Archive for the ‘Windows XP’ Category

Using the AVG False Positive User32.Dll Fix/Restore Tool

Many of our readers wrote telling that AVG AntiVirus Update 270.9.0/1777 caused serious problems with their Windows XP systems, deleting the User32.dll (false-positive issue) which prevented Windows XP from starting. AVG has documented this problem in their support pages immediately, and also released a definition update which does not has this problem. (more…)

Change Analysis Diagnostic: Identify Recent Changes in a Windows XP PC

The Change Analysis Diagnostic Tool from Microsoft helps you determine the recent changes made to your Windows XP computer. This tool generates a log file containing the list of changes made to your computer during the specified period. The log can be useful when troubleshooting the system or when cleaning up Malware. (more…)

How to Remove the Info Pane in Outlook Express

ISP-customized versions of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express include custom branding such as the ISP logo, Title bar text, Info Pane at the bottom of Outlook Express window, etc. This article tells you how to remove the Info Pane in Outlook Express if you no longer plan to use it. (more…)

Script to Backup the Services Configuration (Startup Type) in Windows 7/XP/2003/Vista

After doing a fresh install of Windows XP/2003/Vista/7, disabling unused Windows Services is one of the time consuming tasks you perform. One configured, you can backup the service startup state using a Batch file or Script so that it can be used for subsequent installations, or if you need to automate the task on several computers in your workgroup. (more…)

Reset Lost Windows XP Administrator Password Using ERD Commander

There are plenty of ways to reset or change a lost Administrator password in Windows XP. Methods include using offline password reset tools with live CDs, using the SHIFT + F10 keystroke from Windows XP Setup screen to gain access to the Command Prompt (with full rights) and changing the password. Here is another way to reset or change the lost administrator password in your Windows XP installation. (more…)

Fix Windows XP Search Companion Displaying a Blank Window

Have you come across a situation where the Windows XP Search Companion window is completely blank, except for the search dog showing up at the bottom of the search pane? You can fix this problem by registering a couple of system DLLs. (more…)

Add Enhanced Shutdown Button to the Windows XP Start Menu

We saw how to add the Lock Workstation command to the Start menu using the OEM link area in the Windows XP Start menu. Here is another registry tweak that adds an enhanced Shutdown button to the Windows XP Start menu, with additional options in the context menu. (more…)

Contact Groups Not Transferred When You Export the Address Book to a CSV File

When you export the Address Book to a .CSV file using Outlook Express, the Contact Groups data is not exported. To transfer the Contacts along with Contact Groups to another computer, use the instructions in this article. (more…)

Add “Lock Workstation” Command to the Windows XP Start Menu

To lock a Windows 2000/XP/Vista workstation, most people use the popular WinKey + L keystroke. Whereas some (mouse users) prefer a shortcut which locks the workstation using the "rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation" command. Using the registry hack in this article, you can add the Lock Workstation command to the Windows XP Start menu, just below the Run command. (more…)

Prevent Desktop Background (Wallpaper) Change When Applying a Desktop Theme

When you change the desktop theme, it changes the wallpaper, cursors other visual elements as defined in the theme file. If you want to retain the existing desktop background (wallpaper) when changing themes in Windows XP or Windows Vista, here is a registry edit. This can be useful if you want to test different themes without affecting the existing desktop background. (more…)