Enable CD Recording Feature on Windows XP

Windows XP comes with a builtin CD-copy feature that not many people are aware of. Although almost everyone has his/her favorite CD-copy software to stick with, it is still good to know about this CDR feature from Windows XP. You will find it very useful when you come to another PC that doesn’t have a CD-copy software, and you can’t just install your favorite software to it. With this feature, you can write some data or MP3 files to a CD/DVD, or erase a re-writable CD/DVD.

Before you can burn a CD/DVD or erase a re-writable disc, you must enable the CD recording feature. This article will show you the steps how to do it…

For information how to erase a CD-RW on Windows XP without using any other software, see this article .
For information how copy files/folder to a CD on Windows XP without using any other software, see this article.

1. From Desktop, double-click on “My Computer“.
2. Right-click on the CD Drive and select “Properties“.
   
3. Select the tab “Recording” then select the option “Enable CD recording on this drive” and select “Fastest” for the write speed.
   
4. Click “OK“.
5. Your CD Drive is now configured with built-in CD Recording feature enabled.

How to Speed up your PC by this simple RAM tweak

Well this is a little tut or in other terms a simple hack or a tweak for the techs. SO… Faster PC , first of all why a faster PC ?? Well its not a question of a faster PC but this is more a question of when. If you’ve been running a large application (or several large applications, maybe a game, Photoshop, something like that) the RAM can get taken up quickly. Even when you close down these programs, RAM can still be eaten-up.

You’ll notice this effect at the end of the day. When you first power-up your PC it’s running smoothly, by the end of the day it gets sluggish. Yes, you can get various softwares to solve this. May of which costs but when free things matters, heres how a simple trick can work (in both XP and Vista)

1. Open up Notepad (I use Notepad++, review coming soon)
2. Type in MYSTRING=(80000000)
3. Save the file as MEMORY.VBE (or RAM.VBE if you like…just remember the .VBE)
4. Make sure you save the file to your DESKTOP.
5. Just double-click the newly created file on your desktop whenever your PC seems sluggish. It will give your RAM a much needed boost.

Not that if you have less than 128mb of RAM (do you really? If so then Oh! wake up you need an upgrade) change the 80000000 to 160000000 and it should work the same.

RAM Defrag is another nice freeware utility that frees up your RAM however it clears of all the injected DLL’s and the cache so the computer may get more sluggish for a while a Defrag.
You can Download Ram Defrag from this website.
Note that told above is version 2.71 of Ram Defrag which is a freeware, a newer version 2.84 is also available here which is Shareware available here.I am not aware of the working of the version 2.84

Most Common Computer Problems and Their Solution (Part-II)

Continue... Part-II

1. Task Manager Disabled:
If you are working on Windows XP pro, following steps will help u to enable Task Manager
SOLUTION 1:
Click Start --> Run
Enter gpedit.msc in the Open box and click OK
In the Group Policy settings window, select User Configuration
Select Administrative Templates
Select System
Select Ctrl+Alt+Delete options
Select Remove Task Manager
Double-click the Remove Task Manager option
Disable that option
SOLUTION 2:
Click on Start >> Run and in the Open box type:
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Click OK.

2. Double-clicking any drive opens search option:
Solution 1:
That's a virus named as ravmon.exe and autorun.inf
Scan first with a good antivirus [Nod32 Recommanded]
then try this trick.
First show the hidden files and folders options then try this method
1. Go to Start-->run and type cmd then click ok
2. If u want to remove the infected file from c drive then type C: in command prompt and press enter
3. Type autorun.inf and press enter
autorun.inf file is opened
4. Now type "attrib autorun.inf -s -h -r" and press enter
5. Now delete the file by typing
"del autorun.inf" and press enter
6.Now type autorun.inf and press enter now, u will find no infected autorun.inf file.
7. same way do for all other drives then restart ur pc

3. I accidentally deleted my "mspaint.exe"/"notepad.exe"/etc. file, how can I get it back?

Solution::
You can use any of following methods:
A. Goto "%windir%\System32\DLLCache" folder and look for the file, if its there then copy it to "%windir%\System32\" folder.
B. Insert your Windows Setup CD and goto "I386" folder. Now look for the same file, it'll present there but the last letter of extension will be "_". e.g., u'll get "mspaint.ex_"/"notepad.ex_"/etc. Now open Command Prompt and goto "I386" folder and give following command:
expand mspaint.ex_ mspaint.exe
expand notepad.ex_ notepad.exe
etc.
Now u can copy the file to "%windir%\System32" folder.
C. Give following command in Command Prompt:
sfc /SCANNOW
It'll automatically restore the files.

4. When I right-click on Start button and select "Open", a "Copy To" or "Move To" dialog box opens automatically.
Solution:
Open regedit and goto:
Code:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
Now under this key, delete following 2 keys:
Copy To
Move To

5. Windows is showing some wrong icons of files. How can I reset the corrupted icons?
Solution:
You can use any of following methods:
A. Download TweakUI and then click on "Repair Icons" in "Repair" section.
B. Open My Computer and goto:
C:\Documents and Settings\User_Name\Local Settings\Application Data
Replace C:\ with your system drive and "user_Name" with your username.
Now there'll be a HIDDEN file "iconcache.db", delete it and restart your system.

6. A strange process "ctfmon.exe" always runs in background and if I click on "End Process" button, it restarts automatically.
Solution:
Open Control Panel and goto Add/Remove Programs list. Now click on the Microsoft Office entry and then click on "Change" button. Now select "Add/Remove Features" and click on "Next". Now expand "Office Shared Features" and click on "Alternative User Input" and then select "Not Available" and finally click on Update. It'll permanently remove that ctfmon.exe and your problem will be solved.

7. My Windows Login Screen has changed to "Classic Logon Box". I want the new Welcome Screen back.
Solution:
Type "control userpasswords" in RUN dialog box or Open "User Accounts" in Control Panel. Then click on "Change the way Users log on and off". Now check the option "Use Welcome Screen". If you get following error:
Uninstall client services for netware.
Then Open "Network Connections" and open Properties of your Internet Connection. Now goto "Networking" tab and select "Client services on Netware" option and click on the"Uninstall" button.

8. Whenever I start my computer, Scandisk starts running even I proper shut down the PC last time.
Solution:
Do as following:
A. Open regedit and goto:
Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
In right-side pane, change the value of BootExecute to:
autocheck autochk *
B. If the above trick doesnt help then give following commands in Command Prompt:
chkntfs /x drive_name
for e.g., if ScanDisk runs automatically for C: and D: drives, then give following commands one by one:
chkntfs /x C:
chkntfs /x D:

9. When I start my computer, I get error message:
"Windows\System32\config\system" file missing or corrupt
Solution::
Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into "Recovery Console" by pressing "R". Now Log into windows installation and enter admin password. Now give following commands at prompt:
copy %windir%\Repair\system %windir%\System32\Config
If it doesnt work, then again boot into "Recovery Console" and give following commands:
fixmbr
bootcfg /scan
bootcfg /rebuild
fixboot

Win XP Tweaks
STARTUP

Most Common Computer Problems and Their Solution (Part-1)

Hi guys, i have already posted several posts on computer tips and tricks here and also disscussed several problems. Now i am going to speak about "Most common problems and solutions". Here you will find the solution for most of the common problems faced by people with there computer.
Note: All the information here is collected form various sites and forums.
1. I can't see Hidden files/folders in my computer. Even I enable the option "Show hidden files/folders" in "Tools -> Folder Options", its automatically disabled again.
Solution1: Go to your Start menu, click on Run and open up your Registry Editor by typing "regedit" without the quotes and pressing OK.
Once there go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folde r\Hidden\SHOWALL
Delete the value CheckedValue. (Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 0 or 1.)
Create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD) by right clicking on the right pane->New->DWORD Value. Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).
Solution 2: Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
In right-side pane, change value of "Hidden" to as following:
1 - To show hidden file
2 - To not show hidden files
If it doesn't work, then scan your computer with an anti-virus software.

2. Task Manager Disabled:
Using Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional to Enable Task Manager.
* Click Start, Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK.
* Navigate to this branch:
User Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options / Remove Task Manager
* Double-click the Remove Task Manager option.
* Set the policy to Not Configured.
Enable RegEdit [It is not tested]
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersio
n\Policies\System]
"DisableRegistryTools"=dword:00000000
Save the text file as any name u with extension .reg
example:- "enable.reg"
After that double click to run the file.
Note:DO SCAN YOUR MACHINE WITH A GOOD ANTIVIRUS. BECAUSE THIS PROGRAMS DON'T TURNED OFF BY HIMSELF OR AUTOMATICALLY. IT HAS TO A VIRUS EFFECT OR A ADMINISTRATOR HAS TO MANUALLY DISABLE THIS PROGRAMS.

3. Restore Deleted Recycle Bin Icon from Desktop:
Method #1:
1. Right-click an empty area of your desktop
2. Select Properties
3. Click the Desktop tab
4. Click the Customize button
5. Click Restore Default
6. Exit all windows and restart your computer
Method #2:
Note: Be sure to make a backup copy of your registry prior to making any changes.
Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter]
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
Hold the mouse on NameSpace and right-click once. From the resulting menu, select Edit>> New>> Key
Copy and Paste the following Key code (including the brackets):
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Press Enter on your keyboard, exit the registry editor and restart your system.


4. Blank User Accounts Applet :
Problem:
When you double-click User Accounts applet in the Control Panel, the User Accounts applet opens, but it may be completely blank.
The buttons Back | Forward | Home are displayed in the dialog.
Resolution:
To resolve the problem, type these commands from Start, Run dialog:
regsvr32 jscript.dll
If that does not help, execute the following commands as well.
regsvr32 nusrmgr.cpl
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll

5. Force windows XP to reboot upon crashing:
This registry edit will cause your system to reboot itself automatically upon crashing. This can be useful if you have a reason for keeping your system on 24/7:

Open REGEDIT
Navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl'
Edit the 'AutoReboot' value to '1'

6. Stand By Icon Disabled:
Problem:
I reinstalled my windows and now "Stand By" option is Grey out in shutdown dialog box and I can't use it.
Sol: Install VGA drivers from your motherboard CD and the option will be enabled. If you don't have the motherboard CD, then go to the manufacturer site and download the required drivers.
7. Improving the Slow Boot up time:
There are a variety of reasons why your windows XP system would boot slowly. Most of the times it this has to do with the startup applications. If you would like to speed up the bootup sequence, consider removing some of the startup applications that you do not need. Easiest way to remove startup apps is through System Configuration Utility. Go to Start then Run and enter MSCONFIG and go to the Startup tab. Deselect/UnCheck application(s) that you do not want to startup at boot time.

8. Regedit Disabled By Admin:
Open Notepad pad, copy paste the following text to the note pad::
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersio
n\Policies\System]
"DisableRegistryTools"=dword:00000000
Save the text file as any name u with extension .reg
example:- "enable.reg"
After that double click to run the file.

cont..... Part-II

Increase Hard Disk speed in Windows

If you like to increase/optimize your Hard Disk I/O - read/write speed without buying expensive software utilities to do that job or changing the HD, just follow next steps. With doing these steps you will increase Hard disk speed (depends of manufacture and specification, but its worth to try). The most speed improvement is visible with IDE drives; however there are reports that this tweak also does good for SCSI disks.

In any case, it won't harm your system, so try it yourself and let me know what you find!

Steps:

1. Run SYSEDIT.EXE from the start & then Run command.
2. Expand the system.ini file window.
3. Scroll down almost to the end of the file untill you find a line called [386enh].
4. Press Enter to make one blank line, and in that line type
5. Irq14=4096 (note: This line IS CASE SENSITIVE)
6. Click on the File menu, then choose Save.
7. Close SYSEDIT and reboot your computer.
8. Restart windows!

The speed improvement will be noticed just after the system reboots, any system info. software can be used to check the improvement.

Installing and configuring a Wireless Router

A wireless router affords laptop or portable computer users greater mobility in their homes and businesses. In most home networks, wireless routers are connected to a cable or DSL modem, and the router sends the signals and information that make up an Internet protocol (IP) thread to the user's computer via radio signals rather than wires.
To communicate with the wireless router, individual computers house transceivers such as an internal expansion card, a peripheral docked by USB or, in the case of laptops, a PC card or hard-wired internal device. For those accessing the Internet through a high-speed connection, a wireless router can also serve as a hardware firewall (as opposed to a software program), enabling protection from undesirable outside computers without exhausting as many system resources as traditional firewall programs.

Installing a Wireless Router

First, turn off the PC and modem, then remove the Ethernet cable from the PC and plug it into the router's WAN port. Install a second Ethernet cable between the PC's Ethernet port and one of the router's Ethernet ports. Power the modem, router and then PC, waiting for the system to boot and initialize before attempting an Internet connection.
Most routers are programmed with the manufacturer's default settings, including the network's name or service set identifier (SSID), channel and sign-on password. These default settings generally may be changed using included software or an online setup utility provided by the router's manufacturer.
Configure the router by entering the router configuration IP address at the URL provided, followed by the configuration utility ID and the default password. To find your router's default IP address and the default login info, refer to the owner's manual. If you own a Linksys router, a popular brand, the IP address is usually 192.168.1.1. Two other popular brands, D-Link and Netgear, generally use 192.168.0.1.

Connecting a Printer to a Wireless Router

First, check the documentation that came with your printer to determine how it's designed to connect to computers. Connections made through Ethernet, USB and (obsolescent) parallel ports are common, but newer printers are sometimes wireless-enabled and allow you to simply add them to your wireless network.
Refer to the owner's manual for your particular wireless router. Inside, find the default IP address and the default login info. If you own a Linksys router, the IP address is usually 192.168.1.1. Other popular brands D-Link and Netgear generally use 192.168.0.1.

Connecting Two Wireless Routers

Bridging two wireless routers involves configuring both networks manually. Visit each network location - which should be recognized by your computer automatically - and configure the appropriate Service Set Identifier (SSID), Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) or WiFi Protected Access (WPA) key and authentication information. Make sure you know the SSID and WEP or WPA key ahead of time.

Connecting an Xbox 360 to a Wireless Router

Connecting an Xbox 360 to a wireless router allows you to use Xbox Live without physically connecting your Xbox to a cable. Power up your Xbox system and the router, then plug the wireless networking adapter into the two slots at the Xbox's rear. Unplug any existing Ethernet cables and connect the USB connector to the port adjacent to the adapter. Use the system area of the Xbox dashboard to adjust your network settings. This should connect you to the wireless network.

How to access the sharing data offline

Access the shared data offline allows you to keep using your shared files, folders and software programs when disconnected from the data server. When you reconnect to your data server, all files will be synchronized to the files on the network.  

There are two types of configurations required to set the access shared folders offline available, one for data server and other for client computer. 

Configuration on Data Server.

First locate the folders that you would like to share or make new folders then share these folders so they can be accessible to any one on the network.

Now right click on that folder and click on the option "Sharing and security".

A small dialog box will appear with the title "data properties". Under the "Sharing" tab, select the check box "Share this folder on the network" under the "Network sharing and security".

Now set the share level permissions that you want to give the users on every folder. Enable cache of share folders by click on cache button (by default it will be enabled).

Configuration on Client Computer 

On the client computer, first open My Computer then click on Tools.

In Tools menu bar, click on Folder Options, a window will appear with the title Folder Options.

Under the Offline File tab, check the option Enable Offline File. Here you can choose the synchronization process "Synchronize all offline files when logging on", "Synchronize all offline files before logging off" and others.

Click on Apply button to save the settings and then Ok button to close this window.

Now sitting on the client computer, try to access the shared folder from the data server.

First Right click on the shared folder and Click on Make available offline.

To synchronizing the offline work from client computer to data server, again open My Computer then click on Tools. Click on Synchronize then click on synchronizing button. 

After that down to data server and then try to access share folders by give the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path of data server. But it will be accessible weather the server is down or up.