Windows XP tips

[Prokomenos]

Cleaning the Prefetch Directory

WindowsXP has a new feature called Prefetch. This keeps a shortcut to recently used programs.
However it can fill up with old and obsolete programs.
To clean this periodically go to:

1. Star / Run / Prefetch
2. Press Ctrl-A to highlight all the files
3. Delete them

Repair Install

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings.
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD
2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key
3. This will start the repair
4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement
5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS
6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files
7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.
8. You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)
9. When prompted, click on the Next button
10. When prompted, enter your XP key
11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name
12. The computer will reboot
13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install
14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea)
15. Register if you want (but not necessary)
16. Finish
17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.

Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
   Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. cd \windows\system32\config
6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
   ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
7. Depending on which section was corrupted
   copy \windows\repair\system
   copy \windows\repair\software
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Increasing the Folder Cache

The default setting for WindowsXP is to cache the Explorer settings for 400 folders.
To increase it:

1. Start Regedit
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell NoRoam
3. Change the vaule of BagMRU to whatever size you want (hex)

1000 - 3e8
2000 - 7d0
3000 - bb8
4000 - fa0
5000 - 1388

You can
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file that will set it for 5000

Controlling the Desktop Cleanup Wizard

By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard will pop up every 60 days to cleanup your desktop.
To stop this:

1. Right click on the desktop.
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Desktop tab
4. Click on the Customize Desktop button
5. Uncheck Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Changing Drive Letters

If you want to change the letters assigned to your fixed or removable drives:

1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Select Manage
3. Select Disk Management

For a Fixed Disk:

1. Select it
2. Right click
3. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
4. Click on the Edit button
5. Enter in the letter you want to use

For a Removable Disk:

1. In the lower, right hand panel, right click on the Disk or CD ROM #
2. Select Change Drive Letter and Path
3. Click on the Edit button
4. Enter in the letter you want to use

Note: This can only be done for drives that do not have the Operating System Installed or you are booting to.

[Pix Lax]

To norton symantec den einai katholou kalo.

[sea_gr]

Prokomene nice post, very interesting and very useful for me :Thanks:

[Mr.pSyChO!]

Ermmm... can I ask something..? Its nothing important but I cant find it...
OK, so, I got my new laptop yesterday and it has windows xp.
Well, the problem is that everytime I open many pages, all of them go in one 'group', but I don't want that. lol
So, how I can change that 'group' thing? Any ideas?

I tried to go to 'properties' of Internet explorer but I didnt find any option to 'un-group' the pages or something... :(

[Prokomenos]

Originally Posted by Skil|eD_pSyChO
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Ermmm... can I ask something..? Its nothing important but I cant find it...
OK, so, I got my new laptop yesterday and it has windows xp.
Well, the problem is that everytime I open many pages, all of them go in one 'group', but I don't want that. lol
So, how I can change that 'group' thing? Any ideas?

I tried to go to 'properties' of Internet explorer but I didnt find any option to 'un-group' the pages or something... :(

You are most likely talking about IE7 which opens up sites in tabs correct? If so you have to reopen the IE7 icon so you can have them on seperate pages...

[Mr.pSyChO!]

No no no!
Well, in the thing down on he screen.. the one with the 'start'... lol
The pc organizes in groups.. the pages of each program that I use...
For example... 3 IE pages... 2 MSN.. 3Mozzila pages.. blah blah..
But I want them to be seperate and not in groups...
Got it?

[Prokomenos]

Originally Posted by Skil|eD_pSyChO
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

No no no!
Well, in the thing down on he screen.. the one with the 'start'... lol
The pc organizes in groups.. the pages of each program that I use...
For example... 3 IE pages... 2 MSN.. 3Mozzila pages.. blah blah..
But I want them to be seperate and not in groups...
Got it?

Ah I see I dont think its possible to have them seperated if they are all internet pages.. :mpa: