- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Disclaimer: Due to its content, the following should not be tried by anyone.
Windows XP Pro Installation
Partition your hard drive (one physical drive "divided" into C Drive, D Drive…) so that you can install your operating system on one of the partitions, install your software, set it all up to your liking, then back the entire partition onto CDR disc(s) for easy future restoration in the future without having to go through the entire Windows, drivers and software installation process again. Use a program like PowerQuest Drive Image or Norton Ghost to do this. You can also use the FDISK command. Some of the instructions below may make using Windows easier for you.
* Setup BIOS
[* Boot from floppy, then format hard drive and give it a new label: FORMAT C:
(The label can have up to 11 characters.)
* To rewrite the Master Boot Record: FDISK/MBR
(Do not use this command if more than four partitions exist on one hard drive.)]
* Partition Magic from floppy: (1024MB x 5 GB) + 14.6MB for an even GB number size
(If you wish to assign letter D: to second partition on the hard drive 1, then
change hard drive 2 primary partition to extended logical partition.)
FDISK DOS command:
Start the system with a Windows 98 installation disk and choose option
3. Quit Windows 98 setup
Type
FDISK
and press Enter.
After getting a message:
Do you wish to enable large disk support [Y]
press Enter again.
ASSUMING THIS IS A BRAND NEW UNFORMATTED HARD DRIVE or IF ALL PARTITIONS ARE DELETED:
Press Enter to choose option
1. Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive
Press Enter again to choose option
1. Create Primary DOS Partition
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified, then
press Enter if there is going to be just one partition on the hard drive.
Otherwise, to partition the hard drive into two, three or four partitions.
N > Enter > Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified >
Enter number of MB for C drive partition > Enter > Esc >
Press 2 > Enter to choose option
2. Set active partition > Enter > 1 > Enter > Esc >
Press Enter to Choose option
1. Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive >
Press 2 > Enter to choose
2. Create Extended DOS Partition >
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified > Enter >
Esc > Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified (again) >
Enter number of MB for D drive partition > Enter >
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified (again) >
Enter number of MB for E drive partition or just press Enter to use
maximum remaining MB for drive E > Esc
Esc to exit FDISK >
RESTART THE SYSTEM (Use Windows 98 installation disk again)
choose option 3. Quit Windows 98 setup
type
FORMAT C:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive C
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
type
FORMAT D:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive D
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
type
FORMAT E:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive C
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
RESTART THE SYSTEM
* Physically disconnect Internet connection cables
* Always reboot when prompted and after installing every half a GB or so, get rid of the inevitable Hard Drive errors by running a quick standard ScanDisk (My Computer, Right Click on HD > Properties > Tools TAB > Check Now… button.)
* Windows XP Key is:
* Always log into Windows XP as an Administrator without password requirements (and not just with administrator privileges):
Start Menu > Run... > type
control userpasswords2
> OK > Users TAB > UNCHECK: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer > OK
(A dialog will appear that asks you what user name and password should be used to logon automatically.)
LEAVE PASSWORD BLANK > click on OK
[This procedure can be reversed by again CHECKING: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer]
* Reboot to be automatically logged in as Administrator (important)
* Get rid of Popup Balloons reminding you to register or sign up:
Double click on Disable Balloon Tips.reg or
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current Version \ Explorer \ Advanced
Double click on EnableBalloonTips > Value data should have a value of 0.
If EnableBalloonTips is not there create it by right-clicking on Advanced >
New > DWORD value and call it EnableBalloonTips with a Value data of 0.
File > Exit > Reboot
* Right click on Start Menu > Properties > SELECT: Classic Start Menu
Customize… button > CHECK: - Display Favorites
- Expand Control Panel
UNCHECK: -Use Personalized Menus > OK > OK
Taskbar TAB: CHECK: Show Quick Launch and
UNCHECK: Group similar taskbar buttons
Customize… button > Click on Windows Messenger: select Always Hide > OK
* Keyboard
* Right-click on the Internet Explorer Desktop icon > Properties >
Click on Use Blank (for the Home page Address) > OK
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > System Restore TAB >
CHECK: Turn off System Restore on all drives
then
Automatic Updates TAB > Turn off (UNCHECK) automatic updates
then
Remote TAB > UNCHECK both options
then
Advanced TAB > Under Performance, Settings button >
UNCHECK everything that starts with "Fade" or "Slide" > click on OK
then
Advanced TAB > Under Startup and Recovery, Settings button > Time to display list of OS: 3 seconds > OK
then
Advanced TAB > Error Reporting button > Disable error reporting >
UNCHECK: But notify me when critical errors occur > OK
then
Hardware TAB > Driver Signing button (In the middle of the window) > Ignore > OK > OK > Yes
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options > Hibernate Tab > UNCHECK: Enable Hibernation
[to free up of the amount of space equal to that of RAM]
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware TAB > Device Manager > Scroll down to System Devices > Double click on System CMOS/real time clock > Resources TAB > IRQ (prabably 08)
then go to Start Menu > Run… > regedit
Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl
Right click on PriorityControl > New > DWORD value > if IRQ is 8, name it
IRQ8Priority and double click on it to set the value to 1.
* My Computer > View > Select Icons
then View > Select Status Bar
then right click on CD drive > Properties > Auto Play TAB > Under Actions SELECT:
Select action to perform > Take no action > Apply
[Repeat for all content types (under select a content type…) + Repeat for other
CD/CD-RW/DVD drives]
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > General TAB > Select: Use Windows classic folders
then
View TAB >
CHECK: - Display the contents of system folders
- Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: - Hide file extensions for known file types
- Hide protected operating system files [Recommended] > Yes
Click on Apply to All Folders > Yes > OK
* To Make all items visible in Add/Remove > Add/Remove Windows Components:
Right click on sysoc.inf [which is in C:\WINDOWS\inf] and select Open With… > Notepad >
Replace all ",hide" with "," - (both without quotes) – [Notepad > Edit > Replace… > Replace All]
* Right click on an empty space on Desktop > Arrange Icons By > UNCHECK: Align to Grid
* Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
[Disable Windows XP Search Assistant]
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ CabinetState \
Right-click on CabinetState > New > String Value
Name the new value
Use Search Asst
In the right window double click on Search Asst to enter Value data: no
then go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Main \
Right-click on Main > New > String Value
Name the new value
Use Search Asst
In the right window double click on Search Asst to enter Value data: no
[To revert to Windows XP Search Assistant, just change the Value Data from no to yes.]
then
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion
In the right window double click on RegDone to enter Value data: 1 > OK >
then Remove Shared Folders from My Computer:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ My Computer \ NameSpace \ DelegateFolders
You'll see a sub-key named {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee}
If you delete this key, only drives will be displayed under My Computer.
On some computers there are both MyComputer and My Computer registry folders. They both contain "NameSpace\DelegateFolders" subfolder from which {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee} key should be deleted.
Then speed up network Share Viewing:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace\{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Delete {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Then unload DLLs after they have finished being used:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AlwaysUnloadDLL
Double click on (Default) and give it a value of 1.
Then make sure Windows XP is NEVER notified when you insert a new CD:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ Cdrom
Double-click the Autorun to enter Value data: 0 > OK
When Windows is not shutdown correctly it will perform an AutoCheck using CHKDSK on the next restart. Disable it and Scan your disk for errors regularly on your own:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager >
Right click on Session Manager > New > DWORD Value > name it
AutoChkTimeOut
Double click on it and give it a value of 0 to disable it (default is 10)
Then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\
If you have 256MB or RAM or more, change the values from 0 to 1 for
- DisablePagingExecutive
and
- LargeSystemCache
then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management >
Double click on SecondLevelDataCache in the right window and select Decimal then enter L2 cache for your current CPU (Athlon XP 1500+ to 2400+ have 256KB, so enter 256 for those CPUs, or enter 512 for Bartons.)
Then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
Double click on EnablePrefetcher on the right side of the window
(It's most likely set to 3).
Boot up time was reduced by 50% when this value was set to 1
Others say setting of 5 works best for them. Only way to tell is by timing the bootup.
Then go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\Shell\
And delete both openas key and string value "openas" (in the right window)
(it will be replaced with a standard value)
Then go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
And delete OpenWith key
Then go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\
and right click on Shell > New > Key > OpenAs >
double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
&Notepad
Then right click on OpenAs > New > Key > command >
double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1
* DO NOT UPDATE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER TO VERSION 9 (incompatible with many programs)
Double click on Media Player XP High Quality MP3 Encoding.reg
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Settings\MP3Encoding]
"LowRate"=dword:0000dac0
"MediumRate"=dword:0001f400
"MediumHighRate"=dword:0003e800
"HighRate"=dword:0004e200
This corresponds to 56, 128, 256 and 320 KB/second rates, respectively.
then Disable error messages when trying to restart or shut down Windows:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
In the right hand pane look for the "AutoEndTasks" String Value.
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it AutoEndTasks) >
Double-click on AutoEndTasks and give it the value of 1 [to enable the forced program exit feature.] > OK
then, in the right hand pane, look for the "HungAppTimeout" String Value.
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it HungAppTimeout) >
Make the End Task message appear straight away when trying to forcibly close an application:
Double click on HungAppTimeout and give it a value of 1000 (default is 5000 ms = 5 seconds). > OK
then
Double click on WaitToKillAppTimeout and give a value of 2000 (default is 20000 ms = 20 sec). > OK
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it WaitToKillAppTimeout) >
then, speed up the Start Menu
Double click on MenuShowDelay and give a value of 200 (default is 400 ms = 0.4 seconds)
File > Exit
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Change Drive Letters: Right click on My Computer > Manage > Storage > Disk Management > Right-click on CD-ROM > Change Drive Letter and Paths… : cdrw - R: dvd - V:
File > Exit
* Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups [on the left side] > Double click on Users > Right click on & DELETE: HelpAssistant user (because it can be enabled without your knowledge)
File >Exit
* Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to IMAPI CD-Burning COM service and double click on it then (in the
middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
[This is the built-in CD-burning capability (written by Roxio) that once disabled, will enable Nero to start up much quicker.]
then scroll down to Help and Support and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
then scroll down to NVIDIA Driver Helper Service and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Manual > OK
then scroll down to SSDP Discovery Service and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
[This really speeds up the boot time for Windows XP since Home Area Network (HAN) devices are not available yet and we don’t need to network our home heating system, refrigerator, or microwave oven anytime soon]
File > Exit
* Disable Windows XP native zip support to increase performance (if you use WinZip instead):
Start Menu > Run... > regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
* Change location of My Documents folder (TweakUI)
* Notepad > File > Open…> c:\boot.ini
Windows XP Professional & Windows Me - MILLENNIUM
* Update DirectX
* Mainboard (or unified) drivers > Reboot
* LAN card
* Make ALL of the bandwidth available to you +
Disable another CD Autoplay setting:
1. Start Menu > Run... >
2. type
gpedit.msc
> OK
3. Expand "Computer configuration" > "Administrative templates"
4. Click on "Sytem" in the left window
5. In the right window, double click on Turn off Autoplay > Setting TAB >
SELECT: Enabled > OK > then under Turn off Autoplay on: All Drives > Apply
6. Then expand the "Network" branch
7. Highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler" in the left window
8. In the right window double click on "limit reservable bandwidth"
9. Under the Setting TAB SELECT: "Enabled"
10. Where it says "Bandwidth limit (%)" change it to read 0 and Click on OK then File > Exit
11. Start Menu > Settings > Network Connections >
Right-click on Local Area connection > Properties >
General TAB > under "This connection uses the following items" make sure QoS Packet
scheduler is checked > OK
12. Reboot the system.
(The system should boot into Desktop automatically without the logon prompt.)
* Configure Mouse [Do not use USB mouse without a PS/2 adaptor and avoid USB keyboards. They do not work in DOS, BIOS. USB signals can be processor intensive so the system will run faster if PS/2 port is used.]
Defaults + Wheel Button: Enter
Small Thumb Button: Keystroke [F11] (if there is an extra button: Application close Alt+F4)
Pointer Options TAB > CHECK: Automatically move pointer… > OK
* Defragment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Video Card Drivers + any video card software (if there is a previous version of video card drivers installed, boot into Windows Safe Mode and update old Display drivers through Device Manager)
Right click on My Computer > Manage > Device Manager [on the left side] >
Double click on Video Controller (VGA Compatible) > Reinstall Driver… button >
Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) > Next > Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install. > Next > Next > Have Disk… button > Browse… to driver location
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Screen resolution > OK > YES > REBOOT
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Advanced… button >
Monitor TAB + Adapter TAB > Adjust Screen refresh rate [if necessary] > OK > Yes
then
Desktop TAB > Customize Desktop... button >
UNCHECK: - Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days
- My Documents
then (optionally) Change Desktop icons > OK
then
Screen Saver TAB > Screen saver, then Power… button > Adjust Power Options properties > OK
then
Appearance TAB > Effects… button >
BE SURE TO UNCHECK: Use the following transition effect for menus and tooltips:
[If it remains checked, it will allow a major Windows XP bug to hang the system
when right-clicking on any folder (!)]
SELECT Clear Type for smooth edges of screen fonts.
CHECK: Use large icons > OK
then
Appearance TAB > Advanced button
Change sizes + icon and menu font: Verdana ;
Under Item: Select Window
then under Color 1: Select Other…
Adjust word processor background color:
28 255
240 243
221 215
Add to Custom Colors > OK > OK
* Right click on Recycle Bin > Global TAB > UNCHECK: Display delete confirmation dialog
* Folders Buttons configuration: My Computer > View > Toolbars > Customize… >
- Text options: Show Text Labels
- Icon options: Large icons
(Repeat after inserting any CD, My Computer > CD Drive and My Computer > Right-click on CD Drive > Explore)
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* My Computer > View > Toolbars > CHECK: Lock the Toolbars
* Start Menu > Accessories > Notepad: Format > CHECK: Word Wrap
then Format > Font… > Verdana 14 Regular
* Put folder shortcuts in
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\
* Install ASPI layer > Reboot
* Sound Card
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices >
CHECK: Place Volume icon in the Taskbar
then
Advanced button > Options > CHECK: Advanced Controls
Advanced button > Options > Properties > adjust both Playback and Recording properties (Raise Volume Bars) > OK > Options > Exit
then
Sounds TAB > Under Windows: scroll down and click on Exclamation >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down and click on Exclamation >
Exit Windows >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down and click on Start Windows >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down further and click on Start Navigation >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) > OK
* Video Capture Card / Modem
* ZoneAlarm:
Right click on ZoneAlarm shortcut > Properties >
Target: "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe" -nosplash –nopopup
ZoneAlarm shortcut should be in
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
and/or:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
* Defragment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Avoid sending personal info to Microsoft:
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32 -u regwizc.dll
then click on OK
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box, which unregisters this DLL making it "invisible" to Windows.
then
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32 /u licdll.dll
then click on OK
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box.
* Now rename BOTH regwizc.dll files located in
C:\WINDOWS\system32 and
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
[i.e. located in %systemroot%\System32 and %systemroot%\system32\dllcache]
to something else like regwizc.dlx to avoid having to repeat these steps all over again, whenever you install a Windows component or patch or update that might re-register (reenable) regwizc.dll, which would force Windows XP to send personal info to MS in the future, without your permission.
Note that Windows Service Packs may require regwizc.dll to be re-enabled.
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View >
CHECK: Hide protected operating system files [Recommended] > OK
* Now Connect the Cable Modem
(Check to see if you need to set ZoneAlarm > Security > Internet settings to Medium to allow internet access.)
* WINDOWS UPDATE > Update Internet Explorer first
* Internet Explorer Buttons configuration: View > Toolbars > UNCHECK: Links
then
View > Toolbars > Customize… >
- Text options: Show Text Labels
- Icon options: Large icons
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* View > Toolbars > CHECK: Lock the Toolbars
* History button > View > By Order Visited Today > x (exit)
* Size button > Larger
* Windows Update > other updates
* Right-click on Internet Explorer > Properties > Accessibility button (on the bottom right) >
CHECK: Ignore font sizes specified on Web Pages
[Now you can change the size by going to View > Text size]
then
Connections TAB > LAN Settings button > UNCHECK EVERYTHING > OK > OK
then
Advanced TAB > under Browsing, CHECK: Disable script debugging
UNCHECK: - Automatically check for internet Explorer updates
- Enable page transitions
then go down under Multimedia and
UNCHECK: - Enable Automatic Image Resizing
- Enable Image Toolbar
- Reuse windows for launching shortcuts
then go down under Search from the Address bar and
SELECT: Do not search from the Address bar
then Content TAB > Auto Complete… button >
UNCHECK everything > OK > OK
* Defregment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Printers: Start Menu > Settings > Printers and faxes > Add Printer
[Delete any spyware like lexpps.exe]
REMOVE START-UP ITEMS AND SHELL EXTENSIONS as you go
+ START APPLICATIONS TO SET UP OPTIONS + Put Shortcuts on Desktop
* Update all drivers from drivers CD Install Scanner Software
[Delete any spyware like BMUpdate.exe, if you see it running (Ctrl+Alt+Del)]
* Connect Scanner
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Game Controllers >
Add… button > scroll down to Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect) > OK
* Netscape
Choose CUSTOM INSTALLATION and UNCHECK items you don't want.
After installation and before starting Netscape, go to the folder where it was installed and click on folder called components where you’ll find activation.dll. Rename it to activation.old
[to disable nagging Netscape activation messages.]
Edit > Preferences... >
- Navigator > Blank Page, delete Location,
Only Bookmarks and Go should be CHECKED
- Privacy & Security > Passwords >
UNECK: Remember passwords
- Advanced > Software Installation >
UNCHECK: - Enable Software Installation
- Check for Updates
View > Show/Hide > UNCHECK: - Component Bar
- Tab Bar
- My Sidebar
[If you happened to have installed Mail and News Servers, UNCHECK: Mail Start Page
to disable Netscape's "start page" from downloading when you open mail.]
* Other Applications
Install Restore Dektop, TweakUI (There is an issue with Repair > Rebuild Icons in versions 2.00.0.0 and 2.00.1.0 where it messes up icon display under 16-bit resolution. It is therefore recommended only version 1.90.0.0 of TweakUI be used.)
* In WINZIP: Options > Configuration… > Explorer Enhancements TAB >
UNCHECK: Display context menu items in a submenu
then under Context menu commands: CHECK ONLY:
- Add to <file name> .zip
- Extract to <folder name>
then
Miscellaneous TAB > UNCHECK: Show comments when opening zip files [right side, middle]
then System TAB > UNCHECK: Include WinZip Quick Pick in the taskbar tray
Disable Media Player automatically checking for updates:
Start Menu > Run... > regedit >
Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \
Right click on Microsoft > New > Key
name it
WindowsMediaPlayer
(if it's not already there)
Right click on WindowsMediaPlayer > New > DWORD Value > Name it
DisableAutoUpdate
Double click on it and enter the value of 1
In Windows Media Player: Tools > Options… > Player TAB >
UNCHECK everything except Display anchor Windows when in skin mode
then
Copy Music TAB > Adjust
Copy music to this location:
File format:
Copy music at this quality:
then
View > Now Playing Tools
View > Full Mode Options > Show Menu Bar
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* WordPerfect Office + Service Pack + Replace template files with backed up versions
Tools > Settings… > Files >
Document TAB: set Default document folder, Backup Folder, Timed Document backup
Template TAB: set Template folders
Merge/Macro TAB: set Macro folder
OK
Customize > Toolbars TAB: Select: 2 LOWER (Toolbar) > Options… button >
CHECK: Large icons > OK > Close > Close
Right click next to Property Bar > Hide Property Bar
* Microsoft Office XP Pro Key:
Make sure to do a custom install to prevent
Office Shared Features > Alternative User Input
from installing. (It crashes Internet Explorer on many systems)
Note that file Normal.dot and Excel10.xlb contain most of menu settings. Open backed up version of Excel10.xlb with MS Excel to transfer your previous settings. In MS Word > Tools > Options > File Locations TAB > User Templates > Modify…> browse to where a backed up version of Normal.dot is located to transfer previous settings.
For New installations of Excel, create a new toolbar first:
Tools > Customize > Toolbars TAB > New... > OK > Close > Exit Excel
This will create file Excel10.xlb whose original locations are
Windows XP/2000:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
or
C:\Documents and Settings\[name of your account]\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
Windows 9x/Me:
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
Start Word and disable Office Assistant:
Help > Show the Office Assistant > Right-click on the Office Assistant > Options >
UNCHECK: Use the Office Assistant
* Lower right corner: UNCHECK: Show at startup
* Tools > Customize > Options TAB > CHECK: Always Show Full Menu >
(while the Customize window is still opened) right click in the upper right corner where it says
"Type a question for help" and UNCHECK: Show Ask a Question Box > Close
* Tools > Options > View TAB > UNCHECK: - Startup Task Pane
- Screen Tips
then,
> General TAB > 9 entries
then
> Edit TAB > UNCHECK: Show Paste Options Buttons (In the middle of the window)
then
> Save TAB > 5 minutes
then
> File Locations TAB > set Documents, User Templates (where Normal.dot is located), AutoRecover folders
then
> Spelling & Grammar TAB > Custom Dictionaries… button (In the middle of the window) >
[By the way Word Dictionary.dic file will be replaced with an empty file SO BACK IT UP, THEN COPY IT BACK AFTER NEW OFFICE INSTALLATION]
> New button (to set the folder) > Change default button > OK > OK
* Tools > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type TAB >
UNCHECK: Automatic Bulleted Lists
then
> Smart Tags TAB > UNCHECK all
* OUTLOOK Email setup:
inc:
out:
Choose folder where new email messages are stored (to easily backup this folder in the future):
Tools > E-mail Accounts… > Next > New Outlook Data File… button > OK > browse to folder of choice > Give a name to the file where all outlook folders will be saved (for example “New Email”) > OK > OK
then select “New Email” at the bottom of the list under Deliver new e-mail to the following location: > Finish > OK > Exit Outlook
* Restart Outlook > Tools > Options > Mail Setup TAB > Data Files… button (In the middle of the window) > Click on files other than the file you named “New Email”) > Remove… button > Yes > Close > OK > Exit Outlook
* File outcmd.dat contains user defined menu settings.
File Outlook.FAV contains shortcuts on the left side of Outlook window.
If you modified these settings on other computers, you may copy them and transfer saved menu settings.
In Windows XP, go to
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
or
C:\Documents and Settings\[name of your account]\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
In Windows 9x and Me, go to
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
* Start Outlook > Tools > Options... > Other TAB > Advanced Options... > Startup in this folder: Inbox > OK
then,
UNCHECK: Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook [bottom of the Other TAB]
then,
AutoArchive… button in the middle of the window >
UNCHECK: Run AutoArchive every > OK
then,
> Mail Format TAB > UNCHECK: Use Microsoft Word
then,
> Preferences TAB > E-mail Options... button >
After moving or deleting an open item: return to the Inbox >
then click on Advanced Email Options... button and
UNCHECK Show an envelope icon in the system tray > OK > OK
then,
Mail Format TAB > Fonts... button (In the middle of the window) >
When composing a new message: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console > OK
When replying and forwarding: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console + Color: Auto > OK
When composing and reading plain text: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console > OK
then,
Under Stationery fonts: Use the fonts specified in stationery (if specified) > OK >
then
Stationary Picker… button (In the middle of the window) > Edit > SELECT: Do not include a background in this stationary > OK
then,
Choose Blank then click on Edit... button > Change font button >
14 pt. Lucida Console > OK > OK > OK > OK
Tools > Send/Receive Settings > Define Send/Receive Groups... >
CHECK: Schedule an automatic send/receive every 1 minutes. > Close
* Tools > Customize > (while the Customize window is still opened) right click in the upper right corner where it says "Type a question for help" and
UNCHECK: Show Ask a Question Box > Close
* Disable MS Office XP Error Reporting by running already made registry script file
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Common]
"DWNeverUpload"=dword:00000001
"DWNoExternalURL"=dword:00000001
"DWNoFileCollection"=dword:00000001
"DWNoSecondLevelCollection"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Common]
"DWNeverUpload"=dword:00000001
"DWNoExternalURL"=dword:00000001
"DWNoFileCollection"=dword:00000001
"DWNoSecondLevelCollection"=dword:00000001
+ If an unwanted program adds itself into Outlook (like net2phone):
Tools > Options... > Other TAB > Advanced Options... > Add-In Manager... > Uncheck... (for example) aunchn2p.dll
* Ctrl+Alt+Del > click on ctfmon.exe if it's running > End Task
Search and delete ctfmon.exe from its original location.
Usually, it's in
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM (for Windows Me)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 (for Windows XP)
* Task Bar: Toolbars > Quick Launch:
Show Desktop, Email, IE, F Drive
* Photoshop: Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers
Edit > Preferences > Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks... >
set primary Scratch Disk location to the hard drive with most free space available
[Also set Scratch Disk locations for other Adobe software.]
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* WinFax minimum installation
Tools > Program Setup… > Send > UNCHECK: Include a cover page > OK > Close
Get rid of the Outlook errors upon exit:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Mail > Data Files... button >
Click on WinFax Fax Logs > Remove button > Yes > Close
Prevent it from always running in the background
Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to WinFax PRO service and double click on it then (in the
middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Manual > OK
* pcAnywhere
On the HOST COMPUTER which is being accessed:
Click on Hosts > Right click on NETWORK, CABLE, DSL (or for telephone connection, right click on MODEM) >
Properties > Callers TAB > Under Caller list: click on New Item icon which looks like a sheet of paper icon >
Enter Login Name, Password, Confirm Password > OK > OK
On the CALLER COMPUTER from which you're accessing the other machine:
Click on Remotes > Right click on NETWORK, CABLE, DSL (or for telephone connection, right click on MODEM) >
Properties > Settings TAB > Under Login information CHECK: Automatically login to host upon connection and
enter Login name and Password > OK
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to:
NFO (txt),
DIZ (txt),
MP3 (music + modify icon),
CDA (music + modify icon),
* This is a fix to enable double clicking on both .RM and .RAM files without RealPlayer freezing:
Scroll down to RAM > Advanced button > under Actions: Click on Open then click on the Edit button >
Under Application used to perform action it should say something like:
"C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe" /m audio/x-pn-realaudio %1
COPY THIS then Cancel > Cancel >
Scroll down to RM > Advanced button > Click on Open then click on the Edit button >
Under Application used to perform action:
PASTE THE ABOVE COPIED TEXT > OK > OK > Close
* Nero software + updates, IE SpellCheck, Popup Ad Filter
In Popup Ad Filter: Double click on the green Popup Ad Filter icon [lower right] > Options TAB >
UNCHECK: - Integrate with Internet Explorer, (otherwise .ram links won’t launch RealPlayer)
- Keep history logs
- Beep via PC speaker
* Programs allowed to access internet through ZoneAlarm
* Run TweakUI (See Templates)
* Delete unnecessary sample files (from places like My Documents…)
* Start Menu > Settings > Taskbar and Start Menu > Customize… button to set preferences
* Right-click on clock > Adjust Date/Time > Internet Time TAB >
CHECK: Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server > Server: time.nist.gov >
Click on Update Now button
(In case of problems, double click on the ZoneAlarm icon >
Generic Host Process for Win32 Services should be allowed to have Internet access.)
* TClockEx Properties (http://users.iafrica.com/d/da/dalen/tclockex.htm)
HH:mm|dddd dd MMM
Lucida Console 14pt
Text Color: White
Background Color (Other):
142 61
240 149
149 255
Calendar TAB > CHECK: Remember Last Position
UNCHECK: Remember Last Month
Week begins on: Monday
Font… > @SimSun Bold 18pt
Menu TAB > Double button click: Calendar
Advanced TAB > UNCHECK: Enable CPU monitoring
Put shortcut to TCLOCKEX.EXE in the Start Menu > Programs > Startup folder
* Put folder shortcuts in Send to Menu:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\SendTo
* Adjust Music folder and subfolders Views: List
* Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Advanced button > Options >
Properties > Again check both Playback and Recording properties (Raise Volume Bars)
> OK > Options > Exit
* Install Macromedia Flash Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
Optionally, also install Macromedia Shockwave Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/
* Netmeeting
* Save current Display settings to a file:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Themes TAB > Save As… button
* FBI has urged users of MS Windows to disable the Universal Plug and Play feature that could leave computers open to attacks.
Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to Universal Plug and Play Device Host service and double click on it.
General TAB > Startup Type > Disabled > OK
* CUT Windows Shell folders (Desktop, Favorites, Start Menu) from C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\ to folder of choice, for easy back up / restore
* Favorites Menu Order
[Saved previously from HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ MenuOrder \ Favorites
Click once on Favorites and then (on the menu) click on Registry > Export Registry File... to save this file.]
* Restore Desktop
* Prevent Windows Messenger from Auto-Starting:
[Windows messenger tends to “reinstall itself” with Office XP installation or other updates, when it does, repeat this procedure]
Exit Windows Messenger by right-clicking on its icon [lower left] > Exit
then
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Click on Add/Remove Windows Components > Scroll down and UNCHECK: Windows Messenger > Next
After uninstalling Windows Messenger, go to
Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run \
then delete MSMSGS registry key.
Or try this: To remove Microsoft's Wndows Messenger from Windows XP, go to Start menu > Run… >
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
* regedit Favorites are:
- Restore Desktop Settings
- Favorites Menu Order
- BMP iconic preview value should be %1
- Delete MSMSGS
Deleting QuickFind from the right click menu requires deleting
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\QuickFinderMenu
(also delete Washer here)
Removing File Renamer Ultra right-click shell extension requires deleting the registry key found under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell
(also delete Washer here)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\FRU2000
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\Directory\shell\FRU2000
* Iconic Preview of files with BMP extension is probably turned off,
Turn it on:
Start Menu > Run... > Regedit > Go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ PAINT.PICTURE\ DefaultIcon
and double click on the (Default) value and change it to %1
(Requires Log Off and then Log back On or Reboot.)
Note: If BMP files are no longer associated with MSPaint, you'll need to replace
PAINT.PICTURE above with whatever is associated with the BMP extension.
* My Computer > Tools… > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to JPG > Delete > Yes > New > JPG > OK > Advanced > New…
Action:
open
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\shimgvw.dll,ImageView_Fullscreen %1
CHECK: Use DDE
Application:
Shimgvw
Topic:
System
> OK >
New… >
Action:
printto
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\shimgvw.dll,ImageView_PrintTo /pt "%1" "%2" "%3" "%4"
CHECK: Use DDE
Application:
Shimgvw
Topic:
System
> OK > OK
Do the same for gif and tif extensions.
* Install GICONS to have iconic preview of JPG files.
* Antivirus + Update definitions + test Spell check and Madden
* See C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\
and cut any items from Desktop + see Start Menu & check Favorites
* Use Internet Cleanup and Window Washer
* Run Ad-aware to remove any spyware and adware.
* Make an Image file with Powerquest Drive Image (or Norton Ghost)
and make sure to Verify Image (with Powerquest ImageExplorer, after transferring it to its backup location)
* BIOS: boot from IDE-0 first
* Import any saved Outlook files. (File > Import and Export…)
or Restore backed up folders:
1. File > Import and Export… >
2. Select import from another program or file
3. Select Personal Folder File (.pst)
4. Browse to the folder where the backup file was saved to import it.
P.S.
By adjusting the size of X (Caption Buttons) in Appearance Menu,
you adjust the display size of check boxes in certain Windows menus.
Windows XP Pro Installation
Partition your hard drive (one physical drive "divided" into C Drive, D Drive…) so that you can install your operating system on one of the partitions, install your software, set it all up to your liking, then back the entire partition onto CDR disc(s) for easy future restoration in the future without having to go through the entire Windows, drivers and software installation process again. Use a program like PowerQuest Drive Image or Norton Ghost to do this. You can also use the FDISK command. Some of the instructions below may make using Windows easier for you.
* Setup BIOS
[* Boot from floppy, then format hard drive and give it a new label: FORMAT C:
(The label can have up to 11 characters.)
* To rewrite the Master Boot Record: FDISK/MBR
(Do not use this command if more than four partitions exist on one hard drive.)]
* Partition Magic from floppy: (1024MB x 5 GB) + 14.6MB for an even GB number size
(If you wish to assign letter D: to second partition on the hard drive 1, then
change hard drive 2 primary partition to extended logical partition.)
FDISK DOS command:
Start the system with a Windows 98 installation disk and choose option
3. Quit Windows 98 setup
Type
FDISK
and press Enter.
After getting a message:
Do you wish to enable large disk support [Y]
press Enter again.
ASSUMING THIS IS A BRAND NEW UNFORMATTED HARD DRIVE or IF ALL PARTITIONS ARE DELETED:
Press Enter to choose option
1. Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive
Press Enter again to choose option
1. Create Primary DOS Partition
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified, then
press Enter if there is going to be just one partition on the hard drive.
Otherwise, to partition the hard drive into two, three or four partitions.
N > Enter > Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified >
Enter number of MB for C drive partition > Enter > Esc >
Press 2 > Enter to choose option
2. Set active partition > Enter > 1 > Enter > Esc >
Press Enter to Choose option
1. Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive >
Press 2 > Enter to choose
2. Create Extended DOS Partition >
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified > Enter >
Esc > Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified (again) >
Enter number of MB for D drive partition > Enter >
Wait for the drive integrity to be automatically verified (again) >
Enter number of MB for E drive partition or just press Enter to use
maximum remaining MB for drive E > Esc
Esc to exit FDISK >
RESTART THE SYSTEM (Use Windows 98 installation disk again)
choose option 3. Quit Windows 98 setup
type
FORMAT C:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive C
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
type
FORMAT D:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive D
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
type
FORMAT E:
and press Enter > Y
to format drive C
(Enter any label for drive c with up to 11 characters)
RESTART THE SYSTEM
* Physically disconnect Internet connection cables
* Always reboot when prompted and after installing every half a GB or so, get rid of the inevitable Hard Drive errors by running a quick standard ScanDisk (My Computer, Right Click on HD > Properties > Tools TAB > Check Now… button.)
* Windows XP Key is:
* Always log into Windows XP as an Administrator without password requirements (and not just with administrator privileges):
Start Menu > Run... > type
control userpasswords2
> OK > Users TAB > UNCHECK: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer > OK
(A dialog will appear that asks you what user name and password should be used to logon automatically.)
LEAVE PASSWORD BLANK > click on OK
[This procedure can be reversed by again CHECKING: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer]
* Reboot to be automatically logged in as Administrator (important)
* Get rid of Popup Balloons reminding you to register or sign up:
Double click on Disable Balloon Tips.reg or
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current Version \ Explorer \ Advanced
Double click on EnableBalloonTips > Value data should have a value of 0.
If EnableBalloonTips is not there create it by right-clicking on Advanced >
New > DWORD value and call it EnableBalloonTips with a Value data of 0.
File > Exit > Reboot
* Right click on Start Menu > Properties > SELECT: Classic Start Menu
Customize… button > CHECK: - Display Favorites
- Expand Control Panel
UNCHECK: -Use Personalized Menus > OK > OK
Taskbar TAB: CHECK: Show Quick Launch and
UNCHECK: Group similar taskbar buttons
Customize… button > Click on Windows Messenger: select Always Hide > OK
* Keyboard
* Right-click on the Internet Explorer Desktop icon > Properties >
Click on Use Blank (for the Home page Address) > OK
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > System Restore TAB >
CHECK: Turn off System Restore on all drives
then
Automatic Updates TAB > Turn off (UNCHECK) automatic updates
then
Remote TAB > UNCHECK both options
then
Advanced TAB > Under Performance, Settings button >
UNCHECK everything that starts with "Fade" or "Slide" > click on OK
then
Advanced TAB > Under Startup and Recovery, Settings button > Time to display list of OS: 3 seconds > OK
then
Advanced TAB > Error Reporting button > Disable error reporting >
UNCHECK: But notify me when critical errors occur > OK
then
Hardware TAB > Driver Signing button (In the middle of the window) > Ignore > OK > OK > Yes
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options > Hibernate Tab > UNCHECK: Enable Hibernation
[to free up of the amount of space equal to that of RAM]
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware TAB > Device Manager > Scroll down to System Devices > Double click on System CMOS/real time clock > Resources TAB > IRQ (prabably 08)
then go to Start Menu > Run… > regedit
Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl
Right click on PriorityControl > New > DWORD value > if IRQ is 8, name it
IRQ8Priority and double click on it to set the value to 1.
* My Computer > View > Select Icons
then View > Select Status Bar
then right click on CD drive > Properties > Auto Play TAB > Under Actions SELECT:
Select action to perform > Take no action > Apply
[Repeat for all content types (under select a content type…) + Repeat for other
CD/CD-RW/DVD drives]
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > General TAB > Select: Use Windows classic folders
then
View TAB >
CHECK: - Display the contents of system folders
- Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: - Hide file extensions for known file types
- Hide protected operating system files [Recommended] > Yes
Click on Apply to All Folders > Yes > OK
* To Make all items visible in Add/Remove > Add/Remove Windows Components:
Right click on sysoc.inf [which is in C:\WINDOWS\inf] and select Open With… > Notepad >
Replace all ",hide" with "," - (both without quotes) – [Notepad > Edit > Replace… > Replace All]
* Right click on an empty space on Desktop > Arrange Icons By > UNCHECK: Align to Grid
* Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
[Disable Windows XP Search Assistant]
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ CabinetState \
Right-click on CabinetState > New > String Value
Name the new value
Use Search Asst
In the right window double click on Search Asst to enter Value data: no
then go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Main \
Right-click on Main > New > String Value
Name the new value
Use Search Asst
In the right window double click on Search Asst to enter Value data: no
[To revert to Windows XP Search Assistant, just change the Value Data from no to yes.]
then
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion
In the right window double click on RegDone to enter Value data: 1 > OK >
then Remove Shared Folders from My Computer:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ My Computer \ NameSpace \ DelegateFolders
You'll see a sub-key named {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee}
If you delete this key, only drives will be displayed under My Computer.
On some computers there are both MyComputer and My Computer registry folders. They both contain "NameSpace\DelegateFolders" subfolder from which {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee} key should be deleted.
Then speed up network Share Viewing:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace\{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Delete {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Then unload DLLs after they have finished being used:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AlwaysUnloadDLL
Double click on (Default) and give it a value of 1.
Then make sure Windows XP is NEVER notified when you insert a new CD:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ Cdrom
Double-click the Autorun to enter Value data: 0 > OK
When Windows is not shutdown correctly it will perform an AutoCheck using CHKDSK on the next restart. Disable it and Scan your disk for errors regularly on your own:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager >
Right click on Session Manager > New > DWORD Value > name it
AutoChkTimeOut
Double click on it and give it a value of 0 to disable it (default is 10)
Then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\
If you have 256MB or RAM or more, change the values from 0 to 1 for
- DisablePagingExecutive
and
- LargeSystemCache
then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management >
Double click on SecondLevelDataCache in the right window and select Decimal then enter L2 cache for your current CPU (Athlon XP 1500+ to 2400+ have 256KB, so enter 256 for those CPUs, or enter 512 for Bartons.)
Then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
Double click on EnablePrefetcher on the right side of the window
(It's most likely set to 3).
Boot up time was reduced by 50% when this value was set to 1
Others say setting of 5 works best for them. Only way to tell is by timing the bootup.
Then go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\Shell\
And delete both openas key and string value "openas" (in the right window)
(it will be replaced with a standard value)
Then go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
And delete OpenWith key
Then go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\
and right click on Shell > New > Key > OpenAs >
double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
&Notepad
Then right click on OpenAs > New > Key > command >
double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1
* DO NOT UPDATE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER TO VERSION 9 (incompatible with many programs)
Double click on Media Player XP High Quality MP3 Encoding.reg
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Settings\MP3Encoding]
"LowRate"=dword:0000dac0
"MediumRate"=dword:0001f400
"MediumHighRate"=dword:0003e800
"HighRate"=dword:0004e200
This corresponds to 56, 128, 256 and 320 KB/second rates, respectively.
then Disable error messages when trying to restart or shut down Windows:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
In the right hand pane look for the "AutoEndTasks" String Value.
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it AutoEndTasks) >
Double-click on AutoEndTasks and give it the value of 1 [to enable the forced program exit feature.] > OK
then, in the right hand pane, look for the "HungAppTimeout" String Value.
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it HungAppTimeout) >
Make the End Task message appear straight away when trying to forcibly close an application:
Double click on HungAppTimeout and give it a value of 1000 (default is 5000 ms = 5 seconds). > OK
then
Double click on WaitToKillAppTimeout and give a value of 2000 (default is 20000 ms = 20 sec). > OK
(If it's not there create it by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry > New > String Value > name it WaitToKillAppTimeout) >
then, speed up the Start Menu
Double click on MenuShowDelay and give a value of 200 (default is 400 ms = 0.4 seconds)
File > Exit
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Change Drive Letters: Right click on My Computer > Manage > Storage > Disk Management > Right-click on CD-ROM > Change Drive Letter and Paths… : cdrw - R: dvd - V:
File > Exit
* Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups [on the left side] > Double click on Users > Right click on & DELETE: HelpAssistant user (because it can be enabled without your knowledge)
File >Exit
* Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to IMAPI CD-Burning COM service and double click on it then (in the
middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
[This is the built-in CD-burning capability (written by Roxio) that once disabled, will enable Nero to start up much quicker.]
then scroll down to Help and Support and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
then scroll down to NVIDIA Driver Helper Service and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Manual > OK
then scroll down to SSDP Discovery Service and double click on it > First click on the "Stop" button and accept all options > (In the middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Disabled > OK
[This really speeds up the boot time for Windows XP since Home Area Network (HAN) devices are not available yet and we don’t need to network our home heating system, refrigerator, or microwave oven anytime soon]
File > Exit
* Disable Windows XP native zip support to increase performance (if you use WinZip instead):
Start Menu > Run... > regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
* Change location of My Documents folder (TweakUI)
* Notepad > File > Open…> c:\boot.ini
Windows XP Professional & Windows Me - MILLENNIUM
* Update DirectX
* Mainboard (or unified) drivers > Reboot
* LAN card
* Make ALL of the bandwidth available to you +
Disable another CD Autoplay setting:
1. Start Menu > Run... >
2. type
gpedit.msc
> OK
3. Expand "Computer configuration" > "Administrative templates"
4. Click on "Sytem" in the left window
5. In the right window, double click on Turn off Autoplay > Setting TAB >
SELECT: Enabled > OK > then under Turn off Autoplay on: All Drives > Apply
6. Then expand the "Network" branch
7. Highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler" in the left window
8. In the right window double click on "limit reservable bandwidth"
9. Under the Setting TAB SELECT: "Enabled"
10. Where it says "Bandwidth limit (%)" change it to read 0 and Click on OK then File > Exit
11. Start Menu > Settings > Network Connections >
Right-click on Local Area connection > Properties >
General TAB > under "This connection uses the following items" make sure QoS Packet
scheduler is checked > OK
12. Reboot the system.
(The system should boot into Desktop automatically without the logon prompt.)
* Configure Mouse [Do not use USB mouse without a PS/2 adaptor and avoid USB keyboards. They do not work in DOS, BIOS. USB signals can be processor intensive so the system will run faster if PS/2 port is used.]
Defaults + Wheel Button: Enter
Small Thumb Button: Keystroke [F11] (if there is an extra button: Application close Alt+F4)
Pointer Options TAB > CHECK: Automatically move pointer… > OK
* Defragment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Video Card Drivers + any video card software (if there is a previous version of video card drivers installed, boot into Windows Safe Mode and update old Display drivers through Device Manager)
Right click on My Computer > Manage > Device Manager [on the left side] >
Double click on Video Controller (VGA Compatible) > Reinstall Driver… button >
Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) > Next > Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install. > Next > Next > Have Disk… button > Browse… to driver location
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Screen resolution > OK > YES > REBOOT
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Advanced… button >
Monitor TAB + Adapter TAB > Adjust Screen refresh rate [if necessary] > OK > Yes
then
Desktop TAB > Customize Desktop... button >
UNCHECK: - Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days
- My Documents
then (optionally) Change Desktop icons > OK
then
Screen Saver TAB > Screen saver, then Power… button > Adjust Power Options properties > OK
then
Appearance TAB > Effects… button >
BE SURE TO UNCHECK: Use the following transition effect for menus and tooltips:
[If it remains checked, it will allow a major Windows XP bug to hang the system
when right-clicking on any folder (!)]
SELECT Clear Type for smooth edges of screen fonts.
CHECK: Use large icons > OK
then
Appearance TAB > Advanced button
Change sizes + icon and menu font: Verdana ;
Under Item: Select Window
then under Color 1: Select Other…
Adjust word processor background color:
28 255
240 243
221 215
Add to Custom Colors > OK > OK
* Right click on Recycle Bin > Global TAB > UNCHECK: Display delete confirmation dialog
* Folders Buttons configuration: My Computer > View > Toolbars > Customize… >
- Text options: Show Text Labels
- Icon options: Large icons
(Repeat after inserting any CD, My Computer > CD Drive and My Computer > Right-click on CD Drive > Explore)
BACK
Separator
FORWARD
Separator
UP
Separator
REFRESH
Separator
COPY
PASTE
CUT
Separator
DELETE
UNDO
Separator
SEARCH
Separator
PROPERTIES
Separator
VIEWS
* My Computer > View > Toolbars > CHECK: Lock the Toolbars
* Start Menu > Accessories > Notepad: Format > CHECK: Word Wrap
then Format > Font… > Verdana 14 Regular
* Put folder shortcuts in
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\
* Install ASPI layer > Reboot
* Sound Card
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices >
CHECK: Place Volume icon in the Taskbar
then
Advanced button > Options > CHECK: Advanced Controls
Advanced button > Options > Properties > adjust both Playback and Recording properties (Raise Volume Bars) > OK > Options > Exit
then
Sounds TAB > Under Windows: scroll down and click on Exclamation >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down and click on Exclamation >
Exit Windows >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down and click on Start Windows >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) >
then
Under Program events: scroll down further and click on Start Navigation >
Under Sounds: SELECT (None) > OK
* Video Capture Card / Modem
* ZoneAlarm:
Right click on ZoneAlarm shortcut > Properties >
Target: "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe" -nosplash –nopopup
ZoneAlarm shortcut should be in
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
and/or:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
* Defragment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Avoid sending personal info to Microsoft:
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32 -u regwizc.dll
then click on OK
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box, which unregisters this DLL making it "invisible" to Windows.
then
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32 /u licdll.dll
then click on OK
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box.
* Now rename BOTH regwizc.dll files located in
C:\WINDOWS\system32 and
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
[i.e. located in %systemroot%\System32 and %systemroot%\system32\dllcache]
to something else like regwizc.dlx to avoid having to repeat these steps all over again, whenever you install a Windows component or patch or update that might re-register (reenable) regwizc.dll, which would force Windows XP to send personal info to MS in the future, without your permission.
Note that Windows Service Packs may require regwizc.dll to be re-enabled.
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View >
CHECK: Hide protected operating system files [Recommended] > OK
* Now Connect the Cable Modem
(Check to see if you need to set ZoneAlarm > Security > Internet settings to Medium to allow internet access.)
* WINDOWS UPDATE > Update Internet Explorer first
* Internet Explorer Buttons configuration: View > Toolbars > UNCHECK: Links
then
View > Toolbars > Customize… >
- Text options: Show Text Labels
- Icon options: Large icons
BACK
Separator
FORWARD
Separator
STOP
Separator
REFRESH
Separator
COPY
Separator
PASTE
Separator
CUT
Separator
PRINT PREVIEW
Separator
HISTORY
Separator
SIZE
Separator
FULL SCREEN
* View > Toolbars > CHECK: Lock the Toolbars
* History button > View > By Order Visited Today > x (exit)
* Size button > Larger
* Windows Update > other updates
* Right-click on Internet Explorer > Properties > Accessibility button (on the bottom right) >
CHECK: Ignore font sizes specified on Web Pages
[Now you can change the size by going to View > Text size]
then
Connections TAB > LAN Settings button > UNCHECK EVERYTHING > OK > OK
then
Advanced TAB > under Browsing, CHECK: Disable script debugging
UNCHECK: - Automatically check for internet Explorer updates
- Enable page transitions
then go down under Multimedia and
UNCHECK: - Enable Automatic Image Resizing
- Enable Image Toolbar
- Reuse windows for launching shortcuts
then go down under Search from the Address bar and
SELECT: Do not search from the Address bar
then Content TAB > Auto Complete… button >
UNCHECK everything > OK > OK
* Defregment + Suggested BACKUP point.
* Printers: Start Menu > Settings > Printers and faxes > Add Printer
[Delete any spyware like lexpps.exe]
REMOVE START-UP ITEMS AND SHELL EXTENSIONS as you go
+ START APPLICATIONS TO SET UP OPTIONS + Put Shortcuts on Desktop
* Update all drivers from drivers CD Install Scanner Software
[Delete any spyware like BMUpdate.exe, if you see it running (Ctrl+Alt+Del)]
* Connect Scanner
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Game Controllers >
Add… button > scroll down to Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect) > OK
* Netscape
Choose CUSTOM INSTALLATION and UNCHECK items you don't want.
After installation and before starting Netscape, go to the folder where it was installed and click on folder called components where you’ll find activation.dll. Rename it to activation.old
[to disable nagging Netscape activation messages.]
Edit > Preferences... >
- Navigator > Blank Page, delete Location,
Only Bookmarks and Go should be CHECKED
- Privacy & Security > Passwords >
UNECK: Remember passwords
- Advanced > Software Installation >
UNCHECK: - Enable Software Installation
- Check for Updates
View > Show/Hide > UNCHECK: - Component Bar
- Tab Bar
- My Sidebar
[If you happened to have installed Mail and News Servers, UNCHECK: Mail Start Page
to disable Netscape's "start page" from downloading when you open mail.]
* Other Applications
Install Restore Dektop, TweakUI (There is an issue with Repair > Rebuild Icons in versions 2.00.0.0 and 2.00.1.0 where it messes up icon display under 16-bit resolution. It is therefore recommended only version 1.90.0.0 of TweakUI be used.)
* In WINZIP: Options > Configuration… > Explorer Enhancements TAB >
UNCHECK: Display context menu items in a submenu
then under Context menu commands: CHECK ONLY:
- Add to <file name> .zip
- Extract to <folder name>
then
Miscellaneous TAB > UNCHECK: Show comments when opening zip files [right side, middle]
then System TAB > UNCHECK: Include WinZip Quick Pick in the taskbar tray
Disable Media Player automatically checking for updates:
Start Menu > Run... > regedit >
Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \
Right click on Microsoft > New > Key
name it
WindowsMediaPlayer
(if it's not already there)
Right click on WindowsMediaPlayer > New > DWORD Value > Name it
DisableAutoUpdate
Double click on it and enter the value of 1
In Windows Media Player: Tools > Options… > Player TAB >
UNCHECK everything except Display anchor Windows when in skin mode
then
Copy Music TAB > Adjust
Copy music to this location:
File format:
Copy music at this quality:
then
View > Now Playing Tools
View > Full Mode Options > Show Menu Bar
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* WordPerfect Office + Service Pack + Replace template files with backed up versions
Tools > Settings… > Files >
Document TAB: set Default document folder, Backup Folder, Timed Document backup
Template TAB: set Template folders
Merge/Macro TAB: set Macro folder
OK
Customize > Toolbars TAB: Select: 2 LOWER (Toolbar) > Options… button >
CHECK: Large icons > OK > Close > Close
Right click next to Property Bar > Hide Property Bar
* Microsoft Office XP Pro Key:
Make sure to do a custom install to prevent
Office Shared Features > Alternative User Input
from installing. (It crashes Internet Explorer on many systems)
Note that file Normal.dot and Excel10.xlb contain most of menu settings. Open backed up version of Excel10.xlb with MS Excel to transfer your previous settings. In MS Word > Tools > Options > File Locations TAB > User Templates > Modify…> browse to where a backed up version of Normal.dot is located to transfer previous settings.
For New installations of Excel, create a new toolbar first:
Tools > Customize > Toolbars TAB > New... > OK > Close > Exit Excel
This will create file Excel10.xlb whose original locations are
Windows XP/2000:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
or
C:\Documents and Settings\[name of your account]\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
Windows 9x/Me:
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel
Start Word and disable Office Assistant:
Help > Show the Office Assistant > Right-click on the Office Assistant > Options >
UNCHECK: Use the Office Assistant
* Lower right corner: UNCHECK: Show at startup
* Tools > Customize > Options TAB > CHECK: Always Show Full Menu >
(while the Customize window is still opened) right click in the upper right corner where it says
"Type a question for help" and UNCHECK: Show Ask a Question Box > Close
* Tools > Options > View TAB > UNCHECK: - Startup Task Pane
- Screen Tips
then,
> General TAB > 9 entries
then
> Edit TAB > UNCHECK: Show Paste Options Buttons (In the middle of the window)
then
> Save TAB > 5 minutes
then
> File Locations TAB > set Documents, User Templates (where Normal.dot is located), AutoRecover folders
then
> Spelling & Grammar TAB > Custom Dictionaries… button (In the middle of the window) >
[By the way Word Dictionary.dic file will be replaced with an empty file SO BACK IT UP, THEN COPY IT BACK AFTER NEW OFFICE INSTALLATION]
> New button (to set the folder) > Change default button > OK > OK
* Tools > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type TAB >
UNCHECK: Automatic Bulleted Lists
then
> Smart Tags TAB > UNCHECK all
* OUTLOOK Email setup:
inc:
out:
Choose folder where new email messages are stored (to easily backup this folder in the future):
Tools > E-mail Accounts… > Next > New Outlook Data File… button > OK > browse to folder of choice > Give a name to the file where all outlook folders will be saved (for example “New Email”) > OK > OK
then select “New Email” at the bottom of the list under Deliver new e-mail to the following location: > Finish > OK > Exit Outlook
* Restart Outlook > Tools > Options > Mail Setup TAB > Data Files… button (In the middle of the window) > Click on files other than the file you named “New Email”) > Remove… button > Yes > Close > OK > Exit Outlook
* File outcmd.dat contains user defined menu settings.
File Outlook.FAV contains shortcuts on the left side of Outlook window.
If you modified these settings on other computers, you may copy them and transfer saved menu settings.
In Windows XP, go to
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
or
C:\Documents and Settings\[name of your account]\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
In Windows 9x and Me, go to
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
* Start Outlook > Tools > Options... > Other TAB > Advanced Options... > Startup in this folder: Inbox > OK
then,
UNCHECK: Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook [bottom of the Other TAB]
then,
AutoArchive… button in the middle of the window >
UNCHECK: Run AutoArchive every > OK
then,
> Mail Format TAB > UNCHECK: Use Microsoft Word
then,
> Preferences TAB > E-mail Options... button >
After moving or deleting an open item: return to the Inbox >
then click on Advanced Email Options... button and
UNCHECK Show an envelope icon in the system tray > OK > OK
then,
Mail Format TAB > Fonts... button (In the middle of the window) >
When composing a new message: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console > OK
When replying and forwarding: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console + Color: Auto > OK
When composing and reading plain text: > Choose Font… > 14 pt. Lucida Console > OK
then,
Under Stationery fonts: Use the fonts specified in stationery (if specified) > OK >
then
Stationary Picker… button (In the middle of the window) > Edit > SELECT: Do not include a background in this stationary > OK
then,
Choose Blank then click on Edit... button > Change font button >
14 pt. Lucida Console > OK > OK > OK > OK
Tools > Send/Receive Settings > Define Send/Receive Groups... >
CHECK: Schedule an automatic send/receive every 1 minutes. > Close
* Tools > Customize > (while the Customize window is still opened) right click in the upper right corner where it says "Type a question for help" and
UNCHECK: Show Ask a Question Box > Close
* Disable MS Office XP Error Reporting by running already made registry script file
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Common]
"DWNeverUpload"=dword:00000001
"DWNoExternalURL"=dword:00000001
"DWNoFileCollection"=dword:00000001
"DWNoSecondLevelCollection"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Common]
"DWNeverUpload"=dword:00000001
"DWNoExternalURL"=dword:00000001
"DWNoFileCollection"=dword:00000001
"DWNoSecondLevelCollection"=dword:00000001
+ If an unwanted program adds itself into Outlook (like net2phone):
Tools > Options... > Other TAB > Advanced Options... > Add-In Manager... > Uncheck... (for example) aunchn2p.dll
* Ctrl+Alt+Del > click on ctfmon.exe if it's running > End Task
Search and delete ctfmon.exe from its original location.
Usually, it's in
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM (for Windows Me)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 (for Windows XP)
* Task Bar: Toolbars > Quick Launch:
Show Desktop, Email, IE, F Drive
* Photoshop: Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers
Edit > Preferences > Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks... >
set primary Scratch Disk location to the hard drive with most free space available
[Also set Scratch Disk locations for other Adobe software.]
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* WinFax minimum installation
Tools > Program Setup… > Send > UNCHECK: Include a cover page > OK > Close
Get rid of the Outlook errors upon exit:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Mail > Data Files... button >
Click on WinFax Fax Logs > Remove button > Yes > Close
Prevent it from always running in the background
Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to WinFax PRO service and double click on it then (in the
middle of the window) where it says "Startup type:" SELECT: Manual > OK
* pcAnywhere
On the HOST COMPUTER which is being accessed:
Click on Hosts > Right click on NETWORK, CABLE, DSL (or for telephone connection, right click on MODEM) >
Properties > Callers TAB > Under Caller list: click on New Item icon which looks like a sheet of paper icon >
Enter Login Name, Password, Confirm Password > OK > OK
On the CALLER COMPUTER from which you're accessing the other machine:
Click on Remotes > Right click on NETWORK, CABLE, DSL (or for telephone connection, right click on MODEM) >
Properties > Settings TAB > Under Login information CHECK: Automatically login to host upon connection and
enter Login name and Password > OK
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to:
NFO (txt),
DIZ (txt),
MP3 (music + modify icon),
CDA (music + modify icon),
* This is a fix to enable double clicking on both .RM and .RAM files without RealPlayer freezing:
Scroll down to RAM > Advanced button > under Actions: Click on Open then click on the Edit button >
Under Application used to perform action it should say something like:
"C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe" /m audio/x-pn-realaudio %1
COPY THIS then Cancel > Cancel >
Scroll down to RM > Advanced button > Click on Open then click on the Edit button >
Under Application used to perform action:
PASTE THE ABOVE COPIED TEXT > OK > OK > Close
* Nero software + updates, IE SpellCheck, Popup Ad Filter
In Popup Ad Filter: Double click on the green Popup Ad Filter icon [lower right] > Options TAB >
UNCHECK: - Integrate with Internet Explorer, (otherwise .ram links won’t launch RealPlayer)
- Keep history logs
- Beep via PC speaker
* Programs allowed to access internet through ZoneAlarm
* Run TweakUI (See Templates)
* Delete unnecessary sample files (from places like My Documents…)
* Start Menu > Settings > Taskbar and Start Menu > Customize… button to set preferences
* Right-click on clock > Adjust Date/Time > Internet Time TAB >
CHECK: Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server > Server: time.nist.gov >
Click on Update Now button
(In case of problems, double click on the ZoneAlarm icon >
Generic Host Process for Win32 Services should be allowed to have Internet access.)
* TClockEx Properties (http://users.iafrica.com/d/da/dalen/tclockex.htm)
HH:mm|dddd dd MMM
Lucida Console 14pt
Text Color: White
Background Color (Other):
142 61
240 149
149 255
Calendar TAB > CHECK: Remember Last Position
UNCHECK: Remember Last Month
Week begins on: Monday
Font… > @SimSun Bold 18pt
Menu TAB > Double button click: Calendar
Advanced TAB > UNCHECK: Enable CPU monitoring
Put shortcut to TCLOCKEX.EXE in the Start Menu > Programs > Startup folder
* Put folder shortcuts in Send to Menu:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\SendTo
* Adjust Music folder and subfolders Views: List
* Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Advanced button > Options >
Properties > Again check both Playback and Recording properties (Raise Volume Bars)
> OK > Options > Exit
* Install Macromedia Flash Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
Optionally, also install Macromedia Shockwave Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/
* Netmeeting
* Save current Display settings to a file:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Themes TAB > Save As… button
* FBI has urged users of MS Windows to disable the Universal Plug and Play feature that could leave computers open to attacks.
Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
Scroll down to Universal Plug and Play Device Host service and double click on it.
General TAB > Startup Type > Disabled > OK
* CUT Windows Shell folders (Desktop, Favorites, Start Menu) from C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\ to folder of choice, for easy back up / restore
* Favorites Menu Order
[Saved previously from HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ MenuOrder \ Favorites
Click once on Favorites and then (on the menu) click on Registry > Export Registry File... to save this file.]
* Restore Desktop
* Prevent Windows Messenger from Auto-Starting:
[Windows messenger tends to “reinstall itself” with Office XP installation or other updates, when it does, repeat this procedure]
Exit Windows Messenger by right-clicking on its icon [lower left] > Exit
then
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Click on Add/Remove Windows Components > Scroll down and UNCHECK: Windows Messenger > Next
After uninstalling Windows Messenger, go to
Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run \
then delete MSMSGS registry key.
Or try this: To remove Microsoft's Wndows Messenger from Windows XP, go to Start menu > Run… >
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
* regedit Favorites are:
- Restore Desktop Settings
- Favorites Menu Order
- BMP iconic preview value should be %1
- Delete MSMSGS
Deleting QuickFind from the right click menu requires deleting
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\QuickFinderMenu
(also delete Washer here)
Removing File Renamer Ultra right-click shell extension requires deleting the registry key found under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell
(also delete Washer here)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\FRU2000
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\Directory\shell\FRU2000
* Iconic Preview of files with BMP extension is probably turned off,
Turn it on:
Start Menu > Run... > Regedit > Go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ PAINT.PICTURE\ DefaultIcon
and double click on the (Default) value and change it to %1
(Requires Log Off and then Log back On or Reboot.)
Note: If BMP files are no longer associated with MSPaint, you'll need to replace
PAINT.PICTURE above with whatever is associated with the BMP extension.
* My Computer > Tools… > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to JPG > Delete > Yes > New > JPG > OK > Advanced > New…
Action:
open
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\shimgvw.dll,ImageView_Fullscreen %1
CHECK: Use DDE
Application:
Shimgvw
Topic:
System
> OK >
New… >
Action:
printto
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\shimgvw.dll,ImageView_PrintTo /pt "%1" "%2" "%3" "%4"
CHECK: Use DDE
Application:
Shimgvw
Topic:
System
> OK > OK
Do the same for gif and tif extensions.
* Install GICONS to have iconic preview of JPG files.
* Antivirus + Update definitions + test Spell check and Madden
* See C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\
and cut any items from Desktop + see Start Menu & check Favorites
* Use Internet Cleanup and Window Washer
* Run Ad-aware to remove any spyware and adware.
* Make an Image file with Powerquest Drive Image (or Norton Ghost)
and make sure to Verify Image (with Powerquest ImageExplorer, after transferring it to its backup location)
* BIOS: boot from IDE-0 first
* Import any saved Outlook files. (File > Import and Export…)
or Restore backed up folders:
1. File > Import and Export… >
2. Select import from another program or file
3. Select Personal Folder File (.pst)
4. Browse to the folder where the backup file was saved to import it.
P.S.
By adjusting the size of X (Caption Buttons) in Appearance Menu,
you adjust the display size of check boxes in certain Windows menus.
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