Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed

by McFedries, Paul

• ISBN13: 9780672328336
• ISBN10: 067232833X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-06
• Publisher: Sams Publishing

Summary

While what you create using your computer is a unique expression of who you are, how you use your computer probably isn't. Nearly every Windows XP user follows the same Start menu path to launch programs, uses the same standard techniques in programs like Windows Explorer and Outlook Express, and performs the same customizations that don't go much beyond changing the wallpaper. However, there are those of us who qualify as the "post-novice" user, who think that doing things the "official" way is too slow, less efficient and less powerful than there is potential for with Windows XP.Microsoft Windows XP Unleashedwill take you beyond the standard-issue default settings and program wizards to shortcuts, new customization techniques, workarounds for common problems, and warnings on how to avoid the pitfalls of Windows XP, including those associated with Service Pack 2. Along the way, you'll learn about all kinds of insider details, undocumented features, powerful tools, and background facts that help put everything about Windows XP into perspective.

Author Biography

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. He has been working with computers for over 30 years, and has been using Microsoft Windows since version 1. Paul has written more than 40 books that have sold nearly three million copies worldwide.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(1)
Who Should Read This Book	1	(1)
How This Book Is Organized	2	(1)
Conventions Used in This Book	3	(4)
Part I Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows XP
Customizing and Troubleshooting the Windows XP Startup	7	(26)
The Boot Process, from Power Up to Startup	7	(2)
Custom Startups with BOOT.INI	9	(8)
Changing the Default Startup Operating System	12	(1)
Using the BOOT.INI Switches	12	(3)
Using the System Configuration Editor to Modify BOOT.INI	15	(2)
Custom Startups with the Advanced Options Menu	17	(2)
Useful Windows XP Logon Strategies	19	(6)
Customizing the Logon	21	(2)
Setting Logon Policies	23	(1)
More Logon Registry Tweaks	24	(1)
Troubleshooting Windows XP Startup	25	(6)
When to Use the Various Advanced Startup Options	25	(2)
What to Do If Windows XP Won't Start in Safe Mode	27	(1)
Troubleshooting Startup Using the System Configuration Utility	27	(4)
What to Do If Windows XP Still Won't Start	31	(1)
From Here	31	(2)
Exploring Expert File and Folder Techniques	33	(26)
Basic File and Folder Chores: The Techniques Used by the Pros	33	(11)
Selecting Files and Folders	35	(1)
Making Sense of Windows XP's Rules for Moving and Copying	36	(1)
Choosing ``No to All'' When Copying or Moving	37	(1)
Expert Drag-and-Drop Techniques	38	(1)
Taking Advantage of the Send To Command	39	(2)
The Recycle Bin: Deleting and Recovering Files and Folders	41	(2)
File Maintenance Using the Open and Save As Dialog Boxes	43	(1)
Powerful Search Techniques for Finding Files	44	(3)
Reconfiguring the Search Behavior	44	(1)
Performing a Search	45	(2)
Searching Faster with the Indexing Service	47	(1)
Customizing Windows Explorer	47	(10)
Changing the View	47	(1)
Viewing Extra Details	48	(1)
Running Explorer in Full-Screen Mode	49	(1)
Sorting Files and Folders	50	(1)
Exploring the View Options	51	(4)
Moving My Documents	55	(1)
Customizing the Standard Buttons Toolbar	55	(1)
Using Windows Explorer's Command-Line Options	56	(1)
From Here	57	(2)
Mastering File Types	59	(22)
Understanding File Types	59	(4)
File Types and File Extensions	60	(1)
File Types and the Registry	61	(2)
The File Types Tab: A Front-End for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT	63	(1)
Working with Existing File Types	63	(7)
Editing a File Type	64	(2)
Working with File Type Actions	66	(2)
Example: Opening the Command Prompt in the Current Folder	68	(2)
Disassociating an Application and an Extension	70	(1)
Creating a New File Type	70	(3)
Using Open With to Create a Basic File Type	71	(1)
Using the File Types Tab to Create a More Advanced File Type	72	(1)
Associating Two or More Extensions with a Single File Type	73	(1)
Customizing the New Menu	73	(3)
Adding File Types to the New Menu	75	(1)
Deleting File Types from the New Menu	75	(1)
Customizing Windows XP's Open With List	76	(3)
Opening a Document with an Unassociated Application	76	(1)
How the Open With Feature Works	77	(1)
Removing an Application from a File Type's Open With Menu	78	(1)
Removing a Program from the Open With List	78	(1)
Adding a Program to the Open With List	79	(1)
Disabling the Open With Check Box	79	(1)
From Here	79	(2)
Working with Digital Media	81	(30)
Understanding Digital Audio	82	(9)
Analog-to-Digital Sound Conversion	82	(5)
A Review of Digital Audio File Formats	87	(1)
Displaying Your Installed Audio Codecs	88	(1)
Troubleshooting: Disabling an Audio Codec	88	(2)
Troubleshooting: Reinstalling an Audio Codec	90	(1)
Understanding Digital Video	91	(3)
Understanding Video Compression Schemes	91	(2)
A Review of Digital Video File Formats	93	(1)
Reinstalling a Video Codec	94	(1)
Tips for Working with Windows Media Player	94	(10)
Playing Media Files	94	(1)
Setting Windows Media Player's Playback Options	95	(3)
Copying Music from an Audio CD	98	(3)
Copying Tracks to a Recordable CD or Device	101	(3)
Dealing with Digital Media Files	104	(4)
Getting the Most Out of Digital Media Files and Windows Explorer	104	(1)
Tips for Working with Digital Media Files	105	(2)
Creating a Screensaver Using Digital Images	107	(1)
Customizing Media Folders	108	(2)
Selecting a Folder Template	108	(1)
Customizing the Folder Icon	109	(1)
From Here	110	(1)
Installing and Running Applications	111	(30)
Practicing Safe Setups	111	(9)
User Accounts and Installing Programs	112	(1)
Running Through a Pre-Installation Checklist	113	(5)
Installing the Application	118	(2)
Applications and the Registry	120	(3)
Program Settings	120	(1)
User Settings	120	(1)
File Types	121	(1)
Application-Specific Paths	121	(1)
Shared DLLs	121	(2)
Uninstall Settings	123	(1)
Launching Applications	123	(9)
Launching Applications and Scripts at Startup	125	(4)
Running a Program as a Different User	129	(1)
Creating Application-Specific Paths	130	(1)
Restricting Program Launches for Users	131	(1)
Understanding Application Compatibility	132	(7)
Determining Whether a Program Is Compatible with Windows XP	133	(1)
Understanding Compatibility Mode	134	(1)
Scripting Compatibility Layers	135	(1)
Using Application Compatibility Toolkit	136	(1)
Using Compatibility Administrator	137	(2)
From Here	139	(2)
Getting the Most Out of User Accounts	141	(20)
Understanding Security Groups	141	(2)
Working with the User Accounts Window	143	(1)
Working with the User Accounts Dialog Box	144	(2)
Adding a New User	144	(1)
Performing Other User Tasks	145	(1)
Requiring Ctrl+Alt+Delete at Startup	146	(1)
Working with the Local Users and Groups Snap-In	146	(1)
Setting Account Policies	147	(3)
Setting Account Security Policies	148	(1)
Setting User Rights Policies	149	(1)
Setting Account Lockout Policies	150	(1)
Working with Users and Groups from the Command Line	150	(2)
The NET USER Command	151	(1)
The NET LOCALGROUP Command	152	(1)
Creating and Enforcing Bulletproof Passwords	152	(5)
Creating a Strong Password	152	(2)
User Account Password Options	154	(1)
Taking Advantage of Windows XP's Password Policies	154	(1)
Recovering from a Forgotten Password	155	(2)
Sharing Your Computer Securely	157	(1)
From Here	158	(3)
Part II Unleashing Essential Windows XP's Power Tools
Using Control Panel, Group Policies, and Tweak UI	161	(14)
Operating Control Panel	161	(8)
Reviewing the Control Panel Icons	162	(4)
Understanding Control Panel Files	166	(2)
Easier Access to Control Panel	168	(1)
Implementing Group Policies with Windows XP	169	(4)
Working with Group Policies	169	(3)
Example: Controlling Access to Control Panel	172	(1)
Tweaking Your System with Tweak UI	173	(1)
From Here	174	(1)
Getting to Know the Windows XP Registry	175	(22)
A Synopsis of the Registry	175	(2)
A Brief History of Configuration Files	176	(1)
The Registry Puts an End to INI Chaos	177	(1)
Understanding the Registry Files	177	(6)
Navigating the Keys Pane	178	(1)
Understanding Registry Settings	179	(1)
Getting to Know the Registry's Root Keys	180	(2)
Understanding Hives and Registry Files	182	(1)
Keeping the Registry Safe	183	(3)
Backing Up the Registry	183	(1)
Saving the Current Registry State with System Restore	184	(1)
Protecting Keys by Exporting Them to Disk	185	(1)
Working with Registry Entries	186	(7)
Changing the Value of a Registry Entry	186	(6)
Renaming a Key or Setting	192	(1)
Creating a New Key or Setting	192	(1)
Deleting a Key or Setting	193	(1)
Finding Registry Entries	193	(1)
From Here	194	(3)
Programming the Windows Script Host	197	(38)
WSH: Your Host for Today's Script	197	(2)
Scripts and Script Execution	199	(4)
Running Script Files Directly	199	(1)
Using WScript for Windows-Based Scripts	199	(2)
Using CScript for Command-Line Scripts	201	(1)
Script Properties and .wsh Files	202	(1)
Programming Objects	203	(5)
Working with Object Properties	204	(1)
Working with Object Methods	205	(1)
Assigning an Object to a Variable	206	(1)
Working with Object Collections	207	(1)
Programming the WScript Object	208	(7)
Displaying Text to the User	208	(1)
Shutting Down a Script	209	(1)
Scripting and Automation	209	(6)
Programming the WshShell Object	215	(11)
Referencing the WshShell Object	215	(1)
Displaying Information to the User	215	(4)
Running Applications	219	(1)
Working with Shortcuts	220	(2)
Working with Registry Entries	222	(2)
Working with Environment Variables	224	(2)
Programming the WshNetwork Object	226	(2)
Referencing the WshNetwork Object	226	(1)
WshNetwork Object Properties	226	(1)
Mapping Network Printers	227	(1)
Mapping Network Drives	227	(1)
Example: Scripting Internet Explorer	228	(4)
Displaying a Web Page	229	(1)
Navigating Pages	229	(1)
Using the InternetExplorer Object's Properties	230	(1)
Running Through a Sample Script	231	(1)
From Here	232	(3)
Part III Unleashing Windows XP Customization and Optimization
Customizing the Windows XP Interface	235	(20)
Customizing the Start Menu for Easier Program and Document Launching	236	(8)
Getting More Favorite Programs on the Start Menu	236	(2)
Customizing the Internet and E-mail Icons	238	(1)
Setting Program Access and Defaults	239	(1)
Pinning a Favorite Program Permanently to the Start Menu	240	(2)
Streamlining the Start Menu by Converting Links to Menus	242	(1)
Adding, Moving, and Removing Other Start Menu Icons	243	(1)
Customizing the Taskbar for Easier Program and Document Launching	244	(5)
Displaying the Built-In Taskbar Toolbars	244	(1)
Setting Some Taskbar Toolbar Options	245	(1)
Putting Taskbar Toolbars to Good Use	246	(3)
Controlling Taskbar Grouping	249	(1)
Modifying the Start Menu and Taskbar with Group Policies	250	(1)
Using Screen Space Efficiently	251	(2)
From Here	253	(2)
Tuning Windows XP's Performance	255	(24)
Monitoring Performance	255	(6)
Monitoring Performance with Task Manager	256	(3)
Monitoring Performance with System Monitor	259	(2)
Optimizing Startup	261	(3)
Reducing or Eliminating BIOS Checks	261	(1)
Reducing the OS Choices Menu Timeout	261	(1)
Turning Off the Startup Splash Screen	262	(1)
Upgrading Your Device Drivers	262	(1)
Using an Automatic Logon	262	(1)
Reducing or Eliminating Startup Programs	263	(1)
Using Hibernation Mode	263	(1)
Configuring the Prefetcher	264	(1)
Optimizing Applications	264	(3)
Adding More Memory	264	(1)
Installing to the Fastest Hard Drive	264	(1)
Optimizing Application Launching	264	(1)
Getting the Latest Device Drivers	264	(1)
Optimizing Windows XP for Programs	265	(1)
Setting the Program Priority in Task Manager	265	(2)
Optimizing the Hard Disk	267	(3)
Examining Hard Drive Performance Specifications	267	(1)
Performing Hard Drive Maintenance	267	(1)
Disabling Compression and Encryption	267	(1)
Turning Off the Indexing Service	267	(1)
Enabling Write Caching	268	(1)
Converting FAT16 and FAT32 Partitions to NTFS	268	(1)
Turning Off 8.3 Filename Creation	269	(1)
Disabling Last Access Timestamp	269	(1)
Optimizing Virtual Memory	270	(4)
Storing the Page File Optimally	270	(1)
Splitting the Page File	270	(1)
Customizing the Page File Size	271	(1)
Watching the Page File Size	271	(1)
Changing the Paging File's Location and Size	272	(1)
Defragmenting the Page File	273	(1)
More Optimization Tricks	274	(3)
Adjusting Power Options	274	(1)
Turning Off Fast User Switching	274	(1)
Reducing the Use of Visual Effects	275	(2)
From Here	277	(2)
Maintaining Your Windows XP System	279	(28)
Checking Your Hard Disk for Errors	279	(6)
Understanding Clusters	280	(1)
Understanding Lost Clusters	281	(1)
Understanding Invalid Clusters	281	(1)
Understanding Cross-Linked Clusters	282	(1)
Understanding Cycles	282	(1)
Running the Check Disk GUI	282	(2)
Running Check Disk from the Command Line	284	(1)
Checking Free Disk Space	285	(2)
Deleting Unnecessary Files	287	(2)
Defragmenting Your Hard Disk	289	(2)
Running the Disk Defragmenter Tool	289	(2)
Defragmenting from the Command Line	291	(1)
Setting System Restore Points	291	(2)
Backing Up Your Files	293	(4)
Some Thoughts on Real-World Backups	293	(2)
Defining a Backup Job	295	(2)
Running the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard	297	(1)
Checking for Updates and Security Patches	298	(2)
Checking the Windows Update Website	298	(2)
Checking for Security Vulnerabilities	300	(1)
Verifying Digitally Signed Files	300	(1)
Reviewing Event Viewer Logs	301	(2)
Setting Up a 10-Step Maintenance Schedule	303	(2)
From Here	305	(2)
Troubleshooting and Recovering from Problems	307	(18)
Troubleshooting Strategies: Determining the Source of a Problem	308	(8)
Did You Get an Error Message?	308	(2)
Does an Error or Warning Appear in the Event Viewer Logs?	310	(1)
Does an Error Appear in System Information?	310	(1)
Did the Error Begin with a Past Hardware or Software Change?	310	(1)
Did You Recently Edit the Registry?	311	(1)
Did You Recently Change Any Windows Settings?	311	(1)
Did Windows XP ``Spontaneously'' Reboot?	311	(3)
Did You Recently Change Any Application Settings?	314	(1)
Did You Recently Install a New Program?	314	(1)
Did You Recently Install a New Device?	315	(1)
Did You Recently Install an Incompatible Device Driver?	315	(1)
Did You Recently Apply an Update from Windows Update?	315	(1)
Did You Recently Install a Windows XP Hotfix or Service Pack?	315	(1)
General Troubleshooting Tips	316	(1)
Troubleshooting Using Online Resources	316	(1)
Recovering from a Problem	317	(6)
Booting Using the Last Known Good Configuration	318	(1)
Recovering Using System Restore	318	(2)
Recovering Using the Recovery Console	320	(2)
Reinstalling Windows XP	322	(1)
Recovering Using Automated System Recovery	323	(1)
From Here	323	(2)
Getting the Most Out of Device Manager	325	(26)
Understanding Windows XP's Device Support	326	(4)
Device Support: The Bad Old Days	326	(3)
Device Support in Windows XP	329	(1)
Tips and Techniques for Installing Devices	330	(6)
Installing Plug and Play Devices	330	(3)
Installing Legacy Devices	333	(1)
Controlling Driver Signing Options	334	(2)
Managing Your Hardware with Device Manager	336	(4)
Controlling the Device Display	337	(2)
Viewing Device Properties	339	(1)
Working with Device Drivers	339	(1)
Uninstalling a Device	340	(1)
Managing Hardware Profiles	340	(2)
Working with Device Security Policies	342	(1)
Troubleshooting Device Problems	343	(5)
Troubleshooting with Device Manager	343	(2)
Troubleshooting Device Driver Problems	345	(1)
Tips for Downloading Device Drivers	345	(1)
Troubleshooting Resource Conflicts	346	(2)
From Here	348	(3)
Part IV Unleashing Windows XP Modem Communications
Getting Started with Modem Communications	351	(28)
A Modem Communications Primer	351	(9)
Modems: The Inside Story	352	(5)
Serial Ports: Communicating One Bit at a Time	357	(3)
Modem-to-Modem Communications	360	(5)
Flow Control: The Communications Traffic Cop	360	(1)
Data Bits: The Crux of the Matter	361	(1)
Start and Stop Bits: Bookends for Your Data	362	(1)
Parity: A Crude Error Check	362	(1)
Terminal Emulation: Fitting in with the Online World	363	(1)
File Transfers: A Matter of Protocol	364	(1)
Configuring Serial Ports	365	(1)
Installing and Configuring a Modem	366	(11)
Installing a Modem	366	(1)
Working with Different Dialing Locations	367	(5)
Modifying the Modem's General Properties	372	(1)
Modifying the Modem's Advanced Properties	373	(3)
Testing the Modem	376	(1)
From Here	377	(2)
Putting Your Modem to Work	379	(50)
Getting Your Modem to Dial Voice Calls for You	379	(7)
Placing a Voice Call	380	(1)
Configuring Windows Firewall to Allow Incoming Internet Calls	381	(1)
Placing an Internet or Network Call	382	(1)
Setting Phone Dialer's Options	383	(2)
Quick Connections with Speed Dial	385	(1)
Using HyperTerminal for Modem-to-Modem Connections	386	(8)
Creating a New HyperTerminal Connection	386	(5)
Connecting to a Remote System	391	(1)
Performing File Transfers	391	(2)
Disconnecting from the Remote System	393	(1)
Connecting to Another Computer	393	(1)
Entering AT Commands in HyperTerminal	394	(1)
Sending and Receiving Faxes	394	(14)
Installing the Fax Service	395	(1)
Starting the Fax Console	395	(1)
Configuring the Fax Service	395	(2)
Examining the Fax Console	397	(1)
Sending a Fax	398	(4)
Working with Fax Cover Pages	402	(3)
Receiving Faxes	405	(3)
Remote Collaboration with Microsoft NetMeeting	408	(17)
Configuring NetMeeting	408	(3)
Placing NetMeeting Calls	411	(3)
Exchanging Files in NetMeeting	414	(2)
Using the Chat Feature	416	(1)
Using the Whiteboard	417	(2)
Sharing Programs	419	(3)
Setting NetMeeting Options	422	(3)
From Here	425	(4)
Part V Unleashing Windows XP for the Internet
Implementing TCP/IP for Internet Connections	429	(26)
Understanding TCP/IP	430	(15)
What Is TCP/IP?	430	(1)
Understanding IP	431	(11)
Understanding TCP	442	(3)
Installing and Configuring TCP/IP	445	(3)
Installing the TCP/IP Protocol	446	(1)
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol	447	(1)
Wielding the TCP/IP Utilities	448	(5)
The PING Command	449	(2)
The TRACERT Command	451	(2)
From Here	453	(2)
Exploring the Web with Internet Explorer	455	(42)
Understanding Web Page Addresses	455	(1)
Tips and Techniques for Better Web Surfing	456	(4)
Taking Advantage of the Address Bar	458	(1)
Creating a Shortcut to a URL	459	(1)
Using the Handy History Bar	460	(1)
Searching the Web	460	(5)
Changing the Default Search Engine	462	(1)
Setting Up Other Search Engines for Address Bar Searching	463	(2)
The Favorites Folder: Sites to Remember	465	(4)
Adding a Shortcut to the Favorites Folder	465	(1)
Opening an Internet Shortcut from the Favorites Folder	466	(1)
Maintaining Favorites	467	(1)
Viewing the Favorites Folder	468	(1)
Sharing Favorites with Other Browsers	468	(1)
Reading Pages Offline	469	(7)
Setting Up a Page for Offline Reading	471	(1)
Synchronizing Offline Pages	472	(1)
Changing Offline Page Properties	473	(2)
Changing Synchronization Settings	475	(1)
Customizing Internet Explorer	476	(19)
Customizing the Links Bar for One-Click Surfing	477	(1)
Controlling the Web Page Cache	478	(2)
Setting Internet Explorer Options	480	(1)
Changing the Home Page	480	(1)
Configuring the Page History	481	(1)
Setting More General Options	481	(1)
Using the Content Advisor	482	(2)
Specifying Internet Explorer Programs	484	(1)
Understanding Internet Explorer's Advanced Options	485	(10)
From Here	495	(2)
Communicating with Internet Email	497	(34)
Setting Up Mail Accounts	497	(4)
Specifying Basic Account Settings	498	(1)
Setting the Default Account	498	(1)
Specifying Advanced Account Settings	499	(2)
Handling Incoming Messages	501	(8)
Processing Messages	504	(1)
Customizing the Message Columns	505	(1)
Setting Read Options	506	(3)
Sending Messages	509	(8)
Taking Control of Your Messages	510	(1)
Creating a Signature	511	(1)
Creating an Email Shortcut for a Recipient	512	(1)
Setting Send Options	513	(4)
Maintaining Outlook Express	517	(2)
Filtering Incoming Messages	519	(3)
Blocking Senders	520	(1)
Creating a Mail Rule	520	(2)
Finding a Message	522	(3)
Simple Searches	522	(1)
Advanced Searches	523	(2)
Finding a Person	525	(1)
Working with Identities	525	(4)
Creating a New Identity	526	(1)
Switching Identities	527	(1)
Managing Identities	527	(1)
Logging Off Your Identity	528	(1)
Identities--Storage Locations and the Registry	529	(1)
From Here	529	(2)
Participating in Internet Newsgroups	531	(20)
Some Usenet Basics	532	(5)
Figuring Out Newsgroup Names	534	(1)
Understanding Articles and Threads	534	(1)
Practicing Newsgroup Etiquette	535	(2)
Setting Up a News Account	537	(1)
Working with Newsgroups in Outlook Express	538	(2)
Subscribing to a Newsgroup	538	(2)
Unsubscribing from a Newsgroup	540	(1)
Downloading Messages	540	(2)
Downloading Message Headers	541	(1)
Downloading Messages	541	(1)
Notes on Working with Newsgroup Messages	542	(1)
Following Up a Message	543	(1)
Posting a New Message	544	(1)
Filtering Newsgroup Messages	544	(1)
Setting News Options	545	(4)
Options for Newsgroups and Messages	545	(2)
Options for Individual News groups	547	(2)
From Here	549	(2)
Implementing Windows XP's Internet Security and Privacy Features	551	(30)
Working with Email Safely and Securely	551	(13)
Protecting Yourself Against Email Viruses	552	(2)
Filtering Out Spam	554	(3)
Handling Hoaxes	557	(1)
Maintaining Your Privacy While Reading Email	558	(2)
Sending and Receiving Secure Email	560	(1)
Setting Up an Email Account with a Digital ID	561	(1)
Obtaining Another Person's Public Key	562	(1)
Sending a Secure Message	563	(1)
Receiving a Secure Message	563	(1)
Keeping Intruders Out of Your System	564	(2)
Turning Off File and Printer Sharing	564	(1)
Turning On the Internet Connection Firewall	565	(1)
Turning Off the Messenger Service	566	(1)
Surfing the Web Securely	566	(6)
Adding and Removing Zone Sites	568	(1)
Changing a Zone's Security Level	569	(1)
Enhancing Online Privacy by Managing Cookies	569	(3)
Blocking Pop-Up Windows	572	(1)
Understanding Internet Explorer's Advanced Security Options	573	(2)
Security and Privacy Options for Windows Media Player	575	(1)
Setting Security Options	575	(1)
Setting Privacy Options	576	(1)
From Here	576	(5)
Part VI Unleashing Windows XP Networking
Setting Up and Accessing a Small Network	581	(56)
Understanding Networking	581	(8)
LANs, WANs, MANs, and More	584	(1)
Client/Server Versus Peer-to-Peer	585	(4)
Hardware: NICs and Other Network Knickknacks	589	(5)
The Network Interface Card	589	(1)
The Cable Connection	590	(1)
More Hardware Goodies	591	(1)
Understanding Wireless Network Hardware Requirements	592	(2)
Walking the Walk: Topology and the Lay of the LAN	594	(3)
The Star Topology	594	(1)
The Bus Topology	595	(1)
The Ring Topology	596	(1)
Talking the Talk: Networking Protocols	597	(2)
Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer Network	599	(11)
Running the Network Setup Wizard	599	(3)
Configuring a Wireless Gateway	602	(3)
Implementing Wireless Network Security	605	(2)
Working with Network Settings	607	(3)
Connecting to a Wireless Network	610	(1)
Accessing Network Resources	611	(7)
Using My Network Places	611	(3)
Adding a Network Place	614	(1)
Mapping a Network Folder to a Local Drive Letter	615	(2)
Disconnecting a Mapped Network Folder	617	(1)
Printing over the Network	617	(1)
Sharing Resources with the Network	618	(5)
Deactivating Simple File Sharing	618	(1)
Creating User Accounts	619	(1)
Sharing a Resource	619	(2)
Hiding Shared Resources	621	(2)
Working with Network Files Offline	623	(3)
Turning Off Fast User Switching	624	(1)
Enabling Offline Files	624	(1)
Making Files Available Offline	624	(1)
Working with Network Files Offline	625	(1)
Administering Your Network	626	(9)
Connecting to a Remote Registry	626	(1)
Connecting to Remote Group Policies	627	(1)
Monitoring Performance on a Remote Computer	628	(1)
Managing a Remote Computer	629	(4)
Broadcasting Console Messages	633	(2)
From Here	635	(2)
Making Remote Network Connections	637	(28)
Creating a Dial-Up Connection	637	(4)
Configuring the Dial-Up Host	638	(1)
Configuring the Dial-Up Client	639	(1)
Making the Dial-Up Connection	639	(1)
Ending the Dial-Up Connection	640	(1)
Connecting to a Remote Desktop	641	(15)
Getting the Remote Computer Ready	641	(1)
Getting the Client Computer Ready	642	(1)
Making the Connection to the Remote Desktop	642	(7)
Disconnecting from the Remote Desktop	649	(1)
Connecting to a Remote Desktop via the Internet	650	(3)
Making Remote Desktop Connections with a Web Browser	653	(3)
Using Virtual Private Network Connections	656	(8)
Setting Up a VPN Server	658	(1)
Configuring a Network Gateway for VPN	658	(2)
Configuring the VPN Client	660	(1)
Requiring VPN Encryption	661	(1)
Making the VPN Connection	662	(2)
Ending the VPN Connection	664	(1)
From Here	664	(1)
Troubleshooting Network Problems	665	(22)
The First Step: Rerun the Network Connection Wizard	665	(1)
Checking Connection Status	666	(2)
Checking Network Utilization	668	(1)
Repairing a Network Connection	669	(2)
Working with Network Diagnostics	671	(5)
Setting Scanning Options	672	(1)
Running Network Diagnostics	672	(1)
Running Network Diagnostics from the Command Line	672	(4)
Some Group Policy ``Problems''	676	(1)
Troubleshooting General Network Nuisances	677	(2)
Cable Conundrums	679	(4)
Some Things to Bear in Mind When Running Cable	680	(1)
Cable Limitations	680	(1)
Troubleshooting Cables	681	(2)
Troubleshooting Adapter Afflictions	683	(1)
More Sophisticated Tools	683	(1)
From Here	684	(3)
Part VII Appendixes
A Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts	687	(6)
B Using the Windows XP Command Prompt	693	(32)
Getting to Command Prompt	693	(7)
Using CMD.EXE Switches	694	(3)
Running Commands	697	(1)
Adding Parameters and Switches to a Command Prompt Command	698	(2)
Working with Command Prompt	700	(12)
Working with Long Filenames	700	(1)
Changing Folders Faster	701	(1)
Taking Advantage of DOSKEY	702	(6)
Starting Applications from Command Prompt	708	(2)
Sharing Data Between 16-Bit and Windows Applications	710	(2)
Customizing the Command-Line Window	712	(13)
Customizing the Command Prompt Window	712	(4)
Customizing Other Command-Line Windows	716	(9)
C Automating Windows XP with Batch Files	725	(44)
Batch Files: Some Background	725	(1)
Creating Batch Files	726	(1)
Making a Home for Your Batch Files	726	(1)
REM: The Simplest Batch File Command	727	(1)
ECHO: A Voice for Your Batch Files	728	(1)
The PAUSE Command	729	(1)
Using Parameters for Batch File Flexibility	729	(5)
Improving on Command-Line Utilities	731	(3)
SHIFT: A Different Approach to Parameters	734	(1)
Looping with the FOR Command	734	(4)
Looping: The Basics	735	(1)
Understanding the FOR Command Syntax	735	(1)
A Simple Batch File Example	736	(1)
Different Sets for Different Folks	736	(2)
Using Delayed Environment Variable Expansion	738	(1)
GOTO: Telling Your Batch Files Where to Go	738	(2)
IF: Handling Batch File Conditions	740	(6)
Testing Parameters with IF	741	(1)
Checking for Missing Parameters	741	(1)
The SHIFT Command Redux	742	(1)
Using IF to Check Whether a File Exists	743	(1)
Checking for Command Errors	744	(2)
Redirecting Windows XP	746	(2)
Redirecting Command Output	746	(1)
Redirecting Input	747	(1)
Piping Commands	748	(3)
D Glossary	751	(18)
Index	769

Excerpts

Introduction IntroductionWe shall not cease from explorationAnd the end of all our exploringWill be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time.--T. S. EliotMy goal in writingMicrosoftWindows XP Unleashed, Second Editionis to cover the good, the bad, and, yes, even the ugly of Windows XP. In particular, I give you complete coverage of the intermediate-to-advanced features of Windows XP. This means that I bypass basic topics, such as wielding the mouse, in favor of more complex operations, such as working with the Registry, maintaining and troubleshooting your system, networking, and getting around the Internet.I've tried to keep the chapters focused on the topic at hand and unburdened with long-winded theoretical discussions. However, there are plenty of situations in which you won't be able to unleash the full power of Windows XP and truly understand what's going on unless you have a solid base on which to stand. In these cases, I'll give you whatever theory and background you need to get up to speed. From there, I'll get right down to brass tacks without any further fuss and bother. Who Should Read This BookTo keep the chapters uncluttered, I've made a few assumptions about what you know and what you don't know:I assume that you have knowledge of rudimentary computer concepts such as files and folders.I assume that you're familiar with the basic Windows skills: mouse maneuvering, dialog box negotiation, pull-down menu jockeying, and so on.I assume that you can operate peripherals attached to your computer, such as the keyboard and printer.I assume that you've used Windows for a while and are comfortable with concepts such as toolbars, scrollbars, and, of course, windows.I assume that you have a brain that you're willing to use and a good supply of innate curiosity. How This Book Is OrganizedTo help you find the information you need, this book is divided into seven parts that group related tasks. The next few sections offer a summary of each part. Part I: Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows XPPart I examines your basic workaday Windows chores and reveals their inner mysteries, allowing you to become more productive. Topics include the myriad ways to get Windows XP off the ground (Chapter 1), how to use Windows XP to work with files and folders (Chapter 2), getting the most out of file types (Chapter 3), dealing with digital media (Chapter 4), installing and running applications (Chapter 5), and working with user accounts (Chapter 6). Part II: Unleashing Essential Windows XP Power ToolsThe chapters in Part II get your advanced Windows XP education off to a flying start by covering the ins and outs of five important Windows XP power tools: Control Panel, group policies, and Tweak UI (Chapter 7), the Registry (Chapter 8), and the Windows Script Host (Chapter 9). Part III: Unleashing Windows XP Customization and OptimizationIn Part III you dive into the deep end of advanced Windows work: customizing the interface (Chapter 10), performance tuning (Chapter 11), maintaining Windows XP (Chapter 12), troubleshooting problems (Chapter 13), and working with devices (Chapter 14). Part IV: Unleashing Windows XP Modem CommunicationsPart IV takes a good, hard look at the modem and shows you the theory behind modem communications (Chapter 15) and Windows XP features--such as Phone Dialer, HyperTerminal, Microsoft Fax, and NetMeeting&