autorun disabled.
NOTE: Windows gives a value to each device:
DRIVE_UNKNOWN 1
DRIVE_NO_ROOT 2
DRIVE_REMOVABLE (such as floppy disk and similar devices) 4
DRIVE_FIXED 8
DRIVE_REMOTE (network drive) 16
DRIVE_CDROM (CD Rom) 32
DRIVE_RAMDISK 64
Disabled for all devices ff (Decimal 255)
La
chiave NoDriveTypeAutoRun dice in pratica al sistema operativo Windows
quali periferiche ESCLUDERE dall'autorun (autoplay). Il valore da inserire
nella chiave NoDriveTypeAutoRun e' ottenuto sommando i valori delle
singole periferiche e aggiungendo il valore fisso 128.
SUBJECT: disable the “autorun” behaviour.
SOLUTION: Start
-> Run… -> gpedit.msc -> User Configuration -> Administrative
Templates -> System -> Turn off Autoplay -> select Enabled.
TIP: Windows has some “Super
Hidden” files such as those in the “Downloaded Program Files” folder in the
Windows directory.
SOLUTION: super hidden files can be made
"visible" by simply deleting the destkop.ini
fine in that folder via dos commands. The deletion of the desktop.ini file
works well, but it will revert back as it was and you' ll
need to do this operation every time for every folder that you want to view.
For everyday use you can use third party file managers able to show
"ultrahidden" files. For example: TrackerV3 (freeware), Agent
Ransack (freeware), Total Commander
(shareware), XYplorer
(shareware), etc.
TIP: file with the extensions
.lnk (links) and .url (favourites) have the estension
hidden in Windows or Windows Explorer (only the filename is visible).
SOLUTION: from a cmd, you must use a dir
command to see the full name of the file with the extension (such as filename.lnk).
SUBJECT: CLSID and Windows vulnerability (any
type of file can hide malicious application).
EXPLANATION: Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM)
architecture has been built into all Windows systems since the debut of Window
NT 3.5 and Windows 95. It ties disparate desktop tasks together by providing
programmers with a library of standardized functions not dependent on any one
programming language. Like books in a library, COM objects require the
equivalent of a Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal
classification to refer to each object separately. This is the purpose of the
CLSID, or CLasS ID, a 128-bit number that uniquely identifies a COM object and instructs the operating system how to execute it.
What makes this especially dangerous is that a COM object can easily be crafted
to rewrite the Windows Registry, delete files, wipe out the hard drive, and
wreak all sorts of other havoc.
SUBJECT: usage and options of Regedit.exe.
Import (merge) a .REG file: Regedit.exe [ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] [ /S ] importfile.reg
Export
to a (.REG) file: Regedit.exe
[ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] /E exportfile
"registry_key"
Compress
the registry (Windows 98 only): Regedit.exe
[ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] /C
Parameters: importfile.reg file
.reg to be imported (or "merged").
Exportfile filename the
information should be written to.
"registry_key" registry key to be
exported. For example: "HKEY_CLASSES\ROOT\*\shell"
/S Silent;
hide confirmation box when importing files.
/E Export
registry file.
/L:system Specify
the location of the system.dat to use.
/R:user Specify the
location of the user.dat to use.
/C Compress
[filename] (Windows 98 only).
TIP: add a program to your
SendTo list, in order to open a file with it.
EXAMPLE: you usually open a TXT file with
NOTEPAD, but you want to be able to quickly open it with WORD, right clicking
the file and sending it to WORD. WORD is not in your SendTo list.
SOLUTION: in C:\WINDOWS\SEND TO\ folder, add a
shortcut to WORD.
SUBJECT: customize Save As dialog box in Windows XP,
Vista, etc.
SOLUTION: 1) Click Start
-> Run... -> type gpedit.msc, and then press OK.
2) Click on the following
items to expand them:
·
Local Computer Policy
·
User Configuration
·
Administrative Templates
·
Windows Components
·
Windows Explorer
·
Common Open Fele Dialog
3) Double-click on "Items
displayed in Places Bar", and then select Enabled.
4) Enter
the locations you’d like to have displayed in the Save As dialog box. You need
to enter the full path to the location for the shortcuts to work.
5) Once you’ve
entered all the locations, click Apply and then
OK.
SUBJECT: disable Log Off in Windows Server 2003/2000/XP/NT.
SOLUTION: from Regedit, edit or crete the following:
Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Name: NoLogoff
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1 (for disable)
SUBJECT: Windows keep re-installing the wrong driver.
SOLUTION: if you install a driver, Windows stores
it in the hidden folder: C:\WINDOWS\INF\OTHER. Now, if the driver is incorrect
or if you want to remove it, Windows may keep re-installing it without any
prompt. To avoid this, delete the .INF file from the C:\WINDOWS\INF\OTHER
folder.
TIP: Windows’ logos and desktop’ s
backgrounds.
LOGO of
Windows starting: C:\LOGO.SYS.
DESKTOP at
Windows password: C:\WINDOWS\Plus!.bmp.
WINDOWS ME
DESKTOP (if different from Windows Password): in
Display Proprieties, select a .JPG imagine as background. The .JPG can be in
C:\My Documents\My pictures.
WINDOWS 98
DESKTOP (if different from Windows password): Windows
98: C:\WINDOWS\PROFILES\<user name>\Plus!.bmp.
LOGO:
Please wait while your computer shuts down: C:\WINDOWS\LOGOW.SYS.
LOGO: It’ s now safe to turn off your computer: C:\WINDOWS\LOGOS.SYS.
TIP: backup/restore the
REGISTRY (Windows 98-ME).
SOLUTION: use SCANREG [/<option>]. Options
are: ?; BACKUP; RESTORE; FIX; COMMENT=<comment>.
TIP: typical functions and
files associated with the Windows REGISTRY.
LOOK IN: HEY_CLASSES_ROOT: controls the
associations between files and applications.
HEY_CURRENT_USER:
controls the personal settings. Typically modify the file User.dat (Windows
9x).
HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE:
controls the hardware and software. Typically modify the file System.dat
(Windows 9x).
HEY_USERS: copy of HEY_CURRENT_USER.
HEY_CURRENT_CONFIG:
less important software and audio settings.
HEY_CLASS_ROOT: typically
modify the file Classes.dat (Windows ME).
SUBJECT: executables automatically loaded in
the REGISTRY when Windows start.
LOOK IN: My
Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices.
TIP: In the Registry, make a
search for Runonce, and look nearby for Run and RunServices.
SUBJECT: hide the “Hardware Profiles” in
“System Properties”.
SOLUTION: in the Registry, go to: HEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.
Highlight it, and from Edit -> New -> DWORD Value, give as a name
NoDevMgrPage. If you want to see again the page, give to NoDevMgrPage the value
of 0.
SUBJECT: manually uninstall an application listed
in Add/Remove Programs.
SOLUTION: 1) in the Registry, go to: My
Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\program_name.
2) You will find there a
string such as UninstallString or QuietUninstallString.
3) The command related to that
string allows you to uninstall the application from Run... or from a cmd.
SUBJECT: remove or change from Add/Remove Programs the name of a
program (maybe because already deleted).
SOLUTION: in the Registry, go to: My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\program_name.
SUBJECT: SCREENSAVER.
DELETE
SCREENSAVER: in System.ini,
search for: SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\”screensaver
name”.SCR
FORGOTTEN PASSWORD:
in C:\WINDOWS, delete “username”.PWL.
CHANGE THE
WAITING TIME: from Regedit, search for: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Desktop,
find ScreenSaveTimeOut and change the value in seconds.
SUBJECT: activate the SCREENSAVER with one
key.
SOLUTION: create in your desktop a shortcut to
your screensaver; highlight it and then in -> Properties select the
“Shortcut key” you prefer (Win 98, Me, 2000 and XP).
Also, press ctrl+alt+
SUBJECT: LOCK THE COMPUTER with a command.
SOLUTION: from a cmd, type: rundll32.exe
user32.dll,LockWorkStation
SUBJECT: EURO SYMBOL (€) missing in Excel,
Access or other applications.
SOLUTION: you can usually find € by pressing Ctrl + Alt +
E or
Alt GR + number 4.
SUBJECT: WUAUBOOT caused an error in UNKNOWN
(Windows ME). Also, the “Automatic Updates” slows system or causes mouse and
keyboard to freeze and become unresponsive for brief periods. This issue has
been "confirmed" only on systems with the "NDC 10/100 Fast
Ethernet".
SOLUTION: to work around this issue, the card
must be set to a specific speed: in Control Panel, open -> Network
properties -> double click the listing for NDC 10/100 Fast Ethernet ->
click the Advanced tab -> change the connection type to a specific speed
(for example, 10 MB Full-Duplex).
OTHER
SOLUTION: disable “Automatic Updates” in Control Panel (but then you have to
remember to do it).
SUBJECT: How to force Internet Explorer (IE 8 or 9) to REALLY
reload the page?
SOLUTION: Ctrl+F5 in IE reload the page ignoring the cache.
You
can also press F12 to open the
development tools -> select the Cache
menu at the top and then -> select Always
Refresh from Server to bypass cache.
IE7
also has development tools, but they must be installed separately. You can also
use the IE8 dev tools to run the browser in IE7 mode.
SUBJECT: INTERNET EXPLORER 8 problem: Windows
Data Execution Prevention detected an add-on trying to use system memory
incorrectly. This can be caused by a malfunction or a malicious add-on.
EXPLANATION: Internet Explorer 8 has a new
security default setting.
SOLUTION: click
on the Tools tab -> at the bottom
click on Internet Options -> Advanced -> scroll down to Security -> in this section there is
a box checked for the line "Enable memory protection to help mitigate on
line attacks". Un-check that box. Then restart
Internet Explorer 8 to enable the new settings.
Cfr. http://community.logmeinrescue.com/logmein/board/message?board.id=31&message.id=805
SUBJECT: INTERNET EXPLORER 8 annoying
message: A script is accessing some software (an ActiveX control)
on this page which has been marked safe for scripting. Do you want to allow
this?
SOLUTION: from
Internet Explorer -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Security ->
Select a zone – Internet -> Custom level -> Scroll down to:”ActiveX
controls and plug-ins” -> Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting*
-> select Enable
SUBJECT: download INTERNET EXPLORER from
Microsoft.
SOLUTION: see the following link: http://www.petri.co.il/download_the_full_ie_package.htm
1) download the setup
program from Microsoft (about 500 kb).
2) go to the folder
where you have placed the above file. Open a Command Prompt in that folder, then run the following:
3) ie6setup.exe
/c:"ie6wzd.exe /d /s:""#E"
4) this tip works for IE 6 SP1 too, and so will older IE
versions. Just replace the "6" in the previous line with a
"5" and so on.
SUBJECT: uninstall INTERNET EXPLORER.
SOLUTION: see Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q256219
or download the software 98lite from http://www.litepc.com
SUBJECT: increase security in INTERNET
EXPLORER 6.
SOLUTION: Tools -> Internet Options ->
Content -> AutoComplete. From there, deselect all the flags.
Also, delete all the Temporary Internet Files
and cookies.
For your privacy, delete the file
index.dat.
SUBJECT: change the default HTML editor in
INTERNET EXPLORER (under Tools -> Internet Options -> Programs -> HTML
editor).
SOLUTION: search in the Registry for “Default
HTML Editor” and under Command add the link to the editor you want to use..
SUBJECT: INTERNET EXPLORER check
to see whether it is the default browser.
SOLUTION: in INTERNET EXPLORER, go to TOOLS ->
INTERNET OPTIONS -> PROGRAMS.
SUBJECT: INTERNET EXPLORER V.6 not able to download
a large file.
SOLUTION: open INTERNET EXPLORER,
go to TOOLS -> INTERNET OPTIONS -> ADVANCED. Under BROWSING, enable
Enable folder view for FTP sites. Under UNDERLINE LINKS, enable Use Passive FTP
(for Firewall and DSL modem compatibility).
SUBJECT: INTERNET EXPLORER caused an invalid
page fault in module SHLWAPI.DLL.
This error
occurs after you have installed EXPLORER 5.01 on the top of EXPLORER 5 in
Windows 98 SE.
CAUSE: Microsoft well-known accuracy
in developing his own products.
SOLUTION: upgrade Explorer or, in Add/Remove
Programs, remove Explorer 5.01 and keep using Explorer 5.0.
SUBJECT: computer shut down correctly, but
hangs forever during reboot.
SOLUTION: in the Registry, eliminate the
following three (Windows ME):
My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\Annclist.exe
My
Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\Tvwakeup.exe
My
Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Createcd.exe
My
Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Directcd.exe
SUBJECT: computer rebooting when should shut
down.
There is a issue reported on the MS website. It is a known problem on
certain hardware configurations.
SOLUTION: run MSCONFIG under
98 or 98SE and disable the 'Fast Shutdown' option (uncheck the box).
From: Microsoft Knowledge Base,
Q132776
SUBJECT: computer Hangs or Reboots at
Shutdown with NetWare Client. This applies to: Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows
98
SYMPTOMS: with Novell NetWare Client version 4.10
(VLM.EXE) installed, your computer stops responding (hangs) or restarts on shut
down.
CAUSE: VNETWARE.386 version 2.04 may
cause the system to fault because it calls INT21 on system_Exit. This call is
not allowed in Windows 95/98.
SOLUTION: obtain the latest version of the
NetWare redirector from Novell.
SUBJECT: WINDOWS 9x
or NT4 CRASHING during SCREENSAVERS
CAUSE: the 3D Flower Box (open GL)
Screensaver uses up to 100% of the CPU' s resources.
Also the other four Microsoft' s 3D screensavers use a
big amount of the CPU resources. Your computer or server may just freeze or
stop responding when another application calls it.
SOLUTION: as a general rule, do not use any of
the five open GL screensavers.
SUBJECT: SCANDISK.
To DISABLE
SCANDISK: in MSDOS.SYS, edit AUTOSCAN=0.
SUBJECT: wrong IP address,
that could result in a message like: “No server domain available to
validate your password…”
SOLUTION use IPCONFIG or the Win 9x utility
WINIPCFG to monitor, release and renew the IP address (for help, type: IPCONFIG
/? | MORE).
SUBJECT: how to open
file .zip.001 type file?
SOLUTION: this is part of a multi archive .zip
file split into multiple parts. You can use the following command to create the
.zip file first and then unzip as any regular .zip file. At command prompt:
C:\>copy /B file.zip.001 +
file.zip.002 + file.zip.003 file.zip
This creates
"file.zip". Open it using any unzip utility.
* SOME
WINDOWS COMMANDS FROM RUN...:
COMPMGMT.MSC Computer Management and related
system tools.
CONF.EXE starts
NetMeeting. The first time you open
it, you have to type at least your First
name, Last name, E-mail address -> Next -> Next
-> until the end. You can then open a call: Call -> New Call
-> type the IP address of the destination PC. When you are in a call, you
can share your desktop or a document as you like: Tools -> Sharing
-> select the Desktop and from here if you want -> Allow Control. Only one person at a time can have control of the
Desktop: to do so, from inside the call, go to the top left: Control -> Request Control.
CONTROL
USERPASSWORDS2 launch
User Accounts, and it can be used to automatically login to Windows XP Pro without
a username and password.
DEVMGMT.MSC Device Manager.
DFRG.MSC Disk
Defragmenter.
DISKMGMT.MSC Disk Management
.
DXDIAG.EXE DirectX
Diagnostic Tool.
EUDCEDIT.EXE Character Editor.
EVENTVWR.MSC Event
Viewer.
FSMGMT.MSC Shared Folders.
GPEDIT.MSC Group
Policy settings. You can disable for example “Add or Remove Programs”,
etc.
LUSRMGR.MSC Local Users and Groups.
MMC.EXE Microsoft Management
Console, located in C:\WINDOWS\system32. This command opens Console1 and every
snap-in with extension .msc (files typically located in the same
C:\WINDOWS\system32.
MSCONFIG.EXE System Configuration Utility (on
some systems available from System Information -> Tools). Used for
troubleshooting purposes to prevent applications to load when Windows boot.
MSIEXEC.EXE Windows
Installer. You can use it to launch .MSI packages.
MSINFO32.EXE System Information (Programs
-> Accessories -> System Tools). It is the same in WINDOWS 2000 and 9x.
NTMSMGR.MSC Removable
Storage Management.
PERFMON.MSC Performance Monitor.
REGEDIT.EXE Registry Editor.
RSOP.MSC Resultant Set of
Policy. This snap-in allows you to view the Resultant Set of
Policy for a user on a machine. The snap-in can be used to view policy that has
been applied as well as predict what policy would be applied to a user on a
machine.
SECPOL.MSC Local Security Settings.
SERVICES.MSC Services.
SNDVOL32.EXE Volume Control.
TSADMIN.EXE the
same as Terminal Services Manager
(only for servers). Cfr. -> mstsc.exe.
SYSEDIT.EXE System Configuration
Editor.
WINMSD.EXE displays the System
Information.
WINVER.EXE displays Windows’ version. Cfr. -> ver.exe.
WMIMGMT.MSC Windows
Management Infrastructure (WMI).
* WINDOWS
XP COMMANDS FROM CMD:
See: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/ntcmds.mspx?mfr=true
AT.EXE located in C:\WINDOWS\system32,
schedules commands and programs to run at a specific time and date. Same as
Accessories -> System Tools -> Scheduled Tasks (also Windows Server 2003,
2000, NT, etc.). Cfr. -> schtasks.exe
ATTRIB.EXE displays
or changes file attributes.
Examples: attrib /? help.
attrib –H –S filename removes the hidden and system
attributes.
BOOTCFG
CHANGE (only for servers).
CIPHER.EXE displays or alters the encryption of directories and files on
NTFS partitions (also WINDOWS 2000).
COLOR sets
the default console foreground and background colors.
Examples: color fc produces light red on bright white.
CONVERT converts FAT volumes to NTFS.
Examples: convert /?
convert C: /FS:NTFS /V
DEFRAG disk defragmenter.
Examples: defrag ? help
defrag C: -a -v analyze
(-a) disk C: with verbose output (-v).
DISKPART Microsoft Disk
Partitioner utility. Used for example to extend an existing partition.
Examples: help
list volume (display the volume list and each related
number)
select
volume “n” (select a volume using his number. You can then expand the partition).
DRIVERQUERY enables an
administrator to enumerate and display the list of installed device drivers as
well as their properties.
Example: driverquery
/?
ECHO displays
messages, or turns command-echoing on or off (also Windows Server 2003,
2000, etc.)
EVENTCREATE
EVENTQUERY
EVENTTRIGGERS
FSUTIL.EXE the
file system utility fsutil.exe is a suite of command-line operations for
displaying and managing certain file and drive properties. The tool is present
in both Windows XP and
See: http://commandwindows.com/fsutil.htm
GETMAC.EXE gets the Media Access
Control (MAC) address of the network cards on your system.
GETSID.EXE: GET Security ID.
GPRESULT: generates a summary of
the user settings and computer group policy settings.
HELPCTR
HOSTNAME displays the hostname.
IPSECCMD
LOGMAN
LOGOFF.EXE terminates
a session (including the console). You
can also use the logoff command followed by the qwinsta session ID to reset a
specific user session. Cfr. -> qwinsta.exe
-> mstsc.exe.
Examples: cfr.
the example of -> qwinsta.exe, we reset User1 session. Note that the number 2 at the
end is the session ID.
C:\Program
Files\Support Tools>logoff /server:192.168.0.220 2
MSG.EXE cfr. -> mstsc.exe.
MSTSC.EXE Remote
Desktop Connection (this file in Windows XP is located in C:\WINDOWS\system32).
Examples: mstsc /? help
mstsc /console connects
to the console session of a server. You
cannot use the /console switch to connect to the console session of a
computer that is running Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.
mstsc /sa connects
to a server.
mstsc /v:yourserver
[:port] specifies the
terminal server to which you want to connect.
RECENT OPTIONS: mstsc /admin connects to the console session of a
server (only with Remote Desktop version 6.0.6001).
mstsc /public runs Remote Desktop in public mode.
Cfr. -> query user (for servers) -> tsadmin.exe (for servers) -> tscon.exe -> tsdiscon.exe -> logoff.exe
-> reset.exe (session) -> msg.exe -> tsshutdn.exe -> query.exe
(for servers) -> qwinsta.exe
-> rwinsta.exe -> tskill.exe.
For all the options of .rdp files see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885187
NCPA.CPL opens Network
Connections.
OPENFILES
PAGEFILECONFIG
PERFMON
PRNCNFG
PRNDRVR
PRNJOBS
PRNMNGR
PRNPORT
PRNQCTL
QUERY.EXE not present in Windows
XP; used only for server. Cfr. -> mstsc.exe.
Examples: query user
QWINSTA.EXE display information about
Terminal Sessions, both locally (default) or remotely. Cfr. -> rwinsta.exe
-> mstsc.exe.
Examples: C:\Program
Files\Support Tools>qwinsta /server:192.168.0.220
SESSIONNAME
USERNAME ID STATE
TYPE DEVICE
console administrator 0 Active wdcon
rdp-tcp 65536 Listen
rdpwd
rdp-tcp#4 User1 2 Active rdpwd
rdp-tcp#5 User2 1 Active rdpwd
NOTE: if you connect to the console from a
Remote Desktop Connection, the SESSIONNAME could be different from “console”,
but the ID should be 0.
See: http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2003/12/30/Managing-Terminal-Services-Sessions-Remotely.aspx
RELOG.EXE
RESET.EXE cfr. -> mstsc.exe.
RWINSTA.EXE reset the session subsytem
hardware and software to known initial values. Cfr. -> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.
Examples: following
the previous example of -> qwinsta.exe,
we reset User1 session. Note that the number 2 at the end is the session ID.
C:\Program
Files\Support Tools>rwinsta /server:192.168.0.220 2
See: http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2003/12/30/Managing-Terminal-Services-Sessions-Remotely.aspx
SCHTASKS.EXE Enables an administrator to
create, delete, query, change, run and end scheduled tasks on a local or remote
system. Replaces AT.exe. Cfr. -> at.exe.
SET displays , sets or remove cmd.exe environment
variables.
Examples: set s display the SESSIONNAME.
SFC.EXE Scans
all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct
Microsoft versions.
Examples: sfc /scannow if prompted, enter
your Windows installation CD.
SHADOW.EXE monitor
and interact with another Terminal Services session from a Terminal Service
session (not from the server console). Cfr. -> query
user (for servers) -> qwinsta.exe
-> mstsc.exe
Examples: to shadow session
2, type shadow 2 You
find the session ID with the commands -> query user or -> qwinsta.exe
Before you can
monitor another session, the user of the other session receives the following
message (unless you disable this warning):
SERVERNAME\username is requesting to
control your session remotely.
Do
you accept the request?
Your session
may stop responding (hang) for a few seconds while the server waits for a
response from the user.
Press CTRL+* to end the remotely
controlled session (use the asterisk from the numeric keypad only).
You can also define a hot key in
Terminal Services Manager to end the remotely controlled session.
See: http://www.myitforum.com/articles/16/view.asp?id=5808
SHUTDOWN.EXE: usage:
shutdown [-i | -l | -s | -r | -a] [-f] [-m \\computername] [-t xx] [-c
"comment"] [-d up:xx:yy]
no args Display help
message (same as -?)
-i Display
GUI interface, must be the first option
-l Log
off (cannot be used with -m option)
-s Shutdown
the computer
-r Shutdown
and restart the computer
-a Abort
a system shutdown
-m \\computername Remote computer to
shutdown/restart/abort
-t xx Set
timeout for shutdown to xx seconds
-c "comment" Shutdown comment (maximum
of 127 characters)
-f Forces
running applications to close without warning
-d [u][p]:xx:yy The reason code for the shutdown
u
is the user code
p
is a planned shutdown code
xx
is the major reason code (positive integer less than 256)
yy
is the minor reason code (positive integer less than 65536)
NOTE: the easiest method to do a shutdown is to click
on a blank area of the remote machine’s desktop and then press Alt + F4. Assuming you have Admin
rights on the remote PC this brings up the “normal” Windows XP/2000 Shut
Down/Reboot dialog. …but there’s a catch - the Remote Desktop window to the
remote machine has to be in full screen mode or Alt + F4 will just close something on your own PC.
Cfr -> tsshutdn.exe
SID displays
the security identifier in the standard format, for either the current user, or
a given user, optionally specified with a domain (NT4, Windows 2000, Windows
XP, Windows Server 2003).
START starts a
separate cmd window to run a
specified program or command.
Examples: start
"Execute dir in a separate window" /max /low dir
start "This is a test" /MAX /LOW notepad
start \\mycomputer\C$ connect to the C disk of
the computer mycomputer.
SYSKEY.EXE located in
C:\WINDOWS\system32, it is a tool which enables additional protection and encryption
to the Accounts Database (also WINDOWS 2000 and servers).
SYSTEMINFO.EXE this
command line tool enables an administrator to query for basic system
configuration information.
TASKKILL.EXE ends one or more
tasks or processes. Processes can be killed by process ID or image name.
Usage: taskkill
[/s Computer] [/u Domain\User /p
Password] [/fi FilterName] [/pid ProcessID]|[/im
ImageName] [/f][/t]
/s Computer specifies the name or IP address
of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local
computer.
/u domain\user runs the command with
the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The
default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer
issuing the command.
/p password specifies the password of
the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/fi FilterName specifies the types of
process(es) to include in or exclude from termination.
/pid processID specifies the process ID of
the process to be terminated.
/im ImageName specifies the image name of
the process to be terminated. Use the wildcard (*) to specify all image names.
/f specifies that process(es)
be forcefully terminated. This parameter is ignored for remote processes; all
remote processes are forcefully terminated.
/t specifies to terminate all
child processes along with the parent process, commonly known as a tree kill.
Examples: taskkill
/f /im notepad.exe kills
the open notepad task, if open.
taskkill /s remotepc /u domain\administrator /p password /pid pidnumber
TASKLIST.EXE displays a list of applications
and services with their Process ID (PID) for all tasks running on either a
local or a remote computer.
Example: tasklist
/s remotepc
TELNET.EXE application
that logs into other computers to obtain information. For example, use telnet ipaddress
portaddress to see if a port is in use.
TITLE specifies
the title for the command prompt window.
TRACERPT.EXE tracerpt processes binary Event Trace
Session log files or real-time streams from instrumented Event Trace providers
and creates a report or a text (CSV) file describing the events generated.
TSCON.EXE attaches
a user session to a remote terminal session. You can also connect to the console
session. Cfr. -> tsdiscon
-> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.
Examples: following
the previous example of -> qwinsta.exe,
we suppose that we are connected as User1 and want to take control of User2
session. Note that the tcp#5 is the SESSIONNAME.
C:\Documents
and Settings\User1>tscon rdp-tcp#5 /password:password
TSDISCON.EXE cfr. -> tscon -> mstsc.exe.
TSKILL.EXE cfr. -> mstsc.exe.
TSSHUTDN.EXE cfr. -> mstsc.exe ->
shutdown.exe.
TYPEPERF.EXE
USERITINT.EXE open
the current user My Documents folder.
WHOAMI.EXE displays the current user
(also WINDOWS Server 2003 & 2000).
WMIC.EXE Windows
Management Instrumentation Command. Read a huge range of
information about local or remote computers. Also provides a way to make configuration
changes to multiple remote machines.
SUBJECT: function keys F5, F6, F7 during Windows setup.
SOLUTION: press F6 to install a SCSI or RAID
driver. Immediately after you can press F5 in order to force
the choice of HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), or F7 to run setup without
using ACPI.
SUBJECT: change my user account password from
a Command Prompt.
INFO: you can change
a Windows User Account password that is on any Windows computer from any other
Windows computer regardless of whether the User Account is on a workstation, a
stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. Additionally, it makes no
difference whether the password being changed from a
workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. This is true
for any NT 4.0, W2K, XP Pro and Windows Server 2003 computer.
SOLUTION: log
on as an administrator (non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has
occurred. Access is denied" error message when they attempt to change the
password) and type:
net user
username /domain show the username settings
net user
username * /domain to change the username password. When
you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not
the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you
to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed. Alternatively, you
can type the following command:
net user
username newpassword /domain when
you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also
enables you to change passwords in a batch file.
If you type the above commands on a member server or
workstation and you don't add the /domain switch, the command will be performed
on the local SAM and NOT on the DC SAM. For example, to change the local
administrator's password type:
net user
username newpassword change the username password without prompt on the
local computer.
SUBJECT: fatal error during the installation
of XP: “the file “asms” on Windows XP Professional SP1 is needed”.
CAUSE: even if your PC is booting from a IDE CD-ROM, after the first reboot does not find the
CD-ROM.
SOLUTION: you need to remove the SCSI card, or to
connect temporarily a CD-ROM to the SCSI card, and then continue the
installation of XP from the SCSI CD-ROM.
SUBJECT: registry location of the “Open With”
applications list.
SOLUTION: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\
SUBJECT: how to install Windows XP Support Tools (such as Whoami).
SOLUTION: run Setup.exe from the Support/Tools
directory in the Windows XP CD-ROM.
SUBJECT: how to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP.
SOLUTION: in My Computer
-> Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> un-tick “Use simple file sharing”.
See: http://www.winxptutor.com/ownership.htm
SUBJECT: not able to reach a remote IP or PC
name from Run… -> \\PCname\
SOLUTION: the Computer Browser service is not
active.
SUBJECT: how to restart a partially failed
update of Windows from Windows Update.
SOLUTION: delete all files from C:\WUTEMP. Also
delete all files from C:\PROGRAMS\WINDOWSUPDATE. Then log again to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
SUBJECT: how to install Windows XP Recovery Console.
SOLUTION: from Run... -> type D:\I386\WINNT32.EXE /CMDCONS where D: is the Windows XP CD.
For a list of commands, type HELP at the
Recovery Console prompt.
NOTE: to install on a system
updated to SP2 but originally installed from a Windows XP SP1 CD, you must add
the SP2 files to the installation CD.
Also, during the Recovery Console boot up you
may need to install the driver for the specific hard disk controller. You do
this by pressing F6 during boot up and providing the driver in a floppy disk.
Otherwise you may get a Blue Screen of Death with a “STOP: 0x0000007B” error.
Also, in some systems I had to copy from
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 the newer file txtsetup.sif to C:\cmdcons.
SUBJECT: stop Desktop Cleanup Wizard.
SOLUTION: click
-> Start -> Control Panel -> Display -> Desktop tab, and then Customize Desktop… -> under Desktop cleanup, click to clear the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days
check box if you do not want the Desktop Cleanup Wizard to automatically start
every 60 days. If you click Clean
Desktop Now, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard starts.
See: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306542&sd=tech
SUBJECT: make your folders private.
SOLUTION: 1) open My Computer.
2) double-click the
drive where Windows is installed (usually drive C).
3) double-click the
Documents and Settings folder.
4) double-click your
user folder.
5) right-click any folder in your user profile,
and then click Properties.
6) on the Sharing tab,
select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.
SUBJECT: activate or view the Windows Product Activation status of
Windows XP, Server 2003, etc.
SOLUTION: Microsoft requires that you activate
Windows Server 2003 within 30 days of installation to validate that you have a
legal copy of the software.
Graphical user interface: from the Start menu, select All Programs →
Activate Windows. Select whether you want to activate by phone or over the
Internet.
Command-line interface: the following command opens the Activation
wizard described in the previous section:
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe
/a
SUBJECT: how to activate Windows XP compression utility.
SOLUTION: a) My Computer -> select NTFS folder
-> Properties -> Advanced -> Compress contents to save disk space.
b) from
Run... type IExpress and follow the installation instructions.
SUBJECT: how to disable CTRL+ALT+
SOLUTION: for Windows XP open C:\Windows\system32\secpol.msc;
(or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local Policies -> Security Options ->
Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+
for Windows 2000 open
C:\Winnt\system32\secpol.msc ; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local
Policies -> Security Options -> Disable CTRL+ALT+DEL requirement for
logon -> Enable.
SUBJECT: how to track failed logins in Event Viewer.
SOLUTION: for Windows XP open
C:\Windows\system32\secpol.msc; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local
Policies -> Audit Policy -> Audit account logon events -> select as
appropriate.
for Windows 2000 open
C:\Winnt\system32\secpol.msc ; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local
Policies -> Audit Policy -> Audit account logon events -> select as
appropriate.
SUBJECT: how to activate Windows XP encryption utility.
SOLUTION: a) My Computer -> select NTFS folder
-> Properties -> Advanced -> Encrypt contents to secure data.
b) from
a Command Prompt, type CIPHER.EXE.
INFO: Windows XP supports the US
Data Encryption Standard (DES), that uses a 56-bit key, and the more secure
3DES (triple DES).
To see who can decrypt a file and which key has
been used, select the file -> Advanced -> Details -> select the user
-> Add -> View Certificate.
SUBJECT: how to disable Windows XP encryption utility.
SOLUTION: from Regedit, find:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\EFS -> New
-> DWORD Value -> type EfsConfiguration and select 1 as Value data (a
value of 0 allows EFS).
SUBJECT: add Encrypt as an option when right-clicking a folder.
SOLUTION: from Regedit, select:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
-> New -> DWORD Value -> type EncryptionContextMenu and select 1 as
Value data.
SUBJECT: enable higher level of encryption using 3DES for both IP and
EFS.
SOLUTION: a) run mmc.exe -> File ->
Add/remove Snap-in -> Add -> Group Policy -> Add -> Finish ->
Close -> OK.
b) expand Local
Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings ->
Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options.
c) enable System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant
algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing.
WARNING: enabling this setting can occasionally
generate problems. For example:
1) could prevent Remote Desktop connections TO other computers.
2) coul prevent Internet Explorer from being able to open SOME
https pages, and can generate in Internet Explorer the following message:
“Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage”.
SUBJECT: enable higher level of encryption using 3DES only for EFS.
SOLUTION: from Regedit, select
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\EFS ->
right click -> New -> DWORD Value -> Type AlgorithmID. Set the value
at 0x6603. Restart the PC.
SUBJECT: export your certificate so that
another user can see your encrypted
files.
SOLUTION: a) run mmc.exe -> File ->
Add/remove Snap-in -> Add -> Certificates -> Add -> My user account
-> Finish -> Close -> OK.
b) select
Certificates-Current User -> Personal -> Certificates.
c) on the right pane, select the certificate
-> All tasks -> Export -> Next -> Yes, export the private key ->
Next -> (select also Include all certificates in the certification path if
possible) -> Next -> Type and confirm a password -> Next -> type a
file name and Browse to a floppy -> Save -> Next -> Finish -> OK.
The same can be obtained by typing from a
Command Prompt: CIPHER /X A:\MYCERTIFICATE.
INFO: the resulting file will
have extension .pfx.
SUBJECT: import a certificate so that you can
see another user’ s encrypted files.
SOLUTION: a) run mmc.exe -> File ->
Add/Remove Snap-in -> Add -> select Certificates -> Add -> select My user account -> Finish -> Close -> OK.
b) select
Certificates-Current User -> Personal -> right click -> All Tasks
-> Import -> Next -> browse to the correct location and type the
password.
SUBJECT: backup
your user login password in a floppy that you can later use to reset your
password.
SOLUTION: press Ctrl+Alt+
SUBJECT: view unused devices in Device Manager.
SOLUTION: 1) Open a Command Prompt by going to
Start -> Run... -> type cmd.
In the MS-DOS prompt, type the following lines, pressing return after each:
Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
Devmgmt.msc
(You can type "exit" in the MS DOS
prompt window to close it at any time after this).
2) In the Device Manager window that opens, go
to -> View and select -> Show Hidden Devices. Now expand each of your
devices and look through all the sub-components listed. You will see that some
of the devices are shown in a lighter grey color.
SUBJECT: enable and use the “Run As” command when running programs
in Windows 2000 or XP (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – 294676).
SOLUTION: in Windows 2000, the RunAs
service must be running, and in Windows XP, the Secondary Logon service must be
running. They are installed by default during the installation of Windows. Both
can be changed in Services.
SUBJECT: how to activate the old Media Player 6.4.
SOLUTION: Run... -> C:\PROGRAMS\WINDOWS MEDIA
PLAYER\MPLAYER2.EXE.
SUBJECT: how to disable Windows Messenger.
SOLUTION: 1) Click Start
-> Run... -> type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER.
2) Click on the following
items to expand them:
·
Local Computer Policy
·
Computer Configuration
·
Administrative Templates
·
Windows Components
·
Windows Messenger
3) Double-click on the option
"Do not allow Windows Messenger to run", and then select Enabled.
4) Click OK, and then close
the window.
SUBJECT: stop Windows Messenger from loading at Windows startup.
SOLUTION: open Windows Messanger -> Tools
-> Options -> General -> disable ”Automatically run Messenger
when I log on to Windows”.
SUBJECT: Notepad
hangs while saving a file.
PROBLEM: when I create a new file in Notepad.exe and click
on File+Save or Alt+s, it literally hangs when showing the dialog (the save
dialog used to give file name and path). If I wait for more than 2 minutes, it
comes out of the hang state and shows the dialog.
EXPLANATION: most likely Notepad.exe is trying to reach a disk or a
network resource no longer available. So, every time, I try to save a new file,
it loads the most recent path and just because the path is no longer available
just waits for timeout. (Windows Vista has significant improvement on this kind
of hanging kernel calls!)
SOLUTION: save a new file in a different
location, or eliminate in the registy the reference from Notepad.exe to the
network resource no longer available.
SUBJECT: copy a profile to become the default profile for new users.
SOLUTION: 1) Reboot the computer and log as Administrator.
2) From Start -> right-click My Computer, select Properties then the Advanced
tab.
3) Under User
Profiles, click [Settings].
4) Highlight the profile you want to be the default profile, and click [Copy
To].
5) Click on [Change].
6) In Enter the object name to select box, type Everyone. Click [Ok].
7) In the Copy profile to box, type C:\Documents
and Settings\Default User without quotes and click on [OK] (note: this
is a hidden system folder and you may not be able to browse to this location). A Confirm Copy windows should pop up: click [YES].
SUBJECT: icons (such as “Show Desktop”)
missing from the Quick Launch
toolbar (also WINDOWS 2000).
SOLUTION: the location for the Default User is:
C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Quick Launch.
SUBJECT: change the number of icons in the Quick Launch toolbar (also WINDOWS
2000).
INFO: the shape of the Taskbar is
locked by default, limiting the number of icons you can see in the Quick Launch
toolbar.
SOLUTION: a)
Right click on a space on the Taskbar (you see a popup
menu).
b) Click on 'Lock The Taskbar' option (so to unlock it) and see the dotty
pattern appear on the Taskbar.
c) Drag the pattern along the Taskbar so to see the available space
expand or contract.
SUBJECT: enable Security logs in the Event
Viewer.
SOLUTION: a) From Start -> Run... ->
secpol.msc (to open the Local Security Settings MMC Snap-in).
b) Double-click Local Policies to expand
it, and then double-click Audit Policy.
c) In the right pane, double-click the policy that
you want to enable or disable.
See: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=300549
SUBJECT: if you are running ZoneAlarm and
install the July 2008 security patches you will no longer be able to access the
internet.
SOLUTION: lower
the internet firewall setting in ZoneAlarm to medium OR unistall Microsoft's security patch KB951748, OR update Zone Alarm.
See: http://forums.pcworld.com/message/126599#126599
SUBJECT: how to gain access to the “System
Volume Information” folder (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – 309531).
APPLY TO: Windows
XP Professional using the NTFS File System on a Workgroup or Standalone
Computer.
SOLUTION: 1)
Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2)
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3)
On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.
4)
Clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the change.
5)
Clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.
6)
Click OK.
7)
Right-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder, and then
click Properties.
8) Click
the Security tab.
9)
Click Add, and then type the name of the user to whom you want to give access
to the folder. Typically, this is the account with which you are logged on.
Click OK, and then click OK.
10)
Double-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder to open
it.
SUBJECT: quickly lock the PC with a double click (also WINDOWS 2000).
SOLUTION: create a new shortcut on the desktop,
but instead than the location of the file, type: “rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation”.
SUBJECT: how to manually launch Safely Remove
Hardware in order to remove USB devices.
Useful if the icon in the Notification Area is missing.
SOLUTION: from Run... launch the following
command: %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe
shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll
SUBJECT: call Control Panel and Regional and
Language Options from Run… or from a command line.
Control Panel: rundll32.exe
shell32,Control_RunDLL
Regional and Language Options: rundll32.exe
shell32,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289125
SUBJECT: Event_ID: 7000.
The Parallel port driver service
failed to start due to the following error: The service cannot be started,
either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated
with it.
CAUSE: you may have disabled the parallel port in the
BIOS (to free an IRQ or system resources).
SOLUTION: run -> regedit and find ->
HKLM\System\Current ControlSet\Services\ParPort branch -> set it's startup
type to 4. Tipically was 3 before. This disables the
driver/device.
SUBJECT: add a network printer in Windows XP using TCP/IP.
SOLUTION: 1) Open
Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes.
2) Add a printer -> Next.
3)
Local Printer -> Untick Automatically detect and
install my Plug and Play Printer.
4)
Create a new port ->
5)
Under Printer Name, type the IP of the printer.
6)
Wait! …and then select from the list of drivers one that match your printer.
7)
Next -> Finish.
SUBJECT: how to use a fax in Windows XP.
SOLUTION: To send a fax in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306657.
To send a fax from a
Windows XP application, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306661.
To fax a scanned
document or image in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306663.
To receive a fax in
Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306662.
If the Windows XP
based fax service does not transfer incoming faxes to your inbox in Outlook
2000 or Outlook 2002, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q311794.
SUBJECT: enable
ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) on your home or small office network
using just one connection.
SOLUTION: 1) Do not use ICS in a network with
other domain controllers, DNS servers, gateways, DHCP servers, or systems
configured for static IP. Computers on your local network should be configured
to obtain an IP address automatically.
2) On the PC
connected to Internet, from Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections
-> select the appropriate NIC or connection to Internet, right-click and
select -> Properties -> Advanced -> in Internet Connection Sharing,
enable “Allow other network users to connect…”.
3) When you enable
ICS, the network adapter connected to your home or small office network gets a new
static IP address configuration. Existing TCP/IP connections on the computer
running ICS are lost and must be re-established.
SUBJECT: set permissions for a specific folder.
SOLUTION: select the folder -> Properties
-> Security -> Advanced -> select “Replace permission entries on all
child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects” ->
Effective Permissions -> Select… -> Advanced… -> Find Now ->
(select the user) -> OK -> OK -> Apply -> select Yes if you receive
a Security confirmation message -> OK. Once you have finished, go again to
to Properties -> Security -> add or select the user and check the
effective permissions.
SUBJECT: change
the default port for Windows Remote
Desktop Connection
SOLUTION: Start -> Run... -> Regedit -> and go to:
1) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
2) SYSTEM
3) CurrentControlSet
4) Control
5) Terminal Server
6) WinStations
7) RDP-Tcp
8) Port Number (the
default is 3389).
See: http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/your-desktop-on-the-go-remote-desktop-20020826/
SUBJECT: error messages related to Remote Desktop Connection console:
1) Could not connect
sessionID 0 to sessionname console, Error code 7045
Error [7045]:The requested session access is denied.
2) Can't remote control Session (ID number) because
Remote control is disabled on that Session.
EXPLANATION: this error
indicates that you do not have permission to access the session. For example, you
are able to connect to the console if you logon to the local machine as
Administrator, but you are not able if you logon to the domain.
SOLUTION: you need
permission to access sessions. To do a check/modify: right-click My Computer
-> Remote -> Select Remote Users...
See: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/w2000Msgs/5902.mspx?mfr=true
SUBJECT: annoying:
"Automatic Updates - Do you want to
restart your computer now?"
.
EXPLANATION: if you
click Restart Later, it pops up again ten minutes later. This belongs to
wuauclt.exe, part of Microsoft automatic update, but if you try to kill
wuauclt.exe, it keeps coming back.
SOLUTIONS: 1)
Modify Group Policy settings: Start -> Run… -> type
"gpedit.msc" to bring up the Group Policy editor. Then navigate to
the folder -> Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration ->
Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update
There are two settings that will work, so it's your choice. Either enable No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates
installations or set Re-prompt for restart with scheduled installations
to a long time interval (up to 1440 minutes).
2) Stop the "Automatic Updates"
service.
You can also do the same thing at the command line by typing:
net stop wuauserv or
net stop "automatic updates"
After the service is stopped, the nag message stops, too. Then you can
reboot when you have time. The service will restart when you restart.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000294.html
SUBJECT: at every startup
a Windows message appears saying "Restarting
your computer is required. The computer must be restarted before updating can
continue. Would you like to restart now?" If the response is yes, the
computer reboots and the same message appears. If the response is no, the
message disappears and the computer functions normally.
EXPLANATION: this problem is caused by Adobe
updater.
SOLUTION: 1)
Start -> Run -> type msconfig -> OK
2) Select the Startup tab.
3) uncheck adobe_updater
4) Restart when prompted
SUBJECT: annoying message during Windows XP
shutdown: The
instruction at "0x66903f88" referenced memory at
"0x66903f88". The memory could not be "written".
SOLUTION: clear
the Temp cache first, typically in: C:\WINDOWS\Minidump.
Then change the memory dump settings as follow:
My Computer -> (right click) Properties -> Advanced -> under Startup and Recovery select Settings
-> under Write
debugging information change Small
memory dump (64 kb) to (none)
Reboot the system. If that does not correct the
problem, restore the setting as it was.
SUBJECT: useful
shortcuts in Windows 2000.
[Windows key]E: Opens
Windows Explorer.
[Windows key]M: Minimizes the
current window.
[Alt][F4]: Closes
the current window you have open.
[Alt][Tab]: Pop
up a window containing a list of the programs you have open, so that you can
switch between the programs currently running.
[Windows key]R: Opens the
Run... text box (so you can run a program).
SUBJECT: how
to INSTALL WINDOWS 2000 TERMINAL SERVICES on WORKSTATIONS
One of the directories created during the installation
of Terminal Services on the server is WINNT\system32\clients\tsclient. If
you share this directory as read-only, you can install the Terminal Server
client over the network without using floppies. Simply run setup.exe from the net\win32
directory (or win16, as appropriate).
SUBJECT: how
to SYNCHRONIZE USERS FOR LOCAL MACHINE AND NETWORK.
1) Log on as Administrator on the local PC.
2) Right-hand click MY COMPUTER -> MANAGE ->
LOCAL USERS AND GROUPS. Select USERS.
3) From the top bar, go to ACTION -> NEW USER ->
create the new user. When the user has been created, close
the window. Right hand click the new user -> PROPERTIES -> MEMBER
OF -> ADD -> ADMINISTRATORS -> ADD -> OK -> APPLY -> CLOSE.
4) Go to GROUPS and select ADMINISTRATORS. Right hand click and select ADD TO GROUP. Select ADMINISTRATORS
-> ADD -> select the appropriate LAN and login as administrator with
administrator password. Select the user you want to add from the list -> ADD
-> OK -> APPLY -> CLOSE.
SUBJECT: how to edit the default keyboard in
the Registry.
WINDOWS XP, 2000,
NT:
1) Start -> Run...
-> Regedit -> and go to: HKEY_USERS\DEFAULT\Keyboard Layout\Preload.
2) Change the value for the (Default)
to contain the keyboard layout that you want to have available at logon.
NOTES:
1) The default settings in
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT are also used when you define a new user.
2) Keyboard settings are user specific. Although you may
select a foreign language keyboard, at logon time (no user is logged on yet)
the default keyboard settings are used. So at logon time no country-specific
extended characters are available.
SUBJECT: language IDs that are supported by
Windows
00000402 = "Bulgarian"
0000041a = "Croatian"
00000405 = "Czech"
00000406 = "Danish"
00000813 = "Dutch (Belgian)"
00000413 = "Dutch (Standard)"
00000409 = "English (American)"
00000c09 = "English (Australian)"
00000809 = "English (British)"
00001009 = "English (Canadian)"
00001809 = "English (Irish)"
00001409 = "English (
0000040b = "Finnish"
0000080c = "French (Belgian)"
00000c0c = "French (Canadian)"
0000040c = "French (Standard)"
0000100c = "French (Swiss)"
00000c07 = "German (Austrian)"
00000407 = "German (Standard)"
00000807 = "German (Swiss)"
00000408 = "Greek"
0000040e = "Hungarian"
0000040f = "Icelandic"
00000410 = "Italian (Standard)"
00000810 = "Italian (Swiss)"
00000414 = "Norwegian (Bokmal)"
00000814 = "Norwegian (Nynorsk)"
00000415 = "Polish"
00000416 = "Portuguese (Brazil)"
00000816 = "Portuguese (Portugal)"
00000418 = "Romanian"
00000419 = "Russian"
0000041b = "Slovak"
00000424 = "Slovenian"
0000080a = "Spanish (Mexican)"
00000c0a = "Spanish (Modern Sort)"
0000040a = "Spanish (Traditional Sort)"
0000041d = "Swedish"
0000041f = "Turkish"
SUBJECT: how to stop notifications of
printing.
WINDOWS
2000 PROFESSIONAL: go to CONTROL PANEL,
then open ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS, and then SERVICES.
Find and open MESSENGER, then
change the STARTUP TYPE from Automatic to Manual. Then STOP the
service and Apply.
SUBJECT: how to change the computer name.
WINDOWS
2000 PROFESSIONAL: go to CONTROL PANEL,
then SYSTEM, then select NETWORK IDENTIFICATION, then select PROPRIETIES (also
Network ID). You need to have Administrator rights to change the computer name.
WINDOWS
9x: go to CONTROL PANEL, then NETWORK, then select IDENTIFICATION.
SUBJECT: Windows 2000 error codes.
SOLUTION: see:
http://labmice.techtarget.com/troubleshooting/errorcodes.htm
SUBJECT: how to detect IRQ settings in
Windows NT4.
SOLUTION: from Start -> Run... -> execute
WINMSD.EXE, the Microsoft diagnostic.
SUBJECT: FAT 16 and Windows NT.
CAUSE: problems creating a partition.
SOLUTION: Microsoft
Windows NT supports the creation of primary partitions and logical drives of up
to 4 gigabytes (4096 MB) using FAT 16, but Windows 95/98 and MS-DOS do not
support these drives. The size limit for logical drives using the FAT 16 file
system in Windows 95/98 and MS-DOS is 2 GB (2048 MB).
SUBJECT: the NAME of your FAX is invalid.
CAUSE: you have already installed a
modem, but you have problems configuring it as a fax in NT4 or NT BACKOFFICE
4.5.
SOLUTION: when prompted to type a name for your
fax, type any name but NOT fax, which is invalid.
SUBJECT: add unsupported hardware in NT4.
PROBLEMS: you do not manage to install a MILEX card
or a RAID SCSI device while installing NT, so you are prompted that there is no
hard drive or CD-ROM, and the installation fails.
SOLUTION: start the installation from the first
floppy disk. After few seconds, while "Setup is inspecting for new
hardware", press F6. The installation process will change allowing you to
add the unsupported devices.
SUBJECT: a better way to replicate files.
PROBLEM: the Directory Replicator Service that
is provided by Windows NT Server requires exclusive access to Netlogon and
Repl$. When it does not get exclusive access, replication fails.
SOLUTION: a better way to replicate is to use the
ROBOCOPY utility from the NT SERVER RESOURCE KIT + SUPPLEMENT TWO. ROBOCOPY can
replicate any number of directories, handle very large files, and doesn' t require exclusive access.
SUBJECT: ABIT TX5 and PX5 loosing time, date
and CMOS.
This problem
occurs after about three months of the motherboard working life. Because the
battery get dry very quickly, firstly will be noticed problems with the time,
and after with the date. Eventually, the motherboard will loose all the CMSO
settings including HD and processor type.
SOLUTION: there is no solution. Avoid buying if
you can.
SUBJECT: SPD not found.
SYMPTOMS: this message may appear in white bold
characters immediately before booting and before the "Verifying DMI Pool
Data". It is typical of motherboard Chaintech 6BTM.
SOLUTION: the message indicates an hardware fault and the motherboard should be replaced
even if it may work fine for some time.
SUBJECT: IRQ CONFLICTS and Windows
intermittently hanging.
SYMPTOMS: you do not manage to change the IRQs in a
6BTM board, and one or more IRQ are duplicated. Windows may hang
intermittently.
SOLUTION: do not use ALL the AGP and PCI slots in
the 6BTM, because it would not allow you to control the IRQs. ONE AGP and THREE
PCI is the maximum. Instead than using more PCI boards, use THREE PCI and one
ISA instead.
SUBJECT: Chaintech CD for 6ATA2.
Please
note that there are two ATN 0.5 CDs. One, with light blue ATN 0.5, is black and
orange and is correct for Chaintech 6BTM. For Chaintech 6ATA2 the correct CD is
ATN 0.5 in dark blue and the CD itself is green and black.
SUBJECT: 6ATA2 and
Coppermine
CPU (any CPU that ends in a 'B', such as PIII 750B) will not reset when used
with the 'E' revision of this motherboard.
SOLUTION:
make sure to use an 'F' revision of the motherboard.
SUBJECT: Chaintech 5 AGM 2 not booting
This
motherboard may not start with several combination of CPU/PSU.
SOLUTION: the problem may be solved increasing the
power of the PSU. Processors who need a 300 volts ATX
PSU are Cyrex 300 and similar. Processors who need a 300
volts AT PSU are Intel not MMX: 133, 166, 200 MHz.
SUBJECT: 5AGM2 and
5AGM3 shut down problems.
SOLUTION: if hanging
upon shut down with AT PSU, please check the following.
In
the bios, load default settings, then check the following options.
Video off Option Suspend
-> off
Video off Method V/H
Sync + Blank
ACPI Disabled
SUBJECT: Adaptec 39160 (dual channel Ultra160
LVD) PCI SCSI card and Intel CC820 motherboard.
PROBLEM: the machine would either hang just
before initialising the Adaptec controller, or it would go past this and detect
any drives attached and then hang. This only happen if you pressed the ESC key
on the Intel logo screen (to view the system boot up) or disable the logo in
the BIOS. If the system is left to display the logo, it would then boot
normally.
SOLUTION: Adaptec's web site lists this as a known
problem with the Intel 820 chipset when using the Adaptec 39160 with a BIOS
version of 2.55. They had version 2.57.0 available for download which when
tested, works fine.
SUBJECT: service related to Windows Backup
Utility.
LOCATION: under Services, find Removable Storage
(English) or Gestione Archivi Rimuovibili (Italian). To stop it from a Command
Prompt, go to C:\ and type: net stop
“removable storage”.
SUBJECT: the difference between Normal and Copy backup using Windows Backup Utility.
WHERE: when
selecting “Start backup”, a new window opens with 4 options:
Start Backup again!
Schedule...
Advanced... here you can select
the backup type: Normal (default), Copy, Incremental, Differential, Daily.
Cancel
EXPLANATION: “Normal” backup marks each saved file as backed
up; while “Copy” does not mark. You can see the difference in Windows by selecting
a backed up file -> Properties -> Advanced... -> notice if there is or
not the flag for “File is ready for archiving”.
SUBJECT: default location of Backup Reports using Windows XP Backup
Utility.
LOCATION: C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\Windows NT\NTBackup\data\backup01.log
SUBJECT: closing and opening Zone Alarm Pro crashes Windows XP and
Windows 2000.
NOTE: the problem occurs when it is
installed Virus Scan Enterprise 8 (by Network Associates).
SOLUTION: from Start -> Programs -> Network
Associates -> Virus Scan Console -> disable Buffer Overflow Protection
and restart your PC.
SUBJECT: locking and blue screen in Win 95 during backup.
NOTE: the problem occurs with HP
Colorado Backup for Win 95 version 3.00, which is conflicting with Dr. Solomon’
s antivirus (1998 version). The problem persists even after pressing
Ctrl-Alt-Del and closing all the running programs.
SOLUTION: in Add/Remove Programs, remove
completely Dr Solomon’ s software.
SUBJECT: some public DNS.
Telecom
Italia: 151.99.125.1; 151.99.0.100
SUBJECT: PINE PCI modem.
PROBLEM: difficult to recognize the type of
chipset.
SOLUTION: to identify
the PINE PCI modem you can use the following:
2818 Chipset Only has a line
connection
2819 Chipset Line
connection, speaker and MIC outputs.
SUBJECT: soundcard
(general).
PROBLEM: no
sound or sound start and stop.
EXPLANATION: IRQ
conflict. This may happen even if one of
the conflicting IRQ is disabled in Windows.
SOLUTION: change IRQ on the soundcard or change the slot on the
motherboard, or change IRQ settings in the Bios of the motherboard.
SUBJECT: play
a sound from a a cmd, and from within a script.
SOLUTION: see: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/resources/qanda/nov04/hey1103.mspx
EXAMPLE: sndrec32 /play /close
"C:\Windows\Media\Notify.wav"
