User Interface


  • Normal Task Switcher (without power tools)

  • Win 2K Locking Screen

  • Remove/Add an item from remembered list in Messenger login


  • UPDATED: Normal Task Switcher... no power tools here
    Written By: Thom Porter | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 1888 | Print Tweak | 2/20/2002

    1. Run the msconfig
    2. Select the start up tab
    3. Uncheck the taskswitch.exe check box
    4. Click ok
    5. Say no to reboot now At this point, it won't load whenever you reboot. Now, to get rid of it without the hassle of that long 35 second xp reboot... =)
    6. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL
    7. Choose the Processes tab, if not already there
    8. Find & select TaskSwitcher.exe
    9. Click End Process
    Now you've got the normal ALT+TAB window!



    Win 2k Locking Screen
    Written By: Scott Webb | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 1842 | Print Tweak | 2/20/2002

    If you want the 2k lock box, but not the 2k login box then go to User Accounts and click "Change the Way Users Logon or Off" then uncheck Fast User-Switching but not Welcome Screen. This will leave you with the beautiful XP start-up and shut-down screen but also give you the professional lock box.
    LOVELY!!!




    Remove/Add an item from remembered list in Messenger login
    Written By: Direction | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 743 | Print Tweak | 2/19/2002

    When you sign in to Messenger, it remembers every email address / .net passport that you signed in under. To remove an item from the list of remembered names:
    1. In Start menu select Run 2. enter: "control userpasswords2" 3. Go to Advanced tab 4. Select Manage Passwords Button 5. Add or Remove items at will
    (Haven't tried on XP Home)
    Don't know where else these names come up, but I was trying to get rid an email address from the Messenger login and stumbled across this setting when trying another tweak from this site. enjoy!




    Change Resolution to anything you want....
    Written By: Widespread_Panic | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2902 | Print Tweak | 2/18/2002

    Ok, I found out how to change your video resolution to anything you want using regedit. I reccoment you back up your regestry befor tweaking it. Also, dont Go over your video cards min/max resolution.
    1. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\VIDEO\{3A2C2EBE-ECDB-4A7B-99EC-58117AFDC5E2}\0000\Mon22446688
    2. Find 'DefaultSettings.XResolution'. That is your y axis. Edit as a Decimal to what you want it to be. IE 1152.
    2. Find 'DefaultSettings.YResolution'. That is your x axis. Edit as a deciaml to waht you want it to be. IE 863.
    3. Restart, and your done.




    Normal Task Switcher with Power Tools
    Written By: Nicholas Greco | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2628 | Print Tweak | 2/11/2002

    For those of you who love MS power tools, but hate the new bulky task switcher here is the fix.
    1. Run the msconfig 2. Select the start up tab 3. Uncheck the taskswitch.exe check box 4. Click apply then ok then reboot 5. Next time you use the alt tab utility will be back to normal




    Quickly complete website address in Internet Explorer
    Written By: Mat Rigbye | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5284 | Print Tweak | 2/11/2002

    This tweak quickly completes website address in Internet Explorer by adding the www. prefix and the .com suffix
    1. Type the main name of the website. eg. "microsoft" 2. Press CTRL + Enter 3. IE completes the address to "www.microsoft.com" and starts going to the site.
    Notes: Works on all newer versions of Internet Explorer. Only completes for www. and .com - not for countries such as .co.uk or .com.au



    Getting rid of "puppy" in search much easier
    Written By: Joel Arnold | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5218 | Print Tweak | 2/5/2002

    To get rid of the puppy or any other character in the search engine for xp, simply open up search and right click on the puppy(or character), the puppy(or character will ask, "you rang?") and choose: "turn off animated character" -- presto! bye bye doggie....
    this is much easier than downloading powertools for xp(very pointless).
    thanks



    Sort Programs/Documents/Favorites menu
    Written By: | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3945 | Print Tweak | 2/3/2002

    To sort the Programs menu, the Documents menu, or the Favorites menu... right-click any item in the menu, and then click Sort by Name.







    Change XP Boot Screen
    Written By: -element- | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 20808 | Print Tweak | 2/2/2002

    If you would like to change your boot up screen follow the directions below. These instructions assume that you have a place to download the boot screen from the net. If you would like to download a boot screen, visit
    http://www.themexp.org


    1. Backup (copy) the file %windir%\system32\ntoskrnl.exe (most likely C:\windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe - the boot screen) 2. Download the .zip to your computer 3. Extract ntoskrnl.exe to a directory other than %windir%\system32 (most likely C:\windows\system32) 4. Reboot your computer into Safe Mode (hit F8 before the boot screen) or into true DOS (from a boot disk) 5. Overwrite the file %windir%\system32\ntoskrnl.exe (which should have been backed up) with the extracted exe 6. Reboot your computer as you normally would





    Hide Users on the Welcome Screen
    Written By: the6 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4374 | Print Tweak | 2/2/2002

    When you add an account for certain users with Windows XP, their user names will appear on the Welcome Screen. Sometimes a user needs to be added to a Windows XP machine, because he needs access (via the network) to resources on the machine, but he will not be physically logging in on the computer. You can remove his name from the Welcome Screen, while still maintaining the user account.
    Start the Registry Editor Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon \ SpecialAccounts \ UserList \ Right-click an empty space in the right pane and select New > DWORD Value Name the new value exactly as the Username Leave the Value data as 0 If you want to enable this user again on the Welcome Screen, either double-click the Username value, and change the Value data to 0, or delete the Username Close the registry editor




    Show MP3 Album Art in Folders
    Written By: Todd Brooks | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3688 | Print Tweak | 2/1/2002


    I have a ton of MP3s organized by albums. In each folder I have the album cover for the album (downloaded from Amazon or CDNow) and saved as folder.jpg. Now, when I go to the parent directory, I change its view to Thumbnails and all the child folders that have the album art in them show up as mini-previews in the folder image.





    How to Get "Show Hidden Files and Folders" Back if it is Missing
    Written By: Michael Grall | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 1905 | Print Tweak | 1/31/2002

    If the option to enable "Show Hidden Files and Folders" is MISSING from your Folders Options > View > Advanced Settings, find this key in your registry:
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden]
    Modify the string value "Type" and enter "group" as value data.
    After the edit is complete hit F5 to refresh, and go look in your Folder Options.



    Clearer instructions for StyleXP free patch
    Written By: Yin Chan | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 9219 | Print Tweak | 1/22/2002

    Some of you may be using StyleXP to get away from the default GUIs that are supplied with the latest version of windows. The makers of StyleXP have provided a patch that will enable the visual styles in the program without having to register or pay the $20 fee.
    Here it is: http://www.themexp.org/tgtsoft/uxthemepatcher1.zip
    But there is one catch - the instructions included with the .zip suck. Indeed, they seem PURPOSEFULLY CONFUSING. So because I am such a nice guy, here is the way I installed the patch:
    1. First uninstall StyleXP and reboot. (Don't worry, your favorite themes will still be there.) 2. Run the "uxthemepatch.exe" and go to C:\windows\system32\dllcache (to reach this folder you'll probably have to type out the address in the windows explorer location bar). 3. Locate "uxtheme.dll" in this folder and rename it "uxtheme.bak". 4. In C:\windows\system32, also rename "uxtheme.dll" to "uxtheme.bak". Right next to it should be "uxtheme.pat", the file which was created by the .exe you ran a minute ago. 5. Rename the .pat to "uxtheme.dll", answer "cancel" then "yes" to any warnings from Windows and reboot. 6. Smile because you just saved $20.
    Just for laughs, go ahead and read the instructions included with the patch. You just know they wrote it that way on purpose to discourage people from using it.


    Program Manager included with WIN XP
    Written By: Milan Konecny | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7917 | Print Tweak | 1/22/2002

    In case you want to use the WIN 3.1 Program Manager interface with WIN XP, NO PROBLEM! WIN XP includes a re-written PROGRAM MANAGER, for backward compatibility with all previous WINDOWS versions.
    1. Start/run/progman.exe 2. This will open the Program Manager window, and you can then drag and drop your favorite programs onto it. Some programs will not show the correct icon, so you will have to select the MS DOS icon, and FILE/PROPERTIES/ Change ICON, Browse to the program which you just added, and select its icon. You can also chose any icon you wish - There are may icons stored in /WINDOWS/System32/shell32.dll file. 3. Create new program groups to keep your applications organized. 4. Add Progman.exe to your Startup group to automatically start it each time you boot-up.
    PROGMAN.EXE runs at a HIGH priority so it is always available with a click on the task bar. Make your desktop look and feel exactly like the easy-to-use WN 3.1 interface!
     


    Delete/Repair the Windows Media Player Library
    Written By: BONDQ | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3262 | Print Tweak | 1/20/2002

    If you have moved your music around on your hard drives, Windows Media Player continues to add new entries into it's library instead of modifying the existing ones. This means that you will now have multiple entries for the same song, half of which will not work now because you have moved the files to their new location. To delete the current library and build a new one, do the following:
    1. Close Windows Media Player, wait about 3 seconds for the database to close.
    2. Using "My Computer", navigate to the following folder: F:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Index
    3. Delete the "wmplibrary....db" file here. This is not your actual music, only the database which Windows Media Player uses as a listing.
    4. Start Windows Media Player
    5. Hit "F3" and enter the location where you have moved your music to. If it is on muliple drives, check "All Drives". Let it finish.
    You're Done! All the old listings will now be gone, and you will only have the new accurate ones.
     



    Removing Title Text from Toolbar Items
    Written By: Skorpius | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3831 | Print Tweak | 1/17/2002

    Removing the title text from toolbar items such as Zaxxon and MSVDM (included in microsoft's powertoys) seems impossible when the taskbar is locked; however, if you right click the toolbar and uncheck "Lock the Taskbar", then right click in the area of the toolbar you'd like to remove the title from, the option "Show Title" is now available. Uncheck it and re-lock the taskbar and the space-hogging and otherwise unpleasant looking titles are gone!

     


    Brand your copy of Windows XP
    Written By: William Rozell Jr | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 27501 | Print Tweak | 1/14/2002

    Have you used someone's new Hewlet Packard with their OEM version of Windows XP? You've seen that HP has their own icon in the Start Menu, underneath Run, that goes to their Help Site. Now, you can have your icon that does anything you want (website, program, etc) and says anything you want. Basically, you are "branding" Windows XP (Home or Pro), great for if you are a computer builder and sell them, or you just want to make Windows XP your own. It involves Regedit.
    1. Start up Notepad and creat a new registry file (*.reg) and copy and paste the following into it:
    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}] @="YOUR TITLE HERE"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon] @="YOUR ICON HERE" 00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,68,00,70,00,6c,00,69,00,\ 6e,00,6b,00,2e,00,69,00,63,00,6f,00,00,00
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32] @=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\ 00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\ 64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,00,00 "ThreadingModel"="Apartment"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance] "CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag] "CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}" "method"="ShellExecute" "Command"="YOUR TITLE HERE" "Param1"="YOUR FUNCTION HERE"
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}] @=""
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu] @=""
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder] "Attributes"=dword:00000000
    2. Edit where it says YOUR ICON HERE to a path to an icon (ex. c:\icon.ico), it must be 24x24 pixels and in *.ico format.
    3. Edit both places where it says YOUR TITLE HERE to what you want it to say in the Start Menu (ex. Elranzer Homepage).
    4. Edit where it says YOUR FUNCTION here to what you want it to do when you click it, it can be anything... your website, a local HTML document, a program, a Windows funtion, whatever your imagination can provide (ex. http://www.elranzer.com).
    5. Save this file as brand.reg, double-click it to enterin your information, and refresh Explorer (log off/on) to see it in the Start Menu!! This works in both Home and Professional (and probably 64-Bit Professional) Editions!

     


    Easier way to check IP
    Written By: Anonymous | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 9925 | Print Tweak | 1/14/2002

    Easy IP Check Did you knew you can view it even faster (without opening all the way to cmd or commmand.com ... type "cmd /k ipconfig" thats it ... then exit nicely ... LOL


    Only the User Pics You Want Written By: William Rozell Jr | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6004 | Print Tweak | 1/14/2002

    You know the picture next to your name on the Start Menu? You picked it from a group of pictures Microsoft gave you. You can easily manage that group of pictures:
    1. Go to "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures" 2. Delete any User Pictures you do not want or use 3. Add in any of your own 48x48 pixel images (bmp, gif, jpg, or png) you want as user pictures.
    Now the User Accounts control panel has a much more customized feel to it, and you don't have to fish through all those unwanted images Microsft gave by fefault for your User Picture. This can be good if you want to "brand" your Windows XP system with your images if you build computers.


     


    Cache Folder Thumbnails
    Written By: BP | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4064 | Print Tweak | 1/13/2002

    In WinXP to make folders with thumbnail images start up faster, go to control panel and then folder options. Click on the view tab and make sure "Do not cache thumbnails" is not checked.


    Return to Scroll programs Written By: Ciaran Connolly | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2822 | Print Tweak | 1/13/2002

    If your list of software in "All Programs" starts going off the screen you can return to the old style of having them scroll,this also makes them all expand to the right and not on top of each other, which makes selection easier.
    Goto start - control panel - taskbar and start menu - start menu - customise - advanced - and then scroll down start menu items list, near bottom is the choice to "scroll programs", tick it and apply , ok all screens and your done.



    Remove Shortcut Arrows
    Written By: Ryan | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4352 | Print Tweak | 1/12/2002

    Another user added an entry a while ago listing how to remove the little arrows in your shortcuts. I applied this tweak, and soon found out that there were duplicate entries when I right clicked on shortcut. For example, it would list "Run Norton AntiVirus 2002" and 2 lines down the same thing would be displayed. Here is how to remove the arrows WITHOUT receiving this duplicate error.
    -------------- Step 1: Open Notepad. Copy and paste the following:
    REGEDIT4
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile] @="Shortcut" "IsShortcut"=""
    Step 2: Go to file, save as. Click on all files, and call it shortcut.reg
    Step 3: Exit Notepad, and double click the file. It will say a new entry is about to be entered into the registry. Click OK.
    -------------- Your Half Way there! Easy, Right?
    NOTE: This is the EXACT same procedure, step one is modified slightly! Take note! -------------- Step 1: Open Notepad. Copy and paste the following:
    REGEDIT4
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\piffile] @="Shortcut to MS-DOS Program"
    "IsShortcut"="" Step 2: Go to file, save as. Click on all files, and call it shortcut2.reg
    Step 3: Exit Notepad, and double click the file. It will say a new entry is about to be entered into the registry. Click OK.
    --------------
    And that's it! I think this is a little more simple then browsing through the registry to locate the keys, and it eliminates the possible duplicate shortcuts you may find! Enjoy, and happy tweaking!
    -- Devsforev


     


    Changing the column sizes in detailed mode
    Written By: Andrew- | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2339 | Print Tweak | 1/11/2002

    If you use the detailed view in Windows Explorer, or use programs like WinRAR or Winzip or even Excel, you can easily make the column size fit the values of the text details below that column.
    Here's an example: 1. Open Windows Explorer 2. Click on View, Details to goto detailed mode 3. Double-click where the indent is between the Name column and Size column
    Voila! Your column size automatically changes to the exact size of the largest length of text.




    Add your own user account pictures
    Written By: Omar Esquivel | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5961 | Print Tweak | 1/10/2002

    If you don't like the user account pictures that come with XP you can add your own.
    1. First make sure the pic you choose is fairly square, that's because you have to resize it to 48 x 48 pixels, so you dont want it to distort too much. It also has to be a bitmap (.bmp extension) for it to work. A good graphic utility should take care of both the resizing and saving it into a bitmap.
    2.After you have it ready go to the following folder:
    \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures
    That's the place where all the little account pixies are located, copy the one (or the ones) you had prepared into that folder.
    3. Click the Start Button then click over the account picture and it will take you to a new window that tells you to choose another pic for your account, look for the one you just created select it, and click the "change picture" button and you're all set!.
    So now you don't have to put up with the flower or that blue butterfly you just hate :o). Enjoy!




    Prevent Image and Fax Viewer From Stealing Associations (corrected full detail)
    Written By: nozero | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2517 | Print Tweak | 1/6/2002

    Edit (delete) this string:
    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 * [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview] @="{e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}" * This it the actual entry, so if you want to put t back, just save the section above that is between the asterisks to a whatevername.reg file(I used notepad) then right click it and select merge.
    TWEAK ON!



    Desktop Manager for "power users". (must have PowerToys)
    Written By: t7 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 10642 | Print Tweak | 1/3/2002

    Desktop Manager allows you to switch between multiple desktops creating more elbow room for those who like to stay organized while pushing the max thread limit.
    1. First grab XP PowerToys from microsoft.com ( http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp)
    2. Once installed right click then check: task bar > toolbars > Desktop Manager
    You may now view up to four new desktops. I prefer not to have "Shared Desktops" on as it reminds me more of linux (and is cleaner).
    Now you may hide the buttons etc. and use Windows key + 1-4 to switch between desktops and Windows key + v to preview.

     


    Reclaim screen space stolen by XP "Luna" style windows
    Written By: Tom Halter | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 14639 | Print Tweak | 1/3/2002

    Like the new "Luna" Windows XP Interface, but dislike the screen-hogging window title bars and the ridiculously large (compared to the "classic interface") window close, minimize, and maximize controls?
    To set the window title bar and controls back to a more reasonable size, go to the Appearance tab of the Display control panel and click Advanced. Then click on the title bar of the sample window, and you can reduce the size from 25 pixels to as low as 20 pixels. By reducing the title bar font size, you can shrink the title bar even smaller.
    This change makes the screen fell less cramped, and restores the correct (in my opinion) proportions to the title bars. Now if someone could do something about the bigger taskbar...

     


    Remove Login Password!!!
    Written By: Pit | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8631 | Print Tweak | 1/3/2002

    I didn't want to enter the password at the welcome menu everytime i boot up my computer so i tried to disable it in the user accounts located in the control panel. When i clicked on my account and clicked on remove my password, it didn't allow me. Follow this step to remove it.
    1. Go to Control panel
    2. Click administrative tools
    3. Local Security Settings
    4. Click Minimum password length
    5. Reduce it to 0, No password required
    6. Go to user account in control panel click your account and remove password.
    This will disable the password feature. Have fun.



    Change the Logon Screen Saver
    Written By: BlueMan730 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5616 | Print Tweak | 12/31/2001

    Change the Logon Screen Saver Click Start , click Run , type regedt32 , and click OK .

    Navigate to the following registry key:
    HKEY_USERS\DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

    In the details pane (right-side), double-click the SCRNSAVE.EXE string value item.

    In Value data , type the path and name of the screen saver, and then click OK .
    IMPORTANT : Make sure that you specify the path correctly to the screen saver. If the screen saver is located in %SystemRoot%\System32, the explicit path is not required.

    You have now changed the logon screen saver.

     


    Remove Outlook Express Splash screen
     Written By: Jeff Wilson | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6619 | Print Tweak | 12/31/2001

    In order to remove the OE Splash screen you must edit your registry:
    1. Run regedit 2. Go to the key named something like HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EC7994FF-9DB7-4854-B5F1-C3D3956DED35}\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0 3. Add a new DWORD called "NoSplash" 4. Set it to "1"
     



    Rename and Relocate Shared Documents for Quick Home Networking Access
     Written By: jdm1979 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2327 | Print Tweak | 12/30/2001

    This tweak will Rename and Relocate "Shared Documents" in "My Computer" and "Other Places" This tweak is very efficient if you wish to have quick access to a customized shared folder. Great for Home Networks - Quick access to your shared files.
    Follow these steps:
    1. Create a folder you want to have "Shared Documents" point to. It can be anywhere on your system. A suggestion would be: "My Network Folders" located on a seperate drive dedicated for sharing if available.
    2. Rename "Shared Documents" in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users to the name you want to appear in "My Computer" and "Other Places" It must be the same name as the Folder you created in Step 1.
    3 Open regedit
    4 Go to : My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    5 Edit the value of "Common Documents" to the path of the folder you created in Step 1
    6 Go to : My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
    7 Edit the value of "Common Documents" to the path of the folder you created in Step 1
    8 YOU MUST REBOOT IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLOSING REGEDIT FOR SETTINGS TO TAKE EFFECT.
    Thats it! Enjoy this tweak and finally make use of the "Shared Documents" Icon [Now Personalized] in "My Computer" for quick access to shared Home Networking Files.



    Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons completely
    Written By: Jimera | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3094 | Print Tweak | 12/29/2001

    To remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons in any type of document:
    a) Perform instructions described under 'Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons'. For your convenience, steps 1 to 3 are reported here.
    b) Perform instructions described under 'Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons (2)'. For your convenience, steps 4 and 5 are reported here.
    c) And finally, do the same with conferencelink, docshortcut, internetshortcut and wshfile.
    So, here is a summary of all actions:
    1. Start regedit.
    2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile
    3. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    4. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\piffile
    5. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    6. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ConferenceLink
    7. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    8. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DocShortCut
    9. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    10.Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut
    11. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    12. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WSHFile
    13. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
    14. Close regedit.
    Logoff and... Enjoy!


     


    Grouping Tasks without taking up whole screen
    Written By: Jeff | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2702 | Print Tweak | 12/28/2001

    Ever wanted to group those annoying AIM tasks (or any task) in your taskbar with out them taking up the whole task bar first? Here's How!
    1. Get Tweak UI for XP 2. Go to Taskbar\Grouping\Check 'Group any application with at least X windows' and make that '2' 3. Press OK and your done!
    Now your tasks are more organized and sexier!

     


    Command Prompt - Quick edit mode
    Written By: Greystorm | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5331 | Print Tweak | 12/26/2001

    Setting this option allows a user to copy and paste text in the command prompt using mouse actions instead of an edit menu. This option makes the command prompt behave more like it did in Windows 2000.
    1. Open the command prompt by either clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt, or by clicking Start, Run then typing in "cmd" and pressing enter. 2. Click on the C:\ icon in the top left and select Defaults. 3. Place a check in Quick Edit Mode and click OK.
    Now you can copy text by highlighting it with the left mouse button then clicking the right mouse button. To paste, click the right mouse button again.

     


    Faster Application Access
    Written By: Bobby J | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 17058 | Print Tweak | 12/23/2001

    Have you ever wanted to have your program shortcuts withing a clicks reach without crowding the desktop? And do you have to many apps to pin them all to the start menu? If so, then this might be a solution for you aswell.
    1) Create a new folder anywhere you like and name it "Progz", "Gamez" or "Music" according to your will and pleasure.
    2) Place shortcuts of the stuff you need into this folder.
    3) Right-click on the windows tastbar and select "toolbars" and "New toolbar". Then you simply refer to your "Progz" folder.
    And there you have it... all your applications within a clicks reach.... and a clean desktop aswell. I have my menues minimized, so I only see the names of the categories or folders, and then locked the taskbar, making room for the active applications to be shown.
    Adding new items to the toolbar is done simply by copying or creating shortcuts into the original folder, then your menu updates itself.
    This can also be a good way of organizing applications into different categories... you just make seperate toolbars.




    Change Log On Screen Colors
    Written By: Dave Kratter | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8780 | Print Tweak | 12/21/2001

    Microsoft includes three default "shell styles" with the Windows XP Luna theme: Homestead, Metallic, and NormalColor.
    You can see these three styles in the "Welcome to Windows" and "Log On to Windows" screens during logon.
    To change the style, go to: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ThemeManager Change the "ColorName" key value to either "Homestead" or "Metallic". "Homestead" will show the title bars in an olive color. "Metallic" will show them in a silver color.
    Log off or reboot to see the change.
    Note: this will only work on the original Ctrl+Alt+Del log on screen, not the new Welcome screen.
     



    Speed up Menu Delay without opening regedit
    Written By: danzaudio | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 12991 | Print Tweak | 12/21/2001

    Speed up the start menu delay
    1. Download and install Powertoys for Windows XP. 2. Open Tweak UI for WinXP and select Mouse. Under Menu Speed move the slider all the way over to fast. 3. Restart the computer
    This also works using TweakUI 1.33 for Win9x/ME/2K.

     



    Creating a Keyboard Shortcut
    Written By: open_source | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4320 | Print Tweak | 12/17/2001

    1. Right-click the desktop shortcut, and then click Properties .

    2. On the Shortcut tab, click in the Shortcut Key box.

    3. Press the keyboard combination that you want to use to start the program. The shortcut combination must consist of one character (a letter, number, or symbol) plus at least two of the following three keys: CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT.

    4. Click OK .

     


    Easily rename the Recycle Bin
    Written By: Steve B | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6589 | Print Tweak | 12/16/2001

    If you (like me) would like to be able to rename the Recycle Bin to something else (Trash, Waste, Shredder, etc) then this tweak will make it easy to do so.
    Open up your favorite plain text editor (notepad, for example) and copy the following text into a new file:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}\ShellFolder] "Attributes"=hex:50,01,00,20 "CallForAttributes"=dword:00000000

    Now save this text file as a .reg file, such as "Rename Recycle Bin.reg" and put it wherever you like. Double click on the file, and when it asks you if you want to import it into the registry, choose Yes. You'll notice a new option in the right-click menu to Rename the Recycle Bin. You can also rename it by highlighing the Bin and hitting F2, or by highlighting it and clicking on the file name (just like renaming any other file.
    If you want to turn off this new feature, make another .reg file with the same content as above, but change the first number in the "Attributes"=hex: line from 50 to 40 and import that file into the registry.

     


    Get Rid of the Recycle Bin (easy but need tweakUI installed)
    Written By: H.J. Warbler | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3060 | Print Tweak | 12/16/2001

    MS Powertoys > TweakUI > Desktop Uncheck Recycle Bin


     


    XP Home advanced file permissions
    Written By: Jason | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7398 | Print Tweak | 12/16/2001

    This is actually an addition to my previous post entitled "Get XP Pro file security with XP Home". In the aforementioned post I outlined how to access *Advance file Permissions* on NTFS file systems for XP Home simply by booting into *Safe Mode*, rt-clicking any file or folder, and navigating to the *Security tab*. This gives the user the ability to allow or deny read, write, execute, read & write, display contents, full-control, iheritance, and take ownership permissions, with many more options available to apply to different users and groups stored on the computer.
    Well, you don't have to do this in *Safe Mode* (XP Home). Although it is a little less intuitive, you can simply go to your command prompt - Start>All Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt. Now type "cacls" in the window (without the quotes). This gives you the ability to add, remove or modify file permissions on files and folders through the command prompt. Type "cacls /?" for help on different options and variables. You do not need to be in safe mode to use this so it makes it a little quicker than using the safe mode security tab GUI.
    Remember - this only applies to NTFS.
    Here also is a very useful link to find a lot of extras and tweaks straight from the horse's mouth - the Microsoft Resource Center. You will find a lot of very useful web-based extra's here, most of them left unknowing to the general public - such as, "Online Crash Analysis" - a site that looks like Windows Update but you can upload your crash "dump logs" (when you get those system or application crash error reports). Microsoft will then analyze the log file and tell you some more info about WHY the system crashed (ie. faulty hardware/software/conflicts, etc).



    Classic Start Menu Style
    Written By: Stole SH.QC.CA | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5388 | Print Tweak | 12/15/2001

    With this tweak Start menu displays the classic Start menu in the Windows 2000 style and displays the standard desktop icons.
    START > RUN > type GPEDIT.MSC > USER CONFIGURATION > ADMINISTRATIVE TEMPLATES > START MENU AND TASKBAR > FIND FORCE CLASSIC START MENU > CHECK ENABLED > OK > REBOOT

     


    Remove user name from Start Menu
    Written By: STOLE SH.QC.CA | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7328 | Print Tweak | 12/15/2001

    Remove user name from Start Menu
    START > RUN > GPEDIT.MSC > USER CONFIGURATION > ADMINISTRATIVE TEMPLATES > START MENU AND TASKBAR > FIND REMOVE USER NAME FROM START MENU > RIGHT CLICK PROPERTIES > CHECK ENABLED > OK

     


    Specify an alternate user interface for Windows 2000
    Written By: STOLE SH.QC.CA | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5226 | Print Tweak | 12/15/2001

    The Explorer program (%systemdrive%\program files\internet explorer\iExplorer.exe) creates the familiar Windows interface, but you can use this setting to specify an alternate interface. If you enable this setting, the system start the interface you specify instead of Explorer.exe. To use this setting, copy your interface program to a network share or to your system drive. Then, enable this setting, and type the name of the interface program, including the file name extension, in the Shell name text box. If the interface program file is not located in a folder specified in the Path environment variable for your system, enter the fully qualified path to the file. If you disable this setting or do not configure it, the setting is ignored and the system displays the Explorer interface.
    START > RUN > GPEDIT.MSC > USER CONFIGURATION > ADMINISTRATIVE TEMPLATES > SYSTEM > FIND CUSTOM USER INTERFACE > RIGHT CLICK > PROPERTIES > CLICK ENABLE > FIND AN ALTERNATE USER INTERFACE > OK

     


    Change Start Button Text
    Written By: Jay | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 24881 | Print Tweak | 12/14/2001

    This is my favorite tweak, bit long winded but cute, hope you enjoy it too
    You can change the start button by using a hex editor - see regedit.com for details how to do it. (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/791/)
    the offsets for XP are:
    000412b6 - 000412bf and 0004158a - 00041593
    This method has a few limitations though, you can only use exactly 5 letters, so try the following method from tweakersguide.com (but it's in German so here's my rough translation)
    First of all you will need to download a exe editor - Resource Hacker and Hacker 2.0 are avaliable from www.downloads.com and are adequate for the task in hand.
    The first 3 steps stop the file we are going to tamper with from being restored automatically when windows restarts
    1) with notepad or a text editor open the file c:\windows\system32\restore\filelist.xml (you might need to change it's properites from read only first by right clicking on the file and selecting properties, then remove the tich from the read only checkbox)
    2) add the following line to the first section to exclude explorer.exe from the protected file list - %windir%explorer.exe
    3) save the file (and apply the read only properties back if you wish)
    The next 2 steps actually modify the explorer.exe file that is the windows shell so back it up first if you are uncertain what you are doing (to back up the file, open a cmd window and type - copy c:\windows\explorer.exe c:\windows\explorer.bak)
    4) Open the file c:\windows\explorer.exe with your exe editor and edit the text in following lines
    String Table > 37 > 1033 String Table > 38 > 1033
    5) save the file as (file > save as) explorer.xp (back up this file to another disk if you want to save a bit of hassle after you recover the machine next time)
    Now you need to copy the file you've modified best way I've found to do this is to boot to safe mode command     prompt although it's been suggested that you can stop the explorer.exe process with Task Manager, copy the fie in a cmd prompt then restart the process again - that worked for me but the origional returned after a restart. The next 3 steps describe how you copy the file
    6) restart the machine and start tapping F8 to get the start menu - choose safe mode with command prompt
    7) log on as Administrator and you'll be presented with a cmd prompt
    8) To copy the modified file just type copy c:\windows\explorer.xp c:\windows\explorer.exe assuming that's where you saved it to with your exe editor)
    9) Restart Machine and VOILA!
    If anyone wants to tidy the tweak up a bit feel free.
    Happy Tweaking

     


    Easier Way to Get Rid of Search Puppy
    Written By: Josh Hill | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6299 | Print Tweak | 12/13/2001
    1. Open the search dialog 2. Click "change preferences" 3. Click "without an animated screen character" 4. The puppy will walk away

     


    Bypass the Recycle Bin when deleting files
    Written By: Hans | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5578 | Print Tweak | 12/11/2001

    In order to permanently (!) delete files right from the beginning, without having to later empty them from the Recycle Bin, use this handy key shortcut.
    1. Highlight the file(s) you wish to delete. 2. Right click on the file(s) to bring up the command menu. 3. Hold down the SHIFT key as you click "Delete" 4. Click OK at the prompt asking you if you're sure.
    File(s) gone.

     


    Get rid of the confirmation to delete files
    Written By: James | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 3764 | Print Tweak | 12/11/2001

    Don't you hate when you delete a file it asks if you're sure...It's annoying!
    Right-Click on your Recycle Bin -> Properties -> Global Tab -> and Untick "Display delete confirmation dialog" ... No Reboot required :)

     


    Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons
    Written By: xblutz | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4150 | Print Tweak | 12/8/2001

    Ever want to remove the shortcut arrow over your icons? Read below to find out how:
    1. Open regedit 2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile 3. Rename IsShortcut in AriochIsShortcut 4. Reboot xp

     


    Get rid of the puppy dog in Search!
    Written By: Dixon | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 11209 | Print Tweak | 12/5/2001

    Download Powertoys for Windows XP from Microsoft site and install. Open up TweakUI for Windows XP, click on Explorer on the left pane, and put a check mark on "Use Classic Search in Explorer". No more silly cartoon puppy.



    Removing Preview options for images and others
    Written By: Ninja | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 2850 | Print Tweak | 12/5/2001

    In WinXP, there are certain default right click menu associations on some file types, such as images, audio, video, etc. These can often interfere with your chosen default apps for handling these file types (such as ACDSee or others). Images are a prime example -- no matter what other app you install for manipulating images, the "Preview" option is always the default, which goes and runs the Windows Image and Fax Viewer. I finally found the solution to this. In the registry are the following series of keys:
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\audio\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\WMPAddToPlaylist HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers\ShellImagePreview HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\video\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\WMPAddToPlaylist And so on.
    Any entry in the ContextMenuHandler key will override whatever you try and do, there's no easy way of telling it you want a different default option. This leaves us with deleting these keys as a final solution. As always, back up your registery before doing any changes

     


    Go Back to the old style Task Switcher
     Written By: Sarreq Teryx | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5082 | Print Tweak | 12/4/2001

    Don't know if anyone else hates it, but the new task switcher is WAY too damn slow for me.
    Select your method of removing startup programs, either from the registry (sorry don't remember the key, it's on this site somewhere) or use MSCONfIG, or any of the other programs that edit the startup programs. select "taskswitch.exe" and remove it

     


    More quick key tips!
    Written By: Goa Trance | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 14719 | Print Tweak | 12/2/2001

    Ok, I can't believe someone submitted the Windows Key+E to launch explorer as a 'tweak', but I guess you'd be really happy to learn about it if you didn't already know.
    In the spirit of higher learning, here's a few more:
    Windows Key + F - Launch Find tool Windows Key + M - Mimimize all open windows Windows Key + R - Launch the 'Run' button Windows Key + U - Launch the utility manager (win2k & XP only?) Alt + Tab (Hold Alt & Press Tab repeadly) - Task Switcher Alt + F4 - kills the 'active' application - fun(?) for killing web popup windows quickly when they are coming at you like spam madness!
    Ctrl+Alt+Del - In Win9x/ME (why are you using that?) it launches a 14m3 version of NT/2K/XP's Task Manager. In NT/2K/XP you get a menu with useful options for lock computer, logoff, shutdown, change password, task manager etc.
    Have fun! And enjoy the cool tweaks that are here...

     


    Delete My eBooks and other special folders in My Doucments
    Written By: Anonymous | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 9627 | Print Tweak | 12/1/2001

    Click Start, then Run and type: regsvr32 /u mydocs.dll
    then delete them



    Easier way to remove Recycle Bin
    Written By: Jody Albritton | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5459 | Print Tweak | 12/1/2001

    Just right click on the task bar and uncheck show desktop



    Preview Multimedia
    Written By: Ivo | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6779 | Print Tweak | 12/1/2001

    A few days ago I posted a tweak for previewing audio files. Since then it suddenly dawned on me that the same applies for all formats supported by the mplay32.exe, including video - e.g. AVI, MPG, ASF, etc. - and CD audio as well.
    So, here goes: If you want to quickly view a supported format audio/video file, and don't want to wait until Media Player loads, you can create a new action for these file types, called e.g. "Preview", with "C:\Windows\System32\Mplay32.exe" /Play "%L" as application specification. Oh, yes, that's in Explorer under Tools/Folder Options/File Types/Advanced/New.

     


    VERY QUICK switch user screen in XP Pro
    Written By: Steve Gunawan | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 11766 | Print Tweak | 11/30/2001

    hit Winkey+Q and hold it for a second. Rehit Q to rotate to other users
    PS: This works with my Win XP Pro. I'm not sure in Home Edition.
     



    Get rid of welcome screen with autologon
    Written By: Steve | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 22996 | Print Tweak | 11/29/2001
    1. click on "Start" - then click on "Run" - and type "control userpasswords2" 2. click OK 3. On the Users tab, clear the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer" check box and click "Apply". 4. A dialog will appear that asks you what user name and password should be used to logon automatically, just click "OK".
    Then go to Control Panel / User Accounts, and click “Change the way users log on or off”, and untick both “Use the Welcome Screen” and “Use Fast User Switching”


     


    Unregister the pic viewer
    Written By: Unknown | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8476 | Print Tweak | 11/26/2001

    To disable the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, unregister shimgvw.dll. This can be done from command prompt: regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll


     


    Better 'Turn off auto-expanding trees in Windows Explorer' tweak
    Written By: njc | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 10279 | Print Tweak | 11/25/2001

    In your tweak 'Turn off auto-expanding trees in Windows Explorer' the author states that the setting is not available through the folder options. However it is in fact the third option in the Folder Options/View/Advanced settings.
    Deselecting 'Display simple folder view in Explorers Folder list' has the desired effect.

     


    Easist way to disable Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
    Written By: Joe Chamberlain | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 4817 | Print Tweak | 11/25/2001

    Right Click On image file. Choose "open with", then "choose program" Select your favorite image viewer program. Check the "always use selected program" box Click OK. It's just that simple


     


    Start explorer w/ my computer expanded & explorer tags
    Written By: switch | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7291 | Print Tweak | 11/25/2001
    Run ""explorer.exe/n,/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}"" from command, or make a shortcut.
    Explorer.exe switches (taken from http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q130/5/10.ASP)
    Syntax EXPLORER.EXE [/n][/e][,/root, ][[,/select],] Switches /n: Opens a new window in single-paned (My Computer) view for each item selected, even if the new window duplicates a window that is already open.
    /e: Uses Windows Explorer view. Windows Explorer view is most similar to File Manager in Windows version 3.x. Note that the default view is Open view.
    /root, : Specifies the root level of the specified view. The default is to use the normal namespace root (the desktop). Whatever is specified is the root for the display.
    /select,: Specifies the folder to receive the initial focus. If "/select" is used, the parent folder is opened and the specified object is selected.




    Get XP Pro file Security with XP Home
    Written By: Jason | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 19798 | Print Tweak | 11/24/2001

    Contrary to the popular opinion that "Advanced" file security is only available with WinXP Pro, it is also available with WinXP Home edition as well. Specifically, I am referring to the "Security" tab that is available in XP Pro in the properties menu of any file or folder when "Enable simple file sharing" is unchecked in the Tools>Folder Options>View applet. This "Security" tab is the same as WINNT and WIN2K which allows you to use advanced options for file/folder security that apply to groups and users such as Read,Write, Execute, etc. Although Microsoft claims that this is not available in XP Home it is!
    First, NTFS must be your file system, this will not work with a FAT file system. To enable "Advanced" security permissions in XP Home simply boot into safe mode, rt-click any file or folder, and now you will have the "Security" tab - just as in XP Pro! Simply make your changes and reboot into normal mode. This is very useful when you have 'limited' users on your computer and they are unable to run certain applications as a limited user - you can simply boot into safe mode, change the permissions according to each user, and reboot! The advanced tab is even there that will give you even more permission options such as inheritance, etc.
    For more information on how to convert your file system to NTFS Click Here For information on how to set the permissions using command prompt instead of safe mode Click here

     


    Turn off auto-expanding trees in Windows Explorer
     Written By: staticdaze | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8477 | Print Tweak | 11/24/2001

    I'm sure some of you have noticed that in Windows Explorer, whenever you click a folder in the left pane, it automatically expands to show all subfolders. If you find this annoying, follow these steps...
    1) close Windows Explorer if it's running
    2) go Start -> Run, then type "regedit"
    3) Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    4) Change the value of "FriendlyTree" to 0
    5) close regedit, and start up Windows Explorer. Auto-expanding menus are now off
    for some reason, microsoft left this option out of the Windows Explorer options.

     


    Change Orginal Desktop Wallpaper
    Written By: Powerworks | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 10226 | Print Tweak | 11/22/2001

    This is more of a fun tweak than it is useful.
    Go to run, type regedit press ok. when that comes up go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Control Panel>Desktop Now find the orginalwallpaper, right click and select modify. In the text box type the path to the file you want to be your orginal desktop wallpaper.
    There ya go!

     


    Quick way to get to Windows Explorer
    Written By: chris1960 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 10221 | Print Tweak | 11/19/2001
    Just press Windows button+E

     


    Preview Music Files
    Written By: Ivo | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 9439 | Print Tweak | 11/18/2001

    If you want to quickly listen to a WAV, MID or RMI files, and don't want to wait until Media Player loads, you can create a new action for these file types, called e.g. "Preview", with "C:\Windows\System32\Mplay32.exe" /Play "%L" as application specification. Oh, yes, that's in Explorer under Tools/Folder Options/File Types/Advanced/New.

     


    Turn off Thumbs.db
    Written By: Jake (Phat) | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 15814 | Print Tweak | 11/14/2001

    Thumbs.db is a file which is created in a folder with Movies or Pictures so that you can view a piece of their content without actualy opening them (you can't see thumbnails unless you have the option to view system files turned on). Thumbs.db is there so that you don't need to reload a thumbnail everytime you browse that folder. Sad fact is, is Thumbs.db takes up about 2kb per file and if you edit a lot of stuff its annoying to keep seeing them popping up all over your computer. You can remove thumbs.db quite easily by following these steps:
    1. Go to Run in the startmenu 2. Type gpedit.msc 3. Click OK and the Group Policy will open 4. Go to User Configuration/Administrative Template/Windows Components/Windows Explorer 5. Scroll down to the bottom of the long list of stuff that now shows up in the menu on the right. Double-Click on Turn off caching of thumbnail pictures. 6. Click on Enable then Apply, Ok. And now you no longer have this annoying problem.

     


    Script that will a correct explorer shortcut
    Written By: DRDAK67 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8828 | Print Tweak | 11/12/2001

    This tweak was written by Kent Ruddick:
    Running this script will create a new explorer icon on your desktop that will not open up on the pesky "My Documents" folder.
    Just paste the following text into a file, and rename it explorershortcut.vbs, then double click on it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' A simple shortcut

    ' We create our first namespace and give it a reference
    Set ws = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")


    ' Use the reference to access one of the methods.
    dsktop = ws.SpecialFolders("Desktop")


    ' Set creates an object variable
    set scut = ws.CreateShortcut (dsktop & "\Explorer.lnk")


    ' use the object variables method
    scut.TargetPath = "%systemroot%\explorer.exe"

    scut.Arguments = " /e,::{20d04fe0-3aea-1069-a2d8-08002b30309d}"


    ' Many objects need to be saved to write the information
    scut.save --------------------------------


     


    Changing the listening Port on Remote Desktop
    Written By: Oak | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 11812 | Print Tweak | 11/8/2001

    You can use the Remote Desktop feature in Windows XP Professional to connect to your computer from another, remote computer. WARNING: The Remote Assistance feature in Windows XP may not work properly if you change the listening port. To change the port that Remote Desktop listens on:
    Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

    Locate the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber On the Edit menu, click Modify, click Decimal, type the new port number, and then click OK.

    Quit Registry Editor.

    NOTE: When you try to connect to this computer by using the Remote Desktop connection, you must type the new port.
    Update: I forgot to inform you that you need to add this to the default.rdp file for the XP terminal client... Add this line anywhere in the file. server port:i:your port number ie server port:i:21




    Icon Folders (The Hard Way)
    Written By: Dani Eka Halim | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8275 | Print Tweak | 11/8/2001

    This tip is to change the icon of folders, especially if there is no "Customize" tab on the folder properties. Here's how:
    1. Open Windows Explorer, and open the folder you want to change the icon.
    2. Right click the right pane, point to new and click on "Text Document"
    3. type "desktop.ini" as the file name. Make sure that you have unchecked "Hide file extension for know file types" under "Folder Options" --> "View" tab.
    4. open desktop.ini
    5. Under the section "[.shellClassInfo]", find the attributes "IconFile" and "IconIndex". If you don't find the section name and the attributes, go on, type it. Don't forget to put the "=" sign after the attributes' name.
    6. Change the value of "IconFile" to the icon file you want to use and it's path. For Example: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
    7. Change the value of "IconIndex" to the index number of the icon you want to use.
    This is an example desktop.ini file that will change the folder icon to a windows update picture:
    [.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=46
    Well, that's it! Happy Tweaking... and rearranging your computer with icons!
     



    Use Win2K style login always.
    Written By: Uriel | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 9314 | Print Tweak | 11/8/2001

    Load the Local Security Settings under Administrative Tools. Open Local Policies and go to Security Options. You'll see an item listed for "Interactive Login: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL" and it should be listed as "Not Defined" by default. Double click on it to change the setting and change it to Enabled to use the Windows 2000 style login always. (Set back to Disabled to reenable the Windows XP login screen).


     


    Super fast user switching
    Written By: Evert Mouw < mcp@evert.net > | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 21615 | Print Tweak | 11/7/2001

    (EXPERIENCED USERS ONLY)
    Super fast user switching is a powertoy which makes it easy to switch the active user. But you must be a member of the administrator group to see other users! Quite useless for normal users, but this is done on purpose. I contacted Lou, the programmer of fast.exe, and he said (quote):
    "It actually has to do with permissions. As a regular user, you don't have access to the (InteractiveLogon) service. This is because I didn't want to open another hole in Windows. This is unavoidable."
    The solution opens a hole, but makes super fast user switching usable. THIS IS ONLY FOR EXPERIENCED USERS!
    1. remove task.exe from the local_machine ~ windows ~ run registry entry (you can use start --> run --> msconfig for that)
    2. create a fast.cmd file wich contains the line below: runas /noprofile /env /savecred /user:YOURMACHINE\Administrator "c:\windows\system32\fast.exe" replace YOURMACHINE by your machine name
    3. copy fast.cmd to your windows directory
    4. make a shortcut to c:\windows\fast.cmd, let the shortcut run minimized
    5. copy the shortcut to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    You have to run fast.cmd manually one time for each user to supply the administrator password. This has to be done only once.
    This solution won't work for XP home edition because that edition won't store the security credentials.
    For your information: the user process fast.exe will communicate with the service task.exe to perform it's task. Meddling with the fast -service properties won't work (I tried...).
    Don't do this on production systems, it's meant for home use where security is less important.
    Happy user switching!

     


    If a folder uses the wrong background picture and you can't change it
    Written By: Danny32XP | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 5340 | Print Tweak | 11/6/2001

    Go to the registry, search for a key called bags, back it up and then delete it. Reboot and re customize all your folders by the content

     


    Logon and Shutdown Theme
    Written By: Hector Castro Jr | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 45847 | Print Tweak | 11/6/2001

    how to change the theme that windows xp uses to show the logon and shutdown screens. The colors it uses are at the following: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Colors The Window and Font Sizes are at the following: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
    The way i did it is getting my desktop to look like i wanted the logon and shutdown screens to look and export the keys from: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Colors HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

     


    Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons (2)
    Written By: bbx | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7486 | Print Tweak | 11/5/2001

    I've learned to do 2 operations, instead of the one described; why, I don't know.
    a) Perform instructions described under 'Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons'. For your convenience, steps 1 to 3 are reported here.
    b)Then do the same with piffile.
    So, here is a summary of all actions:
    1. Start regedit. 2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile 3. Delete the IsShortcut registry value. 4. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\piffile 5. Delete the IsShortcut registry value. 6. Close regedit.
    No need to reboot or restart Windows, just logoff.
    Enjoy!

     


    Easier way to kill microsoft tick sound
    Written By: Neur0t0xin64 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 17616 | Print Tweak | 11/3/2001

    The annoying "tick" sound is microsoft's default sound for "start navigation" which can be disabled through control panel-->sounds

     


    A Clear Vision
    Written By: Sheehan Alam | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 49290 | Print Tweak | 11/2/2001

    Want to spice up your desktop with super smooth font text? Well ClearType settings are the way to be my friend.
    1.) Go into Display Properties 2.) Under Appearance Go to effects 3.) In Effects set the combo to ClearType instead of normal.
    Now watch as your desktop and your text automatically transform to give you that graphical edge you've always wanted.
    Happy Tweaking!
     

     


    Yowza! Icon Folders
     Written By: Sheehan Alam | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 36217 | Print Tweak | 11/2/2001

    Now now, calm down there you tweak freak you. A pretty cool, enhancement to XP was the changing of a folder icon. Now you can coordinate your program, to the folder it is located in! Heres how:
    1.) Go into Windows Explorer 2.) Choose a folder and right click it and get into its properties 3.) Now in the last tab, you can select an icon for your folder by either browsing system DLL's or choosing a variety of icons on your disk.
    This tweak applies for all the organized tweakers out there, who like to keep their folders and files nice and tidy.
    Happy Tweaking!

     


    My Computer
    Written By: Alex | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 7720 | Print Tweak | 11/1/2001

    Removing the Shared Documents folders from My Computer can be done without editing the registry.
    1. Go the the Start menu, and click on Run. 2. Type gpedit.msc 3. Now go to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and click on Windows Explorer. 4. In here, you'll see the option Remove Shared Documents from My Computer. Double click on that, tick Enabled, and click OK. And that's all.

    How to get classic login box from the Welcome Screen *the right way* Written By: Jacob Wood | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 17269 | Print Tweak | 10/29/2001

    goto control panel > user accounts > "change the way users log on or off" > uncheck the first box "Use the Welcome Screen". here you'll get a regular win2k/NT login screen. i enjoy this much more!


     


    Place IE, My Documents, My Computer on desktop the easy way
    Written By: Jesse Racine | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 6008 | Print Tweak | 10/29/2001

    This is much easier then the registry hacks someone else posted, to place Internet Explorer, My Computer, My Documents, and My Network Places on the desktop: 1. right click on the desktop and select properties 2. click on the desktop tab 3. click the customize desktop button 4. enable the icons you want


    Tweak ClearType settings using web browser Written By: Steve | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 23428 | Print Tweak | 10/29/2001

    Just go to the Microsoft ClearType website and follow the directions. It is very cool how you can choose between six different ClearType settings.

     

     


    Easy sendto menu mod
    Written By: Switch | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 14818 | Print Tweak | 10/24/2001

    This one is super easy, first open X:\Documents and Settings\username\SendTo\ (it is hidden) where X is your drive letter and username is your username make and delete shortcuts to folders at will

     

     


    Disable Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
    Written By: Mikko Purtonen | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 8736 | Print Tweak | 10/15/2001

    By default, Windows XP opens all picture files (gif,jpg,...) with the included Windows Picture and Fax Viewer no matter what other picture viewers you have installed. To disable the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, unregister shimgvw.dll. This can be done from command prompt: regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll

     

     


    Easy Way To Start Windows Explorer In The C Drive
    Written By: len509 | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 26577 | Print Tweak | 10/14/2001

    In explorer's properties, use this path and switches in the target:
    C:\windows\explorer.exe /n,/e,c:\

     


    Get Rid of the Recycle Bin
    Written By: Jaron | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 16306 | Print Tweak | 10/11/2001

    If you're like me, you appreciate the clean desktop that XP offers. Unfortunately, one item remains: the Recycle Bin. You can't get rid of it through any menus or anything like that. After much hacking around in the registry, I finally found the responsible key. Simply delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}" and restart. When you restart, the Recycle Bin is no longer on the desktop. When you delete stuff, it still prompts to send it to the Recycle Bin, as always. To fully delete something, just delete it from C:\Recycled. To view this folder, you have to have everything set to be seen, including hidden folders and procted OS files and all that. Enjoy this handy tweak! :)

     

     


    Quick access to your whole system
    Written By: Jon | Authors Website: Visit | Views: 43488 | Print Tweak | 10/11/2001

    This works in Windows 2000 as well. Simply click and drag your My Computer icon onto the Task Bar near the right side icons next to the clock. This will create a cascading menu from where you can easily access just about anything on your system.