- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Disclaimer: Due to its content, the following should not be tried by anyone.
Windows Me 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.) + On first use: Advanced… > Convert to files
* Windows Me Key is
* Immediately delete “Setup MSN Internet Access” and “Connect to the Internet” from Desktop
* Right-click on the Internet Explorer Desktop icon > Properties >
Click on Use Blank (for the Home page Address) > OK
* Start Menu > Settings > Taskbar and Start Menu > General TAB >
UNCHECK: Use personalized menus
then
Advanced TAB >
CHECK: - Display Favorites and
- Expand Control Panel
UNCHECK: - Display Logoff > OK
* Disable system restore:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Performance TAB > File System… button >
Troubleshooting TAB > Disable System Restore
then
Floppy Disk TAB > UNCHECK: Search for new floppy... > OK > Close > Reboot
* Disable Automatic Updates:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Automatic Updates >
Select Turn off automatic updating > OK
* Start Menu > Run… > msconfig > General TAB > Advanced... button (lower right side) >
CHECK: Disable Scandisk after bad shutdown [Scan your disk for errors regularly on your own] > OK
then
Startup TAB > UNCHECK: PcHealth > OK > Reboot
then
After restarting, you should get a message about selective startup > CHECK: Don’t show this dialog again > OK
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Avoid sending personal info to Microsoft:
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32.exe -u c:\windows\system\regwizc.dll
then click on OK [by the way, to enable it again, type regsvr32.exe -c c:\windows\system\regwizc.dll]
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box, which unregisters this DLL making it "invisible" to Windows.
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > Select:
- Windows classic desktop
- Use Windows Classic Folders
then, View TAB:
CHECK: - Display the full path in the address bar
- Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: - Hide file extensions for known file types
- Show My Documents on the Desktop > OK
Now Rename regwizc.dll file located in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
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 to send personal info to MS in the future, without your permission.
* Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion
In the right window double click on RegDone to enter Value data: 1 > OK >
then Disable error messages when trying to restart or shut down Windows:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Right-click on Desktop key > New > String Value > name it AutoEndTasks >
Double-click on AutoEndTasks and give it the value of 1 [to enable the forced program exit feature.]
then Make the End Task message appear straight away when trying to forcibly close an application:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Create a string of new values by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry >
New > String Value > name it HungAppTimeout > Double-click on HungAppTimeout and give it a value of 1000 (default is 5000 milliseconds = 5 seconds).
then
Right-click on Desktop key again > New > String Value > name it WaitToKillAppTimeout >
Double-click on WaitToKillAppTimeout and give a value of 2000 (default is 20000 ms = 20 seconds).
then
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
Delete the Open With key
then go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell\
[ If it's not there, create it: Right click on * > New > Key > Shell ]
Right click on Shell > New > Key > Notepad > Double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
&Notepad
then right click on Notepad > New > Key > command > Double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
Notepad.exe %1
Registry > Exit
* DO NOT UPDATE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER TO VERSION 9 (incompatible with many programs)
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Drive Letters should be changed through Device Manager:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Device Manager TAB >
hd1 - C: E: hd2 - D: F: cdrw - R: dvd - V:
+ Only Disconnect should be CHECKED in the CD properties.
DMA & Sync Data Transfer should be UNCHECKED (UNCHECKED DMA has solved burning problems) >
Reboot
* Change location of My Documents folder (Cut & Paste, not TweakUI)
* Restore Desktop
* Update DirectX
* Mainboard drivers (if any)
* 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] (and if there is an extra button: Application close Alt+F4)
Pointer Options TAB > CHECK: Automatically move pointer… > OK
* Video Card Drivers + any video card software (if there is a previous version of video card drivers installed, boot into Windows Safe Mode and uninstall old drivers through Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.)
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Resolution > OK > OK > Yes > REBOOT
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Advanced… button > Monitor TAB + Adapter TAB > Adjust Screen refresh rate [if necessary] > OK
then
Background TAB
then
Screen Saver TAB > Settings… button > Power Schemes & Advanced TAB > OK
then
Effects TAB > CHECK: Use large icons + Change Desktop icons > Apply
then
Appearance TAB > Change sizes + icon and menu font: Verdana ;
Active Title Bar > Color: 0 128; 240 0; 60 0 > Color2: 238 255; 240 120; 176 128
* Right click on Recycle Bin > Global TAB > UNCHECK: Display delete confirmation dialog
* Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > ScanDisk > Advanced… button >
Lost file fragments: Free > Log File: Replace Log > OK > Close
* 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
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FORWARD
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UP
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REFRESH
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COPY
PASTE
CUT
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DELETE
UNDO
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SEARCH
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PROPERTIES
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VIEWS
* Put folder shortcuts in
C:\My Documents
* CUT Windows Shell folders (Desktop, Favorites, Start Menu) from C:\Windows to folder of choice, for easy back up / restore
* Favorites + 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.]
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network >
Add... button > Client icon > Add... button >
on the right of the Client icon, Click on Microsoft Family Logon > OK >
Choose this option as Primary Network Logon > OK > Reboot
* Notepad: Edit > CHECK: Word Wrap
then Edit > Set Font… > Tahoma 14 Regular > OK
* Install updated ASPI layer > Reboot
* Install Sound Card
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Multimedia > Sounds TAB >
Scroll down to Exit Windows, then under Name: Select: [None]
Scroll down to Start Windows, then under Name: Select: [None]
Scroll down further to Start Navigation, then under Name: Select: [None] > OK
* Double click on the yellow speaker icon in the lower right corner to adjust Play control
properties. Options > CHECK: Advanced Controls. (Raise Volume bars and go to Options > Properties > Adjust options for both Playback and Recording.)
* LAN Card
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Device Manager TAB >
* Disable file and printer sharing through a network:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network > Configuration TAB >
Click on File and Print Sharing... >
UNCHECK options of giving others access to your computer > OK >
then
Install NetBEUI:
Add... button > Click on Protocol icon > Add... button (on the right of the Protocol icon) >
Click on Microsoft and then click on NetBEUI > OK > OK > Reboot
* Close port 139:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network > Configuration TAB >
Click on all instances of TCP/IP then click on Properties >
Bindings TAB > Make sure everything is UNCHECKED > OK, NO > OK > OK > Reboot
* 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:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Now Connect the Cable Modem
(Check to see of 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
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FORWARD
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STOP
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REFRESH
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COPY
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PASTE
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CUT
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PRINT PREVIEW
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HISTORY
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SIZE
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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
* Disable Internet Explorer 6 Error Reporting by running already made registry script file
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"IEWatsonEnabled"=dword:00000000
* Printer Laser
When prompted, choose "Specify the location of the driver (Advanced)" click on
NEXT, then choose "Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location...", click on
NEXT, NEXT, click on Have Disk, choose from the drivers CD
* 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
* 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
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
* 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
* 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, F Drive, IE,
Notepad, Email 2, CDRW
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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* Delete unnecessary sample files (from places like My Documents…)
* My Computer > Tools… > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to JPG >
Advanced > Actions should be open and print. (or click on New… to create them)
open > Edit
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHIMGVW.DLL,ImageView_Fullscreen
CHECK: Use DDE
DDE Message: [open(%1)]
Application: ShellImageView
Topic: ViewImage
> OK
Print > Edit >
Application used to perform action:
"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\printimg.exe" "%1"
Do the same for gif and tif extensions.
Install GICONS to have iconic preview of JPG files.
* 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 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.
* Start Menu, Settings..., Control Panel, Scheduled Tasks (Atomic Clock Sync. software)
* TClockEx Properties (http://users.iafrica.com/d/da/dalen/tclockex.htm)
HH:mm|dddd dd MMM
Lucida Console 14pt
Text Color: Black
Background Color: Gray
Calendar TAB > CHECK: Remember Last Position
UNCHECK: Remember Last Month
Week begins on: Monday
Font… > SimSun 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
* regedit Favorites are:
- Restore Desktop Settings
- Favorites Menu Order
- BMP iconic preview value should be %1
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
* Netmeeting
* Put folder shortcuts in Send to Menu:
C:\WINDOWS\SendTo
* Adjust Music folder and subfolders Views: List
* Again Double click on the yellow speaker icon in the lower right corner to check Play control
properties. (Raise Volume bars and go to Options > Properties > Adjust options for both Playback and Recording.)
* Install Macromedia Flash Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
Optionally, also install Macromedia Shockwave Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/
* Save current Display settings to a file by starting
C:\Program Files\Plus!\THEMES.EXE
* Antivirus + Update definitions
* Popup Ad Filter
* Use Internet Cleanup and Window Washer
* 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 > Add/Remove Programs > Windows Setup TAB
Scroll down to Communications and double click on it.
Scroll down to Universal Plug and Play and make sure the box next to it is UNCHECKED.
OK > OK
* 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. Choose import from another program or file
3. Choose 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 Me 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.) + On first use: Advanced… > Convert to files
* Windows Me Key is
* Immediately delete “Setup MSN Internet Access” and “Connect to the Internet” from Desktop
* Right-click on the Internet Explorer Desktop icon > Properties >
Click on Use Blank (for the Home page Address) > OK
* Start Menu > Settings > Taskbar and Start Menu > General TAB >
UNCHECK: Use personalized menus
then
Advanced TAB >
CHECK: - Display Favorites and
- Expand Control Panel
UNCHECK: - Display Logoff > OK
* Disable system restore:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Performance TAB > File System… button >
Troubleshooting TAB > Disable System Restore
then
Floppy Disk TAB > UNCHECK: Search for new floppy... > OK > Close > Reboot
* Disable Automatic Updates:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Automatic Updates >
Select Turn off automatic updating > OK
* Start Menu > Run… > msconfig > General TAB > Advanced... button (lower right side) >
CHECK: Disable Scandisk after bad shutdown [Scan your disk for errors regularly on your own] > OK
then
Startup TAB > UNCHECK: PcHealth > OK > Reboot
then
After restarting, you should get a message about selective startup > CHECK: Don’t show this dialog again > OK
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Avoid sending personal info to Microsoft:
Start Menu > Run… > type
regsvr32.exe -u c:\windows\system\regwizc.dll
then click on OK [by the way, to enable it again, type regsvr32.exe -c c:\windows\system\regwizc.dll]
Click on OK to close the confirmation dialog box, which unregisters this DLL making it "invisible" to Windows.
* My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > Select:
- Windows classic desktop
- Use Windows Classic Folders
then, View TAB:
CHECK: - Display the full path in the address bar
- Show hidden files and folders
UNCHECK: - Hide file extensions for known file types
- Show My Documents on the Desktop > OK
Now Rename regwizc.dll file located in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
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 to send personal info to MS in the future, without your permission.
* Start Menu > Run... > regedit > Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion
In the right window double click on RegDone to enter Value data: 1 > OK >
then Disable error messages when trying to restart or shut down Windows:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Right-click on Desktop key > New > String Value > name it AutoEndTasks >
Double-click on AutoEndTasks and give it the value of 1 [to enable the forced program exit feature.]
then Make the End Task message appear straight away when trying to forcibly close an application:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
Create a string of new values by right-clicking on Desktop key in the registry >
New > String Value > name it HungAppTimeout > Double-click on HungAppTimeout and give it a value of 1000 (default is 5000 milliseconds = 5 seconds).
then
Right-click on Desktop key again > New > String Value > name it WaitToKillAppTimeout >
Double-click on WaitToKillAppTimeout and give a value of 2000 (default is 20000 ms = 20 seconds).
then
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
Delete the Open With key
then go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell\
[ If it's not there, create it: Right click on * > New > Key > Shell ]
Right click on Shell > New > Key > Notepad > Double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
&Notepad
then right click on Notepad > New > Key > command > Double click on (Default) in the right window and enter value
Notepad.exe %1
Registry > Exit
* DO NOT UPDATE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER TO VERSION 9 (incompatible with many programs)
* VoptXP (Defragment)
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Drive Letters should be changed through Device Manager:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Device Manager TAB >
hd1 - C: E: hd2 - D: F: cdrw - R: dvd - V:
+ Only Disconnect should be CHECKED in the CD properties.
DMA & Sync Data Transfer should be UNCHECKED (UNCHECKED DMA has solved burning problems) >
Reboot
* Change location of My Documents folder (Cut & Paste, not TweakUI)
* Restore Desktop
* Update DirectX
* Mainboard drivers (if any)
* 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] (and if there is an extra button: Application close Alt+F4)
Pointer Options TAB > CHECK: Automatically move pointer… > OK
* Video Card Drivers + any video card software (if there is a previous version of video card drivers installed, boot into Windows Safe Mode and uninstall old drivers through Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.)
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Resolution > OK > OK > Yes > REBOOT
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings TAB > Advanced… button > Monitor TAB + Adapter TAB > Adjust Screen refresh rate [if necessary] > OK
then
Background TAB
then
Screen Saver TAB > Settings… button > Power Schemes & Advanced TAB > OK
then
Effects TAB > CHECK: Use large icons + Change Desktop icons > Apply
then
Appearance TAB > Change sizes + icon and menu font: Verdana ;
Active Title Bar > Color: 0 128; 240 0; 60 0 > Color2: 238 255; 240 120; 176 128
* Right click on Recycle Bin > Global TAB > UNCHECK: Display delete confirmation dialog
* Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > ScanDisk > Advanced… button >
Lost file fragments: Free > Log File: Replace Log > OK > Close
* 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
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PASTE
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VIEWS
* Put folder shortcuts in
C:\My Documents
* CUT Windows Shell folders (Desktop, Favorites, Start Menu) from C:\Windows to folder of choice, for easy back up / restore
* Favorites + 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.]
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network >
Add... button > Client icon > Add... button >
on the right of the Client icon, Click on Microsoft Family Logon > OK >
Choose this option as Primary Network Logon > OK > Reboot
* Notepad: Edit > CHECK: Word Wrap
then Edit > Set Font… > Tahoma 14 Regular > OK
* Install updated ASPI layer > Reboot
* Install Sound Card
* Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Multimedia > Sounds TAB >
Scroll down to Exit Windows, then under Name: Select: [None]
Scroll down to Start Windows, then under Name: Select: [None]
Scroll down further to Start Navigation, then under Name: Select: [None] > OK
* Double click on the yellow speaker icon in the lower right corner to adjust Play control
properties. Options > CHECK: Advanced Controls. (Raise Volume bars and go to Options > Properties > Adjust options for both Playback and Recording.)
* LAN Card
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Device Manager TAB >
* Disable file and printer sharing through a network:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network > Configuration TAB >
Click on File and Print Sharing... >
UNCHECK options of giving others access to your computer > OK >
then
Install NetBEUI:
Add... button > Click on Protocol icon > Add... button (on the right of the Protocol icon) >
Click on Microsoft and then click on NetBEUI > OK > OK > Reboot
* Close port 139:
Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Network > Configuration TAB >
Click on all instances of TCP/IP then click on Properties >
Bindings TAB > Make sure everything is UNCHECKED > OK, NO > OK > OK > Reboot
* 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:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
* Suggested BACKUP point.
* Now Connect the Cable Modem
(Check to see of 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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FORWARD
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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
* Disable Internet Explorer 6 Error Reporting by running already made registry script file
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"IEWatsonEnabled"=dword:00000000
* Printer Laser
When prompted, choose "Specify the location of the driver (Advanced)" click on
NEXT, then choose "Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location...", click on
NEXT, NEXT, click on Have Disk, choose from the drivers CD
* 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
* 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
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
* 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
* 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, F Drive, IE,
Notepad, Email 2, CDRW
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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* Delete unnecessary sample files (from places like My Documents…)
* My Computer > Tools… > Folder Options… > File Types TAB > Scroll down to JPG >
Advanced > Actions should be open and print. (or click on New… to create them)
open > Edit
Application used to perform action:
rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHIMGVW.DLL,ImageView_Fullscreen
CHECK: Use DDE
DDE Message: [open(%1)]
Application: ShellImageView
Topic: ViewImage
> OK
Print > Edit >
Application used to perform action:
"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\printimg.exe" "%1"
Do the same for gif and tif extensions.
Install GICONS to have iconic preview of JPG files.
* 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 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.
* Start Menu, Settings..., Control Panel, Scheduled Tasks (Atomic Clock Sync. software)
* TClockEx Properties (http://users.iafrica.com/d/da/dalen/tclockex.htm)
HH:mm|dddd dd MMM
Lucida Console 14pt
Text Color: Black
Background Color: Gray
Calendar TAB > CHECK: Remember Last Position
UNCHECK: Remember Last Month
Week begins on: Monday
Font… > SimSun 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
* regedit Favorites are:
- Restore Desktop Settings
- Favorites Menu Order
- BMP iconic preview value should be %1
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
* Netmeeting
* Put folder shortcuts in Send to Menu:
C:\WINDOWS\SendTo
* Adjust Music folder and subfolders Views: List
* Again Double click on the yellow speaker icon in the lower right corner to check Play control
properties. (Raise Volume bars and go to Options > Properties > Adjust options for both Playback and Recording.)
* Install Macromedia Flash Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
Optionally, also install Macromedia Shockwave Player from
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/
* Save current Display settings to a file by starting
C:\Program Files\Plus!\THEMES.EXE
* Antivirus + Update definitions
* Popup Ad Filter
* Use Internet Cleanup and Window Washer
* 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 > Add/Remove Programs > Windows Setup TAB
Scroll down to Communications and double click on it.
Scroll down to Universal Plug and Play and make sure the box next to it is UNCHECKED.
OK > OK
* 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. Choose import from another program or file
3. Choose 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.
