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Chime in about Windows XP

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Topic

Explorer default view

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

When I open Explorer, regardless of where I am, I want to see the left pane with the directory tree and the right pane with the files in the selected directory. Instead Windows XP Pro only lets me see the right pane.

What am I doing wrong?

Explorer default view

In reply to Explorer default view

Try adding this to Explorer properties:
%windir%\explorer.exe /n,/e,/select,C:\
This will open a right and left pane at the root of drive C

Reply To: Chime in about Windows XP

In reply to Explorer default view

I tried this in WinXP Home by putting it in the Wincows Explorer Properties/Shortcut place called Start in: but nothing changed from what occurs with :%HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH”%”, i.e., the original value. What I get is a left and right pane at the default of Desktop\My Documents but I would like to have it at My Computer\Local Disk (C:)

Default view

In reply to Reply To: Chime in about Windows XP

Try adding this to the end of windows shortcut.
/n,/e,/select,C:\
If not then make a new shortcut with:
explorer.exe /n,/e,/select,C:\
Works on XP pro & w2k pro

xp pro/xp home

In reply to Explorer default view

I have had a lot of compatability problems with windows xp-pro that do not exist in xp-home edition.

I guess they mean what they say pro and home.

I advise my friends to go for the home edition if they are not on a lan.

TomC
Olympia, WA, USA

Most Are On A LAN Though

In reply to xp pro/xp home

What compatability problems are you having with XP Pro. I have found XP Pro to be one of the most compatable operating systems yet. I also believe that XP Pro is better tailored to small businesses, which confirms your comment stating that XP Pro was better if you are on a LAN. But, I believe that XP Pro is better than Home even if you do not operate on a LAN.

NT Raoming Profiles & XP

In reply to Most Are On A LAN Though

Is anybody else having real problems using their NT Profiles on XP boxes? There are a bunch of known issues but not many fixes. Any thoughts?

Most Are On A LAN Though

In reply to xp pro/xp home

What compatability problems are you having with XP Pro? I have found XP Pro to be one of the most compatable operating systems yet. I also believe that XP Pro is better tailored to small businesses, which confirms your comment stating that XP Pro was better if you are on a LAN. But, I believe that XP Pro is better than Home even if you do not operate on a LAN.

XP Pro is quite Stable

In reply to xp pro/xp home

As opposed my friend
XP Pro is much more stable and compatabile with other environments.
Even if u dont have LAN on a stand alone PC also
XP pro offers a much better stability compared to XP Home ed.
I have used both and would most definitely recomend Prof. Ed
Ofcourse the price factor does cut in but if price is not the issue to be taken in cosideration Then
XP prof is better any time

Explorer view

In reply to Explorer default view

When you have explorer open just click on the “folder” icon on the Standard buttons toolbar and you will get the view you are looking for.

xp explorer

In reply to Explorer view

On my system, there seems to be two files named “expolorer.exe”. One give you a normal display, the other starts you in my documents-yuck! Ron

explorr view

In reply to Explorer view

It really is just that simple.I don’t know why everyone seems to get so technical when the answer is so simple.

Explorer view .. then

In reply to Explorer view

go to tools> folder options> view> and click on apply to all folders. Now everytime you open explorer you will have both sides.

WIN key + E key

In reply to Explorer default view

Hold down the WIN key the tap the E key – and you’ll get to Windows Explorer in the exact format you desire.

Set Explorer to “C” as default

In reply to Explorer default view

To have Windows Explorer open by default to “C” instead of other annoying alternatives, make a “shortcut” to Explorer (if you already have one, use that). Right click on the shortcut, then select “Properties”. In the target box, change the entry to read “%SystemRoot%\explorer.scf” . Probably you will have “…\explorer.exe” presently, in which case simply delete the ‘exe’ and insert ‘scf’ instead. This way you never have to remember to do anything except start Explorer.

Another Method to Set “C” As Default

In reply to Set Explorer to “C” as default

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /e,C:\

explorer default view

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Hope this helps. I think clicking on the folders icon on the toolbar will bring up the explorer tree. Works on mine.

Explorer Default View

In reply to explorer default view

Yup, clicking the folders icon toggles the left pane off and on.

Explorer Default View

In reply to Explorer Default View

Hold the windows key down and press the ‘E’ key, gives you the default view of my computer and the drives tree on the left, the right pane will have the appropriate folders

Where did the Lock Workstation fearture go

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

With Windows 2000 and NT 4 you could do a ctrl-alt-delete and get a dialog box that allowed you to LOCK the Workstation. I have not been able to do that with XP. Can someone tell me if the feature is still part of XP and how to initiate a LOCK WORKSTATION. It is a good way to secure the workstation when you need to leave to do other things.

Use Display Properties to set “lock workstation”

In reply to Where did the Lock Workstation fearture go

Go to control panel, Appearance & Themes, Choose a Screensaver. Next to the amount of time to wait before activating the screensaver, check off the box, “On resume, display Welcome screen.” Windows will now “lock” your workstation upon activating the screensaver as long as your logon has a password.

Is there an on demand LOCK function

In reply to Use Display Properties to set “lock workstation”

I have used the Screensaver “Lock” but that requires you to leave the workstation active as you leave your office. Is there a way on demand force the workstation Lock function as in Windows 2000 and NT?
Thanks in advance!

lock system shortcut

In reply to Is there an on demand LOCK function

I have an icon on desktop
Create a shortcut
paste in the following

%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

call it lock or whatever you want

it’s called switch user now.

In reply to Is there an on demand LOCK function

configure your account with a password and any other with a password. Then just initiate a switch user, and the welcome screen comes up requiring your password. In a windows network with the Pro version it works as it always has in 2k and NT. the switch user solution stink because it will kill some apps /applets like VPN connections, etc., but it is all we have to work with now.

on demand Lock available

In reply to Is there an on demand LOCK function

When you want to leave. Press Crtl+ALT+DEL then the enter Key. This brings up the the Windows securty window. You have six choice with the default being “Lock Computer”. Since it is highlighted, pressing the enter key is the same as click in it. Note This assumes that you have user passwords required on the machine.

Lock it up

In reply to Use Display Properties to set “lock workstation”

To manually lock the workstation (with applications still running), press the Windows logo key and hold it, then press the L key. A Windows logon screen will appear. You can then log back when when ready.

Lock it Up works great

In reply to Lock it up

Thank you for you reply. It is simple after you find it.
Thanks!!!

Try this…

In reply to Lock it Up works great

Create a shortcut with the following line in the Target field:

“%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation”

In the Start field type “%windir%”

Now you can just click on the shortcut to lock your workstation (this also works in Win2K). I put it in my Quick Launch toolbar along with my other frequently used apps.

Press “Windows” + “L”

In reply to Where did the Lock Workstation fearture go

If you press the Windows logo key on your keyboard with the “L” key it will lock the computer for your instantly.

Windows Logo Key + L

Reply To: Chime in about Windows XP

In reply to Where did the Lock Workstation fearture go

You can use the windows key and L on the keyboard to lock your desktop i windows XP. However if you are connected to a server that runs windows server 2000 you can still use ctr+alt+del to lock the desktop

lock XP

In reply to Where did the Lock Workstation fearture go

pressing ctrl-alt-delete brings up the windows security screen on the XP boxes I manage. Then just select Lock Computer.
Simple

XP Networking sux!

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I have 30 whitebox XP PC’s under my control, and right out of the box some are immediately capable of joining workgroups and displaying other networked computers in My Network Places, and some won’t. For those that won’t network, I have tried at least 30 different networking adjustments/changes, with no results! This is ridiculous, as no other MS OS’s are this bad at networking. Nothing–and I mean NOTHING–makes easier, better connections to a W2k server than a Macintosh OS9 or OSX computer. Shame on M$.

XP networking problem

In reply to XP Networking sux!

I too have a problem with a “white box” (actually self built) and it’s ability to join a domain. I can ping the other pc’s all day long, but forget about browsing them and seeing shares. I would like to be able to use this pc for lan parties/gaming, but the networking needs to work first! I too have tried different lan card, deinstall/reinstall TCP/IP, you name it. Nothing, nada, zipo works. HELP!

Confirm Server Settings

In reply to XP networking problem

When dealing with domains, there are a lot of other complications over and above the typical networking configurations with workgroups. You probably already know this, if you have any machines successfully connected to your domain. Verify that your domain has both a computer and a user account set up that is valid on the network and has the proper credentials (ACL rights) to access the network resources and try again. *Remember, you MUST be a domain administrator or have ‘special permissions’ granted to your domain account in order to add a computer to a domain!*

networking problem

In reply to XP networking problem

I realize this is an obvious question, but will ask anyway. Have you turned off the firewall that is built into XP?

I didn’t know.

In reply to networking problem

I didn’t know about the XP firewall. How do I turn it off? Do you think this could be my problem with Novell clients taking 1 minute or more after logging in to get past the login screen or could be the problem causing users to have to shut off the computer after getting in an endless loop with logging in & getting the login screen again and again?

Turning off Firewall

In reply to I didn’t know.

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Select Network Connections.
3. Select Local Area Network.
4. Go to Advanced Tab.
5. Uncheck the check box that say,
“Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.”
6. Click OK and exit Control Panel.

You may have to restart your PC (not sure).

Turning off Firewall faster

In reply to Turning off Firewall

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. select windows firewall and turn it off.
3. go to contol panel Security Center and click on “Change the way security center notifies me” un check the firewall box or you will keep getting anoying popups telling you your firewall is off.

Same story

In reply to XP networking problem

Exact thing here…notebook . I can also ping others pc, but no shares.. If you log with this user on another pc works like a charm. The best thing is, that it worked till the user went to hollidays. When he returned after a week and log on….nixa.??!!??

Xp Networking (Questions & things to try)

In reply to Same story

Are you using DNS or Wins settings?
If you don’t have any thing in wins you might try using one of the computers for a wins server.
Also if the DNS is wrong then you would have a problem seeing the other computers.

You said that you could ping the computer is that by IP address or by computer name?
If you can ping by IP address then try pinging the computer by it’s name. This will tell you if you are able to resolve the name of the computer and will verify that DNS is working correctly.
nd what do you have set as a default gateway.

Re: Questions & things to try

In reply to Xp Networking (Questions & things to try)

Yes, thanks, WINS and DNS settings are provided by the DHCP server. A quick check of ipconfig /all confirms that all settings for default gateway, DNS, WINS, leased IP address are present. And yes, you’ve described the problem perfectly; I can ping anyone by IP address, but never anyone by name. Some other XP PC’s with the same config are doing both fine, and able to see all other computers in the workgroup.

Try this…

In reply to Re: Questions & things to try

Open a command prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns”. This will flush the local DNS cache. Try connecting again. I have actually prevented my PC from caching DNS entries locally via a Registry hack. One other problem I have had recently is that a particular PC on our domain won’t connect with DHCP but is fine with a static IP. Might be worth a try.

Reverse DNS lookup

In reply to Re: Questions & things to try

Make sure you have a reverse lookup set in your dns so that computers can resolve name to ip and vice versa…
***when you buy white boxes that have been preinstalled never assume that the same person or even a qualified person(s) set them up. just a note***

file sharing

In reply to Same story

Always check the workgroup name and permisions.
the workgroup name must be the same or you won’t be able to see each other. If you want to access files on another computer you must have an account with the same username and password or you woun’t be able to connect through network browsing.

You will be able to connect by using a UNC path \\servername(or ip address)\sharename.

if you don’t have an account on the computer and you are not using win9x then you will be asked for a username and password (providing simple file sharing is turned off on the server)

XP networking problem

In reply to XP networking problem

please help me also . I’m trying to setup a printer sharing im my internet cafe .But nothing seem to work . I have done it all All if you are asking?

Printers, the bain of …

In reply to XP networking problem

If you have a network printer then give it an ip address and install the printer as a local printer on all the computers by creating a local tcp/ip port. This way you will all be able to use it.

If it is a printer attached to one computer then everryone who needs to use it must have an account of some type on the sharing computer.

XP networking problem

In reply to XP networking problem

I’m betting that you are using whiteboxes with Windows XP Home installed. If that is the case, then you can forget about joining them to your domain because XP-Home doesn’t recognize domains. It will only work with workgroups and only if you have the users added to the computers that have the resources you are trying to access. If you use the Administrator account on all of them, fine (but password must be the same). Just don’t think that using the Domain-Admin account will work – because it won’t!

I too get LAN probs on XP

In reply to XP networking problem

I can have my LAN working in the day but if i have to reboot XP then when it restarts there is no LAN connection, it shows the icon in the task bar that it is connected & will send but not recieve, when i click the status, then support it shows it as automatic address & wont repair when i ask it too, i have found the only way to get it to work is to run the small office netork wizard EVERYTIME i want my LAN back, then in the status panal it shows it as a Manual Address, it seems XP is lazy & just does what it wants when it wants

Poss. Suggestion

In reply to XP networking problem

I had similar aggravations. After much jiggery pokery I discovered that some makes of LAN card won’t talk to other makes. I purchased a batch of the same manufacturer card – installed them and away it all went. Ooooer!

Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

In reply to XP Networking sux!

Remember that all MS client OSs are limited to the 10 concurrent connection limit (and even less if you change the default properties to the shares). Also, make sure that none of the PCs are working as gateways or running any server services because this will also cause you much headache!

Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

In reply to Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

Does anyone know of a way to increase the number of clients (peer to peer) above the current limit of 10? Windows 98 has no such limit but this isn’t a practical solution.

Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

In reply to Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

There is a work-around and a fix.

Workarounds:

Reducing the AutoDisconnect Time setting reduces the likelyhood of the problem
(use regedit) The default setting is 15 Minutes

Make sure that none of the PC’s have a persistent connection.

Fix:

Connection Limits
XP Pro allows 10 connections. This limit is installed by default in the metabase key MaxConnections for W3SVC, and there is no user interface method for modifying the setting. You can change this setting to any number less than 40 and it works, but that is not widely advertised. (set it to 39)

You can edit the metabase — just download MetEdit2.2

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/metaedit.html

I have found some XP machines this software wouldn’t run on, but it didn’t do any damage.

Error opening registry

In reply to Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

This would be wonderful to not be limited by 10 connections. I installed the software and got “a fatal error occured trying to access the registry” restarted the computer, same problem. any ideas?

Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

In reply to Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

There is a work-around and a fix.

Workarounds:

Reducing the AutoDisconnect Time setting reduces the likelyhood of the problem
(use regedit) The default setting is 15 Minutes

Make sure that none of the PC’s have a persistent connection.

Fix:

Connection Limits
XP Pro allows 10 connections. This limit is installed by default in the metabase key MaxConnections for W3SVC, and there is no user interface method for modifying the setting. You can change this setting to any number less than 40 and it works, but that is not widely advertised. (set it to 39)

You can edit the metabase — just download MetEdit2.2

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/metaedit.html

I have found some XP machines this software wouldn’t run on, but it didn’t do any damage.

Win98 and peer-to-peer

In reply to Client is limited to 10 concurrent connections

Due to WinXP’s limit of 10 concurrent connections, I set up my “fileserver” on a Win98 box, since I’m on a peer-to-peer network without a proper server – another advantage to this is that I can set passwords on shared folders so Win95/98 and XP clients can all access them. If the fileserver was on WinXP, it relies on the user login and doesn’t play well with Win9x. You can’t set a password on a shared folder. Does anyone know if and how I can set passwords on folders in WinXP (pro) – Microsoft’s Knowledge Base Article entitled something like “Creating and sharing password-protected folders in WinXP” tells how to enable file-sharing, but does not address passwords at all, even though “password-protected folders” is in the title. MS’s phone tech support guys were stumped, too. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Win 98 and peer-to-peer

In reply to Win98 and peer-to-peer

Try turning on “Simple File Sharing” in the Folder View options. I believe that reverts Windows XP’s file sharing system back to the way Win 9x worked. Note though, this only works in Workgroup mode. It won’t let you enable simple file sharing if you’re using a domain.

Domains and XP

In reply to XP Networking sux!

I did not see this asked but are you running XP PRO or Home, Home cannot join a domain. Also check the built in firewall settings it really works it will even shut out networks.

Reply to all regarding networking

In reply to Domains and XP

Yes, thanks for the pointers, everyone. My XP PC’s run Pro, so yes, they should be able to join domains, etc. However,I am not even using a bonifide domain at work, just Workgroups (because we’re 50/50 with Macs). Firewalls are turned off, there are no other concurrent connections, yes I too can ping everything all day, I’ve released & renewed DHCP leases, played with many services, rebuilt the TCP/IP stack using NetShell, placed entries in the Host file, all with no result. I’ve compared the few Workgroup-joining XP PC’s with those that don’t, and can’t find any difference! Any other suggestions are welcome.

Another Possibility

In reply to Reply to all regarding networking

It is also possible in Policy Editor of the host machine to turn off certain user(s) group(s) from accessing a machine across the network, which would allow a user to log in locally fine but would not allow a user to connect to the same shared folder across the network share.

try this . . .

In reply to Reply to all regarding networking

it sounds simplistic, but try installing XP’s IPX/SPX compatible protocol to the servers and the boxes that are giving you trouble – or all boxes – it did the trick for a similar problem i was having.

Another Point

In reply to try this . . .

Try this also. Open the command prompt window, type: ipconfig /flushdns. This will delete the current dns cache so that unresolved dns names won’t cause a hangup. Works for websites in IE also.

Another thing to look at is the use of Client for Microsoft Networks for login. Try using Windows logon for all machines. Make sure that Enable LMHOSTS LOOKUP is enabled in the advanced TCP/IP settings for WINS. Also use the default setting for NETBIOS, if this doesn’t work set it to Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP for all machines. Also you can force XP to install the NetBIOS protocal if needed.

Home networks don’t really need to be part of a domain, just a workgroup. Keep your network as simple as possible.

Here’s a website I’ve found invaluable for network beginners, http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

Check your user accounts and rights

In reply to Reply to all regarding networking

A possible issue that I have found to be true in many cases involving workgroups is user account problems.
Have you set up a user account with the same name and password on each machine? I don’t really understand why it should be a problem, but if you don’t have user accounts with same name, rights and password on both machines you will probably not be able to browse or access shares.

However I have to pose this question: why is it that on a certain percentage of machines that ARE set up in this way I STILL cannot access them?

2nd reply to XP networkers

In reply to Check your user accounts and rights

Even though it sounds crazy, I’ll give the IPX/SPX idea a try. Regarding the creation of user accounts for every user on every PC in the workgroup, this shouldn’t be necessary just to see other computers in My Network Places, and at this point, that’s all I want. Still, I have some XP PC’s that participate admirably in the Workgroup, and some who refuse. BTW, I’ve also ensured that NetBios is configured correctly (the same) on those that do join the Workgroupm and those that don’t. Baffling.

Policy Editor

In reply to 2nd reply to XP networkers

Oh yes, thanks for this advice, but Policy Editors haven’t been touched in neither the W2k server or the XP Pro PC’s.

Just a thought

In reply to 2nd reply to XP networkers

What virus software are you running. I use PCcillan and it has a firewall, try turning it off or any other software firewall you might be running.

file sharing

In reply to 2nd reply to XP networkers

Windows XP network file sharing is dead simple if you keep in mind some simple rules.
1 – everyone you want to be able to see should be in the same workgroup.
2 – turn off simple file sharing.
3 – all the users that you want to be able to share files with need a user name and password account the same as is being used on the workstations. If you are using win98 with no password this will cause problems, give the account any password.
4 – NTFS file system will allow you to give file and folder level security.
5 – And if you realy want to get exotic use the “users and groups” to fine tune the permissions.

I look after some fairly big networks, with and without AD domain control. When I follow these guidlines it always works and when someone can’t connect it is because one of the rules has been broken.

If you change passwords alot and don’t use a domin controller you will have your work cut out for you.

Ger

Wins Advanced TCP/UP setting…

In reply to Reply to all regarding networking

This sounds very similar to a problem that I had. If you are using DHCP addressing, make sure that the “Use NetBIOS setting from the DHCP server” choice under TCP/IP advance options is chosen. Without this checked I was able to ping but unable to browse just as you had explained. Once I chose this option I had no problem. I hope this helps.

Already did it, thanks

In reply to Wins Advanced TCP/UP setting…

Yes, I’ve already made sure to have that box checked (“get Netbios setting from DHCP server”). And to be sure, the DHCP server–a Cisco router–does indeed direct clients to a working WINS server. The DHCP server directs every PC to a B-node WINS address, and the WINS server is a Windows 2000 box. Still stumped.

Reply To: Chime in about Windows XP

In reply to Already did it, thanks

Try cleaning system with AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy.There are known highjacks that will cause this problem. AdAware specifically has bailed me out several times.Get it at
http://lavasoft.element5.com/software/adaware/

XP Networking sux

In reply to XP Networking sux!

I work for a school district. I have 113 XP pro’s and 72 MAC’s in 1 school and I have never had a problem making any of them connect maybe if you were to clarify the problem area other than MS you could resolve this issue.

XP Networking

In reply to XP Networking sux!

When initially installing Windows XP and you don’t specify a network setup, Windows XP sets it up for DHCP (or doesn’t set it up at all if you choose not to use a network).

One of the issues I have found is not enabling NETBIOS over TCP/IP. Maybe you have done that, but that is one area I look if I have problems not communicating.

Also, your firewall must allow NETBIOS communication between the computers. I have Zone Alarm and that was the major problem. I placed my computers in the Trusted zone and they worked fine.

As far as sharing printers, you need to establishe a connection to the computer first by browsing for it via Windows Explorer or My Network Places. This creates a connect to the computer and triggers an authentication dialog box to login to that computer. You can setup a specific account just to log into the computer you want to use.

Now, Windows XP may install the printer automatically because it found it on the network. In reality, it will not print because there is no security account associated with 1)Sharing and 2)Permissions. They BOTH must be there to use the printer (otherwise you won’t be able to control the printer, only see it).

As far as Windows XP being easy to install on a network, its my belief that frustration only adds to the problem. Step back from the situation and diagram the network. Do something else for a while and see if that works.

not connecting to the network – try this

In reply to XP Networking sux!

As DinoTech suggested: “One of the issues I have found is not enabling NETBIOS over TCP/IP.” Check this first in the TCP/IP Properties of the network adapter > Advanced > WINS — verify Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is checked.

DHCP Client (note client) in services should also be running as a service.

Lastly and this is what resolved the issue for me use regedit or regedt32 to make the following changes:

Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM >CurrentControlSet > Browser >Parameters > MaintainServerList

Set the value of MaintainServerList to No instead of auto. This resolved the issue for me after a support call to Microsoft.

This is a very frustrating problem with XP.

Got it figured out.

In reply to not connecting to the network – try this

Thanks for all the responses. Simply put, a re-format & reinstall solved the problem. Some respondents to this string didn’t read the original question. These were all XP Pro PC’s joining a Workgroup, not a Domain. It was just a small handful of these PC’s experiencing this problem. They’re excellent machines from a reputable white box mfgr, with some snafu regarding the OS installs on a few of the machines. So, there was just an indeterminable something “broken” within the install, solved by an R&R.

Ping problems with XP

In reply to XP Networking sux!

Hi,
at my work place I start to update all workstations from W2K to XP, and I encounter a problem.

Whan I try to resolv an IP with command prompt ( ex: 151.67.34.2 -a ) to see the name of machine it display me only the IP.

But whan I put a name of computer ( ex: PRIVATE ) than it resolv me the IP.

So what I’m doing wrong???

The domain controller that I use is installed on NT4, is this maybe a problem?

With W2K everything works just fine.

Thank you in advance for every useful suggestion/information.

itacrodna

When will the Windows UI settle down?

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

The constant “change” in the Windows user interface contradicts the whole idea of a consistent user interface.

Although M$ adds features and “new” items, Windows XP (as with every prior release of Windows) presents a retraining effort for everyone.

Although there is the ability to use “classic” mode, there’s no doubt that “classic” mode of UI operation will slide off the deep end one day.

In other GUI environments (Mac, Xwindows), the consistency makes it MUCH easier to deploy a new release of the OS, with minimal impact to the organization.

(When) will the Windows user interface give users an easy, understandable migration path?

The GUI changes to justify the Price

In reply to When will the Windows UI settle down?

MS seems to think that if the GUI changes, we will ‘notice’ the new version better, thus be impressed.

Sort of like all of the ‘Automatic’ services – being considered ‘value’, I have installed XP 3 times, each time I need to spend (seriously) several hours deleting crap (pre-installed XP has Compuserve, AOL, MSN – which need to be uninstalled, then folders deleted) and setting numerous unneeded ‘Automatic’ settings to Manual (and STOP) to reduce memory usage and processor ‘distractions’.

Also, two of these PC’s are NEVER on the Web – they are dedicated graphics workstations. So getting updates is a pain in the butt also (as well as the ‘painless’ activation phonecall). MS seems to assume that if you have a PC that you must want to surf the Web and network them (by default ?!), these options should be availible – but not ‘Automatic’ – or there should be an install option to make these manual, automatic, or disabled (ready to enable if/when needed).

Linux’s weakness is it’s strength here, if you want those services – you must set them up – so by default the OS is lean and able to operate on PC’s “too old” for XP (like Pentium I, or even 386).

At least in the “Performance” configuration, there is a box to simply check for “fast/efficient”, which turns off most of the GUI bloating (no, I don’t even use wallpaper – even on my PC’s with 1024 Mb of memory installed).

Remember, that for many – the new OS means that they had to retire their (still working) “Old” PC for a new box. How annoying that is already without seeing what looks like the ‘same old’ OS – so MS provides a bunch of new GUI to impress the ignorant (and it confuses everyone).

XP defaults

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Does XP have a default in that it creates backups of all files, saving them to a user directory structure that is also a backup? My dad created a user profile(Tom), but his files seem to get saved to that directory structure at times and also to a backup directory structure at times (Tom1). If so, does anyone know how to disable this feature?

strange but true

In reply to XP defaults

A folder seeming to belong to a known user occurs when Windows XP cannot find or cannot access the old folder (multiple reasons this could happen) and therefore attempts to create a new one, just like it would with a new account. Since one already exists with that name, it puts it in with the same name followed by 1,2,3 etc. The best way I’ve found to resolve this is to copy all the profile settings files you wish to keep from the new profile into the old one, then log on as ‘Administrator’ and delete the new profile. This way the next time that user logs in, it should begin to use the old folder again. If this does not work, backup all files to a non-system directory and delete the user then recreate him, restoring his files to the new account.

Hide inactive icons changes by itself

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Does anyone know why after you set specific icons to “Always Show” in the taskbar they occasionally revert back to “Hide When Inactive”? About once a month I have an on Outlook icon or MSN Messenger icon that just reset themselves.

Unused Icons Timeout

In reply to Hide inactive icons changes by itself

Icons basically ‘timeout’ (for a lack of a better term) in windows, causing them to revert back to hide when inactive. I don’t know why it happens that way, but I’ve had the same problem. The best solution I have found that always works is to disable the hide icons feature altogether. (Do this by right-clicking the taskbar, choose properties, and on one of the two tabs (I think the second) there should be a checkbox to ‘hide unused icons in the system tray’, just uncheck to disable, apply, ok.

Replacing MoBo in WinXP Pro

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Does WinXP Pro require a reinstall when swapping out to a new motherboard or will it recognize the new mobo as just a new hardware component and just install the new drivers?

If it does require a complete WinXP Pro reinstall, do you also have to reinstall all your third party software programs again or does the reinstall act like an ‘upgrade install’ and keeps all your programs & settings?

replacing mobo…

In reply to Replacing MoBo in WinXP Pro

If yours is a white-box-add-OS-later system and you are only changing the board, XP should see it as only replacing one piece of hardware and you’ll not need to re-activate. If it’s a pre-fab like a Dell you may have issues related to the “proprietary” system software that Dell adds.
Another issue you should consider is that swapping out the board can be done without reloading the OS if you go into Safe Mode and unistall all hardware related to the mobo. This can be tricky if you don’t get it all. That said, it is usually better to do a clean reload of the OS. This way you are less likely to have any conflicting driver issues and you can create a pristine system restore disk in case of a crash… Reinstalling the OS will prevent some headaches that are more difficult to resolve.

Just like NT and W2K

In reply to Replacing MoBo in WinXP Pro

XP is just as finicky about major hardware changes as W2K and NT.

And with the new “feature” of product activation, you have an added layer.

The “recommended” process is to:

Back up the system. Less the Hardware Extraction layer.

Format the hard drive.

Install the new motherboard.

Install XP clean onto the hard drive.

Restore from the backup.

How much you need to do depends on how similar the new hardware is to the old.

If you use a motherboard with the same chip-set on it, XP should be able to recover on it’s own.

If you make a significant jump in a manufactures chip-set line, or the new motherboard has a different brand chip-set, you can expect problems.

While I have not tried it, I have been advised of 1 potential work-around.
Install the new motherboard, and boot from the XP CD.
Choose to do a repair installation (not recovery console).
According to my source, it has worked every time for him.

If the new motherboard is VERY similar, you can improve your chances for success by using the sysprep tool from Microsoft.

With “modern” motherboards, you can expect to take 4 hits toward product activation.
Different NIC 2 points.
Different mass storage controller 1 point.
Different Intel CPU 1 point.

If you change the video card and the amount of installed RAM, thats 2 more points.

If you trigger a product activation event, you need to get a new activation code before you can boot up again.

Chas

XP hates HW changeouts

In reply to Replacing MoBo in WinXP Pro

My experience so far is that XP does not handle a MB change very well. It usually hangs during the boot process if you make such a change. I did my sisters this past weekend and have done others. Her old SIS Athlon MB had crapped so in went a new VIA based board. I even booted to safe mode and uninstalled all the uninstallable SIS drivers. Machine hung during next reboot. I then installed XP over itself booting from the CD and got the system running. Then did some more cleanup of everything I could find related to the SIS parts. Finally installed the Via specific drivers and the system was running pretty nicely. Saved her from reinstalling all her apps. I agree a “clean” install is best but for her putting back all that software would have been a bear. And finally, a hardward change as significant as a new MB is going to require reactiviation. Depending on circumstances, may do it through the Internet or may have to call MS.

Restore XP and AutoCAD .MNS files

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I just did a system restore going back only one day. Prior to the sytem restore I had modified two AutoCAD .MNS files with signigicant changes. After doing the system restore to the previous day the menu changes were gone. In further investigating I discovered that the AutoCAD MNS files are written to the registry and tied back to the .MNS files. I was both shocked and amazed that what is basically a TXT file anyone can edit would have this happen. Just thought I would post this as a warning in case anyone else is using XP and AutoCAD together. My recommendation is to make a copy of any .MNS files after modifiying them just in case and good practice too.

Power Management

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Does anyone have a good solution for the Power Management in Active Directory (Win2000) for WindowsXP desktops? We are having to put to the users in the power user group so that they can adjust the power option but we would not like to so that if possible. Has anyone ran into this situation on WinXP machine?

Yes we have

In reply to Power Management

The XP image we use defaults to a laptop power setting even for desktops. We change the power settings before we give it to the users.

Can’t change for every user

In reply to Yes we have

We change the default power setting under an admin account but each user(lots)that signs on has to change the power setting. I would like to make the default for everyone to be Always On.

This is what I do

In reply to Power Management

I use the following as a workaround.

Set your own Power Otions as you want. Go into the registry and export that key to your C drive. Create a shortcut to the reg file with “%SYSTEMROOT%\regedit.exe -s c:\PowerAlwaysOn.reg” as the target. Copy this shortcut to the startup for all users.

Haven’t figured out a way to script it yet, so I do this to each machine as we roll them out.

Works for me. Hope it helps…

How Secure is the EFS system of Windows XP

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

G’day!

I just wonder if anyone would have some in-depth knowledge on ?how secure is the EFS system of Windows XP?.

Recently I download a password recovery tool called LC4 from the Internet and I was shocked how easy you can crack logon passwords on a Windows XP machine. As far as I know Windows XP uses a strong encryption key to encrypt the files with EFS and then uses the logon password to encrypt the encryption key.

With other words: my computer gets stolen. They can hook up my hard disk as a secondary to their primary hard disk, crack easily the logon password with a tool like LC4 and then boot my hardisk as primary and logons with my username and password and have access to everthing.

Anyone out there with some in-depth knowledge?

Regards,
Mark (Australia)

Got Knoppix?

In reply to How Secure is the EFS system of Windows XP

If they steal your PC, they don’t have to crack the passwords. Ever used live-linux cd called Knoppix? It boots from CD into XF86, and fortunately (for some) mounts all HDD partitions, including NTFS. Unlimited access with read/write privileges. Start thinking of a new doorlock…
LC4 cracks NT passwords in halves working on two halves independently. That’s why it is so fast, the halves are only 7 chars long, which takes much less time to break than 14 chars. BTW, try also Advanced NT Password Recovery from Elcomsoft. I will check it out anyway (EFS I mean), and then post it here.

Cannot manage W2K PCs from XP

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I cannot get access to some of my W2K PC from the computer mangement console of my XP Pro machine. The Admin group is set corretly for the domain account but no luck. Got the latest hot fix 828735 but still cannot gain access.

WinXP: My Network Places

In reply to Cannot manage W2K PCs from XP

This has also happened to me.Open the ‘My Network Places’ Click on ‘View Network Connections’than right click on ‘Lan Or High speed Internet’ this will show you if it is enabled or disabled. WinXP has a nasty way of disabling the network if it cannot find it after a few goes at it. Also try to boot up all computers at the same time for them to connect. But make sure that Windows XP has the network enabled First. Any windows operating system lower than XP have a habit of not seeing the network. Click on ‘Search’ and Find Computers and type in the name that you need to look for. I am sure that you will have success.

The network is OK

In reply to WinXP: My Network Places

This looks like it may be some type of permission problem that gets created when W2k PCs are not up to date on the service packs. Some W2K PCs show up but not all the PCs from the XP machine. Thanks.

UDF SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS EXPLORER

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

THIS IS A FEATURE THAT IS NEEDED IN THE WINDOWS EXPLORER. UDF SUPPORT FOR DRAG AND DROP FOR COPYING FILES ONE MEDIA TO ANOTHER!

EXAMPLE: A HITACHI DZMV100A CAMCORDER DVD-RAM DISK IN A HITACHI GD8000 DVD-ROM DRIVE.
TASK:COPY FILES FROM DVD-ROM TO A TOSHIBA SDW2002 DVD-RAM FOR ARCHIVING!!!
IN WINDOWS XP NO SUPPORT!
WHAT DOES ONE DO TO COMPLETE TASK????

Windows XP Professional

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I have a computer chess game, Century 4.0 made by Rebel, that will not run in Windows XP because it is a DOS based program. Is there any solution or fix for this problem?

Thank you,
Chris Johnson

Password “to long” in Internet Explorer

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Trying to help a friend with a problem. He is trying to log in to this adress: http://webbgunda.ub.gu.se:8000/cgi-bin/chameleon
At the top left-corner he is trying to fill in 10 character long number. He can only fill it with 8 chars. Then there is no more room. A number of other “helper” have tried (including me) & it’s possible to fill it with at least 14 chars. He also get black “balls/dots” instead of * for each char. We have tried this: check language, types (for character), check for coding(? view/coding/WesternEurope), write the password in Notes & copy the chars into the password-box.
Nothing helps!
Any ideas?

re: password too long…

In reply to Password “to long” in Internet Explorer

The reason that you are getting large dots rather than asterisks (*) is that you are using Internet Explore. This, then, may be the reason for the other issue. Try to update Internet Explore, if possible. If you can’t resolve the issue that way, use Netscape, or better still, Mozilla as your web browser. I hope something here helps.

Faster load time

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Would you like to see XP load the desktop and startup programs faster? If you have at least 256 megs of ram you may want to try this reg hack that loads the kernal into memory at startup.

HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\CONTROL\SESSIONMANAGER\MEMORYMANAGEMENT\pagingexecutive change to 1 and 0 to put it back———this hack puts the kernel into ram.

IE file download window on XP

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Running XP and IE 6.0, but when I click on a text file to download the “file download” window that prompts me to save (like on my 2k box) does not appear, it just opens the text file and am unable to save it. Is there a setting in IE or XP to get the file download window to appear?

Thanks.

WIN XP SUPPORT FOR UDF FILES IN WINDOS EXPLORER

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

THERE IS A NEED FOR SUPPORT IN WINDOWS XP FOR THE UDF FILE SYSTEM IN WINDOWS EXPLORER!!
I HAVE A HITACHI DVD CAMCORDER,ITS OUTPUT MEDIA IS A 80 CM DISK IN VIDEO VRO FORMAT.I READ FROM A GD 8000 HITACHI DVD-ROM BUT WIN XP DOES NOT RECONIZE THE FILE FORMAT. THE SYSTEM LOCKS UP AND GOES IN THE BAG!!!!THE FUNCTION I REQUIRE IS DRAG AND DROP FROM WINDOWS EXPLORER. INSTANT CD/DVD, VOB 6.5 HAS DRIVERS THAT WORK.PINNACLE INSTANT DC/DVD VER7,8 DROPPED SUPPORT FOR DVD-RAM UDF 2.00.SOFTARCH WRITE DVD HAS DRIVERS THAT SUPPORT DRAG AND DROP IN WINDOWS XP.YOUR COST WOULD BE APROX $80 EACH PROGRAM!!!

Searchpage

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Hi Guy!!
Being a member of this group really helps me a lot,Really and gives me a lot of new information on IT world,

I would like to as if you can help with with my problem in windows XP regarding the Searchpage that always pop up with my pc each time i open my internet explorer.

Thanks and More power.

jhondz

search page . . .

In reply to Searchpage

this sounds like a spyware problem, not an XP issue. many spyware programs install a search toolbar in Internet Explorer, or a search page that pops up or replaces your home page. run Ad-aware and/or Spybot Search & Destroy, if that doesn’t do it, download CWShredder to see if you have something the other two can’t fix – all are free downloads, just Google the names.

Computer is idle and using 97% of processing capability

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

My WindowsXP computer with a Pentium 4 is processing at 97% + – 3% while not running any application. When I do run an application, it is so busy rendering nonsense my applications run poorly. I’m wondering what processes it is safe to pull the plug on?

Computer is idle and using 97% CPU

In reply to Computer is idle and using 97% of processing capability

Hi, if you are looking at Windows Task Manager, Proceses tab, and see that “System Idle Process” is using 99% CPU, that is normal, and I’ll try to state this correctly, that number is showing what the CPU actually isn’t doing, that 99% is actually the number of cpu free time. If it approached 0%, your cpu would be maxed out. But if you are referring to the task manager window on the task bar, and it is all green, and the tool tip says 97%, then yes, something is very cpu intensive. Click the performance tab and watch the logging, that will give you a better idea of actual cpu usuage. Also look under the process tab, and you can see the cpu usage for each process that is running. Don’t be surprised while watching under process tab that everything is at 0%, leave it up and just watch, and when XP, does something in the back ground, you will see that service cpu report some cpu usuage, and the system idle process go down. Sorry for the long post, hope I didn’t confuse you.

Run an Anti-Virus and spyware check

In reply to Computer is idle and using 97% CPU

This may seem all too obvious but in the past i’ve experienced extensive cpu usage stemming from spyware and or virii trojans and the like. I recommand norton for home and symanetc if you have a multiuser needs. Try spybot search and destroy and
adaware to find spyware/malware.
hope that helps

Something is hogging my system

In reply to Computer is idle and using 97% CPU

That still does not help the matter any. I have similar problem.

Something is hogging the system. I just cannot get rid of it. I dont know where in the Windows Registry this one resides. When I cold start, the processor runs, runs, and runs. Something is loading up. It takes about 3 full minutes. Then -only then – I can get going with my regular work. I have norton. It did not detect.
In Norton, when I want drive C:\ checked for errors, it reports back saying there is a process running in the background. Unable to check etc..etc… That confirms there is definitely a problem. But, where? Which one? How do I get rid of it? Can someone help please? Thanks.

Same thing – but fixed it!

In reply to Computer is idle and using 97% CPU

Unfortunately I experienced the same thing – 98% of CPU resources were being consumed by the Canon Printer (MPC100) and the printer wasn’t working. Also other programs, such as MS Word, were ceasing up – probably because of the CPU consumption. I fixed it by restoring the whole system (after backing up docs etc.) I’m not convinced that I needed to resore everything but I’m not a programmer – just an amateur. I probably could have fixed it by deleting a virus or something. I’d tried reinstalling the printer driver from the Canon site but no go.

Possible solution

In reply to Computer is idle and using 97% of processing capability

Here’s something to try and use to find out what’s really running. First thing to do is add a column to the processes page of task manager. Click on view, columns and add the pid column ot the processes page.

Now, with task manager open, now open command promt window, type in this, tasklist /svc, hit enter. Now you’ll see a long list of processes with thier own pid number in the command prompt window. Compare pid numbers between the cmd window and the processes page of task manager.

Setting Default Power options for all users in XP

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I was wondering if anyone has encountered any trouble making a default power setting in XP Professional for all users loggin into a machine. Please let me know. I have gone into the registry and looked, and can change it for the active user, but not for the default user and have it stick.

Thanks

Oh yeah, I did do a brief search on this and found no answer in the forum.

try this

In reply to Setting Default Power options for all users in XP

I use the following as a workaround.

Set your own Power Otions as you want. Go into the registry and export that key to your C drive. Create a shortcut to the reg file with “%SYSTEMROOT%\regedit.exe -s c:\PowerAlwaysOn.reg” as the target. Copy this shortcut to the startup for all users.

Works for me. Hope it helps…

Cannot select multiple files/folders

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I have Windows XP Pro and have recently come across a problem when trying to select multiple Folders or Files within Explore or Outlook i.e. One should be able to highlight an item and then holding down “Shift” select another item and all items between will be selected, similarly one should be able to select random items by holding down “Ctrl”. This facility has stopped working and I can’t think what might have caused this to occur. I don’t have any other issues, system is up to date with all MS fixes, virus definitions etc. Because most of the updates are automatic I can’t say what change may have caused this problem. Anyone know of a solution?

Cannot select multiple files/folders also

In reply to Cannot select multiple files/folders

I have the identical problem as Neil King. Has anyone suggested a solution please?

Tasklist command @command prompt

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

As per the article “Track down services running under Svchost.exe with TaskList”, I tried “tasklist /svc” at the command prompt and I got the following message: ‘tasklist’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Tasklist command@command prompt

In reply to Tasklist command @command prompt

Try this:
tasklist/[space]svc
do not type in “[space]” though.

tasklist/ svc AND tasklist /svc don’t work

In reply to Tasklist command@command prompt

the error says ‘tasklist’ (nevermind the switch) is not recognized as an internal or external command
XP home ed

Did anyone figure this out?

In reply to tasklist/ svc AND tasklist /svc don’t work

“Track down services running under Svchost.exe with TaskList” was the name of the article from Tech Republic. The method did not work. “tasklist” was not recognized as a valid command. I would like to see this work. Anyone have the correct command??

Got the answer…

In reply to Did anyone figure this out?

I found the article on the microsoft site – http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314056

At the bottom of the article it says, “The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional”.

I have XP/Home

OOPs

In reply to Tasklist command @command prompt

In my earlier post concerning the tasklist /svc command, I should have mentioned that this is available only for XP Pro. Soory about that Home users. Just another reason to move to Pro.

Users account startups

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Why cant each User account have its how startup? Why does my PHP Server or ICQ starts if somebody logs as a limited user?. Or even worse: why does windows run the same services as many times as accounts logged in?

Also…
How do I change CTRL+ALT+DEL bringing tasklist or Windows Options? How do I choose whether I want a Welcome Screen or the small windows (CTRL+ALT+DEL twice on the welcome screen)

Automating Wallpaper changes in XP

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

Under WIN98, I used a series of lines in AUTOEXEC to rotate my wallpaper on reboot. The lines read something like this, but with 44 .BMP files:

ren 01.bmp nn.bmp
ren 02.bmp 01.bmp
ren nn.bmp 02.bmp

I tried to use an AUTOEXEC.BAT in XP but nothing happened. Has AUTOEXEC been dumped? What can substitute?

Thanks.

Purple with rage

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

My god how I hate Windoze. The bastards lost half my book with the laughingly monikered ‘MS Works’ – more unstable than a buckfasted tramp on jellies.

It DOESN’T F**ING WORK – unless its purpose is infuriating sabotage. I am switching to Linux, forever, this week. Specky frog-faced twat gets no more of my precious rage/wage.

Purple with rage

In reply to Purple with rage

This is a classic example of why any critical data should be backed up. CDR media is cheap, much cheaper than the time you out in to your book.

How many of you have seen that look of shear horror when you ask for the backup copy of some lost data a client wants you to recover?

Regards,
Chris

Thanks for the tips.

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

As an upcoming tech these tips offer promise and reassurence in solving daily technical encounters.

Put shortcut icons in an alternative place

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

I followed the instruction only to find the “Program Items” bullet is not selectable (grayed out). I am an adminitrator on my workstation with OS=WinXP. What are your procedures when this situation has occurred so I can select the mentioned option?

RonW

change shortcut menu

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

How do I add or remove items from the shortcut menu?

This is the real question

In reply to change shortcut menu

I uninstalled WinZip and it had removed the compressed folders template from NEW on the shortcut menu. I have TweakUI but I don’t where to point it for compressed folders. Does anyone know what it ia called or where it is on the system?

Open With dialog broken

In reply to Chime in about Windows XP

My Open With… dialog option in Explorer right-click context menu has been broken for a long time.

Selecting it from the menu does nothing. No dialog, no error, nothing.

I know this is probably a registry corruption.

I’m running XP Pro with SP2, but I had this problem before upgrading from Home to Pro and installing SP2.

Anyone know the registry keys/settings that control/enable this feature. I don’t need to use it often, but when I do, it’s very frustrating to not have it work.

Thanks,

Ken

Open With

In reply to Open With dialog broken

I had a problem with right-click context menus (includes the Open With)

After removing this key (below) , explorer no longer delays the right-click menu pop up, however I no longer have the Open With option (which stinks), but my PC is running much faster. I am hoping Microsoft will come up woth a fix for this.

Here is the reg key location:

** Deleting the following registry key will remove the “Open With” menu item, but fixed the speed issue for me. Make sure you backup (Export)your registry before making any changes. **

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Open With

Will post follow up if better solution is found.

[Author]

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