Windows XP, Windows Vista Tips, and Spyware & Adware Removal » XP User interface

How to Disable Error Message Beep Sound in Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 18 May 2007 00:01:16 +0000

It’s very annoying when you’re listening to the music or left the speaker at a high volume and suddenly, you hear the beep. That’s telling you there is an error or a warning message appears. Here’s how to turn it off:

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Type REGEDIT -> click OK
4. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Sound
5. On the right side of window, double click on Beep
6. Change Value data to no
7. Click OK
8. Exit Registry Editor
9. Reboot your system

Displaying Icons Faster in Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 04 May 2007 23:33:46 +0000

Windows automatically searches for network folders and printers. This can cause a delay in displaying your icons, to stop windows from automatically searching, do the following:

1. On your Desktp, double-click on My Computer
2. Click Tools menu on the top
3. Select Folder Options
4. Click View tab
5. Uncheck the Automatically search for network folders and printers box
6. Click Apply
7. Click OK to exit

Removing Text under the Destop’s Icons in Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Fri, 04 May 2007 23:25:03 +0000

If you’re able to recognize all the symbol icons on your destop correspond to what programs?

1. Click Start
2. Select My Computer
3. Click Tools
4. Click Folder Options
5. On the View tab check mark Hide Extensions For Known File Types
6. Click Apply

7. Right-click on the icon that you want to remove the text
8. Select Rename
9. Press the ALT key down and hold it
10. Using keypad, type 255
11. Release the ALT key and hit Enter

Remove Shortcut Arrow from Desktop Icons for Windows XP

WindowsTips.org — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 01:31:12 +0000

Start -> Run -> type REGEDIT -> click OK

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\piffile
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ConferenceLink
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DocShortCut
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InternetShortcut
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WSHFile
Delete the IsShortcut registry value

Fastest way to delete IsShortcut:
Click on Edit -> Find -> type IsShortcut -> click Find Next button -> right-click on IsShortcut and then select Delete

Close Registry Editor and reboot your computer. All the shortcut icon arrows on your destop will be gone.

How to Backup Windows XP Registry

WindowsTips.org — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 01:12:41 +0000

Making incorrect changes in the registry can break your system. It’s highly advisable to backup the registry before editing any portion of it.

Click Start -> Run
In the Open box, type regedit -> click OK
On the File menu, click Export
Select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg)
In the File name box, type a file name, and then click Save

To import the registry, just simply open up the Registry Editor and then click on File -> Import -> Select .reg file then click Open

Disable CD autoplay in Windows XP Pro & Home

WindowsTips.org — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 16:53:24 +0000

Windows XP Pro
Click Start -> Run -> GPEDIT.MSC
Click OK or hit Enter key to open up the Group Policy

Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> highlight System

Near the bottom of right-hand side panel, scroll down and you will see Turn off Autoplay

Right-click Turn off Autoplay -> Properties

The default is the Not configured, so you have to select either Enabled or Disabled radio button
Click OK and you’re done.

***

Windows XP Home
Click Start -> Run -> REGEDIT
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> policies -> Explorer

Create a new value called: NoDriveTypeAutoRun
Type is: DWORD
Value is: 0×000000b1 (177)

Note: To undo this change, set the NoDriveTypeAutoRun value back to 91 (145) instead of b1 (177)