Unable to uninstall MSN Messenger

To remove MSN Messenger in Windows XP, you have to locate the SYSOC.INF file, located in the \Windows\INF folder-this is a hidden file and folder. Open it in Notepad and locate the line 'msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7'. Remove the word 'hide' from the line and save the file. After making the necessary changes, you'll be able to see MSN Messenger in the Add/Remove Windows components list. You can then remove it for good.

Using OnScreen Keyboard

An onscreen keyboard is in-built in Windows XP. It can be useful if you are using a tablet PC or if your keyboard goes on the blink. To access the keyboard, go to Start > Run, type OK and press [Enter]. The keyboard opens up on your computer screen, featuring three typing modes that you can use 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.

Speeding up network browsing

A bug in Windows 2000, causes the scheduled tasks folder to be searched, whenever the user browses network drives. While Microsoft has developed a fix for this bug, the fix slows down the browsing of Microsoft networks. In order to fix this problem, go to Start > Run,type in regedit and press [Enter]. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace. Then find a key named {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}. Right-click on it and delete it. Restart the computer. Now you will be able to browse the network a lot faster.

Switching users

Windows XP allows you to switch users, without actually quitting programs and logging off. To make use of this, go to Start > Log off. You will be greeted with an option of 'switching user' wherein another user can log on without you having to quit your programs.

Speedup the Start menu

The Start menu takes quite a while to display the list of programs installed. In order to get Windows XP to display the list faster, you will have to edit the registry settings. To speed up your Start menu, go to Start > Run and type regedit. This will open the registry window. Then navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Scroll down in the right panel and double-click on 'menushowdelay'. In the Value Data box, change the default value for the menu speed from 400 to a lesser number, such as 1 or even 0. Click OK. You should now find a significant increase in the Start menu speed.Note: Remember to back up your registry before making any changes.

Clearing Document list

The Start menu, in Windows XP, has been completely revamped and made extremely customisable. If you want the Start menu to display only certain applications, right click in an empty section of the Start menu's left column and select Properties > Start menu > Customise. Then, go to the General tab, click on Clear List, and set the counter to zero. Now no one can keep track of the programs or applications you've recently used.

Disabling error reporting

Windows XP, like Windows 2000, provides a report of errors that are generated during a session. In order to disable it, right-click on the My Computer icon, go to Properties, and click on the Advanced tab. At the bottom of this tab, you will find the 'Error reporting' option. Click it and you will get an option to enable or disable it. Click Disable and you are done.

Bridging connections

If you'd like to connect two or more computers via a LAN, then you should utilise the Network Bridge option, provided in Windows XP. There is no configuration required, and you do not need to purchase additional hardware, such as routers or bridges. IP addressing, address allocation, and name resolution, are highly simplified in a single subnet IP network. To use this feature you will have to open Network Connections. Under LAN or High-Speed Internet, select each of the private network connections that you want to be part of the bridge. Right-click one of the highlighted private network connections and click Bridge Connections.

Modifying visual settings

If you have only 128 MB RAM, your machine might be a bit sluggish after installing Windows XP. So to achieve optimal performance without buying additional RAM, disable certain visual settings and free up some precious memory.
Go to the Control Panel > system > Advanced, and click on the Settings button under Performance. Change various graphical effects, and ensure that the animation and shadow options are unchecked, as they tend to consume a lot of memory. You should get a better response from your operating system, without spending any money on RAM.

Group Policy Editor

In Windows XP Professional, there is a utility that allows you to change almost every setting of the OS, without having to manually edit the registry.
In order to access the program, go to Start > Run and type gpedit.msc and press [Enter]. Now you can navigate and change the options as you wish. We have some examples here, but you can also try changing other settings.

Restricting guest access

Unauthorised users can access your Win2K PC by specifying Guest in the login window. To disable the Guest account, open Users and Passwords from the Control Panel. Click on the Advanced button twice to display the Local Users and Groups window. In the left pane, double-click on Users. Here, right-click on Guest and choose Properties. Once there, disable all options by clicking in the check box against each.

Renaming Multiple files in XP

In Windows XP, you can easily rename multiple files at a single go and save a lot of time. Click Start and click My Pictures or the folder where you have saved the pictures. Switch the view from the default Filmstrip to Thumbnails by clicking the Views button on the toolbar. Select all the pictures you want to rename, right click the first picture, and then click Rename. Rename the first picture, and then click in the white space next to one of the pictures. The pictures are renamed all at once! For example, if you select 10 JPEG pictures, and name them XYZ, the files will be named: XYZ.JPG, XYZ (1).JPG, XYZ (2).JPG, and so on to XYZ (9).JPG.

How to Rename the Recycle Bin

As per Vijay's request, I am posting this tips.,

To change the name of the Recycle Bin desktop icon, open Regedit and go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
and change the name "Recycle Bin" to whatever you want (don't type any quotes).

How To Enable HibernationUnder in XP

In Windows 98, Me, or 2000 there was an option in the shutdown dialog box to enter the computer into hibernation (where all the content of the RAM is copied to the hard disk). The shutdown dialog box of Windows XP doesn't offer any longer the hibernation button. Some users may get confused about how to enable the hibernation mode. If this mode is supported by your motherboard (ACPI) you have to do the following:
Click Start and Shut Down,
Point the standby button and maintain the shift key pressed
A new hibernation button appears: click it while still holding the shift key: Now your PC will hibernate.

How To Enable HibernationUnder in XP

In Windows 98, Me, or 2000 there was an option in the shutdown dialog box to enter the computer into hibernation (where all the content of the RAM is copied to the hard disk). The shutdown dialog box of Windows XP doesn't offer any longer the hibernation button. Some users may get confused about how to enable the hibernation mode. If this mode is supported by your motherboard (ACPI) you have to do the following:
Click Start and Shut Down,
Point the standby button and maintain the shift key pressed
A new hibernation button appears: click it while still holding the shift key: Now your PC will hibernate.

How to Convert FAT to NTFS file system

To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.
Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.
In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.

NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).

How to use Windows Update Properly

If you want to save your files to your hard drive, so after a format you dont have to download them all again, here's How:
- Logon to Windows Update
- Choose Windows Update Catalogue (left hand pane)
- Choose Find updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems (right hand pane)
- Choose your version and language then Search
- Choose one the following:
- Critical Updates and Service Packs - Service Packs and Recommended Downloads - Multi-Language Features (0)
- Once chosen simply click on what you want to download and then back at the top click Review Download Basket
- You are taken to the next page where at the top you can specify where the downloads are to be saved.
- Click Download now. Each patch will make a directory under the root of the folder you saved them to. Once finished you need to go to where you saved the file (s) to and then simply install all your patches.

NTFS vs. FAT

NTFS vs. FAT

FAT16

The FAT16 file system was introduced way back with MS–DOS in 1981, and it's showing its age. It was designed originally to handle files on a floppy drive, and has had minor modifications over the years so it can handle hard disks, and even file names longer than the original limitation of 8.3 characters, but it's still the lowest common denominator. The biggest advantage of FAT16 is that it is compatible across a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows 95/98/Me, OS/2, Linux, and some versions of UNIX. The biggest problem of FAT16 is that it has a fixed maximum number of clusters per partition, so as hard disks get bigger and bigger, the size of each cluster has to get larger. In a 2–GB partition, each cluster is 32 kilobytes, meaning that even the smallest file on the partition will take up 32 KB of space. FAT16 also doesn't support compression, encryption, or advanced security using access control lists.

FAT32

The FAT32 file system, originally introduced in Windows 95 Service Pack 2, is really just an extension of the original FAT16 file system that provides for a much larger number of clusters per partition. As such, it greatly improves the overall disk utilization when compared to a FAT16 file system. However, FAT32 shares all of the other limitations of FAT16, and adds an important additional limitation—many operating systems that can recognize FAT16 will not work with FAT32—most notably Windows NT, but also Linux and UNIX as well. Now this isn't a problem if you're running FAT32 on a Windows XP computer and sharing your drive out to other computers on your network—they don't need to know (and generally don't really care) what your underlying file system is.

The Advantages of NTFSThe NTFS file system, introduced with first version of Windows NT, is a completely different file system from FAT. It provides for greatly increased security, file–by–file compression, quotas, and even encryption. It is the default file system for new installations of Windows XP, and if you're doing an upgrade from a previous version of Windows, you'll be asked if you want to convert your existing file systems to NTFS. Don't worry. If you've already upgraded to Windows XP and didn't do the conversion then, it's not a problem. You can convert FAT16 or FAT32 volumes to NTFS at any point. Just remember that you can't easily go back to FAT or FAT32 (without reformatting the drive or partition), not that I think you'll want to.

NTFS

The NTFS file system is generally not compatible with other operating systems installed on the same computer, nor is it available when you've booted a computer from a floppy disk. For this reason, many system administrators, myself included, used to recommend that users format at least a small partition at the beginning of their main hard disk as FAT. This partition provided a place to store emergency recovery tools or special drivers needed for reinstallation, and was a mechanism for digging yourself out of the hole you'd just dug into. But with the enhanced recovery abilities built into Windows XP (more on that in a future column), I don't think it's necessary or desirable to create that initial FAT partition.

When to Use FAT or FAT32

If you're running more than one operating system on a single computer , you will definitely need to format some of your volumes as FAT. Any programs or data that need to be accessed by more than one operating system on that computer should be stored on a FAT16 or possibly FAT32 volume. But keep in mind that you have no security for data on a FAT16 or FAT32 volume—any one with access to the computer can read, change, or even delete any file that is stored on a FAT16 or FAT32 partition. In many cases, this is even possible over a network. So do not store sensitive files on drives or partitions formatted with FAT file systems.

Dial-a-Fix

DAF (This is a document which i got from wiki -pedia).

Dial-a-fix is an advanced utility for 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows written by DjLizard in Borland Delphi 7 that repairs various Windows problems, such as:
- Windows Update errors and problems with Automatic Updates
- SSL, HTTPS, and Cryptography service (signing/verification) issues
- COM/ActiveX object errors and missing registry entries And more.

Dial-a-fix (hereafter known as "DAF") is a collection of known fixes gleaned from Microsoft Knowledgebase articles, Microsoft MVPs, and other important support forums, that will assist you in repairing problems with your system. Although this tool is ordinarily meant for power users, technicians, and administrators, it is quite safe to use even without technical guidance (although guidance is recommended). Simply choose the solutions you wish to apply via checkmarks, and click GO. There are other buttons and tools present on the main dialog as well, such as the policy scanner. All tools and checkmarks identify their purpose when you mouse over them.

DAF primary philosophy is to fix problems by setting various things back to their original Microsoft defaults. DAF currently does not interface with or repair any third party programs (and there are no plans to do so).

Dial-a-fix is 100% freeware to use and redistribute, as long as the file is unmodified (the MD5 sum can be found below) and as long as no money is being charged for access to the file. No mirrors of Dial-a-fix are necessary at this time.. It is completely free for personal or corporate use, however, under no circumstances will I take any responsibility for your use or inability to use Dial-a-fix, and its results (or lack thereof).

Dial-a-fix is designed to be easy to use (although its options seem daunting at first - ask for help at the Lunarsoft.net forums if necessary!), but it is highly recommended to use it under the guidance of a technician. Although Dial-a-fix by itself can pose no harm to your system, there are situations which Dial-a-fix simply cannot account for. If you have experienced exaggerated problems due to the usage of Dial-a-fix, contact a computer technician immediately (preferably one with experience using Dial-a-fix, and more preferably the Lunarsoft.net forums).

The following is an incomplete list of examples of known problems that can cause Dial-a-fix to exaggerate or expose issues on your system:

Dial-a-fix is not likely to be the source of the additional issues, as it only performs procedures recommended and supported by Microsoft, Microsoft MVPs, and other highly respected members of the Windows internals community. These procedures include, but are not limited to: registering DLLs/COM objects, stopping, re-registering, starting, and configuring services to their original Microsoft-supplied defaults.

Vista Knowledge base

We can get help for all Vista related issues in following link,
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx

Unable to Install IE7 in windows xp

Problem faced : Was Unable to Install IE7 in Windows XP
Cause : Service Pack 3
Action taken : Uninstalled SP3, rebooted and Installed Ie7 after Ie7, reinstalled again SP3.
Note:
Install IE7 before installing SP3 in windows xp.

Windows Server 2003

Introducing Windows Server 2003:

Windows server 2003 family comprising four Operating systems, to give best support for applications, networks and web services.

Standard Edition.

Standard edition suits everyday business needs such as Files and printer sharing, Internet connectivity, centralized desktop application deployment and connectivity about employees and customers.

It supports 4 processors, but it doesn't support clustering.

Enterprise Edition.

Enables business to develop, deliver and secure applications, web services and infrastructures.

Its available in 32bit and 64 bit editions.

It supports up to 8 processors and up to 8 cluster nodes.

Datacenter Edition.

It provides scalability and availability for business critical and mission critical applications.

Its available in 32bit and 64 bit editions.

It supports between 8 to 32 processors and up to 8 cluster nodes.

Web Edition.

Web Edition serves and hosts web pages. Ensures reliablity, manageablity and security.

It supports up to 2 processors.

Hardware specifications

Standard Edition

- CPU recommended speed 550mhz (mininmum)

- RAM speed 256 mb minimum and 4 GB maximum.

- 1.5 GB of disk space (HDD) to setup.

Enterprise Edition

- CPU recommended speed 733mhz(mininmum)
- RAM speed 256 mb minimum and 32GB of maximum for x86 based computers and 64 GBof maximum for Itanium based computers
- 1.5 GB of disk space (HDD) to setup for x86 based computers and 2.0GB for Itanium based computers

Datacenter Edition

- CPU recommended speed 733mhz(mininmum)

- RAM speed 1GBminimum and 64GB of maximum for x86 based computers and 512 GB of maximum for Itanium based computers

- 1.5 GB of disk space (HDD) to setup for x86 based computers and 2.0GB for Itanium based computers

Web Edition

- CPU recommended speed 550mhz (mininmum)

- RAM speed 256 mb minimum and 2 GB maximum.

- 1.5 GB of disk space (HDD) to setup.

Spyware

Defnition

Spyware, generally refers to programs installed on your computer, usually without your knowledge. It can transmit personal information to companies. These companies use this data in a number of ways including selling it to others, using it for marketing data, or tracking browsing habits.

This is getting to be a big reason why people are getting so much spam e-mail.
Spyware can also install other software at the same time or make your computer vulnerable to other programs being installed.

Symptoms

There are several general symptoms that your computer is infected with spyware.

1.Home Page and Search Pages changing
2.There are a lot of pop-up windows.
3.The computer recently has poor performance and is crashing frequently.
4.There are icons being added to your Desktop or Favorites that you didn't put there.

Prevention

1. Do not click on any links in an E-mail with unless you are absolutely sure that the website will not infect your computer.

2. Be very careful of music or peer-to-peer file sharing web sites.

3.Do not install any software from the Internet unless you are absolutely sure it will not infect your computer. This includes freeware, greeting cards, screensavers, music, on-line games, extra toolbars, cutsie little add-ons, etc.

Removal

There are several removal programs available to remove the spyware successfuly,
I Listed some good Anti-spyware programs here.

1. Spysweeper.
2. Ewido.
3. Ad-Aware.
4. Pest Patrol.
5. Microsoft Anti-spyware.
6. Kaaza Be Gone.
7. HiJack This.
These are the programs I used with great success in removal of spywares.

Now, run the programs you installed and updated to scan for and remove spywares.

Recommendation

1. It is best running these programs in Safe-mode, always. Because, This loads a minimal set of drivers (which is why the screen display is not as clear) as well as not start most of the items that are selected to start automatically. This is why a scan from Safe Mode can be more effective, since hopefully the spyware hasn't loaded yet and can mores easily removed.

2. Only use Hijack This if you are an experience computer user. It is very good for disabling programs that are starting automatically. But you also need to be knowledgeable for what to remove

Removing Unwanted Programs In Startup

Many programs add portions of themselves starting automatically on every login.This can be either in the Startup Folder or the Registry.

One easy way to tell is by looking at how many icons are in your system tray. If you have a large number, perhaps unnecessary resources are being allocated them as well as increasing your boot time.
Typical examples are Microsoft Office, Office FindFast, Real Player, ATI Video setting etc.

You can remove them in one of three main ways:
In the Start / Programs / Startup Folder
In the Registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run
If you have Win98, WinME or Windows2000 you can use MSCONFIG to easily remove programs. This is my preference since it allows you to toggle them back on again in case you make a mistake