Mr Michele De Nardo

EMAIL: techfiles@yahoo.co.uk

 

THE TECH FILES

Last updated: 22 August 2011

 

 

 

INDEX:

1)  PARTITIONS

2)  Office, Outlook, and PDF

3)  MISCELLANEOUS WINDOWS 9x

4)  WINDOWS XP

5)  WINDOWS 2000

6)  WINDOWS NT

7)  MOTHERBOARDS

ABIT

CHAINTECH

INTEL

8)  BACKUPS and ANTIVIRUS

9)  MODEMS & CO.

10)  SOUNDCARDS

 

 

 

 

1)  PARTITIONS

 

SUBJECT:            remove 100 MB System Reserved Partition When Installing Windows 7.

SOLUTION:         See:  http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/20/hack-to-remove-100-mb-system-reserved-partition-when-installing-windows-7/

 

 

SUBJECT:            ScanDisk (Scandskw.exe) or Disk Defragmenter (Defrag.exe) cannot run because there is not enough memory.

CAUSE:                 you are using a not-default cluster size in Hard Disks bigger than 8 GB. This applies to Win 98 SE, Win 98 or Win 95.

SOLUTION:         you can use a third party disk tool to resolve this issue. (See also Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q229154)

 

 

SUBJECT:            incorrect cluster size. The standard cluster sizes are listed in the following table:

Hard disk size             Cluster size FAT 32                Cluster size FAT 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

511   MB                                                                                   8 KB

512   MB                                 4 KB                                      16 KB

up to 1 GB                              4 KB                                      16 KB

up to 2 GB                              4 KB                                      32 KB (MS DOS limit)

up to 4 GB                              4 KB                                       64 KB (NT only)

4 to 8 GB                                4 KB                                     

8 to 16 GB                              8 KB                                     

16 GB and larger                    16 KB                                    

 

CAUSE:                 if you disk duplicate an Hard Disk using programs like Ghost or Partition Magic, you also duplicate the original cluster size. As a result, you may end having hard disks bigger than 8 GB with incorrect cluster size (for example, 4 KB instead than 8KB). Because of this, scandisk and defrag do not work.

SOLUTION           disk duplicate hard disks bigger than 8 GB from hard disks bigger than 8 GB, and hard disks bigger than 16 GB from hard disks bigger than 16 GB. (See also Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q229154 and Q140365)

 

 

SUBJECT:            incorrect booting after having duplicated a partition (various OS).

CAUSE:                 if you duplicate a C partition using programs like Ghost or Partition Magic, you also duplicate the boot sector. This means to duplicate the same booting options of the source C partition. If the destination HD had originally a different booting sequence, now this may be lost or incorrect.

SOLUTION           the change in the booting option is due to the change in the boot sector (and in other system files). To avoid this, you can back up the original boot sector, using for example the Norton Utilities. Alternatively, you can easily repair a NT partition. (See also Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q140418)

 

 

 

 

2)  Office, Outlook and PDF

 

SUBJECT:            how to backup and restore emails and contacts in Outlook Express.

EXPLANATION: from Outlook Express, select -> Tools -> Options -> Maintenance -> Store Folder. You see a dialog with the name of the directory that has your mail files. In that directory you find files named after your mail folders and news groups. They all have a .DBX suffix. Outlook Express keeps all messages in these database files. If you make copies of these files regularly, you'll have a safe backup of your Outlook Express emails.

RESTORE:           just copy the files back to the directory described above. You can selectively restore folders by just copying specific files back. Alternatively, from Outlook Express, go to -> File -> Import -> Messages to import one or more of the backup folders.

CONTACTS:        The contacts are stored by default under C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\username.wab. You can import them from Outlook Express -> File -> Import -> Address Book.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to add or change the Address Book in Outlook 2003.

1) To view or change Outlook 2003 Address Book:  from Outlook 2003 select -> Tools -> E-mail Acoounts… -> View or change existing directories or address books -> Next -> Change… -> (perform your action) -> Close -> Finish. Then exit from Outlook and re-open it again.

2) To designate a Contacts folder as an Outlook Address Book: from Outlook 2003 select -> Go -> Contacts -> on the left pane select Contacts -> Properties -> on the Outlook Address Book tab select the Show this folder as an e-mail Address Book check box -> OK.

 

 

SUBJECT:            information in Contacts does not appear in Outlook Address Book.

EXPLANATION: when you use your Address Book to select recipients for an e-mail message or a fax message in Microsoft Outlook, information from your Contacts folder does not appear in the list. So the Contacts has MORE entries than the Address Book.

SOLUTION:         Outlook requires that you complete the following steps before your contact information is available for you to address messages by using your Address Book:

*              Install the Outlook Address Book service.

*              Mark your contact folder for use with your address book.

*              Specify either an e-mail address or a fax number for each item that you want to appear when you address messages.

See:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/287563

ADDITIONAL NOTE:        if you delete a contact from the Contacts, you do not delete it from the Outlook Address Book, but if you delete it from Outlook Address Book, you delete it from the Contacts.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to add a user to your user profile in Outlook 2002-3.

SOLUTION:         1) Start Outlook.

2) On the Tools menu, click E-mail Accounts.

3) Select View or change existing e-mail accounts, and then click Next.

4) Click Microsoft Exchange Server, and then click Change.

5) Click More Settings.

6) Click Advanced, Add and then type the name of the user you want to add.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to add a user to your user profile in Outlook 2000.

SOLUTION:         1) Start Outlook.

2) On the Tools menu, click Services.

3) In the box labelled “The following information services are set up in this profile”, click Microsoft Exchange Server.

4) Click Proprieties, and then click the Advanced tab.

5) Click Add, and then type the name of the user you want to add.

6) Click OK until you are back to Outlook.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to add/see another user to your main Outlook Calendar.

TO ADD:               select Calendar -> Properties -> Permissions -> Add (user name).

TO SEE:                Files -> Open -> Other User’ s Folder -> Name (user name).

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to make a copy of Outlook Calendar and let other people to use it.

1) The person that is sharing the Calendar has to make a copy of the Calendar, go to the new Calendar Properties and -> set the Permissions adding the other user.

2) THE OTHER USER has to open Outlook -> Tolos -> Services -> Microsof Exchange Server  -> Proprieties -> Advanced -> Add, and add the Mailbox of the user he want to give permission to see the Calendar. Then close and open Outlook.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to edit the Outlook Signature.

SOLUTION:         go to:  Tools -> Options -> Mail Format -> Signature.

It is normally situated in: C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Microsoft\Signatures.

 

SUBJECT:            how to export a folder from Microsoft Outlook 2003.

SOLUTION:         File -> Import and Export… -> Export to a file -> Next -> select the file type for the export, for example: Personal Folder Files (.pst) -> Next -> select the folder to export from and thick Include subfolders -> Next -> browse to the location of your choice, type a name -> OK -> Finish -> OK.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to import a folder in Microsoft Outlook 2003.

SOLUTION:         File -> Import and Export… -> Import from another program or file -> Next -> select the file type to import from -> Next -> browse to the location where the file is located and select the file -> Open -> thick Replace duplicates with items imported -> Next -> select the folder to import from, and thick Include subfolders -> Finish.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to receive notifications of sent messages in Outlook.

SOLUTION:         go to:  Tools -> Options -> E-mail Options -> Tracking Options.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to modify in Outlook the font color and size on replies and forwards.

SOLUTION:         in Outlook, go to Tools -> Options… -> Mail Format -> from there examine all the options (such as Use Microsoft Office Word). If you click on the Fonts… button (under Stationery and Fonts), you can change the font type and size.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to avoid that Outlook indent messages on replies and forwards.

SOLUTION:         in Outlook, go to Tools -> Options… -> Preferences -> E-MAIL OPTIONS… and then

modify the section “On replies and forwards”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            in Outlook, Out of Office Assistant is Missing from Tools Menu (Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q238280).

SOLUTION:         see Microsoft at:  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-GB;q238280

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to repair a *.PST and *.OST in Outlook.

SOLUTION:         run SCANPST.EXE; in Windows 2000, under C:\program Files\Common Files\System\Mapi1\1033\NT\SCANPST.EXE.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments...”

NOTE:                   Outlook 2003, Outlook 2002 and Outlook 200 SP3 (but not earlier versions) block the access to a list of potentially unsafe attachments.

SOLUTION:         1) run Regedit, and go to this key:

2) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Outlook\Security (change 10.0 to 9.0 for Outlook 2000 SP3 or to 11.0 for Outlook 2003).

3) under that key, add a new string value, named Level1Remove.

4) in Level1Remove, enter a semicolon-delimited list of file extensions. For example, entering: mdb;url would unblock Microsoft Access files and Internet shortcuts.

 

 

SUBJECT:            during the installation of Office, automatically install the product code.

SOLUTION:         1) if you install form the *.exe file, such as setup.exe, you must edit the related *.ini file, such as setup.ini.

The *.ini files are typically located in D:\FILES\SETUP directory, where D:\ is the CD-ROM with Office.

In the *.ini file, under [Options], type PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.

2) If you install form the *.msi file, such as setup.msi, type msiexec/i *.msi PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.

For example: D:\std11.msi PIDKEY=your_25_letters_product_code.

 

 

SUBJECT:            use the Spelling in PowerPoint.

SOLUTION:         select all the text on each page and from Tools -> Language, ensure that the correct language is selected.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the index in Winword 2007.

SOLUTION:         select -> References -> Table of Contents -> Insert Table of Contents... -> Modify -> select for example “TOC 1” to change “Heading 1” -> Modify... -> Format -> change the Font, Paragraph, Tabs, etc.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the spacing between lines inside a cell in Winword 2003.

SOLUTION:         select the text -> Format -> Paragraph… -> Spacing

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the AutoCorrect Options in Winword (for example, i becomes I).

SOLUTION:         go to Tools -> AutoCorrect Options -> Replace.

 

 

SUBJECT:            choose a colour for the Header in a Word document.

SOLUTION:         select the Header, then: File -> Page Setup… -> Layout (tab) -> Borders… -> Shading (tab).

 

 

SUBJECT:            separate the Header fom the body of the page in a Word document.

SOLUTION:         first check  the Header settings: go to: File -> Page Setup… -> Layout (tab).

Then check the body settings: File -> Page Setup… -> Margins (tab) and correct the values for -> Top.

 

 

SUBJECT:            put different Headers on different pages in Word 2007.

SOLUTION:         wherever in the document you need a new Header or a new Footer insert a section break. In Word 2007, inserting a section break is located in the Page Layout tab (it is not in the Insert tab!). So:

1) Left-click on Page Layout.

2) Left-click on Breaks in the group Page Setup and select "Section Break...Next Page"

3) In the new section, double left-click in the header to edit it. NOTICE that the Ribbon has automatically switched to Design.

4) In the group labeled "Navigation" left-click on "Link to Previous" to undo the link.

5) Edit the section header to your liking.

 

 

SUBJECT:            remove annoying horizontal lines (border) automatically created in Winword.

CAUSE: in Tools -> AutoCorrect Options -> AutoFormat As You Type -> un-check Border lines -> OK.

SOLUTION:         to delete already created lines (borders), on the Format menu, click Borders and Shading…, and then click the Page Border tab. Under Setting, select None. If in doubt, from the Format menu, you can also click Reveal Formatting…

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the indent in Winword 2003.

SOLUTION:         -> Format -> Paragraph… -> Indents and Spacing.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Winword caused an invalid page fault in module MSACM32.DLL.

This error may be caused during the Spelling Check in Word 97 under Windows 98 SE.

CAUSE: your Word document is divided in two sections having different page settings.

SOLUTION:         use the same page settings for the whole document. You can also copy the whole document, make a new document and paste the text there.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Winword 2003 (but also 2007) is not able to open old versions of Word documents.

Error message in Word 2003: “You are attempting to open a file that was created in an earlier version of Microsoft Office. This file type is blocked from opening in this version by your registry policy settings.”

SOLUTION:         In Word 2003, there are no trusted locations. You can create an exempt location to override the registry policy settings. To create an exempt location, follow these steps:

1.       Exit Word 2003.

    1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit -> OK.
    2. Locate and then click one of the following registry subkeys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Common
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Common

    1. Point to New on the Edit menu, and then click Key.
    2. Type OICEExemptions for the name of the key.
    3. Point to New on the Edit menu, and then click String Value.
    4. Type a string name, and then press ENTER. For example, type ExemptDirectory.
    5. Right-click the string name that you typed in step 7, and then click Modify.
    6. In the Value data box, type the path of the directory that contains the files to open, and then click OK. For example, if your document is in the C:\My Documents folder, type C:\My Documents in the Value data box.
      Note You must create the folder. Any subfolders are not automatically exempted. For any additional folders that you would like to make exempt, repeat steps 6 to 9 by creating string values such as "ExemptDirectory1," and "ExemptDirectory2."
    7. On the File menu, click Exit to exit Registry Editor.

See:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922849

 

 

SUBJECT:            insert/change the page nmber in a Word document.

SOLUTION:         go to View -> Header and Footer -> select Format Page Number (pay attention to the various options).

 

 

SUBJECT:            how copy and paste options works in Microsoft Word 2002 and 2003.

SOLUTION:         in all versions of Microsoft Word, you can paste copied text using ctrl-v or Edit -> Paste. You get more control if you choose Edit -> Paste Special. In Word 2002 and 2003, you get yet another option: in Tools -> Options -> Edit you can tick Show Paste Options buttons to get more control. If you tick that option, when you paste (using ctrl-v or Edit > Paste), you see a little clipboard thingy, which contains a drop down menu. Word interprets the various options in this clipboard in different ways depending on the circumstances.

For more details, see:  http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/styles/HowPasteOptionsWorks.html

 

 

SUBJECT:            open a PDF document at a given page.

SOLUTION:         use the following commandline: AcroRd32 /a page=number filename.pdf

The following command will open the PDF document filename.pdf at page 5.

"C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe" /a page=5 filename.pdf

 

 

 

 

3)  MISCELLANEOUS WINDOWS

 

* KEY COMBINATIONS:

Alt + Ctrl                              if you end up in a situation where you can' t type anything into a window for no apparent reason, try pressing & releasing Alt and Ctrl and then typing again. This should re-set the modifier key-state correctly.

Alt-Gr + Del (right-AltGr + Del combination)                              becomes Ctrl + Alt + Del in Windows Remote Desktop Connection.

Ctrl + Alt + Ins                    send a Ctrl + Alt + Canc to a VmWare machine (virtual machine).

Ctrl + A                 select all.

Ctrl + C                 copy.

Alt+ Stamp                           copy the current window.

Ctr+ Stamp                          copy the current page.

Ctrl + X                 cut.

Ctrl + V                 paste.

Ctrl + Z                 undo last action.

>                                              send the output to (for example) a file.

>>                                           add the output to (for example) a file.

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/redirection.mspx?mfr=true

Windows logo key+D        to minimize or to restore all open programs and to view the Windows desktop. This function is the same of the Show Desktop icon on the Windows Quick Launch toolbar.

Windows logo key+E        to open My Computer. This function is the same of the My Computer icon on the Windows Desktop.

 

* SOME COMMANDS FROM DOS PROMPT:

AUTOCHK.EXE this is a version of chkdsk.exe that runs only before Windows XP starts. Autochk.exe runs in the following situations: if you try to run chkdsk on the boot volume; if chkdsk cannot gain exclusive use of the volume; if the volume is flagged as dirty. When a drive's dirty bit is set, autochk automatically checks the volume for errors the next time the computer is restarted. Cfr. -> chkdsk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.

CHCPCOM          displays or sets the active code page number. External command used from MS-DOS to Windows XP to supplement the international keyboard and character set, allowing the OS to be used in different countries and languages.

CHKDSK.EXE                    cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.

CHKNTFS.EXE                   displays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time. If no switches are specified, chkntfs.exe will display if the specified drive is

dirty or scheduled to be checked on next reboot. Cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkdsk.exe -> fsutil.exe.

LABEL                  label a volume. Cfr. -> vol.exe.

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/label.mspx?mfr=true

PATH:                   the path to a file is basically its address on the computer. It tells programs how to find a file. It is the drive plus any directories and sub-directories where the file is located. The %PATH% environment variable specifies the command search path. Typically, this is a group of directories where executable files that are repeatedly used are to be found. It is essential to remember that any changes that are made in a command window only endure until the window is closed. For permanent changes, use the method discussed in another section. It is also possible to use the command-line executable setx.exe that is contained in the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Tools.

Examples:

                Path       display system path.

                Echo %PATH% to see on a computer what is in the PATH variable.

                Path = dir1;dir2;dir3        this command will create a PATH environment variable consisting of the three directories dir1, dir2, and dir3. Note that the directory names are separated by a semicolon in the command statement. (An alternate form omits the "equals" sign.) This command will replace any previous directories that were in the PATH variable.

                Path = %PATH%;newdir                to add a directory "newdir" to the current path..

SCANDISK         

VER                       display the OS version. Cfr. -> winver.exe.

VOL                       displays the disk volume label and serial number, if they exist. A serial number is displayed for a disk formatted with MS-DOS version 4.0 or later. Cfr. -> label.exe.

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/vol.mspx?mfr=true

 

 

* SOME NETWORK COMMANDS:

ARP.EXE: (Address Resolution Protocol) external Network command used to display and modify the IP address on a network card.

CACLS.EXE: to display or modify Access Control Lists (ACLs) of files. Used to set permission for users.

FINGER: displays information about a user on a specified system.

DHCPLOC.EXE: Support Tools executed from a cmd in XP.

HOSTNAME.EXE (UNIX & WINDOWS 2000/XP cmd): shows the computer name.

IPCONFIG.EXE (IFCONFIG): utility that can monitor and control TCP/IP settings for the local PC.

Examples:             ipconfig /displaydns          display the contents of the DNS Resolver Cache.

                                ipconfig /flushdns              purges the DNS Resolver cache.

                                ipconfig /registerdns         refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names.

IPXROUTE.EXE

LOOPBACK ADDRESS:   127.0.0.1.

NBTSTAT.EXE: displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT (NetBios over TCP/IP).

NET.EXE:

                net logon username + password /domain:domainname            to login into a domain.

                net print \\computer\printer                                                            to display information about print queues and to control print jobs.

                net share                                                                                               to view the shares.

                net send                                                                                                 to send messages.

                net start                                                                                                 to start a service.

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/net_start.mspx

                net use “drive”:  \\computer\directory /delete                           to MAP a drive.

                net user username /domain                                                              show username settings

                net view                                                                                 lists shared resources on a domain. Used with no parameters lists all machine accounts in a domain.

NETCAP.EXE: Support Tool executed from a cmd in XP.

NETDIAG.EXE: Support Tool executed from a cmd in XP.

NETDOM.EXE: Support Tool executed from a cmd in XP. Used to rename a computer member of Windows 2000 domain. (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – Q298593).

NETSH.EXE: cmd from Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 used to configure and monitor computers. Netsh consists of a command line calling selected .DLL files.

See:  http://www.petri.co.il/configure_tcp_ip_from_cmd.htm

                netsh interface ip show config        view your TCP/IP settings.

                netsh -c interface dump > C:\location1.txt   export your current IP settings to a text file.

                netsh -f C:\location1.txt    import IP settings from a text file.

                netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" static 192.168.0.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.0.1 1 configures the interface named Local Area Connection with the static IP address 192.168.0.100, the subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and a default gateway of 192.168.0.1.

NETSTAT.EXE: displays active TCP connections, ports, Ethernet statistics, the IP routing table, etc.

                netstat –a                                                                                              displays all connections and listening ports.

                netstat –an                                                                                            displays all connections and listening ports.

                netstat –snap tcp                                                                                 is something/somebody trying to connect to your PC?

NLTEST.EXE: Support Tool executed from a cmd in XP. Used from a desktop to test the connection to the server and to query the secure channel.

NSLOOKUP.EXE (UNIX & WINDOWS 2000/XP cmd): Name Servers Look Up. Query Domain Name Servers anywhere on the Internet for any kind of supported name record/IP address.

Example1:            nslookup

                                lserver 193.43.2.1              (public DNS)

                                set type=any

                                yark.it                                    (company address)

                                marte.yark.it                        (server address)

Example2:            nslookup

                                set type=mx

                                microsoft.com

Note that an MX record or Mail exchange record is a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) specifying how Internet e-mail should be routed. MX records point to the servers that should receive an e-mail, and their priority relative to each other.

PATHPING (Windows 2000 & XP): shows the path to a specific host and any loss of packets.

PING                

                ping –t                                                                                                   ping the specified host until stopped.

                ping –a                                                                                                  resolve addresses to hostnames (form the IP gets the hostname).

PPTPCLNT.EXE: cmd from XP.

PPTPSRV.EXE: cmd from XP.

REXEC.EXE: runs commands on remote computers running the Rexec service (daemon). For example, type rexec hostname sh. After the authentication with username and password, type cmd.

ROUTE.EXE: manipulates network routing tables. For example, to see your routing table, type route print.

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/it/library/ServerHelp/dfc5383f-5ec0-4a0f-96da-acee2da3ac2f.mspx?mfr=true

                To add a static route, use the following:

                Route add subnet mask gateway netmask metric metric if interface

                Route delete         to delete a route

                Route print           prints a route on the screen.

Examples:

                Route add 192.168.0.68 mask 255.255.255.255 192.168.0.140 metric 10

                Route delete 192.168.0.68

TRACERT: show the route between two hosts.

WINIPCFG: Win 9x utility similar to IPCONFIG.

 

 

* Files hosts and services:

The services file list the services and the related port.

The hosts file list the IP address and the related PC.

Windows XP/Server2003: C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Windows NT/2000:             C:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Windows 95/98/Me:           C:\windows\hosts

 

 

SUBJECT:            where to find chkdsk.exe logs.

SOLUTION:         go to -> Event Viewer -> Application -> immediately after Chkdsk you' ll find an entry called 'Winlogon'. If you click on that you' ll get a Summary.

When chkdsk runs at boot time or from the Recovery Console, it creates the file C:\bootex.log. However you will only see this file if boot-time chkdsk is interrupted or your are using the Recovery Console. Cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> fsutil.exe.

See:  http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/xp-chkdsk-where-are-the-results/132863.html

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to remove check disk on every restart.

SOLUTION:         from a cmd, type fsutil dirty query X:, where X: is the drive you want to check. If the return message indicates that the volume is dirty, type chkdsk X: /f /x. After that finishes, type again fsutil dirty query X:. If it is no longer dirty then reboot and you should see no more CHKDSK. Cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> chkdsk.exe.

See:  http://commandwindows.com/fsutil.htm

See:  http://www.ehow.com/how_2280944_remove-check-disk-every-restart.html

See:  http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=575839

 

 

SUBJECT:            find Another Computer’s MAC Address.

SOLUTION:         since the IP address has to be resolved to the MAC address, following a ping an entry will be added to your physical address translation table.

                1) from a cmd, ping the remote computer.

                2) from the same cmd, type arp -a. The results will display the IP address and the MAC address of the remote computer.

 

 

SUBJECT:            unable to copy “autorun” files on remote PC.

SOLUTION:         this problem is related to McAfee antivirus (various version). Try this or similar procedure:

                1) Right-click the VirusScan icon in the systray

                2) Select "VirusScan Console…"

                3) Double-click "Access Protection".

                4) De-select "Prevent remote creation of autorun files".

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the “autorun” behaviour.

SOLUTION:         from Regedit, search for:

1) Hive: HKEY_USERS

Key: .DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Name: NoDriveTypeAutoRun

Type: REG_DWORD

Hexadecimal value: 91 (or Decimal 145 – default value)

Other possible values: 149               enable autostart.

2) Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Name: NoDriveTypeAutoRun

Type: REG_DWORD

Hexadecimal value: 91 (or Decimal 145 – default value)

Other possible values: 149               enable autostart.

3) Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Key: System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom

Name: AutoRun

Type: REG_DWORD

Value: 1 (default = autorun enabled)

Other possible values: 0   autorun disabled.

NOTE:                   Windows gives a value to each device:

DRIVE_UNKNOWN 1

DRIVE_NO_ROOT 2

DRIVE_REMOVABLE (such as floppy disk and similar devices) 4

DRIVE_FIXED 8

DRIVE_REMOTE (network drive) 16

DRIVE_CDROM (CD Rom) 32

DRIVE_RAMDISK 64

Disabled for all devices ff (Decimal 255)

La chiave NoDriveTypeAutoRun dice in pratica al sistema operativo Windows quali periferiche ESCLUDERE dall'autorun (autoplay). Il valore da inserire nella chiave NoDriveTypeAutoRun e' ottenuto sommando i valori delle singole periferiche e aggiungendo il valore fisso 128.

 

 

SUBJECT:            disable the “autorun” behaviour.

SOLUTION:         Start -> Run… -> gpedit.msc -> User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Turn off Autoplay -> select Enabled.

 

 

TIP:                        Windows has some “Super Hidden” files such as those in the “Downloaded Program Files” folder in the Windows directory.

SOLUTION:         super hidden files can be made "visible" by simply deleting the destkop.ini fine in that folder via dos commands. The deletion of the desktop.ini file works well, but it will revert back as it was and you' ll need to do this operation every time for every folder that you want to view. For everyday use you can use third party file managers able to show "ultrahidden" files. For example: TrackerV3 (freeware), Agent Ransack (freeware), Total Commander (shareware), XYplorer (shareware), etc.

 

 

TIP:                        file with the extensions .lnk (links) and .url (favourites) have the estension hidden in Windows or Windows Explorer (only the filename is visible).

SOLUTION:         from a cmd, you must use a dir command to see the full name of the file with the extension (such as filename.lnk).

 

 

SUBJECT:            CLSID and Windows vulnerability (any type of file can hide malicious application).

EXPLANATION: Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) architecture has been built into all Windows systems since the debut of Window NT 3.5 and Windows 95. It ties disparate desktop tasks together by providing programmers with a library of standardized functions not dependent on any one programming language. Like books in a library, COM objects require the equivalent of a Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal classification to refer to each object separately. This is the purpose of the CLSID, or CLasS ID, a 128-bit number that uniquely identifies a COM object and instructs the operating system how to execute it. What makes this especially dangerous is that a COM object can easily be crafted to rewrite the Windows Registry, delete files, wipe out the hard drive, and wreak all sorts of other havoc.

 

 

SUBJECT:            usage and options of Regedit.exe.

Import (merge) a .REG file:                               Regedit.exe [ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] [ /S ] importfile.reg

Export to a (.REG) file:                                      Regedit.exe [ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] /E exportfile "registry_key"

Compress the registry (Windows 98 only):     Regedit.exe [ /L:system ¦ /R:user ] /C

Parameters:          importfile.reg                       file .reg to be imported (or "merged").

Exportfile                              filename the information should be written to.

"registry_key"                      registry key to be exported. For example: "HKEY_CLASSES\ROOT\*\shell"

/S                                            Silent; hide confirmation box when importing files.

/E                                            Export registry file.

/L:system                                              Specify the location of the system.dat to use.

/R:user                                   Specify the location of the user.dat to use.

/C                                            Compress [filename] (Windows 98 only).

 

 

TIP:                        add a program to your SendTo list, in order to open a file with it.

EXAMPLE:          you usually open a TXT file with NOTEPAD, but you want to be able to quickly open it with WORD, right clicking the file and sending it to WORD. WORD is not in your SendTo list.

SOLUTION:         in C:\WINDOWS\SEND TO\ folder, add a shortcut to WORD.

 

 

SUBJECT:            customize Save As dialog box in Windows XP, Vista, etc.

SOLUTION:         1) Click Start -> Run... -> type gpedit.msc, and then press OK.

2) Click on the following items to expand them:

·         Local Computer Policy

·         User Configuration

·         Administrative Templates

·         Windows Components

·         Windows Explorer

·         Common Open Fele Dialog

3) Double-click on "Items displayed in Places Bar", and then select Enabled.

4) Enter the locations you’d like to have displayed in the Save As dialog box. You need to enter the full path to the location for the shortcuts to work.

5) Once you’ve entered all the locations, click Apply and then OK.

See:  http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/28/how-to-set-custom-shortcuts-in-the-windows-xp-save-as-dialog-box/

 

 

SUBJECT:            disable Log Off in Windows Server 2003/2000/XP/NT.

SOLUTION:         from Regedit, edit or crete the following:

Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Name: NoLogoff

Type: REG_DWORD

Value: 1 (for disable)

 

 

SUBJECT:            Windows keep re-installing the wrong driver.

SOLUTION:         if you install a driver, Windows stores it in the hidden folder: C:\WINDOWS\INF\OTHER. Now, if the driver is incorrect or if you want to remove it, Windows may keep re-installing it without any prompt. To avoid this, delete the .INF file from the C:\WINDOWS\INF\OTHER folder.

 

 

TIP:                        Windows’ logos and desktop’ s  backgrounds.

LOGO of Windows starting:                                                                              C:\LOGO.SYS.

DESKTOP at Windows password:                                                                   C:\WINDOWS\Plus!.bmp.

WINDOWS ME DESKTOP (if different from Windows Password):         in Display Proprieties, select a .JPG imagine as background. The .JPG can be in C:\My Documents\My pictures.

WINDOWS 98 DESKTOP (if different from Windows password):           Windows 98: C:\WINDOWS\PROFILES\<user name>\Plus!.bmp.

LOGO: Please wait while your computer shuts down:                                 C:\WINDOWS\LOGOW.SYS.

LOGO: It’ s now safe to turn off your computer:                                         C:\WINDOWS\LOGOS.SYS.

 

 

TIP:                        backup/restore the REGISTRY (Windows 98-ME).

SOLUTION:         use SCANREG [/<option>]. Options are: ?; BACKUP; RESTORE; FIX; COMMENT=<comment>.

 

 

TIP:                        typical functions and files associated with the Windows REGISTRY.

LOOK IN:             HEY_CLASSES_ROOT: controls the associations between files and applications.

                                HEY_CURRENT_USER: controls the personal settings. Typically modify the file User.dat (Windows 9x).

                                HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE: controls the hardware and software. Typically modify the file System.dat (Windows 9x).

                                HEY_USERS: copy of  HEY_CURRENT_USER.

                                HEY_CURRENT_CONFIG: less important software and audio settings.

                                HEY_CLASS_ROOT: typically modify the file Classes.dat (Windows ME).

 

 

SUBJECT:            executables automatically loaded in the REGISTRY when Windows start.

LOOK IN:             My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.

                                My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices.

TIP:                        In the Registry, make a search for Runonce, and look nearby for Run and RunServices.

 

 

SUBJECT:            hide the “Hardware Profiles” in “System Properties”.

SOLUTION:         in the Registry, go to:  HEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Highlight it, and from Edit -> New -> DWORD Value, give as a name NoDevMgrPage. If you want to see again the page, give to NoDevMgrPage the value of 0.

 

 

SUBJECT:            manually uninstall an application listed in Add/Remove Programs.

SOLUTION:         1) in the Registry, go to:  My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\program_name.

2) You will find there a string such as UninstallString or QuietUninstallString.

3) The command related to that string allows you to uninstall the application from Run... or from a cmd.

 

 

SUBJECT:            remove or change from Add/Remove Programs the name of a program (maybe because already deleted).

SOLUTION:         in the Registry, go to:  My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\program_name.

 

 

SUBJECT:            SCREENSAVER.

DELETE SCREENSAVER:               in System.ini, search for: SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\”screensaver name”.SCR

FORGOTTEN PASSWORD: in C:\WINDOWS, delete “username”.PWL.

CHANGE THE WAITING TIME: from Regedit, search for: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Desktop, find ScreenSaveTimeOut and change the value in seconds.

 

 

SUBJECT:            activate the SCREENSAVER with one key.

SOLUTION:         create in your desktop a shortcut to your screensaver; highlight it and then in -> Properties select the “Shortcut key” you prefer (Win 98, Me, 2000 and XP). Also, press ctrl+alt+del and hit 'K'. This will lock the machine.

 

 

SUBJECT:            LOCK THE COMPUTER with a command.

SOLUTION:         from a cmd, type: rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

 

 

SUBJECT:            EURO SYMBOL (€) missing in Excel, Access or other applications.

SOLUTION:         you can usually find € by pressing  Ctrl + Alt + E  or  Alt GR + number 4.

 

 

SUBJECT:            WUAUBOOT caused an error in UNKNOWN (Windows ME). Also, the “Automatic Updates” slows system or causes mouse and keyboard to freeze and become unresponsive for brief periods. This issue has been "confirmed" only on systems with the "NDC 10/100 Fast Ethernet".

SOLUTION:         to work around this issue, the card must be set to a specific speed: in Control Panel, open -> Network properties -> double click the listing for NDC 10/100 Fast Ethernet -> click the Advanced tab -> change the connection type to a specific speed (for example, 10 MB Full-Duplex).

OTHER SOLUTION: disable “Automatic Updates” in Control Panel (but then you have to remember to do it).

 

 

SUBJECT:            How to force Internet Explorer (IE 8 or 9) to REALLY reload the page?

SOLUTION:         Ctrl+F5 in IE reload the page ignoring the cache.

You can also press F12 to open the development tools -> select the Cache menu at the top and then -> select Always Refresh from Server to bypass cache.

IE7 also has development tools, but they must be installed separately. You can also use the IE8 dev tools to run the browser in IE7 mode.

 

 

SUBJECT:            INTERNET EXPLORER 8 problem: Windows Data Execution Prevention detected an add-on trying to use system memory incorrectly. This can be caused by a malfunction or a malicious add-on.

EXPLANATION: Internet Explorer 8 has a new security default setting.

SOLUTION:                         click on the Tools tab -> at the bottom click on Internet Options -> Advanced -> scroll down to Security -> in this section there is a box checked for the line "Enable memory protection to help mitigate on line attacks". Un-check that box. Then restart Internet Explorer 8 to enable the new settings.

Cfr. http://community.logmeinrescue.com/logmein/board/message?board.id=31&message.id=805

 

 

SUBJECT:            INTERNET EXPLORER 8 annoying message: A script is accessing some software (an ActiveX control) on this page which has been marked safe for scripting. Do you want to allow this?

script

SOLUTION:                         from Internet Explorer -> Tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Select a zone – Internet -> Custom level -> Scroll down to:”ActiveX controls and plug-ins” -> Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting* -> select Enable

 

 

SUBJECT:            download INTERNET EXPLORER from Microsoft.

SOLUTION:         see the following link:  http://www.petri.co.il/download_the_full_ie_package.htm

1) download the setup program from Microsoft (about 500 kb).

2) go to the folder where you have placed the above file. Open a Command Prompt in that folder, then run the following:

3) ie6setup.exe /c:"ie6wzd.exe /d /s:""#E"

4) this tip works for IE 6 SP1 too, and so will older IE versions. Just replace the "6" in the previous line with a "5" and so on.

 

 

SUBJECT:            uninstall INTERNET EXPLORER.

SOLUTION:         see Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q256219 or download the software 98lite from  http://www.litepc.com

 

 

SUBJECT:            increase security in INTERNET EXPLORER 6.

SOLUTION:         Tools -> Internet Options -> Content -> AutoComplete. From there, deselect all the flags.

Also, delete all the Temporary Internet Files and cookies.

For your privacy, delete the file index.dat.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the default HTML editor in INTERNET EXPLORER (under Tools -> Internet Options -> Programs -> HTML editor).

SOLUTION:         search in the Registry for “Default HTML Editor” and under Command add the link to the editor you want to use..

 

 

SUBJECT:            INTERNET EXPLORER check to see whether it is the default browser.

SOLUTION:         in INTERNET EXPLORER, go to TOOLS -> INTERNET OPTIONS -> PROGRAMS.

 

 

SUBJECT:            INTERNET EXPLORER V.6 not able to download a large file.

SOLUTION:         open INTERNET EXPLORER, go to TOOLS -> INTERNET OPTIONS -> ADVANCED. Under BROWSING, enable Enable folder view for FTP sites. Under UNDERLINE LINKS, enable Use Passive FTP (for Firewall and DSL modem compatibility).

 

 

SUBJECT:            INTERNET EXPLORER caused an invalid page fault in module SHLWAPI.DLL.

This error occurs after you have installed EXPLORER 5.01 on the top of EXPLORER 5 in Windows 98 SE.

CAUSE:                 Microsoft well-known accuracy in developing his own products.

SOLUTION:         upgrade Explorer or, in Add/Remove Programs, remove Explorer 5.01 and keep using Explorer 5.0.

 

 

SUBJECT:            computer shut down correctly, but hangs forever during reboot.

SOLUTION:         in the Registry, eliminate the following three (Windows ME):

                                My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\Annclist.exe

                                My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\Tvwakeup.exe

                                My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Createcd.exe

                                My Computer\HEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Directcd.exe

 

 

SUBJECT:            computer rebooting when should shut down.

There is a issue reported on the MS website. It is a known problem on certain hardware configurations.

SOLUTION:         run MSCONFIG under 98 or 98SE and disable the 'Fast Shutdown' option (uncheck the box).

 

 

From:                     Microsoft Knowledge Base, Q132776

SUBJECT:            computer Hangs or Reboots at Shutdown with NetWare Client. This applies to: Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98

SYMPTOMS:       with Novell NetWare Client version 4.10 (VLM.EXE) installed, your computer stops responding (hangs) or restarts on shut down.

CAUSE:                 VNETWARE.386 version 2.04 may cause the system to fault because it calls INT21 on system_Exit. This call is not allowed in Windows 95/98.

SOLUTION:         obtain the latest version of the NetWare redirector from Novell.

 

 

SUBJECT:            WINDOWS 9x or NT4 CRASHING during SCREENSAVERS

CAUSE:                 the 3D Flower Box (open GL) Screensaver uses up to 100% of the CPU' s resources. Also the other four Microsoft' s 3D screensavers use a big amount of the CPU resources. Your computer or server may just freeze or stop responding when another application calls it.

SOLUTION:         as a general rule, do not use any of the five open GL screensavers.

 

 

SUBJECT:            SCANDISK.

To DISABLE SCANDISK: in MSDOS.SYS, edit AUTOSCAN=0.

 

 

SUBJECT:            wrong IP address, that could result in a message like: “No server domain available to validate your password…”

SOLUTION           use IPCONFIG or the Win 9x utility WINIPCFG to monitor, release and renew the IP address (for help, type: IPCONFIG /? | MORE).

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to open file .zip.001 type file?

SOLUTION:         this is part of a multi archive .zip file split into multiple parts. You can use the following command to create the .zip file first and then unzip as any regular .zip file. At command prompt:

C:\>copy /B file.zip.001 + file.zip.002 + file.zip.003 file.zip

This creates "file.zip". Open it using any unzip utility.

 

 

 

 

4)  WINDOWS XP

 

* SOME WINDOWS COMMANDS FROM RUN...:

COMPMGMT.MSC            Computer Management and related system tools.

CONF.EXE                           starts NetMeeting. The first time you open it, you have to type at least your First name, Last name, E-mail address -> Next -> Next -> until the end. You can then open a call: Call -> New Call -> type the IP address of the destination PC. When you are in a call, you can share your desktop or a document as you like: Tools -> Sharing -> select the Desktop and from here if you want -> Allow Control. Only one person at a time can have control of the Desktop: to do so, from inside the call, go to the top left: Control -> Request Control.

CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2                    launch User Accounts, and it can be used to automatically login to Windows XP Pro without a username and password.

DEVMGMT.MSC               Device Manager.

DFRG.MSC                          Disk Defragmenter.

DISKMGMT.MSC              Disk Management .

DXDIAG.EXE                      DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

EUDCEDIT.EXE Character Editor.

EVENTVWR.MSC              Event Viewer.

FSMGMT.MSC                   Shared Folders.

GPEDIT.MSC                      Group Policy settings. You can disable for example “Add or Remove Programs”, etc.

LUSRMGR.MSC Local Users and Groups.

MMC.EXE                            Microsoft Management Console, located in C:\WINDOWS\system32. This command opens Console1 and every snap-in with extension .msc (files typically located in the same C:\WINDOWS\system32.

MSCONFIG.EXE                System Configuration Utility (on some systems available from System Information -> Tools). Used for troubleshooting purposes to prevent applications to load when Windows boot.

MSIEXEC.EXE                   Windows Installer. You can use it to launch .MSI packages.

MSINFO32.EXE                  System Information (Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools). It is the same in WINDOWS 2000 and 9x.

NTMSMGR.MSC                Removable Storage Management.

PERFMON.MSC Performance Monitor.

REGEDIT.EXE                    Registry Editor.

RSOP.MSC                           Resultant Set of Policy. This snap-in allows you to view the Resultant Set of Policy for a user on a machine. The snap-in can be used to view policy that has been applied as well as predict what policy would be applied to a user on a machine.

SECPOL.MSC                      Local Security Settings.

SERVICES.MSC Services.

SNDVOL32.EXE Volume Control.

TSADMIN.EXE                   the same as Terminal Services Manager (only for servers). Cfr. -> mstsc.exe.

SYSEDIT.EXE                     System Configuration Editor.

WINMSD.EXE                     displays the System Information.

WINVER.EXE                     displays Windows’ version. Cfr. -> ver.exe.

WMIMGMT.MSC              Windows Management Infrastructure (WMI).

 

 

* WINDOWS XP COMMANDS FROM CMD:

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/ntcmds.mspx?mfr=true

AT.EXE                 located in C:\WINDOWS\system32, schedules commands and programs to run at a specific time and date. Same as Accessories -> System Tools -> Scheduled Tasks (also Windows Server 2003, 2000, NT, etc.). Cfr. -> schtasks.exe

ATTRIB.EXE                       displays or changes file attributes.

Examples:                             attrib /?                                 help.

                                                attrib –H –S filename        removes the hidden and system attributes.

BOOTCFG                           

CHANGE                              (only for servers).

CIPHER.EXE                       displays or alters the encryption of directories and files on NTFS partitions (also WINDOWS 2000).

COLOR                                 sets the default console foreground and background colors.

Examples:                             color fc                                 produces light red on bright white.

CONVERT                            converts FAT volumes to NTFS.

Examples:                             convert /?

convert C: /FS:NTFS /V

DEFRAG                               disk defragmenter.

Examples:                             defrag ?                                help

defrag C: -a -v                     analyze (-a) disk C: with verbose output (-v).

DISKPART                           Microsoft Disk Partitioner utility. Used for example to extend an existing partition.

Examples:                             help

                                                list volume (display the volume list and each related number)

                                                select volume “n” (select a volume using his number. You can then expand  the partition).

DRIVERQUERY enables an administrator to enumerate and display the list of installed device drivers as well as their properties.

Example:                              driverquery /?

ECHO                                    displays messages, or turns command-echoing on or off (also Windows Server 2003, 2000, etc.)

EVENTCREATE

EVENTQUERY

EVENTTRIGGERS

FSUTIL.EXE                        the file system utility fsutil.exe is a suite of command-line operations for displaying and managing certain file and drive properties. The tool is present in both Windows XP and Vista and is primarily of use for NTFS systems. It requires administrative privileges. Cfr. -> autochk.exe -> chkntfs.exe -> chkdsk.exe.

See:  http://commandwindows.com/fsutil.htm

GETMAC.EXE                    gets the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the network cards on your system.

GETSID.EXE:                      GET Security ID.

GPRESULT:                         generates a summary of the user settings and computer group policy settings.

HELPCTR                           

HOSTNAME                        displays the hostname.

IPSECCMD                         

LOGMAN                            

LOGOFF.EXE                      terminates a session (including the console). You can also use the logoff command followed by the qwinsta session ID to reset a specific user session. Cfr. -> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.

Examples:                             cfr. the example of -> qwinsta.exe, we reset User1 session. Note that the number 2 at the end is the session ID.

                                                C:\Program Files\Support Tools>logoff /server:192.168.0.220 2

MSG.EXE                             cfr. -> mstsc.exe.

MSTSC.EXE                       Remote Desktop Connection (this file in Windows XP is located in C:\WINDOWS\system32).

Examples:                             mstsc /?                 help

                                                mstsc /console     connects to the console session of a server. You cannot use the /console switch to connect to the console session of a computer that is running Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.

                                                mstsc /sa               connects to a server.

                                                mstsc /v:yourserver [:port]               specifies the terminal server to which you want to connect.

RECENT OPTIONS:           mstsc /admin       connects to the console session of a server (only with Remote Desktop version 6.0.6001).

                                                mstsc /public        runs Remote Desktop in public mode.

Cfr. -> query user (for servers) -> tsadmin.exe (for servers) -> tscon.exe -> tsdiscon.exe -> logoff.exe -> reset.exe (session) -> msg.exe -> tsshutdn.exe -> query.exe (for servers) -> qwinsta.exe -> rwinsta.exe -> tskill.exe.

See:  http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/f47ce263-f72e-469d-bf14-6605b7f4cce51033.mspx?mfr=true

For all the options of .rdp files see:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885187

NCPA.CPL                            opens Network Connections.

OPENFILES                        

PAGEFILECONFIG           

PERFMON                           

PRNCNFG

PRNDRVR

PRNJOBS

PRNMNGR

PRNPORT

PRNQCTL

QUERY.EXE                        not present in Windows XP; used only for server. Cfr. -> mstsc.exe.

Examples:                             query user           

QWINSTA.EXE                   display information about Terminal Sessions, both locally (default) or remotely. Cfr. -> rwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.

Examples:                             C:\Program Files\Support Tools>qwinsta /server:192.168.0.220

SESSIONNAME       USERNAME             ID        STATE   TYPE        DEVICE

console                      administrator               0          Active     wdcon

rdp-tcp                                                         65536   Listen     rdpwd

rdp-tcp#4                   User1                         2          Active     rdpwd

rdp-tcp#5                   User2                         1          Active     rdpwd

NOTE: if you connect to the console from a Remote Desktop Connection, the SESSIONNAME could be different from “console”, but the ID should be 0.

See:  http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2003/12/30/Managing-Terminal-Services-Sessions-Remotely.aspx

RELOG.EXE

RESET.EXE                         cfr. -> mstsc.exe.

RWINSTA.EXE                   reset the session subsytem hardware and software to known initial values. Cfr. -> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.

Examples:                             following the previous example of -> qwinsta.exe, we reset User1 session. Note that the number 2 at the end is the session ID.

C:\Program Files\Support Tools>rwinsta /server:192.168.0.220 2

See:  http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2003/12/30/Managing-Terminal-Services-Sessions-Remotely.aspx

SC.EXE                         SC is a command line program used for communicating with the NT Service Controller and services.

SCHTASKS.EXE                Enables an administrator to create, delete, query, change, run and end scheduled tasks on a local or remote system. Replaces AT.exe. Cfr. -> at.exe.

SET                                        displays , sets or remove cmd.exe environment variables.

Examples:                             set s        display the SESSIONNAME.

SFC.EXE                               Scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

Examples:                             sfc /scannow        if prompted, enter your Windows installation CD.

SHADOW.EXE                    monitor and interact with another Terminal Services session from a Terminal Service session (not from the server console). Cfr. -> query user (for servers) -> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe

Examples:                             to shadow session 2, type   shadow 2   You find the session ID with the commands -> query user or -> qwinsta.exe

Before you can monitor another session, the user of the other session receives the following message (unless you disable this warning):

                                                SERVERNAME\username is requesting to control your session remotely.

                                                Do you accept the request?

Your session may stop responding (hang) for a few seconds while the server waits for a response from the user.

Press CTRL+* to end the remotely controlled session (use the asterisk from the numeric keypad only).

You can also define a hot key in Terminal Services Manager to end the remotely controlled session.

See:  http://www.myitforum.com/articles/16/view.asp?id=5808

SHUTDOWN.EXE:             usage: shutdown [-i | -l | -s | -r | -a] [-f] [-m \\computername] [-t xx] [-c "comment"] [-d up:xx:yy]

                                                no args                                  Display help message (same as -?)
                                                -i                                             Display GUI interface, must be the first option
                                                -l                                             Log off (cannot be used with -m option)
                                                -s                                             Shutdown the computer
                                                -r                                             Shutdown and restart the computer
                                                -a                                            Abort a system shutdown
                                                -m \\computername           Remote computer to shutdown/restart/abort
                                                -t xx                                        Set timeout for shutdown to xx seconds
                                                -c "comment"                      Shutdown comment (maximum of 127 characters)
                                                -f                                             Forces running applications to close without warning
                                                -d [u][p]:xx:yy                     The reason code for the shutdown
                                                                                                u is the user code
                                                                                                p is a planned shutdown code
                                                                                                xx is the major reason code (positive integer less than 256)
                                                                                                yy is the minor reason code (positive integer less than 65536)

NOTE: the easiest method to do a shutdown is to click on a blank area of the remote machine’s desktop and then press Alt + F4. Assuming you have Admin rights on the remote PC this brings up the “normal” Windows XP/2000 Shut Down/Reboot dialog. …but there’s a catch - the Remote Desktop window to the remote machine has to be in full screen mode or Alt + F4 will just close something on your own PC.

Cfr -> tsshutdn.exe

SID                                         displays the security identifier in the standard format, for either the current user, or a given user, optionally specified with a domain (NT4, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003).

START                                  starts a separate cmd window to run a specified program or command.

Examples:                             start "Execute dir in a separate window" /max /low dir

                                                start "This is a test" /MAX /LOW notepad

                                                start \\mycomputer\C$                        connect to the C disk of the computer mycomputer.

SYSKEY.EXE                      located in C:\WINDOWS\system32, it is a tool which enables additional protection and encryption to the Accounts Database (also WINDOWS 2000 and servers).

SYSTEMINFO.EXE            this command line tool enables an administrator to query for basic system configuration information.

TASKKILL.EXE ends one or more tasks or processes. Processes can be killed by process ID or image name.

Usage:                                    taskkill [/s Computer] [/u Domain\User /p Password] [/fi FilterName] [/pid ProcessID]|[/im ImageName] [/f][/t]

/s Computer  specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.

/u domain\user  runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.

/p password  specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.

/fi FilterName  specifies the types of process(es) to include in or exclude from termination.

/pid processID  specifies the process ID of the process to be terminated.

/im ImageName  specifies the image name of the process to be terminated. Use the wildcard (*) to specify all image names.

/f  specifies that process(es) be forcefully terminated. This parameter is ignored for remote processes; all remote processes are forcefully terminated.

/t  specifies to terminate all child processes along with the parent process, commonly known as a tree kill.

Examples:                             taskkill /f /im notepad.exe                                 kills the open notepad task, if open.

taskkill /s remotepc /u domain\administrator /p password /pid pidnumber

TASKLIST.EXE                  displays a list of applications and services with their Process ID (PID) for all tasks running on either a local or a remote computer.

Example:                              tasklist /s remotepc

TELNET.EXE                      application that logs into other computers to obtain information. For example, use telnet ipaddress portaddress to see if a port is in use.

TITLE                                    specifies the title for the command prompt window.

TRACERPT.EXE                tracerpt processes binary Event Trace Session log files or real-time streams from instrumented Event Trace providers and creates a report or a text (CSV) file describing the events generated.

TSCON.EXE                         attaches a user session to a remote terminal session. You can also connect to the console session. Cfr. -> tsdiscon -> qwinsta.exe -> mstsc.exe.

Examples:                             following the previous example of -> qwinsta.exe, we suppose that we are connected as User1 and want to take control of User2 session. Note that the tcp#5 is the SESSIONNAME.

C:\Documents and Settings\User1>tscon rdp-tcp#5 /password:password

TSDISCON.EXE  cfr. -> tscon -> mstsc.exe.

TSKILL.EXE                       cfr. -> mstsc.exe.

TSSHUTDN.EXE                cfr. -> mstsc.exe -> shutdown.exe.

TYPEPERF.EXE 

USERITINT.EXE                open the current user My Documents folder.

WHOAMI.EXE                    displays the current user (also WINDOWS Server 2003 & 2000).

WMIC.EXE                          Windows Management Instrumentation Command. Read a huge range of information about local or remote computers. Also provides a way to make configuration changes to multiple remote machines.

 

 

SUBJECT:            function keys F5, F6, F7 during Windows setup.

SOLUTION:         press F6 to install a SCSI or RAID driver. Immediately after you can press F5 in order to force the choice of HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), or F7 to run setup without using ACPI.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change my user account password from a Command Prompt.

INFO:                     you can change a Windows User Account password that is on any Windows computer from any other Windows computer regardless of whether the User Account is on a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. Additionally, it makes no difference whether the password being changed from a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. This is true for any NT 4.0, W2K, XP Pro and Windows Server 2003 computer.

SOLUTION:         log on as an administrator (non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" error message when they attempt to change the password) and type:

net user username /domain              show the username settings

net user username * /domain           to change the username password. When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed. Alternatively, you can type the following command:

net user username newpassword /domain                    when you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change passwords in a batch file.

If you type the above commands on a member server or workstation and you don't add the /domain switch, the command will be performed on the local SAM and NOT on the DC SAM. For example, to change the local administrator's password type:

net user username newpassword                     change the username password without prompt on the local computer.

 

 

SUBJECT:            fatal error during the installation of XP: “the file “asms” on Windows XP Professional SP1 is needed”.

CAUSE: even if your PC is booting from a IDE CD-ROM, after the first reboot does not find the CD-ROM.

SOLUTION:         you need to remove the SCSI card, or to connect temporarily a CD-ROM to the SCSI card, and then continue the installation of XP from the SCSI CD-ROM.

 

 

SUBJECT:            registry location of the “Open With” applications list.

SOLUTION:         HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to install Windows XP Support Tools (such as Whoami).

SOLUTION:         run Setup.exe from the Support/Tools directory in the Windows XP CD-ROM.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP.

SOLUTION:         in My Computer -> Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> un-tick “Use simple file sharing”.

See:  http://www.winxptutor.com/ownership.htm

 

 

SUBJECT:            not able to reach a remote IP or PC name from Run… -> \\PCname\

SOLUTION:         the Computer Browser service is not active.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to restart a partially failed update of Windows from Windows Update.

SOLUTION:         delete all files from C:\WUTEMP. Also delete all files from C:\PROGRAMS\WINDOWSUPDATE. Then log again to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to install Windows XP Recovery Console.

SOLUTION:         from Run... -> type  D:\I386\WINNT32.EXE /CMDCONS  where D: is the Windows XP CD.

For a list of commands, type HELP at the Recovery Console prompt.

NOTE:                   to install on a system updated to SP2 but originally installed from a Windows XP SP1 CD, you must add the SP2 files to the installation CD.

Also, during the Recovery Console boot up you may need to install the driver for the specific hard disk controller. You do this by pressing F6 during boot up and providing the driver in a floppy disk. Otherwise you may get a Blue Screen of Death with a “STOP: 0x0000007B” error.

Also, in some systems I had to copy from C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 the newer file txtsetup.sif to C:\cmdcons.

 

 

SUBJECT:            stop Desktop Cleanup Wizard.

SOLUTION:         click -> Start -> Control Panel -> Display -> Desktop tab, and then Customize Desktop… -> under Desktop cleanup, click to clear the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days check box if you do not want the Desktop Cleanup Wizard to automatically start every 60 days. If you click Clean Desktop Now, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard starts.

See:  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306542&sd=tech

 

 

SUBJECT:            make your folders private.

SOLUTION:         1) open My Computer.

2) double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive C).

3) double-click the Documents and Settings folder.

4) double-click your user folder.

5) right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.

6) on the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.

 

 

SUBJECT:            activate or view the Windows Product Activation status of Windows XP, Server 2003, etc.

SOLUTION:         Microsoft requires that you activate Windows Server 2003 within 30 days of installation to validate that you have a legal copy of the software.

Graphical user interface:    from the Start menu, select All Programs → Activate Windows. Select whether you want to activate by phone or over the Internet.

Command-line interface:  the following command opens the Activation wizard described in the previous section:

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe /a

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to activate Windows XP compression utility.

SOLUTION:         a) My Computer -> select NTFS folder -> Properties -> Advanced -> Compress contents to save disk space.

b) from Run... type IExpress and follow the installation instructions.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to disable CTRL+ALT+DEL for login.

SOLUTION:         for Windows XP open C:\Windows\system32\secpol.msc; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL -> Enable.

for Windows 2000 open C:\Winnt\system32\secpol.msc ; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> Disable CTRL+ALT+DEL requirement for logon -> Enable.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to track failed logins in Event Viewer.

SOLUTION:         for Windows XP open C:\Windows\system32\secpol.msc; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local Policies -> Audit Policy -> Audit account logon events -> select as appropriate.

for Windows 2000 open C:\Winnt\system32\secpol.msc ; (or Run... -> secpol.msc) -> Local Policies -> Audit Policy -> Audit account logon events -> select as appropriate.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to activate Windows XP encryption utility.

SOLUTION:         a) My Computer -> select NTFS folder -> Properties -> Advanced -> Encrypt contents to secure data.

b) from a Command Prompt, type CIPHER.EXE.

INFO:                     Windows XP supports the US Data Encryption Standard (DES), that uses a 56-bit key, and the more secure 3DES (triple DES).

To see who can decrypt a file and which key has been used, select the file -> Advanced -> Details -> select the user -> Add -> View Certificate.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to disable Windows XP encryption utility.

SOLUTION:         from Regedit, find: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\EFS -> New -> DWORD Value -> type EfsConfiguration and select 1 as Value data (a value of 0 allows EFS).

 

 

SUBJECT:            add Encrypt as an option when right-clicking a folder.

SOLUTION:         from Regedit, select: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -> New -> DWORD Value -> type EncryptionContextMenu and select 1 as Value data.

 

 

SUBJECT:            enable higher level of encryption using 3DES for both IP and EFS.

SOLUTION:         a) run mmc.exe -> File -> Add/remove Snap-in -> Add -> Group Policy -> Add -> Finish -> Close -> OK.

b) expand Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options.

c) enable System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing.

WARNING:          enabling this setting can occasionally generate problems. For example:

1) could prevent Remote Desktop connections TO other computers.

2) coul prevent Internet Explorer from being able to open SOME https pages, and can generate in Internet Explorer the following message: “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            enable higher level of encryption using 3DES only for EFS.

SOLUTION:         from Regedit, select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\EFS -> right click -> New -> DWORD Value -> Type AlgorithmID. Set the value at 0x6603. Restart the PC.

 

 

SUBJECT:            export your certificate so that another user can see your encrypted files.

SOLUTION:         a) run mmc.exe -> File -> Add/remove Snap-in -> Add -> Certificates -> Add -> My user account -> Finish -> Close -> OK.

b) select Certificates-Current User -> Personal -> Certificates.

c) on the right pane, select the certificate -> All tasks -> Export -> Next -> Yes, export the private key -> Next -> (select also Include all certificates in the certification path if possible) -> Next -> Type and confirm a password -> Next -> type a file name and Browse to a floppy -> Save -> Next -> Finish -> OK.

The same can be obtained by typing from a Command Prompt: CIPHER /X A:\MYCERTIFICATE.

INFO:                     the resulting file will have extension .pfx.

 

 

SUBJECT:            import a certificate so that you can see another user’ s encrypted files.

SOLUTION:         a) run mmc.exe -> File -> Add/Remove Snap-in -> Add -> select Certificates -> Add -> select My user account -> Finish -> Close -> OK.

b) select Certificates-Current User -> Personal -> right click -> All Tasks -> Import -> Next -> browse to the correct location and type the password.

 

 

SUBJECT:            backup your user login password in a floppy that you can later use to reset your password.

SOLUTION:         press Ctrl+Alt+Del -> Change Password -> Backup -> Next.

 

 

SUBJECT:            view unused devices in Device Manager.

SOLUTION:         1) Open a Command Prompt by going to Start -> Run... -> type cmd. In the MS-DOS prompt, type the following lines, pressing return after each:

Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

Devmgmt.msc

(You can type "exit" in the MS DOS prompt window to close it at any time after this).

2) In the Device Manager window that opens, go to -> View and select -> Show Hidden Devices. Now expand each of your devices and look through all the sub-components listed. You will see that some of the devices are shown in a lighter grey color.

 

 

SUBJECT:            enable and use the “Run As” command when running programs in Windows 2000 or XP (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – 294676).

SOLUTION:         in Windows 2000, the RunAs service must be running, and in Windows XP, the Secondary Logon service must be running. They are installed by default during the installation of Windows. Both can be changed in Services.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to activate the old Media Player 6.4.

SOLUTION:         Run... -> C:\PROGRAMS\WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER\MPLAYER2.EXE.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to disable Windows Messenger.

SOLUTION:         1) Click Start -> Run... -> type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER.

2) Click on the following items to expand them:

·         Local Computer Policy

·         Computer Configuration

·         Administrative Templates

·         Windows Components

·         Windows Messenger

3) Double-click on the option "Do not allow Windows Messenger to run", and then select Enabled.

4) Click OK, and then close the window.

 

 

SUBJECT:            stop Windows Messenger from loading at Windows startup.

SOLUTION:         open Windows Messanger -> Tools -> Options -> General -> disable Automatically run Messenger when I log on to Windows”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Notepad hangs while saving a file.

PROBLEM:          when I create a new file in Notepad.exe and click on File+Save or Alt+s, it literally hangs when showing the dialog (the save dialog used to give file name and path). If I wait for more than 2 minutes, it comes out of the hang state and shows the dialog.

EXPLANATION: most likely Notepad.exe is trying to reach a disk or a network resource no longer available. So, every time, I try to save a new file, it loads the most recent path and just because the path is no longer available just waits for timeout. (Windows Vista has significant improvement on this kind of hanging kernel calls!)

SOLUTION:         save a new file in a different location, or eliminate in the registy the reference from Notepad.exe to the network resource no longer available.

 

 

SUBJECT:            copy a profile to become the default profile for new users.

SOLUTION:         1) Reboot the computer and log as Administrator.

2) From Start -> right-click My Computer, select Properties then the Advanced tab.

3) Under User Profiles, click [Settings].

4) Highlight the profile you want to be the default profile, and click [Copy To].

5) Click on [Change].

6) In Enter the object name to select box, type Everyone. Click [Ok].

7) In the Copy profile to box, type C:\Documents and Settings\Default User without quotes and click on [OK] (note: this is a hidden system folder and you may not be able to browse to this location). A Confirm Copy windows should pop up: click [YES].

 

 

SUBJECT:            icons (such as “Show Desktop”) missing from the Quick Launch toolbar (also WINDOWS 2000).

SOLUTION:         the location for the Default User is: C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the number of icons in the Quick Launch toolbar (also WINDOWS 2000).

INFO:                     the shape of the Taskbar is locked by default, limiting the number of icons you can see in the Quick Launch toolbar.

SOLUTION:         a) Right click on a space on the Taskbar (you see a popup menu).

b) Click on 'Lock The Taskbar' option (so to unlock it) and see the dotty pattern appear on the Taskbar.

c) Drag the pattern along the Taskbar so to see the available space expand or contract.

 

 

SUBJECT:            enable Security logs in the Event Viewer.

SOLUTION:         a) From Start -> Run... -> secpol.msc (to open the Local Security Settings MMC Snap-in).

b) Double-click Local Policies to expand it, and then double-click Audit Policy.

c) In the right pane, double-click the policy that you want to enable or disable.

See:  http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=300549

 

 

SUBJECT:            if you are running ZoneAlarm and install the July 2008 security patches you will no longer be able to access the internet.

SOLUTION:         lower the internet firewall setting in ZoneAlarm to medium OR unistall Microsoft's security patch KB951748, OR update Zone Alarm.

See:  http://forums.pcworld.com/message/126599#126599

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to gain access to the “System Volume Information” folder (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article – 309531).

APPLY TO:           Windows XP Professional using the NTFS File System on a Workgroup or Standalone Computer.

SOLUTION:         1) Click Start, and then click My Computer.

2) On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.

3) On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.

4) Clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the change.

5) Clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.

6) Click OK.

7) Right-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder, and then click Properties.

8) Click the Security tab.

9) Click Add, and then type the name of the user to whom you want to give access to the folder. Typically, this is the account with which you are logged on. Click OK, and then click OK.

10) Double-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder to open it.

 

 

SUBJECT:            quickly lock the PC with a double click (also WINDOWS 2000).

SOLUTION:         create a new shortcut on the desktop, but instead than the location of the file, type: “rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to manually launch Safely Remove Hardware in order to remove USB devices. Useful if the icon in the Notification Area is missing.

SOLUTION:         from Run... launch the following command: %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll

 

 

SUBJECT:            call Control Panel and Regional and Language Options from Run… or from a command line.

Control Panel:      rundll32.exe shell32,Control_RunDLL

Regional and Language Options: rundll32.exe shell32,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl

See:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289125

 

 

SUBJECT:            Event_ID: 7000. The Parallel port driver service failed to start due to the following error: The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.

CAUSE: you may have disabled the parallel port in the BIOS (to free an IRQ or system resources).

SOLUTION:         run -> regedit and find -> HKLM\System\Current ControlSet\Services\ParPort branch -> set it's startup type to 4. Tipically was 3 before. This disables the driver/device.

 

 

SUBJECT:            add a network printer in Windows XP using TCP/IP.

SOLUTION:         1) Open Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes.

2) Add a printer -> Next.

3) Local Printer -> Untick Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play Printer.

4) Create a new port -> Select Standard TCP/IP Port -> Next -> Next.

5) Under Printer Name, type the IP of the printer.

6) Wait! …and then select from the list of drivers one that match your printer.

7) Next -> Finish.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to use a fax in Windows XP.

SOLUTION:         To send a fax in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306657.

To send a fax from a Windows XP application, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306661.

To fax a scanned document or image in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306663.

To receive a fax in Windows XP, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 306662.

If the Windows XP based fax service does not transfer incoming faxes to your inbox in Outlook 2000 or Outlook 2002, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q311794.

 

 

SUBJECT:            enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) on your home or small office network using just one connection.

SOLUTION:         1) Do not use ICS in a network with other domain controllers, DNS servers, gateways, DHCP servers, or systems configured for static IP. Computers on your local network should be configured to obtain an IP address automatically.

2) On the PC connected to Internet, from Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> select the appropriate NIC or connection to Internet, right-click and select -> Properties -> Advanced -> in Internet Connection Sharing, enable “Allow other network users to connect…”.

3) When you enable ICS, the network adapter connected to your home or small office network gets a new static IP address configuration. Existing TCP/IP connections on the computer running ICS are lost and must be re-established.

 

 

SUBJECT:            set permissions for a specific folder.

SOLUTION:         select the folder -> Properties -> Security -> Advanced -> select “Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects” -> Effective Permissions -> Select… -> Advanced… -> Find Now -> (select the user) -> OK -> OK -> Apply -> select Yes if you receive a Security confirmation message -> OK. Once you have finished, go again to to Properties -> Security -> add or select the user and check the effective permissions.

 

 

SUBJECT:            change the default port for Windows Remote Desktop Connection

SOLUTION:         Start -> Run... -> Regedit -> and go to:

1) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

2) SYSTEM

3) CurrentControlSet

4) Control

5) Terminal Server

6) WinStations

7) RDP-Tcp

8) Port Number (the default is 3389).

See:  http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/your-desktop-on-the-go-remote-desktop-20020826/

 

 

SUBJECT:            error messages related to Remote Desktop Connection console:

1) Could not connect sessionID 0 to sessionname console, Error code 7045

Error [7045]:The requested session access is denied.

2) Can't remote control Session (ID number) because Remote control is disabled on that Session.

EXPLANATION: this error indicates that you do not have permission to access the session. For example, you are able to connect to the console if you logon to the local machine as Administrator, but you are not able if you logon to the domain.

SOLUTION:         you need permission to access sessions. To do a check/modify: right-click My Computer -> Remote -> Select Remote Users...

See:  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/w2000Msgs/5902.mspx?mfr=true

 

 

SUBJECT:            annoying: "Automatic Updates - Do you want to restart your computer now?"

automatic_update_dialog.

EXPLANATION: if you click Restart Later, it pops up again ten minutes later. This belongs to wuauclt.exe, part of Microsoft automatic update, but if you try to kill wuauclt.exe, it keeps coming back.

SOLUTIONS:       1) Modify Group Policy settings: Start -> Run… -> type "gpedit.msc" to bring up the Group Policy editor. Then navigate to the folder -> Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update

There are two settings that will work, so it's your choice. Either enable No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates installations or set Re-prompt for restart with scheduled installations to a long time interval (up to 1440 minutes).

2) Stop the "Automatic Updates" service. You can also do the same thing at the command line by typing:

net stop wuauserv or net stop "automatic updates"

After the service is stopped, the nag message stops, too. Then you can reboot when you have time. The service will restart when you restart.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000294.html

 

 

SUBJECT:            at every startup a Windows message appears saying "Restarting your computer is required. The computer must be restarted before updating can continue. Would you like to restart now?" If the response is yes, the computer reboots and the same message appears. If the response is no, the message disappears and the computer functions normally.

EXPLANATION: this problem is caused by Adobe updater.

SOLUTION:         1) Start -> Run -> type msconfig -> OK

2) Select the Startup tab.

3) uncheck adobe_updater

4) Restart when prompted

 

 

SUBJECT:            annoying message during Windows XP shutdown: The instruction at "0x66903f88" referenced memory at "0x66903f88". The memory could not be "written".

SOLUTION:         clear the Temp cache first, typically in: C:\WINDOWS\Minidump.

Then change the memory dump settings as follow: My Computer -> (right click) Properties -> Advanced -> under Startup and Recovery select Settings -> under Write debugging information change Small memory dump (64 kb) to (none)

Reboot the system. If that does not correct the problem, restore the setting as it was.

 

 

 

 

5)  WINDOWS 2000

 

SUBJECT:            useful shortcuts in Windows 2000.

[Windows key]E:        Opens Windows Explorer.

[Windows key]M:       Minimizes the current window.

[Alt][F4]:                     Closes the current window you have open.

[Alt][Tab]:                   Pop up a window containing a list of the programs you have open, so that you can switch between the programs currently running.

[Windows key]R:        Opens the Run... text box (so you can run a program).

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to INSTALL WINDOWS 2000 TERMINAL SERVICES on WORKSTATIONS

One of the directories created during the installation of Terminal Services on the server is WINNT\system32\clients\tsclient. If you share this directory as read-only, you can install the Terminal Server client over the network without using floppies. Simply run setup.exe from the net\win32 directory (or win16, as appropriate).

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to SYNCHRONIZE USERS FOR LOCAL MACHINE AND NETWORK.

1) Log on as Administrator on the local PC.

2) Right-hand click MY COMPUTER -> MANAGE -> LOCAL USERS AND GROUPS. Select USERS.

3) From the top bar, go to ACTION -> NEW USER -> create the new user. When the user has been created, close the window. Right hand click the new user -> PROPERTIES -> MEMBER OF -> ADD -> ADMINISTRATORS -> ADD -> OK -> APPLY -> CLOSE.

4) Go to GROUPS and select ADMINISTRATORS. Right hand click and select ADD TO GROUP. Select ADMINISTRATORS -> ADD -> select the appropriate LAN and login as administrator with administrator password. Select the user you want to add from the list -> ADD -> OK -> APPLY -> CLOSE.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to edit the default keyboard in the Registry.

WINDOWS XP, 2000, NT:

1)            Start -> Run... -> Regedit -> and go to: HKEY_USERS\DEFAULT\Keyboard Layout\Preload.

2)            Change the value for the (Default) to contain the keyboard layout that you want to have available at logon.

NOTES:

1)            The default settings in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT are also used when you define a new user.

2)            Keyboard settings are user specific. Although you may select a foreign language keyboard, at logon time (no user is logged on yet) the default keyboard settings are used. So at logon time no country-specific extended characters are available.

 

 

SUBJECT:            language IDs that are supported by Windows XP, NT, 2000:

00000402  =  "Bulgarian"

0000041a  =  "Croatian"

00000405  =  "Czech"

00000406  =  "Danish"

00000813  =  "Dutch (Belgian)"

00000413  =  "Dutch (Standard)"

00000409  =  "English (American)"

00000c09  =  "English (Australian)"

 00000809  =  "English (British)"

00001009  =  "English (Canadian)"

00001809  =  "English (Irish)"

00001409  =  "English (New Zealand)"

0000040b  =  "Finnish"

0000080c  =  "French (Belgian)"

00000c0c  =  "French (Canadian)"

0000040c  =  "French (Standard)"

0000100c  =  "French (Swiss)"

00000c07  =  "German (Austrian)"

00000407  =  "German (Standard)"

00000807  =  "German (Swiss)"

00000408  =  "Greek"

0000040e  =  "Hungarian"

0000040f  =  "Icelandic"

00000410  =  "Italian (Standard)"

00000810  =  "Italian (Swiss)"

00000414  =  "Norwegian (Bokmal)"

00000814  =  "Norwegian (Nynorsk)"

00000415  =  "Polish"

00000416  =  "Portuguese (Brazil)"

00000816  =  "Portuguese (Portugal)"

00000418  =  "Romanian"

00000419  =  "Russian"

0000041b  =  "Slovak"

00000424  =  "Slovenian"

0000080a  =  "Spanish (Mexican)"

00000c0a  =  "Spanish (Modern Sort)"

0000040a  =  "Spanish (Traditional Sort)"

0000041d  =  "Swedish"

0000041f  =  "Turkish"

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to stop notifications of printing.

WINDOWS 2000 PROFESSIONAL:   go to CONTROL PANEL, then open ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS, and then SERVICES. Find and open MESSENGER, then  change the STARTUP TYPE from Automatic to Manual. Then STOP the service and Apply.

 

 

SUBJECT:            how to change the computer name.

WINDOWS 2000 PROFESSIONAL:   go to CONTROL PANEL, then SYSTEM, then select NETWORK IDENTIFICATION, then select PROPRIETIES (also Network ID). You need to have Administrator rights to change the computer name.

WINDOWS 9x:    go to CONTROL PANEL, then NETWORK, then select IDENTIFICATION.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Windows 2000 error codes.

SOLUTION:         see:  http://labmice.techtarget.com/troubleshooting/errorcodes.htm

 

 

 

 

6)  WINDOWS NT

 

SUBJECT:            how to detect IRQ settings in Windows NT4.

SOLUTION:         from Start -> Run... -> execute WINMSD.EXE, the Microsoft diagnostic.

 

 

SUBJECT:            FAT 16 and Windows NT.

CAUSE:                 problems creating a partition.

SOLUTION:         Microsoft Windows NT supports the creation of primary partitions and logical drives of up to 4 gigabytes (4096 MB) using FAT 16, but Windows 95/98 and MS-DOS do not support these drives. The size limit for logical drives using the FAT 16 file system in Windows 95/98 and MS-DOS is 2 GB (2048 MB).

 

 

SUBJECT:            the NAME of your FAX is invalid.

CAUSE:                 you have already installed a modem, but you have problems configuring it as a fax in NT4 or NT BACKOFFICE 4.5.

SOLUTION:         when prompted to type a name for your fax, type any name but NOT fax, which is invalid.

 

 

SUBJECT:            add unsupported hardware in NT4.

PROBLEMS:        you do not manage to install a MILEX card or a RAID SCSI device while installing NT, so you are prompted that there is no hard drive or CD-ROM, and the installation fails.

SOLUTION:         start the installation from the first floppy disk. After few seconds, while "Setup is inspecting for new hardware", press F6. The installation process will change allowing you to add the unsupported devices.

 

 

SUBJECT:            a better way to replicate files.

PROBLEM:          the Directory Replicator Service that is provided by Windows NT Server requires exclusive access to Netlogon and Repl$. When it does not get exclusive access, replication fails.

SOLUTION:         a better way to replicate is to use the ROBOCOPY utility from the NT SERVER RESOURCE KIT + SUPPLEMENT TWO. ROBOCOPY can replicate any number of directories, handle very large files, and doesn' t require exclusive access.

 

 

 

 

7)  MOTHERBOARDS

ABIT

 

SUBJECT:            ABIT TX5 and PX5 loosing time, date and CMOS.

This problem occurs after about three months of the motherboard working life. Because the battery get dry very quickly, firstly will be noticed problems with the time, and after with the date. Eventually, the motherboard will loose all the CMSO settings including HD and processor type.

SOLUTION:         there is no solution. Avoid buying if you can.

 

 

 

 

CHAINTECH

 

SUBJECT:            SPD not found.

SYMPTOMS:       this message may appear in white bold characters immediately before booting and before the "Verifying DMI Pool Data". It is typical of motherboard Chaintech 6BTM.

SOLUTION:         the message indicates an hardware fault and the motherboard should be replaced even if it may work fine for some time.

 

 

SUBJECT:            IRQ CONFLICTS and Windows intermittently hanging.

SYMPTOMS:       you do not manage to change the IRQs in a 6BTM board, and one or more IRQ are duplicated. Windows may hang intermittently.

SOLUTION:         do not use ALL the AGP and PCI slots in the 6BTM, because it would not allow you to control the IRQs. ONE AGP and THREE PCI is the maximum. Instead than using more PCI boards, use THREE PCI and one ISA instead.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Chaintech CD for 6ATA2.

Please note that there are two ATN 0.5 CDs. One, with light blue ATN 0.5, is black and orange and is correct for Chaintech 6BTM. For Chaintech 6ATA2 the correct CD is ATN 0.5 in dark blue and the CD itself is green and black.

 

 

SUBJECT:            6ATA2 and Coppermine.

Coppermine CPU (any CPU that ends in a 'B', such as PIII 750B) will not reset when used with the 'E' revision of this motherboard.

SOLUTION: make sure to use an 'F' revision of the motherboard.

 

 

SUBJECT:            Chaintech 5 AGM 2 not booting

This motherboard may not start with several combination of CPU/PSU.

SOLUTION:         the problem may be solved increasing the power of the PSU. Processors who need a 300 volts ATX PSU are Cyrex 300 and similar. Processors who need a 300 volts AT PSU are Intel not MMX: 133, 166, 200 MHz.

 

 

SUBJECT:            5AGM2 and 5AGM3 shut down problems.

SOLUTION:         if hanging upon shut down with AT PSU, please check the following.

 

In the bios, load default settings, then check the following options.

Video off Option                                 Suspend -> off

Video off Method                               V/H Sync + Blank

ACPI                                                      Disabled

 

 

 

 

INTEL

 

SUBJECT:            Adaptec 39160 (dual channel Ultra160 LVD) PCI SCSI card and Intel CC820 motherboard.

PROBLEM:          the machine would either hang just before initialising the Adaptec controller, or it would go past this and detect any drives attached and then hang. This only happen if you pressed the ESC key on the Intel logo screen (to view the system boot up) or disable the logo in the BIOS. If the system is left to display the logo, it would then boot normally.

SOLUTION:         Adaptec's web site lists this as a known problem with the Intel 820 chipset when using the Adaptec 39160 with a BIOS version of 2.55. They had version 2.57.0 available for download which when tested, works fine.

 

 

 

 

8)  BACKUPS AND ANTIVIRUS

 

SUBJECT:            service related to Windows Backup Utility.

LOCATION:         under Services, find Removable Storage (English) or Gestione Archivi Rimuovibili (Italian). To stop it from a Command Prompt, go to C:\ and type: net stop “removable storage”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            the difference between Normal and Copy backup using Windows Backup Utility.

WHERE:               when selecting “Start backup”, a new window opens with 4 options:

Start Backup again!

Schedule...

Advanced... here you can select the backup type: Normal (default), Copy, Incremental, Differential, Daily.

Cancel

EXPLANATION: “Normal” backup marks each saved file as backed up; while “Copy” does not mark. You can see the difference in Windows by selecting a backed up file -> Properties -> Advanced... -> notice if there is or not the flag for “File is ready for archiving”.

 

 

SUBJECT:            default location of Backup Reports using Windows XP Backup Utility.

LOCATION:         C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows NT\NTBackup\data\backup01.log

 

 

SUBJECT:            closing and opening Zone Alarm Pro crashes Windows XP and Windows 2000.

NOTE:                   the problem occurs when it is installed Virus Scan Enterprise 8 (by Network Associates).

SOLUTION:         from Start -> Programs -> Network Associates -> Virus Scan Console -> disable Buffer Overflow Protection and restart your PC.

 

 

SUBJECT:            locking and blue screen in Win 95 during backup.

NOTE:                   the problem occurs with HP Colorado Backup for Win 95 version 3.00, which is conflicting with Dr. Solomon’ s antivirus (1998 version). The problem persists even after pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del and closing all the running programs.

SOLUTION:         in Add/Remove Programs, remove completely Dr Solomon’ s software.

 

 

 

 

9)  MODEMS & CO

 

SUBJECT:            some public DNS.

Telecom Italia:    151.99.125.1;       151.99.0.100

 

 

SUBJECT:            PINE PCI modem.

PROBLEM:          difficult to recognize the type of chipset.

SOLUTION:         to identify the PINE PCI modem you can use the following:

                                2818 Chipset        Only has a line connection

                                2819 Chipset        Line connection, speaker and MIC outputs.

 

 

 

 

10)  SOUNDCARDS

 

SUBJECT:            soundcard (general).

PROBLEM:          no sound or sound start and stop.

EXPLANATION: IRQ conflict. This may happen even if one of the conflicting IRQ is disabled in Windows.

SOLUTION:         change IRQ on the soundcard or change the slot on the motherboard, or change IRQ settings in the Bios of the motherboard.

 

 

SUBJECT:            play a sound from a a cmd, and from within a script.

SOLUTION:         see:  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/resources/qanda/nov04/hey1103.mspx

EXAMPLE:          sndrec32 /play /close "C:\Windows\Media\Notify.wav"