Welcome to Windows Tips and Tricks
Looking for ways to optimize and tweak your computer? This lens contains tips and tricks for Windows XP and Windows 2003. The videos here go step by step and are designed to help you understand each topic. Make Money with a Lens!
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Videos on customizing the Windows XP Interface
- Sort Your Programs Alphabetically in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to sort your programs alphabetically in the program list, in Microsoft Windows.
- How to Sort Your Program List Alphabetically
- This video demonstrates two ways to sort the programs in your program list alphabetically.
- Customize your task bar and start menu properties
- This video demonstrates how to customize your task bar and start menu in Microsoft Windows.
- How to use Microsoft Windows search
- This video demonstrates using Microsoft Windows search and explains what all the options do.
Speed Up Browsing on Windows XP Machines
Make Internet Explorer Go Faster
Here's a great tip to speed up your browsing of Windows XP machines. Its actually a fix to a bug installed as default in Windows 2000 that scans shared files for Scheduled Tasks. And it turns out that you can experience a delay as long as 30 seconds when you try to view shared files across a network because Windows 2000 is using the extra time to search the remote computer for any Scheduled Tasks. Note that though the fix is originally intended for only those affected, Windows 2000 users will experience that the actual browsing speed of both the Internet & Windows Explorers improve significantly after applying it since it doesn't search for Scheduled Tasks anymore. Here's how :- Open up the Registry and go to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace - Under that branch, select the key :
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
and delete it.
This is the key that instructs Windows to search for Scheduled Tasks. You may want to export the exact branch so that you can restore the key if necessary.
This fix doesn't require a reboot and you can almost immediately notice how much it speeds up your browsing. Enjoy!
How to Make your Folders Private
How to hide folders from everyone but yourself
- Open My Computer
- Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive (C:), unless you have more than one drive on your computer).
- If the contents of the drive are hidden, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.
- Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.
- Double-click your user folder.
- Right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.
- On the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.
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How to Disable Error Reporting in Windows XP
Get rid of those annoying Error Reporting Windows
- Open Control Panel
- Click on Performance and Maintenance.
- Click on System.
- Then click on the Advanced tab
- Click on the error-reporting button on the bottom of the windows.
- Select Disable error reporting.
- Click OK
- Click OK
General Tips and Tricks for Performance and Customization
Performance Tips and Tricks for Windows XP
- How to Use the Add New Hardware Wizard in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to add hardware manually using the add new hardware wizard in windows 2003.
- How to Change the Windows Startup and Shutdown Sounds
- This video demonstrates how to disable or configure the windows startup and shutdown sounds, along with other sounds in Microsoft Windows.
- How to tell what updates are installed for programs in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to find out what service pack or update level you are at for certain applications.
- How to Remove Entries in the Add/Remove Window Manually
- This video demonstrates how to remove an entry in the add/remove control panel window manually in the registry.
- How to Configure the Recycle Bin in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to configure some unknown options for the recycle bin in windows.
- How to Set Processor Priority for Programs in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to set different processor priorities for programs in Windows.
- How to Rename the Recycle Bin in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to rename the recycle bin in Microsoft Windows.
- How to Place the Volume Icon in the Taskbar in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to place the volume icon in the task bar in Microsoft windows.
- How to Run Your Old Programs and Games on Newer Versions of Windows
- This video demonstrates how to configure older programs and games to run on newer version of Microsoft Windows.
- Using the Send to Feature in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to use and customize the send to feature in Microsoft windows.
- Tips to increase your computers performance
- This video demonstrates how to configure the windows interface to increase performance.
- Microsoft Windows System Information Explained
- This video demonstrates how to use Microsoft Windows System Information utility.
- How to Remove the Recycle Bin From the Desktop
- This video demonstrates how to remove the recycle bin icon from your desktop in Windows.
- How to Disable Windows Messenger From Running
- This video demonstrates how to disable Windows Messenger from running on your system.
- How to Change a Drive Letter in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to change a drive letter for a hard drive or CD drive in Microsoft Windows.
- How to Pin Items to Your Start Menu in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to pin items to your start menu so they are always at your finger tips.
- Diagnose computer freezes with Windows Task Manager
- This video demonstrates using the Windows Task Manager to locate the program which is slowing down or freezing your computer.
- How to configure your Windows Paging File
- This video demonstrates changing your virtual memory settings by editing your windows paging file settings.
- How to Change the Owner Information in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to change the Owner Information in Microsoft Windows.
- How to Disable Auto Play in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to disable and configure auto play options in Microsoft Windows.
- Improve your computers performance with regedit
- This video demonstrates how to remove startup items by using Microsoft regedit.
- Improving your computers performance with msconfig
- This video demonstrates how to use windows msconfig to improve your computers performance by removing unneeded startup items.
- Troubleshooting Windows with event viewer
- This video explains how to use the windows event viewer to troubleshoot computer issues.
- How to remove the windows language toolbar
- How to remove the windows language toolbar
This movie gives instructions for removing the Microsoft Windows Language Toolbar. - How to Configure Power Options in Windows XP
- This video demonstrates how to configure Power Options in Windows XP.
- How to Use Device Manager in Microsoft Windows
- This video goes over the use of device manager and how to troubleshoot hardware.
- How to view hidden files and folders in windows
- This video shows you how to configure the hidden files and folders options in Microsoft Windows.
- How to Configure Windows Update
- This video shows how to configure windows update to download updates when you want them.
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Windows 2003 Administration
Videos on Windows 2003 Administration
- How to Use the Group Policy Management Console
- This video demonstrates how to use the Group Policy Management Console in Windows 2003.
- How to Disable the Ability to Change the Background or Resolution Using the Group Policy Object Editor
- This video demonstrates how to disable the ability to change the display settings in Windows XP using the Group Policy Object Editor.
- How to Prohibit User Access to the Control Panel with the Group Policy Object Editor
- This video demonstrates how to effectively disable the control panel for users using the Group Policy Object Editor.
- How to Disable Error Reporting in Windows 2003
- This video demonstrates how to disable error reporting in windows 2003.
- How to Disable the Required Control, Alt, Delete at Login in Windows 2003
- This video demonstrates how to disable the required control, alt, delete process at the login screen in Windows 2003.
- How to Unlock a Locked Out Windows User Account
- This video demonstrates how to unlock a locked windows user account and how to configure the lockout policies.
- How to redirect your my documents folder
- This video demonstrates how to redirect your my documents folder to a secure location on your network.
- How to Use the System Properties in Windows 2003
- This video demonstrates how to access the system properties windows in Windows 2003 and gives a brief overview of the available options.
- How to Create Custom MMC Console's
- This video demonstrates how to customize an MMC console by adding whatever snap ins you like.
- Managing Active Directory with OU's
- This video demonstrates how to manage Active Directory by creating OU's (Organizational Units).
- How to Disable the Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to disable the Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows 2003.
- How to Use Effective Permissions in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to use the effective permissions feature in Windows XP and Windows 2003.
- How to Disable the Ability to Change Taskbar and Startmenu Settings
- This video demonstrates how to disable the ability to change startup menu and task bar settings with the Group Policy Object Editor.
- Manage your server in Windows 2003 Server
- This video demonstrates how to use the manager your server utility in Microsoft Windows 2003 Server.
- How to use Windows Computer Management
- This video demonstrates the use of the computer management tool.
- How to use Group Policy Editor in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to use Group Policy Editor in Microsoft Windows 2003.
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Windows 2003 Networking Tips and Tricks
How-To Videos on Windows 2003 Networking
- How to Configure a Dial-up Connection in Windows 2003
- This video demonstrates how to setup a dial-up connection in Windows 2003.
- How to Configure a Static IP Address in Windows 2003
- This video demonstrates how to configure a static ip address, subnet mask, gateway and dns address in Windows 2003.
- How to Use the IPCONFIG /ALL Command
- This video demonstrates how to use the IPCONFIG /ALL command to troubleshoot windows networking issues.
- How to Configure an Alternate Network Configuration in Windows
- This video demonstrates how to configure an alternate network configuration for when using a computer in multiple network settings, in windows.
- Learn how to map a network drive in Microsoft Windows
- This video demonstrates how to map a network drive in Windows.
- How to connect to a wireless network from windows
- This video demonstrates connecting to a password protected wireless network through windows.
- Setup your computer to host websites
- This video explains how to install IIS on Windows 2003 so you can host websites on your computer.
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Internet Related Video Guides
Videos on Internet Related Topics
- How to Get Awesome Free Backgrounds for Your Computer
- This video demonstrates how to get amazing free backgrounds for your computer.
- How to Add Objects to Your Personalized Google Homepage
- This video demonstrates how to add stuff to your personalized Google Homepage.
- How to Signup for the Yahoo Publishers Network
- This video demonstrates how to sign up for the Yahoo Publishers Network and begin to earn revenue from displaying ads on your website.
- How to Get Started With Blogger.com
- This video demonstrates how to setup a blog using the free blogging services of blogger.com.
- How to Signup for Google Adsense
- This video demonstrates how to sign up for the popular Google Adsense program.
- How to Test Your Internet Bandwidth
- This video demonstrates how to use the services of speedtest.net to test your internet bandwidth.
- Test Your Internet Connection Speed
- This video demonstrates one of many different ways to check your internet connection speed online.
- How to use Farecast to save money on airplane tickets
- This video demonstrates how to use the new Farecast service to save money on airline tickets.
- How to setup your Google Adsense Ads
- This video demonstrates how to setup your ads in Google Adsense.
- How to clear your cookies and cache in firefox
- This is a computer based tutorial on clearing your cache and cookies in the FireFox browser.
Misc Software Reviews and Tutorials
Videos on Misc Software
- How to use SnagIt, the screen capture tool
- This video demonstrates how to use Tech Smith's SnagIt screen capture tool.
- How to install and configure a bittorrent client
- This video demonstrates how to install and configure a bittorrent client.
- Use Ccleaner to improve the performance of your PC
- This video demonstrates how to use Ccleaner to free up space on your computer.
- Easter Eggs in Microsoft Notepad and Microsoft Word
- This video demonstrates hidden easter eggs in notepad and Microsoft Word.
- Improving keyword density by using online tools
- This video demonstrates using online tools to find your articles keyword density and improve it.
- An Overview of Microsoft Virtual Server 2005
- This video gives a brief overview of Microsoft Virtual Server 2005
Software How to Articles
Tutorials and Step by Step Instructions
- How to Setup SQL Server 2005 Backups
- Microsoft SQL Server is a very powerful and robust database application. It is the premiere choice of most large organizations who utilize a database solution.
- How to Setup a Dial-up Connection in Windows XP
- It's quite often that we need to setup a dial-up connection. Whether it's a dial-up connection to our ISP to access the internet, or a VPN connection to access resources on your company's network, it's something that needs to be setup from time to time.
- How to Clean Your Computer the Proper Way
- When was the last time you cleaned your PC or laptop? Or is it that you have never heard of anything like cleaning your electronic device?
- Improve Performance in Windows XP: Windows XP Tips and Tricks
- Windows XP does not come configured for the best performance. There are many things you can do to increase the performance of your Windows XP machine.
- Browsing with Windows Vista: How to Configure IE7 in Windows Vista
- Windows Vista is a great operating system, but it's the new programs that are included with that make it so exciting and powerful. One major improvement in Windows Vista is Internet Explorer IE7
- A How To Introduction For Windows Vista Email
- Windows Vista mail is now called Windows Mail. In Windows XP it was called Outlook Express. The new version in Windows Vista is basically the same program with some safety features and improvements added.
- Your Personal Computer: The Transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista
- Windows Vista is very similar to Windows XP so the learning curve is rather small. In this article I will point out some of the changes that to help make your transition quick and easy.
- Introducing Windows Vista: What Version of Windows Vista Should You Buy?
- Windows Vista is a fantastic operating system. My new computer has Windows Vista Home Premium and having used Windows XP for the last 6 years I was very pleased that the learning curve of Windows Vista is very small.
- New Windows Vista Software Offers Premium Features
- Windows Vista has many little things that make it so much nicer to use. One of the features you might of heard of is called Aero which a group of functions such as Flip 3D and Glass.
- Microsoft Project Server 2003: Overview of Microsoft Project Web Access
- Microsoft Project Server 2003 is a project management server solution. It's a very robust system for managing your projects and resources.
- How to Setup a Secure Windows System
- When it comes to Microsoft Windows most of us know that there are many security issues. Microsoft's operating systems are great sure, but they are usually full of security holes just waiting to be taken advantage of.
- Using the "Send To" Feature in Microsoft Windows
- I don't know about anyone else but I am always looking to increase the performance of day to day use on my computer. There are all sorts of tips and tricks you can do to make daily tasks quicker and easier.
- How to Change the Owner Information in Microsoft Windows
- Sometimes a computer will change hands, or change ownership. The computer could be sold on EBay, sold at a second hand store or even donated to good will. These are all valid scenarios where the old computer owners name and organization would need to be changed.
- How to Configure Hidden Files and Folders in Microsoft Windows
- Hiding files and folders on your computer may be necessary from time to time. There may be something that you don't want the common computer user to be able to access or you may be the common computer user and you want to be able to see things that are hidden.
- Customizing the Taskbar and Start Menu in Microsoft Windows
- Most people are not aware of how much you can customize the Taskbar and Start Menu in Microsoft Windows. This applies to Windows XP and up.
- Using Event Viewer to Troubleshoot Microsoft Windows
- It can be challenging to figure out the root of a problem on your computer. Those pesky little error messages programs can have. Sometimes the computer will freeze and you won't get an error message at all. When you do get an error message it can be quite cryptic.
- A Complete Guide to the Microsoft Windows Firewall
- Windows Firewall might not be the best firewall out there, but its one of the most commonly used.
- Improve the Performance and Response Time of the Microsoft Windows Interface
- Are you tired of waiting for your computer to process commands? Does it hang when you try to do simple things like open a web browser or a folder? This could be because of Spy ware or other malicious software but a lot of times it can be caused by poor performance.
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- Varun Varun Oct 16, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
- Hi it a great work man. I wish you all success
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- pscook2 pscook2 Jul 29, 2008 @ 7:08 am
- Robert,
Great stuff. I am new to squidoo. I also work in the computer field and your info is great.
thanks
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- SeanMcClain SeanMcClain Jun 30, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
- Haha I linked to the wrong page bro, here's my squidoo link www.squidoo.com/freeregistrycleanup
Thats my squidoo, the previous link is a site with registry cleaner downloads
-
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- SeanMcClain SeanMcClain Jun 30, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
- Very Nice Lens Rob, blown away by all the info but I will favorite it, check out some of the Registry Edit settings I have on my site at www.FreeRegistryCleanUp.info
Again, very cool site!
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- donm207 donm207 May 31, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
- Great lens, and fantastic honest good info to!
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by softwaretips
Hello,
My name is Robert. I am an IT Manager for a Project Management Consulting Company. I have a background in hardware and software trou...
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