Windows XP, Windows Vista Tips, and Spyware & Adware Removal » XP System Performance

Program Not Loading, Try This!

WindowsTips.org — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:49:15 +0000

Whenever you try to run a particular program and it refuses to load or suspect a problem. First, try to run Scandisk before re-install the software.

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. type chkdsk.exe
4. Press Enter key
5. The MS-Dos Prompt will disappear when it’s finished scanning.

What to Do if Windows XP Won’t Start Up?

WindowsTips.org — Tue, 22 May 2007 03:13:10 +0000

Insert the original XP CD into DVD/CD ROM and reboot your computer. If the CD doesn’t boot-up, you have to get into the BIOS and set CD drive as a the first boot device. Then, choose Repair (Recovery Console) option.

In the DOS Prompt screen, type chkdsk /r (space between chkdsk and /), and then press Enter key. This command will scan and repair for any errors on your system. After the scan is finished, type Exit and hit Enter. Now, your windows will be able to boot up.

Using Command to Open Application in Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 05:13:34 +0000

If you’re able to memorize all of these commands, it would save you a lot of time to open any applications which don’t have to click thru folders and folders. It sounds scary but keep on practicing, you’ll get familiar with it.
click Start -> Run -> type cmd -> click OK

Automatically Reboot When Windows XP Crashes

WindowsTips.org — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:31:02 +0000

While you’re using the computer and suddenly, bluescreen displayed with a bunch of white text message; something like “A problem has been detected and windwos has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer…” This message is telling you that there is a critical system error and can be caused by poorly written device drivers, corrupt Registry, faulty memory, or incompatible DLLs. Another word for bluescreen, we called it Blue Screen of Death. To prevent this bluescreen appears again when windows crashes, follow these steps:

Click Start -> Run -> type REGEDIT -> click OK
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl
Right-click AutoReboot -> Modify
Set Value Date to 1 for for automatic reboot
Click OK -> Exit Registry Editor
Reboot your computer

Locking Windows XP in Less Than 0.5 Second

WindowsTips.org — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:03:30 +0000

Is someone calling you and need your help but you don’t want anyone can access to your computer while you’re away? Instead of clicking on Start -> Log Off -> Switch User. It would costs you from 3-5 seconds.

Hold the Windows key, which locates between Ctrl& Alt keys and then press the letter L. The windows immediately brings you back to the login screen.

Shrink or Extend Windows Vista’s Partition Sizes

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:04:57 +0000

Right click on Computer
Select Manage
Click on Disk Management
Right click on a partition
Select Shrink or Extend depends on what you want to do

NOTE: Remember to backup before you change partition sizes.

Force Windows XP to Shutdown

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:02:58 +0000

This tip will help you to shutdown computer without pop-up a message telling you that a program is still running.

Click Start -> Run -> type regedit -> HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Control Panel -> Desktop -> Right-click AutoEndTasks -> select Modify -> change Value Data to 1 -> Reboot computer

Dangerous of index.dat file in Windows XP and How to Remove it?

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:02:39 +0000

index.dat is a file used by the Internet Explorer web browser. The index.dat file functions as an active database, which runs as long as Windows is active. It functions as a repository of redundant information, such as web URLs, search queries, and recently opened files. Eventhought, you’ve deleted cookies, history and temporary internet files, these index.dat files still there. It only takes a few steps to disable index.dat.

Reboot your computer in Safe Mode by pressing F5 or F8 (depends on your machine)
Login as Administrator
Start -> Run -> type cmd -> click OK (MS-Dos window will display)
on your command prompt type CD\ -> hit Enter key
then type del index.dat /s (space between .dat and /s)

index.dat files should be permanently deleted and you don’t have to go thru these processes above again.

How to Stop Windows XP Messenger Service Popup

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:01:49 +0000

The Messenger Service was originally designed for use by system administrators to notify Windows users about their networks. It has been used maliciously distribute a virus to users over the Internet.

To disable the Messenger Service in Windows XP

Click Start and then click Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance. (If you do not see the Performance and Maintenance icon, you may be using Classic View. 3. You can skip to step 3 below, but you must double-click Administrative Tools.)
Click Administrative Tools
Double-click Services
Right-click Messenger -> Properties
In the Startup type list, choose Disabled
Click Stop, and then click OK

Defragment Hard Drive with Right-Click in Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:01:26 +0000

Open Notepad > click File > Save As > Save the .txt file to Desktop > rename it to whatever.reg

Right-click whatever.reg file and choose “edit”
Paste the following code into it:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\Defrag\Command]
@=”defrag.exe %1 -f -v”

Save and close
Double click whatever.reg and answer yes/ok to the questions
Right click a drive and choose ‘Defrag’ option to defragment
MS-Dos window will be closed after it’s done defragment