Disable Shared Documents

Windows XP has a built-in folder which allows other users to share files. Here's how you can disable that Shared Documents folder.

- Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer

- Right click on the 'Explorer' key and choose New, DWORD Value. Name the new DWORD "NoSharedDocuments".

- Double click "NoSharedDocuments" and enter the value 1.

Network Diagnostic Utility

Here's a simple way to analyze your Windows XP computer. The Network Diagnostics utility will scan your system to gather information about your hardware, software, and network connections.

- Open the Start menu and click 'Run'.

- Type "netsh diag gui"

Hiding Your Computer in Network Neighborhood

Want to share files, but don't want anyone to see your Windows XP computer in Network Neighborhood?

- Open the Start menu and click 'Run'.

- Type "net config server /hidden:yes"

Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Here's how to prevent the Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP from popping up every 60 days on your desktop.

- Right-click on the desktop and choose 'Properties'.
- Click on the Desktop tab.
- Click on the "Customize Desktop..." button.
- Under "Desktop cleanup", uncheck "Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days".
- Click Ok.

Rename the Recycle Bin

Tired of the name "Recycle Bin" in Windows XP? Want to change it to "Waste Basket", or something unique? This will help.

- Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

- Click on the 'Default' key, and change "Recycle Bin" to whatever name you want.

Command Line Utilities

Here are some command line utilities in Windows XP that you may find useful. Use the Command Prompt to access them.

bootcfg - Configures, queries, or changes Boot.ini file settings.

driverquery - Displays a list of all installed device drivers and their properties.

getmac - Returns the media access control (MAC) address and list of network protocols associated with each address for all network cards in each computer.

gpresult - Displays Group Policy settings and Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP) for a user or a computer.

netsh - You can use commands in the Netsh Interface IP context to configure the TCP/IP protocol.

schtasks - Schedules commands and programs to run periodically or at a specific time.

systeminfo - Displays detailed configuration information about a computer and its operating system.

Viewing Shared Folders Info

Here's how to view details about your shared folders in Windows XP, including who's connected and what files they are accessing.

- Open the Start menu, click 'Run', and type "fsmgmt.msc". A windows titled "Shared Folders" opens which lists the shared folders and their details.
   - Shares lists the currently shared folders.
   - Sessions lists the currently connected users.
   - Open Files lists the files being accessed by connected users.

Sharing Multiple Folders

Want an easy way to setup a shared folder in Windows XP? Try this:

- Click on the Start menu, click 'Run', and type "shrpubw". A dialog called "Create Shared Folder" will open.

- Choose the folder you want to share, enter a share name and description, and click next.

- Choose the permissions you want to apply to the folder and click Finish.

*If you want to share another folder, choose Yes to "Do you want to create another shared folder?" after clicking Finish.

Creating a Password Recovery Disk

What can you do if you forget your password for your Windows XP user login? Well, if you read the following tip beforehand, you'll have no trouble at all!

- Click the Start menu,open the Control Panel, and choose User Accounts.

- Click the user account you want to create the Recovery Disk for.

- Under 'Related Tasks', click on Prevent forgotten password.

- Follow the prompts and make sure you have a blank disk to use.

If you forget your password, click on the green arrow at the login and you will be prompted to insert the password recover disk.

Renaming Multiple Files

Have you wanted to be able to rename multiple files all at once in Windows XP? Try this:

- In Windows Explorer, select all the files you want to rename.

- Right-click and select 'Rename'.

- Enter the name you want to use for the files (The files will be renamed with the name you typed, followed by (1), (2), (3), etc. Eg. Newname (1).txt, Newname (2).txt, etc.)

Common Command Console Utilities

Windows XP comes with quite a few console utilities that are spread throughout the operating system. Here's a few:

Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Disk Managment - diskmgmt.msc
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Disk Defrag - dfrg.msc
Services - services.msc
Event Viewer - eventvwr.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Group Policies - gpedit.msc
Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Resultant Set of Policies - rsop.msc
Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
Component Services - comexp.msc
System Configuration Utility - msconfig

IP Address Information

Need to know your IP address in Windows XP? Use one of the following methods to get the details.

1. Click 'Run' on the Start menu and type "cmd" to open 'Command Prompt', then type "ipconfig".

OR

2. Go to the 'Control Panel' and open 'Network Connections'. Right-click the active connection and choose 'Status'. Under the 'Support' tab you will find the IP address information (Click the 'Details' button to find more details, such as your physical address).

No to all

Have been working with multiple files in Windows XP and wanted a "No To All" as well as the "Yes To All" option on the prompt that pops up? When you get the prompt, hold down the 'Shift' key while clicking "No" and it will be applied to all.

Hiding Taskbar Icons

Is your Windows XP taskbar becoming cluttered with icons? You can hide some of these icons to reclaim space on your taskbar.

- Right click on the Taskbar and choose 'Properties'.

- Make sure "Hide inactive icons" is checked and click 'Customize'.

- Choose the icon you want to change under the "Name" column and a drop-down box will appear under the "Behaviour" column where you can choose:

    - Hide when inactive
    - Always hide
    - Always show