Windows® XP™ Updated 09/22/2004
I've recently discovered that there are a LOT of differences between the Win XP Home and Win XP Pro versions. I've read an article that describes how " Backup in XP Home Does Not Work" and found out myself that XP Home only has two User Groups, Administrator and Limited, and began looking for other differences. Boy, the differences are numerous and should be considered when choosing between one or the other. Personally, I wouldn't consider the Home version in a business scenario because I want/need the options available in the Pro version, but I am running XP Home on three of my computers (bought before I knew about the differences) without any problems, so I don't mind recommending it for a Home PC User. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND the XP Home version for ANY Business, small or otherwise, because of the missing options. I'm devoting a whole page to a comparison of the Differences Between XP Home and XP Pro.
Axcel216's Max Speed Windows XP ©Tweaks, Secrets, BUGs + FIXes - I will post here ALL New WinXP ©Tweaks [in chronological order] every time I'll also add them to TIPSXP.TXT or REGISTRY.TXT, both part of my Updated Windows 9x/NT4/2000/ME/XP/2003 + DOS 7.xx/8.00 ©Tricks + Secrets Files [W95-11D.EXE], FREEware. Download them to access the ENTIRE ©Tricks + Secrets database! NOTE: Some of my Original/Unique ©Tricks + Secrets canNOT be found ANYWHERE ELSE [or if you do, they were reproduced from my pages or files, and in certain cases without my consent!], and some are posted here with EXCLUSIVE permission from their authors! Don't miss them...* 04/15/2004
BlackViper.com - Windows XP Home and Professional Configuration 411 Pages - No Banners ~ No Pop-Ups ~ No Plug-ins * Just Pure BV *
Bob Cerelli's Windows XP Tips - The main goal of this site is to provide clear, accurate and easy to understand information regarding Windows95/98/ME/2000/XP* 04/15/2004
Broomeman.com - A great collection of links to other Win XP web sites and articles created by Donny Broome. 04/15/2004
Doug Knox's Windows Tweaks and Tips - by Doug Knox, Microsoft MVP Win XP/Smart Display http://www.dts-l.org (Desktop Systems Group) - Since I began maintaining this web site, the fixes, tweaks and tips have been offered free of charge. There are a few new utilities that have a nominal fee for licensing. However, if you find the information, that I've presented here, useful, please consider making a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or you can click here to make a support contribution for this site.* 04/15/2004
JSI FAQ - The Windows & .NET Magazine Network--which includes Windows & .NET Magazine, SQL Server Magazine, Exchange Administrator, Security Administrator, and Windows Scripting Solutions--is the leading independent, impartial source of practical, technical information to help IT professionals better understand and manage the Windows and SQL Server enterprise. Each month, we help over 1.5 million IT professionals overcome the same issues you struggle with every day.* You have to search this site for needed info, but they have an awesome list of Tweaks available! 04/15/2004
Kelly's Korner - Troubleshooting Windows XP - by Kelly Theriot Microsoft-MVP(DTS) Win98/XP [AE-Windows® XP] 2004 - I've put together a lot of information from various sources, to help you find answers to the problems some users have with Windows XP. I've also put together some commonly requested tweaks and tips to make XP work the way you want it to.* 04/15/2004
PurePerformance.com - Easy to understand and use performance tweaks for Win 98/ME/2k/XP. Very nice, fast loading site! 04/15/2004
The Elder Geek on Windows XP - Q: Why is the site called The Elder Geek? A: I'm old. I'm a geek. I thought it sounded better than The Old Geek or The Elderly Geek. Vanity, thy name is geek.* He has an awesome article about the available ways of "Accessing The Different Methods of Repair Available in Windows XP" that's well worth reading!!! Updated 06/20/2004
TweakXP.com was started by Steve Sinchak in March, 2001. After three months of development, TweakXP.com went live on June 20, 2001. Ever Since the launch date, TweakXP.com has grown in popularity and has become the leading resource for tweaking Microsoft Windows XP. TweakXP.com has almost a thousand tweaks & tips covering almost every aspect of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. TweakXP.com is now owned and operated by SSMG International* 04/15/2004
UpdateXP.com - Painless Windows XP Support! FREE Articles... FREE Reviews... FREE Newsletter... - created by Marc Liron Microsoft MVP 2004 Windows - Digital Media* 04/15/2004
Windows XP Fix Zone ~ The Latest Windows XP News Fix and Tips! ~ RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! The Latest Windows XP News Tips & Reviews, Free software downloads!* 04/15/2004
WinXPnews™ E-Zine - A great looking newsletter that's also available online created by Sunbelt Media. I suggest you read their Privacy Policy before you sign-up. 04/15/2004
Windows XP Tips, Illustrations and Registry Edits - This site contains tips and HOW TOs for most of the common tasks in Windows XP, and should help any audience with skill level Basic to Advanced. Walk through our Windows XP Tips page to learn information given in a step-by-step approach.* 09/17/2004
The place to start for Windows® XP™ information, news, updates, and downloads.
The Upgrade Advisor is a tool that checks your system hardware and software to see if it is ready for upgrade to Windows XP. If you run Upgrade Advisor while you are connected to the Internet, and if your system needs updates that are available on the Windows Update Web site, Upgrade Advisor will find and install the updates for you.* 04/26/2005
(A Network version of Windows XP SP 1A is also available along with other Deployment Guides and Tools.)
The Windows® XP Security Guide v2.0 describes the features and recommended settings for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). The Guide includes thoroughly tested templates for security settings for Windows Firewall, which replaces Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). Information is provided about closing ports, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) communications, memory protection, e-mail handling, Web download controls, spyware controls, and much more.* 09/28/2004
The purpose of this guide is to provide a reference to many of the security settings available in the current versions of the Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. This is a companion guide for the Windows XP Security Guide.* 09/28/2004
To help protect your PC, SP2 delivers new security features with the recommended settings turned on by default. Windows XP SP2 also applies different default settings to some existing programs. Learn how to choose or changes settings so that your programs work the way you want them to while keeping your computer more secure.* 09/28/2004
Now that you’ve installed SP2, you might notice that some programs and devices work differently. Get help with drivers, software updates, settings, and other compatibility issues. Learn more about why some programs work differently with SP2.* 09/28/2004
Draft Version for PDC 2003
This document contains preliminary information about the security technologies
in Windows XP SP2.* 03/13/2004
With Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft is introducing a set of security technologies that will help improve Windows XP-based computers' ability to withstand malicious attacks from viruses and worms. These technologies include:
- Network protection
- Memory protection
- Improved email security
- Safer browsing
Together, these security technologies will help make it more difficult to attack Windows XP, even if the latest patches or updates aren't applied. These security technologies together are particularly useful mitigation against worms and viruses. To developers these technologies will have impacts on the applications that they create and the tools they use. This page contains resources to assist developers in dealing with these impacts.* 03/13/2004
These are a "Must Read" if you're upgrading to XP!
Get the resources you need to prepare for—and stay current on—Microsoft Windows®.* 09/28/2004
Individual PowerToys are available for download.
Download NewWindows® XP™ Creativity Fun Packs - Download screen savers, PowerToys, and other tools that help you have more fun and create amazing things with Windows XP this spring. Digital Photography and Browsing Fun Pack, Windows Movie Maker 2 Fun Pack, Windows Media Player 9 Series Fun Pack, Windows XP PowerToys. Windows XP puts your imagination in charge, making it easy to create greeting cards with your own photos, spice up your home movies with new sound effects and turn them into video screen savers, turn your computer into the party jukebox, and more.* 06/02/2003
Windows XP FAQ From Paul Thurrott's excellent SuperSite for Windows!
Windows XP is the most important release of Windows since Windows 95. Here's the first--and most comprehensive--Windows XP FAQ anywhere, extensively updated with all-new information about the final, shipping version of Windows XP. UPDATE: This FAQ is now retired.* 05/30/2003
Upcoming Windows® XP™ Products and Technologies
Windows® XP™ 64-Bit Edition
Windows® XP™ Professional
Windows® XP™ Professional Resource Kit
Windows XP Professional Product Documentation - Microsoft Windows XP includes many new and improved features, programs, and tools. This product documentation provides you with an opportunity to see what's new and to learn about the enhancements Windows XP provides. Follow the links for detailed information on new system tools, accessories, and communications and entertainment programs, plus tips on how to perform key tasks from start to finish and troubleshoot common issues.* 09/29/2004
Windows Basics - The following tasks are frequently performed when you want to change various display settings on your computer.* 09/29/2004
User Rights Assignment 09/29/2004
Local Users and Groups Overview - A local user or group is an account that can be granted permissions and rights from your computer. Domain or global users and groups are managed by your network administrator. You can add local users, global users, and global groups to local groups. However, you cannot add local users and groups to global groups
Local Users and Groups is an important security feature because you can limit the ability of users and groups to perform certain actions by assigning them rights and permissions. A right authorizes a user to perform certain actions on a computer, such as backing up files and folders or shutting down a computer. A permission is a rule associated with an object (usually a file, folder, or printer) and it regulates which users can have access to the object and in what manner.* 09/29/2004
Users Overview 09/29/2004
Groups Overview 09/29/2004
More Windows XP documentation in the Windows XP Resource Kit
XP’s Support Tools - Paul Townsend reveals details of some of the secret tools and utilities that are hidden away on your Windows XP installation CD* 08/26/2004
Windows® XP™ Professional Support: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Resource Kit Documentation is a comprehensive technical resource for installing, configuring, and supporting Windows XP Professional and Microsoft® Windows® XP 64-Bit Edition in networks that use Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server, Microsoft Windows NT® Server 4.0, and other server systems.* 10/03/2003
Windows® XP™ Professional Support Center for a Corporate Environment
Windows® XP™ Professional Upgrade Center - Find out for yourself how Windows XP Professional marks the new standard in reliability and performance, designed for businesses of all sizes and individuals who demand the most from their computing experience.
Simply follow the steps below to make sure your machine is ready to upgrade to Windows XP Professional.
Note: Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is now available. Get it here.
Windows® XP™ Professional How-To Articles: Find out how Windows XP can help you work smarter. How-to articles are grouped by topic on this page. If you manage Windows XP in a corporate environment, or for advanced how-to information, see the Windows XP Professional How-to Articles for IT Pros page.*
Set Up Windows XP Professional: Find out how to perform a quick upgrade, make a new installation, and join a network. Learn how to configure your computer for connecting to a network, creating accounts, and logging on, along with procedures that allow you to backup and recover. Find answers to common questions about installation and configuration, plus information about troubleshooting, accessibility, and finding support.*
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Files and Settings: This guide walks you through the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, which eases the process of copying files and settings from your old computer to a new computer. It is intended for home users, small office users, or users in a "lightly managed" corporate environment.*
Multiboot with Windows XP: You can install two or more operating systems on your computer, and then choose the one that you want to use each time you restart. This is known as multibooting. You can configure your computer to start Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and either Windows 95 or Windows 98.*
Restore Windows Classic View When You Want It: The new task-based design of Windows XP makes it easier to use a computer regardless of your experience.
But what if you've been using Windows-based computers for years, and prefer some things in the classic design? No problem. You can use the Windows Classic View and use your files and folders exactly as you always have.*
Planning a Home or Small Office Network: Whether you're streamlining the office, sharing music files, or putting an end to the argument over whose turn it is to go online, a home or small office network can do a lot for you. How to choose the right equipment and get it working isn't always clear, though. We'll take some of the mystery out of getting started.*
What a Home or Small Office Network Can Do for You: Ten years ago, or even five, the words "computer network" gave most people visions of science labs, huge bureaucratic offices, or at least windowless rooms where folks wearing pocket protectors hid from the rest of us—especially if you'd just mentioned being the proud owner of a new home PC. But, like that new PC, networking has crept from the lab and the office to the home.*
Use Windows Update to Keep Your Computer Current: Windows XP takes the chore out of keeping your software updated with the newest and best code for device drivers, security, reliability, and performance.
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows. It's a Web site where you find the most recent updates for your operating system, software programs, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and lists the code updates needed on your system. Then you can choose whether to download and install them.*
Use Security and Privacy Features in Internet Explorer 6: Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP helps protect your privacy on the Web by giving you more control over cookies and more information on a Web site's privacy policy.*
How to Roll Back a Device Driver: Driver Rollback helps ensure system stability. When you update a driver, a copy of the previous driver package is automatically saved in a special subdirectory of the system files.
If the new driver does not work properly, you can restore the previous driver by accessing the Driver tab for the device in the Device Manager, and clicking Roll Back Driver.
Driver Rollback permits only one level of rollback (only one prior driver version can be saved at a time); this feature is available for all device classes, except printers.*
Use System Restore to Undo Changes if Problems Occur: Windows XP Professional makes it easier to resolve problems if they occur in your system. You can use System Restore to remove any system changes that were made since the last time you remember your computer working correctly. System Restore does not affect your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e–mail) so you won't lose changes made to these files. Windows XP creates “restore points” every day, as well as at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time. Creating a restore point can be useful any time you anticipate making changes to your computer that are risky or might make your computer unstable. If something goes wrong, you select a restore point and Windows XP undoes any system changes made since that time.*
Get Help Anywhere with Remote Assistance: Remote Assistance provides a way for you to get the help you need when you run into problems with your computer. If you're an experienced user, you can even be the one to use Remote Assistance to directly help your friends and family members.
There are three ways to use Remote Assistance, described in the articles in this section. The fastest is via instant messaging using Windows Messenger, described in the first article to the right. You can also initiate Remote Assistance sessions via e–mail, as described in the second article. If you use a Web–based e–mail service, such as MSN® Hotmail®, you can fill out a form and save it as a file to attach to an e–mail, described in the third article.*
Windows® XP™ Home
Windows® XP™ Home How-To Articles: Here's your one-stop shop for learning how to use the features and technologies that come with Windows XP.*
Set Up Windows XP Home Edition: Find out how to perform a quick upgrade or make a new installation. Get answers to common questions about installation, plus information about troubleshooting, accessibility, and finding support.* Don't ask me why MS changed the Win XP Home Set-Up page to Win XP Pro Set-up. I dunno why!!
Moving Files and Settings to a New PC: In an earlier column, Set Up a New PC, I described the four-step process I use to get a new computer up and running. If you've followed along, you can be confident that your copy of Microsoft Windows is up to date and that your computer is secure from outside attackers. But you still face one last hurdle. Your e-mail messages, your address book, and all your important files are stuck on that old computer. How do you move everything to your new PC, quickly and reliably?*
Multiboot with Windows XP: You can install two or more operating systems on your computer, and then choose the one that you want to use each time you restart. This is known as multibooting. You can configure your computer to start Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and either Windows 95 or Windows 98.*
Restore Windows Classic View When You Want It: The new task-based design of Windows XP makes it easier to use computer regardless of your experience.
But what if you've been using Windows-based computers for years, and prefer some things in the classic design? No problem. You can use the Windows Classic View and use your files and folders exactly as you always have.*
Get Started with Home Networking: Whether you're streamlining the office, sharing music files, or putting an end to the argument over whose turn it is to go online, a home or small office network can do a lot for you. How to choose the right equipment and get it working isn't always clear, though. We'll take some of the mystery out of getting started.*
Use Automatic Configuration for Multiple Networks: In the past, moving your computer from one network to another required you to remember complex network settings and change them each time you moved.
In Windows XP, automatic configuration makes it easy to move your mobile computer from your home network to the local area network in your office, without the need to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings. This feature is useful whether you move your computer between wired networks, wireless networks, or a combination.*
Use Windows Update to Keep Your Computer Current: Windows XP takes the chore out of keeping your software updated with the newest and best code for device drivers, security, reliability, and performance.
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows. It's a Web site where you find the most recent updates for your operating system, software programs, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and lists the code updates needed on your system. Then you can choose whether to download and install them.*
Use Security and Privacy Features in Internet Explorer 6: Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP helps protect your privacy on the Web by giving you more control over cookies and more information on a Web site's privacy policy.*
How to Roll Back a Device Driver: Driver Rollback helps ensure system stability. When you update a driver, a copy of the previous driver package is automatically saved in a special subdirectory of the system files.
If the new driver does not work properly, you can restore the previous driver by accessing the Driver tab for the device in the Device Manager, and clicking Roll Back Driver.
Driver Rollback permits only one level of rollback (only one prior driver version can be saved at a time); this feature is available for all device classes, except printers.*
Windows XP System Restore Is Easy to Use: The System Restore feature is built into Windows XP and is used to return your computer to an earlier state if you have a system failure or other major problem with your computer. The point of System Restore is to restore your system to a workable state without you having to reinstall the operating system and lose your data files in the process.
System Restore takes snapshots of your computer system and saves them as restore points. These restore points mark configuration places to return to, in the event of a problem with your computer that might occur after you install an unstable device driver or an older application. Because the snapshots are taken automatically and are restored through the System Restore Wizard, System Restore is both effective and user-friendly.
In this column, you'll learn how to use the System Restore Wizard to recover from a system failure. You'll also learn how to create restore points manually, how to use Scheduled Tasks, and how to troubleshoot System Restore if it doesn't work the way you expect it to.*
Using Remote Assistance to Get Help When You Need It: Remote Assistance provides a way for you to get the help you need when you run into problems with your computer. If you're an experienced user, you can even be the one to use Remote Assistance to directly help your friends and family members.
There are three ways to use Remote Assistance, described in the articles in this section. The fastest is via instant messaging using Windows Messenger, described in the first article to the right. You can also initiate Remote Assistance sessions via e–mail, as described in the second article. If you use a Web–based e–mail service, such as MSN® Hotmail®, you can fill out a form and save it as a file to attach to an e–mail, described in the third article.*