Restore the OperatingSystem to a Previous State in Windows XP
Start the System Restore Tool from a Command Prompt in Windows XP
Windows XP includes the System Restore tool, but you cannot start the System
Restore tool from a Recovery Console prompt. Because of this, it may be usefulto
start the System Restore tool when you are unable to start your WindowsXP-based
computer normally or in Safe mode. This article describes how to start theSystem
Restore tool when you are unable to start your Windows XP-based computer
normally or in Safe mode.
Starting System Restore Tool from Command Prompt
1. Start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt. NOTE : You must
log on as the administrator or a user that has administrator rights.
2. At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe ,
and then press ENTER.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a
previous, functional state.
Troubleshooting System Restore in Windows XP
This article describes how to perform basic troubleshooting for issues thatinvolve the
System Restore tool in Windows XP.
Start the System Restore Tool from a Command Prompt in Windows XP
Windows XP includes the System Restore tool, but you cannot start the System
Restore tool from a Recovery Console prompt. Because of this, it may be usefulto
start the System Restore tool when you are unable to start your WindowsXP-based
computer normally or in Safe mode. This article describes how to start theSystem
Restore tool when you are unable to start your Windows XP-based computer
normally or in Safe mode.
Starting System Restore Tool from Command Prompt
1. Start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt. NOTE : You must
log on as the administrator or a user that has administrator rights.
2. At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe ,
and then press ENTER.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a
previous, functional state.
Troubleshooting System Restore in Windows XP
This article describes how to perform basic troubleshooting for issues thatinvolve the
System Restore tool in Windows XP.
To troubleshoot SystemRestore issues, try one or more of the following steps
If you receive an error message that is related to System Restore, always makesure
that you first record the error message and follow the instructions that theerror
message contains to try to resolve the issue. Most System Restore issuesgenerate
an error message that contains a description of the issue and suggestions forhow to
resolve the issue.
Make sure that you have enough disk space on all of the drives on which System
Restore is enabled.
Information on System Restore and Password Restoration
This article describes how the restoration of passwords is managed by System
Restore on a Windows XP-based computer, and describes which types of passwords
are restored and which are not restored.
Passwords That Are Not Restored
Windows XP passwords and hints are not restored. This behavior is by design to
prevent confusion and to prevent you from getting locked out of your computer
because the restore point includes an old password that you do not remember.
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Content Advisor passwords and hints are not
restored. This behavior is by design to prevent confusion and to preventproblems
that could occur when you browse the Internet, in the event that you restoreyour
system to a point with an old password that you do not remember.
How to Turn On and Turn Off System Restore in Windows XP
This article explains how to turn on and turn off System Restore in Windows XP.
CAUTION : When you turn off System Restore, all existing restore points are
removed, and you are no longer able to track or undo changes to your computer.To
continue to use System Restore to restore your computer to a previous state, donot
turn off System Restore.
System Restore is the feature that allows a computer system to be "rolledback", or
restored, to a point in time before certain events took place, for example,prior to
specific software or hardware installations. System Restore monitors changes tothe
system and some application files, and automatically creates restore points.You can
also create your own restore points at any time.
In Windows XP, System Restore is enabled by default. It is a powerful tool,which in
most cases, should not be turned off.
Improper Shutdown May Affect System Restore
When you use System Restore to perform a restoration to your system, System
Restore may not restore all files as expected. You may also receive thefollowing
error message when you restart the computer after the restore process:
System Restore
Restoration Incomplete
Your computer cannot be restored to:
Date
Restore Point Name
This restoration is incomplete. It was interrupted by an improper shutdown. You
should undo this restore or choose another restore point.
To choose another restore point, restart System Restore.
This behavior can occur when the computer is not shut down properly. Forexample,
this issue occurs when there is an accidental or intentional improper shutdownduring
the restoration process.
Device Settings Are Hard to Find in Windows XP
When you attempt to configure the direct memory access and programmed
input/output (DMA/PIO) settings for a device on a Windows XP-based computer,you
do not find the settings in the Properties dialog box for the device. Inaddition, Help
does not provide the location of the settings.
This behavior occurs because the DMA/PIO settings are configured for eachcontroller
instead of for each device.
I've read of some people having trouble with their dvd drive after an xpupgrade,
and it's because XP treated it as an DMA(Direct Memory Access) device when it
probably should've been PIO(programmed input/output).
Alphabetize your start menu
Don't you hate how Windows adds new programs to the end of the start menu? The
fix is quick and simple, right click on the menu and select sort by name. Ahisn't that
better?
Error Message: The Recycle Bin on C:\ Is Corrupt or Invalid. Do You Want to
Empty the Recycle Bin for this...
When you perform delete operations on files or folders, you may receive the
following error message:
The Recycle Bin on drive letter :\ is corrupt or invalid. Do you want to emptythe
Recycle Bin for this drive?
This problem is more likely to occur if your computer has drive letters thathave been
created by using the Subst.exe tool.
This problem can occur when the logical drive that is referenced is an NTFSdrive and
there was an error in a permissions-compare operation.
Click here for the kb article from Microsoft
Getting older programs to run on Windows XP
Most programs run properly on Windows XP. The exceptions are some older games
and other programs that were written specifically for an earlier version ofWindows.
To run your program on Windows XP, you can try the following, Run the Program
Compatibility Wizard. As an alternative, you can set the compatibilityproperties
manually. Update your program, drivers, or hardware. These options are coveredin
detail below.
The Program Compatibility Wizard
This wizard prompts you to test your program in different modes (environments)and
with various settings. For example, if the program was originally designed torun on
Windows 95, set the compatibility mode to Windows 95 and try running your
program again. If successful, the program will start in that mode each time.The
wizard also allows you to try different settings, such as switching the displayto 256
colors and the screen resolution to 640 x 480 pixels. If compatibility problems
prevent you from installing a program on Windows XP, run the Program Compatibility
Wizard on the setup file for the program. The file may be called Setup.exe or
something similar, and is probably located on the Installation disc for theprogram.
To run the Program Compatibility Wizard click Start, click Help and Support,click
Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP, and then, under See Alsoin the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard.
Set the compatibility properties manually
As an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can set the
ompatibility properties for a program manually. The settings are the same asthe
options in the Program Compatibility Wizard. To set the compatibilityproperties for a program manually Right-click the program icon on your desktopor the shortcut on
the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties.Click the
Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program.
The Compatibility tab is only available for programs installed on your harddrive.
Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setupfiles
on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after youclose
the program. For more information about an option on the Compatibility tab,rightclick the option and then clickWhat's This.
Update your program or drivers
If your program does not run correctly after testing it with the ProgramCompatibility Wizard, check the Web for updates or other fixes, as follows:
Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update or patchis
available.
Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program.
Click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, then click Windows Updatein the right pane.
If the program is a game that uses DirectX, ensure that you are using thelatest
version of DirectX. In addition, check the Web site of the manufacturer of yourvideo card or sound card to see if newer drivers are available for either ofthem.
Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for floppy boot install.
The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to
perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup diskwill automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM driveand start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XPstartup disk.
Windows XP Home Edition startup disks will not work for Windows XP Professionalinstallations and vice-versa.
Modify Settings to Improve Performance
Windows XP uses processor time to handle system performance according todefault
settings, which can be adjusted for your computing needs. Also, settings thatgovern
visual effects enhance the appearance of the Windows XP interface, but can slow
down performance. You can fine–tune settings in Windows XP Professional to
improve performance:
1. Right–click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Performance area, click Settings.
3. On the Visual Effects tab, click the Custom radio button, and then select
which UI features to disable to improve performance.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Processor scheduling area, click the
Background services radio button. Selecting this option means that
background tasks that you want to run while you work, such as backup
utilities or print jobs, will share processor time equally with programs.
You may need to be logged on as an Administrator to make these changes. Notethat
applying these settings may change your current desktop theme.
If you receive an error message that is related to System Restore, always makesure
that you first record the error message and follow the instructions that theerror
message contains to try to resolve the issue. Most System Restore issuesgenerate
an error message that contains a description of the issue and suggestions forhow to
resolve the issue.
Make sure that you have enough disk space on all of the drives on which System
Restore is enabled.
Information on System Restore and Password Restoration
This article describes how the restoration of passwords is managed by System
Restore on a Windows XP-based computer, and describes which types of passwords
are restored and which are not restored.
Passwords That Are Not Restored
Windows XP passwords and hints are not restored. This behavior is by design to
prevent confusion and to prevent you from getting locked out of your computer
because the restore point includes an old password that you do not remember.
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Content Advisor passwords and hints are not
restored. This behavior is by design to prevent confusion and to preventproblems
that could occur when you browse the Internet, in the event that you restoreyour
system to a point with an old password that you do not remember.
How to Turn On and Turn Off System Restore in Windows XP
This article explains how to turn on and turn off System Restore in Windows XP.
CAUTION : When you turn off System Restore, all existing restore points are
removed, and you are no longer able to track or undo changes to your computer.To
continue to use System Restore to restore your computer to a previous state, donot
turn off System Restore.
System Restore is the feature that allows a computer system to be "rolledback", or
restored, to a point in time before certain events took place, for example,prior to
specific software or hardware installations. System Restore monitors changes tothe
system and some application files, and automatically creates restore points.You can
also create your own restore points at any time.
In Windows XP, System Restore is enabled by default. It is a powerful tool,which in
most cases, should not be turned off.
Improper Shutdown May Affect System Restore
When you use System Restore to perform a restoration to your system, System
Restore may not restore all files as expected. You may also receive thefollowing
error message when you restart the computer after the restore process:
System Restore
Restoration Incomplete
Your computer cannot be restored to:
Date
Restore Point Name
This restoration is incomplete. It was interrupted by an improper shutdown. You
should undo this restore or choose another restore point.
To choose another restore point, restart System Restore.
This behavior can occur when the computer is not shut down properly. Forexample,
this issue occurs when there is an accidental or intentional improper shutdownduring
the restoration process.
Device Settings Are Hard to Find in Windows XP
When you attempt to configure the direct memory access and programmed
input/output (DMA/PIO) settings for a device on a Windows XP-based computer,you
do not find the settings in the Properties dialog box for the device. Inaddition, Help
does not provide the location of the settings.
This behavior occurs because the DMA/PIO settings are configured for eachcontroller
instead of for each device.
I've read of some people having trouble with their dvd drive after an xpupgrade,
and it's because XP treated it as an DMA(Direct Memory Access) device when it
probably should've been PIO(programmed input/output).
Alphabetize your start menu
Don't you hate how Windows adds new programs to the end of the start menu? The
fix is quick and simple, right click on the menu and select sort by name. Ahisn't that
better?
Error Message: The Recycle Bin on C:\ Is Corrupt or Invalid. Do You Want to
Empty the Recycle Bin for this...
When you perform delete operations on files or folders, you may receive the
following error message:
The Recycle Bin on drive letter :\ is corrupt or invalid. Do you want to emptythe
Recycle Bin for this drive?
This problem is more likely to occur if your computer has drive letters thathave been
created by using the Subst.exe tool.
This problem can occur when the logical drive that is referenced is an NTFSdrive and
there was an error in a permissions-compare operation.
Click here for the kb article from Microsoft
Getting older programs to run on Windows XP
Most programs run properly on Windows XP. The exceptions are some older games
and other programs that were written specifically for an earlier version ofWindows.
To run your program on Windows XP, you can try the following, Run the Program
Compatibility Wizard. As an alternative, you can set the compatibilityproperties
manually. Update your program, drivers, or hardware. These options are coveredin
detail below.
The Program Compatibility Wizard
This wizard prompts you to test your program in different modes (environments)and
with various settings. For example, if the program was originally designed torun on
Windows 95, set the compatibility mode to Windows 95 and try running your
program again. If successful, the program will start in that mode each time.The
wizard also allows you to try different settings, such as switching the displayto 256
colors and the screen resolution to 640 x 480 pixels. If compatibility problems
prevent you from installing a program on Windows XP, run the Program Compatibility
Wizard on the setup file for the program. The file may be called Setup.exe or
something similar, and is probably located on the Installation disc for theprogram.
To run the Program Compatibility Wizard click Start, click Help and Support,click
Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP, and then, under See Alsoin the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard.
Set the compatibility properties manually
As an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can set the
ompatibility properties for a program manually. The settings are the same asthe
options in the Program Compatibility Wizard. To set the compatibilityproperties for a program manually Right-click the program icon on your desktopor the shortcut on
the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties.Click the
Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program.
The Compatibility tab is only available for programs installed on your harddrive.
Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setupfiles
on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after youclose
the program. For more information about an option on the Compatibility tab,rightclick the option and then clickWhat's This.
Update your program or drivers
If your program does not run correctly after testing it with the ProgramCompatibility Wizard, check the Web for updates or other fixes, as follows:
Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update or patchis
available.
Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program.
Click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, then click Windows Updatein the right pane.
If the program is a game that uses DirectX, ensure that you are using thelatest
version of DirectX. In addition, check the Web site of the manufacturer of yourvideo card or sound card to see if newer drivers are available for either ofthem.
Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for floppy boot install.
The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to
perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup diskwill automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM driveand start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XPstartup disk.
Windows XP Home Edition startup disks will not work for Windows XP Professionalinstallations and vice-versa.
Modify Settings to Improve Performance
Windows XP uses processor time to handle system performance according todefault
settings, which can be adjusted for your computing needs. Also, settings thatgovern
visual effects enhance the appearance of the Windows XP interface, but can slow
down performance. You can fine–tune settings in Windows XP Professional to
improve performance:
1. Right–click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Performance area, click Settings.
3. On the Visual Effects tab, click the Custom radio button, and then select
which UI features to disable to improve performance.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Processor scheduling area, click the
Background services radio button. Selecting this option means that
background tasks that you want to run while you work, such as backup
utilities or print jobs, will share processor time equally with programs.
You may need to be logged on as an Administrator to make these changes. Notethat
applying these settings may change your current desktop theme.
Roll Back to thePrevious Version of a Driver
Have you ever installed a device driver that makes your system unstable? I knowI
have. Well, in Windows XP you can roll back such a change if it causes you problems!
To go back to the previous driver for a device:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools.
3. Double–click Computer Management, and then click Device Manager in the
left pane.
4. Right–click the device for which you'd like to roll back the drivers, andthen
click Properties.
5. On Driver tab of the Properties dialog box, click Roll Back Driver, andfollow
the wizard's instructions.
It's that simple, although you need to be an administrator or a member of the
Administrators group to complete this procedure.
Create a Personal Screen Saver
For a great way to put your digital photos to work, try creating a slide show
presentation for use as a screen saver.
1. Right–click an empty spot on your desktop, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Screen Saver tab.
3. In the Screen saver list, click My Pictures Slideshow.
4. Click Settings to make any adjustments, such as how often the pictures
should change, what size they should be, and whether you’ll use transition
effects between pictures, and then click OK.
Now your screen saver is a random display of the pictures taken from your My
Pictures folder.
Microsoft Magnifier
Microsoft Narrator is an accessibility option designed for blind orvisually-impaired
users. Another tool that assists with on-screen viewing is Microsoft Magnifier.It's like holding a magnifying glass up to the screen.
To open Microsoft Magnifier, select Start, Programs, Accessories,Accessibility,
Magnifier. Click OK to close the informational dialog box. You'll now see amagnified area at the top of the screen. What you see here will vary dependingon the options selected in the Magnifier Settings dialog box. Don't like theMagnifier's behavior? Feel free to change it using the Magnifier Settingsdialog box.
For example, If you want the magnified area to follow your mouse, select"Follow
mouse cursor." Or, if you find it confusing to see an exact duplicate ofwhat you're
working on at the top of the screen, try selecting Invert colors.
Want to zoom in on something even closer? Increase the magnification level from
the default 2.
To turn off the magnifier, click the Exit button. Or, right-click its Taskbaritem and
select Close.
Changing Thumbnail Options
You can change the size of the Thumbnails view in My Computer by opening up the
Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigating to the following location:
Current user only:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer Allusers:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer
Add a new DWORD value called ThumbnailSize and give it a hexidecimal value thatis between 32 and 256, inclusive (that is, the lowest possible value is 32 andthe
highest is 256): A value of 32 will give you the smallest possible thumbnails,and
256 will give you the biggest. Experiment a bit to find your sweet spot.
Get Rid of Unwanted Balloon Tips
Open up the Registry Editor and expand the tree to display the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer\Advanced
Then, created a new DWORD value named EnableBalloonTips and set it to
0x00000000.
Windows XP Upgrade Advisor Warning About the IrDA Protocol (Q308368)
When you upgrade from Windows Millennium Edition (Me) to Windows XP Home
Edition or Windows XP Professional, Upgrade Advisor may display a warning messageabout the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Infrared Communications protocol:
This version of IrDA Protocol will not work with Windows XP
This warning appears only on computers that have an installed infrared port.Laptop
computers often have an infrared port.
In most cases, it is safe to ignore this warning. The Windows Me IrDA protocolstack is removed by Windows XP during the upgrade process; the IrDA protocolstack is replaced with a new version of the IrDA protocol stack automatically.There is no need to download or install any additional software or patches.
Some older, third-party, IrCOMM-protocol programs that were written for Windows
95, Windows 98, or Windows Me may not run correctly on Windows XP. If this issueoccurs, it does not prevent Windows XP from running properly, but the IrCOMM programwill not work until you obtain a version of the program that is compatible
with Windows XP.
Don't Ignore the Windows Logo Key
The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a
little-used treasure. Don't ignore it. It is the shortcut anchor for thefollowing
commands:
• Windows: Display the Start menu
• Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
• Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
• Windows + F: Display Search for files
• Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
• Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
• Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
• Windows + break: Display System Properties dialog box
• Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
• Windows + L: Lock the workstation
• Windows + U: Open Utility Manager
Use the On-Screen Keyboard
An on–screen keyboard is built into Windows XP. It can be useful if you have mobilityimpairments, if you are using a tablet PC, or if your keyboard goes down. Toaccess the keyboard, go to Start, then click Run, and type osk. Now thekeyboard opens on your computer screen, featuring three typing modes you canuse to type data:
• Clicking mode, you click the on–screen keys
• Scanning mode, you press a hot key or use a switch–input device to type
highlighted characters
• Hovering mode, you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key, which is then
typed
To make a shortcut icon on your desktop to the on–screen keyboard:
1. Right–click the desktop.
2. Point to New, and then click Shortcut.
3. Type osk, click Next.
4. Type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.
That's it! When you need it, the shortcut to the on–screen keyboard utility isright on
your desktop.
Unlocking WinXP's setupp.ini
WinXP's setupp.ini controls how the CD acts. IE is it an OEM version or retail?First,find your setupp.ini file in the i386 directory on your WinXP CD. Open itup, it'll look
something like this:
ExtraData=707A667567736F696F697911AE7E05
Pid=55034000
The Pid value is what we're interested in. What's there now looks like astandard
default. There are special numbers that determine if it's a retail, oem, orvolume
license edition. First, we break down that number into two parts. The firstfive digits
determines how the CD will behave, ie is it a retail cd that lets you cleaninstall or
upgrade, or an oem cd that only lets you perform a clean install? The lastthree digits
determines what CD key it will accept. You are able to mix and match thesevalues.
For example you could make a WinXP cd that acted like a retail cd, yet acceptedOEM keys. Now, for the actual values. Remember the first and last values are
interchangable, but usually you'd keep them as a pair:
Retail = 51882 335
Volume License = 51883 270
OEM = 82503 OEM
So if you wanted a retail CD that took retail keys, the last line of yoursetupp.ini file
would read:
Pid=51882335
And if you wanted a retail CD that took OEM keys, you'd use:
Pid=51882OEM
The Inside Scoop on WindowsXP
Browse the documentation to get a head start on WindowsXP. Be ready when your
users, your clients, and your friends come to you with questions. Or find thereal
goods in the WindowsXP Professional Resource Kit: deployment guidance,
networking advice, and troubleshooting information — great info for folkssupporting or deploying the product.
Introduction to WindowsXP and Windows .NET Server
Want to know the differences between Windows XP's Consumer Edition and the
Professional Edition? This session looks at the Windows XP product range with aview to revealing what is new in the system. It will also review the extensionson
functionality from Windows 2000 and integration with the Windows family of
operating systems.
Windows XP Security Patch: Unchecked Buffer in UPnP can lead to system
compromise
This update resolves the “Unchecked Buffer in Universal Plug and Play Can Leadto
System Compromise” security vulnerability in Windows XP. Download now to preventa malicious user from compromising your computer, or using it to interfere with
another computer's operation. The vulnerability results because the Windows XP
Universal Plug and Play feature does not correctly validate inputs before usingthem.
The patch also eliminates the vulnerability discussed in Microsoft SecurityBulletin
MS01-054.
Windows XP Bliss Screen Saver
Remember when you were a kid, lying on your back in a big grassy field and
watching the clouds roll by? It was pure Bliss. Now you can enjoy the Blissscenery
from your Windows XP desktop background as a screen saver when your computer isidle.
XP successor Longhorn goes SQL, P2P - Microsoft leaks
Sources close to Microsoft confirm that The Beast is set to include a newrelational
file store at the core of its next version of Windows. Some roadmap slippagehas
apparently occurred, too, as the database core will be introduced intoLonghorn, and
Blackcomb has been pushed further back. That leaves a gap for a point revisionof
XP next year, although there's no sign of this on the roadmap just yet. Despitethe
annual revisions being named as users' number one bugbear, Microsoft hasn't leta
year go by without releasing a new version of Windows since 1997, when it was
fighting the browser wars.
The final feature set for Longhorn - the codename for the successor to WindowsXP -hasn't been nailed down yet, and the database core had been rumored forinclusion
in Blackcomb, the next Windows after Longhorn.
The Road to Windows "Longhorn"
January 23rd 2002-What we know about the next version of Windows
If you're a Net junkie like me, you've probably seen screenshots thatreportedly
expose upcoming user interfaces for the next two versions of Windows(code-named
"Longhorn" and "Blackcomb"). You might have heard ofinternal alpha builds of
either OS, and maybe, just maybe, you've seen the infamous Blackcomb movie
that's making the rounds as well. I've spent the past few months investigatingall of
these things, and after speaking with several Microsofties and uncovering thetruth
behind the wild stuff that's available on the Internet, I thought I'd provide alittle
heads-up on what's really going on with the next version of Windows.
Chances are, everything you know is wrong. But I do know this: As of thisdate--
mid-January 2002--every single screenshot you've seen that purports to be
Longhorn or Blackcomb is either fake or actually shows something other thanthose
OSes. Every single one. And there are no builds of Blackcomb floating around,
internal or otherwise.
Microsoft is indeed working on future versions of Windows and accompanying
technologies such as Digital Media 9 ("Corona"), "Mira,"and "Freestyle" (see my
related showcase about Freestyle and Mira). These technologies will all ship
separately, while other technologies (such as the next version of Windows Movie
Maker and DVD burning capabilities) won't see the light of day until Longhornships
in 2003. There are so many groups working on Windows-related technologies these
days, in fact, that it's hard to keep up.
So let's start with an obvious target: That intriguing "Blackcomb"video and the
screenshot fakes that appeared as a result
Have you ever installed a device driver that makes your system unstable? I knowI
have. Well, in Windows XP you can roll back such a change if it causes you problems!
To go back to the previous driver for a device:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools.
3. Double–click Computer Management, and then click Device Manager in the
left pane.
4. Right–click the device for which you'd like to roll back the drivers, andthen
click Properties.
5. On Driver tab of the Properties dialog box, click Roll Back Driver, andfollow
the wizard's instructions.
It's that simple, although you need to be an administrator or a member of the
Administrators group to complete this procedure.
Create a Personal Screen Saver
For a great way to put your digital photos to work, try creating a slide show
presentation for use as a screen saver.
1. Right–click an empty spot on your desktop, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Screen Saver tab.
3. In the Screen saver list, click My Pictures Slideshow.
4. Click Settings to make any adjustments, such as how often the pictures
should change, what size they should be, and whether you’ll use transition
effects between pictures, and then click OK.
Now your screen saver is a random display of the pictures taken from your My
Pictures folder.
Microsoft Magnifier
Microsoft Narrator is an accessibility option designed for blind orvisually-impaired
users. Another tool that assists with on-screen viewing is Microsoft Magnifier.It's like holding a magnifying glass up to the screen.
To open Microsoft Magnifier, select Start, Programs, Accessories,Accessibility,
Magnifier. Click OK to close the informational dialog box. You'll now see amagnified area at the top of the screen. What you see here will vary dependingon the options selected in the Magnifier Settings dialog box. Don't like theMagnifier's behavior? Feel free to change it using the Magnifier Settingsdialog box.
For example, If you want the magnified area to follow your mouse, select"Follow
mouse cursor." Or, if you find it confusing to see an exact duplicate ofwhat you're
working on at the top of the screen, try selecting Invert colors.
Want to zoom in on something even closer? Increase the magnification level from
the default 2.
To turn off the magnifier, click the Exit button. Or, right-click its Taskbaritem and
select Close.
Changing Thumbnail Options
You can change the size of the Thumbnails view in My Computer by opening up the
Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigating to the following location:
Current user only:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer Allusers:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer
Add a new DWORD value called ThumbnailSize and give it a hexidecimal value thatis between 32 and 256, inclusive (that is, the lowest possible value is 32 andthe
highest is 256): A value of 32 will give you the smallest possible thumbnails,and
256 will give you the biggest. Experiment a bit to find your sweet spot.
Get Rid of Unwanted Balloon Tips
Open up the Registry Editor and expand the tree to display the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer\Advanced
Then, created a new DWORD value named EnableBalloonTips and set it to
0x00000000.
Windows XP Upgrade Advisor Warning About the IrDA Protocol (Q308368)
When you upgrade from Windows Millennium Edition (Me) to Windows XP Home
Edition or Windows XP Professional, Upgrade Advisor may display a warning messageabout the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Infrared Communications protocol:
This version of IrDA Protocol will not work with Windows XP
This warning appears only on computers that have an installed infrared port.Laptop
computers often have an infrared port.
In most cases, it is safe to ignore this warning. The Windows Me IrDA protocolstack is removed by Windows XP during the upgrade process; the IrDA protocolstack is replaced with a new version of the IrDA protocol stack automatically.There is no need to download or install any additional software or patches.
Some older, third-party, IrCOMM-protocol programs that were written for Windows
95, Windows 98, or Windows Me may not run correctly on Windows XP. If this issueoccurs, it does not prevent Windows XP from running properly, but the IrCOMM programwill not work until you obtain a version of the program that is compatible
with Windows XP.
Don't Ignore the Windows Logo Key
The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a
little-used treasure. Don't ignore it. It is the shortcut anchor for thefollowing
commands:
• Windows: Display the Start menu
• Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
• Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
• Windows + F: Display Search for files
• Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
• Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
• Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
• Windows + break: Display System Properties dialog box
• Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
• Windows + L: Lock the workstation
• Windows + U: Open Utility Manager
Use the On-Screen Keyboard
An on–screen keyboard is built into Windows XP. It can be useful if you have mobilityimpairments, if you are using a tablet PC, or if your keyboard goes down. Toaccess the keyboard, go to Start, then click Run, and type osk. Now thekeyboard opens on your computer screen, featuring three typing modes you canuse to type data:
• Clicking mode, you click the on–screen keys
• Scanning mode, you press a hot key or use a switch–input device to type
highlighted characters
• Hovering mode, you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key, which is then
typed
To make a shortcut icon on your desktop to the on–screen keyboard:
1. Right–click the desktop.
2. Point to New, and then click Shortcut.
3. Type osk, click Next.
4. Type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.
That's it! When you need it, the shortcut to the on–screen keyboard utility isright on
your desktop.
Unlocking WinXP's setupp.ini
WinXP's setupp.ini controls how the CD acts. IE is it an OEM version or retail?First,find your setupp.ini file in the i386 directory on your WinXP CD. Open itup, it'll look
something like this:
ExtraData=707A667567736F696F697911AE7E05
Pid=55034000
The Pid value is what we're interested in. What's there now looks like astandard
default. There are special numbers that determine if it's a retail, oem, orvolume
license edition. First, we break down that number into two parts. The firstfive digits
determines how the CD will behave, ie is it a retail cd that lets you cleaninstall or
upgrade, or an oem cd that only lets you perform a clean install? The lastthree digits
determines what CD key it will accept. You are able to mix and match thesevalues.
For example you could make a WinXP cd that acted like a retail cd, yet acceptedOEM keys. Now, for the actual values. Remember the first and last values are
interchangable, but usually you'd keep them as a pair:
Retail = 51882 335
Volume License = 51883 270
OEM = 82503 OEM
So if you wanted a retail CD that took retail keys, the last line of yoursetupp.ini file
would read:
Pid=51882335
And if you wanted a retail CD that took OEM keys, you'd use:
Pid=51882OEM
The Inside Scoop on WindowsXP
Browse the documentation to get a head start on WindowsXP. Be ready when your
users, your clients, and your friends come to you with questions. Or find thereal
goods in the WindowsXP Professional Resource Kit: deployment guidance,
networking advice, and troubleshooting information — great info for folkssupporting or deploying the product.
Introduction to WindowsXP and Windows .NET Server
Want to know the differences between Windows XP's Consumer Edition and the
Professional Edition? This session looks at the Windows XP product range with aview to revealing what is new in the system. It will also review the extensionson
functionality from Windows 2000 and integration with the Windows family of
operating systems.
Windows XP Security Patch: Unchecked Buffer in UPnP can lead to system
compromise
This update resolves the “Unchecked Buffer in Universal Plug and Play Can Leadto
System Compromise” security vulnerability in Windows XP. Download now to preventa malicious user from compromising your computer, or using it to interfere with
another computer's operation. The vulnerability results because the Windows XP
Universal Plug and Play feature does not correctly validate inputs before usingthem.
The patch also eliminates the vulnerability discussed in Microsoft SecurityBulletin
MS01-054.
Windows XP Bliss Screen Saver
Remember when you were a kid, lying on your back in a big grassy field and
watching the clouds roll by? It was pure Bliss. Now you can enjoy the Blissscenery
from your Windows XP desktop background as a screen saver when your computer isidle.
XP successor Longhorn goes SQL, P2P - Microsoft leaks
Sources close to Microsoft confirm that The Beast is set to include a newrelational
file store at the core of its next version of Windows. Some roadmap slippagehas
apparently occurred, too, as the database core will be introduced intoLonghorn, and
Blackcomb has been pushed further back. That leaves a gap for a point revisionof
XP next year, although there's no sign of this on the roadmap just yet. Despitethe
annual revisions being named as users' number one bugbear, Microsoft hasn't leta
year go by without releasing a new version of Windows since 1997, when it was
fighting the browser wars.
The final feature set for Longhorn - the codename for the successor to WindowsXP -hasn't been nailed down yet, and the database core had been rumored forinclusion
in Blackcomb, the next Windows after Longhorn.
The Road to Windows "Longhorn"
January 23rd 2002-What we know about the next version of Windows
If you're a Net junkie like me, you've probably seen screenshots thatreportedly
expose upcoming user interfaces for the next two versions of Windows(code-named
"Longhorn" and "Blackcomb"). You might have heard ofinternal alpha builds of
either OS, and maybe, just maybe, you've seen the infamous Blackcomb movie
that's making the rounds as well. I've spent the past few months investigatingall of
these things, and after speaking with several Microsofties and uncovering thetruth
behind the wild stuff that's available on the Internet, I thought I'd provide alittle
heads-up on what's really going on with the next version of Windows.
Chances are, everything you know is wrong. But I do know this: As of thisdate--
mid-January 2002--every single screenshot you've seen that purports to be
Longhorn or Blackcomb is either fake or actually shows something other thanthose
OSes. Every single one. And there are no builds of Blackcomb floating around,
internal or otherwise.
Microsoft is indeed working on future versions of Windows and accompanying
technologies such as Digital Media 9 ("Corona"), "Mira,"and "Freestyle" (see my
related showcase about Freestyle and Mira). These technologies will all ship
separately, while other technologies (such as the next version of Windows Movie
Maker and DVD burning capabilities) won't see the light of day until Longhornships
in 2003. There are so many groups working on Windows-related technologies these
days, in fact, that it's hard to keep up.
So let's start with an obvious target: That intriguing "Blackcomb"video and the
screenshot fakes that appeared as a result
No comments:
Post a Comment