Jim Boyce - Windows Tips

Microsoft Windows XP / 2000 Professional Tips

Available Tips: 572

Tip Title

Sharing a dial-up Internet connection

Disable devices without removing them

Create a spanned volume

Use two or more monitors

Why no Administrative Tools on the Start menu?

Keyboard shortcuts have disappeared

Reorganize the Start menu

Enabling IPP (Internet printing) under Pro

Host multiple Web sites on one IP

Expanding items on the Start menu

Changing Boot Options

Getting Your Second CPU Recognized

Recovering from a Forgotten Administrator Password

Basic versus Dynamic Disks

Generating a System Configuration Report

Using Mounted Volumes

Rearranging the Start Menu

Getting Quick Access to Documents

Adding Options to the Send To Menu

Setting Up Hidden ftp Folders

Add Quick Launch Items

Change the location and name of My Documents

Change Document Associations

Use NTFS Compression

Start Programs with Switches

Save Time Switching Printer Settings

Use Printer Pooling

Restrict Printer Access

Help with the Command Console

Change Command Console Size and Buffer

The Duplicate Name Error

Automatic Logon

Hide Your Last Logon

Add Shutdown to the Logon Dialog

Enforce Password Settings

See Current Client Connections

Hide a Share

Turn Off Sharing

Automatic IP Address Assignment

Custom IP Settings Through User Classes

Acquire a Specific IP Address

Use Dynamic DNS

Drive Letters Need to be Changed

Customize MMC Consoles

Unhiding Protected System Files

Changing Icons of Desktop Items and Documents

Removing Hidden Components

A Better Calculator

Configuring Print Spooling

Open a Command Console in a Specific Folder

Displaying Special Logon Messages

Hidden Shares

Opening Network Folders Quickly

Disable File and Printer Sharing for TCP/IP

Using Callback to Reduce Dial-up Costs

Disable Remote Registry Modification

Bootable NTFS Disk -- Part 1

Bootable NTFS Disk -- Part 2

Limit Connections to a Share

Configuring Service Behavior

Changing Environment Variables

Configuring a Dial-Up Server

Changing Provider Order

Personalized Menus

CHKDSK and CHKNTFS

Using registry.pol to apply local restrictions #1

Using registry.pol to apply local restrictions #2

Installing and Using the Recovery Console

Cloning Your Current Configuration

Using the Last Known Good Configuration

Manual Registry Backup and Restore

Modifying a Remote Registry

Moving Certificates Between Computers

Locking Down the Registry

Working with Removable NTFS Media

Renaming the Administrator and Guest Accounts

Controlling Driver and Service Installation Behavi

Viewing / Disabling Services from the Recovery Con

Configuring Windows 2000 Pro as a Telnet Server

Using Certificate-Based Authentication for Dial-Up

Using Multilink Connections to Improve Dial-Up Per

Using Multilink Connections part 2

Generating E-Mail Automatically

Restricting Dial-In Users to the Local Computer

Creating a File List for a Batch File with DIR /B

Disabling APIPA

Use L2TP for VPN connections

Use FIXBOOT and FIXMBR to fix drive problems

Use DISKPART to manage partitions

Start the Recovery Console from the Setup disks or CD

Avoid reinstalling applications after a clean install

Check your TCP/IP configuration with IPCONFIG

Use NSLOOKUP to check DNS operation

Use hardware profiles for multiple system configurations

Remove hidden Windows 2000 components

Cloning your hard drive: Part 1

Cloning your hard drive: Part 2

View IRQ and other resource allocation

Use offline folders for file synchronization - Part 1

Change the location of the offline file cache

Bypass startup items at logon

Change the location of the Startup folder

Copy color schemes between computers

Configure a print queue to retain printed documents

Set command console history options

Use RUNAS to run programs in a different user context

Change the command console colors

Turn on autocomplete for the command console

Use L2TP for VPN connections Part 2

Use offline folders for file synchronization - part 2

Everyone Versus the Authenticated Users Group

Understand the System Account

Use Windows 2000 Troubleshooters

Disable Offline Caching for a Shared Folder

Network Without a NIC - Part 1

Network Without a NIC - Part 2

Seven Reasons to Use NTFS

Use Encryption for NTFS Volumes

Perform an unattended setup - part 1

Perform an unattended setup - part 2

Perform an unattended setup - part 3

Power protection

Customize printer web pages - part 1

Customize printer web pages - part 2

Get a handle on scripts - part 1

Get a handle on scripts - part 2

Use environment variables in logon scripts

Update that ERD and your registry backup

Create striped volumes for performance

Use the Active Desktop

Understand the lowly ping command

Use custom HTTP error pages

Entering regional settings during Setup

Access encrypted files across the LAN

Share encrypted data

Why you should install SP1

Viewing legacy drivers

Locating the installation directory during Setup

Add Safe Mode options to the boot menu

Setup renames accounts during upgrade of Windows 9x

Disable the “Getting Started” dialog box for new users

Redetect an external modem

Removing incorrectly uninstalled programs

Enable digital audio CD playback

Recover from a service that is preventing boot

Repairing Runas behavior after SP1 installation

Advanced SCSI properties—part 1

Advanced SCSI properties—part 2

Excluding files and folders from Backup

More on the MORE command

Dual-boot is obsolete (VMWare)

Configure DNS cache timeout

Perform a download of IE 5.5 without installing

Protect your system with IP filters—Part 1

Protect your system with IP filters—Part 2

Protect your system with IP filters—Part 3

Automate a system backup

Control CD autorun globally

Control CD autorun on a per-drive basis

Expand your desktop

Protect your system with a personal firewall

Add context menu items

Scope out your system with Msinfo32

Upgrading from Windows 2000 evaluation software

Use Ctrl for opening folders

Check connectivity with Tracert

Schedule automatic execution with AT and WinAT

Bypass automatic logon

Sort directory output with DIR

Restore quick screen resolution change

SCSI good, IDE bad

Control window dragging behavior

Open multiple items

Keep a dial-up connection alive

Get quick access to documents

Change your console prompt with PROMPT

Run a program or command for all command consoles

Make user profile changes “stick”

PowerToys now supports Windows 2000

Windows 2000 adds extensions to profile folders

Adding remote management capability-part 1

Adding remote management capability-part 2

Test your connection speed

Is Webhancer lurking on your system?

Lock your workstation with a keystroke

Change telnet banner and program execution

Increase TCP/IP timeout

Use CACLS to modify ACLs

Create a file copy list with DIR

Recover data with the RECOVER command

Get a directory view with TREE

Monitor is limited to VGA

Use the Readiness Analyzer before an upgrade

Create FAT partitions at Setup

Setup hangs on startup-part 1

Setup hangs on startup-part 2

Take control of Explorer

Load a driver or program for a specific command console

Synchronize your system's time--part 1

Synchronize your system's time--part 2

Synchronize your system's time--part 3

Prevent excessive dialing with ICS

Control services remotely with Netsvc.exe

Use Web Sharing properties to create virtual directories

Simplify life in the Services console

Give your middle button a reason to live

Install and uninstall services

Use IP forwarding on Windows 2000 Professional

Force incompatible programs to run through Apcompat.exe

Tweaki…for Power Users

Send / receive faxes in Windows 2000

Clean up your disks with Disk Cleanup

Change Windows 2000 registration

Create a custom Welcome screen

Bypass the Recycle Bin

Change NumLock status on startup and logon

Switch default printers quickly with Defptr.exe

Customize folder windows

Change the location of your profile folder

Use Rdisk under Windows 2000

Assign shortcut key to Show Desktop

Configure dual-CPU system without Uptomp.exe

Removing items from the Add/Remove list

CYA with a personal firewall

Use alternating backups for document protection

Use hosts and lmhosts for name resolution

Tweak a few desktop settings

Control startup script execution

Prevent applications from running through a registry change

Change the name of My Computer to your computer name

Use a custom 404 error page to redirect

Perform frequent system snapshots

Hide drives in My Computer

Automate virus updates

Add / remove the Windows version from the desktop

Kill boot.ini files that won't die

Getting past the evaluation copy timebomb

Defrag a drive when not logged on as Administrator

Use ftp from a console

Edit Fax Cover Pages

Disable Content Advisor

Recreate the Show Desktop item

Switching logon dialogs from Novell to Microsoft

Fix hibernate problems

An alternative to the Windows Update site

Resolve hosts on a remote LAN more easily

Eliminate unneeded services

Clone or troubleshoot systems through PC Cards

Simplify navigating command consoles

Speed up logon with roaming profiles-part 1

Speed up logon with roaming profiles-part 2

Handle a missing DC gracefully-part 1

Handle a missing DC gracefully-part 2

Get a wealth of information about your system using SET

Use groups to assign permissions and rights

Get multiple files with an ftp console

Use pathping to troubleshoot TCP/IP

Get information about your computer with the System Information console

CapsLock Status at Startup

Exclude Roaming Directories

Unhide accessories for selection during installation

Change password expiration period

Prevent regedit from opening the previous key

Schedule tasks with the task scheduler

User profiles are not saved on logoff

Use the infrared file transfer program

Use sfc.exe to restore protected system files

Use the W2K administration tools under Professional

Use UNC path in console prompt

Find info on W2K error messages

QuickView is missing in action

Working with Safe Mode

Use Remote.exe for remote console commands

Recognize a serial mouse connected to a KVM switch

Prevent users from creating user accounts

Cancel dial-up networking connections during dialing

Windows loses the date and time on reboot

Use Favorites in the Registry Editor

Use shortcuts to simplify document browsing

Set up multiboot systems with hidden partitions

Restore your system quickly and easily

Change the Recycle Bin’s name

Use ASSOC to associate file types

Prevent users from changing My Computer

Perform a faster search for computers on the network

Separate print jobs on busy network printers

Backup or move Outlook Express to another computer

More fun with the DIR command

Taking your notebook home

Find text in files from a console

Delete cached user profiles

Prevent users from shutting down the computer

Delete directories from a console

Restrict access to command console

Control multiple platforms with VNC

Replace LOGON.SCR with CMD.EXE to recover from a forgotten password

Digging into the NET command

Archive permissions with SHOWACLS

Create a custom system tray with Quick Tray

Use switches to control Windows Explorer

Recover from a relocated PCI display adapter

Modem configuration and diagnostic options

The new and improved Phone Dialer

Monitor your system's performance Monitor your system's performance

Share or move your CD title library

Merge your CD play list with another

Printing in a UNIX environment

Simplify file selection

Create Quick Shortcuts to Explorer

Control Connected Files feature (prevent unexpected folder deletion)—part 1

Control Connected Files feature (prevent unexpected folder deletion)—part 2

Fine-tune the Recycle Bin

Right-click control menus for additional options

Add date / time automatically to log files with Notepad

Move the paging file and spool folder for performance and storage capacity—part 1

Move the paging file and spool folder for performance and storage capacity—part 2

Allow or disallow dial-up passwords from being saved

Change Help text font size

Safely remove NT from a dual-boot Windows 2000 system

Delete temporary pagefile to improve performance

Fix Nslookup problems

Modify the Places Bar—part 1

Modify the Places Bar—part 2

Recover from a fragmented or corrupted SYSTEM hive file

Enable or disable AutoComplete

Remove Service Pack 1 from the Add/Remove Programs list

Change disconnect timeout for network shares

Reinstall a service pack after a system repair

Access ZIP / removable drives in the Recovery Console

Remove folders or files that have blank or reserved names—part 1

Remove folders or files that have blank or reserved names—part 2

Add toolbars to your taskbar

Share permissions versus NTFS permissions

Dial contacts from your Windows Address Book

Control cookies to prevent Web sites from storing information on your computer

Manage other computers remotely with the Computer Management console

Redirect your user profile

Clean up old profiles

Enable services through the registry

Create a slipstream copy of Windows 2000 with SP2

Switch between classic and Web-enabled folder views

Get ready for Windows XP

Configure TCP/IP graphically

Enable compatibility options in Windows 2000 SP2

Use leading or trailing spaces in a password

Retrieve the current date and time in batch and command files

Use Disk Cleanup to increase disk space

Manage multiple identities

Install Windows 2000 over Linux

Use one NIC for two networks on a notebook

Remove Windows 2000 manually on a dual-boot system

Check your system’s security

Installing a fresh copy of Windows 2000 leaves old installation intact

Speed up reboot after system state restore

Scan systems with Microsoft Network Security Hotfix Checker

Prevent encryption when copying files to a server

Use TITLE to set the console title

General tips for using the FTP console command

View network connection status

Add error information to the network connection status dialog box

Control access to applications with Appsec.exe

Delete old user profiles to recover disk space

Replace files with the REPLACE command

Control unsigned driver installation

Fine-tune Internet Explorer’s behavior

Pull Media Player audio through your firewall

Pull RealPlayer streaming audio through your firewall

Dump and view the event logs from a console

Run Perl / CGI scripts on a Windows 2000 Pro computer

Host database connections for IIS

Moving custom colors and patterns between computers

Use multiple Clipboard items outside of Office

Manage network connections with Netcons.exe

Ouch! Say, “Bye, bye” to data with a profile copy

Don’t trash the DCHP client service!

Can you point me to the Internet, please?

Move over while I attack your Web server

Toss out that JetDirect software

Be a minimalist with your desktop

Netstat in a nutshell

Whack NetBIOS with DHCP options

Clean up your tray or no more pudding!

Pile it on your tray

SMTP yourself!

SMTP yourself! (part 2)

Where’s that taskbar?

They actually spent time fixing that?

Chain hotfixes for installation without a restart

Make a Remote Desktop connection from a Windows 2000 computer

Monitor system performance locally and remotely (part 1)

Monitor system performance locally and remotely (part 2)

Build a custom MMC management console

Publish a folder with IIS

Remove anonymous access from IIS and folders to improve security

Password recovery isn’t all that painful

Manage users with Cusrmgr.exe

Move users here, there, and everywhere

Make a batch file snooze with Sleep.exe

Improve wireless security to keep out the riffraff

Disable Microsoft Messenger

Handy rundll32 shortcuts

Find forgotten files faster

Lock the computer but keep the desktop visible

Quickly launch Control Panel applets

Configure policies for offline file synchronization

Simplify web site setup with Personal Web Manager

Transplant event logs to help them grow

Keep users out of hot water by hiding Control Panel applets

Disable media sense to recover lost connections

Auditing registry keys

Use UNC paths from a command prompt with PUSHD and POPD

Using active and passive FTP in Internet Explorer for file transfers

Backing up an Encrypting File System recovery key

Protect Windows 2000 from DOS attacks

Recognize Plug and Play LPT devices

Prevent specific folders from roaming

Move a user profile to a different location

Ensure Recovery Console access to a Windows 2000 computer

Help users handle document disk-space cramp

Expand messages from Outlook Express files

Hide Control Panel applets

Make Internet Explorer less friendly

Prevent group policy from applying to administrators

Redesign dialog boxes and other Windows elements with a resource editor

A quick tour of Service Pack 3

Shutdown and restart computers remotely with Shutdown.exe

ODBC connections 101

Keep ODBC components synchronized and up to date

Use Subinacl to take ownership and delete folders with blank or reserved names

Use Fdisk to clear a disk signature after cloning

Set up your own DNS server

Use Portqry.exe to query a system's ports

Secure VNC for remote control

Windows certificate trust goes too far

View additional information for processes in Task Manager

Just what is Svchost.exe?

Control Dynamic DNS settings in Windows 2000

Recover a system that shows a blank desktop after logon

Find search terms with Text Spotlight add-on

Restore logon locally right after unexpected policy change

Use Dxdiag to check DirectX components

Use this third-party add-on to effectively manage the file system

Explore and troubleshoot memory usage with Qslice.exe

View and manage the DNS resolver cache with Ipconfig

Duplicate quotas from one drive to another

Configure Windows to allow remote performance monitoring

Configure the logon screensaver in Windows 2000

Launch a new window from the console with START

Identify systems cloned using Sysprep

Kill Ntvdm.exe and Wowexec.exe to retrieve resources

Clear the Windows page file for security

Customize or disable Windows Help

Control automatic updates across a network

Save blue screen information for troubleshooting

Monitor shared folder access for security

Rename special system folders

Create Setup boot disks for systems without bootable CD

Secure FTP to prevent unauthorized access

Install FrontPage Server Extensions to support FrontPage publishing

Reduce worm susceptibility with secure shares

Increase logon timeout for slow networks

Use more of CMD's capabilities

Step into scripting with Windows Script Host

Redirect input and output in a console

Run commands automatically when a console opens

Repair a Windows 2000 installation

Dial-up connection generates "There was no answer" error message

Quickly locate unwanted media files

Redirect users' folders

Prevent users from running Cmd.exe

Use a parallel Windows installation to recover a system

Filter the event logs to quickly locate events

Share files with IIS

View and export event logs with Elogdmp.exe

Remove individual typed URLs from Internet Explorer

Specify directories to be scanned by the Indexing Service

Perform a query with the Indexing Service

Use and clear individual AutoComplete form fields in Internet Explorer

Create and share dialing rules and calling cards

Share ODBC connections between users

Manually remove Outlook Express

Restrict ActiveX controls with group policy

Prevent remote desktop and application sharing in NetMeeting

View and set file attributes from a console

Control the Start menu and taskbar with policies

Manage existing partition sizes

Limit IP traffic with IP filtering

Prevent logon if roaming profile fails

Disabling the Messenger service

Scheduling options for Windows

Changing file date/time attributes

Setting network priority

System hangs during login

Change process priority to improve performance

Check ACPI compatibility

Automating Windows tasks

View encrypted file system information

Move the system DLLCache folder to another drive

Configure application compatibility settings

Identify installed updates

View service startup at boot

Keyboard shortcuts for the command console

Add the capability to open a console through the context menu

Add file and folder information to Windows Explorer

Configuring Active Desktop content

Add recovery agents for EFS

Discard history of previous documents at shutdown

Run Msconfig on Windows 2000

Move the Internet Explorer cache

Add a service with Srvany

Control user ability to manage services

Fine-tune printer permissions

Configure security options for logon and shutdown

View routing tables with the route command

Modify your local routing table

View status with console-based file transfers

Simplify and lock down the user interface

Recover a system that won't logon after drive replacement

Add quick access to folders and applications in the Send To menu

Strengthen passwords for better security

Fix a registry on a dead system

Perform backups from the command console

Configure the SNMP service

Get quick network and host information from a command console

Create a VPN connection

Configure client-side offline file settings

Use unattended backups for simplicity

Create a sticky filtered Event Viewer

Use Dynamic DNS to update client host records

Identify open ports with netstat

Perform boot-time configuration with Autoexec.nt

Mimic CDs with Virtual CD

Use Internet Printing Across a Firewall

Limit disk usage for existing users with quotas

Managing DNS with IPCONFIG

Copy files with the context menu

Gather policy information with GPRESULT.EXE

Gather information about remote computers with scripts

Force system logoff with the Exit Screensaver

Recover missing desktop icons

Control the desktop with local or group policies

Simplify common MMC actions with Taskpads

Help users with accessibility features

Create VPN connections to remote VPN servers

Configure fax service options

Learn the ins and outs of the registry

Fix WebDAV access problems

Back up certificates

Gather folder data with Visual File Information

Create custom quota entries for users

Configure SNMP security settings

Copy user profiles

Troubleshoot DNS with ipconfig

Send information to users during logon

Simplify document access in My Documents and other folders

View remote resources with the NET command

Configure advanced Scheduled Tasks options

A tour of accessibility features in Windows

Running Backup from a command prompt

Improve security with strong passwords

Time-stamp events in batch files with Now.exe

Time commands and processes with Timethis.exe

Identify services from a command console with Sclist

Delete user profiles with Delprof.exe

Create Internet shortcuts to simplify resource access

A tour of nslookup

Manage the DNS client cache

Learn more about the registry

Install applications as services

Search the registry from a command line

Find files with Where.exe

Lock floppy drives with Floplock.exe

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