Everyday Nerd » XP

Protect your PC – Disable AutoPlay

Nerd — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:27:49 +0000

Windows 7 disables the AutoPlay feature which has been abused by malware (like Conficker). Now, Microsoft provides this same functionality for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.

Download Disable AutoPlay for Windows

Windows 7 gets XP virtual mode

Nerd — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:58:15 +0000

I’m sure you know what Virtual PC is. Well, Windows 7 is going to have it’s own variant called Windows XP Mode, with some really awesome features. Not only will it support true hardware virtualization, but you will be able to run XP applications just like a normal Windows 7 Application – open it from the Start menu, minimize/maximize it, all on your Windows 7 desktop. No longer are you confined to running Virtual applications inside the Virtual PC’s window!

Redmond Pie shows a great overview (with screenshots) of Windows XP Mode (XPM) for Windows 7.

Windows XP Mode (XPM) will be available for download on May 5 2009, and only install on Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise versions of Windows 7. Also, the processor must be capable of virtualization (Intel VT or AMD-V hardware virtualization technology), and enabled in the BIOS.

Read more about Windows XP Mode here: [Microsoft]

Windows XP Theme: Windows Embedded Theme

Nerd — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:42:47 +0000

Source: askvg.com

Here is a beautiful theme for Windows XP, in a nice Blue color. This is an official theme, so no file patching needed to make it work. Simply install, and choose the theme!

Download Mirror

Windows XP SP3 is now available!

Nerd — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:51:24 +0000

Windows XP SP3 is finally here for those that use Windows Update, and here is a direct link to the stand-alone version of SP3 for x86 XP systems (32 bit).

Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3.

Download: Stand-alone installer for Windows XP SP3 English, 32 Bit (316 MB)
Link: Service Pack 3 for Windows XP via Windows Update (Size varies)

Windows XP – Service Pack 3: Release Dates

Nerd — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:54:42 +0000

If you have not heard, Windows XP has a brand spanking new service pack coming up – really soon! It’s been a long time coming. Here are the dates:

April 14, 2008: Support is available for the release version of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP
April 21, 2008: Original Equipment Manufacturers, Volume License, Connect, and MSDN and TechNet subscribers
April 29, 2008: Microsoft Update, Windows Update, Download Center
June 10, 2008: Automatic Updates

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

RDP Update from Microsoft: no more /console

Nerd — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:10:12 +0000

Recently Microsoft released an update (also in SP1 for Vista) to the RDP (Remote Desktop Client) that seemed to break the /console. I found this out earlier this week when trying to connect to the console of a server, but would not – would only connect to the normal RDP non-console session.

Well, after verifying that my shortcut to with the /console switch was there, and I wasn’t going crazy, I ran mstsc.exe /? from the run line, only to find this:

/admin — Connects you to the session for administering a server.

Needless to say, I think Microsoft should have given some warning about this, or at least keep /console active until the next release – to give people a chance to the change. But that is my opinion…

Tip: Uninstall software that doesn’t give you the option

Nerd — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:01:00 +0000

Have you ever had software that shows up in Add/Remove Programs, but doesn’t have the Remove/Uninstall button?

I recently had a program (a custom repack of WinZip) that only had the Repair option. Well, I use WinRAR exclusively, so I wanted to remove it.

To fix this open Regedit (Start, run Regedit), and navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\

From here, you can either go through each sub-folder, looking for the software in question, or highlight Uninstall, go to Edit, Find and type the name of software you are looking for.

Once you find it, look for two keys: NoModify & NoRemove – they are pretty self explanatory as to what each key does. Change the key value from a 1 to a 0 (zero) to deactivate the key.

Next, open Add/Remove Programs again, and you will see the Uninstall button now!

This works for Windows XP / Vista (Probably 2000 as well, but not tested)

Vista style Breadcrumb navigation for XP

Nerd — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Source: [HowToGeek]

One of the more popular changes in Windows Vista is the Explorer Breadcrumbs feature that lets you easily navigate to folders below the current folder by using the drop-down arrows. We’ve already featured one alternative for Windows XP users, but we’ve come across a much better solution to share with you.

This explorer add-on is written to be as minimal as possible, and is much easier to install. Overall quite a nice solution for those stuck on Windows XP.

Installation

All you really have to do is download and install the utility. Close out all Windows Explorer windows, and then open up a new window, and you’ll see the new toolbar over to the right.

Uncheck "Lock the Toolbars" if checked…

And then drag the toolbar down underneath the other toolbars. You can also hide the regular Address Bar toolbar if you’d like.

Usage

Since we are all running now, you can use the arrows to quickly navigate through the folders.

Or if you click in the address bar it will convert into a textbox address bar (which is why you don’t need the original address bar)

You’ll also notice that memory usage is extremely light, since it’s a plugin for Explorer but written to be as minimal as possible.

Download: [Explorer Breadcrumbs]

Vista Drive Icons in 2000/XP

Nerd — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:12:00 +0000

If you have used Vista, I’m sure you have fallen in love with the disk drive icons, and the fact that they show a free space bar below them. Well now you can have the same in Windows 2000 / XP!

Vista Drive Icon is an Open Source project. It is extremely small, and takes little to almost no system resources to run.

This is more than just Eye Candy, it is functional!

Get it here: [Vista Drive Icon]

Windows XP Service Pack 3 – Leaked!

Nerd — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:16:00 +0000

According to Download Squad, someone has leaked SP3 for Windows XP – Read Here – Related posts: Windows XP Service Pack 3: Not till 2008 Windows XP – Service Pack 3: Release Dates Windows XP SP3 is now available! Related posts:

Windows XP Service Pack 3: Not till 2008

Nerd — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:22:00 +0000

Unfortunately, Microsoft is releasing few details about the service pack. According to an e-mail from a Microsoft spokesperson, “We’re currently planning to deliver SP3 for Windows XP in the first half of CY2008. This date is preliminary, and we don’t have any more details to share at this time.”

Several questions to Microsoft were left unanswered, including any timeline for beta releases, either public or private; new features, fixes or upgrades; and whether SP3 is a response to XP’s continued market strength.

Windows SteadyState

Nerd — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:10:00 +0000

What used to be called Shared Computer Toolkit, has been re-released from Microsoft as SteadyState. This program allows administrators manage a public computer, such as a library, kiosk, a child’s or any public access computer. You can set it up the way you want, and forget it. I personally use it at work, on a public kiosk. It works very well.

Additional Resources for SteadyState:

Windows SteadyState Handbook for step-by-step instructions about how to install and set up SteadyState, create and customize user profiles, establish global computer settings and restrictions, and use other features and capabilities of SteadyState (such as Windows Disk Protection).

Windows SteadyState Readme File provides late-breaking or other information that supplements the documentation for Windows SteadyState.

Windows SteadyState Technical FAQ

Copy Text from Dialog Box

Nerd — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:34:00 +0000

How many times have you had an error message on your screen, and either hand written it down, or opened notepad to type in exactly what the error said? Those days are gone!!! Little did you know, you could just press Ctrl+C (Copy) while the error message is active, then paste in notepad, or anywhere else you need the text!

Who would have thought that this would be so simple!