If you want to change the default number of grouping in task bar do this tweak. Go to
START>RUN and enter regedit. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. Look for value of the key titled
TaskbarGroupSize. Set it to any value you want. Default is 3.BDV-818057-BDV
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
135. Killing Tasks from Command Line
First get the command prompt by following Start>Run>cmd. Find out the tasks and its
process id by typing tasklist in the black window.You can now get rid of tasks on the
computer by using taskkill /pid followed by the process number, or just skill and the
process number.
process id by typing tasklist in the black window.You can now get rid of tasks on the
computer by using taskkill /pid followed by the process number, or just skill and the
process number.
134. Increase the Maximum Recording Time
In the Sound Recorder utility the maximum time of recording is 1 minute. You can increase it
to any number of minutes of your choice by applying this trick. First make sure that your
microphone is muted so it will not pick up sound. Click Record, and then let Sound Recorder
run for 60 seconds. This will create a blank wave file of length 1 minute. After 60 seconds,
click Save As on the File menu, and name the file loops.wav
Click Insert File on the Edit menu, and then insert the loops.wav file. This increases the
maximum recording time by 60 seconds. You can repeat this step once for each additional
minute of recording time that you want to add. For example, for a 10-minute recording time,
insert the loops.wav file 10 times.
to any number of minutes of your choice by applying this trick. First make sure that your
microphone is muted so it will not pick up sound. Click Record, and then let Sound Recorder
run for 60 seconds. This will create a blank wave file of length 1 minute. After 60 seconds,
click Save As on the File menu, and name the file loops.wav
Click Insert File on the Edit menu, and then insert the loops.wav file. This increases the
maximum recording time by 60 seconds. You can repeat this step once for each additional
minute of recording time that you want to add. For example, for a 10-minute recording time,
insert the loops.wav file 10 times.
133. More DNS Tweaks
Failed DNS lookups get cached and to prevent it from occurring, we have to change
following three registry keys under the hive:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ Dnscache\ Parameters
Now create or modify the DWORD key named NegativeCacheTime and set its value to
0(zero) .The default value is 300 seconds. This key determines how long an entry for a
negative answer remains in DNS cache.
Create or modify the DWORD key NetFailureCacheTime and set the value as 0 (zero). The
default is 30 seconds. It determines for how long the DNS client stops sending queries when
the network is not responding.
Create or modify the DWORD key NegativeSOACacheTime and set the value as 0(zero).
The default value I think is 120 seconds. This key determines how long an entry for a
negative answer to a query for an SOA remains in the Domain Name System (DNS) cache.
following three registry keys under the hive:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ Dnscache\ Parameters
Now create or modify the DWORD key named NegativeCacheTime and set its value to
0(zero) .The default value is 300 seconds. This key determines how long an entry for a
negative answer remains in DNS cache.
Create or modify the DWORD key NetFailureCacheTime and set the value as 0 (zero). The
default is 30 seconds. It determines for how long the DNS client stops sending queries when
the network is not responding.
Create or modify the DWORD key NegativeSOACacheTime and set the value as 0(zero).
The default value I think is 120 seconds. This key determines how long an entry for a
negative answer to a query for an SOA remains in the Domain Name System (DNS) cache.
132. Clear the Temporary Files Automatically
You can tell IE 6 to automatically delete temporary files. To do so Start the browser, select
Tools>Internet Options> Advanced. Go to the Security area and check the box to Empty
Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.
Tools>Internet Options> Advanced. Go to the Security area and check the box to Empty
Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.
131. Security Tip: Clear Page File
Some programs can temporarily store unencrypted passwords and other sensitive information
in memory. By clearing the Windows paging file (stored in hard disk as Pagefile.sys), we can
prevent any unsecured data from being contained after the shutdown process is complete.
This tip will enhance the security but will slow down the shutdown process by another 5 to 8
seconds. If you do not want to compromise on security, follow the tip.
Open Control PanelSelect Administrative ToolsChoose Local Security PolicyLocal
Policies. Now Click on Security Options. In the right hand menu, right click on Shutdown:
Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile and Select Enable. Reboot the machine. Now for the guys,
who love to edit the registry for this setting, navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\
MemoryManagement. Double click on ClearPageFileAtShutdown and Set Value = 1.Click
OK and Reboot
in memory. By clearing the Windows paging file (stored in hard disk as Pagefile.sys), we can
prevent any unsecured data from being contained after the shutdown process is complete.
This tip will enhance the security but will slow down the shutdown process by another 5 to 8
seconds. If you do not want to compromise on security, follow the tip.
Open Control PanelSelect Administrative ToolsChoose Local Security PolicyLocal
Policies. Now Click on Security Options. In the right hand menu, right click on Shutdown:
Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile and Select Enable. Reboot the machine. Now for the guys,
who love to edit the registry for this setting, navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\
MemoryManagement. Double click on ClearPageFileAtShutdown and Set Value = 1.Click
OK and Reboot
130. A Tip for the Taskbar
Navigate to the following registry hive for this small but cute registry hack:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create or modify a DWORD key named NoToolbarsOnTaskbar and set its value to 1 (hex).
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create or modify a DWORD key named NoToolbarsOnTaskbar and set its value to 1 (hex).
129. Stop Users Changing Desktop Settings
If you are running a cyber cafe (or a public machine) and do not want users to change desktop
settings,navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Program
Manager\Restrictions.
Create or edit the DWORD NoSaveSettings. Now to disable saving desktop settings, set its
value to 1. Reboot the machine for the settings to take effect.
settings,navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Program
Manager\Restrictions.
Create or edit the DWORD NoSaveSettings. Now to disable saving desktop settings, set its
value to 1. Reboot the machine for the settings to take effect.
128. Stop XP from Tracking User Information
XP tracks user information such as the programs users run, the paths they navigate, and the
documents they open in order to customize Windows menu and other related features. We
can stop XP from doing this so as to free the system resources. To do so, navigate to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create or modify a DWORD key named NoInstrumentation and give it a value of 1 (hex).
documents they open in order to customize Windows menu and other related features. We
can stop XP from doing this so as to free the system resources. To do so, navigate to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create or modify a DWORD key named NoInstrumentation and give it a value of 1 (hex).
127. Shortcut to Lock Your PC
We have already discussed about shortcuts to shutdown, restart and logoff XP machines. This
time I’ll show you how to lock it with a shortcut. Create a new shortcut on your desktop
using a right mouse click, and enter rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation in the location
field exactly as it is. Give the shortcut a name. Just double click on it and your computer will
be locked. Enter passport to log back in.
time I’ll show you how to lock it with a shortcut. Create a new shortcut on your desktop
using a right mouse click, and enter rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation in the location
field exactly as it is. Give the shortcut a name. Just double click on it and your computer will
be locked. Enter passport to log back in.
126. Need More Disk Space??
Clean up by going to Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Cleanup. In
'More Options' click the button to remove all but the most recent restore point. Delete the
hidden folder C:\Windows\$NTServicePackUninstall. There may also be a large folder
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. That can also be deleted. There will also be a
large folder C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles. Do NOT delete this but compress it to save
about 200MB of disk space. To compress it, Right click on it, Choose Properties, click the
Advanced button, and select 'Compress’.
'More Options' click the button to remove all but the most recent restore point. Delete the
hidden folder C:\Windows\$NTServicePackUninstall. There may also be a large folder
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. That can also be deleted. There will also be a
large folder C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles. Do NOT delete this but compress it to save
about 200MB of disk space. To compress it, Right click on it, Choose Properties, click the
Advanced button, and select 'Compress’.
125. Set CPU Priority
This setting will boost the priority of foreground applications. The tip will override the
default priority setting given to the programs currently running and hence the reader is
advised to take necessary precaution. Though the trick is found to be working fine so far in
all system that I tried; I strongly recommend creating a system restore point and a
registry backup (to be on a safer side) before attempting this tip.
To do the tweaking, navigate through the following registry hive:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl
Modify (or create) a DWORD key named Win32PrioritySeparation and set its value as
00000026 (hex).
default priority setting given to the programs currently running and hence the reader is
advised to take necessary precaution. Though the trick is found to be working fine so far in
all system that I tried; I strongly recommend creating a system restore point and a
registry backup (to be on a safer side) before attempting this tip.
To do the tweaking, navigate through the following registry hive:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl
Modify (or create) a DWORD key named Win32PrioritySeparation and set its value as
00000026 (hex).
124. Make XP Remember the Folder Settings
Sometimes you'll customize a folder and upon restarting you will be shocked to see that the
changes haven't been saved. In some cases the settings work for few days and then XP forgets
it. Ever wondered why this happens? Well, This is due to that fact that Windows XP
remembers the settings for only 400 folders, by default. When you customize more folders
the old settings are lost. To prevent Windows XP forgetting the folder customization, we can
increase the limit till 8000 (which is the upper limit).
Set the BagMRU Size to 6000 (Decimal) in the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
Let me remind you that the value that we set is in Decimal and not hex.
changes haven't been saved. In some cases the settings work for few days and then XP forgets
it. Ever wondered why this happens? Well, This is due to that fact that Windows XP
remembers the settings for only 400 folders, by default. When you customize more folders
the old settings are lost. To prevent Windows XP forgetting the folder customization, we can
increase the limit till 8000 (which is the upper limit).
Set the BagMRU Size to 6000 (Decimal) in the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam
Let me remind you that the value that we set is in Decimal and not hex.
123. Enable Fast Shutdown
To enable fast shutdown open the registry editor. (StartRunRegedit) and go to the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Shutdown. Create a string
key called FastReboot and give it a value of 1.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Shutdown. Create a string
key called FastReboot and give it a value of 1.
122. Restrict Certain Users From Running An Application
You can selectively restrict access to few apps and file names. To do this, open registry and
navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Now look for a subkey by the name DisallowRun. Within this key, add many string keys you
like each mapped to an application or file that you want to be restricted.
navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Now look for a subkey by the name DisallowRun. Within this key, add many string keys you
like each mapped to an application or file that you want to be restricted.
121. Delete Addresses Stored by AutoDial
AutoDial recordes a list of names and addresses. To see the list , type the following command
at a command prompt: rasautou -s
Now to delete a name or address entry from the list, open the registry editor and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RAS Autodial\Addresses. Delete whatever
you want.
at a command prompt: rasautou -s
Now to delete a name or address entry from the list, open the registry editor and navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RAS Autodial\Addresses. Delete whatever
you want.
120. Enhance Network Throughput? Try This Out
Network throughput depends on a variety of factors and as such you never no what could be
the bottleneck. One of things that we can try out is the network redirector reserves.Open
registry editor and navigate to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\P
arameters. Click on right window pane and add the following Dwords. Valid values should
be between 0-255. Keep both values same.
MaxCmds 00000068 (hex)
MaxThreads 00000068(hex)
the bottleneck. One of things that we can try out is the network redirector reserves.Open
registry editor and navigate to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\P
arameters. Click on right window pane and add the following Dwords. Valid values should
be between 0-255. Keep both values same.
MaxCmds 00000068 (hex)
MaxThreads 00000068(hex)
119. Automatic Window Refresh
Whenever you make a change to your windows you have to press F5 or do a manual refresh.
With this tweak you can tell windows to increase the rate at which it does the refreshing.
Navigate to the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update. Create a new
DWORD value, or modify the existing value, named UpdateMode and set it to equal "0" for
faster updates. Restart Windows for the change to take effect.
With this tweak you can tell windows to increase the rate at which it does the refreshing.
Navigate to the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update. Create a new
DWORD value, or modify the existing value, named UpdateMode and set it to equal "0" for
faster updates. Restart Windows for the change to take effect.
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