Easy XP Tweaks has been close by Admin and that was a good thing because it was becoming a place for almost random posts. I am starting again fresh, and this time can we make it 100% tweaks if you have a problem please post in Windows XP, 2000, 2003, NT Forum that is what it is there for.

Also don't add any thank you posts, PM the person that way only one person reads it and not thousands of other users. I will try to have non-tweak posts removed after a two weeks or so, thank you for understanding.

When posting please follow the paten I set in my tweaks, makes it look nice and tidy that way. And if don't under stand a tweak, think a tweak should not be here or should be done differently, or a link dose not work please PM me and I will fix it.

Tweak Index

Red are proformance Tweaks
Green are thing for conveinence
Blue are Hard drive/File Related
Purple How to do Usefull Things

Tweak #1 Remove Two Annoying Windows Components
Tweak #2 Turn off Indexing
Tweak #3 Turn off Hibernation
Tweak #4 Remove Windows Messenger
Tweak #5 Turn off Auto Restart
Tweak #6 Repair Corrupt Files
Tweak #7 Disable Start UP Programs
Tweak #8 Commands, Hotkeys & Short-Cuts
Tweak #9 Using the Registry
Tweak #10 Change Icon for File Type
Tweak #11 Display Settings
Tweak #12 Shutdown, Restart and logoff Icons on Desktop
Tweak #13 Page File
Tweak #14 Move My Docs off of C
Tweak #15 QFECheck - how to make sure hotfixes are installed
Tweak #16 Limiting Accounts
Tweak #17 System Info
Tweak #18 Windows Explorer Shortcut
Tweak #19 Turn Off Visual Effects
Tweak #20 All the Messengers
Tweak #21 Turn Off "Low Disk Space" Notification
Tweak #22 Diable Balloon Tips
Tweak #23 Stop System Sounds
Tweak #24 Clipboard Viewer
Tweak #25 Viewing/Changing File Associations
Tweak #26 Where the Icons Are
Tweak #27 Customise Desktop Icons
Tweak #28 Customise Windows Explorer
Tweak #29 Profile Tweaks - Desktop, Quick Launch, and Start Menu
Tweak #30 Shorten System set Delays
Tweak #31 Clean out the Prefetch folder
Tweak #32 How to Delete
Tweak #33 Microsoft Update
Tweak #34 Repair/Reinstall Windows Components
Tweak #35 Remove Entries From Add/Remove Programs
Tweak #36 How to Unistall Programs
Tweak #37 Add/Remove Optional Components
Tweak #38 Add Another Menu to the Task Bar
Tweak #39 Folder Options
Tweak #40 Remove Unwanted Context menus

If you have come here because your computer is slow, and at the same time you have haveing popups, unknow toolbars in Internet Explorer, or your computer is just acting how it should not, you probably have malware such as a Virus, Spyware, Adware, or Trojan Horse. If this is the case you should first read You Must Read This Before Posting A Hijackthis Log and then post in the Malware Forum once clean come back here.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 22 2005, 05:07 AM

Tweak #1: Remove Two Annoying Windows Components

Have you tried to disable messenger, but it still shows in the system tray icon every now and then? If so, this next tweak is for you. To completely turn off Windows Messenger:

1. Go to Start < Run
2. Type or Copy in "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove" with out the quotes and press enter
3. Restart and you will never see Windows Messenger again!

It is best it you copy and paste that command it is very hard to type right. This will do nothing to MSN messenger if you have it.

Ever get sick of Accessibility Tools?

1. Go to Start < Run
2. Type of Copy in "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\optional.inf,BLC.Remove"
3. Restart and you will never see Accessibility Tools again!

It is best it you copy and paste that command it is very hard to type right

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 21 2005, 02:25 AM

Tweak #2: Turn off Indexing to Speed up Response Time

Another by Smokey



When this is done it is normal for there to be errors that say it can not be applied to some files, this is because they are being used by the computer, just ignore it. If the box to untick is not there it is because your file system dose not support having it on.

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 13 2005, 12:12 AM

Tweak #3: Turn off Hibernation

Another by Smokey



Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 6 2005, 10:43 PM

Tweak #4: Remove "Messenger Service" Advertisements from non-Service Pack XP PCs

Another by Smokey



Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 6 2005, 10:43 PM

Tweak #5: Turn off Auto Restart

By Johanna



Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 12 2005, 05:36 PM

Tweak #6: Repair Corrupt Files.

Some times in XP files get corrupt, the good thing is it is easy to fix.

Now go
Start < run and type sfc /scannow (note the space between the sfc and /)

It will ask you for you installation CD so have it ready. This will gives you a blue bar it can tack some time to finish (any where up to an hour) when it gose reboot. It fixes any files that have become corrupt.

Go
Start < run and type chkdsk /r /x (again note the spaces)

This many ask you if you what to do it in your next boot, answer yes. Wanning this may take some time to finish, about 1 minute per gigbyte. This will fix all hard drive errors.

You should not use you computer while you do either of these.

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 9 2005, 03:16 AM

Tweak #7: Disable Startup programs

This will make booting a lot quicker, because many program that are installed get parts to load into Ram when Windows Loads, disabling it will not stop the program working. Most of these program are not needed. As a guide you should only need your Anti Virus and Spyware, instant message program if you use them and some times you that diver for the flashy new mouse that you have just got.

The first place to look is
Start then Programs then Startup
Every thing found can be deleted, they are never needed.

The second place to look is
Start press Run and type msconfig and press OK

When it loads open the Startup tab. Have a good look at the command column this is where the .exe file that runs the start up item is. From this you should be able to work out what program is it and if you needed. If unsure you can test what turning it off dose, you can turn it back on if you need it. Changing anything will not stop Windows working, it may disable your security software but if you do things a few at a time, you should know when this happens and you can undo the changes.

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael: Nov 25 2006, 07:17 AM

Tweak #8: Run Commands, Hotkeys & Short-Cuts

Run Commands
-------------------------------------------------------------------
compmgmt.msc - Computer management
devmgmt.msc - Device manager
diskmgmt.msc - Disk management
dfrg.msc - Disk defrag
eventvwr.msc - Event viewer
fsmgmt.msc - Shared folders
gpedit.msc - Group policies
lusrmgr.msc - Local users and groups
perfmon.msc - Performance monitor
rsop.msc - Resultant set of policies
secpol.msc - Local security settings
services.msc - Various Services
msconfig - System Configuration Utility
regedit - Registry Editor
msinfo32 - System Information
sysedit - System Edit
win.ini - windows loading information(also system.ini)
winver - Shows current version of windows
mailto: - Opens default email client
command - Opens command prompt

Run Commands to access the control panel
-------------------------------------------------------------------
appwiz.cpl - Add/Remove Programs
control admintools - Adminastrative Tools
control color - The Display with the appearance tab open
control date/time - Date and Time properties
control folders - Folder Options
control fonts - Fonts Folder
control infrared - Infrared folder if available
control netconnections - Network and Dial-up Connections window
control netware - Netware window if installed and available
control panel - Control Panle
control printers - Printers Folder control printers
control schedtasks - Schedule tasks window
ccontrol telephony - Location information window
control userpasswords - User Accounts
desk.cpl - Display Properties
findfast.cpl - FindFast control
firewall.cpl - Windows Firewall
Hdwwiz.cpl - Add Hardware Wizard
inetcpl.cpl - Internet Properties
intl.cpl - Regional and Language Options
joy.cpl - Game Controls
jpicpl32.cpl - Java Control Panle
main.cpl keyboard - keyboard Keyboard Properties
main.cpl - Mouse Properties
mlcfg32.cpl - Mail and Fax
mmsys.cpl - Multimedia Properties
mmsys.cpl sounds - Sound Properties
ncpa.cpl - NetWork Connections
netcpl.cpl - Network Properties
netsetup.cpl - Network Setup Wizard
nusrmgr.cpl - User Accounts
odbccp32.cpl - ODBC Data Source Administrator
Powercfg.cpl - Power Options
password.cpl - Password Properties control
sysdm.cpl - System Properties
Telephon.cpl - Telephone Controls
timedate.cpl - Date/Time Properties
wscui.cpl - Windows Security Center
Wuaucpl.cpl - Windows Auto Updater



Command Prompt
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSI.SYS - Defines functions that change display graphics, control cursor movement, and reassign keys.
APPEND - Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running a command.
ARP - Displays, adds, and removes arp information from network devices.
ASSIGN - Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter.
ASSOC - View the file associations.
AT - Schedule a time to execute commands or programs.
ATMADM - Lists connections and addresses seen by Windows ATM call manager.
ATTRIB - Display and change file attributes.

BATCH - Recovery console command that executes a series of commands in a file.
BACKUP - Enables users to backup their data on their computer.
BOOTCFG - Recovery console command that allows a user to view, modify, and rebuild the boot.ini
BREAK - Enable / disable CTRL + C feature.

CACLS - View and modify file ACL's.
CALL - Calls a batch file from another batch file.
CD - Changes directories.
CHCP - Supplement the International keyboard and character set information.
CHDIR - Changes directories.
CHKDSK - Check the hard disk drive running FAT for errors.
CHKNTFS - Check the hard disk drive running NTFS for errors.
CHOICE - Specify a listing of multiple options within a batch file.
CLS - Clears the screen.
CMD - Opens the command interpreter.
COLOR - Easily change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window.
COMMAND - Opens the command interpreter.
COMP - Compares files.
COMPACT - Compresses and uncompress files.
CONTROL - Open control panel icons from the MS-DOS prompt.
CONVERT - Convert FAT to NTFS.
COPY - Copy one or more files to an alternate location.
CTTY - Change the computers input/output devices.

DATE - View or change the systems date.
DEBUG - Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings.
DEFRAG - Re-arrange the hard disk drive to help with loading programs.
DEL - Deletes one or more files.
DELETE - Recovery console command that deletes a file.
DELTREE - Deletes one or more files and/or directories.
DIR - List the contents of one or more directory.
DISABLE - Recovery console command that disables Windows system services or drivers.
DISKCOMP - Compare a disk with another disk.
DISKCOPY - Copy the contents of one disk and place them on another disk.
DISKPART - used to delete and create partitions.
DOSKEY - Command to view and execute commands that have been run in the past.
DOSSHELL - A GUI to help with early MS-DOS users.
DRIVPARM - Enables overwrite of original device drivers.

ECHO - Displays messages and enables and disables echo.
EDIT - View and edit files.
EDLIN - View and edit files.
EMM386 - Load extended Memory Manager.
ENABLE - Recovery console command to enable a disable service or driver.
ENDLOCAL - Stops the localization of the environment changes enabled by the setlocal command.
ERASE - Erase files from computer.
EXIT - Exit from the command interpreter.
EXPAND - Expand a Microsoft Windows file back to it's original format.
EXTRACT - Extract files from the Microsoft Windows cabinets.

FASTHELP - Displays a listing of MS-DOS commands and information about them.
FC - Compare files.
FDISK - Utility used to create partitions on the hard disk drive.
FIND - Search for text within a file.
FINDSTR - Searches for a string of text within a file.
FIXBOOT - Writes a new boot sector.
FIXMBR - Writes a new boot record to a disk drive.
FOR - Boolean used in batch files.
FORMAT - Command to erase and prepare a disk drive.
FTP - Command to connect and operate on a FTP server.
FTYPE - Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.

GOTO - Movesa batch file to a specific label or location.
GRAFTABL - Show extended characters in graphics mode.

HELP - Display a listing of commands and brief explanation.
HOSTNAME -Display the hostname of the machine.

IF - Allows for batch files to perform conditional processing.
IFSHLP.SYS - 32-bit file manager.
IPCONFIG - Network command to view network adapter settings and assigned values.

KEYB - Change layout of keyboard.

LABEL - Change the label of a disk drive.
LH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LISTSVC - Recovery console command that displays the services and drivers.
LOADFIX - Load a program above the first 64k.
LOADHIGH - Load a device driver in to high memory.
LOCK - Lock the hard disk drive.
LOGON - Recovery console command to list installations and enable administrator login.

MAP - Displays the device name of a drive.
MD - Command to create a new directory.
MEM - Display memory on system.
MKDIR - Command to create a new directory.
MODE - Modify the port or display settings.
MORE - Display one page at a time.
MOVE - Move one or more files from one directory to another directory.
MSAV - Early Microsoft Virus scanner.
MSBACKUP -MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.
MSD - Diagnostics utility.
MSCDEX - Utility used to load and provide access to the CD-ROM.
MWBACKUP - MS-DOS application that enables users to backup their data on their computer.

NBTSTAT - Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT
NET - Update, fix, or view the network or network settings
NETSH - Configure dynamic and static network information from MS-DOS.
NETSTAT - Display the TCP/IP network protocol statistics and information.
NLSFUNC - Load country specific information.
NSLOOKUP - Look up an IP address of a domain or host on a network.

PATH - View and modify the computers path location.
PATHPING - View and locate locations of network latency.
PAUSE - Command used in batch files to stop the processing of a command.
PING - Test / send information to another network computer or network device.
POPD - Changes to the directory or network path stored by the pushd command.
POWER - Conserve power with computer portables.
PRINT - Prints data to a printer port.
PROMPT - View and change the MS-DOS prompt.
PUSHD - Stores a directory or network path in memory so it can be returned to at any time.

QBASIC - Open the QBasic.

RD - Removes an empty directory.
REN - Renames a file or directory.
RENAME - Renames a file or directory.
RMDIR - Removes an empty directory.
ROUTE - View and configure windows network route tables.
RUNAS - Enables a user to execute a program on another computer.

SCANDISK - Run the scandisk utility.
SCANREG - Scan registry and recover registry from errors.
SET - Change one variable or string to another.
SETLOCAL - Enables local environments to be changed without affecting anything else.
SETVER - Change MS-DOS version to trick older MS-DOS programs.
SFC - Scans and replaces any Microsoft Windows file on the computer and replaces any changed file with the correct version
SHARE - Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities.
SHIFT - Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.
SHUTDOWN - Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt.
SMARTDRV - Create a disk cache in conventional memory or extended memory.
SORT - Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.
START - Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt.
SUBST - Substitute a folder on your computer for another drive letter.
SWITCHES - Remove add functions from MS-DOS.
SYS - Transfer system files to disk drive.
SYSTEMINFO - Displays complete system information for Microsoft Windows XP Professional computers.
SYSTEMROOT - The systemroot command is a recovery console command that sets the current directory as the system root directory.

TELNET - Telnet to another computer / device from the prompt.
TIME - View or modify the system time.
TITLE - Change the title of their MS-DOS window.
TRACERT - Visually view a network packets route across a network.
TREE - View a visual tree of the hard disk drive.
TYPE - Display the contents of a file.

UNDELETE - Undelete a file that has been deleted.
UNFORMAT - Unformat a hard disk drive.
UNLOCK - Unlock a disk drive.

VER Display - the version information.
VERIFY - Enables or disables the feature to determine if files have been written properly.
VOL - Displays the volume information about the designated drive.

XCOPY - Copy multiple files, directories, and/or drives from one location to another.



Windows XP Shortcuts
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ALT+- (ALT+hyphen) - Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu
ALT+ENTER - View properties for the selected item
ALT+ESC - Cycle through items in the order they were opened
ALT+F4 - Close the active item, or quit the active program
ALT+SPACEBAR - Display the System menu for the active window
ALT+TAB - Switch between open items
ALT+Underlined letter - Display the corresponding menu
BACKSPACE - View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer
CTRL+A - Select all
CTRL+B - Bold
CTRL+C - Copy
CTRL+I - Italics
CTRL+O - Open an item
CTRL+U - Underline
CTRL+V - Paste
CTRL+X - Cut
CTRL+Z - Undo
CTRL+F4 - Close the active document
CTRL while dragging - Copy selected item
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging - Create shortcut to selected item
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph
SHIFT+DELETE - Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin
ESC - Cancel the current task
F1 - Displays Help
F2 - Rename selected item
F3 - Search for a file or folder
F4 - Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer
F5 - Refresh the active window
F6 - Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10 - Activate the menu bar in the active program
SHIFT+F10 - Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
CTRL+ESC - Display the Start menu
SHIFT+CTRL+ESC - Launches Task Manager
SHIFT when you insert a CD - Prevent the CD from automatically playing
WIN - Display or hide the Start menu
WIN+BREAK - Display the System Properties dialog box
WIN+D - Minimizes all Windows and shows the Desktop
WIN+E - Open Windows Explorer
WIN+F - Search for a file or folder
WIN+F+CTRL - Search for computers
WIN+L - Locks the desktop
WIN+M - Minimize or restore all windows
WIN+R - Open the Run dialog box
WIN+TAB - Switch between open items



Windows Explorer Shortcuts
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ALT+SPACEBAR - Display the current window’s system menu
SHIFT+F10 - Display the item's context menu
CTRL+ESC - Display the Start menu
ALT+TAB - Switch to the window you last used
ALT+F4 - Close the current window or quit
CTRL+A - Select all items
CTRL+X - Cut selected item(s)
CTRL+C - Copy selected item(s)
CTRL+V - Paste item(s)
CTRL+Z - Undo last action
CTRL+(+) - Automatically resize the columns in the right hand pane
TAB - Move forward through options
ALT+RIGHT ARROW - Move forward to a previous view
ALT+LEFT ARROW - Move backward to a previous view
SHIFT+DELETE - Delete an item immediately
BACKSPACE - View the folder one level up
ALT+ENTER - View an item’s properties
F10 - Activate the menu bar in programs
F6 - Switch between left and right panes
F5 - Refresh window contents
F3 - Display Find application
F2 - Rename selected itemhttp



Internet Explorer Shortcuts
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CTRL+A - Select all items on the current page
CTRL+D - Add the current page to your Favorites
CTRL+E - Open the Search bar
CTRL+F - Find on this page
CTRL+H - Open the History bar
CTRL+I - Open the Favorites bar
CTRL+N - Open a new window
CTRL+O - Go to a new location
CTRL+P - Print the current page or active frame
CTRL+S - Save the current page
CTRL+W - Close current browser window
CTRL+ENTER - Adds the http://www -. (url) .com
SHIFT+CLICK - Open link in new window
BACKSPACE - Go to the previous page
ALT+HOME - Go to your Home page
HOME - Move to the beginning of a document
TAB - Move forward through items on a page
END - Move to the end of a document
ESC - Stop downloading a page
F11 - Toggle full-screen view
F5 - Refresh the current page
F4 - Display list of typed addresses
F6 - Change Address bar and page focus
ALT+RIGHT ARROW - Go to the next page
SHIFT+CTRL+TAB - Move back between frames
SHIFT+F10 - Display a shortcut menu for a link
SHIFT+TAB - Move back through the items on a page
CTRL+TAB - Move forward between frames
CTRL+C - Copy selected items to the clipboard
CTRL+V - Insert contents of the clipboard
ENTER - Activate a selected link
HOME- Move to the beginning of a document
END - Move to the end of a document
F1 - Display Internet Explorer Help

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael: Jul 12 2006, 05:45 PM

Tweak #9: Opening the Registry

Some tweaks require you to change something in your registry, So I added this in for those the need to know how to get into it. Also is important that you don't do any thing that you are not sure about because it can cause problems with you computer.

It is advised that you back up parts of it before you change it. The best way to to this is to
Right click the part in question and press Export and save it to a place that you can find it if you need to.

To get into it go:
Start < run and type regedit, you will now have a Windows much like Explorer open with folders that start with HKEY_.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Sep 29 2005, 09:50 PM

Tweak #10: Change Icon for File Type

First get to the place where we can change it
Start < Control Panel < Folder Options < File Types

Now scroll down the list till you find the file type that you are after. Then press the button down the bottom of the tab that says "Advanced," in the new Window that opens press "Change Icon" select the icon that you what (go to C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll if you can't find and icon there are plenty there). Press OK then close. You will now have a new icon for that file type.

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 12 2005, 06:40 PM

Tweak #11: Display settings

To open the desktop settings go
Start < Control Panel < Display

The first tab is Themes

In This tab you can change you theme, for best proformance Windows Classic in the theme that is best to use. Personally I use Windows XP because I like a bit of visual "Bubble-Gum." There is also the option here to Browse you hard drive for .theme files or to get "More themes online."

The next tab is Desktop

Here is where you can select you desktop background. I select "none" because if you do chose a picture Windows converts it to a Bitmap and loads it into memory, every picture in memory is a Bitmap. For most computers this is 2mb more in RAM. There is also the "Browse" button here to look for a picture on you hard drive. Under Position you can chose how you what your picture placed; tile, centre, or stretch. Under Colour is the option of choosing a background colour, what color you chose will make no difference to computer proformance.

Customize Desktop Button

There are two tabs here the first is called "General". In this tab there is a section called "Desktop Icons" here is the option of have things like "My Computer" on you desktop. You can also change their Icons to something you prefer by pressing the "Change Icon" button and browsing your hard drive for an icon. Down the botton of this tab there is "Desktop Cleanup" I untick this because I don't what icons removed that I have not used for awhile.

The other tab is Web, here you can add web pages to you desktop. I don't like doing this because they have to be downloaded every time I start my computer, slowing everything up. If you do chose to do so press the "New" button and type the url for the web page such as http:\\www.geekstogo.com and press OK. Down the botton of this tab there is the a box next to "Lock Desktop Items" ticking this will stop you accidentally moving web content that is on you desktop.

The next tab is Screen Saver

Here you can chose your Screen Saver. If you are after proformance, I would chose none, this means that your computer screen is on all the time, with most new computer screens you can do this. Some times it is better to have a screen saver on very quite computers so you know if it is on of not, or because you screen is old and it might get burn in. There is also the option of the time before the screen saver starts, set it to something so it is not continuously starting but so it still gets used. If your computer is in a place like an office ticking "On resume, password protect" will stop people accessing your computer while you are not there.

Down the botton the under "Monitor power" there is a button call "Power" The only tab of importance here is "Power Schemes" the setting are very easy to follow and it is up to personal choice what you set then to. Something to point out here if you chose to have your monitor turn of after a time it is the same as not having a screen saver and still stopping burn in on old computer screens.

The next tab is Appearance

The first option here is "Windows and Buttons:" choosing "Windows XP style" will keep it looking like XP changing it to Windows Classic style" will make XP look like Windows 2000 and run a bit faster.

Under "Colour Scheme:" you can chose what scheme you what such as Default(blue), Olive Green and Silver it is a matter of preference. The Option "Font Size" controls how big text looks and is best left at Normal.

In this tab there is a button called "Effects" if you press that a window comes up. For best proformance untick every thing here. But there are two you may what to think about before you do.
Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts: <--Fonts will not look as good.
Show Window contents while dragging <--When you move a Window it will not move but a dotted out line of it will, when you let go the whole windows will then move to the new position.

Back in the Appearance tab there is a button called "Advanced" Here is the option of changing the colour, font and size of some system elements. This is just a matter of preference, and makes no real change to proformance.

The next tab is Settings

Here you can set the Screen resolution and color quality. If you put it on a low setting your computer will run a bit faster. I prefer to have 32bit color and 1280 X 1024 resolution because it looks better. It is up to you what you like it on.

Here is also a button called "Troubleshoot" if you are having problems with your monitor press this it might help you work out what the problem is, and another button called "Advanced" this is for changing your monitor settings and it changes depending what monitor you have so I will not go into detail about it.

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael Buckley: Oct 12 2005, 06:02 PM

Tweak #12: Shutdown, Restart and Logoff Icons on desktop

Ever wish you could shut down you computer from a shortcut form the desktop? Here is how you do it.

Right click on the desktop and in the menu that comes up go to New and then click Icon
in the "Type the location of the item" box enter

and then press next and type a name for the shortcut such as "Shutdown." You can change the 00 in the code to change the delay before the computer shuts down 00 is instant and 01 in 1 second, 02 is two seconds and so on.

The same can be done for restarting your computer just use

instead of the code used above.

Again the same can be done for logging off just use

instead of the code used above.

Again the same can be done for fast user switching just use

instead of the code used above.

You can also make a short cut for Standby/Hibernation. If you have Hibernation emable it will do that, if not if will put you computer in to Standby. Just use this code instead of the above.


You can now change the Icon of the shortcut by right clicking it and pressing properties and in the Window that comes up "Change Icon" and select one that you want. I use the ones I made in the attachment which is a .dll file ZIP up (the restart icon can not be found in XP).

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael: May 12 2006, 11:33 PM

Tweak #13: The Page File/Virtual memory

For those that don't know what it is first a little explanation of what Virtual memory/Page File is. When a program gets loaded into memory (Random Access Memory or Ram) when opened there are pages of it that never get used. Every thing that is in memory is divided in to pages that are 4kb in size. So to save space in Ram, which is very limited resource, pages that are not used get dropped out of memory to a Page File (called pagefile.sys in XP) after a certain time, this make the computer run faster. The more page file will make a computer run faster to some degree. That dose not mean that you make it as big as you can because not all of it would get used, there are two guides as to how much you need: 1.5 x the amount of Ram you have (1gb of Ram would mean 1.5gb of page file) or 2gb - the amount of Ram you have (if you have 1gb ram you would need 1gb of page file). I do what ever means the most on that computer.

So to change it
Start then clink Control Panel the System then the Advanced tab, then theSettings button under Performance next the Advanced tab then the Change button under Virtual Memory
Once here select "custom size" and set the "Initial size (MB)" to what you decided that it needs to be (In the first example we need 1.5gb so I would type 1500 because it is in megabytes) then set the "Maximum size (MB)" to the same size , this will prevent it from growing (which it dose not need to do it you set it to the right size) and if did grow it gets fragmented it to many parts with is not fast as when it is all in one spot on the hard drive. Now press the "set" button then OK then OK again and then OK again and then restart your computer. You will now have a page file set for best performance

Hope you find this tweak useful, please do not post comments in this thread.

This post has been edited by Michael: Nov 26 2006, 10:02 PM

Tweak #14 How to move your stuff off of your OS drive:
My Documents is moved by [in Windows Explorer] creating a new My Documents folder on a different drive. Right-click the desktop icon, choose "Properties" and then "Move". Point to the desired location. You will be asked if you want all sub-folders and contents to be moved also. The original folder can be deleted, but it can also be left as is. The registry is automatically edited to reflect the change.

The Favorites folder is moved [in Windows Explorer] from C:\Documents and Settings\"User name"\ by right-clicking and dragging-n-dropping to the new drive, and choosing "Move Here". The registry is automatically edited to reflect the change.

The Address book is moved by [in Windows Explorer] creating a new Address Book folder on a different drive. From: C:\Documents and Settings\"User name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\
Right-click and drag-n-drop "User name".wab and "User name".wa~ to the new folder and choose "Move Here".

You have to manually edit the registry. Click Start / Run and type "Regedit" in the run-dialog box and hit the <enter> key. Find the registry key: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4\Wab File Name" and change the path to the new location. Close regedit and restart the computer. If you don't, it will create a new "User name".wab and default back to the original location.

E-mail storage location is moved by [in Windows Explorer] creating a new E-mail folder on a different drive. [I use the folder name "Mail".] From within Outlook Express, click Tools / Options / Maintenance and the "Store Folder" button. Click "Change" and point to the new location.


Johanna

This post has been edited by Czarina: Sep 24 2005, 02:45 AM