15 Top Windows XP secrets
15 Top Windows XP secrets :Useful key shortcuts available:
Windows key + D - shows the desktop.
Windows key + M - minimizes all open windows.
Windows key + Shift + M - maximizes all open windows.
Windows key + E - Runs Windows Explorer.
Windows key + R - shows the RUN dialog.
Windows key + F - shows Search window.
Windows key + Break - shows System Properties box.
Windows key + TAB - Go through taskbar applications.
Windows key + PAUSE Display the System Properties dialog box.
Windows key + U Open Utility Manager.
ALT + TAB - Cycle through opened applications.
Hold down CTRL while dragging an item to Copy it.
CTRL + ESC Display the Start menu.
ALT + ENTER View the properties for the selected item.
F4 key Display the Address bar list in My Computer or
NUM LOCK + Asterisk (*) Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder.
Lock Windows to protect computer :
You can lock Windows to protect the computer when leaving the station easily by creating a shortcut with the path rundll32.exeuser32.dll, LockWorkStation. The Windows key + L is also a shortcut to this feature.
Edit sysoc.inf to list all software :
To show all software that can be removed from your computer (including protected Windows services), you can manually edit (using notepad for example) the sysoc.inf file located in Windows\inf\. Just remove the word hide next to the software pack.
Note - use this at your own risk. Removing critical components of the system will make Windows instable.
Windows XP comes with IPv4 and IPv6 :
Windows XP comes both IPv4 and IPv6 support. To enable IPv6, you can install the protocols needed with the command "ipv6 install" in the command-prompt. Then type ipv6 /? to see the options. The installation will not remove the IPv4 protocols so your current configuration will still work.
Access Task Manager with shortcut :
To access the Task Manager easier, you can make a shortcut that points to %windir%\system32\taskmgr.exe.
Stop treating ZIP files like Folders :
If you don't want your Windows XP to treat ZIP files like folders, you can disable this component by running regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll at the command prompt or Run dialog. If you start missing it, you can enable it by typing regsvr32 zipfldr.dll.
Run program as diffrent user :
You can run a program as a different user. Right click an application and select Run As command.
Switch users leaving applications opened :
You can switch users leaving the applications opened too (*NOTE* use this only when needed since it could lead to system instability).
Go to Task Manager - processes and end the process explorer.exe. This will end only your session and not all applications. Then go to Applications tab, click New task and type runas /user:domainname\username explorer.exe. A password prompt will appear to login to the desired username. The user's session will start, with all your previously applications running.
I recommend to open first a command-line prompt and type runas /? to see all the options available.
Rename multiple files in Windows at once :
Rename multiple files in Windows at once. Select them all, right click and select Rename. Enter the desired name. They will be renamed using what you specified, with a number in brackets to distinguish them.
Task kill feature in Windows :
Windows has a task kill feature similar to Linux. Go to a command prompt and run the command tasklist to see running processes with PID numbers. Then type tskill
Edit features with GPEDIT.MSC :
You can edit many features by running gpedit.msc. You can add log on/log off scripts here and many features.
Edit accounts in the command prompt :
You can edit accounts by running "control userpasswords2" at the command prompt.
Use systeminfo.exe to see System Information :
You can use the systeminfo.exe command in the command prompt to see System Information, including all Windows updates and hotfixes.
Disable system services for maximum performance :
There are system services that you can disable to free up the system's load. To access the interface that permits you to make changes to system's services, type services.msc and the command prompt.
This is a list of services that are *usually* useless and can be safely disabled.
Alerter
Application Layer Gateway Service,
Application Management
Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer
Clipbook
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Distributed Transaction Coordinater
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
IMAPI CD-Burning
Indexing Service
IPSEC Services
Messenger
Net Logon
Net Meeting
Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Portable Media Serial Number
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Registry
Secondary Logon
Smartcard
SSDP Discovery Service
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Webclient
Wireless Zero Configuration
WMI Performance Adaptor
NOTE: Make sure you don't need them since some applications you're using could depend on them. If you make any application to fail by disabling any of the services, go back and enable it again.
Repair Windows XP by using the XP installation CD:
If your system failes to start due to an error related to missing HAL.DLL, invalid Boot.ini or any other critical system boot files you can repair this by using the XP installation CD. Simply boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console. Then run "attrib -H -R -S" on the C:\Boot.ini file and delete it. Run "Bootcfg /Rebuild" and then Fixboot.
17 Awesome, Must Try Notepad Tricks
Here goes the top 10 notepad tricks :
1. Bush Hid the Facts/This App Can Break
This is one of the most popular notepad tricks because of its mysterious nature. In order to get an idea as to what this trick does, just follow the steps given below:
•Open Notepad.
•Type “BUSH HID THE FACTS” or “this app can break” (without quotes).
•Save that file with any name and close it.
•Open It Again to see the magic.
Reason For This Behavior: It is known as the 4335 Rule. It means that if we enter four words separated by spaces, wherein the first word has 4 letters, the next two have three letters each, and the last word has five letters. Then Notepad Automatically hides the text into unknown code.
2. World Trade Center Attack Trick
As you might be knowing that the flight number of the plane that had hit World Trade Center on that dreadful day (9/11) was Q33NY. Now call this trick a coincidence or something else but whatever it is, it does startle us.
•Open Notepad.
•Type “Q33N” (without quotes) in capital letters.
•Increase the font size to 72.
•Change the Font to Wingdings.
You will be amazed by the findings.
3. Make A Personal Log-Book or A Diary
Did you know that you can also use Notepad as a simple digital diary or a personal Log-Book ? Well, if you didn’t then follow the below mentioned steps to make one for yourself !
•Open Notepad.
•Type .LOG (in capital letters) and hit enter.
•Save it with any name and close it.
•Open it again.
When you open the file again you will see the current date and time being inserted automatically after the .LOG line. This will happen automatically every time you reopen the the notepad file.
4. Test Your Anti-Virus
You can also test your anti virus program for its effectiveness using a simple notepad trick. Follow the steps below to know more:
•Open Notepad.
•Copy the code give below in the notepad file:
X5O!P%@AP[4PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
•Save it with an .exe extension like testvirus.exe
As soon as you save this file, your anti virus program will detect the file (virus) immediately and will attempt to delete it. If this happens then your Antivirus is working properly. If not, then its time to look for some other reliable program.
NOTE: The EICAR test file (#3) is a 16-bit application and cannot be run on 64-bit versions of Windows.
5. Continually pop the CD Drive
•Open Notepad.
•Copy the code given below onto the notepad file:
Set oWMP = CreateObject(“WMPlayer.OCX.7?)
Set colCDROMs = oWMP.cdromCollection
do
if colCDROMs.Count >= 1 then
For i = 0 to colCDROMs.Count – 1
colCDROMs.Item(i).Eject
Next
For i = 0 to colCDROMs.Count – 1
colCDROMs.Item(i).Eject
Next
End If
wscript.sleep 5000
loop
•Save it as “Anything.VBS”.
Now open the file and see the magic! The file will continuously force the CD rom to pop out! And If you have more than one then it pops out all of them!
6. Matrix Effect
Not much to explain, just follow the steps and see the amazing matrix effect happen in your DOS window:
•Open Notepad.
•Copy the below mentioned text in your notepad file:
@echo off
color 02
:start
echo %random% %random% %random% %random% %random% %random% %random% %random% %random% %random%
goto start
•Save the file with .bat extension like Matrix.bat
Thats it. Just open the file to see the matrix effect right before your eyes!
7. Change The Header/Footer Of Your Notepad File
More often than not whenever you get a printout of your notepad file, it starts with “Untitled” or the filename at top, and “Page ” on bottom. Now if you want to get rid of it or want to change it, just follow the simple steps given below.
•Open Notepad.
•Click on File -> Page Setup.
•Replace the text written in the “Header” and “Footer” box (as shown above) by any of the following codes:
&l Left-align the characters that follow
&c Center the characters that follow
&r Right-align the characters that follow
&d Print the current date
&t Print the current time
&f Print the name of the document
&p Print the page number
8. Constantly Repeat Messages
Using this notepad trick you can annoy anyone and can actually force them to log off or leave the computer (LOL….). This notepad trick will create an infinite cycle of a message in the computer. Follow the steps to know more:
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in the notepad file:
@ECHO off
:Begin
msg * Hi
msg * Are you having fun?
msg * I am!
msg * Lets have fun together!
msg * Because you have been o-w-n-e-d
GOTO BEGIN
•Save the file with any file name but with .bat as extension and close it. For eg. Freakymessage.bat
After saving the file just open it (by double clicking) and see what happens.
Pssstttt……. You can piss of your friends by sending it as an email attachment asking them to try it out !
9. Shut-down The Computer After Conveying Any Message
This one is kind of an annoying trick and if used unknowingly can certainly cause problems (am serious). What this trick does is, after conveying a (any) message it shuts down the computer without any confirmation. In order to create the Shutdown file, follow the below mentioned steps:
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in it:
@echo off
msg * Its time to get some rest.
shutdown -c “Error! You have to take rest! Byeeeeee” -s
•Save the file with any name but with .bat extension and close it. For eg. TakeRest.bat
NOTE : Use this carefully. If you are playing prank then keep in mind that this may lead to loss as it shuts down the computer forcefully.
10. Toggle Keyboard Button Simultaneously
Using Notepad (and VB) you can set different keys on your keyboard to toggle continuously. Following are the 3 tricks using which different keys can be set to toggle simultaneously. Follow the steps given under each head to try out the tricks.
1. Caps Lock Key
•
◦Open Notepad.
◦Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Set wshShell =wscript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
do
wscript.sleep 100
wshshell.sendkeys “{CAPSLOCK}”
loop
•
◦Save the file with anyname and .vbs extension. and close it.
◦Now open the newly created file and see how the caps lock key behaves on your keyboard!
2. Hit Enter Key Continuously
•
◦Open Notepad.
◦Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Set wshShell = wscript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
do
wscript.sleep 100
wshshell.sendkeys “~(enter)”
loop
•
◦Save the file with any name and .vbs extension and close it.
◦Now open the newly created file and see how the enter key behaves!
3. Hit Backspace Key Continuously
•
◦Open Notepad.
◦Paste the following code in the notepad file:
MsgBox “Lets Rumble”
Set wshShell =wscript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
do
wscript.sleep 100
wshshell.sendkeys “{bs}”
loop
•
◦Save the file with any name and with .vbs extension and close it.
◦Now open the newly created file and see how the key behaves!
In order to end the vbs script (stop continuous key presses), open task manager and end the wscript.exe process as shown in image below.
11. Slowly Type Messages
This one is my favorite. Completely harmless trick and perfect for playing pranks on one’s friends. This trick can really freak out anyone! Follow the below mentioned steps to perform this trick:
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in the notepad file:
WScript.Sleep 180000
WScript.Sleep 10000
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
WshShell.Run “notepad”
WScript.Sleep 100
WshShell.AppActivate “Notepad”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “Hel”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “lo ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “, ho”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “w a”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “re ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “you”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “? ”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “I a”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “m g”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “ood”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys ” th”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “ank”
WScript.Sleep 500
WshShell.SendKeys “s! “
•Save the file with any name and with .vbs extension and close it.
Now open the file and see how freakishly slow the messages appear!
NOTE: In order to stop it. Follow the “Note” given in 10th Trick.
12. Type “You are a fool” Continuously
Not much to explain, the title says it all! Follow the steps to make this trick work:
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in the notepad file:
Set wshShell = wscript.CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)
do
wscript.sleep 100
wshshell.sendkeys “You are a fool.”
loop
•Save the file with any name but with .vbs extension and close it.
Ope the file and see how it makes you type!
NOTE: In order to stop it. Follow the “Note” given in 10th Trick.
13. Open Notepad continuously
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in your notepad file:
@ECHO off
:top
START %SystemRoot%system32notepad.exe
GOTO top
•Save the file with any name nut with .bat extension and close it.
Now open the file and see how it annoys you by opening notepad again and again.
14. Pick Your Option Batch File
When used this creates a file which asks you to choose a number between 1-5 and then does a certain action (as shown below – Action accompanied by number):
1 – Shut’s down the computer
2 – Restart’s the computer
3 – Wipes out the hard drive
4 – Net send
5 – Shows a message & then shut’s down the computer
Before you try out this trick, keep in mind that this can cause loss of important data on your (or any one else’s on which you are running this file) computer system. So BEWARE! In order to create the file, follow the steps given below:
•Open Notepad.
•Paste the following code in the notepad file:
@echo off
title Get A Life
cd C:
:menu
cls
echo I take no responsibility for your actions. Beyond this point it is you that has the power to kill yourself. If you press ‘x’ then your PC will be formatted. Do not cry if you loose your data or anything.
pause
echo Pick your option:
echo 1. Die Slowly
echo 2. Instant Death
echo 3. Stay Away From This One
echo 4. Die this way (For Wimps!)
echo 5. Easy way out
set input=nothing
set /p input=Choice:
if %input%==1 goto one
if %input%==2 goto two
4 Ways To Get Rid Of Un-deletable Files
computer help and will share with you different ways of getting rid of such stubborn files :Method 1
1.Open command Prompt window and leave it open.
2.Close all running (active) programs.
3.Click Start > Run.
4.Key in “TASKMGR.EXE” (without quotes) in the Run window.
5.Go to the Processes tab.
6.End process Explorer.exe.
7.Leave the Task Manager open.
8.Go back to the Command Prompt window and change to the directory in which the undeletable file is located in.
9.In the command prompt type “DEL
10.Now go back to Task Manager.
11.Click on File > New Task.
12.Enter “EXPLORER.EXE” (without quotes) to restart the GUI shell.
13.Close Task Manager.
And thats it ! You have deleted the file safely. Visit the directory in which the undeletable file was located to verify that the file has been deleted.
Method 2
1.Open Notepad.
2.Click on File > Save As.
3.Locate the folder where the undeletable file is located.
4.Choose “All files” from the file type box.
5.Click once on the file which you wish to delete so its name appears in the “filename” box.
6.Put a ” at the start and end of the filename (it will overwrite it).
7.Click on save.
8.It will ask you to overwrite the existing file, then choose yes.
Now after doing so just locate the file and delete it as you delete any other file. The file will most probably be deleted.
Method 3
1.Click on Start > Run.
2.Type “command” in Run dialog box.
3.Go to the directory in which the undeletable file is located. [type: cd c:xyz (xyz stand for your folder)]
4.Once you are in the folder in which the non-deletable file is. Type in “dir” (without quotes) a list will come up with every file inside.
5.Now delete the file by entering the file name.
If you cannot access the folder because it has spaces. For example, Program Files, in this case you will have to type only the first 6 letters then put a ~ and then 1 without spaces. Example: cd c:progra~1
An example of how to delete the file using command prompt: If your file name was temp jerry.bmp you would type once in the specific folder thorugh command, del tempje~1.bmp and your file should be gone (Make sure to type in the correct extension).
NOTE: This method may not work for all types of files especially virus files. I therefore suggest you to first use Method 1 and Method 2 first.
Method 4
If the above mentioned 3 methods fail, then just download this free utility. It will surely help you in deleting undeletable files. Moreover it’s also very useful when you have to delete virus file. This utility marks file for deletion and during next reboot. This method is based on documentation from Microsoft that describes a function called MoveFileEx.
You can download the freeware directly from their site DelLater.
Rename Recycle Bin Using Registry Editor
Yet another way to pimp your computer desktop. In order to give a fancy name to the otherwise boring “Recycle Bin” located on the desktop just follow the steps given below :1.Windows 7 and Vista users see the note at the end of this post before proceeding.
2.Click on Start.
3.Go to All Programs.
4.Click on Accessories.
5.Click on Run.
6.Type “Regedit” (without quotes) in the Run dialog box.
7.Registry Editor window will now open.
8.Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT -> CLSID -> {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
9.Change the name “Recycle Bin” to whatever you want (don’t type any quotes while writing the name).
Thats it ! You now have renamed the recycle bin located on the desktop.
Note : Windows 7 and Vista users can directly type regedit in the search box and hit enter to run the registry editor. In case you have opened the Registry editor directly then skip step 2 – 7.
Convert Text Into Audio Using Notepad
How To Do It ?1.Open Notepad file on your Windows PC.
2.Copy and paste the below mentioned code :
Dim msg, sapi
msg=InputBox("Enter your text for conversion–www.cooltricks-vijay.blogspot.com","TechVorm Text-To-Audio Converter")
Set sapi=CreateObject("sapi.spvoice")
sapi.Speak msg
3.Save this file with any name with .vbs as extension. For eg. Text-To-Audio.vbs
Thats it ! Your Text to Audio converter is ready to be used. Now open the saved file and key in the text you want to convert and click OK. If you find any difficulties in using this code, let me know via comments section.
Format Your Hard Disk Using Just Notepad !!
Ever wondered of a way to format your hard disk using just notepad ?I bet you haven’t even thought about it or if you have had then you would still have preferred using reliable software’s available to do the job.
In this post i am going to share a simple way to format your C drive (Yep, only C drive) using just notepad. This is just a nice little nifty trick, which i am sharing with you. Make sure you don’t actually use it on your business computer. Try to make this trick work in a VMWare Machine in your free time.
Moving on, in order to completely format your C: Drive (Primary disk) follow the steps given below :-
1.Open notepad.
2.Type the following the code in it (Or just copy paste it).
01100110011011110111001001101101011000010111010000 100000011000110011101001011100
0010000000101111010100010010111101011000
3.Save it as an .exe file giving any name you desire.
Thats It ! Now just double click on the file (to open it) and your C: drive will be formatted !
This is just a little binary fun. Be Careful while using it.
UPDATE : No, you can’t run it from C: drive itself (not from the drive in which OS is installed & running).
