Device Manager and Network Connections may be blank after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

Solution 1
1. Restart the computer in safe mode. To restart the computer in safe mode, follow these steps:
a. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
b. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Restart in the What do you want the computer to do list, and then click OK.
c. After the computer restarts but before Windows XP starts, press F8.
d. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. Type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER.
4. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
5. On the Edit menu, click Find.
6. In the Find what box, type the following text:
$%&'()*+
7. Click Find Next.
8. Right-click the registry subkey that begins with "$%&'()*+," and then click Delete.
9. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
10. Press F3 to search for the next registry subkey.
11. Repeat steps 7 through 8 to delete each registry subkey that contains the text "$%&'()*+."
12. Exit Registry Editor.
13. Restart the computer.
APPLIES TO
• Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3, when used with:
o Microsoft Windows XP Professional
o Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Solution 2

Click on the Link Mention Below to Download the Patch
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953979

Or

http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/device-manager-empty-patch.html

Solution 3

Issue is expected to be caused by Norton
• Uninstall Norton Antivirus 2008
• Backup this registry location: HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_LIVEUPDATE_NOTICE
• Delete this registry location: HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_LIVEUPDATE_NOTICE
• Reboot – Issue will be resolved (need to look at Device Manager to verify)
• If resolved, Reinstall Norton AV 2008

Improving performance of Windows XP by disabling Windows XP-services

Use the Services Management Tool for improving performance of Windows XP (Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services or Type SERVICES.MSC in the RUN box and press Enter)

Services to disable to recover system resources
The list below shows multiple services which are reasonably safe to disable.

CAUTION

PLEASE read carefully the service description before disabling a service! Keep in mind that possible future error messages can be created (and solved...) by changing the startup type of the services. If there is any doubt about the effect of disabling a service, rather keep it unchanged! If certain functionalities don't function properly anymore, just reactivate the service by changing the startup type to Automatic or Manual. Do not disable to many services at once, but take some time to investigate the individual changes and do not disable services where other services depend on! If you hesitate disabling a service permanently, change the startup type to Manual first.

1) Alerter: Most times this service is not used. It takes care of administrative alerts over a network for administrative purposes.

2) Automatic Updates: Downloading and installing Windows updates. If you think you don't need this service, you can disable it. Remember that the Windows update website doesn't work anymore without this service, since the introduction of Windows XP SP2. I advise to keep it unchanged. To work properly, the Automatic Updates service also needs Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Event Log and the Cryptographics Services.

3) Computer Browser: This services lists all computers in a network and gives this information to other computers in the network, when asked for. This makes browsing on the network faster. There is no need for this service, and especially not if you don't have a network situation. With this function disabled, you are still able to browse your network!

4) Distributed Link Tracking Client: This service is only applicable when you make use of the NTFS file system. If you don't use this file system, you can switch off this service. This services makes sure that linked files on different volumes (possibly somewhere on the network) stay connected. If a file has been moved to another location, the link will be updated by this service. There is probably no need at all to for this services on your computer, so disable it.

5) Error Reporting Service: Enables the option to report system errors to Microsoft. There is no need to do this, enough reason to disable this service.

6) Event Log: This services logs issues in the log files, which can be viewed with the Event Viewer (Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer). Although you might think it's not useful, do not disable this service but keep it automatic.

7) Fast User Switching Compatibility: If you don't need the fast switching between user accounts, disable this function. Fast switching of user accounts makes it possible to leave your application open without saving your data. If not needed, don't use this function, it doesn't always work properly.

8) Help and Support: Without this service, the Windows Help and Support center will not be available. If you don't need this help, switch this service to manual.

9) IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service: This function is used to able to burn CD-ROM's with the Windows Explorer (copy-paste files to your CD burner). If you don't have a CD-burner, you can disable this service (or switch to manual). It is possible that this service causes troubles in combination with other burning software.

10) Indexing Service: With this indexing service, you are able to search faster on your computer. The faster searching comes at a cost: the indexing of the content, which slows down your computer. This services is not needed, I advise to disable it for better overall performance.

11) IPSEC-services: Manages IP security policy, possibly not needed for your system.

12) Messenger: The Messenger service makes it possible sending messages over the network (it has nothing to do with Live Messenger). This function works by the following command: NET SEND 127.0.0.1 Hello (Start, Run,..), a new message Window should appear if this service is enabled. This service is also available from the internet, which makes it possible to receive strange messages: reason enough to disable this service.

13) NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing: This service provides the possibility to invite others to access your computer as a remote desktop. There is no need for this service. For security issues, you better disable this option.

14) Performance Logs and Alerts: The making off performance logs will probably lower your systems performance: reason enough to disable it, especially if you never read the log files.

15) Portable Media Serial Number Service: Needed to reed the serial number of any portable media player. If this function is disabled, there is a chance not to open (downloaded) protected content. You probably can disable this service without any noticeable consequences.

16) Print Spooler: Necessary for printing. If you don't want to have the option to print, you can disable it.

17) Protected Storage: This service provides the possibility to safe passwords (email, websites, dial up,..). Remember that passwords can be easily retrieved with freeware software [I prefer to keep this option on automatic].

18) QoS RSVP: QoS is probably not needed for your network traffic, so you can disable this service.

19) Remote Access Auto Connection Manager: If you are getting troubles with your internet connection, leave this service on automatic. If you are using a router: disable this service.

20) Remote Desktop Help Session Manager: If you don't need remote assistance (the other person controls your computer by your invitation), disable this function.

21) Remote Registry: Thanks to this service, external users are able to make changes to the registry keys over the network connection. This option is not safe, therefore it is better to disable it.

22) Routing and Remote Access: If there is no need to dial in by others into your computer, disable this service.

23) Security Center: Service Pack 2 provided Windows XP with the Security Center. The Security Center monitors the proper functioning of your system security (Windows updates, firewall and virus scan). If something is not working properly, you will be informed continuously. I can't imagine why you can't do it yourself, reason enough to disable it.

24) Server: For sharing local files and printers with other computers on your network. If there is no need to share, disable this service.

25) Shell Hardware Detection: Essential for automatic playing of connected devices (memory cards, CD/DVD).

26) Smart Card: No reason to run this service when you don't use a smart card (e.g. for telebanking purposes).

27) System Event Notification: Almost never used. Leave the service on automatic if you have a network or a portable PC, else disable it.

28) System Restore Service: This service makes it possible to restore your system to an earlier date if something did go seriously wrong. This service consumes a lot of your system performances while the System Restore doesn't always function properly (and you can loose data!). Disabling this service is a relief for the system performances!

29) Task Scheduler: This service enables automatic scheduled tasks (like regularly downloading of virus definitions, but also the prefetching which improves sytem performances!). Many applications need this service. If you prefer to do everything yourself, you can disable this service. I prefer automatic.

30) Theme's: If you don't need the XP look, disable this function [I prefer automatic].

31) Windows Audio: needed for playing sounds, up to you.....

32) Windows Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS): This services provides your computer with a software firewall for your internet connection. You can disable the firewall service if you use a third party firewall (do NOT go online without a firewall!). Besides the firewall function, the service provides you with the possibility to share the internet connection with other computers, which is not needed when your network is provided with a router.

33) Windows Image Acquisition (WIA): This service is used for transferring images from your camera/web cam or scanner. Leave this service on manual if you have one of those devices, else disable the service.

34) Windows Installer: Needed for installing MSI setup files. Do not disable this option, else windows updates won't be installed.

35) Windows Search (if installed): For indexing and quickly extended searching through (personal) files. If this search feature is not used, it is better to disable it. Remove the shortcut to Windows Search in the folder Startup (Start, All programs) and deactivate the toolbar Windows Search Toolbar (right click the taskbar, sub Toolbars) as well.

36) Windows Time: If you prefer to keep you system clock up to date manually (if needed.....), there is no need for an automatic update: disable it as you wish.
Wireless Zero Configuration-service: Needed for automatic configuration of your wireless network connection. If you don't have any wireless network adapter, disable this service.
WMI Performance Adapter: No need for performance information, only the performances? Disable this service.

37) Wireless Zero Configuration-service: Needed for automatic configuration of your wireless network connection. If you don't have any wireless network adapter, disable this service.

38) WMI Performance Adapter: No need for performance information, only the performances? Disable this service.

Improving performance of Windows Vista by disabling Windows Vista-services

How to Disable services

Type the command SERVICES.MSC in the search field of the Start menu will start the management console to tweak the services (the management console is also available by Administrative Tools in the Control Panel, option Services). In the management console, a description of each service is shown, including the relationship (dependencies) between the different services.

Services to disable to recover system resources

The list below shows multiple services which are reasonably safe to disable.

CAUTION

PLEASE read carefully the service description before disabling a service! Keep in mind that possible future error messages can be created (and solved...) by changing the startup type of the services. If there is any doubt about the effect of disabling a service, rather keep it unchanged! If certain functionalities don't function properly anymore, just reactivate the service by changing the startup type to Automatic or Manual. Do not disable to many services at once, but take some time to investigate the individual changes and do not disable services where other services depend on! If you hesitate disabling a service permanently, change the startup type to Manual first.

1) Application Experience: Investigates the compatibility of older programs and searches for updates for known problems. Although disabling this service doesn't have negative side effects, it is better to keep it unchanged.

2) Computer browser: Tracks the computers (and files) on the network and maintains an updated list. This service is only useful in case of a LAN where the computers share files with each other. After disabling this service, it is still possible to browse the network. The service depends on the services Server and Workstation.

3) Desktop Window Manager Session Manager: Necessary for the new Aero Glass-interface. Only disable this service if the new Aero Glass-interface is not used.

4) Diagnostic Policy-service and Diagnostic System Host: For the detection of problems, troubleshooting and presenting known resolutions for Window components. If there are no problems expected anymore, it is safe to disable the service.

5) Distributed Link Tracking Client: Makes sure that linked files on multiple computers in a network stay linked. This service can be disabled safely, because in most home situations, this option is not used at all.

6) Function Discovery Provider Host: Makes it possible to share network shares with other computers. If this service is disabled, the shared files are no longer visible by other computers in the network. Disabling this service is also possible by disabling the option Network discovery in the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel.

7) Function Discovery Resource Publication: This service publishes the shared files and printers so they can be discovered by other computers in the network. Disable this service if it is not necessary that other computers are able to discover shared resources. This service can be disabled as well by disabling the option Network discovery.

8) Human Interface Device Access: Support for a multimedia device like a remote control and hot buttons on keyboards (like the volume and e-mail button).

9) Internet Connection Sharing (ICS): For sharing the internet connection with other computers in the network (this computer operates as a router). If a router is used to connect all the computers to the internet, this service is not needed.

10) IP Helper: Support for a IPv6 connection over a IPv4 network. IPv6 is the new connection type of the future which makes it possible to give every computer connected to the internet a unique IP address in stead of one single IP address for the internet connection (where the connected router uses special IP addresses for home use). The use of IPv6 has some advantages (but also disadvantages) but at the moment, there are not many providers supporting this new connection type. If IPv6 is not supported or used, disable the service for security reasons.

11) Network List-service and Network Location Awareness: Without these services, the network connection still works fine, but it is no longer possible to show the status in the system tray and the Network and Sharing Center. To keep this functionality, it is better not to disable these services.

12) Offline Files: Makes the network shares also available when the share is offline. The edited files will be synchronized automatically the first time the network share has become available. If this option is not desired, then it is better to disable this service.

13) Portable Device Enumerator Service: Enforces group policy for removable mass-storage devices. If this service is disabled, it is no longer possible to read/write protected devices. If it is not necessary to access removable mass-storage device using group policy, it is safe to disable the service (the removable media will still be accessible by applications which don't rely on this service).

14) Print Spooler: Necessary for loading a print job into memory for later printing. If there is no printer connected to the computer, this service can be disabled. But remember that it is not possible to add printers if the service is not running! If a printer is already installed, this printer will probably have a service running as well. [ I Would Suggest not to Disable this Services]

15) Remote Access Connection Manager: Necessary for managing dial-up and virtual private network (VPN) connections. If the computer is connected to a router and no VPN connection is needed, this service can be disabled safely. Because the service Remote Access Auto Connection Manager depends on this service, it can be disabled as well.

16) Remote Registry: Thanks to this service, external users are able to make changes to the registry keys over the network connection. This option is not safe, therefore it is better to disable it.

17) Routing and Remote Access: Disable this service if it is not desired that other computers are able to dial in to get access to the local network.

18) Server and Workstation: Necessary to share files and printers with other computes within a network. If this is not the case, it is safe to disable these services. After disabling the services, it is still possible to access shared folders on other computers. If these services are disabled, it is no longer possible to activate the option File sharing in the Network and Sharing Center.

19) Shell Hardware Detection: This service starts the auto play of devices like DVD drives and memory cards. This service is also responsible for showing a window with the options which action to take with a certain type of file. If you don't like this function, disable this service. Because the service Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) depends on it, it has to be disabled as well.

20) Superfetch: Tracks the running programs, and improves the performance of the frequently used programs over time. Because this service is improved significantly compared to Windows XP, it is not wise to disable the service (disabling causes no problems).

21) System Event Notification--service: Monitors and notifies system events like network activity or the energy status for laptop computers. Disabling this service has probably no negative side effects, but this can be different for each situation.

22) Tablet PC Input-service: Enables the Tablet PC and ink functionality. If the computer is not a Tablet PC, it is safe to disable the service.

23) Task Scheduler: It is not possible to disable this service. That's no problem, because the most scheduled tasks won't run if the computer is actively used by the user. The settings of the scheduled tasks can be changed by the Administrative Tools in the Control Panel, Task Scheduler. The possibilities to add and change tasks have improved significantly compared to Windows XP.

24) TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Offers support for the (rarely used) NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Disabling the service will probably not casue any problems.

25) Terminal Services: As long as Remote Desktop is not used, it is safe to disable this service.

26) Themes: Disable this service if there is no need for the visual effects like the new Aero interface. Disabling is only advised for slow computers because the new interface is one of the most important reasons to upgrade to Windows Vista. To disable visual settings manually, go to System in the Control Panel, Advanced system settings (in the left task pane), tab Advanced, button Settings (sub Performance).

27) Windows Image Acquisition (WIA): For transferring images from a scanner or camera to the computer.

28) Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder: Keep these services enabled to be able to hear the audio effects.

29) Windows Defender: Additional scanning software for unwanted software. If this service is disabled, disable the automatic start up of the tool Windows Defender as well, else the error message 0x800106BA appears. This error message can bed solved by disabling the automatic stat up with the tool MSCONFIG (tab Startup). After disabling the service, Windows Defender is no longer accessible by the Control Panel.

30) Windows Error Reporting-service: Generates an error message when a program no longer responds. If this service is disabled, error reporting is no longer possible and existing solutions are not delivered anymore.

31) Windows Firewall: If a software firewall is installed, the Windows firewall is no longer needed. For safety reasons, it is better not to disable it.

32) Windows Media Center Service Launcher: Starts other Media Center-services at startup if TV is enabled within Windows Media Center. The startup type of this service is automatic but delayed, which causes no delays at startup. If Windows Media Center is not used, it is safe to disable this service and the other Media Center services.

33) Windows Media Player Network Sharing-service: If it is not desired to share Windows Media Player libraries, it is safe to disable this service.

34) Windows Search: Provides content indexing (like personal files and e-mail) to speed up searching this content. Disabling this service will slow down the search process to a file by file search. Indexing takes place in the background at a moment the computer is not used, for this reason it is not necessary to disable the service.

35) Windows Time: For automatically synchronizing the time and date. If it is not essential that the shown time is correct, disabling the service is no problem.

36) Windows Update: Automatically detecting, downloading and installing updates for Windows and other programs. If the automatic updates are not desired, disable this service. Note: after disabling this service, it is no longer possible to do a manual update as well.

Other services
It is advised to keep the services which are not mentioned on this page unchanged.

Welcome screen and Fast user switching disabled in Windows Xp by netware

Problem :- After installing XP and it does not give me the option to select from either one of these two options. When you try, You may receive the error: “Client Services for NetWare has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching”.

Solution :- To restore these features you must uninstall Client Services for NetWare.
Try the following solution
Solution Step 1
1) Open control panal and Open Network Connections
2) Right click on LAN and select Properties. Under General click on’Client Services for Netware’ & then press uninstall
3) Then Reboot Your PC.
You should now be able to go into the user account control from the Control Panel, and change the way users log on/off.
For some reason If you don’t see Client Services for Netware option try this
Follow the above procedure to get to the network properties (of the network you are using currently). If you can’t see any netware entries do the following:
1. Highlight your network, and click install button.
2. Make sure “Client” is highlighted, and click add.
3. Highlight “Client Service for Netware”, click OK
4. Allow your PC to restart.
Now follow the first method instructions again, and hopefully ’Client Services for Netware’ should be there for you to uninstall. If not try Solution 2

Solution 2
1) Go to Start>Run> type Regedit click OK.
2) Now navigate to the following key from left pane
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
and delete GinaDLL key from right pane
Then Reboot Your PC.
You should now be able to go into the user account control from the Control Panel, and change the way users log on/off.

System freezes at "Welcome to Windows XP setup screen"  during OSRI / REPAIR / PARALLEL Installation

This problem normally occurs on systems that have 2GB or Greater RAM installed. 

Problem:

System freezes at "Welcome to Windows XP setup screen"

Description:

On Dimension 4700/2400 system some times system freezes at Welcome to Windows XP setup screen during OSRI / Repair / Parallel. Most of the times  you may consider the fast tapping of F12/F2 keys by the customer as the cause of the issue.

Solution:

Although fast tapping of F12/F2 keys can be the reason for system freezing at the welcome to setup screen  there is one more option in the BIOS which causes this. This option is - OS Install Mode On/Off. The default setting is OFF for the option and that's what causes the lockup. Try to  perform following steps in such cases:

1)    Shut down the system and release flea power.

2)    Go to the BIOS by tapping F2 / Delete key

3)    In the BIOS, make CD/DVD Drive as the first boot device.

4)    Come back to the main BIOS screen, scroll down and look for OS Install Mode and turn it to ON.

5)    Clear the event log.

6)    Save BIOS settings and restart.

7)    Now Boot from the CD

Look at following link for Dimension 4700/2400 setup options:

Dim 4700 - http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/syssetup.htm#wp1052347

Dim 2400 - http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/syssetup.htm#1105422

***** CAUTION *****

Enabling the OS Install mode in the BIOS will restrict the system access to only 256 MB RAM, regardless the amount of RAM installed.  It is imperative that after the operinting system has been installed, that the OS Install Mode be reset to OFF ! If not done, Windows will report & use only 256MB RAM.

Microsoft Updates causing lockups with ATI Catalyst Control Center

.Net framework and security update issues with ATI Catalyst software
Microsoft has released a .net framework update and a security patch KB958690. Some of the Dell systems with ATI 2400 XT or Pro cards running XP SP3 may freeze after this update upon reboot. Users can boot to Safe Mode with no issues. This may affect other ATI cards or SP2 users as well, but has not been reported yet. Follow these steps to resolve:
1. Boot the system into Safe Mode.
2. Click Start, Run, type msconfig, click OK.
3. On the Services tab, put the check in Hide all Microsoft Services. Uncheck all ATI entries. Click Apply, then the Startup tab on the top of the window. Uncheck all ATI entries. Click Apply, then close. Reboot.
4. Once back in Windows, download the latest ATI driver from support.dell.com and update the driver.

Office 2007 troubleshooting tip (Printer Drivers causes MS Office to crash)

This is an interesting issue, as the problem manifested in many forms and no issue seemed to be related to the next. I began to notice issues with some office applications. Here are some examples:

1. I could not paste anything from the clipboard to a new or existing Word or Excel Document.
2. Saving or editing some existing documents would cause a crash and Word/Excel would restart then crash again (looped)
3. I could make minor changes to some existing documents, but inserting anything from the clipboard of any size would cause a crash/loop.

How did I try to fix it?

1. Searched Google, Microsoft data bases tryed different fourms for the error codes generated during the crash and found nothing.
2. I tried the Office repair tool
3. I uninstalled/reinstalled MS Office
4. Deleted the Default Word template.
5. Cleared all caches and clipboard files.

None of this had any effect.

Today, I had a minor epiphany and remembered an issue I resolved few years ago in Office 95 and I tried the fix on this system and the issue got resolved. What was the cause of all my Office 2007 issues.....?????

The PRINTER DRIVER

I uninstalled all printers and deleted residual files in the spooler cache then rebooted my system and the issue was resolved.

Moral of this story: If you have unusual issues with an OFFICE Application, try uninstalling the printer, rebooting and installing the latest printer driver.

When selecting options in Power Management for actions when you close the lid, Hibernate is not listed on the drop down menu.

Issue is caused by the POWERCFG Command having been run at the command line to disable Hibernate. Even if hibernate in enabled in Windows Power options (Vista) the actual hibernate option at (Close lid for example) will not be available. This issue can be resolved by the following steps:
1. Click the start button, type CMD in the search line.
2. CMD will appear in the Programs Menu list above the search window, right-click CMD and Click Run as Administrator on the drop down menu. This will open a COMMAND WINDOW (With Admin rights.)
3. Type the following Command: powercfg /hibernate ON then press the key.
4. Type exit then press the key. This will close the command window.
Reboot the system. Hibernate should now be an available option.

On-line Streaming Content (An Error Occurred when attempting to view the content)

Solution 1: Set your preferred web browser as the system default.
To set a system default web browser on Windows Vista:
1. Close all applications.
2. Choose Start > Control Panel.
3. Do one of following:
o If the Control Panel is in a Control Panel Home view, then click Programs. On the next screen, click Default Programs.
o If the Control Panel is in Classic View, then double-click Default Programs.
4. Select Set Program Access And Computer Defaults.
5. In the Choose A Configuration list, click Custom.
6. Under Choose A Default Web Browser, select Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera.
7. Click OK.
To set a system default web browser on Windows XP:
1. Close all applications.
2. Choose Start > Control Panel (or Start > Settings > Control Panel).
3. Double-click Add Or Remove Programs.
4. On the left-hand pane of Add Or Remove Programs, select Set Program Access And Defaults.
5. In the Choose A Configuration list, click Custom.
6. Under Choose A Default Web Browser, select Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, or Safari.
7. Click OK.

Solution 2: Re-create the HTTP key in the Windows registry.
Disclaimer: The steps in this solution require you to modify the Windows registry. The registry contains system-related information that is critical to your computer and applications. Before modifying the registry, always make a backup copy of it. Adobe doesn't provide support for problems that arise from improperly modifying the registry. For information about the Windows registry, see the documentation in Windows or contact Microsoft Technical Support or your computer's manufacturer.
1. Close all applications.
2. Do one of the following:
o Windows Vista: Choose Start > All Programs > Accessories. Then right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run As Administrator.
o Windows XP: Choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as it appears and then press Enter:

reg export HKCR\http "%userprofile%\AdobeHelpBackup.reg"
Note: Command Prompt may return the error "The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value." This is an expected message if the HTTP key is missing from the Windows registry. If this error appears, then go to Step 6; otherwise, proceed to Step 5.
4. Type the following command exactly as it appears and then press Enter:

reg delete HKCR\http /f
5. Type one of the following commands exactly as it appears and then press Enter (type the command that corresponds with the browser in which you would like to view the video content):

Note: If you choose a browser other than Internet Explorer, then that browser must be installed before you type the command.

o Internet Explorer
reg add HKCR\http\shell\open\command /ve /f /d "\"%programfiles%\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe\" "\"%1\""
o Firefox
reg copy HKCR\FirefoxURL\shell HKCR\http\shell /s /f
o Opera
reg copy HKCR\Opera.HTML\shell HKCR\http\shell /s /f
o Safari
reg copy HKCR\SafariURL\shell HKCR\http\shell /s /f
o Google Chrome
reg copy HKCR\ChromeHTML\shell HKCR\http\shell /s /f

6. Close the Command Prompt window.

Slow Internet Connectivity on Windows Vista

People using Windows Vista may report Slow Internet Connectivity especially while browsing Web Pages with out the presence of On-line Pop-ups. Just two steps listed below can help resolve the issue. These steps should be performed after a Disk Clean-up. A Spyware/Malware Scan is not required.

Step 1
Use the Elevated Command Prompt to Turn off TCP/IP Tuning (netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled)

To disable TCP/IP autotunning, in "Elevated" Command Prompt type:

netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=disabled

To verify that it is dsabled:

netsh interface tcp show global

To set back to the default Windows Vista behavior:

netsh interface tcp set global autotuningl=normal


Note: To get elevated command prompt (admin priviledges), you may need to do the following:
- Click the Start button
- In the Search box, type: Command Prompt
- Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and select "Run as administrator"

Step2
Internet Explorer Tools=> Internet Options=> Advanced=> In the Security Section Check Enable SSL 2.0, Use SSL 3.0 and Disable TLS 1.0

In spite of this McAfee Virus Protection along with Vista can result into Slow Internet Connectivity especially with the Phishing Filter.

Cannot Delete Window Old Folder After Performing Windows Vista Custom Installation


After performing a Custom Installation (Parallel) of Windows Vista the Window Old Folder cannot be deleted the conventional way. To delete the Old Installation of Windows Vista follow the procedure listed below

1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click System Tools.
2. Click Disk Cleanup.
3. In the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box, click Files from all users on this computer.

Note If the User Account Control dialog box appears, type the administrator password, and then click OK. Otherwise, click Continue.
4. In the Disk Cleanup:Drive Selection dialog box, select the hard disk drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK. Wait while the system scans the computer for unnecessary files.
5. Click the Disk Cleanup tab, and then look for the Previous Windows installations check box.
6. If you find the Previous Windows installations check box, click to select it, and then click OK.

If you do not find this check box, go to step 7.
7. When you are prompted to confirm the removal of files, click Delete Files.
8. Wait while the system removes the files. You have now removed the Windows.old folder.

HOW TO INSTALL IE.INF 

Using the Windows XP Installation Disc to install IE.INF

Step 1 :- Insert your Windows XP installation disc into your CD drive. Should you have AutoPlay enabled, the computer may prompt you as to whether you wish to repair your current Windows XP installation; cancel this action and close any programs that have opened off of the disc. You'll simply need to access the files on the disc, not run the setup program itself.

Step 2:-  Open the Start menu and select the "Run" option. When the dialog box appears, type the following as a single line within it: 

rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 c:\windows\inf\ie.inf

Click the OK button to run the program. (Should your installation of Windows XP not be located on the C: drive, modify the line to reflect the correct drive.)

Step 3:- Windows will use the ie.inf file located on your Windows XP installation disc to reinstall Internet Explorer 6.0 onto your computer. Once the installation is complete, reboot your computer to apply the new settings to your XP installation.

Using Installed Windows XP Files

Step 1:-  Click on the Start menu, but instead of selecting "Run," select "Search." Use the search option labeled "All Files and Folders." Select the "More Advanced Options" option and place a check in the box beside the "Search Hidden Files and Folders" option if one is not already present.

Step 2:- Type "ie.inf" into the search box. (This is the same file that you would be using if you were accessing the Windows XP installation disc in order to reinstall Internet Explorer.) Select the drive that your copy of Windows XP is installed on from the "Look In" menu, then click the button labeled "Search" to begin looking for the file.

Step 3 :- Look at the search results window and find the copy of ie.inf that is located in the Windows\Inf folder. Right-click the file and select the "Install" option from the menu that opens.

Step 4:- Once installation is complete, restart your computer so changes to your Windows XP installation are applied and Internet Explorer 6.0 works correctly.

How to uninstall Client Services for Netware on Windows XP Professional ( Windows Login Screen )

Problem:-  Whenever you try to change classic version (Windows Login) and set it back to the original using the control panel, it says: "Client Services for Netware has disabled the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching. To restore these features , you must uninstall Client Services for Netware."

Solution:- (1) Click on  (Start) (2) Then go to (Control Panel) (3) Search for (Network and Internet Connections) or (Network Connections) or (Dial-up Connections) (4) Then you should see two sticking monitor icon, named (Local Area Connection). Right click on it then choose (Properties) (5) Then when you are in the Local Area Connections Properties dialog box, click on the (Client services for Netware) and it will be highlighted, then only you'll click (uninstall) (6) And then for sure you click (YES). if you can follow the steps until here you are finish, Congratulation, you can proceed to change your settings to the Fast User Switching option or the Welcome Screen option

How to Change Vista Password From Install DVD

********** CAUTION **********

Please make note that this handy tip is intended to recover/regain a forgotten Vista Administrator password. It is not intended to illegally hacking into a Vista system that’s not owned by users who refer this guide!! It is also intended to inform Vista users about the method by which anyone can access their private accounts by cracking passwords….Thus anyone can hack into administrator account and bypass guest user restrictions. I / We (transaircoms) wont take any type of  responsibility for any type of loss

Steps to Remove  Windows Vista Administrator account password:.

1.       Reboot the Windows Vista and boot up with Windows Vista installation DVD. Click on the Repair Your Computer option, bring up Command Prompt to open Local Users and Groups management in MMC.

2.       While the Windows Vista installation interface pops up, click the Repair You Computer link at the bottom-left corner.

3.       Next, the System Recovery Options dialog box appears. There are few options that related to repairing  Windows Vista,                 looks like Recovery Console in Windows XP:

a)       Startup Repair options is used to automatically fix problems that are preventing  Windows Vista from starting.

b)       System Restore :-  to restore Windows Vista setting to an earlier point in time.

c)       Windows Complete PC Restore to restore  Windows Vista from a full system backup.

d)       Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool could be the first Microsoft memory tester toolkit that bundled with Windows setup media.

e)       Command Prompt Click on this option now.

4         In the Windows Vista Command Prompt, type mmc.exe and press ENTER key to bring up theMicrosoft Management Console.

5         Click on the File menu, select Add / Remove Snap-in 

option, locate and select the Local Users and Groups on the left panel, and click Add button to add it to the right panel.

6         Now, the Choose Target Machine dialog box pop up. Keep the default setting by clicking the Finish button – that means using the Local Users and Groups snap-in to manage this local computer, and not another computer in network.

7         Click OK button and return to MMC windows. Under the Root Console in left panel, double-click Local Users and Group that was added earlier. Click on User folder, locate and right-click the target Vista logon account that found in the right panel.Select the Set Password from the right-click menu to set a new password / reset old password.