104 Tech Tips for Windows XP

Windows XP is still here, and will be a while.
So, take advantage of the vast knowledge and breath life in your XP machine to make it do what you really want (I am still working on a tip to make it wash dishes)
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1681
this article is from PCstats
tip 24 for example
" Use VGA mode to troubleshoot monitor refresh rate problems"
used to be a problem for me when I unplug a PC from a large monitor with different refresh rate (mainly CRT).
Anyhow, check the article, there is for sure something you wish you knew before :D

Windows Interface Tips (1-20)

1. Increase the amount of 'frequently used programs' displayed on the start menu
2. Remove the 'frequently used programs' list from the start menu
3. Stop the automatic grouping of taskbar programs
4. Close multiple desktop windows fast
5. Add some useful commands to the right-click menu
6. Add more destinations to the right-click menu's 'send to' command
7. Changing the number of open programs required to 'group' on the taskbar
8. Reduce menu delay to speed up the windows desktop
9. Show control panel as a menu
10. Change the default installation directory
11. Associate and un-associate applications from certain file types.
12. Make your mouse more responsive
13. Increase PS/2 mouse performance
14. Relocate your 'my documents' folder
15. Get a better ALT+TAB application switcher
16. Add a command prompt option to the Windows Explorer right click menu
17. Stop 'focus stealing' by background applications and pop-ups
18. Add the admin tools to the start menu
19. Closing multiple taskbar items at once
20. Using 'groups' in Windows explore

Computer Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips (21-46)

21. Quickly un-format web text with notepad.
22. Uncover **** passwords
23. Disable the annoying 'click' sound in Internet Explorer.
24. Use VGA mode to troubleshoot monitor refresh rate problems
25. Make your files available offline
26. Rollback device drivers in case of error
27. Avoid having to re-activate Windows XP after reinstallation
28. View PowerPoint documents without PowerPoint
29. Control Clear type Text with free tool
30. Mouse problem? Use MouseKeys
31. Recovering deleted files
32. Install the backup utility in XP Home
33. Schedule automatic data backups
34. Place your Internet favourites on your start menu
35. Restore your essential data
36. Enhance the Windows calculator
37. Disabling startup password
38. Remove orphaned software applications from add/remove programs
39. Troubleshooting shutdown issues
40. Alter your windows user name
41. Adding 'safe mode' to the boot menu
42. Use XP file compression to save space
43. How to check if you have a DVD decoder installed in your system
44. Learn to love XP safe mode
45. Use the program compatibility toolkit
46. Use the system restore utility from 'safe mode command prompt.'

Computer Security Tips (47-54)

47. Configure the SP 2 firewall
48. Prevent computer users from logging on to Windows at certain times.
49. Encrypt your important files (XP Professional only)
50. Scan your computer for vulnerability with Microsoft's free security scanner
51. Disable USB storage device writing (Service Pack 2 only)
52. Prevent browser hijackers and spyware in SP2 Internet Explorer
53. Test your PCs security with online security probes
54. Disable annoying startup programs



WindowsXP Shortcut Tips (55 - 63)

55. Fun with shortcuts 1: shortcuts to email
56. Fun with shortcuts 2: shortcuts to web sites
57. Fun with shortcuts 3: shortcuts to Windows control panels and utilities
58. Fun with shortcuts 4: create a shortcut to shutdown or restart your PC
59. Fun with shortcuts 5: Create a shortcut to lock your PC
60. Fun with shortcuts 6: Create a shortcut to 'run' on your desktop
61. Fun with shortcuts 7: Create a shortcut to command prompt on your desktop
62. Fun with shortcuts 8: Create keyboard shortcuts for applications and folders
63. Shortcuts to important control windows with the run command

Disk and Storage Management Tips (64 - 67)

64. Stupid disk tricks for XP part 1: dynamic disks
65. Stupid disk tricks for XP part 2: mounting partitions to directories
66. Stupid disk tricks for XP part 3: creating software RAID 0
67. Stupid Disk tricks for XP part 4: Extending and spanning volumes

Cool Tweaks, Toys and Experiments (68 - 90)

68. Create a portable version of Windows XP
69. Create alarms and reminders with Windows XP's scheduling service
70. Perform a 'hands off' Windows XP installation.
71. Experiment with 'virtual' computing
72. Show how long your system has been running with SYSTEMINFO
73. Use MSN messenger's 'whiteboard' feature
74. Use MSN Messenger's Shared applications feature
75. Collect system data with the performance monitor wizard
76. Use a free, full featured office suite
77. Create a Windows XP bootable CD with Service pack 2 built-in
78. Edit local computer settings with GPEDIT (XP Professional only)
79. Reduce the size of your recycle bin
80. Make sure of your location on the Internet
81. Arrange the 'all programs' list alphabetically
82. Force 'my computer' and other folders to open in Windows explorer automatically
83. Boost foreground applications
84. Place the volume control on the taskbar
85. Experiment with Linux without installing software
86. Use Virtual desktops in Windows XP
87. Capture screenshots in Windows XP
88. Create an easy HTML picture slide show for your website
89. Import pictures from a digital camera
90. Prevent XP from shutting down normally

Networking and Internet Tips ( 91- 104)

91. Access your PC from any system over the Internet (Professional only)
92. Speed up network browsing in Windows XP
93. Get the most out of your wireless network
94. Benchmark your wireless connection
95. Fixing the 'guest only' network access problem
96. Hiding your computer from other systems in the same network
97. Share Multiple Folders quickly in Windows XP
98. Change Web page font size automatically
99. Open web pages in a new window quickly
100. Don't have anti-virus software? Check your PC for viruses online
101. Save web pages for offline viewing
102. Easier searches and popup suppression with the Google toolbar
103. Address shortcut for Internet Explorer
104. Remove Microsoft Java VM and

An overview of what this page offers! Quite a few tips.. I wonder why he chose 104... and not just 100???