Windows XP Cookbook

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Windows XP Cookbook

By: Robbie Allen, Preston Gralla
Publisher:: O'Reilly Media
Released:: August 2005
Pages:: 688

Description

Designed for all levels of IT professionals and power users, this handy reference guide provides practical solutions for the most common Windows XP tasks. These step-by-step recipes allow you to install, manage, and support your operating system with ease. Also covers Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2.

Full Description

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough.

Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP.

Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers.

Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
1. Approach to the Book
2. At Least Three Ways to Do It
3. Where to Find the Tools
4. Running Tools with Alternate Credentials
5. A Brief Word on Windows Scripting
6. Where to Find More Information
Chapter 2 Operating System Installation and Maintenance
1. Introduction
2. Preparing to Install Windows XP
3. Installing from a CD or DVD
4. Installing from a Network Share
5. Installing from an Unattended Installation
6. Cloning Windows XP Installations
7. Installing from Remote Installation Services (RIS)
8. Troubleshooting Installation Problems
9. Upgrading to Windows XP
10. Creating a Multiboot Installation
11. Troubleshooting Multiboot Problems
12. Activating Windows XP
13. Viewing the Installed Service Pack and Hotfixes
14. Installing a Hotfix
15. Installing a Service Pack
16. Slipstreaming a Service Pack or Hotfix into a Build
17. Configuring Automatic Updates
18. Disabling the Windows Firewall After Installation
19. Keeping an Installation Process Worm- and Virus-Free
Chapter 3 Managing Hardware and Devices
1. Introduction
2. Adding Hardware
3. Resolving Unknown Devices
4. Repairing a Missing Modem
5. Recovering from a Bad Device Driver Update
6. Using the Last Known Good Configuration to Resolve Hardware Problems
7. Running Windows in Safe Mode
8. Using System Restore to Recover from a Hardware-Induced Problem
9. Resolving Device Conflicts
10. Resolving USB Bandwidth Problems
11. Resolving Hung USB Devices
12. Keeping USB Devices from Disappearing
13. Curing Stubborn USB Devices
14. Revealing Hidden Devices
15. Checking Drivers with the Driver Verifier Tool
16. Resolving Printer Timed-Out and Not Ready Problems
17. Troubleshooting Local Printing Problems
18. Printing to a USB Printer from DOS
19. Resolving Failed Network Printing with Internet Connection Sharing
20. Interpreting Device Manager Error Codes
21. Troubleshooting Sound Problems
22. Troubleshooting Video Problems
23. Troubleshooting Video Monitor Problems
24. Stopping LCD Monitor Resolution Messages
25. Interpreting Windows INF Files
26. Figuring out AUTORUN.INF Files
27. Correcting Parameters in BIOS
28. Troubleshooting CD Autorun Software Installation Problems
29. Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Reading Problems
30. Resolving DVD Reading and DVD Movie Problems
31. Restoring Access to CD-ROMs
Chapter 4 Installing, Uninstalling, and Working with Applications
1. Introduction
2. Uninstalling "Unremovable" Components
3. Removing Unruly Applications
4. Removing Stubborn Uninstall Entries from Already Uninstalled Programs
5. Changing the Default Location for Installing Applications
6. Launching Applications with Keyboard Shortcuts
7. Customizing the Way Applications Open Using Switches and Parameters
8. Running Older Applications
9. Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit to Solve Compatibility Problems
10. Troubleshooting Application Compatibility
11. Running DOS Programs in Their Own Optimized Environments
12. Forcing Older Programs to Use Windows XP Common Controls
13. Using Keyboard Application Shortcuts
14. Moving a New Microsoft Application to Another Windows XP System
15. Remotely Installing a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy
16. Remotely Redeploying a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy
17. Remotely Uninstalling a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy
Chapter 5 Customizing the Interface
1. Introduction
2. Getting Rid of Undeletable Desktop Icons
3. Changing "Unchangeable" Desktop Icons and System Objects
4. Showing Your XP Version on Your Desktop
5. Turning Off Balloon Tips
6. Cleaning Your Desktop Automatically
7. Adding an Address Bar to the Taskbar
8. Adding a Shortcut to a Disk, Folder, or Internet Address to the Taskbar
9. Hiding Specific Icons in the Notification Area
10. Hiding All Icons in the Notification Area
11. Controlling the Start Menu's Frequently Used Programs List
12. Customizing the Start Menu's Pinned Programs List
13. Displaying Control Panel Applets in a Cascading Menu
14. Hiding and Recategorizing Control Panel Applets
15. Customizing Right-Click Menu Choices in Windows Explorer
16. Changing the Resolution of Thumbnails in Windows Explorer
17. Improving Laptop and LCD Resolution with ClearType
18. Converting to the Classic Windows Interface
19. Using TweakUI
20. Using Group Policy Editor to Alter the Interface
21. Saving Your Desktop Settings
22. Fixing the Start Shortcut Menu
23. Troubleshooting My Recent Documents
Chapter 6 System Properties, Startup, and Shutdown
1. Introduction
2. Automatically Setting the Time on a Domain-Connected PC
3. Automatically Setting the Time on a PC Not Connected to a Domain
4. Changing the System Name
5. Create a Multiboot Menu
6. Using Virtual PC to Run Multiple Operating Systems Simultaneously
7. Performing a Clean Boot
8. Shutting Down Unnecessary Programs and Services that Run on Startup
9. Speeding Up Shutdown Time
10. Changing Your Boot Screen
11. Personalizing Your PC's Sounds
12. Creating Power Schemes
13. Extending Battery Life on a Laptop
14. Changing the Location of Your Startup Folders
15. Disabling Error Reporting
16. Creating Environment Variables
17. Creating a Reboot or Shutdown Shortcut
18. Scheduling a Reboot
19. Speeding Up System Startup
Chapter 7 Disks, Drives, and Volumes
1. Introduction
2. Viewing the Disk, Drive, and Volume Layout
3. Converting a Basic Disk to Dynamic
4. Enabling Disk Performance Statistics
5. Formatting a Volume
6. Setting the Drive Letter of a Volume
7. Setting the Label of a Volume
8. Cleaning Up a Volume
9. Defragmenting a Volume
10. Compressing a Volume
11. Checking a Volume for Errors
12. Making a Disk or Volume Read-Only
13. Mapping a Network Drive
14. Creating a Virtual Drive to Another Drive or Folder
15. Finding Large Files and Folders on a Volume
16. Enabling Disk Quotas
17. Limiting a User to a Specified Disk Quota
18. Viewing Disk Quota Usage
Chapter 8 Files, Folders, and Shares
1. Introduction
2. Creating and Deleting a File
3. Creating and Deleting a Folder
4. Undeleting a File
5. Securely Deleting a File
6. Viewing the Properties of a File or Folder
7. Creating a Shortcut
8. Creating a Link or Junction Point
9. Creating a Program Alias
10. Searching for Files or Folders
11. Copying, Moving, or Renaming a File or Folder
12. Comparing Files or Folders
13. Hiding a File or Folder
14. Making a File or Folder Read-Only
15. Compressing a File or Folder
16. Encrypting a File or Folder
17. Replacing a File That Is in Use
18. Taking Ownership of a File or Folder
19. Finding Out Who Opened or Modified a File Last
20. Finding Open Files
21. Finding the Process That Has a File Open
22. Viewing File Activity
23. Performing an Action on Several Files at Once
24. Creating and Deleting Shares
25. Viewing Shares
26. Restricting Access to a Share
27. Enabling Web Sharing
28. Publishing a Share in Active Directory
Chapter 9 The Registry
1. Introduction
2. Creating and Deleting a Key
3. Setting a Value
4. Setting Keys or Values Using Group Policy
5. Exporting Registry Files
6. Importing Registry Files
7. Searching the Registry
8. Comparing the Registry
9. Restricting Access to the Registry
10. Backing Up and Restoring the Registry
11. Creating a Registry Link
12. Monitoring Registry Activity
13. Viewing Processes That Have a Registry Key Open
Chapter 10 Processes, Tasks, and Services
1. Introduction
2. Viewing the Running Processes
3. Viewing the Properties of a Process
4. Viewing the Resources a Process Is Using
5. Suspending a Process
6. Killing a Process
7. Running a Task with Alternate Credentials
8. Running a Task on a Remote System
9. Running a Task Automatically via the Registry
10. Running a Task Automatically via Login Scripts
11. Running a Task via Group Policy
12. Viewing All Automatic Tasks
13. Scheduling a Task
14. Viewing Scheduled Tasks
15. Deleting a Scheduled Task
16. Troubleshooting Scheduled Tasks
17. Starting and Stopping a Service
18. Running Any Program or Script as a Service
19. Setting the Startup Type of a Service
20. Setting the Account and Password of a Service
21. Performing an Action Automatically When a Service Fails
22. Viewing the Antecedent and Dependent Services for a Service
23. Viewing the Service Load Order
24. Viewing the Startup History of a Service
25. Granting Permissions to Manage One or More Services
Chapter 11 Digital Media
1. Introduction
2. Ripping Digital Music
3. Creating a Playlist
4. Burning a CD
5. Troubleshooting CD Burning
6. Playing Internet Radio Stations
7. Protecting Your Privacy in Windows Media Player
8. Searching Through Digital Media Collections Using Metadata
9. Capturing Video to Your PC
10. Making Your Own DVDs
11. Converting Images Easily Between Graphics Formats
12. Processing Images for Email and the Web
Chapter 12 Network Configuration
1. Introduction
2. Viewing the Network Configuration
3. Disabling a Connection
4. Configuring an IP Address
5. Renewing or Releasing a DHCP IP Address
6. Configuring DNS Settings
7. Registering DNS Records or Flushing the DN Cache
8. Finding a Computer's Active Directory Site
9. Managing Routes
10. Viewing the Open Ports and Connections
11. Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems
12. Configuring TCP/IP Filtering
13. Measuring Link Speed and Latency Between Two Hosts
14. Installing the IPv6 Stack
Chapter 13 The Internet
1. Introduction
2. Using a HOSTS File to Speed Up Web Access
3. Troubleshooting DNS Problems
4. Installing Internet Information Services (IIS)
5. Using the IIS MMC Snap-in to Manage Your Internet Servers
6. Setting Up and Configuring a Telnet Server
7. Use the Telnet Administrator to Manage a Telnet Server
8. Customizing Internet Explorer's Logo and Titlebar
9. Blocking Pop Ups
10. Protecting Your Privacy by Handling Cookies Properly
11. Protecting Yourself Against Spyware
12. Customizing Internet Explorer Security Settings
13. Allowing Programs to Bypass the Windows Firewall
14. Tracking Firewall Activity with a Windows Firewall Log
15. Protecting Yourself with the ZoneAlarm Firewall
16. Surfing the Web Anonymously
17. Finding and Reading RSS Feeds
Chapter 14 Wireless Networking
1. Introduction
2. Installing a Wireless Adapter
3. Installing a Wireless Router
4. Connecting to Your Wireless Network
5. Troubleshooting WiFi Network Connections
6. Speeding Up a WiFi Network
7. Keeping Your WiFi Network Secure
8. Setting Up WiFi Encryption
9. Mixing 802.11b and 802.11g Devices
10. Setting Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network
11. Connecting to a Hotspot
12. Sending Email from a Hotspot
13. Stopping Hotspot "Stuttering"
14. Protecting Yourself at Hotspots
Chapter 15 User, Group, and Computer Accounts
1. Introduction
2. Creating a User Account
3. Unlocking a User
4. Troubleshooting Account Lockout Problems
5. Viewing and Modifying the Account Lockout and Password Policies
6. Enabling and Disabling a User Account
7. Setting a User's Password
8. Setting a Domain User's Account Options
9. Setting a Domain User's Profile Attributes
10. Finding a Domain User's Last Logon Time
11. Creating a Group Account
12. Viewing the Members of a Group
13. Viewing a User's Group Membership
14. Adding and Removing Members of a Group
15. Creating a Computer Account
16. Joining a Computer to a Domain
17. Renaming a Computer
18. Resetting a Computer Account
Chapter 16 Event Logs and Log Files
1. Introduction
2. Creating an Event
3. Viewing Events
4. Creating a New Event Log
5. Viewing the Size of an Event Log
6. Setting the Maximum Size of an Event Log
7. Setting the Event Log Retention Policy
8. Clearing the Events in an Event Log
9. Restricting Access to an Event Log
10. Searching an Event Log
11. Searching the Event Logs on Multiple Systems
12. Archiving an Event Log
13. Finding More Information about an Event
14. Triggering an Action When an Event Occurs
15. Troubleshooting a Corrupt Event Log
16. Enabling Boot Logging
17. Enabling User Environment Logging
18. Enabling NetLogon Logging
19. Enabling Windows Installer Logging
20. Enabling Windows Time Service Logging
21. Enabling Outlook Logging
22. Troubleshooting Application Failures with the Dr. Watson Logs
Chapter 17 Security and Auditing
1. Introduction
2. Analyzing Your Security Configuration
3. Enabling Auditing
4. Renaming the Administrator and Guest Accounts
5. Disabling or Removing Unused Accounts, Services, and Software
6. Enabling Screen Saver Locking
7. Disabling Storage of the LM Password Hash
8. Requiring Strong Passwords
9. Getting Notified of New Security Vulnerabilities
Chapter 18 Performance Tuning
1. Introduction
2. Speeding Up System Performance with the Task Manager
3. Tracking System Performance with the Performance Console
4. Using Memory More Efficiently
5. Balancing System Performance and Visual Effects
6. Optimizing Page File Size
7. Cleaning Up Your Hard Disk
8. Converting Your Hard Disk to NTFS
9. Disabling Startup Services and Programs
10. Removing Unnecessary Items from the Notification Area
11. Improving Startup Performance
Chapter 19 Backup and Recovery
1. Introduction
2. Performing a Backup
3. Restoring from Backup
4. Using Automated System Recovery
5. Creating an ASR Disk "After the Fact"
6. Using System Restore to Revive a Broken Machine
7. Disabling System Restore Remotely
8. Retrieving a Shadow Copy of a Corrupted or Deleted File
9. Using XCOPY for Interim Backups
10. Using the Recovery Console During Boot Failures
11. Creating a Password Reset Disk
12. Recovering and Decrypting an Encrypted File or Folder
13. Backing up and Restoring Activation Data
14. Auditing Backup and Restore Actions
15. Caring for Backup Media
Chapter 20 Crashes and Errors
1. Introduction
2. Using Safe Mode
3. Using Last Known Good Configuration
4. Using Boot Log to Trace Problems
5. Using VGA Mode to Solve Video Problems
6. Using Recovery Console
7. Repairing AUTOEXEC.NT or CONFIG.NT Errors
8. Fixing Cryptographic Services Error
9. Fixing NTOSKRNL Errors
10. Fixing a HAL Error
11. Fixing Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG Errors
12. Fixing NTLDR or NTDETECT Not Found Errors
13. Configuring Error Reporting
14. Troubleshooting Blue Screen Error Messages
15. Setting Up and Using Dr. Watson to Troubleshoot Errors

Appendix A Summary of Windows XP Versions and Service Packs
1. Introduction
Colophon

Product Details

Title:

Windows XP Cookbook

By:

Robbie Allen, Preston Gralla

Publisher:

O'Reilly Media

Formats:

Print
Ebook
Safari Books Online

Print Release:

August 2005

Ebook Release:

June 2009

Pages:

688

Print ISBN:

978-0-596-00725-6

| ISBN 10:

0-596-00725-6

Ebook ISBN:

978-0-596-10493-1

| ISBN 10:

0-596-10493-6

Customer Reviews

About the Authors

Robbie Allen

Robbie Allen is a Technical Leader at Cisco Systems where he has been involved in the deployment of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and several Network Management solutions. He enjoys working on Unix and Windows, and his favorite programming language is Perl. Robbie was named a Windows Server MVP in 2004 and 2005 for his contributions to the Windows community and publication of several popular O'Reillybooks. Robbie is currently studying at MIT in the System Design and Management program. For more information, see Robbie's website at www.rallenhome.com.

View Robbie Allen's full profile page.
Preston Gralla

Preston Gralla is the author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, the Windows Vista Pocket Reference, and is the editor of WindowsDevCenter.com . He is also the author of Internet Annoyances, PC Pest Control, Windows XP Power Hound, and Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition, and co-author of Windows XP Cookbook. He has written more than 30 other books. He has written for major national newspapers and magazines, including PC Magazine, Computerworld, the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News (where he was the technology columnist), USA Today, and several others. A well-known technology expert, Preston has also appeared on many TV and radio programs and networks, including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. In addition, he's won a number of awards for his writing, including Best Feature in a Computer Magazine from the Computer Press Association. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

View Preston Gralla's full profile page.

Colophon

Our look is the result of reader comments, our own experimentation, and feedback from distribution channels. Distinctive covers complement our distinctive approach to technical topics, breathing personality and life into potentially dry subjects.

The animal on the cover of Windows XP Cookbook is a common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). The garter snake is the most wide-ranging and adaptable species of reptile in North America. It can be found just about everywhere in the U.S., except for parts of the Southwest, and is the only species of snake found in Alaska, making it one the nothernmost species of snakes in the world. With an unparticular diet consisting of a variety of small creatures -- insects, slugs, worms, mice, lizards, fish, eggs, snails, and frogs -- garter snakes are able to adapt to both wet and dry regions.

Garter snakes are harmless to humans and will always attempt to avoid them. If handled by a human, a garter snake may or may not attack, but its bite will have little or no effect on most people. The snake's other defense is a foul-smelling fluid that it secretes from its rear glands.

Adam Witwer was the production editor for Windows XP Cookbook. Argosy Publishing provided production services. Sanders Kleinfeld and Claire Cloutier provided quality control.

Ellie Volckhausen designed the cover of this book, based on a series design by Edie Freedman. The cover image is from the Dover Pictorial Archive. Karen Montgomery produced the cover layout with Adobe InDesign CS using Adobe's ITC Garamond font.

David Futato designed the interior layout. This book was converted by Keith Fahlgren to FrameMaker 5.5.6 with a format conversion tool created by Erik Ray, Jason McIntosh, Neil Walls, and Mike Sierra that uses Perl and XML technologies. The text font is Linotype Birka; the heading font is Adobe Myriad Condensed; and the code font is LucasFont's TheSans Mono Condensed. The illustrations that appear in the book were produced by Robert Romano, Jessamyn Read, and Lesley Borash using Macromedia FreeHand MX and Adobe Photoshop CS. The tip and warning icons were drawn by Christopher Bing. This colophon was written by Adam Witwer.The production editors for Book Title, eMatter Edition were Ellie Cutler and Jeff Liggett. Linda Walsh was the product manager. Kathleen Wilson provided design support. Lenny Muellner, Mike Sierra, Erik Ray, and Benn Salter provided technical support. This eMatter Edition was produced with FrameMaker 5.5.6.

Service and support by Satisfaction

O'Reilly Books & Videos

Windows XP Cookbook

Chapter 1 Introduction

Approach to the Book

At Least Three Ways to Do It

Where to Find the Tools

Running Tools with Alternate Credentials

A Brief Word on Windows Scripting

Where to Find More Information

Chapter 2 Operating System Installation and Maintenance

Introduction

Preparing to Install Windows XP

Installing from a CD or DVD

Installing from a Network Share

Installing from an Unattended Installation

Cloning Windows XP Installations

Installing from Remote Installation Services (RIS)

Troubleshooting Installation Problems

Upgrading to Windows XP

Creating a Multiboot Installation

Troubleshooting Multiboot Problems

Activating Windows XP

Viewing the Installed Service Pack and Hotfixes

Installing a Hotfix

Installing a Service Pack

Slipstreaming a Service Pack or Hotfix into a Build

Configuring Automatic Updates

Disabling the Windows Firewall After Installation

Keeping an Installation Process Worm- and Virus-Free

Chapter 3 Managing Hardware and Devices

Introduction

Adding Hardware

Resolving Unknown Devices

Repairing a Missing Modem

Recovering from a Bad Device Driver Update

Using the Last Known Good Configuration to Resolve Hardware Problems

Running Windows in Safe Mode

Using System Restore to Recover from a Hardware-Induced Problem

Resolving Device Conflicts

Resolving USB Bandwidth Problems

Resolving Hung USB Devices

Keeping USB Devices from Disappearing

Curing Stubborn USB Devices

Revealing Hidden Devices

Checking Drivers with the Driver Verifier Tool

Resolving Printer Timed-Out and Not Ready Problems

Troubleshooting Local Printing Problems

Printing to a USB Printer from DOS

Resolving Failed Network Printing with Internet Connection Sharing

Interpreting Device Manager Error Codes

Troubleshooting Sound Problems

Troubleshooting Video Problems

Troubleshooting Video Monitor Problems

Stopping LCD Monitor Resolution Messages

Interpreting Windows INF Files

Figuring out AUTORUN.INF Files

Correcting Parameters in BIOS

Troubleshooting CD Autorun Software Installation Problems

Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Reading Problems

Resolving DVD Reading and DVD Movie Problems

Restoring Access to CD-ROMs

Chapter 4 Installing, Uninstalling, and Working with Applications

Introduction

Uninstalling "Unremovable" Components

Removing Unruly Applications

Removing Stubborn Uninstall Entries from Already Uninstalled Programs

Changing the Default Location for Installing Applications

Launching Applications with Keyboard Shortcuts

Customizing the Way Applications Open Using Switches and Parameters

Running Older Applications

Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit to Solve Compatibility Problems

Troubleshooting Application Compatibility

Running DOS Programs in Their Own Optimized Environments

Forcing Older Programs to Use Windows XP Common Controls

Using Keyboard Application Shortcuts

Moving a New Microsoft Application to Another Windows XP System

Remotely Installing a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy

Remotely Redeploying a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy

Remotely Uninstalling a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy

Chapter 5 Customizing the Interface