Enable the Aurora Vista Boot Screen
The boot screen in Windows Vista is plain and lame. To change the boot screen, follow these simple steps:
1. Press the Start button, type 'msconfig', and hit enter
2. If prompted, select Continue
3. The System Configuration window will come up. Click on the Boot tab
4. Select your Windows Vista installation
5. Check the 'No GUI boot' box
6. Press OK
7. Click on Restart
Your computer will now reboot, and you will see the Aurora boot screen.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fax software for Windows XP
Do you need Fax software for Windows XP ?
Are you looking for fax software for Windows XP ? Did you know that Windows XP comes with a Microsoft Fax module that will serve adequately as a simple PC-based fax utility ?
Don't let a separate program part you from your hard earned money to send and receive the occasional page or two. When you are done reading this Windows XP tips and tricks article, you'll be sending and receiving faxes from within any application on your pc.
You will need to have a modem installed on your pc to get the Microsoft Fax module working, but you would also need that with additional fax software for Windows XP.
If you haven't spotted the fax functionality on your pc yet, it's because it is not installed by default in Windows XP. So you will need to set it up first :
Click the Start button and select "Control Panel"
From the Control Panel, open "Add or Remove Programs"
Click "Add/Remove Windows Components" (on the left side of the Add or Remove Programs dialog)
Place a check mark in the "Fax Services" check box and click next
Windows may prompt you for your Windows XP cdrom, so place it in your cdrom drive when needed and click ok
When Windows is done copying files, click "Finish"
That's it ! The Microsoft fax service is now installed on your computer.
If you can print it, you can fax it
You just have to go through some simple additional configuration steps and you will be able to fax any document or any part of a it directly from your computer.
Click Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console
This will launch the Fax Configuration wizard. Work through it, entering your contact information when prompted.
Once you have completed the wizard, sending a fax is as simple as printing a document. Just launch the print command from the application menu and select "Fax" from the printer drop-down list. Windows will then start the "Send a new fax wizard" that will easily guide you through the steps for sending a fax.
If you want to send a quick standalone fax rather than fax a document from within an application, select Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console
The Fax Console is where you can see your incoming and outgoing faxes. To send a standalone fax from here, select "File"->"Send a New Fax". That will also launch the "Send a New Fax" wizard.
The wizard will ask the recipient's name and fax number, allowing you to place this information in an Address Book.
Just as with more advanced fax software for Windows XP, you can send the same fax to multiple recipients. The wizard will also prompt you to choose one of the pre-designed cover sheets, where you can enter a subject line and any additional information that you would like to add.
Receiving a Fax
Once the Microsoft Service is installed, it will run automatically when your computer is turned on, listening for the phone to ring. When it does, you will see a message in the notification area (bottom right of your screen). Simply click this message to start receiving the fax. Once the fax is received, it will be available for you in the Fax Console.
As with other fax software for Windows XP, you can configure the Fax service to automatically start receiving faxes, for instance when you are away from your computer. You need to open the "Printers and Faxes" folder from the Control Panel to do this.
In the "Printers and Faxes" folder, right-click the Fax icon and select "Properties"
Click the "Devices" tab and click "Properties"
Click the "Receive" tab and under "Answer Mode", choose "Automatic" and set the number of rings
You can also choose to print it on your printer when a new fax is received and you can tell Windows to save a copy of the fax in a specific folder
The Microsoft Fax service offers enough functionality to serve as a simple fax utility, but if you need something more powerful, you may want to take a look at some more sophisticated fax software for Windows XP, like WinFax Pro.
Are you looking for fax software for Windows XP ? Did you know that Windows XP comes with a Microsoft Fax module that will serve adequately as a simple PC-based fax utility ?
Don't let a separate program part you from your hard earned money to send and receive the occasional page or two. When you are done reading this Windows XP tips and tricks article, you'll be sending and receiving faxes from within any application on your pc.
You will need to have a modem installed on your pc to get the Microsoft Fax module working, but you would also need that with additional fax software for Windows XP.
If you haven't spotted the fax functionality on your pc yet, it's because it is not installed by default in Windows XP. So you will need to set it up first :
Click the Start button and select "Control Panel"
From the Control Panel, open "Add or Remove Programs"
Click "Add/Remove Windows Components" (on the left side of the Add or Remove Programs dialog)
Place a check mark in the "Fax Services" check box and click next
Windows may prompt you for your Windows XP cdrom, so place it in your cdrom drive when needed and click ok
When Windows is done copying files, click "Finish"
That's it ! The Microsoft fax service is now installed on your computer.
If you can print it, you can fax it
You just have to go through some simple additional configuration steps and you will be able to fax any document or any part of a it directly from your computer.
Click Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console
This will launch the Fax Configuration wizard. Work through it, entering your contact information when prompted.
Once you have completed the wizard, sending a fax is as simple as printing a document. Just launch the print command from the application menu and select "Fax" from the printer drop-down list. Windows will then start the "Send a new fax wizard" that will easily guide you through the steps for sending a fax.
If you want to send a quick standalone fax rather than fax a document from within an application, select Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console
The Fax Console is where you can see your incoming and outgoing faxes. To send a standalone fax from here, select "File"->"Send a New Fax". That will also launch the "Send a New Fax" wizard.
The wizard will ask the recipient's name and fax number, allowing you to place this information in an Address Book.
Just as with more advanced fax software for Windows XP, you can send the same fax to multiple recipients. The wizard will also prompt you to choose one of the pre-designed cover sheets, where you can enter a subject line and any additional information that you would like to add.
Receiving a Fax
Once the Microsoft Service is installed, it will run automatically when your computer is turned on, listening for the phone to ring. When it does, you will see a message in the notification area (bottom right of your screen). Simply click this message to start receiving the fax. Once the fax is received, it will be available for you in the Fax Console.
As with other fax software for Windows XP, you can configure the Fax service to automatically start receiving faxes, for instance when you are away from your computer. You need to open the "Printers and Faxes" folder from the Control Panel to do this.
In the "Printers and Faxes" folder, right-click the Fax icon and select "Properties"
Click the "Devices" tab and click "Properties"
Click the "Receive" tab and under "Answer Mode", choose "Automatic" and set the number of rings
You can also choose to print it on your printer when a new fax is received and you can tell Windows to save a copy of the fax in a specific folder
The Microsoft Fax service offers enough functionality to serve as a simple fax utility, but if you need something more powerful, you may want to take a look at some more sophisticated fax software for Windows XP, like WinFax Pro.
How to recover a lost xp password of a account
If you can login with another user account
If you share your computer with other users it's fairly simple to regain access to your account. You could ask one of the other users to log on to Windows with their password and perform the following steps :
Click the Start button
Click "Run"
In the "Open" field, type "control userpasswords2" (without the quotes)
Click ok
Windows opens a user accounts dialog. Select the user with the lost password and click the "Reset Password" button. Enter a new password (and a second time in the confirmation box) and click ok. Click ok once again and you are ready.
Now you can log on to your account using the new password
If you share your computer with other users it's fairly simple to regain access to your account. You could ask one of the other users to log on to Windows with their password and perform the following steps :
Click the Start button
Click "Run"
In the "Open" field, type "control userpasswords2" (without the quotes)
Click ok
Windows opens a user accounts dialog. Select the user with the lost password and click the "Reset Password" button. Enter a new password (and a second time in the confirmation box) and click ok. Click ok once again and you are ready.
Now you can log on to your account using the new password
put your favorite image or picture in the background of the logon screen
To put your favorite image or picture in the background of the logon screen :
Click the Start button and select "Run"
In the "open" field, type regedit and click ok
In the registry editor, navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP and double-click the string "wallpaper"
Enter the full path and filename of the .bmp image that you want to use as background (the image must be in .bmp format)
Click "ok" and close the registry editor
Click the Start button and select "Run"
In the "open" field, type regedit and click ok
In the registry editor, navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP and double-click the string "wallpaper"
Enter the full path and filename of the .bmp image that you want to use as background (the image must be in .bmp format)
Click "ok" and close the registry editor
Is your "Show Desktop icon" in XP missing
Click Start->Run
In the "open" box, type "notepad" (without the quotes)
Click ok
Copy the following lines in your new notepad window :
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
Click "File" in the notepad menu and select "Save As"
Save the file to your desktop as Show Desktop.scf
Drag the new icon from your desktop to your Quick Launch toobar and select "Move here"
If you can't move the new Desktop icon to your Quick Launch toolbar for whatever reason, you can also try the following technique :
Right-click the new show desktop icon on your desktop and select copy
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to
C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch (replacing with the username for which you want to restore the show desktop icon)
In the right pane of the explorer window, right-click an empty spot and select "paste"
Maybe you don't see the Application Data folder in your Explorer. To see it, you must enable visibility for hidden folders :
In Windows Explorer, click the menu "Tools" and select "Folder Options..."
Click the "View" tab
Under "Advanced Settings", select "Show hidden files and folders"
Click ok
In the "open" box, type "notepad" (without the quotes)
Click ok
Copy the following lines in your new notepad window :
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
Click "File" in the notepad menu and select "Save As"
Save the file to your desktop as Show Desktop.scf
Drag the new icon from your desktop to your Quick Launch toobar and select "Move here"
If you can't move the new Desktop icon to your Quick Launch toolbar for whatever reason, you can also try the following technique :
Right-click the new show desktop icon on your desktop and select copy
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to
C:\Documents and Settings\
In the right pane of the explorer window, right-click an empty spot and select "paste"
Maybe you don't see the Application Data folder in your Explorer. To see it, you must enable visibility for hidden folders :
In Windows Explorer, click the menu "Tools" and select "Folder Options..."
Click the "View" tab
Under "Advanced Settings", select "Show hidden files and folders"
Click ok
Start Windows XP System Restore From a Command Prompt
At the command prompt,
type C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter.
Follow the instructions given to perform the System Restore process.
type C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter.
Follow the instructions given to perform the System Restore process.
Disable the Windows XP Splash Screen
Here's How:
Click on Start, then Run, type the following command in the search box, and then hit the Enter key.
msconfig
This command will load the System Configuration Utility program.
Note: Do not make changes in the System Configuration Utility other than those outlined here to avoid causing serious system issues. This utility controls a number of startup activities other than those involved with disabling the splash screen.
Click on the BOOT.INI tab located at the top of the System Configuration Utility window.
Check the checkbox next to /NOGUIBOOT and click OK.
You will then be prompted to either Restart, which will restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, which will close the window and allow you to restart the PC manually.
After the restart, the PC will boot into Windows XP without showing the splash screen. This will result in a slightly faster boot time.
Note: Windows XP will continue to boot in this manner until the System Configuration Utility is configured to again boot normally.
Tips:
To re-enable the Windows XP splash screen during boot, follow the instructions above to enter the System Configuration Utility but this time choose the Normal Startup radio button and click OK.
Click on Start, then Run, type the following command in the search box, and then hit the Enter key.
msconfig
This command will load the System Configuration Utility program.
Note: Do not make changes in the System Configuration Utility other than those outlined here to avoid causing serious system issues. This utility controls a number of startup activities other than those involved with disabling the splash screen.
Click on the BOOT.INI tab located at the top of the System Configuration Utility window.
Check the checkbox next to /NOGUIBOOT and click OK.
You will then be prompted to either Restart, which will restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, which will close the window and allow you to restart the PC manually.
After the restart, the PC will boot into Windows XP without showing the splash screen. This will result in a slightly faster boot time.
Note: Windows XP will continue to boot in this manner until the System Configuration Utility is configured to again boot normally.
Tips:
To re-enable the Windows XP splash screen during boot, follow the instructions above to enter the System Configuration Utility but this time choose the Normal Startup radio button and click OK.
Disable Error Reporting in Windows XP
Click on Start and then Control Panel.
Click on the Performance and Maintenance link.
Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, double-click on the System icon and skip to Step 4.
Under the or pick a Control Panel icon section, click on the System link.
In the System Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
Near the bottom of the window, click on the Error Reporting button.
In the Error Reporting window that appears, choose the Disable error reporting radio button and click the OK button.
Click the OK button on the System Properties window
You can now close the Control Panel or Performance and Maintenance window.
Click on the Performance and Maintenance link.
Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, double-click on the System icon and skip to Step 4.
Under the or pick a Control Panel icon section, click on the System link.
In the System Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
Near the bottom of the window, click on the Error Reporting button.
In the Error Reporting window that appears, choose the Disable error reporting radio button and click the OK button.
Click the OK button on the System Properties window
You can now close the Control Panel or Performance and Maintenance window.
Ntidr file Missing
You Boot from Xp cd
& Press any key to boot from cd.........
When you reach the command prompt (detailed in Step 6 ), type the following two commands, pressing Enter after each one:
copy d:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy d:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\In the command listed above, d represents the drive letter assigned to the optical drive that your Windows XP CD is currently in. While this is most often d, your system could assign a different letter. Also, c:\ represents the root folder of the partition that Windows XP is currently installed on. Again, this is most often the case but your system could be different.
If you're prompted to overwrite either of the two files, press Y.
Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.
Assuming that missing or corrupt versions of the NTLDR and/or Ntdetect.com files were your only issues, Windows XP should now start normally.
& Press any key to boot from cd.........
When you reach the command prompt (detailed in Step 6 ), type the following two commands, pressing Enter after each one:
copy d:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy d:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\In the command listed above, d represents the drive letter assigned to the optical drive that your Windows XP CD is currently in. While this is most often d, your system could assign a different letter. Also, c:\ represents the root folder of the partition that Windows XP is currently installed on. Again, this is most often the case but your system could be different.
If you're prompted to overwrite either of the two files, press Y.
Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.
Assuming that missing or corrupt versions of the NTLDR and/or Ntdetect.com files were your only issues, Windows XP should now start normally.
Finding the BIOS version in the Microsoft System Information program
Go in Run >>>type msinfo32 then press ok.
When System Information first opens, it defaults to the System Summary, a short list with some of the most important information about your computer system listed.
On the right side of the program, locate the BIOS Version/Date entry.
This field contains the BIOS version that is currently running on your motherboard. This field may also contain additional information such as the BIOS date, BIOS manufacturer, motherboard manufacturer and the motherboard model number.
When System Information first opens, it defaults to the System Summary, a short list with some of the most important information about your computer system listed.
On the right side of the program, locate the BIOS Version/Date entry.
This field contains the BIOS version that is currently running on your motherboard. This field may also contain additional information such as the BIOS date, BIOS manufacturer, motherboard manufacturer and the motherboard model number.
change the volume licensing product key on a Windows XP SP1-Based Computer?
Legal Note: Make sure you understand that this method is indeed legal. This is NO crack, NO hack, there is nothing illegal with this article. I will not, however, encourage any reader to use an illegally obtained CD Key. What you do in your own house/office is your own business, and I cannot and will not be held responsible for your actions.
Method #1: Use the Activation Wizard
If you have only a few volume licensing product keys to change, you can use the Activation Wizard.
Warning!
This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a trained computer specialist.
Note: Microsoft recommends that you run System Restore to create a new restore point before you complete the following steps:
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type Regedit, and then click OK.
In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
Click Change Product key.
Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
Click OK.
Install SP1 for Windows XP.
If you cannot restart Windows after you install SP1, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.
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