Windows XP Cookbook
Windows XP Cookbook By Robbie Allen, Preston Gralla
August 2005
Pages: 678

| Table of Contents | Index | Sample Chapter | Colophon

Table of Contents

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

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

    1. Introduction

  2. Colophon

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