Insider Power Techniques for Microsoft Windows XP

by McFedries, Paul

• ISBN13: 9780735618961
• ISBN10: 0735618968
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-12
• Publisher: Microsoft Press

Summary

Amp up your Windows XP knowledge with the little-known, undocumented insider techniques from professional consultants who work with customers and the technology every day. Insider Power Techniques for Microsoft Windows XP delivers from-the-field insights and secrets of three Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) consultants who've been deploying and supporting the operating system since its release. Well-known Windows book author Paul McFedries has teamed with these experts to provide power with a wealth of unique, real-world techniques, tweaks, tricks, and workarounds-all focused on doing more and getting more from Windows. Topics include customizing the interface, resource management, the Registry, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlookr Express, networking, batch files, scripting, digital media, Windows XP Power Toys, everyday maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Author Biography

Austin Wilson has been with Microsoft since 1994 as a systems engineer, an architectural engineer, a principal consultant, and a service line architect. Most recently he has been involved in corporate Windows XP deployments.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	xiii
Part I Mastering Essential Insider Techniques
Mastering Control Panel, Policies, and PowerToys	3	(22)
Operating Control Panel	4	(7)
Reviewing Control Panel's Icons	5	(2)
Understanding Control Panel Files	7	(2)
Accessing Control Panel More Easily	9	(2)
Implementing Group Policies with Windows XP	11	(4)
Working with Group Policies	11	(3)
Example: Controlling Access to Control Panel	14	(1)
Enhancing Your System with the Windows XP PowerToys	15	(10)
Tweak UI	16	(1)
Alt-Tab Replacement	16	(1)
Open Command Window Here	17	(1)
PowerToy Calculator	18	(1)
Image Resizer	18	(1)
CD Slide Show Generator	19	(2)
Virtual Desktop Manager	21	(1)
Taskbar Magnifier	22	(1)
HTML Slide Show Wizard	22	(1)
Webcam Timershot	23	(2)
Getting the Most Out of the Registry	25	(22)
Understanding the Registry	25	(1)
Taking a Tour of the Registry	26	(7)
Navigating the Keys Pane	27	(1)
Understanding Registry Settings	28	(1)
Getting to Know the Registry's Root Keys	29	(2)
Understanding Hives and Registry Files	31	(2)
Keeping the Registry Safe	33	(3)
Backing Up the Registry	33	(1)
Saving the Current Registry State with System Restore	34	(1)
Protecting Keys by Exporting Them to Disk	34	(2)
Working with Registry Keys and Settings	36	(9)
Changing the Value of a Registry Entry	36	(4)
Creating a .reg File	40	(3)
Renaming a Key or Setting	43	(1)
Creating a New Key or Setting	44	(1)
Deleting a Key or Setting	44	(1)
Finding Registry Entries	45	(2)
Programming Windows XP with Scripts	47	(28)
Understanding Scripts and Script Execution	48	(4)
Running Script Files Directly	48	(1)
Using WScript for Windows-Based Scripts	48	(3)
Using CScript for Command-Line Scripts	51	(1)
Programming Objects	52	(4)
Working with Object Properties	52	(1)
Working with Object Methods	53	(2)
Assigning an Object to a Variable	55	(1)
Working with Object Collections	55	(1)
Displaying Text Using the WScript Object	56	(1)
Scripting and Automation	57	(1)
Programming the VBScript FileSystemObject	58	(2)
Displaying More Detailed Information to the User	60	(4)
Setting the Style of the Message	61	(2)
Getting Return Values from the Message Dialog Box	63	(1)
Running Applications	64	(1)
Working with Registry Entries	65	(2)
Reading Registry Keys or Values	66	(1)
Storing Registry Keys or Values	66	(1)
Deleting Registry Keys or Values	67	(1)
Scripting Example: Programming Internet Explorer	67	(8)
Displaying a Web Page	68	(1)
Navigating Pages	68	(1)
Using the InternetExplorer Object's Properties	69	(1)
Running Through an Example Script	70	(5)
Part II Getting the Most Out of Your Everyday Tasks
Starting Up and Shutting Down	75	(24)
Launching Applications and Scripts at Startup	76	(8)
Using the Startup Folder	76	(1)
Using the Registry	77	(1)
Using Group Policies	78	(3)
Some Startup Scripts	81	(3)
Controlling Startup Using the System Configuration Utility	84	(4)
Controlling Startup Using Boot.ini	88	(5)
Changing the Default Startup OS	90	(1)
Using the Boot.ini Switches	91	(2)
Controlling Startup with the Advanced Options Menu	93	(2)
Getting the Most Out of the Shutdown Procedure	95	(4)
Using the SHUTDOWN Command	95	(1)
Deleting Files at Shutdown	96	(1)
Running Scripts at Logoff or Shutdown	97	(2)
Managing Logons and Users	99	(26)
Useful Windows XP Logon Strategies	100	(8)
Customizing the Logon	101	(4)
Setting Logon Policies	105	(1)
More Logon Registry Tweaks	106	(2)
Getting the Most Out of User Accounts	108	(9)
Control Panel's User Accounts Icon	109	(1)
The User Accounts Dialog Box	110	(2)
The Local Users And Groups Snap-In	112	(1)
Setting Account Policies	113	(2)
Working with Users and Groups from the Command Line	115	(2)
Creating and Enforcing Bulletproof Passwords	117	(5)
Creating a Strong Password	117	(2)
User Account Password Options	119	(1)
Taking Advantage of Windows XP's Password Policies	120	(1)
Recovering a Forgotten Password	121	(1)
Sharing Your Computer Securely	122	(3)
Installing and Running Programs	125	(24)
Tips and Techniques for Installing Applications	126	(5)
User Accounts and Installing Programs	126	(1)
Working Through a Preinstallation Checklist	127	(4)
Launching Applications	131	(7)
Launching Programs from the Command Prompt	134	(1)
Running a Program as a Different User	135	(1)
Creating Application-Specific Paths	136	(2)
Restricting Program Launches for Users	138	(1)
Understanding Application Compatibility	138	(11)
Determining Whether a Program Is Windows XP--Compatible	140	(1)
Understanding Compatibility Mode	141	(2)
Scripting Compatibility Layers	143	(1)
Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit	144	(1)
Using QFixApp	145	(2)
Using the Compatibility Administrator	147	(2)
Getting the Most Out of Files and Folders	149	(22)
A Dozen Little-Known Windows Explorer Techniques	150	(8)
Viewing Extra Details	150	(1)
Choosing ``No To All'' When Copying or Moving	151	(1)
Determining Selection Size	151	(1)
Running Windows Explorer in Full-Screen Mode	152	(1)
Making Quick Backup Copies	153	(1)
Dragging and Dropping via the Taskbar	153	(1)
Customizing the Send To Command	153	(1)
Searching Faster with the Indexing Service	154	(1)
Running Windows Explorer from the Command Line	154	(1)
Moving the My Documents Folder	155	(1)
Restricting Windows Explorer's Features with Group Policies	156	(1)
Working with Compressed Folders	156	(2)
Getting Familiar with File Types	158	(7)
Modifying Actions for an Existing File Type	159	(2)
Creating a New File Type	161	(4)
Customizing the Windows XP New Menu	165	(2)
Adding File Types to the New Menu	167	(1)
Deleting File Types from the New Menu	167	(1)
Customizing Windows XP's Open With List	167	(4)
Removing an Application from a File Type's Open With Menu	169	(1)
Removing a Program from the Open With List	169	(1)
Adding a Program to the Open With List	170	(1)
Disabling the Open With Check Box	170	(1)
Playing, Copying, and Storing Digital Media	171	(24)
Tips for Working with Windows Media Player	172	(13)
Playing Media Files	172	(1)
Setting Media Player's Playback Options	173	(5)
Copying Music from an Audio CD	178	(4)
Copying Tracks to a Recordable CD or Device	182	(3)
Working with Digital Media Files	185	(5)
Digging Deeper into Digital Media Files	185	(2)
Tips for Working with Digital Media Files	187	(1)
Creating a Screen Saver Using Digital Images	188	(2)
Customizing Media Folders	190	(1)
Selecting a Folder Template	190	(1)
Changing the Folder Icon	191	(1)
Investigating the Windows Media Bonus Pack	191	(4)
Installing and Troubleshooting Devices	195	(24)
Tips and Techniques for Installing Devices	196	(8)
Installing Plug and Play Devices	196	(4)
Installing Legacy Devices	200	(1)
Controlling Driver Signing Options	201	(3)
Managing Your Hardware with Device Manager	204	(4)
Controlling the Device Display	205	(1)
Viewing Device Properties	206	(1)
Working with Device Drivers	206	(1)
Uninstalling a Device	207	(1)
Managing Hardware Profiles	208	(2)
Working with Device Security Policies	210	(1)
Troubleshooting Device Problems	211	(8)
Troubleshooting with Device Manager	211	(2)
Troubleshooting Device Driver Problems	213	(2)
Troubleshooting Resource Conflicts	215	(4)
Part III Customizing and Optimizing
Customizing the Interface	219	(20)
Customizing the Start Menu for Easier Program and Document Launching	220	(8)
Getting More Favorite Programs on the Start Menu	220	(2)
Changing the Default Internet and E-mail Programs	222	(2)
Pinning a Favorite Program Permanently to the Start Menu	224	(1)
Streamlining the Start Menu by Converting Links to Menus	225	(1)
Adding, Moving, and Removing Other Start Menu Icons	226	(2)
Customizing the Taskbar for Easier Program and Document Launching	228	(5)
Displaying the Built-In Taskbar Toolbars	228	(1)
Setting Some Taskbar Toolbar Options	229	(1)
Creating New Taskbar Toolbars	229	(1)
Putting Taskbar Toolbars to Good Use	230	(1)
Improving Productivity by Setting Taskbar Options	231	(2)
Controlling Taskbar Grouping	233	(2)
Modifying the Start Menu and Taskbar with Group Policies	235	(1)
Using Screen Space Efficiently	236	(3)
Optimizing Performance	239	(24)
Monitoring Performance	240	(5)
Using Task Manager	240	(4)
Using System Monitor	244	(1)
Fine-Tuning Performance	245	(18)
Optimizing Startup	246	(5)
Optimizing Applications	251	(1)
Optimizing the Hard Disk	252	(3)
Optimizing Virtual Memory	255	(5)
Adjusting Power Options	260	(1)
Turning Off Fast User Switching	261	(1)
Reducing the Use of Visual Effects	261	(2)
Maintaining Your System in 10 Easy Steps	263	(24)
Step 1---Check Your Hard Disk for Errors	264	(3)
Running the Check Disk GUI	264	(2)
Running Check Disk from the Command Line	266	(1)
Step 2---Check Free Disk Space	267	(2)
Step 3---Delete Unnecessary Files	269	(3)
Step 4---Defragment Your Hard Disk	272	(1)
Running the Disk Defragmenter Tool	272	(1)
Defragmenting from the Command Line	273	(1)
Step 5---Set System Restore Points	273	(2)
Step 6---Back Up Your Files	275	(3)
Step 7---Run the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard	278	(2)
Step 8---Check For Updates and Security Patches	280	(2)
Checking the Windows Update Web Site	280	(1)
Checking for Security Vulnerabilities	281	(1)
Step 9---Verify Digitally Signed Files	282	(1)
Step 10---Review Event Viewer Logs	283	(2)
Setting Up a Maintenance Schedule	285	(2)
Troubleshooting and Recovering from Problems	287	(22)
Determining the Source of the Problem	288	(7)
General Troubleshooting Tips	295	(1)
Troubleshooting Using Online Resources	296	(3)
Recovering from a Problem	299	(10)
Booting Using the Last Known Good Configuration	299	(1)
Recovering Using System Restore	300	(2)
Recovering Using the Recovery Console	302	(2)
Reinstalling Windows XP	304	(1)
Recovering Using Automated System Recovery	305	(4)
Part IV Mastering Internet and Networking Features
Implementing Internet Security and Privacy	309	(26)
Working with E-mail Safely and Securely	310	(15)
Protecting Yourself Against E-mail Viruses	310	(3)
Filtering Out Spam	313	(6)
Maintaining Your Privacy While Reading E-mail	319	(1)
Sending and Receiving Secure E-mail	320	(1)
Setting Up an E-mail Account with a Digital ID	321	(1)
Obtaining Another Person's Public Key	322	(1)
Sending a Secure Message	323	(1)
Receiving a Secure Message	324	(1)
Keeping Intruders Out of Your System	325	(3)
Surfing the Web Securely	328	(7)
Adding and Removing Zone Sites	330	(1)
Changing a Zone's Security Level	331	(1)
Enhancing Online Privacy by Managing Cookies	332	(3)
Getting the Most Out of Internet Explorer	335	(22)
Tips and Techniques for Better Web Surfing	336	(5)
Navigating Sites Quickly and Easily Using the Address Bar	338	(2)
Customizing the Links Bar for One-Click Surfing	340	(1)
Searching the Web	341	(4)
Changing the Default Search Engine	342	(1)
Setting Up Other Search Engines for Address Bar Searching	343	(2)
Understanding Internet Explorer's Advanced Options	345	(12)
Setting Up and Administering a Small Network	357	(24)
Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer Network	358	(8)
Understanding Ethernet Network Hardware Requirements	359	(1)
Understanding Wireless Network Hardware Requirements	360	(1)
Running the Network Setup Wizard	361	(3)
Working with Network Settings	364	(2)
Administering Your Network	366	(9)
Using My Network Places	367	(1)
Adding a Network Place	368	(2)
Mapping a Network Folder to a Local Drive Letter	370	(2)
Disconnecting a Mapped Network Folder	372	(1)
Connecting to a Remote Registry	372	(1)
Connecting to a Remote Desktop	373	(2)
Sharing Resources with the Network	375	(6)
Clearing Simple File Sharing	375	(1)
Creating User Accounts	376	(1)
Sharing a Resource	377	(4)
Index	381