Windows XP Cookbook

Description:

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough.

Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP.

Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers.

Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.

 

Preface

1. Introduction

      Approach to the Book 

      At Least Three Ways to Do It 

      Where to Find the Tools 

      Running Tools with Alternate Credentials 

      A Brief Word on Windows Scripting 

      Where to Find More Information 

2. Operating System Installation and Maintenance

      2.0 Introduction 

      2.1 Preparing to Install Windows XP 

      2.2 Installing from a CD or DVD 

      2.3 Installing from a Network Share 

      2.4 Installing from an Unattended Installation 

      2.5 Cloning Windows XP Installations 

      2.6 Installing from Remote Installation Services (RIS) 

      2.7 Troubleshooting Installation Problems 

      2.8 Upgrading to Windows XP 

      2.9 Creating a Multiboot Installation 

      2.10 Troubleshooting Multiboot Problems 

      2.11 Activating Windows XP 

      2.12 Viewing the Installed Service Pack and Hotfixes 

      2.13 Installing a Hotfix 

      2.14 Installing a Service Pack 

      2.15 Slipstreaming a Service Pack or Hotfix into a Build 

      2.16 Configuring Automatic Updates 

      2.17 Disabling the Windows Firewall After Installation 

      2.18 Keeping an Installation Process Worm- and Virus-Free

3. Managing Hardware and Devices

      3.0 Introduction 

      3.1 Adding Hardware 

      3.2 Resolving Unknown Devices 

      3.3 Repairing a Missing Modem 

      3.4 Recovering from a Bad Device Driver Update 

      3.5 Using the Last Known Good Configuration to Resolve Hardware Problems 

      3.6 Running Windows in Safe Mode 

      3.7 Using System Restore to Recover from a Hardware-Induced Problem 

      3.8 Resolving Device Conflicts 

      3.9 Resolving USB Bandwidth Problems 

      3.10 Resolving Hung USB Devices 

      3.11 Keeping USB Devices from Disappearing 

      3.12 Curing Stubborn USB Devices 

      3.13 Revealing Hidden Devices 

      3.14 Checking Drivers with the Driver Verifier Tool 

      3.15 Resolving Printer Timed-Out and Not Ready Problems 

      3.16 Troubleshooting Local Printing Problems 

      3.17 Printing to a USB Printer from DOS 

      3.18 Resolving Failed Network Printing with Internet Connection Sharing 

      3.19 Interpreting Device Manager Error Codes 

      3.20 Troubleshooting Sound Problems 

      3.21 Troubleshooting Video Problems 

      3.22 Troubleshooting Video Monitor Problems 

      3.23 Stopping LCD Monitor Resolution Messages 

      3.24 Interpreting Windows INF Files 

      3.25 Figuring out AUTORUN.INF Files 

      3.26 Correcting Parameters in BIOS 

      3.27 Troubleshooting CD Autorun Software Installation Problems 

      3.28 Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Reading Problems 

      3.29 Resolving DVD Reading and DVD Movie Problems 

      3.30 Restoring Access to CD-ROMs 

4. Installing, Uninstalling, and Working with Applications

      4.0 Introduction 

      4.1 Uninstalling "Unremovable" Components 

      4.2 Removing Unruly Applications 

      4.3 Removing Stubborn Uninstall Entries from Already Uninstalled Programs
      4.4 Changing the Default Location for Installing Applications 

      4.5 Launching Applications with Keyboard Shortcuts 

      4.6 Customizing the Way Applications Open Using Switches and Parameters 

      4.7 Running Older Applications 

      4.8 Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit to Solve Compatibility Problems 

      4.9 Troubleshooting Application Compatibility 

      4.10 Running DOS Programs in Their Own Optimized Environments 

      4.11 Forcing Older Programs to Use Windows XP Common Controls 

      4.12 Using Keyboard Application Shortcuts 

      4.13 Moving a New Microsoft Application to Another Windows XP System 

      4.14 Remotely Installing a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy 

      4.15 Remotely Redeploying a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy 

      4.16 Remotely Uninstalling a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy 

5. Customizing the Interface

      5.0 Introduction 

      5.1 Getting Rid of Undeletable Desktop Icons 

      5.2 Changing "Unchangeable" Desktop Icons and System Objects 

      5.3 Showing Your XP Version on Your Desktop 

      5.4 Turning Off Balloon Tips 

      5.5 Cleaning Your Desktop Automatically 

      5.6 Adding an Address Bar to the Taskbar 

      5.7 Adding a Shortcut to a Disk, Folder, or Internet Address to the Taskbar 

      5.8 Hiding Specific Icons in the Notification Area 

      5.9 Hiding All Icons in the Notification Area 

      5.10 Controlling the Start Menu's Frequently Used Programs List 

      5.11 Customizing the Start Menu's Pinned Programs List 

      5.12 Displaying Control Panel Applets in a Cascading Menu 

      5.13 Hiding and Recategorizing Control Panel Applets 

      5.14  Customizing Right-Click Menu Choices in Windows Explorer 

      5.15 Changing the Resolution of Thumbnails in Windows Explorer 

      5.16 Improving Laptop and LCD Resolution with ClearType 

      5.17 Converting to the Classic Windows Interface 

      5.18 Using TweakUI 

      5.19 Using Group Policy Editor to Alter the Interface 

      5.20 Saving Your Desktop Settings 

      5.21 Fixing the Start Shortcut Menu 

      5.22 Troubleshooting My Recent Documents 

6. System Properties, Startup, and Shutdown

      6.0 Introduction 

      6.1 Automatically Setting the Time on a Domain-Connected PC 

      6.2 Automatically Setting the Time on a PC Not Connected to a Domain 

      6.3 Changing the System Name 

      6.4 Create a Multiboot Menu 

      6.5 Using Virtual PC to Run Multiple Operating Systems Simultaneously 

      6.6 Performing a Clean Boot 

      6.7 Shutting Down Unnecessary Programs and Services that Run on Startup 

      6.8 Speeding Up Shutdown Time 

      6.9 Changing Your Boot Screen 

      6.10 Personalizing Your PC's Sounds 

      6.11 Creating Power Schemes 

      6.12 Extending Battery Life on a Laptop 

      6.13 Changing the Location of Your Startup Folders 

      6.14 Disabling Error Reporting 

      6.15 Creating Environment Variables 

      6.16 Creating a Reboot or Shutdown Shortcut 

      6.17 Scheduling a Reboot 

      6.18 Speeding Up System Startup 

7. Disks, Drives, and Volumes

      7.0 Introduction 

      7.1 Viewing the Disk, Drive, and Volume Layout 

      7.2 Converting a Basic Disk to Dynamic 

      7.3 Enabling Disk Performance Statistics 

      7.4 Formatting a Volume 

      7.5 Setting the Drive Letter of a Volume 

      7.6 Setting the Label of a Volume 

      7.7 Cleaning Up a Volume 

      7.8 Defragmenting a Volume 

      7.9 Compressing a Volume 

      7.10 Checking a Volume for Errors 

      7.11 Making a Disk or Volume Read-Only 

      7.12 Mapping a Network Drive 

      7.13 Creating a Virtual Drive to Another Drive or Folder 

      7.14 Finding Large Files and Folders on a Volume 

      7.15 Enabling Disk Quotas 

      7.16 Limiting a User to a Specified Disk Quota 

      7.17 Viewing Disk Quota Usage 

8. Files, Folders, and Shares

      8.0 Introduction 

      8.1 Creating and Deleting a File 

      8.2 Creating and Deleting a Folder 

      8.3 Undeleting a File 

      8.4 Securely Deleting a File 

      8.5 Viewing the Properties of a File or Folder 

      8.6 Creating a Shortcut 

      8.7 Creating a Link or Junction Point 

      8.8 Creating a Program Alias 

      8.9 Searching for Files or Folders 

      8.10 Copying, Moving, or Renaming a File or Folder 

      8.11 Comparing Files or Folders 

      8.12 Hiding a File or Folder 

      8.13 Making a File or Folder Read-Only 

      8.14 Compressing a File or Folder 

      8.15 Encrypting a File or Folder 

      8.16 Replacing a File That Is in Use 

      8.17 Taking Ownership of a File or Folder 

      8.18 Finding Out Who Opened or Modified a File Last 

      8.19 Finding Open Files 

      8.20 Finding the Process That Has a File Open 

      8.21 Viewing File Activity 

      8.22 Performing an Action on Several Files at Once 

      8.23 Creating and Deleting Shares 

      8.24 Viewing Shares 

      8.25 Restricting Access to a Share 

      8.26 Enabling Web Sharing 

      8.27 Publishing a Share in Active Directory 

9. The Registry

      9.0 Introduction 

      9.1 Creating and Deleting a Key 

      9.2 Setting a Value 

      9.3 Setting Keys or Values Using Group Policy 

      9.4 Exporting Registry Files 

      9.5 Importing Registry Files 

      9.6 Searching the Registry 

      9.7 Comparing the Registry 

      9.8 Restricting Access to the Registry 

      9.9 Backing Up and Restoring the Registry 

      9.10 Creating a Registry Link 

      9.11 Monitoring Registry Activity 

      9.12 Viewing Processes That Have a Registry Key Open 

10. Processes, Tasks, and Services

      10.0 Introduction 

      10.1 Viewing the Running Processes 

      10.2 Viewing the Properties of a Process 

      10.3 Viewing the Resources a Process Is Using 

      10.4 Suspending a Process 

      10.5 Killing a Process 

      10.6 Running a Task with Alternate Credentials 

      10.7 Running a Task on a Remote System 

      10.8 Running a Task Automatically via the Registry 

      10.9 Running a Task Automatically via Login Scripts 

      10.10 Running a Task via Group Policy 

      10.11 Viewing All Automatic Tasks 

      10.12 Scheduling a Task 

      10.13 Viewing Scheduled Tasks 

      10.14 Deleting a Scheduled Task 

      10.15 Troubleshooting Scheduled Tasks 

      10.16 Starting and Stopping a Service 

      10.17 Running Any Program or Script as a Service 

      10.18 Setting the Startup Type of a Service 

      10.19 Setting the Account and Password of a Service 

      10.20 Performing an Action Automatically When a Service Fails 

      10.21 Viewing the Antecedent and Dependent Services for a Service 

      10.22 Viewing the Service Load Order 

      10.23 Viewing the Startup History of a Service 

      10.24 Granting Permissions to Manage One or More Services 

11. Digital Media

      11.0 Introduction 

      11.1 Ripping Digital Music 

      11.2 Creating a Playlist 

      11.3 Burning a CD 

      11.4 Troubleshooting CD Burning 

      11.5 Playing Internet Radio Stations 

      11.6 Protecting Your Privacy in Windows Media Player 

      11.7 Searching Through Digital Media Collections Using Metadata 

      11.8 Capturing Video to Your PC 

      11.9 Making Your Own DVDs 

      11.10 Converting Images Easily Between Graphics Formats 

      11.11 Processing Images for Email and the Web 

12. Network Configuration

      12.0 Introduction 

      12.1 Viewing the Network Configuration 

      12.2 Disabling a Connection 

      12.3 Configuring an IP Address 

      12.4 Renewing or Releasing a DHCP IP Address 

      12.5 Configuring DNS Settings 

      12.6 Registering DNS Records or Flushing the DN Cache 

      12.7 Finding a Computer's Active Directory Site 

      12.8 Managing Routes 

      12.9 Viewing the Open Ports and Connections 

      12.10 Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems 

      12.11 Configuring TCP/IP Filtering 

      12.12 Measuring Link Speed and Latency Between Two Hosts 

      12.13 Installing the IPv6 Stack 

13. The Internet

      13.0 Introduction 

      13.1 Using a HOSTS File to Speed Up Web Access 

      13.2 Troubleshooting DNS Problems 

      13.3 Installing Internet Information Services (IIS) 

      13.4 Using the IIS MMC Snap-in to Manage Your Internet Servers 

      13.5 Setting Up and Configuring a Telnet Server 

      13.6 Use the Telnet Administrator to Manage a Telnet Server 

      13.7 Customizing Internet Explorer's Logo  and Titlebar 

      13.8 Blocking Pop Ups 

      13.9 Protecting Your Privacy by Handling Cookies Properly 

      13.10 Protecting Yourself Against Spyware 

      13.11 Customizing Internet Explorer Security Settings 

      13.12 Allowing Programs to Bypass the Windows Firewall 

      13.13 Tracking Firewall Activity with a Windows Firewall Log 

      13.14 Protecting Yourself with the ZoneAlarm Firewall 

      13.15 Surfing the Web Anonymously 

      13.16 Finding and Reading RSS Feeds 

14. Wireless Networking

      14.0 Introduction 

      14.1 Installing a Wireless Adapter 

      14.2 Installing a Wireless Router 

      14.3 Connecting to Your Wireless Network 

      14.4 Troubleshooting WiFi Network Connections 

      14.5 Speeding Up a WiFi Network 

      14.6 Keeping Your WiFi Network Secure 

      14.7 Setting Up WiFi Encryption 

      14.8 Mixing 802.11b and 802.11g Devices 

      14.9 Setting Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network 

      14.10 Connecting to a Hotspot 

      14.11 Sending Email from a Hotspot 

      14.12 Stopping Hotspot "Stuttering" 

      14.13 Protecting Yourself at Hotspots 

15. User, Group, and Computer Accounts

      15.0 Introduction 

      15.1 Creating a User Account 

      15.2 Unlocking a User 

      15.3 Troubleshooting Account Lockout Problems 

      15.4 Viewing and Modifying the Account Lockout and Password Policies 

      15.5 Enabling and Disabling a User Account 

      15.6 Setting a User's Password 

      15.7 Setting a Domain User's Account Options 

      15.8 Setting a Domain User's Profile Attributes 

      15.9 Finding a Domain User's Last Logon Time 

      15.10 Creating a Group Account 

      15.11 Viewing the Members of a Group 

      15.12 Viewing a User's Group Membership 

      15.13 Adding and Removing Members of a Group 

      15.14 Creating a Computer Account 

      15.15 Joining a Computer to a Domain 

      15.16 Renaming a Computer 

      15.17 Resetting a Computer Account 

16. Event Logs and Log Files

      16.0 Introduction 

      16.1 Creating an Event 

      16.2 Viewing Events 

      16.3 Creating a New Event Log 

      16.4 Viewing the Size of an Event Log 

      16.5 Setting the Maximum Size of an Event Log 

      16.6 Setting the Event Log Retention Policy 

      16.7 Clearing the Events in an Event Log 

      16.8 Restricting Access to an Event Log 

      16.9 Searching an Event Log 

      16.10 Searching the Event Logs on Multiple Systems 

      16.11 Archiving an Event Log 

      16.12 Finding More Information about an Event 

      16.13 Triggering an Action When an Event Occurs 

      16.14 Troubleshooting a Corrupt Event Log 

      16.15 Enabling Boot Logging 

      16.16 Enabling User Environment Logging 

      16.17 Enabling NetLogon Logging 

      16.18 Enabling Windows Installer Logging 

      16.19 Enabling Windows Time Service Logging 

      16.20 Enabling Outlook Logging 

      16.21 Troubleshooting Application Failures  with the Dr. Watson Logs 

17. Security and Auditing

      17.0 Introduction 

      17.1 Analyzing Your Security Configuration 

      17.2 Enabling Auditing 

      17.3 Renaming the Administrator and Guest Accounts 

      17.4 Disabling or Removing Unused Accounts, Services, and Software 

      17.5 Enabling Screen Saver Locking 

      17.6 Disabling Storage of the LM Password Hash 

      17.7 Requiring Strong Passwords 

      17.8 Getting Notified of New Security Vulnerabilities 

18. Performance Tuning

      18.0 Introduction 

      18.1 Speeding Up System Performance with the Task Manager 

      18.2 Tracking System Performance with the Performance Console 

      18.3 Using Memory More Efficiently 

      18.4 Balancing System Performance and Visual Effects 

      18.5 Optimizing Page File Size 

      18.6 Cleaning Up Your Hard Disk 

      18.7 Converting Your Hard Disk to NTFS 

      18.8 Disabling Startup Services and Programs 

      18.9 Removing Unnecessary Items from the Notification Area 

      18.10 Improving Startup Performance 

19. Backup and Recovery

      19.0 Introduction 

      19.1 Performing a Backup 

      19.2 Restoring from Backup 

      19.3 Using Automated System Recovery 

      19.4 Creating an ASR Disk  "After the Fact" 

      19.5 Using System Restore to Revive a Broken Machine 

      19.6 Disabling System Restore Remotely 

      19.7 Retrieving a Shadow Copy of a Corrupted or Deleted File 

      19.8 Using XCOPY for Interim Backups 

      19.9 Using the Recovery Console During Boot Failures 

      19.10 Creating a Password Reset Disk 

      19.11 Recovering and Decrypting an Encrypted File or Folder 

      19.12 Backing up and Restoring Activation Data 

      19.13 Auditing Backup and Restore Actions 

      19.14 Caring for Backup Media 

20. Crashes and Errors

      20.0 Introduction 

      20.1 Using Safe Mode 

      20.2 Using Last Known Good Configuration 

      20.3 Using Boot Log to Trace Problems 

      20.4 Using VGA Mode to Solve Video Problems 

      20.5 Using Recovery Console 

      20.6 Repairing AUTOEXEC.NT or CONFIG.NT Errors 

      20.7 Fixing Cryptographic Services Error 

      20.8 Fixing NTOSKRNL Errors 

      20.9 Fixing a HAL Error 

      20.10 Fixing Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG Errors 

      20.11 Fixing NTLDR or NTDETECT Not Found Errors 

      20.12 Configuring Error Reporting 

      20.13 Troubleshooting Blue Screen Error Messages 

      20.14 Setting Up and Using Dr. Watson to Troubleshoot Errors 

Appendix: Summary of Windows XP Versions and Service Packs

Index