Tech Newsgroups: Windows XP Customization

Using Active Desktop with Virtual Desktop Powertoy

haesslyj - 4 Mar 2006 11:32 PM - 2 messages

I would like to be able to display web pages as one of the desktops in my VDM, but so far as I can tell, the powertoy only recognizes image files, not html documents. Is there a workaround for this? ...

Program Menu Font Size

Irv - 4 Mar 2006 10:10 PM - 2 messages

I have fought this as long as I can. Can someone please tell me how to change the fonts and there size when you go to 'Start' and then 'Programs'. Is it possible to do? I have already tried the normal things. I am using ...

System tray auto-hide annoyance

Spoon2001 - 4 Mar 2006 2:10 PM - 3 messages

I just started "hiding inactive icons", but there's something that's annoying me - the "auto-hide" function. I can click the left arrow button to show all my systray icons, but when I move the cursor off the systray, the systray "snaps back" and auto-hides the ...

login ?

Michael - 4 Mar 2006 1:36 PM - 4 messages

I recently had to reload xp sp2 from scratch. I then did all of the patches form microsoft. Now when I boot up I have to chose a user. Befiore the crash it would boot directly into windows with no intervention on my part. My ...

I've lost the Microsoft Word Document from the Right Click/New menu

Johnny Eager - 3 Mar 2006 11:24 PM - 4 messages

I don't know how it happened, but when I right click on the desktop and go to the New menu, the option for "Microsoft Word Document" is missing. I use it quite a bit and I would like to get it back. Any suggestions? ...

Clearing "Save As" MRUlist in WinXP

Clueless - 3 Mar 2006 9:48 PM - 6 messages

When I use the "Save As" feature in XP it keeps a list of the last 20 or so files for every letter(last 20 A's,B's C's etc.) I' m going to be sharing access to my pc with several people for the next 6 months, and anyone who ...

C:\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$

D. Spencer Hines - 3 Mar 2006 6:22 PM - 2 messages

Does this folder contain all the KB's released by Microsoft for XP Pro since SP2? If not, which ones are missing? I have 45 for a total of 126 MB. 610 files, 131 folders. Thanks. DSH ...

Custom autoplay handler

Robertico - 3 Mar 2006 4:03 PM - 2 messages

I'd like to add a custom autoplay handler for my application. I know that i can use TweakUi Powertoy, but i'd like to add the registry keys to right my installer, so i don't need to force my users to use ...

Engage password lock nn mins after sratup and nn mins after use

©® - 3 Mar 2006 2:48 PM - 3 messages

XP System: Is it possible to have the system password lock e.g. 1 minute after login and then say 10 minutes after non-use? The reason is, I would like to auto-login to my home PC on Windows ...

Disable INSERT Key

<*(((><{ - 3 Mar 2006 9:28 AM - 7 messages

Hi -- I keep hitting the INSERT key on my laptop. Rats! I need to disable it in Word XP so that I don't turn on the overtype mode. How can I go about that? <*((((><{ ...

File names gone in thumbnail mode only in one folder

baby_blue_6_4 - 3 Mar 2006 8:36 AM - 3 messages

I've noticed that only in one folder when in the thumbnail mode all my file names are gone... only the icons apear. How can I get this back to the default of being able to tell what file it is without changing to list,icons, ...

File Extension

JCO - 3 Mar 2006 3:43 AM - 10 messages

I know this is not the correct NG for this question but I was wondering what Graphics Program Creates files with the extension .pds ...

Change the Color of The Loading Bars on the Load Screen.

Master Jedi - 3 Mar 2006 2:48 AM - 5 messages

I've always wanted to change the color of the loading bars on the loading screen just before you get on to the desktop. I've always wondered if it was possible to change it to any color you want and how to go about doing it. Can ...

I would like to know if something is possible.

Master Jedi - 3 Mar 2006 1:05 AM - 2 messages

I've always wanted to change the color of the loading bars on the loading screen just before you get on to the desktop. I've always wondered if it was possible to change it to any color you want and how to go about doing it. Can ...

Control Panel Blank Icons

Christine Lisi - 2 Mar 2006 10:57 PM - 4 messages

There are a couple of blank icons in my control panel. Where in the registry can I get rid of these? They are just icons that look like a sheet of paper with no descriptions and they can't be run. ...

profile problem

gg@noMail.net - 2 Mar 2006 10:02 PM - 2 messages

On Login, I got Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the default profile for the system. DETAIL - Incorrect function. I had tried to redirect folders using registries for shell folders and User Shell Folders. ...

Windows Explorer default drive

AndyC - 2 Mar 2006 8:38 PM - 7 messages

I have Windows XP Professional, version 2002, SP1, and reboot my laptop at different locations all day long. I often must go into a virtual network drive to retrieve info. Windows explorer always opens to the C drive with ...

Classic search doesn't work where XP search does

Stan Brown - 2 Mar 2006 4:37 PM - 4 messages

XP Pro SP2, indexing turned off I have three files on my C: drive, PlatformHTMLBindings.xml (in two locations) and HTMLBindings.xml, according to XP search. They're in regular folders in the Program Files hierarchy, not hidden or system ...

Simulating Massive Amounts of Logons in a Windows

JackX - 2 Mar 2006 4:19 PM - 1 message

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Cant change my desktop background!

JollyUnlucky - 2 Mar 2006 2:32 AM - 11 messages

i dont know why but for some reason i cant change the background on my desktop. i can change the color of the background but i cant make it a picture from the list or a picture from 'my pictures'. any help would be ...

viewing Yahoo pages in winxp

Some1 - 2 Mar 2006 12:14 AM - 1 message

I have a laptop with xp2, and a desktop with xp2, yet the laptop shows everything on web pages (like all the avatars(?) or little pics beside the mail, groups, etc.) in yahoo, for example,and the desktop with the same ...

Autologon to Domain Problem!!!!! HELP!

Chris-n-Jordan - 1 Mar 2006 9:58 PM - 3 messages

Greetings All! I have a domain with 31 computers that usually use a profile called "student" to log in and have an identical environment on all of them. I have a mapped drive labeled Z with the standard desktop background as ...

screen saver

IKE - 1 Mar 2006 8:52 PM - 2 messages

is there a way to write a batch file or some other file that when executed would change the screen saver??? thanks ...

Add tasks to common task pane

ceohotmail - 1 Mar 2006 8:46 PM - 2 messages

I want to add some tasks (like example add to zip) to Common task pane rather than send to or right click menu Also to add some more common places Like favorite drive, in Other Places menu Is there any way to do it. ...

Energy Saving Feature to Shut Monitor Off

JCO - 1 Mar 2006 5:02 PM - 4 messages

I use the Energy saving feature that shuts my monitor off after 10 minutes. Screen saver comes on in 7 minutes. This allows me to use my password to get back on my computer. The monitor will shut off by itself but then after ...

folder view filmstrip for entire folder BRANCH

erik - 1 Mar 2006 9:54 AM - 2 messages

how can I make XP show all folders in a branch in the Filmstrip view, WITHOUT setting al folders by hand. XP does not do it, it seems. Any special software around ? ...

EARN $3,000.00 A DAY. OPEN AN INCOME-DAILY ACCOUNT WITH US

ISRAEL FAGBEMI - 1 Mar 2006 7:16 AM - 1 message

<HTML> <HEAD> <META NAME="GENERATOR" Content="Microsoft DHTML Editing Control"> <TITLE></TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> <P>YOU COULD BE EARNING OVER $3K A DAY , $100K A ...

UI Resembling older Windows OS versions

Ryan M. - 1 Mar 2006 2:21 AM - 3 messages

I have noticed that the Windows XP UI no longer remains its normal self with its GUI based buttons but one resembling hte older versions of WIndows. Ctrl Alt Del now brings me to the 6 button selection instead of directly to the ...

Welcome logon screen

Grizz428 - 28 Feb 2006 11:40 PM - 4 messages

Is there a way to remove one user from the welcome screen so that that user must use ctrl+alt+del to get the old logon screen? ...

Tweak ui

mcnulty_nathan - 28 Feb 2006 7:30 PM - 6 messages

i was using tweak ui before and had no problems. i have just had a major system failure and had to restart my comp. i have got round to finally having a tweak again, and then when using tweak UI all my icons reverted back to horrable 95/98 icons rather than ...

Need Help with Windows Explorer Bar

William G. Davis - 28 Feb 2006 7:11 PM - 2 messages

This seems so simple but it escapes me. I am using the web view for my folders. I open a folder and the left pane is covered by default with the "explorer bar" folder list. I prefer the left pane simply show the "File ...

Need help with Windows Explorer Bar

William G. Davis - 28 Feb 2006 7:09 PM - 8 messages

This seems so simple but it escapes me. I am using the web view for my folders. I open a folder and the left pane is covered by default with the "explorer bar" folder list. I prefer the left pane simply show the "File ...

Show files in explorer left folder pane (tree view)

loris.rinaldo - 28 Feb 2006 5:28 PM - 4 messages

I would like explorer's left pane tree view to be able to view files like this: collapsed [+] - FOLDER1 [+] - FOLDER2 non-collapsed view [-] FOLDER1 L.. FILE1 L.. FILE2 ...

Super Fast User Switch PowerToy?

John Jay Smith - 28 Feb 2006 2:32 AM - 14 messages

Where did this go? Can someone point me to a download for it? Is it compatible with SP2? THANKS ...

Multiple Desktop button

dingy101 - 27 Feb 2006 11:45 PM - 9 messages

When I first installed XP Pro I had a button in lower right icons that allowed me to choose from multiple desktop layouts. I lost it. How do I get this button back? Is it avaliable in XP Home? Gary ...

Command Prompt Style Windows?

Pat - 27 Feb 2006 9:51 PM - 6 messages

How can you set Windows XP to use the "Command Prompt" style Example: [link] as opposed to the Windows Classic style in the Display control panel. Example: [link] ...

Fonts in DOS box?

George - 27 Feb 2006 9:43 PM - 1 message

Hi! Windows XP Home. I run a few progs. in DOS boxes. (Quick Basic, dBASEIV) Open DOS box, and right click in top blue border. Select Properties. Select Fonts. There are only two listed,. Lucida Consol and Raster. ...

desktop icons revert to default

Jason - 27 Feb 2006 7:51 PM - 4 messages

I've changed my desktop icons (my computer, recycle bin) and suddenly they are reverting back to originals evertime I restart the machine. Can you help? They stayed customized for several years till now. I did search the db with no success. ...

Proofing tools

Helena - 27 Feb 2006 5:41 PM - 2 messages

Hi, I have windows xp home edition, and i would like to install the proofing tools, but it doesn't work am i required to install windows xp Professional first??? or is there another way for me to install the proofing tools on my ...

Windows in Taskbar

Jim - 27 Feb 2006 4:12 PM - 3 messages

This may be an Excel problem rather than an XP issue, but no one in the Excel User Groups has been able to figure it out, so ... I have recently upgraded from Office 2000 to Office 2003. (I am running XP ...

Re: Customizing the Start Menu

marinevet1990 - 27 Feb 2006 12:44 PM - 1 message

I have also found the prog Resource Hacker (Hacking Windows XP by Steve Sinchak), but have been unable to locate the explorer.exe file. I would like to know if it's possible to add regular music to the startup sounds to replace the default windows startup sounds? Would like to add Linkin Park as my default startup sound. Is this even possible? Is there a hack that will work SAFELY? ...

Put a dialog window on top of the welcome screen

Wei-Yuan Lee - 27 Feb 2006 11:20 AM - 1 message

Dear All, [link] mentions little about that digital persona fingerprint reader can display a customized dialog on the top of Welcome Screen. Maybe it is discussed in the previous topics. Does someone know the tricks? ...

Power saving problems

Adam - 27 Feb 2006 8:40 AM - 1 message

I'm having some trouble getting my PC's power saving options to behave. I have Windows XP Home edition with SP2. 2 users regularly use the computer, and most of the time both users remain logged in. Both users have the ...

Forced logout question

J.Kearney - 27 Feb 2006 5:22 AM - 9 messages

A friend has XP Home SP2. She also has 5 kids. The kids will leave themselves logged in. Is there a way to force XP to log off a user after say an hour of zero activity? ...

System Volume Information - why does it come back?

Homer J. Simpson - 27 Feb 2006 3:06 AM - 4 messages

I thought this folder was only created if you used System Restore? I have multiple drives/partitions and have disabled System Restore on all but the bootable/primary/OS drive (C:). I grant myself full access to System Volume Information on all other ...

My Pictures folder limit

Black Baptist - 27 Feb 2006 2:27 AM - 1 message

Anyone know how to increase the My Pictures folder limit to over 100 files so they list under desktop wallpaper? ...

cannot remove picture overlaying wallpaper

rideGNU - 27 Feb 2006 12:06 AM - 1 message

there is a stretched picture of a warning pop-up that is covering the wallpaper, when windows shuts down u get a glips of the wallpaper behind, everything works fine yet the picture is stretched over just the wallpaper all desktop icons still visible thank u. ...

hibernate

Dave Smith - 26 Feb 2006 9:32 PM - 9 messages

My Hibernate works. My question is this....When clicking on start>> Turn off computer....I have 3 choices log off, shutdown, restart. Hibernate used to be there. How do I restore this please. Dave Smith ...

wild cats for a testing

altix - 26 Feb 2006 8:23 PM - 4 messages

Big Cats on your screen! For all lovers of wild cats: Big Cats Screensaver ver.3.1 [colorful slideshow] [link] [6.88MB] This screensaver shows beautiful photos and reproduces voices of wild cats. ...

file type icon

Garik - 26 Feb 2006 6:40 PM - 5 messages

In Windows Explorer (Windows XP Pro sp2) some files do not have characteristic icon though the program that opens such files is defined and works properly. Is there a way to prescribe these files their characteristic icons? ...

Cursor thickness while typing - how did I change it?

George_1dful - 26 Feb 2006 12:56 PM - 5 messages

I changed the cursor thickness, and I don't know how! can you please suggest ways that I may have done it. I didn't do it in display, or mouse, in control panel, so how else could I have done it? ...

cannot change desktop wallpaper

itsmejamib - 26 Feb 2006 12:47 PM - 5 messages

i cannot change the desktop wallpaper when viewing my pics in my documents by right clicking on the image or by selecting it in the left side menu. I cannot even change it by right clicking on the desktop and selecting ...

Cursor thickness

George_1dful - 26 Feb 2006 12:47 PM - 1 message

I have been changing all the settings on my computer, like backgrounds, and cursors. I managed to change the thickness of the cursor, so that when I am typing, I cannot work out which letters the cursor is in between. I now can't ...

cannot change desktop wallpaper

itsmejamib - 26 Feb 2006 12:41 PM - 1 message

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Cursor thickness

George_1dful - 26 Feb 2006 12:41 PM - 1 message

I have been changing all of the settings on my computer, the mouse pointers and backgrounds and stuuf, and somehow I have changed the thickness of the cursor, so that when you type, it comes up really thick and I can't work out ...

Desktop

luma216 - 26 Feb 2006 6:45 AM - 10 messages

Hi, I need some help! I change my desktop background to black by accident and now I can't read anything on my screen, how can I change it if I can't see any of the screen commands? ...

Re: Useless Leftover Files In Windows XP

D. Spencer Hines - 26 Feb 2006 3:07 AM - 1 message

From: Shenan Stanley Date: Sat, Jan 14 2006 6:15 pm Groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.customize "...Who knows what you might need to get rid of (and cannot after deleting the uninstall information for the patches) when you realize your badly ...

XP Color Schemes: more than just 3?? How to change?

Sam - 26 Feb 2006 2:58 AM - 2 messages

Hi I'm wanting to change the XP colour schemes, which for some weird reason are limited to just three. I'm happy to create my own, but Windows won't accept the change for the Active Task Bar. (It picks up some bits of the new colours and ignores ...

Folder got converted to Control Panel, please HELP!!!

Chipper - 26 Feb 2006 12:59 AM - 2 messages

I've been looking for a solution for my problem for some time now. I uninstalled a program called lockfolder which functions to lock out folders using a password. I used it to lock the My Pictures folder from the prying eyes of my classmates. However, when I decided to ...