Allow active content to run in files on My Computer - Windows XP Service Pack 2
When you encounter a Web page that is trying to run active content on your computer, you will receive a message prompting you to indicate whether you want to allow this. If you are certain that you want to allow the Web page to run ActiveX controls or scripts, click Yes in the message box. By clicking Yes, you allow the active content to run on the Web page you're viewing, but only on that occasion. If you leave the page and return to it later, you will receive the message again (because you did not change the setting that allows active content to run on your computer).
WORKAROUND
In some cases, say when you're building and testing a webpage locally (Local Machine Zone), you may still see the Information Bar when the web page executes any script, initiates a Pop-up windows, or a download. For testing purposes, one needs to follow any of these workarounds:
Rename the .HTM file to .HTA (Example.. Index.HTM to Index.HTA and test the file locally). HTA files have more privileges than the HTM files, can run active content on Local Machine by default.
-or-
add the Mark Of The Web code such as to a Web page, where the (0023) value is the string length of your URL that follows it and Contoso is the name of your Web site.
The above is an extract from Local Machine Zone Lockdown - Developer Implications. See page for more information about the two workarounds above.
To totally disable the Local Machine Zone restriction (for running Active Content) (not recommended, though) for valid reasons, read below:
To allow any Web site to run scripts and ActiveX controls on your computer:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Security section of the list. Select the Allow active content to run in files on My Computer check box, and then click OK.
To accomplish this via the Registry, modify the following registry value:
HKCU \ Software \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Main \ FeatureControl \ FEATURE_LOCALMACHINE_LOCKDOWN
In the right-pane, create a new REG_DWORD named iexplore.exe and set it to 0
Values:
0 - Allows a Web page to run active content in your computer
1 - Disallows a Web page from running active content in your computer
To allow any CD to run scripts and ActiveX controls on your computer:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Security section of the list. Select the Allow active content from CDs to run on My Computer check box, and then click OK.
GOOGLE SEARCH
Custom Search
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Why don't the Resize Pictures dialog appear while sending picture to e-mail?
Why don't the Resize Pictures dialog appear while sending picture to e-mail?
When you select an image file and click "E-mail this file" in the Common Tasks pane, the image resize dialog may not appear.
This happens if the image file is not a natively supported type by Windows XP. The supported file types are the following:
BMP DIB EMF GIF JFIF JPG JPE JPEG PNG TIF TIFF WMF
If the file type is a natively supported image file type, and still the dialog does not appear, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, Run and type regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
2. Restart Windows for the changes to take effect
When you select an image file and click "E-mail this file" in the Common Tasks pane, the image resize dialog may not appear.
This happens if the image file is not a natively supported type by Windows XP. The supported file types are the following:
BMP DIB EMF GIF JFIF JPG JPE JPEG PNG TIF TIFF WMF
If the file type is a natively supported image file type, and still the dialog does not appear, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, Run and type regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
2. Restart Windows for the changes to take effect
Why does Explorer display some files in blue color and some in green?
Why does Explorer display some files in blue color and some in green?
Windows supports file/folder color coding for easy identification for the user. The encrypted are displayed in green color and the compressed NTFS files are displayed in blue. To turn on/off this feature, use the following steps:
To display compressed files in color:
1. Double-click Folder Options in Control Panel.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click Appearance and Themes, and then click Folder Options.
4. On the View tab, click to select the Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color check box.
To disable the option, uncheck Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color check box.
Windows supports file/folder color coding for easy identification for the user. The encrypted are displayed in green color and the compressed NTFS files are displayed in blue. To turn on/off this feature, use the following steps:
To display compressed files in color:
1. Double-click Folder Options in Control Panel.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click Appearance and Themes, and then click Folder Options.
4. On the View tab, click to select the Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color check box.
To disable the option, uncheck Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color check box.
Web tab missing in the Customize Desktop dialog
Web tab missing in the Customize Desktop dialog
When you click Customize Desktop button in the Display Properties, Desktop tab, the Web tab may be missing. This is due to one or more of the following Policies enabled.
NoActiveDesktopChanges
NoActiveDesktop
NoComponents
SOLUTION
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT
Navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Delete the two values NoActiveDesktopChanges & NoActiveDesktop in the right-pane
Navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ ActiveDesktop
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ ActiveDesktop
Delete the value NoComponents in both the above locations.
INFO:
NoActiveDesktopChanges corresponds to the Prohibit changes Group Policy
User Configuration \ AdministrativeTemplates \ Desktop \ Active Desktop
NoActiveDesktop corresponds to the Disable Active Desktop Group Policy
User Configuration \ AdministrativeTemplates \ Desktop \ Active Desktop
NoComponents stores the setting of the Disable all items Group Policy
To start the Group Policy Editor, type GPEDIT.MSC in Start, Run dialog.
When you click Customize Desktop button in the Display Properties, Desktop tab, the Web tab may be missing. This is due to one or more of the following Policies enabled.
NoActiveDesktopChanges
NoActiveDesktop
NoComponents
SOLUTION
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT
Navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Delete the two values NoActiveDesktopChanges & NoActiveDesktop in the right-pane
Navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ ActiveDesktop
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ ActiveDesktop
Delete the value NoComponents in both the above locations.
INFO:
NoActiveDesktopChanges corresponds to the Prohibit changes Group Policy
User Configuration \ AdministrativeTemplates \ Desktop \ Active Desktop
NoActiveDesktop corresponds to the Disable Active Desktop Group Policy
User Configuration \ AdministrativeTemplates \ Desktop \ Active Desktop
NoComponents stores the setting of the Disable all items Group Policy
To start the Group Policy Editor, type GPEDIT.MSC in Start, Run dialog.
how to create Watermark image in My Pictures and My Music folders?
Watermark image in My Pictures and My Music folders
When you open the My Pictures or My Music folders in your user profile, you'll see the Watermark in the lower right-side of the folder.
To hide or show the Watermark icon, use these steps:
1. Right-click My Computer, and choose Properties
2. Select the Advanced tab
3. Under Performance section, click Settings button
4. Uncheck Use a background image for each folder type
5. Click Apply, and click OK
registry setting for this option:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced
Value name: ListviewWatermark
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Possible Data : 0 and 1
When you open the My Pictures or My Music folders in your user profile, you'll see the Watermark in the lower right-side of the folder.
To hide or show the Watermark icon, use these steps:
1. Right-click My Computer, and choose Properties
2. Select the Advanced tab
3. Under Performance section, click Settings button
4. Uncheck Use a background image for each folder type
5. Click Apply, and click OK
registry setting for this option:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced
Value name: ListviewWatermark
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Possible Data : 0 and 1
how to schedule the computer to shut down and restart at a specific time Using Task Scheduler?
Using Task Scheduler to schedule the computer to shut down and restart at a specific time
1. Click Start, Run and type control schedtasks
2. Double-click Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard starts.
3. Click Next.
4. Under Click the program you want Windows to run, click Browse.
5. In the Select Program to Schedule dialog box, locate the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder, locate and click the Shutdown.exe file, and then click Open.
6. Under Perform this task, specify a name for the task and how frequently you want this task to run, and then click Next.
7. Under Select the time and day you want this task to start, specify a start time and date for the task, and then click Next.
8. Type the user name and password to run this task under, and then click Next.
9. Click to select the Open advanced properties for this task when I click Finish check box, and then click Finish.
10. Click the Task tab. In the Run box, specify any additional parameters that you want to use with Shutdown.exe. Click OK.
INFO: In the 10th step, you need to add the parameters for the Shutdown.exe command. To immediately shutdown the system (0 second timeout), the command-line would be:
shutdown.exe -s -t 00
To reboot the system immediately, this command:
shutdown.exe -r -t 00
1. Click Start, Run and type control schedtasks
2. Double-click Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard starts.
3. Click Next.
4. Under Click the program you want Windows to run, click Browse.
5. In the Select Program to Schedule dialog box, locate the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder, locate and click the Shutdown.exe file, and then click Open.
6. Under Perform this task, specify a name for the task and how frequently you want this task to run, and then click Next.
7. Under Select the time and day you want this task to start, specify a start time and date for the task, and then click Next.
8. Type the user name and password to run this task under, and then click Next.
9. Click to select the Open advanced properties for this task when I click Finish check box, and then click Finish.
10. Click the Task tab. In the Run box, specify any additional parameters that you want to use with Shutdown.exe. Click OK.
INFO: In the 10th step, you need to add the parameters for the Shutdown.exe command. To immediately shutdown the system (0 second timeout), the command-line would be:
shutdown.exe -s -t 00
To reboot the system immediately, this command:
shutdown.exe -r -t 00
how to Use System Restore to Undo Changes if Problems Occur?
Use System Restore to Undo Changes if Problems Occur
Every time you download or install a new game, application, or software update, you make changes to your computer. Sometimes that change may make your system unstable. Have you ever wanted to go back to the way it was? With System Restore, you can.
System Restore works a lot like the Undo command in Microsoft Word. You can use System Restore to remove any system changes that were made since the last time you remember your computer working correctly. System Restore does not affect your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or email) so you won't lose changes made to these files.
To undo changes you've made to your computer
Before you open the System Restore console, you may want to save your work and close all programs since System Restore requires you to restart your computer.
1. Click Start.
2. Point to All Programs.
3. Point to Accessories.
4. Point to System Tools.
5. Click System Restore.
6. From the Welcome to System Restore screen of the System Restore Wizard select Restore my computer to an earlier time.
Then select the date you created the restore point from the calendar in the Select a Restore Point screen. All of the restore points you created and you computer created on the selected date are listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar.
INFO: System Restore does not replace the process of uninstalling a program. To completely remove the files installed by a program, you must remove the program using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel or the program's own uninstall program. To open Add or Remove Programs, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
Every time you download or install a new game, application, or software update, you make changes to your computer. Sometimes that change may make your system unstable. Have you ever wanted to go back to the way it was? With System Restore, you can.
System Restore works a lot like the Undo command in Microsoft Word. You can use System Restore to remove any system changes that were made since the last time you remember your computer working correctly. System Restore does not affect your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or email) so you won't lose changes made to these files.
To undo changes you've made to your computer
Before you open the System Restore console, you may want to save your work and close all programs since System Restore requires you to restart your computer.
1. Click Start.
2. Point to All Programs.
3. Point to Accessories.
4. Point to System Tools.
5. Click System Restore.
6. From the Welcome to System Restore screen of the System Restore Wizard select Restore my computer to an earlier time.
Then select the date you created the restore point from the calendar in the Select a Restore Point screen. All of the restore points you created and you computer created on the selected date are listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar.
INFO: System Restore does not replace the process of uninstalling a program. To completely remove the files installed by a program, you must remove the program using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel or the program's own uninstall program. To open Add or Remove Programs, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
User Accounts applet background is in White even with XP Theme enabled
User Accounts applet background is in White even with XP Theme enabled
When you open the User Accounts applet in Control Panel, the applet background may be displayed in White color (as opposed to the Blue background) even with Windows XP Theme is enabled and Themes service running. This happens due to missing registry values.
SOLUTION
Type these commands from Start, Run dialog:
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll
regsvr32 themeui.dll
Restart Windows.
When you open the User Accounts applet in Control Panel, the applet background may be displayed in White color (as opposed to the Blue background) even with Windows XP Theme is enabled and Themes service running. This happens due to missing registry values.
SOLUTION
Type these commands from Start, Run dialog:
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll
regsvr32 themeui.dll
Restart Windows.
how to Uninstall and reinstall MS Paint in Windows XP?
Uninstall and reinstall MS Paint in Windows XP
You require the Windows XP CD-ROM to reinstall the Windows components such as Paint
1. Click Start, Run and type control appwiz.cpl,,2
(or, use Add/Remove Programs applet, Add/Remove Windows Components)
2. Double-click Accessories and Utilities
3. Double-click Accessories
4. Uncheck Paint and click OK, OK.
5. Click Next.
Windows will now uninstall Paint brush. Now, insert your Windows XP CD in the drive and repeat the above procedure, but enable the Paint entry in the 4th step and click Next. The required files are extracted from Windows XP CD-ROM and Paint is now reinstalled.
You require the Windows XP CD-ROM to reinstall the Windows components such as Paint
1. Click Start, Run and type control appwiz.cpl,,2
(or, use Add/Remove Programs applet, Add/Remove Windows Components)
2. Double-click Accessories and Utilities
3. Double-click Accessories
4. Uncheck Paint and click OK, OK.
5. Click Next.
Windows will now uninstall Paint brush. Now, insert your Windows XP CD in the drive and repeat the above procedure, but enable the Paint entry in the 4th step and click Next. The required files are extracted from Windows XP CD-ROM and Paint is now reinstalled.
Unable to remove the Thumbnail image for system folders in XP?
Unable to remove the Thumbnail image for system folders in XP?
Occasionally, the system folders such as Program Files, My Music or My Documents may display invalid image file while in Thumbnail view. As the system folders do not have a Customize tab in the Folder Properties, it's not possible to change or remove the Thumbnail picture via the user interface. Here are the steps you need to perform in order to reset the thumbnail picture for system folders.
Phase I: Reset all the folder view settings
1. Open My Computer, select Folder Options in the Tools menu
2. In the View tab, click Reset all Folders
3. Click OK and close the dialog
Now the Thumbnail reference for the system folder is removed from the registry. The above steps, of course, resets all of the folder view settings. But never mind, you can customize them again.
Phase II: Delete the Thumbs.db - Thumbnail database
With this done, Windows XP still maintains the thumbnail cache of the folder picture. You will need to enable Windows Explorer to Show all files and then delete the file thumbs.db inside the particular folder.
The thumbnail image for a folder is stored in the following area of the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ ShellNoRoam \ Bags \\Shell
in a REG_SZ value named Logo (containing the full path to the image file)
varies for each folder. While you can reset an individual folder preference by locating the for that special folder using Process Explorer, it may be time consuming. Simple reset all folder view would be enough.
Example:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ ShellNoRoam \ Bags \ 1 \ Shell
"Logo"="c:\setup.bmp"
Occasionally, the system folders such as Program Files, My Music or My Documents may display invalid image file while in Thumbnail view. As the system folders do not have a Customize tab in the Folder Properties, it's not possible to change or remove the Thumbnail picture via the user interface. Here are the steps you need to perform in order to reset the thumbnail picture for system folders.
Phase I: Reset all the folder view settings
1. Open My Computer, select Folder Options in the Tools menu
2. In the View tab, click Reset all Folders
3. Click OK and close the dialog
Now the Thumbnail reference for the system folder is removed from the registry. The above steps, of course, resets all of the folder view settings. But never mind, you can customize them again.
Phase II: Delete the Thumbs.db - Thumbnail database
With this done, Windows XP still maintains the thumbnail cache of the folder picture. You will need to enable Windows Explorer to Show all files and then delete the file thumbs.db inside the particular folder.
The thumbnail image for a folder is stored in the following area of the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ ShellNoRoam \ Bags \
in a REG_SZ value named Logo (containing the full path to the image file)
Example:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ ShellNoRoam \ Bags \ 1 \ Shell
"Logo"="c:\setup.bmp"
Unable to preview JPG GIF and HTM files in Display Properties dialog
Unable to preview JPG GIF and HTM files in Display Properties dialog
When you click a JPG, GIF image or a HTM file in the Display Properties Background tab listing, the preview may not be generated. Whereas .BMP preview might work fine. This happens due to missing registry keys, one related to HTML Thumbnails and the other related to HTML documents. Missing Active Desktop registration is another reason, but that causes the White screen behavior in the preview pane.
To resolve the problem, type the following commands in the Start, Run dialog:
REGSVR32 /i SHIMGVW.DLL
REGSVR32 /i MSHTML.DLL
Close and re-open the Display Properties dialog.
If the problem persists, or if the Preview pane turns White when you select a Wallpaper, then run this command.
REGSVR32 /i SHELL32.DLL
Login as Administrator (or equivalent) to run the above commands. Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.
When you click a JPG, GIF image or a HTM file in the Display Properties Background tab listing, the preview may not be generated. Whereas .BMP preview might work fine. This happens due to missing registry keys, one related to HTML Thumbnails and the other related to HTML documents. Missing Active Desktop registration is another reason, but that causes the White screen behavior in the preview pane.
To resolve the problem, type the following commands in the Start, Run dialog:
REGSVR32 /i SHIMGVW.DLL
REGSVR32 /i MSHTML.DLL
Close and re-open the Display Properties dialog.
If the problem persists, or if the Preview pane turns White when you select a Wallpaper, then run this command.
REGSVR32 /i SHELL32.DLL
Login as Administrator (or equivalent) to run the above commands. Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.
how to Turn off AutoComplete for Windows XP Search Companion?
Turn off AutoComplete for Windows XP Search Companion
When you do a file search using the Search Assistant in Windows XP, the drop-down appears showing the previous search contents. To prevent that you can disable AutoComplete using these steps:
1. In the Search Companion window, click Change Preferences
2. Click Turn AutoComplete off
When you do a file search using the Search Assistant in Windows XP, the drop-down appears showing the previous search contents. To prevent that you can disable AutoComplete using these steps:
1. In the Search Companion window, click Change Preferences
2. Click Turn AutoComplete off
how to Transfer your Help and Support Center favorites to another system?
Transfer your Help and Support Center favorites to another system
When you add a link in the Help and Support Center to the Favorites, using the Add to Favorites button the entry gets added to a file named Favorites.stream
To transfer the favorites to another computer running Windows XP, copy the Favorites.stream file available in the following folder:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\HelpCtr
Prerequisite: The other computer where you want to transfer the favorites, must have Windows installed in the same drive/path as the source computer. This is because the Favorites.stream stores the URLs referencing the drive-letter.
For example, the favorites.stream file might refer to a help file in your Windows directory. Such as:
C : \ W I N D O W S \ H e l p \ f i l e f o l d . c h m
When you add a link in the Help and Support Center to the Favorites, using the Add to Favorites button the entry gets added to a file named Favorites.stream
To transfer the favorites to another computer running Windows XP, copy the Favorites.stream file available in the following folder:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\HelpCtr
Prerequisite: The other computer where you want to transfer the favorites, must have Windows installed in the same drive/path as the source computer. This is because the Favorites.stream stores the URLs referencing the drive-letter.
For example, the favorites.stream file might refer to a help file in your Windows directory. Such as:
C : \ W I N D O W S \ H e l p \ f i l e f o l d . c h m
HOW TO CURE "This add-on is managed by your administrator" message while managing an add-on in Windows XP SP2
"This add-on is managed by your administrator" message while managing an add-on in Windows XP SP2
When you try to enable or disable a browser add-on via the Add-on Manager in Internet Explorer, Windows XP Service Pack 2, you may see this message in the Add-on Management dialog.
"This add-on is managed by your administrator"
This happens if the particular add-on is restricted via the Group Policy Editor or via the registry.
To clear all the add-on Policy settings,
start
run
type GPEDIT.MSC and navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer | Security Features | Add-on Management
In the right-pane, do the following:
Double-click Add-on List and set it to Not Configured
Double-click Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on list and set it to Not Configured
Similarly, perform the above steps in this location: (Per-user setting)
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer | Security Features | Add-on Management
(OR)
To accomplish the same via the Registry
Equivalent to Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on list setting
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to this key
HKLM \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT
-and-
HKCU \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT
In the right-pane, delete the value RestrictToList in both of the above locations
Equivalent to Add-on List Group Policy setting
Navigate to this key:
HKLM \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT \ CLSID
-and-
HKCU \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT \ CLSID
In the right-pane, delete the CLSID which corresponds to the Add-on which you want to manage.
By default, no entries exist there (in a clean installation)
Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
When you try to enable or disable a browser add-on via the Add-on Manager in Internet Explorer, Windows XP Service Pack 2, you may see this message in the Add-on Management dialog.
"This add-on is managed by your administrator"
This happens if the particular add-on is restricted via the Group Policy Editor or via the registry.
To clear all the add-on Policy settings,
start
run
type GPEDIT.MSC and navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer | Security Features | Add-on Management
In the right-pane, do the following:
Double-click Add-on List and set it to Not Configured
Double-click Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on list and set it to Not Configured
Similarly, perform the above steps in this location: (Per-user setting)
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer | Security Features | Add-on Management
(OR)
To accomplish the same via the Registry
Equivalent to Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on list setting
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to this key
HKLM \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT
-and-
HKCU \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT
In the right-pane, delete the value RestrictToList in both of the above locations
Equivalent to Add-on List Group Policy setting
Navigate to this key:
HKLM \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT \ CLSID
-and-
HKCU \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ policies \ EXT \ CLSID
In the right-pane, delete the CLSID which corresponds to the Add-on which you want to manage.
By default, no entries exist there (in a clean installation)
Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
ToolTips do not display complete information about files that are located on a network share
ToolTips do not display complete information about files that are located on a network share
When you move your mouse pointer over a file that is located on a network share, the information that is displayed in the ToolTip may not be complete. For example, when the file is located on the local computer, the ToolTip may display the following categories:
File type
Author
Title
Subject
Date modified Size
When the same file is viewed from a remote computer, the ToolTip displays only the file type, the file size, and the date modified categories.
SOLUTION:
1. Start Regedit.exe and navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*
2. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more information.
3. In the right-pane, double-click QuickTip and set it's value to the following:
prop:Type;DocAuthor;DocTitle;DocSubject;DocComments;Write;Size
4. Close Regedit and restart Windows.
When you move your mouse pointer over a file that is located on a network share, the information that is displayed in the ToolTip may not be complete. For example, when the file is located on the local computer, the ToolTip may display the following categories:
File type
Author
Title
Subject
Date modified Size
When the same file is viewed from a remote computer, the ToolTip displays only the file type, the file size, and the date modified categories.
SOLUTION:
1. Start Regedit.exe and navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*
2. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more information.
3. In the right-pane, double-click QuickTip and set it's value to the following:
prop:Type;DocAuthor;DocTitle;DocSubject;DocComments;Write;Size
4. Close Regedit and restart Windows.
The top-level menus and tabs in Task Manager are missing?
The top-level menus and tabs in Task Manager are missing?
When you open Task Manager, the top-level menus and the tabs may be missing. This is because Task Manager is running in tiny foot-print mode. To change to default view and get the menu options back, double-click the border of the Task Manager (where the red-mark is present).
When you open Task Manager, the top-level menus and the tabs may be missing. This is because Task Manager is running in tiny foot-print mode. To change to default view and get the menu options back, double-click the border of the Task Manager (where the red-mark is present).
The top-level menus and tabs in Task Manager are missing?
The top-level menus and tabs in Task Manager are missing?
When you open Task Manager, the top-level menus and the tabs may be missing. This is because Task Manager is running in tiny foot-print mode. To change to default view and get the menu options back, double-click the border of the Task Manager (where the red-mark is present).
When you open Task Manager, the top-level menus and the tabs may be missing. This is because Task Manager is running in tiny foot-print mode. To change to default view and get the menu options back, double-click the border of the Task Manager (where the red-mark is present).
Task Manager User Name column is empty
Task Manager User Name column is empty
When you open Task Manager, the User Name field might be blank. This happens if the Terminal Service is not started. The default startup type for this service need to be set to Automatic and it must be started. Follow this procedure:
1. Click Start, Run and type Services.msc
2. Locate Terminal Services and double-click it
3. Set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply
4. Click the Start button to launch the service manually.
5. Now Task Manager User Name field will show up.
When you open Task Manager, the User Name field might be blank. This happens if the Terminal Service is not started. The default startup type for this service need to be set to Automatic and it must be started. Follow this procedure:
1. Click Start, Run and type Services.msc
2. Locate Terminal Services and double-click it
3. Set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply
4. Click the Start button to launch the service manually.
5. Now Task Manager User Name field will show up.
Taskbar Toolbar options are grayed out
Taskbar Toolbar options are grayed out?
When you right-click the Taskbar and choose Toolbar option, the sub-menu options may be grayed out. This happens due to Start Menu and Taskbar restrictions enforced via Group Policy Editor or the registry.
Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Backup the registry keys by exporting them. In the right-pane, delete NoCloseDragDropBands and restart Windows.
When you right-click the Taskbar and choose Toolbar option, the sub-menu options may be grayed out. This happens due to Start Menu and Taskbar restrictions enforced via Group Policy Editor or the registry.
Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Backup the registry keys by exporting them. In the right-pane, delete NoCloseDragDropBands and restart Windows.
"Switch to Classic View" option is missing in the Control Panel Common Tasks
"Switch to Classic View" option is missing in the Control Panel Common Tasks
When you open Control Panel, the option Switch to Classic View option and the section box may not be present. This happens if the ForceClassicControlPanel policy is enabled in the registry or via Group Policy.
If ForceClassicControlPanel is set to 0, Switch to Classic View is unavailable
If ForceClassicControlPanel is set to 1, Switch to Category View is unavailable
To get back the option, follow these steps:
1. Click Start/Run and type REGEDIT
2. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \Windows\CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
3. Backup the registry key to a REG file. See here for more information.
4. In the right-pane, delete ForceClassicControlPanel (if exists)
5. Repeat the same in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
6. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows
When you open Control Panel, the option Switch to Classic View option and the section box may not be present. This happens if the ForceClassicControlPanel policy is enabled in the registry or via Group Policy.
If ForceClassicControlPanel is set to 0, Switch to Classic View is unavailable
If ForceClassicControlPanel is set to 1, Switch to Category View is unavailable
To get back the option, follow these steps:
1. Click Start/Run and type REGEDIT
2. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \Windows\CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
3. Backup the registry key to a REG file. See here for more information.
4. In the right-pane, delete ForceClassicControlPanel (if exists)
5. Repeat the same in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
6. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows
Some applications in Add/Remove Programs list are missing Change and Remove buttons
Some applications in Add/Remove Programs list are missing Change and Remove buttons ?
When you open Add/Remove Programs applet and click an application entry, you may notice that the Change, Remove (or Change/Remove) buttons may be missing, thus leaving only the application name entry there . Here is a method to make Windows show the Remove, Change (or the Change/Remove button together) buttons in the listing.
RESOLUTION
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. This starts the Registry Editor. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ here is Adobe Acrobat 5.0 - Taken as an example
2. In the right-pane, do the following:
Double-click NoRemove (REG_DWORD) and set it to 0
Double-click NoModify (REG_DWORD) and set it to 0
If NoRemove is set to 1, the Remove button will be unavailable
If NoModify is set to 1, the Change button will be unavailable
Visual aid for the Registry editing procedure:
Final result is you'll get the Change and Remove buttons back (Or, the Change/Remove button together)
When you open Add/Remove Programs applet and click an application entry, you may notice that the Change, Remove (or Change/Remove) buttons may be missing, thus leaving only the application name entry there . Here is a method to make Windows show the Remove, Change (or the Change/Remove button together) buttons in the listing.
RESOLUTION
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. This starts the Registry Editor. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
2. In the right-pane, do the following:
Double-click NoRemove (REG_DWORD) and set it to 0
Double-click NoModify (REG_DWORD) and set it to 0
If NoRemove is set to 1, the Remove button will be unavailable
If NoModify is set to 1, the Change button will be unavailable
Visual aid for the Registry editing procedure:
Final result is you'll get the Change and Remove buttons back (Or, the Change/Remove button together)
"Show Desktop icons" and other options missing in the Desktop right-click menu
"Show Desktop icons" and other options missing in the Desktop right-click menu ?
When you right-click the Desktop and choose Arrange Icons By sub-menu, these three options may be missing:
Show Desktop icons / Lock web items on the Desktop / Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard
This happens if the policy NoActiveDesktopChanges or NoActiveDesktop is enabled via the Group Policy Editor or via the Registry. Follow the steps given below to get back the missing options:
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
2. Double-click NoActiveDesktopChanges and set it to 0
3. Double-click NoActiveDesktop and set it to 0 (if exists)
4. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
To change the setting via Group Policy Editor for Windows XP Professional:
1. Click Start/Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
User Configuration
=> Administrative Templates
==> Desktop
===> Active Desktop
1. Double-click Prohibit Changes and set it to Not Configured
2. Double-click Disable Active Desktop and set it to Not Configured
When you right-click the Desktop and choose Arrange Icons By sub-menu, these three options may be missing:
Show Desktop icons / Lock web items on the Desktop / Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard
This happens if the policy NoActiveDesktopChanges or NoActiveDesktop is enabled via the Group Policy Editor or via the Registry. Follow the steps given below to get back the missing options:
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
2. Double-click NoActiveDesktopChanges and set it to 0
3. Double-click NoActiveDesktop and set it to 0 (if exists)
4. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
To change the setting via Group Policy Editor for Windows XP Professional:
1. Click Start/Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
User Configuration
=> Administrative Templates
==> Desktop
===> Active Desktop
1. Double-click Prohibit Changes and set it to Not Configured
2. Double-click Disable Active Desktop and set it to Not Configured
how to Show all the Favorites in IE, rather than displaying the most used items only?
Show all the Favorites in IE, rather than displaying the most used items only
When you click the Favorites menu in Internet Explorer, only the recently-used favorites items might be displayed. You need to click the chevron to get all the items displayed.
To disable this behavior and to make all the favorites show by default, disable the option "Enable Personalized Favorites Menu" in the Internet Options Advanced tab.
1 Open Internet Explorer and click Tools menu
2. Choose Internet Options, and click the Advanced tab
3. Under Browsing, uncheck Enable Personalized Favorites Menu
4. Click OK to close the dialog. Close Internet Explorer and restart.
When you click the Favorites menu in Internet Explorer, only the recently-used favorites items might be displayed. You need to click the chevron to get all the items displayed.
To disable this behavior and to make all the favorites show by default, disable the option "Enable Personalized Favorites Menu" in the Internet Options Advanced tab.
1 Open Internet Explorer and click Tools menu
2. Choose Internet Options, and click the Advanced tab
3. Under Browsing, uncheck Enable Personalized Favorites Menu
4. Click OK to close the dialog. Close Internet Explorer and restart.
how to Set Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows XP SP1 and above?
Set Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows XP SP1 and above
You may use the Set Program Access and Defaults feature to set your default browser. To set Internet Explorer as the default (this repairs the file association settings as well), try this:
From Control Panel,
open Add/Remove Programs applet, and choose Set Program Access and Defaults button.
[ Alternately, click Start, Run and type control appwiz.cpl,,3 ]
Click the Custom button once.
From the list that appears, select Internet Explorer and then click the OK button.
You may use the Set Program Access and Defaults feature to set your default browser. To set Internet Explorer as the default (this repairs the file association settings as well), try this:
From Control Panel,
open Add/Remove Programs applet, and choose Set Program Access and Defaults button.
[ Alternately, click Start, Run and type control appwiz.cpl,,3 ]
Click the Custom button once.
From the list that appears, select Internet Explorer and then click the OK button.
Security Center alert on every startup - Windows XP SP2
Security Center alert on every startup - Windows XP SP2
The Security Center in Windows XP SP2 verifies the security settings of your computer (checks the status of anti-virus software installed, and the definitions; whether a third-party firewall is installed or not). If the Security Center does not find a firewall or anti-virus installed, it sends an alert via the Notification area. This is to inform that the system security is at risk without a firewall or an anti-virus program. Note that the Security Center can detect only a specific set of anti-virus and firewall products/brands. In case you're running a firewall and anti-virus program which the Security Center does not identify, it continues to alert the user on every startup.
To turn off these alerts, try this:
Disable monitoring
Do this if you have a good firewall program and anti-virus with the latest definitions installed.
1. Open the Security Center ( Type WSCUI.CPL in the Start, RUN box )
2. In the Security Center, under Firewall, click Recommendations. In the Recommendations dialog box, select the I have a firewall solution that I'll monitor myself check box, and then click OK.
Disable notifications
In some configurations, the above setting does not stick and the Security Center keeps sending the alert again. If that does not work, try this:
Click Change the way Security Center alerts me. Clear the check boxes beside the items for which you don't want to receive alerts, and then click OK.
To accomplish this via the registry
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Security Center
The Security Center in Windows XP SP2 verifies the security settings of your computer (checks the status of anti-virus software installed, and the definitions; whether a third-party firewall is installed or not). If the Security Center does not find a firewall or anti-virus installed, it sends an alert via the Notification area. This is to inform that the system security is at risk without a firewall or an anti-virus program. Note that the Security Center can detect only a specific set of anti-virus and firewall products/brands. In case you're running a firewall and anti-virus program which the Security Center does not identify, it continues to alert the user on every startup.
To turn off these alerts, try this:
Disable monitoring
Do this if you have a good firewall program and anti-virus with the latest definitions installed.
1. Open the Security Center ( Type WSCUI.CPL in the Start, RUN box )
2. In the Security Center, under Firewall, click Recommendations. In the Recommendations dialog box, select the I have a firewall solution that I'll monitor myself check box, and then click OK.
Disable notifications
In some configurations, the above setting does not stick and the Security Center keeps sending the alert again. If that does not work, try this:
Click Change the way Security Center alerts me. Clear the check boxes beside the items for which you don't want to receive alerts, and then click OK.
To accomplish this via the registry
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Security Center
how to Ripp CDs using Windows Media Player 10?
Ripping CDs using Windows Media Player 10
Ripping is nothing but the process of storing the CD Audio tracks to the hard drive, in another format (WAV / WMA / MP3 etc). Windows Media Player provides the ability to Rip Audio CD tracks to WMA or MP3 format, without the need to download third-party ripping tools.
To rip Audio CD track(s) using Windows Media Player 10, follow these steps
1. Insert the Audio CD into the drive. If using Windows XP, the AutoPlay dialog appears
2. Choose Rip from CD - Using Media Player entry from the list and click OK
3. By default, WMP10 rips audio tracks to WMA file format. To change the rip settings, click Change my current format settings option in the resulting dialog. Alternately, you can access the rip settings via Tools menu, Options, Rip Music tab.
4. Configure the Rip settings such as the file format (mp3 or wma), output file location and file name conventions and adjust the audio quality slider per your requirements.
5. Click OK, and ripping will start for all the tracks. While ripping process is going on, you may simply de-select the tracks that you don't want to rip.
AutoPlay dialog does not appear when you insert a CD?
If the AutoPlay dialog does not appear when you insert a CD, then open Windows Media Player and switch to the Rip tab. Select the tracks that you want to copy and then click the Rip Music button at the top.
Ripping is nothing but the process of storing the CD Audio tracks to the hard drive, in another format (WAV / WMA / MP3 etc). Windows Media Player provides the ability to Rip Audio CD tracks to WMA or MP3 format, without the need to download third-party ripping tools.
To rip Audio CD track(s) using Windows Media Player 10, follow these steps
1. Insert the Audio CD into the drive. If using Windows XP, the AutoPlay dialog appears
2. Choose Rip from CD - Using Media Player entry from the list and click OK
3. By default, WMP10 rips audio tracks to WMA file format. To change the rip settings, click Change my current format settings option in the resulting dialog. Alternately, you can access the rip settings via Tools menu, Options, Rip Music tab.
4. Configure the Rip settings such as the file format (mp3 or wma), output file location and file name conventions and adjust the audio quality slider per your requirements.
5. Click OK, and ripping will start for all the tracks. While ripping process is going on, you may simply de-select the tracks that you don't want to rip.
AutoPlay dialog does not appear when you insert a CD?
If the AutoPlay dialog does not appear when you insert a CD, then open Windows Media Player and switch to the Rip tab. Select the tracks that you want to copy and then click the Rip Music button at the top.
Right click causes an error and crashes Explorer.exe after installing Windows XP SP2?
Right click causes an error and crashes Explorer.exe after installing Windows XP SP2?
When you right-click on a Desktop icon or a folder, the pointer changes to a hourglass, Taskbar disappears and after about 30 seconds the screen comes back to normal and still no right click options are available. This behavior may be seen after installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. However, it's not a problem caused by Service Pack 2, but an incompatible Context-menu handler from DivX.
SOLUTION :
(for older versions of DivX software)
Eliminate the context-menu handler from the registry, or disable it temporarily using ShellExView tool.
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to:
HKCR \ * \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers \ EncodeDivXExt
2. Backup the key to a REG file, and delete EncodeDivXExt key
3. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows
Using ShellExView utility
See this page for more information on using ShellExView utility (see Method 2 in that page). In ShellExView, the entry might read as EncodeDivXExt Module. More information from DivX.com Forums, regarding DivX and the problems with Windows XP Service Pack 2
When you right-click on a Desktop icon or a folder, the pointer changes to a hourglass, Taskbar disappears and after about 30 seconds the screen comes back to normal and still no right click options are available. This behavior may be seen after installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. However, it's not a problem caused by Service Pack 2, but an incompatible Context-menu handler from DivX.
SOLUTION :
(for older versions of DivX software)
Eliminate the context-menu handler from the registry, or disable it temporarily using ShellExView tool.
1. Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to:
HKCR \ * \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers \ EncodeDivXExt
2. Backup the key to a REG file, and delete EncodeDivXExt key
3. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows
Using ShellExView utility
See this page for more information on using ShellExView utility (see Method 2 in that page). In ShellExView, the entry might read as EncodeDivXExt Module. More information from DivX.com Forums, regarding DivX and the problems with Windows XP Service Pack 2
how to Restrict users from enabling or disabling Internet Explorer add-ons?
Restrict users from enabling or disabling Internet Explorer add-ons
To prevent users enabling or disabling the Internet Explorer add-ons using the add-on manager, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
-and-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
2. In the right-pane, Create a new REG_DWORD named NoExtensionManagement
3. Set it's value and set it to 1
4. Close Registry Editor
NOTE: To relax the restriction, change the value back to 0
Using the Group Policy Editor - Windows XP Professional
1. Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer
3. Double-click Do not allow users to enable or disable add-ons.
4. Set it to Enabled
To enable the restriction for the current user profile
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer
5. Double-click Do not allow users to enable or disable add-ons
6. Set it to Enabled
To prevent users enabling or disabling the Internet Explorer add-ons using the add-on manager, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
-and-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
2. In the right-pane, Create a new REG_DWORD named NoExtensionManagement
3. Set it's value and set it to 1
4. Close Registry Editor
NOTE: To relax the restriction, change the value back to 0
Using the Group Policy Editor - Windows XP Professional
1. Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer
3. Double-click Do not allow users to enable or disable add-ons.
4. Set it to Enabled
To enable the restriction for the current user profile
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Internet Explorer
5. Double-click Do not allow users to enable or disable add-ons
6. Set it to Enabled
how to Reset the Add-on usage statistics in Internet Explorer - Windows XP SP2?
Reset the Add-on usage statistics in Internet Explorer - Windows XP SP2
Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP Service Pack 2, maintains the usage statistics for the browser add-ons. You can view the additional columns by right-clicking on the add-on manager column border at the top and selecting the following options
Last Accessed, Used, Blocked
Reset the statistics count to Zero
1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Ext \ Stats
2. Backup the key by exporting it to a REG file.
3. Delete the key Stats
4. Close Registry Editor
Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP Service Pack 2, maintains the usage statistics for the browser add-ons. You can view the additional columns by right-clicking on the add-on manager column border at the top and selecting the following options
Last Accessed, Used, Blocked
Reset the statistics count to Zero
1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Ext \ Stats
2. Backup the key by exporting it to a REG file.
3. Delete the key Stats
4. Close Registry Editor
how to Remove "Help and Support" link from XP Start Menu?
Remove "Help and Support" link from XP Start Menu
To remove the Help and Support link from XP Start Menu, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, choose Properties
2. In the Start Menu tab, click Customize
3. Select the Advanced tab
4. Uncheck Help and Support option.
5. Click OK, OK and close the dialog
For Windows Classic Start menu, you may need to modify the registry directly:
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
2. Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced
3. In the right-pane, create a new REG_DWORD value named NoStartMenuHelp
4. Double-click NoStartMenuHelp and set it's value to 1
5. Close Regedit.
To remove the Help and Support link from XP Start Menu, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, choose Properties
2. In the Start Menu tab, click Customize
3. Select the Advanced tab
4. Uncheck Help and Support option.
5. Click OK, OK and close the dialog
For Windows Classic Start menu, you may need to modify the registry directly:
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
2. Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced
3. In the right-pane, create a new REG_DWORD value named NoStartMenuHelp
4. Double-click NoStartMenuHelp and set it's value to 1
5. Close Regedit.
how to Relocate the "Temporary Internet Files" folder to a different drive?
Relocate the "Temporary Internet Files" folder to a different drive
To redirect the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) location to a different drive, follow these steps:
1. Save and close all running applications
2. Create a folder in the destination drive (say E:\TIF)
3. Click Start, Run and type CONTROL INETCPL.CPL
4. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Settings
5. Click Move Folder button and browse to the target folder
6. Click OK
7. Click Yes, when you see the prompt
"Windows will log you off to finish moving Temporary Internet Files. Do you want to continue ?"
Windows will now copy all the Cookies, temporary internet files to the destination folder and log you off. Log back in for the changes to take effect.
To accomplish this via the registry, alter the Shell Folders path for TIF
The above method is effective as it copies the contents of the current Temporary Internet Files folder to the new location. Whereas, relocating the Temporary Internet Files shell folders path via the registry does not copy the existing content to the new location.
Open Registry Editor by typing REGEDIT in Start, Run dialog
Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ User Shell Folders
In the right-pane, double-click the value named Cache and set it's data to the new TIF folder (E:\Temporary Internet Files)
Similarly, make the changes in this registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Shell Folders
Close Registry Editor and log off. Login back for the changes to take effect. The TIF will be stored in the new location which you defined. The old TIF files can be deleted manually by navigating to this folder from Start, Run dialog:
%userprofile%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
To redirect the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) location to a different drive, follow these steps:
1. Save and close all running applications
2. Create a folder in the destination drive (say E:\TIF)
3. Click Start, Run and type CONTROL INETCPL.CPL
4. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Settings
5. Click Move Folder button and browse to the target folder
6. Click OK
7. Click Yes, when you see the prompt
"Windows will log you off to finish moving Temporary Internet Files. Do you want to continue ?"
Windows will now copy all the Cookies, temporary internet files to the destination folder and log you off. Log back in for the changes to take effect.
To accomplish this via the registry, alter the Shell Folders path for TIF
The above method is effective as it copies the contents of the current Temporary Internet Files folder to the new location. Whereas, relocating the Temporary Internet Files shell folders path via the registry does not copy the existing content to the new location.
Open Registry Editor by typing REGEDIT in Start, Run dialog
Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ User Shell Folders
In the right-pane, double-click the value named Cache and set it's data to the new TIF folder (E:\Temporary Internet Files)
Similarly, make the changes in this registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Shell Folders
Close Registry Editor and log off. Login back for the changes to take effect. The TIF will be stored in the new location which you defined. The old TIF files can be deleted manually by navigating to this folder from Start, Run dialog:
%userprofile%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files
Quick Launch settings are not saved; Search Assistant Toolbar in Taskbar
Quick Launch settings are not saved; Search Assistant Toolbar in Taskbar
If you see a Search Assistant Toolbar in the Taskbar, it might be due to a malware named BlazeFind. Quick Launch bar may be missing on every reboot or the Quick Launch sort order may not be maintained. These symptoms are caused by this Malware. This page discusses the preliminary steps required to remove this Desk band object, before running spyware removal tools.
Phase I - Removing the Search Assistant Toolbar from the Taskbar
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given and press Enter:
regsvr32 /u "%Systemroot%\System32\omniband.dll"
This uninstalls the Search Assistant Desk Band settings in the registry. Next, rename the file omniband.dll to old_omniband.dll and reboot Windows.
INFO: The module name was determined by this program named deskbands.exe. This tiny utility which I wrote, enumerates all the Desk Band objects from the registry and just lists them with the corresponding DLL names.
Phase II - Fixing a registry entry which causes the Quick Launch issue (not retaining the settings)
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ WindowsNT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon
In the right-pane, change the value of Userinit to "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,"
Type the above value exactly as given, including the comma - exclude the quotes. Also, change the path to userinit.exe appropriately if Windows is installed in a different drive.
Close Registry Editor and restart Windows. The Quick Launch settings should be retained now.
Phase III - Removing the Malware from the system
Follow the advice here and run all the tools documented in this page. Be sure to update them before scanning!
Unable to logon to Windows after removing BlazeFind using a spyware removal utility?
Logon - Logoff loop, also caused by BlazeFind
Another critical symptom caused by this malware: This malware modifies the Userinit area in the registry (replacing the userinit.exe with wsaupdater.exe) and Ad-Aware (with a particular definition update) removes the wsaupdater.exe file from the system, thus causing the Logon - Logoff loop. That is, when you login to Windows, the 'loading personal settings" verbose will appear, but suddenly it will logoff. This issue was documented clearly by Lavasoftusa in it's Lavahelp Knowledgebase.
Here is the solution to the logon - logoff issue in Windows XP.
Enter the Recovery Console
Boot the system using the Windows XP CD-ROM. In the first screen when the Setup begins, read the instructions press "R" (in the first screen) enter the Recovery Console. Type-in the built-in Administrator password to enter the Console. You'll see the prompt reading C:\Windows (Or any other drive-letter where you've installed XP)
Type the following command and press Enter.
CD SYSTEM32
(If that does not work, try CHDIR SYSTEM32)
COPY USERINIT.EXE WSAUPDATER.EXE
Quit Recovery Console by typing EXIT and restart Windows.
You'll be able to login successfully as you've created the wsaupdater.exe file (now, a copy of userinit.exe)
Now, change the USERINIT value in the registry (see Phase II in this page) and change it accordingly.
INFO: If you don't have a Windows XP CD-ROM, you need to use Windows XP Setup floppy disks to enter the Recovery Console.
If you see a Search Assistant Toolbar in the Taskbar, it might be due to a malware named BlazeFind. Quick Launch bar may be missing on every reboot or the Quick Launch sort order may not be maintained. These symptoms are caused by this Malware. This page discusses the preliminary steps required to remove this Desk band object, before running spyware removal tools.
Phase I - Removing the Search Assistant Toolbar from the Taskbar
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given and press Enter:
regsvr32 /u "%Systemroot%\System32\omniband.dll"
This uninstalls the Search Assistant Desk Band settings in the registry. Next, rename the file omniband.dll to old_omniband.dll and reboot Windows.
INFO: The module name was determined by this program named deskbands.exe. This tiny utility which I wrote, enumerates all the Desk Band objects from the registry and just lists them with the corresponding DLL names.
Phase II - Fixing a registry entry which causes the Quick Launch issue (not retaining the settings)
Click Start, Run and type REGEDIT. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ WindowsNT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon
In the right-pane, change the value of Userinit to "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,"
Type the above value exactly as given, including the comma - exclude the quotes. Also, change the path to userinit.exe appropriately if Windows is installed in a different drive.
Close Registry Editor and restart Windows. The Quick Launch settings should be retained now.
Phase III - Removing the Malware from the system
Follow the advice here and run all the tools documented in this page. Be sure to update them before scanning!
Unable to logon to Windows after removing BlazeFind using a spyware removal utility?
Logon - Logoff loop, also caused by BlazeFind
Another critical symptom caused by this malware: This malware modifies the Userinit area in the registry (replacing the userinit.exe with wsaupdater.exe) and Ad-Aware (with a particular definition update) removes the wsaupdater.exe file from the system, thus causing the Logon - Logoff loop. That is, when you login to Windows, the 'loading personal settings" verbose will appear, but suddenly it will logoff. This issue was documented clearly by Lavasoftusa in it's Lavahelp Knowledgebase.
Here is the solution to the logon - logoff issue in Windows XP.
Enter the Recovery Console
Boot the system using the Windows XP CD-ROM. In the first screen when the Setup begins, read the instructions press "R" (in the first screen) enter the Recovery Console. Type-in the built-in Administrator password to enter the Console. You'll see the prompt reading C:\Windows (Or any other drive-letter where you've installed XP)
Type the following command and press Enter.
CD SYSTEM32
(If that does not work, try CHDIR SYSTEM32)
COPY USERINIT.EXE WSAUPDATER.EXE
Quit Recovery Console by typing EXIT and restart Windows.
You'll be able to login successfully as you've created the wsaupdater.exe file (now, a copy of userinit.exe)
Now, change the USERINIT value in the registry (see Phase II in this page) and change it accordingly.
INFO: If you don't have a Windows XP CD-ROM, you need to use Windows XP Setup floppy disks to enter the Recovery Console.
Prevent MSN Messenger from automatically launching at startup & Stop MSN Messenger from signing you in automatically
Prevent MSN Messenger from automatically launching at startup &
Stop MSN Messenger from signing you in automatically
In the main MSN Messenger window, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. Click the General tab, and then clear the Allow automatic sign in when connected to the Internet check box.
Stop MSN Messenger from starting automatically
In the main MSN Messenger window, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. Click the General tab, and then clear the Automatically run Messenger when I log on to Windows check box.
Stop MSN Messenger from signing you in automatically
In the main MSN Messenger window, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. Click the General tab, and then clear the Allow automatic sign in when connected to the Internet check box.
Stop MSN Messenger from starting automatically
In the main MSN Messenger window, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. Click the General tab, and then clear the Automatically run Messenger when I log on to Windows check box.
Pop-up Blocker option is missing under the Tools menu in Internet Explorer
Pop-up Blocker option is missing under the Tools menu in Internet Explorer
When you click Tools menu in Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2, the Pop-up Blocker option may be missing. This is due to a restriction set in the registry or via Group Policy Editor in Windows XP Professional. To get the Pop-up Blocker menu ( and the Pop-up Management functionality ) back, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
-and-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
2. In the right-pane, double-click NoPopupManagement if exists, and set it to 0
3. Close Registry Editor
Via Group Policy Editor in Windows XP Professional
1. Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ Internet Explorer
3. Double-click the setting Turn-off pop-up management
4. Set it to Not Configured
When you click Tools menu in Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2, the Pop-up Blocker option may be missing. This is due to a restriction set in the registry or via Group Policy Editor in Windows XP Professional. To get the Pop-up Blocker menu ( and the Pop-up Management functionality ) back, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
-and-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Restrictions
2. In the right-pane, double-click NoPopupManagement if exists, and set it to 0
3. Close Registry Editor
Via Group Policy Editor in Windows XP Professional
1. Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
2. Navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ Internet Explorer
3. Double-click the setting Turn-off pop-up management
4. Set it to Not Configured
how to Open folders in Windows Explorer mode by default (i.e. with folder pane enabled)?
Open folders in Windows Explorer mode by default (i.e. with folder pane enabled)
When you double-click a folder, it opens the folder Window without the Explorer bar enabled (default setting). When you right-click on the folder and choose Explore, it does. To set Explore as the default action, follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer window.
2. Click Tools, Folder Options, then click File Types.
3. From the list, locate the entry FOLDER with extension of (NONE).
4. Click Advanced, select Explore, then Set Default
5. Click OK and close the dialog.
To accomplish this via the Registry:
1. Open Regedit.exe and navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell
2. In the right pane, set the value of (default) to explore
When you double-click a folder, it opens the folder Window without the Explorer bar enabled (default setting). When you right-click on the folder and choose Explore, it does. To set Explore as the default action, follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer window.
2. Click Tools, Folder Options, then click File Types.
3. From the list, locate the entry FOLDER with extension of (NONE).
4. Click Advanced, select Explore, then Set Default
5. Click OK and close the dialog.
To accomplish this via the Registry:
1. Open Regedit.exe and navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell
2. In the right pane, set the value of (default) to explore
ow to correct "Lock the Taskbar" option is grayed out in Taskbar properties?
"Lock the Taskbar" option is grayed out in Taskbar properties
When you right-click the Taskbar, the "Lock the Taskbar" option may be greyed out. This is due to a group policy / registry setting.
To unlock the Taskbar, try this:
Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
In the right-pane, delete the LockTaskbar value, and quit Registry Editor
For Windows XP Professional, you can also disable this using Group Policy Editor:
Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Start Menu and Taskbar
Set Lock the Taskbar policy to Not Configured
When you right-click the Taskbar, the "Lock the Taskbar" option may be greyed out. This is due to a group policy / registry setting.
To unlock the Taskbar, try this:
Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
In the right-pane, delete the LockTaskbar value, and quit Registry Editor
For Windows XP Professional, you can also disable this using Group Policy Editor:
Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Start Menu and Taskbar
Set Lock the Taskbar policy to Not Configured
Is there any way I can show the date on the Taskbar with the time?
Is there any way I can show the date on the Taskbar with the time?
The date is displayed in addition, when the Taskbar width is doubled. Right-click the Taskbar and uncheck Lock the Taskbar option. Now, resize the Taskbar using the top handle (when you see the double-headed arrow mark) and make the Taskbar height to double. The work area real-estate will be reduced by some Px.
The date is displayed in addition, when the Taskbar width is doubled. Right-click the Taskbar and uncheck Lock the Taskbar option. Now, resize the Taskbar using the top handle (when you see the double-headed arrow mark) and make the Taskbar height to double. The work area real-estate will be reduced by some Px.
Internet Options dialog opens when you click the Start Menu Internet link
Internet Options dialog opens when you click the Start Menu Internet link
When you click the Internet link in Start Menu, the Internet Options dialog opens instead of opening the default Web browser. Also, when you right-click the Start Menu Internet link, Internet Properties will be the default option (in bold)
This happens if the Start Menu default browser is not set. To set the Start Menu default Internet browser, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, Properties, click Start Menu tab
2. Click Start Menu radio button, and choose Customize
3. In the Show on Start Menu section, select a browser
4. Click OK and close the dialog
When you click the Internet link in Start Menu, the Internet Options dialog opens instead of opening the default Web browser. Also, when you right-click the Start Menu Internet link, Internet Properties will be the default option (in bold)
This happens if the Start Menu default browser is not set. To set the Start Menu default Internet browser, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, Properties, click Start Menu tab
2. Click Start Menu radio button, and choose Customize
3. In the Show on Start Menu section, select a browser
4. Click OK and close the dialog
Internet Options dialog opens when you click the Start Menu Internet link
Internet Options dialog opens when you click the Start Menu Internet link
When you click the Internet link in Start Menu, the Internet Options dialog opens instead of opening the default Web browser. Also, when you right-click the Start Menu Internet link, Internet Properties will be the default option (in bold)
This happens if the Start Menu default browser is not set. To set the Start Menu default Internet browser, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, Properties, click Start Menu tab
2. Click Start Menu radio button, and choose Customize
3. In the Show on Start Menu section, select a browser
4. Click OK and close the dialog
When you click the Internet link in Start Menu, the Internet Options dialog opens instead of opening the default Web browser. Also, when you right-click the Start Menu Internet link, Internet Properties will be the default option (in bold)
This happens if the Start Menu default browser is not set. To set the Start Menu default Internet browser, try this:
1. Right-click Taskbar, Properties, click Start Menu tab
2. Click Start Menu radio button, and choose Customize
3. In the Show on Start Menu section, select a browser
4. Click OK and close the dialog
how to cure Internet Explorer desktop icon changed to dark blue "e"
Internet Explorer desktop icon changed to dark blue "e"
The default Internet Explorer desktop icon is light-blue "e". Sometimes, the icon color changes to dark blue, making it ugly. This happens if the defaulticon registry value is missing. To reset the color to defaults (as in fig 2), try this:
Click Start, Run and type:
REGSVR32 /i SHDOCVW.DLL
The default Internet Explorer desktop icon is light-blue "e". Sometimes, the icon color changes to dark blue, making it ugly. This happens if the defaulticon registry value is missing. To reset the color to defaults (as in fig 2), try this:
Click Start, Run and type:
REGSVR32 /i SHDOCVW.DLL
Internet Explorer "About" box is completely blank ; Unable to type in text boxes in websites
Internet Explorer "About" box is completely blank ; Unable to type in text boxes in websites
Symptoms in Internet Explorer
1. The About box fields indicating the browser version and patch level, are blank
2. Unable to right-click on any Web sites
3. Unable to select text in a HTML document or a Web page
4. When you open the About box, the following error occurs and the dialog closes
An error has occured in this dialog.
Error: 96
Unspecified error.
Additionally, you may be unable to type in the text boxes (eg.. a Search engine or a Web site). These issues are caused by missing registry keys.
To solve the problem, try the following steps:
Click Start, Run and type the following commands one by one and press Enter
REGSVR32 MSHTMLED.DLL
REGSVR32 JSCRIPT.DLL
REGSVR32 /i MSHTML.DLL
If this does not help, reinstall Internet Explorer.
Symptoms in Internet Explorer
1. The About box fields indicating the browser version and patch level, are blank
2. Unable to right-click on any Web sites
3. Unable to select text in a HTML document or a Web page
4. When you open the About box, the following error occurs and the dialog closes
An error has occured in this dialog.
Error: 96
Unspecified error.
Additionally, you may be unable to type in the text boxes (eg.. a Search engine or a Web site). These issues are caused by missing registry keys.
To solve the problem, try the following steps:
Click Start, Run and type the following commands one by one and press Enter
REGSVR32 MSHTMLED.DLL
REGSVR32 JSCRIPT.DLL
REGSVR32 /i MSHTML.DLL
If this does not help, reinstall Internet Explorer.
Information bar appears while downloading a file - Windows XP SP2
Information bar appears while downloading a file - Windows XP SP2
When you visit a site which uses the automatic download prompt, the Information bar appears instead of the download window. This is due to a security enhancement in Windows XP SP2 to protect the users from automatic download prompts generated by rogue websites. To download the file you need to click the Information bar and select Download file option to download the file. This is the safest workaround you can follow.
"TO HELP PROTECT SECURITY, ITERNET BLOCKED THIS SITE FROM DOWNLOADING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER.CLICK HERE FOR OPTIONS"
What if I don't want to see the Information Bar at all ?
To prevent the Information Bar from being displayed for a particular website (safer)
To prevent the Information bar from being displayed while downloading files, try adding the website to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options, Security dialog. Automatic Prompting for file download is enabled by default for Trusted Zone domains. You must add a website to Trusted Zone only if you know and trust the website.
To prevent the Information Bar from being displayed for all websites (use only in valid cases)
This procedure will allow Web sites to automatically prompt you when downloading files and software (bypassing the Information Bar).
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the Security tab, click Custom Level.
4. Do one or both of the following:
o To turn off the Information Bar for file downloads, in the Downloads section of the list, under Automatic prompting for file downloads, click Enable.
o To turn off the Information Bar for ActiveX controls, in the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section of the list, under Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls, click Enable.
When you visit a site which uses the automatic download prompt, the Information bar appears instead of the download window. This is due to a security enhancement in Windows XP SP2 to protect the users from automatic download prompts generated by rogue websites. To download the file you need to click the Information bar and select Download file option to download the file. This is the safest workaround you can follow.
"TO HELP PROTECT SECURITY, ITERNET BLOCKED THIS SITE FROM DOWNLOADING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER.CLICK HERE FOR OPTIONS"
What if I don't want to see the Information Bar at all ?
To prevent the Information Bar from being displayed for a particular website (safer)
To prevent the Information bar from being displayed while downloading files, try adding the website to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options, Security dialog. Automatic Prompting for file download is enabled by default for Trusted Zone domains. You must add a website to Trusted Zone only if you know and trust the website.
To prevent the Information Bar from being displayed for all websites (use only in valid cases)
This procedure will allow Web sites to automatically prompt you when downloading files and software (bypassing the Information Bar).
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the Security tab, click Custom Level.
4. Do one or both of the following:
o To turn off the Information Bar for file downloads, in the Downloads section of the list, under Automatic prompting for file downloads, click Enable.
o To turn off the Information Bar for ActiveX controls, in the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section of the list, under Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls, click Enable.
how to correct theIncorrect or generic Windows icon displayed for a Drive in My Computer?
Incorrect or generic Windows icon displayed for a Drive in My Computer
When you open My Computer window, one or more of the disk drives may be assigned an incorrect or a generic Windows icon (unknown file type icon) rather than disk drive symbol.
This happens due to any of the following reasons:
1. Presence of the file named Autorun.inf in the Drive's root folder (say C:\ )
2. Uninstallation of a third-party theme or an icon library has failed to remove the drive icon settings in the registry
RESOLUTION
1. Enable Windows to Show all files and then locate the file Autorun.inf and delete it from the root folder. Restart Windows.
If that does not help, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows\CurrentVersion \Explorer \DriveIcons \
Example:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \DriveIcons \C
2. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more information.
3. After backing up the key, delete the key from the registry.
4. Navigate to the following key, backup and delete the key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \Applications \explorer.exe \ Drives\
5. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
When you open My Computer window, one or more of the disk drives may be assigned an incorrect or a generic Windows icon (unknown file type icon) rather than disk drive symbol.
This happens due to any of the following reasons:
1. Presence of the file named Autorun.inf in the Drive's root folder (say C:\ )
2. Uninstallation of a third-party theme or an icon library has failed to remove the drive icon settings in the registry
RESOLUTION
1. Enable Windows to Show all files and then locate the file Autorun.inf and delete it from the root folder. Restart Windows.
If that does not help, try this:
1. Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows\CurrentVersion \Explorer \DriveIcons \
Example:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \DriveIcons \C
2. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more information.
3. After backing up the key, delete the
4. Navigate to the following key, backup and delete the
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \Applications \explorer.exe \ Drives\
5. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
how to correct Incorrect or generic folder icon assigned to the Recycle Bin
Incorrect or generic folder icon assigned to the Recycle Bin
After you apply a third-party theme and uninstall it, the system folders such as Recycle Bin may exhibit a generic folder icon or a white square.
This happens due to incorrect defaulticon value in the registry. Try these steps to reset the icon back.
1. Right-click Desktop, and choose Properties
2. From the Desktop tab, choose Customize Desktop
3. Select the Recycle Bin (full) icon and click Restore Default
4. Select the Recycle Bin (empty) icon, click Restore Default
IMPORTANT:
The Recycle Bin icon is defined in two places in the registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \CLSID \{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \DefaultIcon
and
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \CLSID \{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \DefaultIcon
Values and corresponding data
(Default) is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Empty is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Full is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,32
If you install a third-party theme, the defaulticon values in any of the above locations are modified.
After you apply a third-party theme and uninstall it, the system folders such as Recycle Bin may exhibit a generic folder icon or a white square.
This happens due to incorrect defaulticon value in the registry. Try these steps to reset the icon back.
1. Right-click Desktop, and choose Properties
2. From the Desktop tab, choose Customize Desktop
3. Select the Recycle Bin (full) icon and click Restore Default
4. Select the Recycle Bin (empty) icon, click Restore Default
IMPORTANT:
The Recycle Bin icon is defined in two places in the registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \CLSID \{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \DefaultIcon
and
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \CLSID \{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \DefaultIcon
Values and corresponding data
(Default) is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Empty is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Full is %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,32
If you install a third-party theme, the defaulticon values in any of the above locations are modified.
How to use Group Policy to configure auditing of Windows registry keys in XP Professional?
How to use Group Policy to configure auditing of Windows registry keys in XP Professional?
Monitoring registry changes is sometimes necessary to detect intruders or if an Unknown process / application is resetting a registry value every time (say, the Internet Explorer Favorites Shell folder location is changed on every startup). You can set a registry audit policy for a specific registry key in order to track down information about the registry change event.
Phase I: Enable Audit Policy
1. Click Start, Run and type Secpol.msc (or via GPEDIT.MSC)
2. In the left pane, under Local Policies, click Audit Policy
3. In the right pane, double-click Audit Object Access
4. Select the Success and Failure boxes
Phase II: Setting the Audit for registry key(s)
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit and navigate to the key you want to audit
2. On the Edit menu, click Permission, click Advanced.
3. On the Auditing tab, click Add.
4. Type your username there and add it to the audit list
5. In the Auditing Entry For Name dialog, in the Access list, select both the Successful and Failed check boxes next to the activities for which you want to audit successful and failed attempts.
(Example: If you want to track the write events for a registry value, enable the SetValue activity from the list ) Now that you've set an audit successfully. Work normally in the system as usual. If the behavior is see (say for example, the Favorites location value is overwritten by a software ), it's time to inspect the Event Log (Security log which contains the Security audit information). Proceed to Phase III
Phase III: Inspect the Event Logs for any information on the changed keys/values:
1. Click Start, Run and type Eventvwr.msc
2. In Event Viewer's left pane, click Security.
3. In the right-pane, double-click the appropriate entry to see more details. You can spot the entry by matching the time / date and the Image File Name seen in the log.
4. In the Security log, the Image File Name reveals the name of the program which had tried to change (or changed) the registry key/value silently
THEN,
1. Click the Notepad icon to copy the security log information to the clipboard.
2. Don't forget to turn off auditing for the key once you gather the required data, as your Security event log might soon become full.
Monitoring registry changes is sometimes necessary to detect intruders or if an Unknown process / application is resetting a registry value every time (say, the Internet Explorer Favorites Shell folder location is changed on every startup). You can set a registry audit policy for a specific registry key in order to track down information about the registry change event.
Phase I: Enable Audit Policy
1. Click Start, Run and type Secpol.msc (or via GPEDIT.MSC)
2. In the left pane, under Local Policies, click Audit Policy
3. In the right pane, double-click Audit Object Access
4. Select the Success and Failure boxes
Phase II: Setting the Audit for registry key(s)
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit and navigate to the key you want to audit
2. On the Edit menu, click Permission, click Advanced.
3. On the Auditing tab, click Add.
4. Type your username there and add it to the audit list
5. In the Auditing Entry For Name dialog, in the Access list, select both the Successful and Failed check boxes next to the activities for which you want to audit successful and failed attempts.
(Example: If you want to track the write events for a registry value, enable the SetValue activity from the list ) Now that you've set an audit successfully. Work normally in the system as usual. If the behavior is see (say for example, the Favorites location value is overwritten by a software ), it's time to inspect the Event Log (Security log which contains the Security audit information). Proceed to Phase III
Phase III: Inspect the Event Logs for any information on the changed keys/values:
1. Click Start, Run and type Eventvwr.msc
2. In Event Viewer's left pane, click Security.
3. In the right-pane, double-click the appropriate entry to see more details. You can spot the entry by matching the time / date and the Image File Name seen in the log.
4. In the Security log, the Image File Name reveals the name of the program which had tried to change (or changed) the registry key/value silently
THEN,
1. Click the Notepad icon to copy the security log information to the clipboard.
2. Don't forget to turn off auditing for the key once you gather the required data, as your Security event log might soon become full.
How to use Group Policy to configure auditing of Windows registry keys in XP Professional?
How to use Group Policy to configure auditing of Windows registry keys in XP Professional?
Monitoring registry changes is sometimes necessary to detect intruders or if an Unknown process / application is resetting a registry value every time (say, the Internet Explorer Favorites Shell folder location is changed on every startup). You can set a registry audit policy for a specific registry key in order to track down information about the registry change event.
Phase I: Enable Audit Policy
1. Click Start, Run and type Secpol.msc (or via GPEDIT.MSC)
2. In the left pane, under Local Policies, click Audit Policy
3. In the right pane, double-click Audit Object Access
4. Select the Success and Failure boxes
Phase II: Setting the Audit for registry key(s)
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit and navigate to the key you want to audit
2. On the Edit menu, click Permission, click Advanced.
3. On the Auditing tab, click Add.
4. Type your username there and add it to the audit list
5. In the Auditing Entry For Name dialog, in the Access list, select both the Successful and Failed check boxes next to the activities for which you want to audit successful and failed attempts.
(Example: If you want to track the write events for a registry value, enable the SetValue activity from the list )
Now that you've set an audit successfully. Work normally in the system as usual. If the behavior is see (say for example, the Favorites location value is overwritten by a software ), it's time to inspect the Event Log (Security log which contains the Security audit information). Proceed to Phase III
Phase III: Inspect the Event Logs for any information on the changed keys/values:
1. Click Start, Run and type Eventvwr.msc
2. In Event Viewer's left pane, click Security.
3. In the right-pane, double-click the appropriate entry to see more details. You can spot the entry by matching the time / date and the Image File Name seen in the log.
4. In the Security log, the Image File Name reveals the name of the program which had tried to change (or changed) the registry key/value silently
THEN,
1. Click the Notepad icon to copy the security log information to the clipboard.
2. Don't forget to turn off auditing for the key once you gather the required data, as your Security event log might soon become full.
Monitoring registry changes is sometimes necessary to detect intruders or if an Unknown process / application is resetting a registry value every time (say, the Internet Explorer Favorites Shell folder location is changed on every startup). You can set a registry audit policy for a specific registry key in order to track down information about the registry change event.
Phase I: Enable Audit Policy
1. Click Start, Run and type Secpol.msc (or via GPEDIT.MSC)
2. In the left pane, under Local Policies, click Audit Policy
3. In the right pane, double-click Audit Object Access
4. Select the Success and Failure boxes
Phase II: Setting the Audit for registry key(s)
1. Click Start, Run and type Regedit and navigate to the key you want to audit
2. On the Edit menu, click Permission, click Advanced.
3. On the Auditing tab, click Add.
4. Type your username there and add it to the audit list
5. In the Auditing Entry For Name dialog, in the Access list, select both the Successful and Failed check boxes next to the activities for which you want to audit successful and failed attempts.
(Example: If you want to track the write events for a registry value, enable the SetValue activity from the list )
Now that you've set an audit successfully. Work normally in the system as usual. If the behavior is see (say for example, the Favorites location value is overwritten by a software ), it's time to inspect the Event Log (Security log which contains the Security audit information). Proceed to Phase III
Phase III: Inspect the Event Logs for any information on the changed keys/values:
1. Click Start, Run and type Eventvwr.msc
2. In Event Viewer's left pane, click Security.
3. In the right-pane, double-click the appropriate entry to see more details. You can spot the entry by matching the time / date and the Image File Name seen in the log.
4. In the Security log, the Image File Name reveals the name of the program which had tried to change (or changed) the registry key/value silently
THEN,
1. Click the Notepad icon to copy the security log information to the clipboard.
2. Don't forget to turn off auditing for the key once you gather the required data, as your Security event log might soon become full.
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