Dual-booting XP and Linux - It's really easy!

Over the past few weeks several people have asked me if it's possible to set up a Windows XP/Linux dual-boot system on a PC that already has Windows XP installed on it, and if it's possible, how easy is the process. 
Well, I'm here to tell you that it's pretty easy to do.  In fact, the process is only marginally more work that installing Linux in the first place (which, if you've installed Linux before, you'll know if pretty easy).
Here's how it's done.

1. First, start off with a machine with XP already installed on it.
2. Next, download a Linux distro.  I'll be using my personal favorite, Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn.
3. Burn a CD of the ISO you downloaded and pop it into the drive and boot up off of it.
4. Start the install process.  This will take you through the Welcome screen, the Where are you? screen and the Keyboard layout screen.
5. Now you'll come to the disk partitioner.  Choose the Resize [main partition] and use freed space option.  This is where you find out if you have enough free space to do the job.  The default recommendation for the new partition size will be ideal, but you can move the slider along to change the values to suit.  When you're done, click Forward.
6. Now you can go away and leave the install to churn away until it's done.  It shouldn't take all that long.
7. When the install is complete the system will reboot.
8. When the system boot up, now you'll be greeted by the GRUB boot menu.  From here you can choose which OS to boot into.  In my case Ubuntu will be the default and will start automatically in 10 seconds.
9. The first time that you reboot into Windows the OS will more than likely want to check the disk since the partition has changed size since Windows was last running.  XP will also likely want to re-detect hardware and such and probably reboot.
10. That's it!  Yes, it's that simple.

In Ubuntu I can also tweak the GRUB bootloader settings.  To do this you need to fire up a Terminal window (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and type the following into the window:

sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

Hit ENTER and then type in your password hit ENTER again and you get access to the boot menu file in gedit.
The default boot entry is defined by the default value. Change this value to reflect which OS you want to boot up automatically.  The default value is 0, which means that the first entry in the list (in this case Ubuntu) will be loaded automatically.  If you want to change it so that Windows XP loads by default, change the value to 4 (because here XP is the fifth item in the list and the numbering system starts at 0).  You can also increase the boot menu timeout by changing the value of timeout from the default 10 to something else. Save the file to committ the changes.

10 things you can do when Windows XP won't boot

When your computer hardware appears to power upokay, but the Windows XP operating system won't boot properly, you have tobegin a troubleshooting expedition that includes getting into the operatingsystem, determining the problem, and then fixing it. To help you getstarted on this expedition, here are 10 things you can do when Windows XP won'tboot.

#1: Use a Windows startup disk

One of the first things you should reach for whentroubleshooting a Windows XP boot problem is a Windows startup disk. This floppydisk can come in handy if the problem is being caused when either the startuprecord for the active partition or the files that the operating system uses tostart Windows have become corrupted.
To create a Windows startup disk, insert a floppy disk intothe drive of a similarly configured, working Windows XP system, launch MyComputer, right-click the floppy disk icon, and select the Format command fromthe context menu. When you see the Format dialog box, leave all the defaultsettings as they are and click the Start button. Once the format operation iscomplete, close the Format dialog box to return to My Computer, double-clickthe drive C icon to access the root directory, and copy the following threefiles to the floppy disk:

• Boot.ini
• NTLDR
• Ntdetect.com

After you create the Windows startup disk, insert it intothe floppy drive on the afflicted system and press [Ctrl][Alt][Delete] toreboot the computer. When you boot from the Windows startup disk, the computerwill bypass the active partition and boot files on the hard disk and attempt tostart Windows XP normally.

#2: Use Last Known Good Configuration

You can also try to boot the operating system with the LastKnown Good Configuration feature. This feature will allow you to undo anychanges that caused problems in the CurrentControlSet registry key, whichdefines hardware and driver settings. The Last Known Good Configuration featurereplaces the contents of the CurrentControlSet registry key with a backup copythat was last used to successfully start up the operating system.
To use the Last Known Good Configuration feature, first restart the computer by pressing [Ctrl][Alt][Delete]. When you see the message Please select the operating system to start or hear the single beep, press [F8] to display the Windows Advanced Options menu. Select the Last Known Good Configuration item from the menu and press [Enter].
Keep in mind that you get only one shot with the Last KnownGood Configuration feature. In other words, if it fails to revive your WindowsXP on the first attempt, the backup copy is also corrupt.

#3: Use System Restore

Another tool that might be helpful when Windows XP won'tboot is System Restore. System Restore runs in the background as a service andcontinually monitors system-critical components for changes. When it detects animpending change, System Restore immediately makes backup copies, calledrestore points, of these critical components before the change occurs. Inaddition, System Restore is configured by default to create restore points every24 hours.
To use System Restore, first restart the computer by pressing[Ctrl][Alt][Delete]. When you see the message Please select the operating system to start or hear the singlebeep, press [F8] to display the Windows Advanced Options menu. Now, select theSafe Mode item from the menu and press [Enter].
Once Windows XP boots into Safe mode, click the Startbutton, access the All Programs | Accessories | System Tools menu, and selectSystem Restore. Because you're running in Safe mode, the only option on theopening screen of the System Restore wizard is Restore My Computer To AnEarlier Time, and it's selected by default, so just click Next. Then, followalong with the wizard to select a restore point and begin the restorationprocedure.

#4: Use Recovery Console

When a Windows XP boot problem is severe, you'll need to usea more drastic approach. The Windows XP CD is bootable and will provide youwith access to a tool called Recovery Console.
To boot from the Windows XP CD, insert it into the CD-ROMdrive on the problem system and press [Ctrl][Alt][Delete] to reboot thecomputer. Once the system begins booting from the CD, simply follow the promptsthat will allow the loading of the basic files needed to run Setup. When yousee the Welcome To Setup screen, shown in FigureA, press R to start the Recovery Console.

Figure A

You'll then see a Recovery Console menu, like the one shownin Figure B. It displays the foldercontaining the operating system's files and prompts you to choose the operatingsystem you want to log on to. Just press the menu number on the keyboard, andyou'll be prompted to enter the Administrator's password. You'll then findyourself at the main Recovery Console prompt.

Figure B

#5: Fix a corrupt Boot.ini

As the Windows XP operating system begins to load, the Ntldrprogram refers to the Boot.ini file to determine where the operating systemfiles reside and which options to enable as the operating system continues toload. So if there's a problem rooted in the Boot.ini file, it can render WindowsXP incapable of booting correctly.
If you suspect that Windows XP won't boot because Boot.inihas been corrupted, you can use the special Recovery Console version of theBootcfg tool to fix it. Of course, you must first boot the system with theWindows XP CD and access the Recovery Console as described in #4.
To use the Bootcfg tool, from the Recovery Console commandprompt, type
Bootcfg /parameter
Where /parameteris one of these required parameters:

• /Add--Scans the disk for all Windowsinstallations and allows you to add any new ones to the Boot.ini file.
• /Scan--Scans the disk for all Windowsinstallations.
• /List--Lists each entry in the Boot.ini file.
• /Default--Sets the default operating system as themain boot entry.
• /Rebuild--Completely re-creates the Boot.inifile. The user must confirm each step.
• /Redirect--Allows the boot operation to beredirected to a specific port when using the Headless Administration feature.The Redirect parameter takes two parameters of its own, [Port Baudrate ] | [UseBiosSettings].
• /Disableredirect--Disables the redirection.

#6: Fix a corrupt partition boot sector

The partition boot sector is a small section of the harddisk partition that contains information about the operating system's filesystem (NTFS or FAT32), as well as a very small machine language program thatis crucial in assisting the operating system as it loads.
If you suspect that Windows XP won't boot because thepartition boot sector has been corrupted, you can use a special RecoveryConsole tool called Fixboot to fix it. Start by booting the system with theWindows XP CD and accessing the Recovery Console as described in #4.
To use the Fixboot tool, from the Recovery Console commandprompt, type
Fixboot [drive]:
Where [drive] is the letter of the drive towhich you want to write a new partition boot sector.

#7: Fix a corrupt master boot record

The master boot record occupies the first sector on the harddisk and is responsible for initiating the Windows boot procedure. The masterboot record contains the partition table for the disk as well as a smallprogram called the master boot code,which is responsible for locating the active, or bootable, partition, in thepartition table. Once this occurs, the partition boot sector takes over andbegins loading Windows. If the master boot record is corrupt, the partitionboot sector can't do its job and Windows won't boot.
If you suspect Windows XP won't boot because the master bootrecord has been corrupted, you can use the Recovery Console tool Fixmbr to fixit. First, boot the system with the Windows XP CD and access the RecoveryConsole as described in #4.
To use the Fixmbr tool, from the Recovery Console commandprompt, type
Fixmbr [device_name]
Where [device_name] is the devicepathname of the drive to which you want to write a new master boot record. Forexample, the device pathname format for a standard bootable drive Cconfiguration would look like this:
\Device\HardDisk0

#8: Disable automatic restart

When Windows XP encounters a fatal error, the defaultsetting for handling such an error is to automatically reboot the system. Ifthe error occurs while Windows XP is booting, the operating system will becomestuck in a reboot cycle--rebooting over and over instead of starting upnormally. In that case, you'll need to disable the option for automaticallyrestarting on system failure.
When Windows XP begins to boot up and you see the message Please select the operating system to startor hear the single beep, press [F8] to display the Windows Advanced OptionsMenu. Then, select the Disable The Automatic Restart On System Failure item andpress [Enter]. Now, Windows XP will hang up when it encounters the error and withany luck, it will display a stop message you can use to diagnose the problem.

#9: Restore from a backup

If you can't seem to repair a Windows XP system that won'tboot and you have a recent backup, you can restore the system from the backupmedia. The method you use to restore the system will depend on what backuputility you used, so you'll need to follow the utility's instructions on how toperform a restore operation.

#10: Perform an in-place upgrade

If you can't repair a Windows XP system that won't boot andyou don't have a recent backup, you can perform an in-place upgrade. Doing soreinstalls the operating system into the same folder, just as if you wereupgrading from one version of Windows to another. An in-place upgrade willusually solve most, if not all, Windows boot problems.
Performing a Windows XP in-place upgrade is prettystraightforward. To begin, insert the Windows XP CD into the drive, restartyour system, and boot from the CD. Once the initial preparation is complete,you'll see the Windows XP Setup screen (shown earlier in Figure A). Press[Enter] to launch the Windows XP Setup procedure. In a moment, you'll see theLicense Agreement page and will need to press [F8] to acknowledge that youagree. Setup will then search the hard disk looking for a previous installationof Windows XP. When it finds the previous installation, you'll see a secondWindows XP Setup screen, as shown in FigureC.

Figure C

This screen will prompt you to press R to repair theselected installation or to press [Esc] to install a fresh copy of Windows XP.In this case, initiating a repair operation is synonymous with performing anin-place upgrade, so you'll need to press R. When you do so, Setup will examinethe disk drives in the system. It will then begin performing the in-placeupgrade.
Keep in mind that after you perform an in-place upgrade orrepair installation, you must reinstall all updates to Windows.

Registry restore - Is it enough to repair a broken PC?

In the modern century, computers with their huge functionalities are the most needed tools in our lives. Now, broken PC or computer freezing can be caused due to many reasons which include installation of any kind of third party software. The user needs to analyze the issues caused such a broken PC in the first place. With a broken PC, the work of the company ceases to happen for many days.

Major causes of a broken PC are:

Installation of some improper software Any unknown third party softwares sometimes plays with the settings of your computer which can cause a broken PC issue. In case, the set up of software caused such broken PC problems, it's better to remove it for restoring the normal PC performance.

Overheating Sometimes, electrical problems with the PC can also be cause of a broken PC. Another cause of such broken PC situation is the overheating of the computer’s motherboard. When the motherboard is heated due to excessive and extended use of the computer, the computer can’t function normally. When the computer overheats, it’s because the fan present in the PC has some built up dust which makes it function improperly. So, as a result, the computer overheats, every time you use it causing it to crash after some time and this becomes a broken PC situation. Sometimes, the broken PC issue is also caused due to wrong placement of the RAM in the CPU of the PC. Adjusting its position can cause the PC crash. But, if it does not, then it’s better to replace RAM so that further broken PC issue is not caused because of its defective nature.
So, to remove the broken PC problem, just remove this accumulated dust from the computer which was not allowing the fan to function.

Registry faults The registry of the computer may also develop some problems which can cause a broken PC. In such a situation, the user has the simplest option of introducing some modifications in the registry for registry restore. Complete PC Pedia provides you the required registry restore steps so that your PC continues to function perfectly and doesn't cause any more broken PC situations.

Instead of the registry restore, the users can also opt for a disk defragmenter function which again fragments the hard disks of the PC and protects your computer from broken PC situation. Since this registry restore method causes the data in these drives to be stored elsewhere, its better to take its backup. Registry restore is an easy solution because it ensures that the registry is able to enable a proper performance of the computer. Such registry restore steps involve accessing the registry, changing the value of the relevant key or even creating a new key so that the program functions correctly. Its important to take the back up of the registry when you attempt to carry out registry restore steps on your own. You can also any good registry cleaner software to prevent you from any broken PC problems.

Registry restore can be easily enabled by using simple commands in the cmd box. Registry restore process should never be attempted by a computer user without proper guidance. In the absense of computer help, you can rely on any good registry cleaner software that helps you clean all the un-necessary files from the registry on a single click.

Is your computer not working properly? Get the most optimum and free PC troubleshooting help

Computers since the past a few decades have become so lucrative for people to derive the most efficient output from their professional lives. Sometimes, these machines suffer from incurable errors which occur because the system encounters some problems. For a computer user, PC troubleshooting solutions are so crucial that he’s able to run his operations quite perfectly. Users can get simple solutions through a computer troubleshooting website to fix desktop problems. In fact, users can fix the problem themselves using the solutions from the computer troubleshooting websites. The computer not working situation arises when the PC does not have the right kind of power supply or it is attached by viruses. Even the blue screen of death can cause such computer not working scenario. So, the user should know what to do in such computer not working situations.

We offer the most lucid and inclusive information on computer problems and solutions. Since the users know how to combat computer troubleshooting with our solutions to fix computer crash problems, they face no loss from an error involving computer not working situations. Such information on Computer problems and solutions is pretty useful for users because sometimes they need instant help for PC troubleshooting. These PC troubleshooting solutions have been explained by us with perfect screenshots, which aid users on how to fix computer crash problems. On top of it, we also provide PC troubleshooting email help if the solution is not provided on our computer troubleshooting website. The users can however get complete aid from our website, which list solutions to fix computer freezes problems in complete detail with clear steps.

How to solve unexpected computer freezes problems with right solution?
We make sure that the users are able to solve all their computer related problems using our simple to follow solutions. So, any user does not need to call a computer professional at home to fix a computer not working problem. Often taking aid from a computer expert involves enormous expenses to fix computer problems.

Benefits of getting solutions from Complete PC Pedia

• Complete PC Pedia contains complete set of computer problems and solutions to provide you perfect source for free computer solutions for any kind of computer problem that a user can ever encounter.
• We don’t charge anything for these highly beneficial computer solutions which are up-to-the-mark and totally attuned for resolving computer issues.
• Our computer solutions aid to restore computer urgently despite of the severity of the problem.
• Our solutions are sufficient to restore computer after computer freezes problem, due to issues like Trojan Virus. There is no need to get in touch with any PC restore professional for computer repair.
• So, restore computer through our effectual solutions for errors like hal.dll file missing or schvost error.
• We try hard to provide up-to-date and fast computer solutions at no cost to help you restore PC.

Photoshop Cheatsheets & Our Must Know Shortcuts

Photoshop Tutorials

They will help you in getting things done quickly, save you a lot of headache and steps and overall inflate your Photoshop-fu!

 Photoshop Tips & Tricks That You Should Know (Part 2)

These follow up Photoshop tips will help you do your work faster and much more easily, let’s begin where we left off and set the ball rolling.

Mastering Photoshop With Paths

Presented here is a guide to help you build proficiency, increase productivity and demystify the elusive world of Paths.

Photoshop Pathing: How To Use Photoshop Pen Tool

This concentrate on pathing out a simple object from its background.

Everything You Need To know About Photoshop Actions

A screen cast on how to use Photoshop actions this screen cast will teach you how to save, load, and create Photoshop actions and go through its main features and functions.

 Advanced Photoshop Tips, Tricks and Tutorials Roundup

You can never stop improving your web and graphic design skills, you can always find something new and handy as you’ll see in the following collection.

10 Simple Steps to Better Photoshop Performance

If you never changed the default performance settings in your Photoshop or you just want to double check them to improve the Photoshop performance, here are 10 important and useful points that you may want to consider.

How To Correct Banding In Your Gradients Using Photoshop

This simple technique will reduce banding and streaking so your gradients look nice and smooth. Before you think about altering your colors, make you try this first.

20 Handy Photoshop Tips For a Faster Workflow

It’s tips like these that make the most common of tasks quicker and easier than ever to help speed up your Photoshop workflow.

5 Advanced Photoshop Techniques for Web Designers

In this step-by-step tutorial, author’s going to show you how to create five killer effects for your site.

Advanced Photoshop Techniques for Web Designers – Part 2

In this article we look at how to create fold and light Effects as well as 3D elements.

An Idiot’s Guide To Photoshop

This guide starts right at the very bottom, assuming no knowledge at all, and walks you through all basic aspects of the application. The guide even comes with three full pages of shortcuts, cheat sheets covering all the application’s possibilities!

20 Time-Saving Tips to Improve Designer’s Workflow

Regardless of your experience level, there are ways to speed up the common design tasks. You should find some of these not-so-well-known tips and strategies listed below very helpful for your workflow.

A Basic Guide to Photoshop CS4 Adjustment Layers

Adjustments can be used for non-destructive editing, can be masked to edit only a part of an image, it can be applied to several layers on a single document and even you can change the Adjustment Layer’s Blending Mode to create outstanding results.

10 Time-saving Tweaks for Word 2007

Many people don't think to customize Microsoft Word. That's a shame. By tweaking Word's settings and options, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time when it comes to editing and creating documents.

Of course, it isn't always easy to know where to start customizing Word. That's because different users have different needs. But, I've put together a collection of tips to help you get started tailoring Microsoft Word 2007 to your needs.

1. Changing the Default File Format

Word 2007 uses the new .DOCX file format. That means your documents are not compatible with earlier versions like Word 2003.

Microsoft does offer a compatibility tool for Word 2003. Users who have the tool installed will be able to open and edit your documents. But, you don't want to assume that others will be able to work with your documents. That's especially true when it comes to important business documents.

Fortunately, you can change Word 2007's default file format easily. You can change the file format every time you save a document. Or, you can tweak Word so documents are automatically saved in the .DOC format. That way, you won't need to worry about file compatibility problems.

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2. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar

With Word 2007, Microsoft introduced the new ribbon interface. The old toolbars and menus have been replaced with a single toolbar that switches between different categories of options.

Long-time users of Word will undoubtedly miss the quick access to their most-used commands. That's why the Quick Access toolbar is so important. It lets you place frequently used commands above the ribbon. That means the commands are always within easy reach.

Customize the Quick Access toolbar now so you don't have to hunt for your favorite tools in Word. This quick tip will show you how it's done.

3. Disable the Mini Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar isn't the only new toolbar to be introduced in Word 2007. There's also the Mini toolbar. It appears when you are working with text and objects in your document.

Many people will welcome the Mini toolbar. It puts commands right where you need them most--immediately beside the part of your document that you're editing.

For others, the Mini toolbar is a nuisance. It can obstruct the very text you're trying to format. So, you may prefer to disable the Mini toolbar. Fortunately, disabling the Mini toolbar is a snap. Find out how to do it.

4. Turning off Reading View for Email Attachments

By default, Word opens email attachments in reading view. This allows you to read the document more easily. For example, ClearType is used to make text clearer. And, you can adjust the size of the text without making permanent changes to the document.

Unfortunately, reading view does have its drawbacks. Complex formatting may not be displayed correctly. So, you'll want to switch to a different view to edit the document.

For many people, reading view is a real nuissance. And changing document views will slow you down in Word. But, if you don't like reading view, you can disable it. When you open an email attachment from Outlook, a more suitable view will be used to display your document. Learn how to disable reading view now!

5. Editing Word 2007's AutoCorrect Entries

AutoCorrect is one of Word's most valuable features. It automatically corrects misspelled words in your document. But, AutoCorrect can be a source of frustration to many. That's because it can incorrectly change text in a document.

So, to get the most from AutoCorrect, you should customize it. You can remove or edit entries that frequently cause you problems.

But, you can also do so much more with AutoCorrect. For example, you can create special shortcuts. You may frequently type the same names or company names. You can create AutoCorrect entries for these names. You could have Word replace your initials with your full name. Your options are virtually limitless.

6. Customizing Word 2007's Shortcut Keys

Using shortcut keys is one of the best ways to save time in Microsoft Word. You won't need to search through the ribbon and dialog boxes to find the command you need. Instead, you simply press a set of keys. You don't even need to take your hands off the keyboard, allowing you to continue working.

There are countless shortcut keys in Microsoft Word. They can be difficult to remember. Or, you may prefer to assign a shortcut key to a different command than its default.

Fortunately, Word's shortcut keys can be edited. You can create new shortcut keys for obscure commands not yet assigned a key. Or, you can edit existing shortcut keys. It's a great way to get even more out of Word's shortcut keys.

7. Changing the Default File Save Location

By default, Word saves your documents in the Documents folder. This will suit most users just fine. After all, most back up programs automatically back up this folder. And, you never need to look far to find your documents.

But, some users may prefer to store documents in a different location. For example, you may need to store documents on a server so others may access them.

Fortunately, Word lets you set the default file save location. You can change it to a location that better suits your needs. You don't need to worry about changing the location when you save a document. Learn how to change the default file save location now!

8. Showing Formatting Marks in Word 2007

Over the years, many users have switched from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word. And, they virtually all miss one very cool WordPerfect feature: the ability to reveal formatting marks.

Displaying formatting marks has a couple of benefits. First, it allows you to troubleshoot formatting in your document. Second, you can select formatting options just the same as you would text.

Word will display certain formatting marks. You can see formatting marks for spaces, returns, tabs and tables. The feature isn't as powerful as WordPerfect's. However, it will still save you considerable time.

The formatting marks are helpful when you're editing a document. You will be able to spot inconsistencies at a glance--before you print your document.

9. Changing the ScreenTips Settings

Word displays ScreenTips to help you identify buttons and options on the ribbons. It is a valuable tool for those who are new to Microsoft Word. But, they can be an annoyance to those skilled in Word. They can be distracting, or they can hide other commands.

Fortunately, you can turn ScreenTips on or off at will. New users would do well to enable them. Other users can turn them off if they prove to be a nuisance. My tip will help you set your own ScreenTips preferences.

10. Changing the Macro Security Level

Macros are designed to make your work easier in Word. A macro is basically a series of commands. The macro is assigned a shortcut key. So, you can perform complex actions with the press of a button.You can create your own macros to automate tedious work in Word.

Macros can be saved with documents. That's handy if you work in an environment where editing duties are shared between multiple parties. When you email a document, recipients will be able to use the macros.

There is a darker side to macros. Malicious macros put your machine and data in danger. So, Word automatically blocks macros on shared documents to protect you. But, you can set Word's macro security level to allow them. This option should only be changed by experienced users!

 

Six Time-Saving Tips for Excel 2007

Here is a list of six tips that will save you time and effort when working with your Excel 2007 spreadsheets.

Tip 1: Create a Formatting Style

A style in Excel 2007 is a combination of formatting options that is named and saved as part of your current spreadsheet file. The new style can then quickly be applied to data and cells in the spreadsheet.

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Tip 2: Create a Template

An Excel template is a file containing data and formatting options that are commonly used in many or all of your spreadsheets. Once the template contains these commonly used items, it is used as a starter file for other worksheets.

Tip 3: Copy Formulas with the Fill Handle

It is common in Excel to use the same function or formula several times. Rather than recreating a function or formula each time you need it, you can use the fill handle to copy formulas from one cell to other cells in the spreadsheet. Doing so can save you an enormous amount of time as well as eliminating potential errors if you create each formula over and over again.

Tip 4: Copy Formatting with the Format Painter

Excel's Format Painter allows you to quickly copy formatting from one part of a sheet to another, or to another sheet in the same workbook. One common use is if you are extending a spreadsheet to accommodate new data and need to format the new cells to match the original data area.

Tip 5: Select Non-Adjacent Cells

By selecting multiple cells in Excel you can delete data, apply formatting such as borders or shading, or apply other options to large areas of a worksheet all at one time.

Tip 6: Navigate a Worksheet using the Name Box

While it is easy enough to use the scroll bars or even just the mouse to move around a small worksheet that uses only a few columns and rows, for larger ones (remember there are over 16,000 columns and more than one million rows in a single Excel 2007 worksheet) endless scrolling becomes tedious and wastes a lot of time. The name box allows you to quickly jump from one area to another using cell references.

Fix Services MMC Error “One or More ActiveX Controls Could Not Be Displayed”

When you open the Services MMC (services.msc), the following errors appear, and the list of services may or may not display after dismissing the error message dialog boxes.

One or more ActiveX controls could not be displayed because either:
1) Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page, or
2) You have blocked a publisher of one of the controls.
As a result, the page might not display correctly.

… followed by the error Object doesn’t support property or method ‘ConnectTo’ in URL mmcndmgr.dll/views.js.

Resolution

Run the Fix-It Solution from Microsoft

[Windows 7 Users] Download the Fix it solution by clicking the image above, and run the executable. The problem should be taken care of, automatically.
To Fix the Problem Manually
1. Click Start, type Regedit.exe and press {ENTER}
2. Navigate to the following branch:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Internet Settings \ Zones

3. Under the Zones key, delete the subkey shown with an ASCII character, as in the above graphic. If it doesn’t exist, ignore and proceed to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Internet Settings \ Zones \ 0

4. Double-click the DWORD value named 1200, and type 0 as its value data.

The DWORD value 1200 corresponds to IE Security Zone setting "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins". Setting the value to 0 permits ActiveX controls and plug-ins.
5. Exit the Registry Editor.
6. Logoff and login back to your account.

Fix Autoruns Disabled Folder Launches Automatically at Startup

The AutorunsDisabled folder, as the name implies, contains the startup folder items that are disabled using Autoruns, the startup manager from Windows SysInternals. This folder is located under the Startup folder (separate folders for per-user startup and per-machine startup locations) contains hidden attribute set by default so that these folders are not treated as startup items themselves by Windows. If the hidden attribute for the AutorunsDisabled folder gets removed somehow, then it’s considered as a startup entry and Windows shows the folder window at every logon.

To prevent this folder from appearing, simply reset the "Hidden" attribute to the folder.
Click Start, All Programs, Startup.
Right-click AutorunsDisabled and choose Properties

Enable the Hidden attribute and click OK.

Alternately, to reset the hidden attribute for this folder, open Autoruns and disable a startup entry (the one which starts from the Startup folder, and not from "Run" registry location) and enable it back again.

Using Group Policy to Configure Wireless Network Settings

In an Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) environment, you can use Group Policy settings to configure wireless network policies. (Note that you should have Windows Server 2003 SP1 or later installed on your domain controllers.)

But before you can use Group Policy to configure wireless networks, you may need to extend the AD DS schema. To do this, check out the article "Active Directory Schema Extensions for Windows Vista Wireless and Wired Group Policy Enhancements" and follow the directions in the section titled "Extending the Schema for Wireless Group Policy Settings".

After you extend the schema, you can configure a wireless network policy by following these steps:

1. Open the Active Directory GPO in the Group Policy Object Editor.
2. Expand Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, and then click Wireless Network (IEEE 802.11) Policies.
3. Right-click Wireless Network (IEEE 802.11) Policies and then click Create A New Windows Vista Policy. The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears.
4. To add an infrastructure network, click Add and then click Infrastructure to open the Connection tab of the New Profile Properties dialog box. In the Network Names list, click NEWSSID and then click Remove. Then, type a valid internal SSID in the Network Names box and click Add. Repeat this to configure multiple SSIDs for a single profile. If the network is hidden, select the Connect Even If The Network Is Not Broadcasting check box.
5. On the New Profile Properties dialog box, click the Security tab. Use this tab to configure the wireless network authentication and encryption settings. Click OK.

These settings will configure client computers to connect automatically to your internal wireless networks and not to connect to other wireless networks.

Customize the Command Prompt in Windows 7

You can customize the appearance of a Command Prompt window, changing its size, font, and even colors. And you can save these settings independently for each shortcut that launches a Command Prompt so that you can make appropriate settings for different tasks.

To customize a Command Prompt window, you make settings in the Properties dialog box that you can reach in three ways:

• Right-clicking on a shortcut for a Command Prompt provides the Properties option. Changes you make here affect all future Command Prompt sessions launched from that particular shortcut.
• Clicking the Control menu icon in a Command Prompt window offers access to the Properties dialog box. (If Command Prompt is running in full-screen mode, press Alt+Enter to switch to window display.) Changes you make here affect the current session. When you leave the properties dialog box, you’ll be given the option of propagating your changes to the shortcut from which this session was launched. If you accept, all future sessions launched from that shortcut will also use the new settings.
• Clicking the Control menu icon in a Command Prompt window and choosing Defaults from the Control menu lets you make changes that will not affect the current session but instead will affect all future sessions (except for those launched from a shortcut whose properties have been customized). These changes also affect future sessions in character-mode, MS-DOS-based applications that do not have a program-information file (PIF) and do not store their own settings.

Tweaking Edit Options
The Options tab offers a variety of options that affect how your Command Prompt window operates. Notably, you can enable or disable QuickEdit Mode. This option provides an easy way to copy text from (and paste text into) Command Prompt windows with a mouse. If you don’t select QuickEdit Mode, you can use commands on the Control menu for copying and pasting text. You can also enable or disable Insert Mode. This setting (which is on by default) allows you to insert text at the cursor position. Clearing the Insert Mode check box setting will allow you to overstrike characters instead.

Note that when you use the third method, choosing Defaults, you also get the option to enable and disable the AutoComplete option, which is enabled by default.

Configure Network Map Settings throughout Your Environment

Windows creates the Network Map in part by using the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol. LLTD functions at Layer 2 (the layer that devices use to communicate on a LAN), allowing network devices to identify each other, learn about the network (including bandwidth capabilities), and establish communications (even if devices are not yet configured with IP addresses). While you don’t usually need to manage LLTD, there are a couple Group Policy settings that you can use to configure LLTD.

These two settings are located within Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Network\Link Layer Topology Discovery.

• Turn on Responder (RSPNDR) Driver
  This setting enables computers to be discovered on a network and to participate in Quality of Service (QoS) activities, such as bandwidth estimation and network health analysis. You can choose to enable the responder driver while connected to networks of the domain, public, or private location type.
• Turn on Mapper I/O (LLTDIO) Driver
  This enables a computer to discover the topology of the local network and to initiate QoS requests. You can choose to enable the mapper driver while connected to networks of the domain, public, or private location type. To enable Network Map on a computer that is connected to a domain, you need to enable the LLTDIO Driver Group Policy setting and select the Allow Operation While In Domain check box.

For Windows to create a full Network Map, the Link Layer Topology Discovery Mapper service must be running and network mapping must be enabled. This service is set to start manually by default. You should avoid disabling the Link Layer Topology Discovery Mapper service unless you also want to disable network mapping.

Note that LLTD is not a secure protocol and there is no guarantee that the Network Map is accurate. It is possible for devices on the network to send false announcements, adding bogus items to the map. And Windows might not display devices that do not support LLTD (such as systems running Windows XP).

Protect your data in Windows 7

PROTECT YOUR DATA:Your USB flash drives can easily be encrypted with BitLocker

USB flash drives are convenient, portable, and very easy to lose. Which is a problem, especially if they're carrying sensitive data. Fortunately Windows 7 has the solution: encrypt your documents with an extension of Microsoft's BitLocker technology, and only someone with the password will be able to access it. Right-click your USB flash drive, select Turn on BitLocker and follow the instructions to protect your private files.

IPconfig

This is a Microsoft windows NT, 2000 command. It is very useful in determining what could be wrong with a network.

This command when used with the /all switch, reveal enormous amounts of troubleshooting information within the system.

Windows 2000 IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : cowder
Primary DNS Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . :
WAN (PPP/SLIP) Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-53-45-00-00-00
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 12.90.108.123
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.255
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 12.90.108.125
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 12.102.244.2
204.127.129.2

Examining your network with commands:

Ping

PING is used to check for a response from another computer on the network. It can tell you a great deal of information about the status of the network and the computers you are communicating with.

Ping returns different responses depending on the computer in question. The responses are similar depending on the options used.

Ping uses IP to request a response from the host. It does not use TCP

.It takes its name from a submarine sonar search - you send a short sound burst and listen for an echo - a ping - coming back.

In an IP network, `ping' sends a short data burst - a single packet - and listens for a single packet in reply. Since this tests the most basic function of an IP network (delivery of single packet), it's easy to see how you can learn a lot from some `pings'.

To stop ping, type control-c. This terminates the program and prints out a nice summary of the number of packets transmitted, the number received, and the percentage of packets lost, plus the minimum, average, and maximum round-trip times of the packets.

Sample ping session

PING localhost (127.0.0.1): 56 data bytes
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=0 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=1 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=2 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=3 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=4 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=5 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=6 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=7 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=8 ttl=255 time=2 ms
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=9 ttl=255 time=2 ms

localhost ping statistics

10 packets transmitted, 10 packets received, 0% packet loss
round-trip min/avg/max = 2/2/2 ms
meikro$

The Time To Live (TTL) field can be interesting. The main purpose of this is so that a packet doesn't live forever on the network and will eventually die when it is deemed "lost." But for us, it provides additional information. We can use the TTL to determine approximately how many router hops the packet has gone through. In this case it's 255 minus N hops, where N is the TTL of the returning Echo Replies. If the TTL field varies in successive pings, it could indicate that the successive reply packets are going via different routes, which isn't a great thing.

The time field is an indication of the round-trip time to get a packet to the remote host. The reply is measured in milliseconds. In general, it's best if round-trip times are under 200 milliseconds. The time it takes a packet to reach its destination is called latency. If you see a large variance in the round-trip times (which is called "jitter"), you are going to see poor performance talking to the host

Types of Servers:

Device Servers

A device server is defined as a specialized, network-based hardware device designed to perform a single or specialized set of server functions. It is characterized by a minimal operating architecture that requires no per seat network operating system license, and client access that is independent of any operating system or proprietary protocol. In addition the device server is a "closed box," delivering extreme ease of installation, minimal maintenance, and can be managed by the client remotely via a Web browser.

Print servers, terminal servers, remote access servers and network time servers are examples of device servers which are specialized for particular functions. Each of these types of servers has unique configuration attributes in hardware or software that help them to perform best in their particular arena.

Print Servers

Print servers allow printers to be shared by other users on the network. Supporting either parallel and/or serial interfaces, a print server accepts print jobs from any person on the network using supported protocols and manages those jobs on each appropriate printer.

Print servers generally do not contain a large amount of memory; printers simply store information in a queue. When the desired printer becomes available, they allow the host to transmit the data to the appropriate printer port on the server. The print server can then simply queue and print each job in the order in which print requests are received, regardless of protocol used or the size of the job.

Multiport Device Servers

Devices that are attached to a network through a multiport device server can be shared between terminals and hosts at both the local site and throughout the network. A single terminal may be connected to several hosts at the same time (in multiple concurrent sessions), and can switch between them. Multiport device servers are also used to network devices that have only serial outputs. A connection between serial ports on different servers is opened, allowing data to move between the two devices.

Given its natural translation ability, a multi-protocol multiport device server can perform conversions between the protocols it knows, like LAT and TCP/IP. While server bandwidth is not adequate for large file transfers, it can easily handle host-to-host inquiry/response applications, electronic mailbox checking, etc. And it is far more economical than the alternatives of acquiring expensive host software and special-purpose converters. Multiport device and print servers give their users greater flexibility in configuring and managing their networks.

Whether it is moving printers and other peripherals from one network to another, expanding the dimensions of interoperability or preparing for growth, multiport device servers can fulfill your needs, all without major rewiring.

Access Servers

While Ethernet is limited to a geographic area, remote users such as traveling sales people need access to network-based resources. Remote LAN access, or remote access, is a popular way to provide this connectivity. Access servers use telephone services to link a user or office with an office network. Dial-up remote access solutions such as ISDN or asynchronous dial introduce more flexibility. Dial-up remote access offers both the remote office and the remote user the economy and flexibility of "pay as you go" telephone services. ISDN is a special telephone service that offers three channels, two 64 Kbps "B" channels for user data and a "D" channel for setting up the connection. With ISDN, the B channels can be combined for double bandwidth or separated for different applications or users. With asynchronous remote access, regular telephone lines are combined with modems and remote access servers to allow users and networks to dial anywhere in the world and have data access. Remote access servers provide connection points for both dial-in and dial-out applications on the network to which they are attached. These hybrid devices route and filter protocols and offer other services such as modem pooling and terminal/printer services. For the remote PC user, one can connect from any available telephone jack (RJ45), including those in a hotel rooms or on most airplanes.

Network Time Servers

A network time server is a server specialized in the handling of timing information from sources such as satellites or radio broadcasts and is capable of providing this timing data to its attached network. Specialized protocols such as NTP or udp/time allow a time server to communicate to other network nodes ensuring that activities that must be coordinated according to their time of execution are synchronized correctly. GPS satellites are one source of information that can allow global installations to achieve constant timing.

Networking Basics

When looking at networking basics, understanding the way a network operates is the first step to understanding routing and switching. The network operates by connecting computers and peripherals using two pieces of equipment; switches and routers. Switches and routers, essential networking basics, enable the devices that are connected to your network to communicate with each other, as well as with other networks.
Though they look quite similar, routers and switches perform very different functions in a network.

Networking Basics: Switches

• Switches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network within a building or campus. For example, a switch can connect your computers, printers and servers, creating a network of shared resources. The switch, one aspect of your networking basics, would serve as a controller, allowing the various devices to share information and talk to each other. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save you money and increase productivity.
  
  There are two basic types of switches to choose from as part of your networking basics: managed and unmanaged.
  • An unmanaged switch works out of the box and does not allow you to make changes. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.
  • A managed switch allows you access to program it. This provides greater flexibility to your networking basics because the switch can be monitored and adjusted locally or remotely to give you control over network traffic, and who has access to your network.

Networking Basics: Routers

• Routers, the second valuable component of your networking basics, are used to tie multiple networks together. For example, you would use a router to connect your networked computers to the Internet and thereby share an Internet connection among many users. The router will act as a dispatcher, choosing the best route for your information to travel so that you receive it quickly.
  
  Routers analyze the data being sent over a network, change how it is packaged, and send it to another network, or over a different type of network. They connect your business to the outside world, protect your information from security threats, and can even decide which computers get priority over others.
  
  Depending on your business and your networking plans, you can choose from routers that include different capabilities. These can include networking basics such as:
  • Firewall: Specialized software that examines incoming data and protects your business network against attacks
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): A way to allow remote employees to safely access your network remotely
  • IP Phone network : Combine your company's computer and telephone network, using voice and conferencing technology, to simplify and unify your communications

Make your pen drive bootable with MakeBootable

Many times, when you are facing a critical windows problem and you need the bootable cd urgently to repair your windows but some how you don’t get it.
MakeBootable is a free software which lets you convert your pen drive into a  bootable media, After making your pen drive bootable with makebootable you can use your pen drive like a windows xp bootable cd.
Makebootable is so easy to use, as it make your normal USB pen drive a bootable media in one click.

But there is a limitation, you will need to format your pen drive with fat file system in order to make your device bootable.

Convert to FAT and use MakeBootable

1. Backup the existing files on the drive.
2. Perform a FAT format
3. Now Run Makebootable.exe to make your USB portable device bootable.

                     After making your pen drive bootable, go to your BIOS and select USB Device as First Boot device in the boot device priority

"After making your pen drive bootable, go to your BIOS and select USB Device as First Boot device in the boot device priority"

Note: While using MakeBootable, if your
USB pen drive is under FAT32 and NTFS file system format, you will need to convert the format to FAT. MakeBootable does not support FAT32 and NTFS file systems.

How to make Bootable Windows XP PenDrive

Boot from USB is more faster than boot from CD Drive. You can easily install Windows XP from a Pen drive by making your Pen Drive Bootable. Here is the process to make Bootable Pen Drive.

First Download this USBMultiboot10.zip

You must do

• Unzip the file after downloading 
• A folder will be created as "USB-Multiboot_10"
• Now insert your minimum 1 GB pen drive into USB port

Note : Make sure that you have Backup your data from Pen drive. Because your Pen Drive will be  formatted during making bootable pen drive process.

Now follow this steps :

• Open USB_Multiboot_10.cmd from USB_multiboot_10 folder
• Press any key to Continue... A message will be appear. Press ENTER
• From Enter your choice : type P and press ENTER
• Now  Pen derive format option will come and format your pen drive. See below pictures...

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

Bootable Windows Xp Pendrive

• Now insert your XP CD in your CD Rom
• Type 1 and press ENTER in Enter your choice
• Locate the XP CD installation Disk
• Choose YES when unattended install option appear

Now insert the below information on by one and press OK

1. Owner Name = emdadblog (Your Name)
2. Organization Name = Emdadblog(Your Name)
3. Product Key = XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX(your Xp serial Key)
4. Computer Name = Emdadblog(your computer name)
5. Administrator Password = XXXX(Your password)
6. Time Zone = Your time zone
7. Workgroup Name = Emdadblog(Your name)
8. User Name = Emdadblog(Your name)

Now press OK

• Type 2 and press ENTER in choice 2
• Now locate your pen drive location
• Type 3 and press enter
• Now the process will continue to make bootable XP Pen drive

Note : During the installation process never disconnect the pen drive from USB port until the first time windows desktop appear.

In many computer during the installation process after restarting first time a error hall.dll will come. In this situation  to boot from pen drive choose "2.and 3. Continue with GUI mode setup Widnows XP + Start XP from HD 1" from boot menu option and press  ENTER

Shut Down from Your Desktop

 

If you're trying to eliminate every extraneous mouse click, you can shut down your computer with an icon on the desktop. Right-click on your desktop, click "New," and then click "Shortcut." In the "Type the location of the item" field, type "shutdown -s -t 00" to give you a way to shut down the computer immediately. (Change the -s to -r to create a reboot shortcut instead.)

Control Inactive System Tray Icons

You don't have to hide or show all the icons in your system tray—you can control their disappearing acts. Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties. Click on the checkbox next to "Hide inactive icons" (if it's not checked by default), then click on the Customize button. For each item on this list, you can choose "Hide when inactive," "Always hide," or "Always show" options to decide what you'll see and when.

Shutdown Hangs On “Saving Your Settings”

During shutdown or reboot, Win XP may hang (stop responding) at the “saving your settings” screen. During such a hang, there is no response to Ctrl+Alt+Del; the mouse may or may not work. The problem may be intermittent.
This is a known bug in Windows XP, for which Microsoft has a supported fix. To learn how to get this patch, see MSKB Q307274, “Windows XP Stops Responding (Hangs) During Windows Shutdown.” The necessary patch is included in Windows XP Service Pack 1, and also is now available on the Windows Update site under “Recommended Updates” for Win XP Professional, titled “Restarting Windows XP.” However, to find it, you may need to reconfigure how Windows Update appears for you, by enabling the Windows Update Catalog as follows: At the Windows Update page, click Personalize Windows Update at the left, and then Enable the Windows Update Catalog. Save your settings. This adds the Windows Update Catalog link in the left box. Click this link, then click Find updates for Microsoft Windows systems. Pick Windows XP in the drop-down list, click Search, take Recommended Updates, and find the “Restarting Windows XP” patch which references Q307274.
As a workaround, one may resolved this problem by dismantling the Windows XP logon Welcome screen. In the Control Panel, click User Accounts.  Then click “Change the way users log on or off.” Uncheck the box that says “Use the Welcome screen.” This removes the initial logon screen with individual icons for each user and, instead, pops up the classic logon prompt that requires each user to type a user name and password.

Using the XP SP2 Pop-Up Blocker

If you do happen to run Windows XP, the simplest thing you can do to improve IE's security and block pop-up windows is to install Service Pack 2 (SP2). This massive security update includes a major upgrade to IE.

In XP SP2, when you visit a site that attempts to display a pop-up window, IE displays below the Address Bar a small yellow pane, which is called the Information Bar. This bar reports that a pop-up has been blocked and that you can click the yellow pane to see the pop-up or view additional options. When you click the Information Bar, you'll see the following options: 

	Temporarily Allow Pop-ups. This option will turn off IE's pop-up blocker until you re-enable it.
	Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site. Places the currently visited site into IE's Allowed sites list.
	Settings. Lets you disable the pop-up blocker, change the behavior of the Information Bar, or access the IE Pop-up Blocker Settings dialog.
	Information Bar Help. Displays IE help documents about the Information Bar.