Caring for your computer is an essential task if you want a machine free from errors. A well-maintained computer can service you for a long time with few problems, if any. Here are three simple things that you can do to keep your computer healthy and fit.

* Clean Your Computer

Clean your computer not just on the outside, but also on the inside. Dust and dirt can coat your computer components and cause them to overheat. They can also weigh down the blades of your computer’s internal fans and hamper the flow of air within the system, which aggravates overheating issues.

When you dust off your computer, do not forget your internal components. You can easily blow away dust and debris from inside your computer case by using a can of compressed air or a small hand-held vacuum cleaner.

* Organize Your Hard Disk Drive

Boost your computer’s performance by organizing the files on your hard disk drive and performing hard drive checks. You can do this by deleting data that you no longer need and running Window’s disk cleanup and disk defragmenter utility tools. It is advisable to fragment and check your hard drive for errors once a month.

* Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data is an integral part of computer maintenance. This is doubly important for corporate workstations and the personal computers of professionals who bring their work home. In the rare event that your computer bogs down, you will still have access to important files, especially your work files. You can back up your computer files by copying them to any of the many media for file storage available today such as external hard drives, CDs and DVDs, and USB flash drives.

There are many more things that you can do to keep your computer in tip-top condition! Take good care of your computer and it will reward you with smoother operations and a longer lifespan.

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Do you need to know how to partition a hard drive using Windows XP? Well, help is here. Microsoft Windows XP can be used to partition and format a hard drive.

Why even bother to partition a hard drive using Windows XP? Well, the answer is pretty simple. If you choose to organize your hard disk data and applications into separate partitions, you will greatly simplify backups and also improve your computer's performance.
 Hard disk partitions are a computer builder's secret for organizing data. If you understand how hard disk partitions work, I'd classify as an 'advanced' level computer builder. So read on and find out more.

Learning how to partition a hard drive is an important skill

 Step 1: Get The Tools You Need

There are several ways to partition a hard drive using Windows XP. If you're planning to partition a new and blank hard drive, then it is easy. Just use the Windows setup CD-ROM - it will list out options for partitioning your hard drive during installation.
However, what if you don't want to erase your existing data, or you want to do partitioning on an existing hard drive? Then you will need a partitioning utility such as Acronis Disk Director. The key benefit of this tools is that it allows you to change partition sizes and formats without the need to wipe out existing data.
 
 Step 2: Defragment Your Existing Hard Drive
Let's assume we are planning to partition data on an existing hard disk. Before starting, we will want to make sure we run a Disk Defragmenter program. This optimizes the hard drive to prepare it for partitioning.
 

 Step 3: Plan Your Partitions

Planning for your hard drive partitions is an important step. Do you want two partitions or three? Should they all be in NTFS or FAT32 format? Consider the size of the partitions too, and whether you plan to run different operating systems (e.g. Windows and Linux dual boot systems).
 

 Step 4: Run The Partitioning Software

The next step in partitioning a hard drive using Windows XP is to run the partitioning software. In Acronis Disk Director, there are simple wizards to help you through the process. Make absolutely sure that you check (and double-check) the source and target partitions, as well as the partition sizes before confirming.
 

 Step 5: Reboot The System

Rebooting the system is the last step in learning how to partition a hard drive using Windows XP. Once rebooted, you can do whatever you want to move data around this or that partition. You may need to specify new file locations for different applications. I like to store my operating system in one partition, while my personal files and data are stored on another partition.
 

 Conclusion

I hope this tutorial has taught you the tricks for partitioning a hard drive using Windows XP. It's not that complicated a process - but you do need to be careful since your dealing with your critical data. If you don't want to mess with partitions, one other option is to buy a new hard disk and install it as a secondary drive. This is something I like to do since I also spread the  risk of hard disk failure to two drives instead of one.

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Do you have problems trying to format a hard drive? Well, the Windows  operating system provides some good tools for doing this ... but many users still think that formatting a hard drive is a mystery.

Well, it doesn't have to be. This article will teach you the simple steps to format a hard drive. Whether you are using Windows or DOS, the process is not difficult.
If you're using a hard drive as a secondary hard drive, formatting it is a breeze - you simply go into Windows to do it. If you're trying to format your primary hard drive, you probably need to use MS-DOS (booted via a floppy drive) to do it.
Let's move on and learn the exact steps you need to carry right now ...

Formatting A Secondary Hard Drive
Let's assume you have the Windows operating system (Windows 95/98 or later) and intend to format a secondary drive to create a new and blank hard disk. The process is pretty straightforward - here's what you do:
 Double-click the My Computer icon.
 
 Click on your secondary drive icon and select it. Then open the File  menu and select the Format option.
 
 Windows will display a window displaying the formatting options. Select the  Format Type then enter a suitable disk label. If
 
If you wish to be able to boot from this second drive, make sure you check the  Copy system files box.
 
 Next, you simply click in Start. Windows will warn you that all data will be deleted - just confirm and say OK.
Voila! In a few minutes your secondary hard drive will have been formatted.
 
Formatting The Primary Hard Drive
If you want to format the primary (boot) hard drive, then you cannot do it in Windows. You need to use  DOS - here are the steps:

 Insert a bootable floppy disk into the A: drive. A bootable floppy is easily created in Windows - check this article to see how to do it.
 
 Switch on the computer. After some clacking sounds, the screen will show the A:\ prompt.
Now type in the command cd c:\ to switch over to the C: drive.
Now you need to enter the command format c: \s. what does this do? Well, it formats the hard disk and transfers the appropriate system files to make it a startup disk.
 After a few minutes, the format should be done. Enter the new volume label.
Now simply eject your startup floppy disk and restart the computer. The hard disk should now be able to boot to the C:\ prompt.
 
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has taught you how to easily format a hard drive. As you can see, the process is not that difficult. Practise a few times and you'll get the hang of it. Good luck!

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Thumb.db is a cache of the current picture in any directory that contains Picture files for example: .jpeg. To remove it ,navigate to:
1> open "WINDOWS EXPLORER".
2>go to "TOOLS".
3>open "FOLDER OPTIONS".
4>go to "VIEW".
5>see 1st section "FILES & FOLDERS".
6>click on the "DO NOT CACHE THUMBNAILS".
Now the thumbnail file will be removed from your computer once u do this the file will be never created.

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With viruses, spyware and hackers round the corner, there could be many ways by which your PC would be prone to attacks. My PC, which is installed with XP, had to be formatted 2-3 times recently due to virus attack and I had to reinstall the XP on all the occasions. Here are few simple steps to make your Windows XP more secure.

Turn on Automatic Updates: Update is a Windows XP utility which helps to download the latest updates from Microsoft website. With this your PC will have the latest security updates. But one of the disadvantages of using Automatic updates is that it consumes a lot hard disk space.

Turn on Windows Firewall: If you have Service Pack 2 installed in your PC, you can turn on the free Firewall provided by Windows. Although the firewall will not give you a 100% protection, it does give some protection.

Install an Anti-virus Software: There are lot of anti-virus softwares available. Make sure you install one as viruses are the most common type of attack. Not only you install the anti-virus, update it with the latest security updates once in a while.
Protect from Spywares and Adwares: Spywares and Adwares are other common types of attacks on your PC. There are lot of free Spyware and Adware removal tools. Install one and scan your computer once in a while.

Be Careful while using Internet: Do not click on any malicious links and also do not download any attachments or softwares without scanning them. If you use a floppy drive or a CD drive, scan the files before you open or copy to the system.
 These are fews steps to make your PC more secure. Although with these steps, it may not be 100% secure, but as wisely said-”Prevention is better than cure”

ADVANCED SECURITY

Do you work in a corporate environment where you don't appreciate your co-workers or boss having access to your comp and private files when you are not around?
 
You can provide added level of security to your WINDOWS XP System. This is called securing your Windows XP accounts database. You can store all information related to your accounts in a encrypted form on a floppy disk. What this would do is that if You do not have access to your floppy disk, You can not access the system. I am not sure You realized what I just said ! Even if You know your userid/password, You will not be able to access the system unless and until You have this startup disk.

The process of generating this secure startup floppy disk is simple. Go to START-RUN and type syskey. You will see a window come up. Click on Upgrade command button. You would see another window popping up which will give You the option of storing the encrypted accounts database either locally or on your floppy disk. Choose floppy disk and click OK and let the process complete. You are done.
 Next time You reboot the computer and get to the logon prompt, make sure that You have the floppy disk available in A: drive else You can not log on.

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This is a great trick you can play on your friends. To disable the display of local or networked drives when you click My Computer.
 1.Go to start->run.Type regedit.Now go to:
 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
 Now in the right pane
 create a new DWORD item and name it NoDrives (it is case sensitive).
 Now modify it's value and set it to 3FFFFFF (Hexadecimal) .
 Now restart your computer.
 So, now when you click on My Computer, no drives will be shown(all gone...).
 To enable display of drives in My Computer, simply delete this DWORD item that you created.Again restart your computer.You can now see all the drives again.

» Read More...

Windows Shortcuts

Shift + F10 right-clicks.
Win + L (XP Only): Locks keyboard. Similar to Lock Workstation.
Win + F or F3: Open Find dialog. (All Files) F3 may not work in some applications which use F3 for their own find dialogs.
Win + Control + F: Open Find dialog. (Computers)
Win + U: Open Utility Manager.
Win + F1: Open Windows help.
Win + Pause: Open System Properties dialog.
Win + Tab: Cycle through taskbar buttons. Enter clicks, AppsKey or Shift + F10 right-clicks.
Win + Shift + Tab: Cycle through taskbar buttons in reverse.
Alt + Tab: Display Cool Switch. More commonly known as the AltTab dialog.
Alt + Shift + Tab: Display Cool Switch; go in reverse.
Alt + Escape: Send active window to the bottom of the z-order.
Alt + Shift + Escape: Activate the window at the bottom of the z-order.
Alt + F4: Close active window; or, if all windows are closed, open shutdown dialog.
Shift while a CD is loading: Bypass AutoPlay.
Shift while login: Bypass startup folder. Only those applications will be ignored which are in the startup folder, not those started from the registry (Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\)
Ctrl + Alt + Delete or Ctrl + Alt + NumpadDel (Both NumLock states): Invoke the Task Manager or NT Security dialog.
Ctrl + Shift + Escape (2000/XP ) or (Ctrl + Alt + NumpadDot) : Invoke the task manager. On earlier OSes, acts like Ctrl + Escape.
Print screen: Copy screenshot of current screen to clipboard.
Alt + Print screen: Copy screenshot of current active window to clipboard.
Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow: Invert screen. Untested on OS's other than XP.
Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow: Undo inversion.
Win + B : Move focus to systray icons.

General
 

Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy.
Ctrl + X or Shift + Delete: Cut.
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste/Move.
Ctrl + N: New... File, Tab, Entry, etc.
Ctrl + S: Save.
Ctrl + O: Open...
Ctrl + P: Print.
Ctrl + Z: Undo.
Ctrl + A: Select all.
Ctrl + F: Find...
Ctrl+W : to close the current window
Ctrl + F4: Close tab or child window.
F1: Open help.
F11: Toggle full screen mode.
Alt or F10: Activate menu bar.
Alt + Space: Display system menu. Same as clicking the icon on the titlebar.
Escape: Remove focus from current control/menu, or close dialog box.

General Navigation
 

Tab: Forward one item.
Shift + Tab: Backward one item.
Ctrl + Tab: Cycle through tabs/child windows.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Cycle backwards through tabs/child windows.
Enter: If a button's selected, click it, otherwise, click default button.
Space: Toggle items such as radio buttons or checkboxes.
Alt + (Letter): Activate item corresponding to (Letter). (Letter) is the underlined letter on the item's name.
Ctrl + Left: Move cursor to the beginning of previous word.
Ctrl + Right: Move cursor to the beginning of next word.
Ctrl + Up: Move cursor to beginning of previous paragraph. This and all subsequent Up/Down hotkeys in this section have only been known to work in Rich Edit controls.
Ctrl + Down: Move cursor to beginning of next paragraph.
Shift + Left: Highlight one character to the left.
Shift + Right: Highlight one character to the right.
Shift + Up: Highlight from current cursor position, to one line up.
Shift + Down: Highlight from current cursor position, to one line down.
Ctrl + Shift + Left: Highlight to beginning of previous word.
Ctrl + Shift + Right: Highlight to beginning of next word.
Ctrl + Shift + Up: Highlight to beginning of previous paragraph.
Ctrl + Shift + Down: Highlight to beginning of next paragraph.
Home: Move cursor to top of a scrollable control.
End: Move cursor to bottom of a scrollable control.

File Browser

Arrow Keys: Navigate.
Shift + Arrow Keys: Select multiple items.
Ctrl + Arrow Keys: Change focus without changing selection. "Focus" is the object that will run on Enter. Space toggles selection of the focused item.
(Letter): Select first found item that begins with (Letter).
BackSpace: Go up one level to the parent directory.
Alt + Left: Go back one folder.
Alt + Right: Go forward one folder.
Enter: Activate (Double-click) selected item(s).
Alt + Enter: View properties for selected item.
F2: Rename selected item(s).
Ctrl + NumpadPlus: In a Details view, resizes all columns to fit the longest item in each one.
Delete: Delete selected item(s).
Shift + Delete: Delete selected item(s); bypass Recycle Bin.
Ctrl while dragging item(s): Copy.
Ctrl + Shift while dragging item(s): Create shortcut(s).
In tree pane, if any:
Left: Collapse the current selection if expanded, or select the parent folder.
Right: Expand the current selection if collapsed, or select the first subfolder.
Numpad Asterisk: Expand currently selected directory and all subdirectories. No undo.
Numpad Plus: Expand currently selected directory.
Numpad Minus: Collapse currently selected directory.

Accessibility

Right Shift for eight seconds: Toggle FilterKeys on and off. FilterKeys must be enabled.
Left Alt + Left Shift + PrintScreen: Toggle High Contrast on and off. High Contrast must be enabled.
Left Alt + Left Shift + NumLock: Toggle MouseKeys on and off. MouseKeys must be enabled.
NumLock for five seconds: Toggle ToggleKeys on and off. ToggleKeys must be enabled.
Shift five times: Toggle StickyKeys on and off. StickyKeys must be enabled.
6.) Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType Software Installed
Win + L: Log off Windows.
Win + P: Open Print Manager.
Win + C: Open control panel.
Win + V: Open clipboard.
Win + K: Open keyboard properties.
Win + I: Open mouse properties.
Win + A: Open Accessibility properties.
Win + Space: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys.
Win + S: Toggle CapsLock on and off.

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation

Ctrl + Alt + End: Open the NT Security dialog.
Alt + PageUp: Switch between programs.
Alt + PageDown: Switch between programs in reverse.
Alt + Insert: Cycle through the programs in most recently used order.
Alt + Home: Display start menu.
Ctrl + Alt + Break: Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen.
Alt + Delete: Display the Windows menu.
Ctrl + Alt + NumpadMinus: Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing Alt + PrintScreen on a local computer.
Ctrl + Alt + NumpadPlus: Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PrintScreen on a local computer.

Mozilla Firefox Shortcuts

Ctrl + Tab or Ctrl + PageDown: Cycle through tabs.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab or Ctrl + PageUp: Cycle through tabs in reverse.
Ctrl + (1-9): Switch to tab corresponding to number.
Ctrl + N: New window.
Ctrl + T: New tab.
Ctrl + L or Alt + D or F6: Switch focus to location bar.
Ctrl + Enter: Open location in new tab.
Shift + Enter: Open location in new window.
Ctrl + K or Ctrl + E: Switch focus to search bar.
Ctrl + O: Open a local file.
Ctrl + W: Close tab, or window if there's only one tab open.
Ctrl + Shift + W: Close window.
Ctrl + S: Save page as a local file.
Ctrl + P: Print page.
Ctrl + F or F3: Open find toolbar.
Ctrl + G or F3: Find next...
Ctrl + Shift + G or Shift + F3: Find previous...
Ctrl + B or Ctrl + I: Open Bookmarks sidebar.
Ctrl + H: Open History sidebar.
Escape: Stop loading page.
Ctrl + R or F5: Reload current page.
Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5: Reload current page; bypass cache.
Ctrl + U: View page source.
Ctrl + D: Bookmark current page.
Ctrl + NumpadPlus or Ctrl + Equals (+/=): Increase text size.
Ctrl + NumpadMinus or Ctrl + Minus: Decrease text size.
Ctrl + Numpad0 or Ctrl + 0: Set text size to default.
Alt + Left or Backspace: Back.
Alt + Right or Shift + Backspace: Forward.
Alt + Home: Open home page.
Ctrl + M: Open new message in integrated mail client.
Ctrl + J: Open Downloads dialog.
F6: Switch to next frame. You must have selected something on the page already, e.g. by use of Tab.
Shift + F6: Switch to previous frame.
Apostrophe ('): Find link as you type.
Slash (/): Find text as you type.

Gmail Shortcuts

Note: Must have "keyboard shortcuts" on in settings.
C: Compose new message.
Shift + C: Open new window to compose new message.
Slash (/): Switch focus to search box.
K: Switch focus to the next most recent email. Enter or "O" opens focused email.
J: Switch focus to the next oldest email.
N: Switch focus to the next message in the "conversation." Enter or "O" expands/collapses messages.
P: Switch focus to the previous message.
U: Takes you back to the inbox and checks for new mail.
Y: Various actions depending on current view:
Has no effect in "Sent" and "All Mail" views.
Inbox: Archive email or message.
Starred: Unstar email or message.
Spam: Unmark as spam and move back to "Inbox."
Trash: Move back to "Inbox."
Any label: Remove the label.
X: "Check" an email. Various actions can be performed against all checked emails.
S: "Star" an email. Identical to the more familiar term, "flagging."
R: Reply to the email.
A: Reply to all recipients of the email.
F: Forward an email.
Shift + R: Reply to the email in a new window.
Shift + A: Reply to all recipients of the email in a new window.
Shift + F: Forward an email in a new window.
Shift + 1 (!): Mark an email as spam and remove it from the inbox.
G then I: Switch to "Inbox" view.
G then S: Switch to "Starred" view.
G then A: Switch to "All Mail" view.
G then C: Switch to "Contacts" view.
G then S: Switch to "Drafts" view.

List of F1-F9 Key Commands for the Command Prompt

F1 / right arrow: Repeats the letters of the last command line, one by one.
F2: Displays a dialog asking user to "enter the char to copy up to" of the last command line
F3: Repeats the last command line
F4: Displays a dialog asking user to "enter the char to delete up to" of the last command line
F5: Goes back one command line
F6: Enters the traditional CTRL+Z (^z)
F7: Displays a menu with the command line history
F8: Cycles back through previous command lines (beginning with most recent)
F9: Displays a dialog asking user to enter a command number, where 0 is for first command line entered.
Alt+Enter: toggle full Screen mode.
up/down: scroll thru/repeat previous entries
Esc: delete line
Note: The buffer allows a maximum of 50 command lines. After this number is reached, the first line will be replaced in sequence.
 Helpful accessibility keyboard shortcuts
Switch FilterKeys on and off. Right SHIFT for eight seconds
Switch High Contrast on and off. Left ALT +left SHIFT +PRINT SCREEN
Switch MouseKeys on and off. Left ALT +left SHIFT +NUM LOCK
Switch StickyKeys on and off. SHIFT five times
Switch ToggleKeys on and off. NUM LOCK for five seconds

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This is one of my favorite tweaks as it makes a huge difference to how fast your machine will 'feel'. What this tweak does is remove the slight delay between clicking on a menu and XP displaying the menu.
  
 Go to Start then Run
 Type 'Regedit' then click 'Ok'
 Find "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\"
 Select "MenuShowDelay"
 Right click and select "Modify'
 Reduce the number to around "100"
 This is the delay time before a menu is opened. You can set it to "0" but it can make windows really hard to use as menus will open if you just look at them - well move your mouse over them anyway. I tend to go for anywhere between 50-150 depending on my mood.

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To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.

 Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt. In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.
 At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS. Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.
NOTE:
 Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command.

» Read More...

 If you are the kind of person who always likes neatness specially desktop, then here is a small trick for you that will simply remove the Recycle bin icon from desktop.
 
Follow the steps below:
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
 Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Explorer\BitBucket

 Modify/Create the Value Data Type(s) and Value Name(s) as detailed below.

 Data Type: DWORD // Value Name: NukeOnDelete

 Setting for Value Data: [0 = Use Recycle Bin / 1 = Permanently Delete]
 Exit Registry and Reboot

   Another Method
 start->run->gpedit.msc-> user configuration ->desktop->remove recycle bin from desktop->double click->change it not configured to enable->apply and ok.
 now come to start->run->gpupdate.exe and press enter.
 your recycle bin icon is gone from desktop nad you will need to revert your settings for get that back.
 after reverting setting make sure to run gpupdate.exe command.

» Read More...

   This trick will allow you to create files and folders without any name.
 Just follow the following steps:
1. Select any file or folder.
2. Right click on it, press rename or simply press F2.
3. Press and hold the alt key. While holding the Alt key, type numbers 0160 from the numpad.
Note: Type the numbers 0160 from the numpad, that is, the numbers present on the right side of the keyboard. Don't type the numbers which are present on top of the character keys.
          
4. Press Enter and the nameless file or folder will be created.
Reason: The file or folder that seems nameless is actually named with a single space.
 But what if you want to create another nameless file or folder in the same directory ?
 For this you will have to rename the file with 2 spaces. Just follow these steps below:
1. Select file, press F2.
2. Hold alt key and type 0160 from the numpad.
3. Release the alt key. Now without doing anything else, again hold alt key and press 0160.
4. Press enter and you will have second nameless file in the same directory.
5. Repeat step 3 to create as many nameless files or folders in the same directory.

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Windows XP can look sexy but displaying all the visual items can waste system resources. To optimize:
 1. Go to Start
 2. Click Settings
 3. Click Control Panel
 4. Click System
 5. Click Advanced tab
 6. In the Performance tab click Settings
 7. Leave only the following ticked:

 - Show shadows under menus
 - Show shadows under mouse pointer
 - Show translucent selection rectangle
 - Use drop shadows for icons labels on the desktop
 - Use visual styles on windows and buttons

» Read More...

Did you know that in Windows XP you can shut down your computer from the (eventually DOS prompt) command line box? Moreover, you can do this by clicking your mouse only once.
 All you need to do is... right-click on an empty Desktop spot -> select New -> Shortcut -> type shutdown followed by a space, and then enter one or more of the parameters listed below -> click Next -> type a suggestive name for your new shortcut -> finally, click Finish.
 This is the Shutdown.exe (located in %systemroot%\System32, usually C:\Windows\System32) syntax:
 shutdown [-i|-l|-s|-r|-a] [-f] [-m file://computername/] [-t xx] [-c "Text"] [-d[u][p]:xx:yy]>
 Valid command line switches:
 -a = Abort system shutdown in progress ONLY IF the -t xx timeout option was already set to ANY value other than 0. ALL switches except -l and -m are ignored during abort.
 -c "Text" = Text comment (case insensitive) to be displayed in the Message area of the System Shutdown window. MUST be enclosed between quotes. Maximum allowed 127 ASCII characters.
 -d [u][p]:xx:yy = Reason code for shutdown:
 u = User code.
 p = Planned shutdown code.
 xx = Major reason code. Positive integer number less than 256.
 yy = Minor reason code. Positive integer number less than 65536.
 -f = Force running applications to close without warning.
 -i = Display the shutdown interface (GUI). MUST be the first option!
 -l = Log off the current user of the local computer (default action). Can NOT be used with the -m option unless the current user has Sysadmin rights, in which case the -m switch takes precedence.
 -m file://computername/ = Remote/network computer name (most always case sensitive) to log off/restart/shut down. Current user MUST have Sysadmin rights to be allowed to use this switch!
 -s = Shut down the local computer.
 -r = Shut down and restart (reboot) the local computer.
 -t xx = Set shutdown timer to timeout for xx seconds. IF NOT specified defaults to 20 seconds. Allowed values between 0 and 99 seconds. The -a switch is the ONLY one that CAN be used during the timeout period.
NOTE:
 The dash (-) in front of these switches can be replaced by a forward slash (/).
 Spaces are NOT required to separate the shutdown command from ANY following switches, but ARE required to separate ANY switch from its following parameter(s), if any.
 For example:
shutdown -s -c "Shutting down!" -t 3
 tells your computer to shutdown after waiting for 3 seconds while the System Shutdown window will display text above in the Message area.
 Optional: after you're done creating your customized shortcut for shutdown -> right-click on it -> select Properties -> enter your desired key "combo" in the Shortcut Key box (e.g. Ctrl + Alt + End) -> click OK/Apply.
 From now on just left-click on your shutdown shortcut or hit that key combination to turn off/restart/log off your computer.

» Read More...

  Do you worry about privacy or do you maintain some personal files on the office system or at Friends pc, then you must lock that folder. I know many software's that most people use to lock their Personal files. But this trick is the safest and locks files or folders without use of any software's.  
           Suppose you want to lock the folder movies in d: which has the path D:\movies.
In the same drive create a text file and type

ren movies movies.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}

 Now save this text file as loc.bat

 Create another text file and type in it

ren movies.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} movies

 Now save this text file as key.bat
      Now you can see 2 batch files loc and key. Press loc and the folder movies will change to control panel and you cannot view its contents. Press key and you will get back your original folder.
 try it out!!!!!!!
Note: It is safe as in case if you loose the key file, you can create it again but the folder name must be correct.

» Read More...

Many computers take a lot of time to boot (or start ).This is due to many reasons.
 Some slight changes can do wonders for your system:
1. Press start->run then type msconfig and press enter.
 Go to the startup tab. Here you will see a list of startup items. These are all the programs that automatically start when you boot your PC. It is these that slow down the boot up process.
                                  So uncheck all the unwanted items like ms-office, messengers other utilities that u may not need at startup). Don't uncheck your antivirus software.
 Restart your Pc to and see for yourself, your pc will now boot faster....  
     
2. A great new feature in Microsoft Windows XP is the ability to do a boot defragment. This places all boot files next to each other on the disk to allow for faster booting. By default this option is enabled, but on some systems it is not, so below is the information on how to turn it on:
 Go to Start Menu and Click Run
 Type in regedit then click ok
 Find "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOpt imizeFunction"
 Select "Enable" from the list on the right
 Right on it and select "Modify"
 Change the value to Y .
 Reboot your Pc and see the change yourself.
  
3.SPEED UP BOOT BY DISABLING UNUSED PORTS.!!
 You may have tried many tweaks like modifying windows XP start-up applications, prefetches, unload DLLs method, etc. And yes those methods do work for me.
                     I have just accidentally found out another way to give you an extra boost in windows XP's boot performance. This is done by disabling your unused devices in Device Manager. for example, if you don't have input devices that are connected to one of your USB's or COM ports, disabling them will give you an extra performance boost in booting. Go to Control Panel -> System -> Hardware tab -> device manager Disable devices that you don't use for your PC and then restart.

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  This tweak reduces the time XP waits before automatically closing any running programs when you give it the command to shutdown.
 Go to Start then select Run
 Type 'Regedit' and click ok
 Find 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\'
 Select 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'
 Right click and select 'Modify'
 Change the value to '1000'
 Click 'OK'
 Now select 'HungAppTimeout'
 Right click and select 'Modify'
 Change the value to '1000'
 Click 'OK'
  
 Now find 'HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop'
 Select 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'
 Right click and select 'Modify'
 Change the value to '1000'
 Click 'OK'
 Now find 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\'
 Select 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout'
 Right click and select 'Modify'
 Change the value to '1000'
 Click 'OK'

» Read More...

 Well, this is one of my most suggested and favorite computer trick. What this small trick does is, it simply makes you to disable Autorun of any removable drives such as cd, dvd, Pen drives etc.
                         You might have noticed often that, when ever you plugin your USB into the Usb port or when you insert a cd or dvd into the cd/Dvd rom drive, Auto play option automatically gets executed.
It is very dangerous to allow any drive autoplay on its own, specially Usb drives. Because, along with Autorun files, USB drives containing virus also gets executed resulting your computer affected by virus or Trojan horses.
 
So this trick goes this way.
Disable CD Autorun
1) Click Start, Run and enter GPEDIT.MSC
2) Go to Computer Configuration, then-> Administrative Templates,
---> System.
3) Locate the entry for Turn autoplay off. Double click on it
4) Click on Enable.
5) Select All Drives to disable all drives including Usb drives or only Cd Rom drive.
6) Now click on apply.

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  Indexing Services is a small little program that uses large amounts of RAM and can often make a computer endlessly loud and noisy. This system process indexes and updates lists of all the files that are on your computer. It does this so that when you do a search for something on your computer, it will search faster by scanning the index lists. If you don't search your computer often, or even if you do search often, this system service is completely unnecessary. To disable do the following:
 1. Go to Start
 2. Click Settings
 3. Click Control Panel
 4. Double-click Add/Remove Programs
 5. Click the Add/Remove Window Components
 6. Uncheck the Indexing services
 7. Click Next

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 When you install Windows XP an Administrator Account is created (you are asked to supply an administrator password), but the "Welcome Screen" does not give you the option to log on as Administrator unless you boot up in Safe Mode.
 First you must ensure that the Administrator Account is enabled:
1. Open Control Panel
 2. Open Administrative Tools
3. Open Local Security Policy
 4. Expand Local Policies
 5. Click on Security Options
6. Ensure that Accounts: Administrator account status is enabled.

 Then follow the instructions from the "Win2000 Logon Screen Tweak" ie;
 1.Open Control Panel
 2. Open User Accounts
 3. Click Change the way users log on or log off
 4. Un-tick Use the Welcome Screen
 5. Click Apply Options
 You will now be able to log on to Windows XP as Administrator in Normal Mode.
 Another Method
By default windows XP doesn't show the Administrator in the user list at the welcome screen. Here's a way to get around it.

 Now head up to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\
Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\Userlist
 create a new DWORD entry and name it as Administrator and change its value to 1.
 exit and reboot for the changes to take effect.
 To change it back change its value to 0 or simply delete the key

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1). Start any application, say Word. Open some large documents.


2). Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to open Windows Task Manager and click Processes tab and sort the list in descending order on Mem Usage. You will notice that WINWORD.EXE will be somewhere at the top, using multiple MBs of memory.



3). Now switch to Word and simply minimize it. (Don't use the Minimize All Windows option of the task bar).



4). Now go back to the Windows Task Manager and see where WINWORD.EXE is listed. Most probably you will not find it at the top. You will typically have to scroll to the bottom of the list to find Word. Now check out the amount of RAM it is using. Surprised? The memory utilization has reduced by a huge amount.



5). Minimize each application that you are currently not working on by clicking on the Minimize button & you can increase the amount of available RAM by a substantial margin. Depending upon the number and type of applications you use together, the difference can be as much as 50 percent of extra RAM.

In any multitasking system, minimizing an application means that it won't be utilized by the user right now. Therefore, the OS automatically makes the application use virtual memory & keeps bare minimum amounts of the code in physical RAM.

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Sony Ericsson Secret Menu:
> * < < * < * > means press joystick or arrow keys to right
< means press joystick or arrow keys to left 1. push joy stick to RIGHT once 2. press * 3. push joy stick to LEFT twice 4. press * 5. push joy stick to LEFT once 6. press * The Service Menu will appears containing following information ! 1. Service Info a. Software Version b. SIMlock c. Configuration 2. Service Setting a. Contrast 3. Service Test a. Display b. LED/Illumination - *This test is very cool c. Keyboard d. Buzzer e. Vibrator f. Earphone g. Microphone h. Real Time Clock i. Joystick Counter* Lockstatus: < * * < Shortcut to last dialed numbers: 0# Shortcut to sim numbers: On main menu type a number and press # If you change the language from default to any other language, then it may be difficult to switch to default language. The shortcut is very simple. Just press < 0000 >
< stands for left arrow button or joystick and > stands for right arrow button or joystick.

Secret Games: Snake on the T68
Go to Erix and then on the main screen press 123 and you will be taken to the game.

Secret Message:
On Tetris on the main screen when the blocks are falling press 397 and a message will appear.

» Read More...

On the main screen type *#06#

Information you get from the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
XXXXXX XX XXXXXX X
TAC FAC SNR SP

TAC = Type approval code of your sony ericsson Mobile
FAC = Final assembly code of your cellphone
SNR = Serial number of your sony ericsson Phone
SP = Spare

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To check the phones Software revision for Nokia Mobile.
On the main screen type *#0000#

To enter in the secret menu in Nokia Phone.
On the main screen type *#92702689# [*#war0anty#]
It will take you to a secret menu where you may find some of the information below:
1. Displays Serial Number.
2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture
3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY)
4. Displays the date of the last repair - if found (0000)
5. Shows life timer of phone (time passes since last start)

To restore Factory Settings for Nokia mobile
*#7780# reset to factory settings.

Taking picture without getting noticed.
Turn on/off the "click" sound made by the camera by selecting the 'Silent' profile or by turning warning tones on/off.

Hiding your Mobile/ Cellphone Number
Go to: Menu > Tools > Settings > Call > Send My Caller ID >
'Yes', 'No' or 'Set By Network' to follow the default settings of your home network.
It works only with very few network who provide you facility of “Private Number”

Speed Dialing From Simcard contact (not stored in mobile phonebook)
Type number followed by # then call.
Example: 1# or 2# or 21#

» Read More...

On the main screen type *#06#

Information you get from the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
XXXXXX XX XXXXXX X
TAC FAC SNR SP

TAC = Type approval code of your nokia Mobile
FAC = Final assembly code of your cellphone
SNR = Serial number of your nokia Phone
SP = Spare

» Read More...

Change closed caller group (settings >security settings>user groups) to 00000 and your phone will sound the message tone when you are near a radar speed trap.
Setting it to 500 will cause your phone 2 set off security alarms at shop exits.
Try this secret trick if you can handle the unexpected.
Note: This secret trick wont work with all phones Models.

» Read More...

If you have downloaded corrupted or incompatible Java midlets or other media,
which are causing problems with the phone, try this
*2767*JAVA# Java Reset and (Deletes all Java Midlets)
*2767*MEDIA# Reset Media (Deletes All Sounds and Pics)
*2767*WAP# Wap Reset
*2767*CUST# Reset Custom EEPR0M
*2767*FULL# Reset Full EEPR0M (Caution)
For example : *2767*JAVA# would be keyed in as *2767*5282#
Note : Not all codes will work with SGH-C100.

The master reset code is:
#*7728#
This will not delete anything from your
mobile phone, but set each and eveything to its
default/standard setting as it was on the time of purchase.

To unlock your phone put a sim from another company,
now type *#9998*3323# it will reset your phone. Push exit and then push 7,
it will reset again. Put your other sim in and it will say sim lock,
type in 00000000 then it should be unlocked. Type in *0141# then
the green call batton and it's unlocked to all networks.
This code may not work on the older phones and some of the newer phones.
If it doesn't work you will have to reset your phone without a sim in it
by typing *#2767*2878# or *#9998*3855# (not tested)

Other Samsung Codes
*#9998*4357# Help Menu
*#9998*5282# Java menu (GRPS/CSD settings for JAVA server)
*#9999#0# Monitor Mode
*#9999# or *#9998*9999# Software Version
*#8888# or *#9998*8888# Hardware Version
*#9998*746# or *#9998*0746# or *#0746# Sim Infos
*#9998*523# or *#9998*0523# or *#0523# Display Contrast
*#9998*842# or *#9998*0842# or *#0842# Vibration On (until you push OK)
*#9998*289# or *#9998*0289# or *#0289# Buzzer On (until you push OK)
*#9998*288# or *#9998*0288# or *#0288# Battery & Field Infos
*#9998*377# or *#9998*0377# Error log
*#9998*778# or *#9998*0778# or *#0778# Sim Service table
*#9998*782# show date and alarm clock
*#8999*638# show network information
*#9998*5646# change operator logo at startup
*#9998*76# production number
*#9998*968# view melody for alarm
*#9998*585# Non-Volatile Memory (NVM)
*#3243948# Digital Audio Interference Off
*#32436837# Digital Audio Interference On

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On the main screen type *#06#

Information you get from the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
XXXXXX XX XXXXXX X
TAC FAC SNR SP

TAC = Type approval code of your samsung Mobile
FAC = Final assembly code of your cellphone
SNR = Serial number of your samsung Phone
SP = Spare

» Read More...

hey friends i m back with new free tv chaneels for airtel and docomo users, you can use free channel with your mobile now.
i m sharing all popular channels list for you friends
Real Player Users Setting: [+] In Default Access Point Select Working gprs/edge Connection Setting
Few Are listed below :
[1] Airtel – Mobile Office (airtelgprs.com)
[2] DoCoMo – TATA.DOCOMO.INTERNET
In Online time select “UNLIMITED”
[+] Next Options :
[1] Lowest UDP Port : 6970 or 06970
[2] Higest UDP Port : 32000
Then select Advanced Setting from options and set as below.
[3] GPRS Bandwidth – 37.52kbps/40.2kbps/53.6kbps
[4] Egprs Bandwidth – 84.42kbps/125.16kbps/178kbps


and NOKIA S40 users setting

¤ Nokia S40 Users :
GoTo » Setting » Configuration » Add New » Streaming
Now In Access Point/APN Setting Enter your working access point/APN address.
¤ Airtel – airtelgprs.com
¤ Idea – imis or internet
¤ DoCoMo – TATA.DOCOMO.INTERNET
¤ Reliance rcomwap
And At last in
Lowest UDP Port : 6970 or 06970
Higest UDP Port : 32000
Now come press back 2-3 times, press option and active this setting



now time to share channels list here it is:

Popular TV channels for Airtel and Docomo

Sony tv:
SONY DOCOMO 3G
SONY DOCOMO 2G
SONY AIRTEL 2G
SONY AIRTEL 3G
——————-
STAR PLUS:
STARPLUS DOCOMO2G
STARPLUS DOCOMO3G
STAR PLUS AIRTEL2G
STAR PLUS AIRTEL3G
——————-
SAB TV:
SABTV DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/SABTV_QCIF.sdp
SABTV DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/SABTV_QVGA.sdp
SABTV AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/SABTV_QCIF.sdp
SABTV AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/SABTV_QVGA.sdp
——————-
STAR ONE:
STARONE DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/STARONE_QCIF.sdp
STARONE DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/STARONE_QVGA.sdp
STARONE AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/STARONE_QCIF.sdp
STARONE AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/STARONE_QVGA.sdp
——————-
UTV MOVIES:
UTVMOVIES DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/UTVMOVIES_QCIF.sdp
UTVMOVIES DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/UTVMOVIES_QVGA.sdp
UTVMOVIES AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/UTVBINDASS_QCIF.sdp
UTVMOVIES AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/UTVBINDASS_QVGA.sdp
——————-
UTV BINDASS:
UTVBINDASS DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/UTVBINDASS_QCIF.sdp
UTVBINDASS DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/UTVBINDASS_QVGA.sdp
UTVBINDASS AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/UTVBINDASS_QCIF.sdp
UTVBINDASS AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/UTVBINDASS_QVGA.sdp
——————-
DISCOVERY:
DISCOVERY DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/DISCOVERYCHANNEL_QCIF.sdp
DISCOVERY DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/DISCOVERYCHANNEL_QVGA.sdp
DISCOVERY AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/DISCOVERYCHANNEL_QCIF.sdp
DISCOVERY AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/DISCOVERYCHANNEL_QVGA.sdp
——————-
ZOOM:
ZOOM DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/ZOOM_QCIF.sdp
ZOOM DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/ZOOM_QVGA.sdp
ZOOM AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/ZOOM_QCIF.sdp
ZOOM AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/ZOOM_QVGA.sdp
——————
STAR NEWS:
STARNEWS DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/STARNEWS_QCIF.sdp
STARNEWS DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/STARNEWS_QVGA.sdp
STARNEWS AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/STARNEWS_QCIF.sdp
STARNEWS AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/STARNEWS_QVGA.sdp
——————
AAJ TAK:
AAJTAK DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/AAJTAK_QCIF.sdp
AAJTAK DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/AAJTAK_QVGA.sdp
AAJTAK AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/AAJTAK_QCIF.sdp
AAJTAK AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/AAJTAK_QVGA.sdp
——————
ANIMAL PLANET:
ANIMALPLANET DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/ANIMALPLANET_QCIF.sdp
ANIMALPLANET DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/ANIMALPLANET_QVGA.sdp
ANIMALPLANET AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/ANIMALPLANET_QCIF.sdp
ANIMALPLANET AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/ANIMALPLANET_QVGA.sdp
——————
BLOOMBERG UTV:
BLOOMBERGUTV DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/BLOOMBERGUTV_QCIF.sdp
BLOOMBERGUTV DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/BLOOMBERGUTV_QVGA.sdp
BLOOMBERGUTV AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/BLOOMBERGUTV_QCIF.sdp
BLOOMBERGUTV AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/BLOOMBERGUTV_QVGA.sdp
——————
CARTOON NETWORK:
CARTOONNETWORK DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/CARTOONNETWORK_QCIF.sdp
CARTOONNETWORK DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/CARTOONNETWORK_QVGA.sdp
CARTOONNETWORK AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/CARTOONNETWORK_QCIF.sdp
CARTOONNETWORK AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/CARTOONNETWORK_QVGA.sdp
——————
DD:
DD DOCOMO2G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/2G/LIVE/DD_QCIF.sdp
DD DOCOMO3G:rtsp://10.124.70.86:554/DD_QVGA.sdp
DD AIRTEL2G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/2G/LIVE/DD_QCIF.sdp
DD AIRTEL3G:rtsp://10.2.216.228:554/DD_QVGA.sdp

» Read More...