Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough.

Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP.

Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers.

Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.

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Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough.

Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP.

Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers.

Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.

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Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

Windows XP Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Power Users & Administrators

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Overview

Each year, Windows XP is pre-installed on 30 million PCs sold in the U.S.--and 90 million worldwide--making it the world's most popular operating system, and proving to frustrated users everywhere that preponderance does not equate to ease of use. There are literally thousands of programs, tools, commands, screens, scripts, buttons, tabs, applets, menus, and settings contained within Windows XP. And it has only been in the last couple of years that Microsoft's documentation has actually been more of a help than a hindrance. But it still isn't enough.

Windows XP users and administrators need a quick and easy way to find answers. Plenty of books go into detail about the theory behind a particular technology or application, but few go straight to the essentials for getting the job done. Windows XP Cookbook does just that, tackling the most common tasks needed to install, manage, and support Windows XP.

Featuring a new twist to O'Reilly's proven Cookbook formula, this problem-solving guide offers multiple solutions for each of its 300-plus recipes. Solve dilemmas with the graphical user interface, the command line, through the Registry, or by using scripts. Each step-by-step recipe includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. The book is also among the first to cover Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. With these practical, on-the-job solutions, Windows XP Cookbook will save you hours of time searching for answers.

Windows XP Cookbook will be useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP. But this isn't a typical end-user book; it covers the spectrum of topics involved with running Windows XP in both small and large environments. As a result, IT professionals and system administrators will find it a great day-to-day reference. And power users will find Windows XP Cookbook a great source for information on tweaking XP and getting the most out of their systems. The bottom line is that Windows XP Cookbook will make just about anyone who uses XP more productive.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781491934203
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Incorporated
Publication date: 08/08/2005
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 680
File size: 5 MB

About the Author

Robbie Allen is a Technical Leader at Cisco Systems where he has been involved in the deployment of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and several Network Management solutions. He enjoys working on Unix and Windows, and his favorite programming language is Perl. Robbie was named a Windows Server MVP in 2004 and 2005 for his contributions to the Windows community and publication of several popular O'Reillybooks. Robbie is currently studying at MIT in the System Design and Management program. For more information, see Robbie's website at www.rallenhome.com.


Preston Gralla is the author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, the Windows Vista Pocket Reference, and is the editor of WindowsDevCenter.com . He is also the author of Internet Annoyances, PC Pest Control, Windows XP Power Hound, and Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition, and co-author of Windows XP Cookbook. He has written more than 30 other books. He has written for major national newspapers and magazines, including PC Magazine, Computerworld, the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News (where he was the technology columnist), USA Today, and several others. A well-known technology expert, Preston has also appeared on many TV and radio programs and networks, including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. In addition, he's won a number of awards for his writing, including Best Feature in a Computer Magazine from the Computer Press Association. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Prefacexvii
1Introduction1
Approach to the Book2
At Least Three Ways to Do It2
Where to Find the Tools3
Running Tools with Alternate Credentials3
A Brief Word on Windows Scripting4
Where to Find More Information5
2Operating System Installation and Maintenance8
2.0Introduction8
2.1Preparing to Install Windows XP8
2.2Installing from a CD or DVD11
2.3Installing from a Network Share14
2.4Installing from an Unattended Installation15
2.5Cloning Windows XP Installations20
2.6Installing from Remote Installation Services (RIS)21
2.7Troubleshooting Installation Problems25
2.8Upgrading to Windows XP28
2.9Creating a Multiboot Installation30
2.10Troubleshooting Multiboot Problems31
2.11Activating Windows XP32
2.12Viewing the Installed Service Pack and Hotfixes34
2.13Installing a Hotfix36
2.14Installing a Service Pack37
2.15Slipstreaming a Service Pack or Hotfix into a Build39
2.16Configuring Automatic Updates40
2.17Disabling the Windows Firewall After Installation43
2.18Keeping an Installation Process Worm- and Virus-Free44
3Managing Hardware and Devices46
3.0Introduction46
3.1Adding Hardware47
3.2Resolving Unknown Devices49
3.3Repairing a Missing Modem50
3.4Recovering from a Bad Device Driver Update51
3.5Using the Last Known Good Configuration to Resolve Hardware Problems52
3.6Running Windows in Safe Mode53
3.7Using System Restore to Recover from a Hardware-Induced Problem55
3.8Resolving Device Conflicts56
3.9Resolving USB Bandwidth Problems58
3.10Resolving Hung USB Devices59
3.11Keeping USB Devices from Disappearing61
3.12Curing Stubborn USB Devices62
3.13Revealing Hidden Devices64
3.14Checking Drivers with the Driver Verifier Tool65
3.15Resolving Printer Timed-Out and Not Ready Problems66
3.16Troubleshooting Local Printing Problems66
3.17Printing to a USB Printer from DOS68
3.18Resolving Failed Network Printing with Internet Connection Sharing69
3.19Interpreting Device Manager Error Codes70
3.20Troubleshooting Sound Problems71
3.21Troubleshooting Video Problems73
3.22Troubleshooting Video Monitor Problems74
3.23Stopping LCD Monitor Resolution Messages75
3.24Interpreting Windows INF Files76
3.25Figuring out AUTORUN.INF Files79
3.26Correcting Parameters in BIOS81
3.27Troubleshooting CD Autorun Software Installation Problems83
3.28Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Reading Problems84
3.29Resolving DVD Reading and DVD Movie Problems86
3.30Restoring Access to CD-ROMs87
4Installing, Uninstalling, and Working with Applications88
4.0Introduction88
4.1Uninstalling "Unremovable" Components88
4.2Removing Unruly Applications91
4.3Removing Stubborn Uninstall Entries from Already Uninstalled Programs93
4.4Changing the Default Location for Installing Applications94
4.5Launching Applications with Keyboard Shortcuts95
4.6Customizing the Way Applications Open Using Switches and Parameters97
4.7Running Older Applications100
4.8Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit to Solve Compatibility Problems102
4.9Troubleshooting Application Compatibility105
4.10Running DOS Programs in Their Own Optimized Environments106
4.11Forcing Older Programs to Use Windows XP Common Controls107
4.12Using Keyboard Application Shortcuts109
4.13Moving a New Microsoft Application to Another Windows XP System111
4.14Remotely Installing a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy113
4.15Remotely Redeploying a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy115
4.16Remotely Uninstalling a Microsoft Application Using Group Policy116
5Customizing the Interface118
5.0Introduction118
5.1Getting Rid of Undeletable Desktop Icons120
5.2Changing "Unchangeable" Desktop Icons and System Objects124
5.3Showing Your XP Version on Your Desktop126
5.4Turning Off Balloon Tips127
5.5Cleaning Your Desktop Automatically128
5.6Adding an Address Bar to the Taskbar129
5.7Adding a Shortcut to a Disk, Folder, or Internet Address to the Taskbar130
5.8Hiding Specific Icons in the Notification Area130
5.9Hiding All Icons in the Notification Area132
5.10Controlling the Start Menu's Frequently Used Programs List133
5.11Customizing the Start Menu's Pinned Programs List136
5.12Displaying Control Panel Applets in a Cascading Menu137
5.13Hiding and Recategorizing Control Panel Applets138
5.14Customizing Right-Click Menu Choices in Windows Explorer142
5.15Changing the Resolution of Thumbnails in Windows Explorer147
5.16Improving Laptop and LCD Resolution with ClearType149
5.17Converting to the Classic Windows Interface150
5.18Using TweakUI153
5.19Using Group Policy Editor to Alter the Interface153
5.20Saving Your Desktop Settings156
5.21Fixing the Start Shortcut Menu157
5.22Troubleshooting My Recent Documents158
6System Properties, Startup, and Shutdown160
6.0Introduction160
6.1Automatically Setting the Time on a Domain-Connected PC160
6.2Automatically Setting the Time on a PC Not Connected to a Domain162
6.3Changing the System Name165
6.4Create a Multiboot Menu167
6.5Using Virtual PC to Run Multiple Operating Systems Simultaneously172
6.6Performing a Clean Boot174
6.7Shutting Down Unnecessary Programs and Services that Run on Startup175
6.8Speeding Up Shutdown Time181
6.9Changing Your Boot Screen182
6.10Personalizing Your PC's Sounds183
6.11Creating Power Schemes185
6.12Extending Battery Life on a Laptop187
6.13Changing the Location of Your Startup Folders189
6.14Disabling Error Reporting190
6.15Creating Environment Variables193
6.16Creating a Reboot or Shutdown Shortcut196
6.17Scheduling a Reboot196
6.18Speeding Up System Startup197
7Disks, Drives, and Volumes200
7.0Introduction200
7.1Viewing the Disk, Drive, and Volume Layout202
7.2Converting a Basic Disk to Dynamic204
7.3Enabling Disk Performance Statistics205
7.4Formatting a Volume206
7.5Setting the Drive Letter of a Volume207
7.6Setting the Label of a Volume208
7.7Cleaning Up a Volume209
7.8Defragmenting a Volume211
7.9Compressing a Volume213
7.10Checking a Volume for Errors215
7.11Making a Disk or Volume Read-Only216
7.12Mapping a Network Drive218
7.13Creating a Virtual Drive to Another Drive or Folder220
7.14Finding Large Files and Folders on a Volume221
7.15Enabling Disk Quotas224
7.16Limiting a User to a Specified Disk Quota226
7.17Viewing Disk Quota Usage228
8Files, Folders, and Shares230
8.0Introduction230
8.1Creating and Deleting a File232
8.2Creating and Deleting a Folder233
8.3Undeleting a File235
8.4Securely Deleting a File235
8.5Viewing the Properties of a File or Folder237
8.6Creating a Shortcut239
8.7Creating a Link or Junction Point242
8.8Creating a Program Alias244
8.9Searching for Files or Folders245
8.10Copying, Moving, or Renaming a File or Folder246
8.11Comparing Files or Folders248
8.12Hiding a File or Folder249
8.13Making a File or Folder Read-Only251
8.14Compressing a File or Folder252
8.15Encrypting a File or Folder255
8.16Replacing a File That Is in Use256
8.17Taking Ownership of a File or Folder258
8.18Finding Out Who Opened or Modified a File Last259
8.19Finding Open Files261
8.20Finding the Process That Has a File Open262
8.21Viewing File Activity263
8.22Performing an Action on Several Files at Once264
8.23Creating and Deleting Shares266
8.24Viewing Shares267
8.25Restricting Access to a Share269
8.26Enabling Web Sharing270
8.27Publishing a Share in Active Directory271
9The Registry273
9.0Introduction273
9.1Creating and Deleting a Key275
9.2Setting a Value277
9.3Setting Keys or Values Using Group Policy280
9.4Exporting Registry Files281
9.5Importing Registry Files282
9.6Searching the Registry283
9.7Comparing the Registry284
9.8Restricting Access to the Registry285
9.9Backing Up and Restoring the Registry287
9.10Creating a Registry Link289
9.11Monitoring Registry Activity290
9.12Viewing Processes That Have a Registry Key Open292
10Processes, Tasks, and Services294
10.0Introduction294
10.1Viewing the Running Processes295
10.2Viewing the Properties of a Process297
10.3Viewing the Resources a Process Is Using298
10.4Suspending a Process302
10.5Killing a Process303
10.6Running a Task with Alternate Credentials304
10.7Running a Task on a Remote System306
10.8Running a Task Automatically via the Registry308
10.9Running a Task Automatically via Login Scripts310
10.10Running a Task via Group Policy312
10.11Viewing All Automatic Tasks314
10.12Scheduling a Task314
10.13Viewing Scheduled Tasks317
10.14Deleting a Scheduled Task318
10.15Troubleshooting Scheduled Tasks320
10.16Starting and Stopping a Service321
10.17Running Any Program or Script as a Service322
10.18Setting the Startup Type of a Service325
10.19Setting the Account and Password of a Service327
10.20Performing an Action Automatically When a Service Fails329
10.21Viewing the Antecedent and Dependent Services for a Service330
10.22Viewing the Service Load Order333
10.23Viewing the Startup History of a Service335
10.24Granting Permissions to Manage One or More Services336
11Digital Media339
11.0Introduction339
11.1Ripping Digital Music339
11.2Creating a Playlist343
11.3Burning a CD344
11.4Troubleshooting CD Burning346
11.5Playing Internet Radio Stations350
11.6Protecting Your Privacy in Windows Media Player351
11.7Searching Through Digital Media Collections Using Metadata354
11.8Capturing Video to Your PC356
11.9Making Your Own DVDs360
11.10Converting Images Easily Between Graphics Formats362
11.11Processing Images for Email and the Web364
12Network Configuration367
12.0Introduction367
12.1Viewing the Network Configuration368
12.2Disabling a Connection371
12.3Configuring an IP Address373
12.4Renewing or Releasing a DHCP IP Address375
12.5Configuring DNS Settings377
12.6Registering DNS Records or Flushing the DN Cache380
12.7Finding a Computer's Active Directory Site381
12.8Managing Routes383
12.9Viewing the Open Ports and Connections385
12.10Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems387
12.11Configuring TCP/IP Filtering388
12.12Measuring Link Speed and Latency Between Two Hosts391
12.13Installing the IPv6 Stack392
13The Internet394
13.0Introduction394
13.1Using a HOSTS File to Speed Up Web Access395
13.2Troubleshooting DNS Problems396
13.3Installing Internet Information Services (IIS)399
13.4Using the IIS MMC Snap-in to Manage Your Internet Servers401
13.5Setting Up and Configuring a Telnet Server403
13.6Use the Telnet Administrator to Manage a Telnet Server405
13.7Customizing Internet Explorer's Logo and Titlebar
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