Thursday, February 7, 2008

Trick to Show ur name after time in taskbar...

Hi freinds !
I m here to tell u a trick to add up ur name in place of AM and PM beside time and make urself to feel proud among ur group of frnds.
Its simple
Start -> Control Pannel -> Regional and LAnguage option -> Customize (beside English US) -> Go to TIME tab -> Change AM symbol and PM symbol from AM and PM to ur name -> Apply -> Ok ...
IS it changed ??? Might be not ...Now go to time in taskbar and Double Click it to open "Date and time property" ...Look place where time chnges in digital form i.e. 02:47:52 AM , click to arrow to cnage the AM or PM by selecting and press arrow. It will Show ur name or name that was entered by u, Apply -> OK and be HAPPY :)

Hidden Programs In Windows XP !

Is it strange to hear , but true that some good programs are hidden in Windows XP !!!

Programs :

1. Private Character Editor :

Used for editing fonts,etc.
** start>>Run
** Now, type eudcedit

2. Dr. Watson :

This an inbuilt windows repairing software !
** start>>Run
** Now, type drwtsn32

3. Media Player 5.1 :

Even if you upgrade your Media Player, you can still access your old player in case the new one fails !!!
** start>>Run
** Now, type mplay32

4. iExpress :

Used to create SetupsYou can create your own installers !
** start>>Run
** Now, type iexpress

How to restrict user's to access shutdown button?

This tip is very interesting for home and some small office users, who wants to restrict user's ability to shutdown their computer. You can hide the Shutdown button from the Start menu using registry editor and also restrict access to shutdown, if a user clicks on Ctrl+Alt+Del.
Follow the given steps to hide system shutdown button from start menu:
To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with
administrative rights.
Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.
Here locate the location to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Here in right side panel, right click to create a new DWORD value with name NoClose.
Now assign number 1 to its value data box.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
But next time, if you want to unhide the shutdown button then simply change the value data box to 0 or delete this DWORD item.
Again close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to add new destinations to "Send To" menu in windows XP?

In windows environment, the Send To command is used to transfer files from one location to different locations. By using this command, a user can quickly send his file between default destinations (default lists in Send To menu, for example Desktop, CD/DVD Drive, My Documents, Mail Recipient and Floppy Drive). These are the default Send To menu lists in windows XP. To increase the data transfer speed between different locations, you can add more new destination in Send To lists.

Follow the given steps to add new destinations to Send To lists:

First click on Start button and type sendto in Run option then press Ok button.

A window will appear with default Send To lists (Compressed (zipped) Folder, Desktop (create shortcut), Mail Recipient, My Documents).

Now using drag-and-drop technique (or using copy and paste method), you can move any program, folders and drives shortcuts to this folder.

Now you can verify, your new shortcut is created in Send To menu.

But next times, if you want to delete any destination, then open the Sent To folder and remove the destination shortcut.

USB 2.0 - Hi-Speed USB - FAQ

What is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is a complete overhaul to the Universal Serial Bus input/output bus protocol which allows much higher speeds than the older USB 1.1 standard did. USB 1.1 allowed a maximum transfer rate of 12Mbits/second. That rate is now called 'USB.' Though some manufacturers label their products Full-Speed USB. Note that this seems a bit deceptive. Its easy to mistake Full-Speed for Hi-Speed.
As an aside, USB mice and keyboards need only 1.5Mbits/s to function. That performance level is also named 'USB' by the USB Promoter Group. To sum it up, USB 2.0 specification incorporates three speeds: Hi-Speed, Full-Speed and Low-Speed. You as a consumer don't need to figure out all the jargons. Just keep in mind that only 'Hi-Speed USB' and 'USB' host and devices exist.


How do I know if my PC has USB 2.0?
You can identify whether your PC has Hi-Speed or not relatively easy. Open Device Manager and expand the Universal Serial Bus section. There should be an "Enhanced" USB host controller present. Windows 98 systems may use a different name, because Hi-Speed USB drivers in these operating systems are not provided directly from Microsoft (Windows ME, 2000 and XP get their drivers through Windows Update). These drivers are provided by the manufacturer, and may carry the maker's name (i.e. ADS, Belkin, IOGear, Siig, etc.). There should also be two standard version USB host controllers present as well. They are embedded in the USB chip which routes the differing USB speeds accordingly without user intervention.There are currently 6 manufacturers of the Hi-Speed USB host silicon themselves:
ALi (Acer Labs)
Intel
NEC
SiS
VIA
nVidia (shows as "Standard" controller
Any other brand name that appears in Device Manager would likely be an add-in Hi-Speed USB PCI card. The makers above do not make add-in cards, but they do make the chips that are used in them.


How do troubleshoot "unknown device" error listed in Device Manager?
The USB device or the USB adapter requires its own power source. If your USB device or adapter came with an AC power "brick", try connecting it.
Here's a likely one - the front USB ports on your PC case may be misconnected. I've seen them that way from the factory. It's a good idea to check the connections against specifications. The standard order of connection is Red, White, Green, and Black. No more than 4 wires per USB bank are needed.
Defective device. Do not assume that all PC components work correctly out of the box. I've seen many new USB devices that do not work. If you can, try the device on another PC.
All drivers are not installed. Some devices will require installing the driver package before plugging in the device. Some devices will also require basic USB files from the Windows CD before the unit will function. The general rule is to always follow installation directions precisely and to have the Windows CD ready.

How fast is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 has a raw data rate at 480Mbps, and it is rated 40 times faster than its predecessor interface, USB 1.1, which tops at 12Mbps. Originally, USB 2.0 was intended to go only as fast as 240Mbps.

How will consumers benefit from USB 2.0?
With speed 40 times more than that of USB 1.1, USB 2.0 broaden the range of external peripherals that can be used on a computer. Even with multiple high-speed peripherals connected to a USB 2.0 bus, the system will less likely to hit the bandwidth bottleneck. The new specification also inherits the current USB's Plug and Play and hot-swapping capability as well as providing backward compatibility for USB 1.1 hardware, allowing existing user base to upgrade seamlessly.

Do USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 hardware work interchangeably?
You may have heard that USB 2.0 is "backward-compatible" with USB 1.0/1.1 (Full-Speed USB). While that's true, USB 1.1 is also forward-compatible with USB 2.0. Whenever a system has USB 2.0 ports, you'll find the "Enhanced" USB controller in Device Manager, but you will also find two other USB controllers. These two to maintain backward compatibility to USB 1.1 devices. Each USB 2.0 host actually has 3 chips onboard. The USB controller routes signals to the correct controller chip depending on how a device is recognized. Where a device is physically plugged in has no bearing on how it is routed. All ports on a USB 2.0 motherboard can host any USB devices at all as long as the system and devices are healthy. The vast majority of USB 2.0 devices will work on older PCs and Macs. None should flat-out fail unless there are other issues with the system. Hi-Speed USB devices will revert to Full-Speed operation when connected this way. Understand that Hi-Speed is at least ten times faster than Full-Speed in actual operation, so the speed difference is quite noticeable - unless you have never experienced Hi-Speed, of course.When it comes to USB hub compatibility between USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, here some facts:
A powered hub is always preferable to unpowered.
USB hub ports are not as capable or flexible as real PC ports so it's best not to expect the world of them.
USB 1.1 (obsolete) hubs will work fine on USB 2.0 ports, but they cannot utilize USB 2.0 capabilities. They will default to slower speeds.
Hi-Speed and Full/Low-Speed USB devices can coexist nicely on USB 2.0 hubs. Connecting such a hub to a USB 2.0 port is recommended.
USB 2.0 hubs can be used on older USB 1.1 computers.
Although it is said that you can "cascade" up to 4 hubs, problems may start to arise after two hubs, it's best to minimize hub usage if possible.
Many USB devices don't work well on hubs. Cameras, scanners and especially USB drives are known to have problems with hub connectivity.
Remember that "active USB extensions" are really just one-port hubs.


Will USB 2.0 replace USB 1.1?
Not entirely, because many products such as generic keyboards, mice, joysticks and audio speakers do not require the faster speed of the new USB 2.0 technologies. Only bandwidth-hungry devices, such as web cams and high-capacity storage systems, will need all the speed. However, next-generation systems will come with USB 2 ports rather than USB 1.1.
How do I distinguish between a USB 2.0 and a USB 1.1 devices? New logos designed by the USB Promoter Group allow consumers to easily identify the new USB 2.0 products. The new colorful logo for USB 2.0 is labeled USB Hi-Speed, and the new logo for USB 1.1 is labeled with USB Basic Speed. However, most people won't miss it as manufacturers often label USB 2.0 READY Or 40 times faster than USB 1.1, on the boxes.

Will USB 1.1 devices run any faster on a USB 2.0 bus?
No. However, the new USB 2.0 archiclecture allows more high-speed USB 1.1 devices, such as web cams, audio devices, to share the bandwidth. Developers need to follow USB 2.0 spec in order to design higher speed peripherals that can take advantage of the extra bandwidth. USB 1.1 devices still operate at 12Mbps at full-speed and 1.5Mbps at low-speed on a USB 2.0 bus. Even though USB 1.1 devices won't run any faster, they can work alongside of USB 2.0 devices on the same bus.

What are USB Hi-Speed and USB Basic Speed logos?
These logos are part of USB Promoter Group's branding program that ensures the quality of USB products. The USB 2.0 certified products would display a blue, white and red logo, bearing the words Certified and Hi-Speed. The classic USB 1.1 certified products would display a black and white logo with the words USB and Certified.
Under a license from USB-IF, products must pass the compliance tests before manufacturers can use one of the two trademarked logos. The Promoter Group will take legal actions on manufacturers that label either logo on their products, which have not passed the tests.

What happen if a USB 2.0 devices are plugged into a USB 1.1 systems?
The entire bus under the USB 1.1 root hub will slow to 12Mbps. The operating system will probably notify the user about the sub-optimal configuration and recommend for a better course of action.If several USB 1.1 hubs are connected to a USB 2.0 bus, then each of the USB 1.1 hubs will get a full 12Mbps bandwidth.

What is the max?
Length of a USB 2.0 cable? 5m. however, if you cascade 5 hubs with 5m USB cables, this will allow you to connect a device 30m away.

What do I need to use a USB 2.0 device?
The requirement is similar to that of USB 1.1, but all components will have to be USB 2.0 compliant. A successful USB 2.0 connection requires a USB 2.0 host controller card, a USB 2.0 driver and a USB 2.0 peripheral.

How much will it cost to upgrade to USB 2.0?
Around $80 to $150. Currently, Orange Micro., Adaptec and IO Gear are shipping USB 2.0 PCI cards, some of which even have FireWire ports. Interestingly, almost all USB 2.0 PCI cards include an internal port, which is probably for connecting internal USB 2.0 IDE enclosure or USB 2.0 front panel.

Will USB 2.0 arrive on mobile computers?
Yes, but not in integrated solution on laptops. You will need a USB 2.0 Card Bus card. Orange Micro. is shipping USB 2.0 compliant 4-port Card Bus card. Eventually, notebook vendors will adapt to USB 2.0 technology, and we will see USB 2.0 ports on laptops. This transition won't happen until 2002 at the earliest.

Which operating systems support USB 2.0?
Microsoft has released the official USB 2.0 driver for Windows XP and Windows 2000. The version is 5.1.2600. The software is available on-line at Windows Update website. (If you don't have a USB 2.0 card installed in your system, Windows Update won't list the USB 2.0 driver as an update.) The software company is still considering USB 2.0 support for Windows ME, but it already has decided not to bring USB 2.0 to Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE. If you have Windows 98, you will have to rely on 3rd party USB 2.0 support from USB card manufacturer.Do USB 1.1 cables work with USB 2.0 devices? Ideally, yes. USB 2.0 architecture uses the same cables and connectors as USB 1.1 compliant products. Unfortunately, only 3 out of 11 cables on the market are certified as USB 1.1 compliant. You may run into the cables that cause problems connecting high-speed peripherals. To avoid negative user experience, most vendors include USB 2.0 compliant cables with their USB 2 PCI cards and peripherals.

How do I repair Internet Explorer in Windows XP?

The ability to Repair Internet Explorer does not exist in the version that ships with Windows XP. This feature only becomes available after you upgrade to a newer version. This is normal and has been this way since Windows 98 and IE4.

However, you can reinstall IE in Windows XP by clicking Start, Run and entering the following command:
rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\Inf\ie.inf
You will need to have your XP CD available.
Some people have problems with the command line above. A small VB Script that will execute the command for you can be downloaded here. Save the file to your hard drive and double click it to run IE Setup.
How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP (Q318378)http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q318378

How do I enable CD burning for Limited accounts?

This tip does not apply to Nero users; it is only for XP's built-in CD burning feature.

How do I enable CD burning for Limited accounts?
This tip does not apply to Nero users; it is only for XP's built-in CD burning feature.

Allow limited users access to CD Burning:To allow Limited User's to burn CD's, click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT. Go to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinlogonLook in the right pane for AllocateDASD and double click the entry. Set the value to 2.On PRO, this is exposed in Local Security Policy under Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options"Devices: Allowed to format and eject removable media"For XP Pro, you can do this by clicking Start, Run and entering SECPOL.MSCGo to Local Policies, Security Options, look in the right pane for Devices: Allowed to Format and eject removable media. Set this option to Administrators and Interactive Users

Enable the Administrator account on the Welcome Screen

Option 1: Download and install TweakUI from the Powertoys for Windows XP collection. In the Logon section, you can hide, or make visible, User accounts on the Welcome Screen.

Option 2: Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList (note that there is a space in the Windows NT). Right click in the right pane and select New, DWord value. Give the value the same name as the Username on the Welcome Screen (it must match) for the account you wish to hide/show. Double click the new value and set it to 1 to show the account on the Welcome Screen, or set it to 0 to hide the account.
Example: Doug is a user on the computer, Doug would be the name you give the new value.

Disable the Windows XP Splash Screen

Ever wonder what's going on behind that splash screen? Well, now you can find out!
Disable the Windows XP Splash Screen
Ever wonder what's going on behind that splash screen? Well, now you can find out!


Right click My Computer, Properties, Advanced, Startup and Recovery, Edit. Edit BOOT.INI. Add "/SOS" right after "/fastdetect" with a space between. The line will look something like this:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /SOS. When you're finished. The first part, multi(0)..... may not be the same on your machine. Upon restarting, the splash screen will be gone. It can be re-enabled by removing the new switch.

Control Programs That Run at Startup

The best way to prevent a program from running at Startup, is to check the program's own options for a way to prevent this. Most good quality programs will provide an option for this.


Control Programs That Run at Startup
The best way to prevent a program from running at Startup, is to check the program's own options for a way to prevent this. Most good quality programs will provide an option for this.
If you can't find the option there, click Start, Run and enter MSCONFIG. Go to the Startup tab, and uncheck the item there. This method is not always 100% successful. An example is a program that you do use, but you don't want running automatically. Some programs will check to see if the program's own options say it should run at Startup. If the program thinks its supposed to load at startup, it will re-create the autorun entry.
A small utility that can help you determine where things are loading from is Startup Programs Tracker, which can be downloaded here.

Using Remote Desktop

You must first enable the Remote Desktop feature on your office computer so that you can control it remotely from another computer. You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to enable Remote Desktop on your Windows XP Professional-based computer.


To setup your office computer to use Remote Desktop:

* Open the System folder in Control Panel. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the System icon.
* On the Remote tab, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box, as shown below.
* Ensure that you have the proper permissions to connect to your computer remotely, and click OK.
* Leave your computer running and connected to the company network with Internet access. Lock your computer, and leave your office.

The Remote Desktop Connection client software allows a computer running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 to control your Windows XP Professional computer remotely. The client software is available on the installation CD for Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition. The client software is installed by default on computers running Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition.

To install Remote Desktop Connection software on a client computer

* Insert the Windows XP compact disc into your CD-ROM drive.
* When the Welcome page appears, click Perform additional tasks, and then click Setup Remote Desktop Connection as shown below.
* When the installation wizard starts, follow the directions that appear on your screen.

Once you have enabled your Windows XP Professional computer to allow remote connections, and installed client software on a Windows-based client computer, you are ready to start a Remote Desktop session.

To create a new Remote Desktop Connection

* Open Remote Desktop Connection. (Click Start, point to Programs or All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.)
* In Computer, type the computer name for your computer running Windows XP Professional that has Remote Desktop enabled and for which you have Remote Desktop permissions
* Click Connect.
* The Log On to Windows dialog box appears.
* In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your user name, password, and domain (if required), and then click OK. The Remote Desktop window will open and you will see the desktop settings, files, and programs that are on your office computer. Your office computer will remain locked.
* Nobody will be able to work at your office computer without a password, nor will anyone see the work you are doing on your office computer remotely. Note: To change your connection settings, (such as screen size, automatic logon information, and performance options), click Options before you connect.

To open a saved connection

* In Windows Explorer, open the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder.
* Click the .Rdp file for the connection you want to open. Note: A Remote Desktop file (.rdp) file contains all of the information for a connection to a remote computer, including the Options settings that were configured when the file was saved. You can customize any number of .rdp files, including files for connecting to the same computer with different settings. For example, you can save a file that connects to MyComputer in full screen mode and another file that connects to the same computer in 800×600 screen size. By default, .rdp files are saved in the My DocumentsRemote Desktops folder. To edit an .rdp file and change the connections settings it contains, right-click the file and then click Edit.

To log off and end the session

* In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Start, and then click Shut Down.
* The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
* In the drop-down menu, select Log Off , and then click OK.

Microsoft Excel shortcut keys

Shortcut keys Action

Ctrl+A Apply to select all cells

Ctrl+B Apply/Remove bold formatting

Ctrl+C Apply to copy the selected word

Ctrl+D Apply to fill down the selected cell

Ctrl+F Display the Find what option

Ctrl+G Apply to run Go to dialog box

Ctrl+H Use to display Find and Replace dialog box

Ctrl+I Apply/Remove Italic formatting

Ctrl+K Apply to insert Hyperlink dialog box

Ctrl+L Press keys to insert Create list dialog box

Ctrl+N Press Keys to create new file

Ctrl+O Press Keys to open new file

Ctrl+P Press Keys to display Print dialog box

Ctrl+S Save the active file

Ctrl+U Press Keys to apply/remove underline

Ctrl+V Press Keys to paste the clipboard values

Ctrl+X Press Keys to cut the selected word

Ctrl+Y Press Keys to run previous action

Ctrl+Z Apply to undo the previous command

Uses of Function keys in Excel
Function keys Action

F1 Use to give the help of any windows panel

F2 Press Keys to edit any cell

F3 Use to insert name into formula

F4 Apply to repeat the previous command

F5 Apply to run Go to dialog box

F6 Apply to move between panel in worksheet

F7 Use to check spelling in worksheet

F8 Apply the extend mode on the status line

F9 Use to calculate the worksheets

F10 Use to select the main menu bar

F11 Apply to insert the chart of active worksheet

F12 Use to run Save As dialog box.

How to set security on your Recycle Bin properties?

Today day tip is very useful to manage the security of Recycle Bin properties because by default everyone can change the recycle bin sittings using windows default rights. If you want to restrict your users to modify these settings, simply edit the "Permissions for BitBucket" and set the read only rights for all users. Using windows registry editor you can set the Recycle Bin rights for all user.

The best technique to edit the windows registry, always backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.

Follow the given steps to edit computer registry for Recycle Bin properties:

To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.


Here locate the location to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\BitBucket


Here in left side panel, right click on "BitBucket" keys and click on Permissions option.

Now "Permissions for Bitbucket" dialog box will appear to manage the user's rights.

Here select the user name or group "Everyone" from the list under the "Group or user names" category and then allow read only permissions for selected user under the "Permissions for everyone" section.


Now click on Apply button to save these settings and again click on Ok button to finish the process.

Close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

To verify these sittings, simply right click on Recycle bin and go to "Properties" dialog box and any changes here will give you a message "You do not have permission to modify the settings for the Recycle Bin".

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Windows System Tips

Choose The Sounds

How to Choose The Sounds For Each Windows Event?
Here is a cool tip to choose the sounds for each windows event, you can get these sounds files using windows special sound folders but you can add sounds from any third source.

Windows System Tips

How you can save Energy using Energy saving feature?
Answer:

You can save your system energy applying these feature.

  • First Right click on our your system desktop and a popup menu will appear.

  • Select the Properties option from the menu.

  • Click Screen Saver tab and then select Power button, here you will get Power saving sitting option for your monitor.

  • Select your power scheme from available option, for example turn off monitor time, turn off hard disk and stand by your system.

  • At the end Click OK button to apply the selected scheme