Boot Winxp Fast
Follow the following steps
1. Open notepad.exe, type "del c:\windows\prefetch\ntosboot-*.* /q" (without the quotes) & save as "ntosboot.bat" in c:\
2. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "gpedit.msc".
3. Double click "Windows Settings" under "Computer Configuration" and double Click again on "Shutdown" in the right window.
4. In the new window, click "add", "Browse", locate your "ntosboot.bat" file & click "Open".
5. Click "OK", "Apply" & "OK" once again to exit.
6. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "devmgmt.msc".
7. Double click on "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
8. Right click on "Primary IDE Channel" and select "Properties".
9. Select the "Advanced Settings" tab then on the device or 1 that doesn't have 'device type' greyed out select 'none' instead of 'autodetect' & click "OK".
10. Right click on "Secondary IDE channel", select "Properties" and repeat step 9.
11. Reboot your computer.
Recycle as Much as You Want
by Computer Tricks And Tips
You can increase and decrease the size of the Recycle Bin. There are some size limitations with Recycle Bin size, its default size is equivalent to 10 percent of the drive size. But if you delete a larger size file accidentally, you can retrieve this file from Recycle Bin that is why you should set the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin.
First Right click on the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop of your computer then go to Properties.
Adjust the slider bar in the center of the screen from 10% to maximum size as you want.
Then click OK button to save your new sitting and exit the Recycle Bin Properties Window.
After change reboot your computer to have Windows fully initiate the necessary changes to your system.
First Right click on the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop of your computer then go to Properties.
Adjust the slider bar in the center of the screen from 10% to maximum size as you want.
Then click OK button to save your new sitting and exit the Recycle Bin Properties Window.
After change reboot your computer to have Windows fully initiate the necessary changes to your system.
Newfolder.exe Manual Detection
by Computer Tricks And Tips
Note: This manual removal process may be difficult and you run the risk of destroying your computer. We recommend that you use the to check for newfolder.exe.
Step 1: Use Windows File Search Tool to Find newfolder.exe Path
Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "newfolder.exe" file name(s).
To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "newfolder.exe",
highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because
you'll need the file path to delete newfolder.exe in the following manual removal steps.
Step 2: Use Windows Task Manager to Remove newfolder.exe Processes
To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "newfolder.exe" process by name.
Select the "newfolder.exe" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
Step 3: Detect and Delete Other newfolder.exe Files
To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > cmd and then press the "OK" button.
Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
Once you have the file you're looking for type in del "name_of_the_file".
To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
Select the "newfolder.exe" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
Step 1: Use Windows File Search Tool to Find newfolder.exe Path
Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "newfolder.exe" file name(s).
To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "newfolder.exe",
highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because
you'll need the file path to delete newfolder.exe in the following manual removal steps.
Step 2: Use Windows Task Manager to Remove newfolder.exe Processes
To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "newfolder.exe" process by name.
Select the "newfolder.exe" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
Step 3: Detect and Delete Other newfolder.exe Files
To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > cmd and then press the "OK" button.
Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
Once you have the file you're looking for type in del "name_of_the_file".
To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
Select the "newfolder.exe" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
How to Turn Your Num Lock On Forever
by Computer Tricks And Tips
You can set your Num Lock to stay on by default when you logon your system.
There are two different techniques to set Num Lock stay on by default.
If you can use Registry Editor correctly then Click on start button and type Regedt32.exe in Run command. Here Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard and change the value for InitialKeyboardIndicators from 0 to 2.
You can do same by configuring the script to change the NUM LOCK state. Click Start button and then open Notepad. Copy the giving code and paste in Notepad.
set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.SendKeys "{NUMLOCK}"
Now save this file with name "num.vbs" must including the quotes. At the end copy this file to user startup folder. The path for this folder is Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
Now restart the computer. Num Lock should come on and stay on.
There are two different techniques to set Num Lock stay on by default.
If you can use Registry Editor correctly then Click on start button and type Regedt32.exe in Run command. Here Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard and change the value for InitialKeyboardIndicators from 0 to 2.
You can do same by configuring the script to change the NUM LOCK state. Click Start button and then open Notepad. Copy the giving code and paste in Notepad.
set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.SendKeys "{NUMLOCK}"
Now save this file with name "num.vbs" must including the quotes. At the end copy this file to user startup folder. The path for this folder is Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
Now restart the computer. Num Lock should come on and stay on.
How to open office 2007 files into office 2003
by Computer Tricks And Tips
Today tip will help you to resolve the compatibility issues between the Office 2003 and Office 2007. Because all programs in office 2003 used the old file extensions for its different programs. For example Word 2003 saved files with extension .doc, Excel 2003 with .xls and PowerPoint with .ppt. but on the other office 2007 used the new file extensions for its different programs. For example Word 2007 saved files with extension .docx, Excel 2007 with .xlsx and PowerPoint with .pptx. Now the problem is that when you will try to open office 2007 files into office 2003 and you will not open the file due to compatibility issues between both office versions. Microsoft provides a free compatibility pack to convert office 2007 documents to the office 2003 format. There are many third party free converter are available but here we are using Microsoft office compatibility pack.
Follow the given steps to download free Microsoft compatibility pack and install it.
To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
Visit the following link to download the Microsoft compatibility pack:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
When you have downloaded the file, double click on FileFormatConverter.exe file to start the installation.
Now here it’s simply a case of pretending you’ve read the license terms and clicking continue.
Now click on Ok button to complete the installation.
Once the process is done, you can enjoy opening .docx files on Word 2003.
Follow the given steps to download free Microsoft compatibility pack and install it.
To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
Visit the following link to download the Microsoft compatibility pack:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
When you have downloaded the file, double click on FileFormatConverter.exe file to start the installation.
Now here it’s simply a case of pretending you’ve read the license terms and clicking continue.
Now click on Ok button to complete the installation.
Once the process is done, you can enjoy opening .docx files on Word 2003.
How to show your desktop quikly
by Computer Tricks And Tips
You can show your desktop very quickly by minimizing all your active or inactive windows.
for this press key "windows key + D " and all of your windows will be minimized just in a second.
ANd you can again all your same windows in same condition by again pressing the same keys.
for this press key "windows key + D " and all of your windows will be minimized just in a second.
ANd you can again all your same windows in same condition by again pressing the same keys.
How to Close All Windows Programs quickly?
by Computer Tricks And Tips
How to Close All Windows Programs quickly?
A cool tip to minimize and maximize all your active windows programs. You can do all using your mouse, but if you want to do this with keyboard then simply press Windows key+M to minimize all active programs and later maximize it using Windows key+Shift+M.
If you want to minimize the all active windows programs one by one then use the shortcut by pressing Alt+Space+N keys and sequentially maximize the active windows programs using shortcut Alt+Space+X keys.
A cool tip to minimize and maximize all your active windows programs. You can do all using your mouse, but if you want to do this with keyboard then simply press Windows key+M to minimize all active programs and later maximize it using Windows key+Shift+M.
If you want to minimize the all active windows programs one by one then use the shortcut by pressing Alt+Space+N keys and sequentially maximize the active windows programs using shortcut Alt+Space+X keys.
How to Download like a Permimum Member....
by Computer Tricks And Tips
Download like a Permimum Member....
Rapidshare download like a $premium$$
FOR FREE USERS WHO DOESNT HAVE AN RS ACCOUNT
You aren't a Rapidshare premium member and downloading a movie or a program takes too long?
here is a Rapidshare downloader that is very simple to use and you can download files at night on when you are gone!
1. Download Firefox (mozilla), an internet browser (better than internet explorer)
Code:
Code:
www.mozilla.com/firefox
2. install this add-on: Rdown
Code:
Code:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8376
3. restart firefox, go to Tools and click on "Rapidshare Downloader"
copy/paste the rapidshare links in the box and click on "start", and the add-on will download the files for you, you don't have to do anything (except wait)
have fun
PS: you can find your downloaded files in the directory where all your downloaded files are (go to Tools -> Options -> Main and next to "Save files to" you see the directory where all your downloaded files are)
You can download in rapidshare without waiting every after download.. It is updated everytime RS updates itself. So you don't have to keep on finding a good working RS account anymore..
Rapid gen.........
http://rsplg.com/
try this
HERE ARE THE SITES:
SUPPORTED SITES: Uploading, Uploaded.to, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, MegaPorn, MegaVideo, HotFile, MegaShares, Easy-Share, NetLoad, Uploading, Uploaded.to------------
http://www.rapid8.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: megaupload.com--------
http://www.speedlinkr.com
Premium Link Generator For Different Hosts
1. For Megaupload only -
Code:
http://www.speedlinkr.com
Code:
http://www.sp4rks.com/
Code:
http://www.megafast.info/
2. For Rapidshare only -
Code:
http://rsplg.com/
Code:
http://www.n77.co.cc/
3. For Failai.lt, Depositfiles.com, FileFactory.com, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, HotFile, Failai.lt, Youtube.com
Code:
http://www.megaleech.eu/
4. For Multi Other Sites -
Code:
http://premiumcreator.com/
Code:
http://www.hlusoe.info
Code:
http://www.fcfsrs.com/
Code:
http://www.rapid8.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:megaupload.com-----------
http://www.sp4rks.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:rapidshare.com---------------
http://rsplg.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:rapidshare.com--------------
http://www.n77.co.cc/
SUPPORTED SITES:Rapidshare, Hotfile, Easy-Share, Netload, Megaupload------
http://www.fcfsrs.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: megaupload.com-------------
http://www.megafast.info/
http://premiumcreator.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: rapidshare/megaupload/hotfile/storage.to----------------------
http://www.hlusoe.info
SUPPORTED SITES: Failai.lt, Depositfiles.com, FileFactory.com, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, HotFile, Failai.lt, Youtube.com--------------------------------
http://www.megaleech.eu/
Rapidshare download like a $premium$$
FOR FREE USERS WHO DOESNT HAVE AN RS ACCOUNT
You aren't a Rapidshare premium member and downloading a movie or a program takes too long?
here is a Rapidshare downloader that is very simple to use and you can download files at night on when you are gone!
1. Download Firefox (mozilla), an internet browser (better than internet explorer)
Code:
Code:
www.mozilla.com/firefox
2. install this add-on: Rdown
Code:
Code:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8376
3. restart firefox, go to Tools and click on "Rapidshare Downloader"
copy/paste the rapidshare links in the box and click on "start", and the add-on will download the files for you, you don't have to do anything (except wait)
have fun
PS: you can find your downloaded files in the directory where all your downloaded files are (go to Tools -> Options -> Main and next to "Save files to" you see the directory where all your downloaded files are)
You can download in rapidshare without waiting every after download.. It is updated everytime RS updates itself. So you don't have to keep on finding a good working RS account anymore..
Rapid gen.........
http://rsplg.com/
try this
HERE ARE THE SITES:
SUPPORTED SITES: Uploading, Uploaded.to, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, MegaPorn, MegaVideo, HotFile, MegaShares, Easy-Share, NetLoad, Uploading, Uploaded.to------------
http://www.rapid8.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: megaupload.com--------
http://www.speedlinkr.com
Premium Link Generator For Different Hosts
1. For Megaupload only -
Code:
http://www.speedlinkr.com
Code:
http://www.sp4rks.com/
Code:
http://www.megafast.info/
2. For Rapidshare only -
Code:
http://rsplg.com/
Code:
http://www.n77.co.cc/
3. For Failai.lt, Depositfiles.com, FileFactory.com, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, HotFile, Failai.lt, Youtube.com
Code:
http://www.megaleech.eu/
4. For Multi Other Sites -
Code:
http://premiumcreator.com/
Code:
http://www.hlusoe.info
Code:
http://www.fcfsrs.com/
Code:
http://www.rapid8.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:megaupload.com-----------
http://www.sp4rks.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:rapidshare.com---------------
http://rsplg.com/
SUPPORTED SITES:rapidshare.com--------------
http://www.n77.co.cc/
SUPPORTED SITES:Rapidshare, Hotfile, Easy-Share, Netload, Megaupload------
http://www.fcfsrs.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: megaupload.com-------------
http://www.megafast.info/
http://premiumcreator.com/
SUPPORTED SITES: rapidshare/megaupload/hotfile/storage.to----------------------
http://www.hlusoe.info
SUPPORTED SITES: Failai.lt, Depositfiles.com, FileFactory.com, RapidShare.com, MegaUpload, HotFile, Failai.lt, Youtube.com--------------------------------
http://www.megaleech.eu/
How to create icons to shutdown or restart on your desktop
by Computer Tricks And Tips
WindowsXP has a program called SHUTDOWN.EXE which allows you to easily create icons to shutdown or restart your computer.
To create a shutdown shortcut on the desktop:
1. Right click on an open area of the desktop
2. Select New / Shortcut
3. Enter in "shutdown -s -t 00" - no quotes
4. Press the Next button
5. For the name, enter in anything you like. I just use shutdown. Click on the Finish button.
For a reboot, enter "shutdown -r -t 00"
Shutdown [{-l|-s|-r|-a}] [-f] [-m [\\ComputerName]] [-t xx] [-c "message"] [-d[p]x:yy]
Parameters
• -l - Logs off the current user, this is also the defualt. -m ComputerName takes precedence.
• -s - Shuts down the local computer.
• -r - Reboots after shutdown.
• -a - Aborts shutdown. Ignores other parameters, except -l and ComputerName. You can only use -a during the time-out period.
• -f - Forces running applications to close.
• -m [\\ComputerName] - Specifies the computer that you want to shut down.
• -t xx - Sets the timer for system shutdown in xx seconds. The default is 20 seconds.
• -c "message" - Specifies a message to be displayed in the Message area of the System Shutdown window. You can use a maximum of 127 characters. You must enclose the message in quotation marks.
enjoy
To create a shutdown shortcut on the desktop:
1. Right click on an open area of the desktop
2. Select New / Shortcut
3. Enter in "shutdown -s -t 00" - no quotes
4. Press the Next button
5. For the name, enter in anything you like. I just use shutdown. Click on the Finish button.
For a reboot, enter "shutdown -r -t 00"
Shutdown [{-l|-s|-r|-a}] [-f] [-m [\\ComputerName]] [-t xx] [-c "message"] [-d[p]x:yy]
Parameters
• -l - Logs off the current user, this is also the defualt. -m ComputerName takes precedence.
• -s - Shuts down the local computer.
• -r - Reboots after shutdown.
• -a - Aborts shutdown. Ignores other parameters, except -l and ComputerName. You can only use -a during the time-out period.
• -f - Forces running applications to close.
• -m [\\ComputerName] - Specifies the computer that you want to shut down.
• -t xx - Sets the timer for system shutdown in xx seconds. The default is 20 seconds.
• -c "message" - Specifies a message to be displayed in the Message area of the System Shutdown window. You can use a maximum of 127 characters. You must enclose the message in quotation marks.
enjoy
How To Change Your Ip In Less Then 1 Minute
by Computer Tricks And Tips
how To: Change Your Ip In Less Then 1 Minute
1. Click on "Start" in the bottom left hand corner of screen
2. Click on "Run"
3. Type in "command" and hit ok
You should now be at an MSDOS prompt screen.
4. Type "ipconfig /release" just like that, and hit "enter"
5. Type "exit" and leave the prompt
6. Right-click on "Network Places" or "My Network Places" on your desktop.
7. Click on "properties"
You should now be on a screen with something titled "Local Area Connection", or something close to that, and, if you have a network hooked up, all of your other networks.
8. Right click on "Local Area Connection" and click "properties"
9. Double-click on the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list under the "General" tab
10. Click on "Use the following IP address" under the "General" tab
11. Create an IP address (It doesn't matter what it is. I just type 1 and 2 until i fill the area up).
12. Press "Tab" and it should automatically fill in the "Subnet Mask" section with default numbers.
13. Hit the "Ok" button here
14. Hit the "Ok" button again
You should now be back to the "Local Area Connection" screen.
15. Right-click back on "Local Area Connection" and go to properties again.
16. Go back to the "TCP/IP" settings
17. This time, select "Obtain an IP address automatically"
tongue.gif 18. Hit "Ok"
19. Hit "Ok" again
20. You now have a new IP address
With a little practice, you can easily get this process down to 15 seconds.
P.S:
This only changes your dynamic IP address, not your ISP/IP address. If you plan on hacking a website with this trick be extremely careful, because if they try a little, they can trace it back
1. Click on "Start" in the bottom left hand corner of screen
2. Click on "Run"
3. Type in "command" and hit ok
You should now be at an MSDOS prompt screen.
4. Type "ipconfig /release" just like that, and hit "enter"
5. Type "exit" and leave the prompt
6. Right-click on "Network Places" or "My Network Places" on your desktop.
7. Click on "properties"
You should now be on a screen with something titled "Local Area Connection", or something close to that, and, if you have a network hooked up, all of your other networks.
8. Right click on "Local Area Connection" and click "properties"
9. Double-click on the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list under the "General" tab
10. Click on "Use the following IP address" under the "General" tab
11. Create an IP address (It doesn't matter what it is. I just type 1 and 2 until i fill the area up).
12. Press "Tab" and it should automatically fill in the "Subnet Mask" section with default numbers.
13. Hit the "Ok" button here
14. Hit the "Ok" button again
You should now be back to the "Local Area Connection" screen.
15. Right-click back on "Local Area Connection" and go to properties again.
16. Go back to the "TCP/IP" settings
17. This time, select "Obtain an IP address automatically"
tongue.gif 18. Hit "Ok"
19. Hit "Ok" again
20. You now have a new IP address
With a little practice, you can easily get this process down to 15 seconds.
P.S:
This only changes your dynamic IP address, not your ISP/IP address. If you plan on hacking a website with this trick be extremely careful, because if they try a little, they can trace it back
-change your processor name-
by Computer Tricks And Tips
-change your processor name-
Trick - SHOW YOUR PC PENTIUM 5 OR MORE
GO TO START>RUN>TYPE REGEDIT>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>HARDWARE>DI******ION>SY STEM>CENTRAL
PROCESSOR>ON RIGHT HAND SIDE RIGHT CLICK ON PROCESSOR NAME AND STRING AND THE CLICK ON
MODIFY AND WRITE WHAT EVER YOU WANT
Trick - SHOW YOUR PC PENTIUM 5 OR MORE
GO TO START>RUN>TYPE REGEDIT>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>HARDWARE>DI******ION>SY STEM>CENTRAL
PROCESSOR>ON RIGHT HAND SIDE RIGHT CLICK ON PROCESSOR NAME AND STRING AND THE CLICK ON
MODIFY AND WRITE WHAT EVER YOU WANT
How to Caught A Virus?
by Computer Tricks And Tips
Caught A Virus?
If you've let your guard down--or even if you haven't--it can be hard to tell if your PC is infected. Here's what to do if you suspect the worst.
Heard this one before? You must run antivirus software and keep it up to date or else your PC will get infected, you'll lose all your data, and you'll incur the wrath of every e-mail buddy you unknowingly infect because of your carelessness.
You know they're right. Yet for one reason or another, you're not running antivirus software, or you are but it's not up to date. Maybe you turned off your virus scanner because it conflicted with another program. Maybe you got tired of upgrading after you bought Norton Antivirus 2001, 2002, and 2003. Or maybe your annual subscription of virus definitions recently expired, and you've put off renewing.
It happens. It's nothing to be ashamed of. But chances are, either you're infected right now, as we speak, or you will be very soon.
For a few days in late January, the Netsky.p worm was infecting about 2,500 PCs a day. Meanwhile the MySQL bot infected approximately 100 systems a minute (albeit not necessarily desktop PCs). As David Perry, global director of education for security software provider Trend Micro, puts it, "an unprotected [Windows] computer will become owned by a bot within 14 minutes."
Today's viruses, worms, and so-called bots--which turn your PC into a zombie that does the hacker's bidding (such as mass-mailing spam)--aren't going to announce their presence. Real viruses aren't like the ones in Hollywood movies that melt down whole networks in seconds and destroy alien spacecraft. They operate in the background, quietly altering data, stealing private operations, or using your PC for their own illegal ends. This makes them hard to spot if you're not well protected.
Is Your PC "Owned?"
I should start by saying that not every system oddity is due to a virus, worm, or bot. Is your system slowing down? Is your hard drive filling up rapidly? Are programs crashing without warning? These symptoms are more likely caused by Windows, or badly written legitimate programs, rather than malware. After all, people who write malware want to hide their program's presence. People who write commercial software put icons all over your desktop. Who's going to work harder to go unnoticed?
Other indicators that may, in fact, indicate that there's nothing that you need to worry about, include:
* An automated e-mail telling you that you're sending out infected mail. E-mail viruses and worms typically come from faked addresses.
* A frantic note from a friend saying they've been infected, and therefore so have you. This is likely a hoax. It's especially suspicious if the note tells you the virus can't be detected but you can get rid of it by deleting one simple file. Don't be fooled--and don't delete that file.
I'm not saying that you should ignore such warnings. Copy the subject line or a snippet from the body of the e-mail and plug it into your favorite search engine to see if other people have received the same note. A security site may have already pegged it as a hoax.
Sniffing Out an Infection
There are signs that indicate that your PC is actually infected. A lot of network activity coming from your system (when you're not actually using Internet) can be a good indicator that something is amiss. A good software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, will ask your permission before letting anything leave your PC, and will give you enough information to help you judge if the outgoing data is legitimate. By the way, the firewall that comes with Windows, even the improved version in XP Service Pack 2, lacks this capability.
To put a network status light in your system tray, follow these steps: In Windows XP, choose Start, Control Panel, Network Connections, right-click the network connection you want to monitor, choose Properties, check "Show icon in notification area when connected," and click OK.
If you're interested in being a PC detective, you can sniff around further for malware. By hitting Ctrl-Alt-Delete in Windows, you'll bring up the Task Manager, which will show you the various processes your system is running. Most, if not all, are legit, but if you see a file name that looks suspicious, type it into a search engine and find out what it is.
Want another place to look? In Windows XP, click Start, Run, type "services.msc" in the box, and press Enter. You'll see detailed descriptions of the services Windows is running. Something look weird? Check with your search engine.
Finally, you can do more detective work by selecting Start, Run, and typing "msconfig" in the box. With this tool you not only see the services running, but also the programs that your system is launching at startup. Again, check for anything weird.
If any of these tools won't run--or if your security software won't run--that in itself is a good sign your computer is infected. Some viruses intentionally disable such programs as a way to protect themselves.
What to Do Next
Once you're fairly sure your system is infected, don't panic. There are steps you can take to assess the damage, depending on your current level of protection.
* If you don't have any antivirus software on your system (shame on you), or if the software has stopped working, stay online and go for a free scan at one of several Web sites. There's McAfee FreeScan, Symantec Security Check, and Trend Micro's HouseCall. If one doesn't find anything, try two. In fact, running a free online virus scan is a good way to double-check the work of your own local antivirus program. When you're done, buy or download a real antivirus program.
* If you have antivirus software, but it isn't active, get offline, unplug wires-- whatever it takes to stop your computer from communicating via the Internet. Then, promptly perform a scan with the installed software.
* If nothing seems to be working, do more research on the Web. There are several online virus libraries where you can find out about known viruses. These sites often provide instructions for removing viruses--if manual removal is possible--or a free removal tool if it isn't. Check out GriSOFT's Virus Encyclopedia, Eset's Virus Descriptions, McAffee's Virus Glossary, Symantec's Virus Encyclopedia, or Trend Micro's Virus Encyclopedia.
A Microgram of Prevention
Assuming your system is now clean, you need to make sure it stays that way. Preventing a breach of your computer's security is far more effective than cleaning up the mess afterwards. Start with a good security program, such Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, which you can buy for $50.
Don't want to shell out any money? You can cobble together security through free downloads, such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, ZoneAlarm (a personal firewall), and Ad-Aware SE (an antispyware tool).
Just make sure you keep all security software up to date. The bad guys constantly try out new ways to fool security programs. Any security tool without regular, easy (if not automatic) updates isn't worth your money or your time.
Speaking of updating, the same goes for Windows. Use Windows Update (it's right there on your Start Menu) to make sure you're getting all of the high priority updates. If you run Windows XP, make sure to get the Service Pack 2 update. To find out if you already have it, right-click My Computer, and select Properties. Under the General tab, under System, it should say "Service Pack 2."
Here are a few more pointers for a virus-free life:
* Be careful with e-mail. Set your e-mail software security settings to high. Don't open messages with generic-sounding subjects that don't apply specifically to you from people you don't know. Don't open an attachment unless you're expecting it.
* If you have broadband Internet access, such as DSL or cable, get a router, even if you only have one PC. A router adds an extra layer of protection because your PC is not connecting directly with the Internet.
* Check your Internet ports. These doorways between your computer and the Internet can be open, in which case your PC is very vulnerable; closed, but still somewhat vulnerable; or stealthed (or hidden), which is safest. Visit Gibson Research's Web site and run the free ShieldsUP test to see your ports' status. If some ports show up as closed--or worse yet, open--check your router's documentation to find out how to hide them.
If you've let your guard down--or even if you haven't--it can be hard to tell if your PC is infected. Here's what to do if you suspect the worst.
Heard this one before? You must run antivirus software and keep it up to date or else your PC will get infected, you'll lose all your data, and you'll incur the wrath of every e-mail buddy you unknowingly infect because of your carelessness.
You know they're right. Yet for one reason or another, you're not running antivirus software, or you are but it's not up to date. Maybe you turned off your virus scanner because it conflicted with another program. Maybe you got tired of upgrading after you bought Norton Antivirus 2001, 2002, and 2003. Or maybe your annual subscription of virus definitions recently expired, and you've put off renewing.
It happens. It's nothing to be ashamed of. But chances are, either you're infected right now, as we speak, or you will be very soon.
For a few days in late January, the Netsky.p worm was infecting about 2,500 PCs a day. Meanwhile the MySQL bot infected approximately 100 systems a minute (albeit not necessarily desktop PCs). As David Perry, global director of education for security software provider Trend Micro, puts it, "an unprotected [Windows] computer will become owned by a bot within 14 minutes."
Today's viruses, worms, and so-called bots--which turn your PC into a zombie that does the hacker's bidding (such as mass-mailing spam)--aren't going to announce their presence. Real viruses aren't like the ones in Hollywood movies that melt down whole networks in seconds and destroy alien spacecraft. They operate in the background, quietly altering data, stealing private operations, or using your PC for their own illegal ends. This makes them hard to spot if you're not well protected.
Is Your PC "Owned?"
I should start by saying that not every system oddity is due to a virus, worm, or bot. Is your system slowing down? Is your hard drive filling up rapidly? Are programs crashing without warning? These symptoms are more likely caused by Windows, or badly written legitimate programs, rather than malware. After all, people who write malware want to hide their program's presence. People who write commercial software put icons all over your desktop. Who's going to work harder to go unnoticed?
Other indicators that may, in fact, indicate that there's nothing that you need to worry about, include:
* An automated e-mail telling you that you're sending out infected mail. E-mail viruses and worms typically come from faked addresses.
* A frantic note from a friend saying they've been infected, and therefore so have you. This is likely a hoax. It's especially suspicious if the note tells you the virus can't be detected but you can get rid of it by deleting one simple file. Don't be fooled--and don't delete that file.
I'm not saying that you should ignore such warnings. Copy the subject line or a snippet from the body of the e-mail and plug it into your favorite search engine to see if other people have received the same note. A security site may have already pegged it as a hoax.
Sniffing Out an Infection
There are signs that indicate that your PC is actually infected. A lot of network activity coming from your system (when you're not actually using Internet) can be a good indicator that something is amiss. A good software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, will ask your permission before letting anything leave your PC, and will give you enough information to help you judge if the outgoing data is legitimate. By the way, the firewall that comes with Windows, even the improved version in XP Service Pack 2, lacks this capability.
To put a network status light in your system tray, follow these steps: In Windows XP, choose Start, Control Panel, Network Connections, right-click the network connection you want to monitor, choose Properties, check "Show icon in notification area when connected," and click OK.
If you're interested in being a PC detective, you can sniff around further for malware. By hitting Ctrl-Alt-Delete in Windows, you'll bring up the Task Manager, which will show you the various processes your system is running. Most, if not all, are legit, but if you see a file name that looks suspicious, type it into a search engine and find out what it is.
Want another place to look? In Windows XP, click Start, Run, type "services.msc" in the box, and press Enter. You'll see detailed descriptions of the services Windows is running. Something look weird? Check with your search engine.
Finally, you can do more detective work by selecting Start, Run, and typing "msconfig" in the box. With this tool you not only see the services running, but also the programs that your system is launching at startup. Again, check for anything weird.
If any of these tools won't run--or if your security software won't run--that in itself is a good sign your computer is infected. Some viruses intentionally disable such programs as a way to protect themselves.
What to Do Next
Once you're fairly sure your system is infected, don't panic. There are steps you can take to assess the damage, depending on your current level of protection.
* If you don't have any antivirus software on your system (shame on you), or if the software has stopped working, stay online and go for a free scan at one of several Web sites. There's McAfee FreeScan, Symantec Security Check, and Trend Micro's HouseCall. If one doesn't find anything, try two. In fact, running a free online virus scan is a good way to double-check the work of your own local antivirus program. When you're done, buy or download a real antivirus program.
* If you have antivirus software, but it isn't active, get offline, unplug wires-- whatever it takes to stop your computer from communicating via the Internet. Then, promptly perform a scan with the installed software.
* If nothing seems to be working, do more research on the Web. There are several online virus libraries where you can find out about known viruses. These sites often provide instructions for removing viruses--if manual removal is possible--or a free removal tool if it isn't. Check out GriSOFT's Virus Encyclopedia, Eset's Virus Descriptions, McAffee's Virus Glossary, Symantec's Virus Encyclopedia, or Trend Micro's Virus Encyclopedia.
A Microgram of Prevention
Assuming your system is now clean, you need to make sure it stays that way. Preventing a breach of your computer's security is far more effective than cleaning up the mess afterwards. Start with a good security program, such Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, which you can buy for $50.
Don't want to shell out any money? You can cobble together security through free downloads, such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, ZoneAlarm (a personal firewall), and Ad-Aware SE (an antispyware tool).
Just make sure you keep all security software up to date. The bad guys constantly try out new ways to fool security programs. Any security tool without regular, easy (if not automatic) updates isn't worth your money or your time.
Speaking of updating, the same goes for Windows. Use Windows Update (it's right there on your Start Menu) to make sure you're getting all of the high priority updates. If you run Windows XP, make sure to get the Service Pack 2 update. To find out if you already have it, right-click My Computer, and select Properties. Under the General tab, under System, it should say "Service Pack 2."
Here are a few more pointers for a virus-free life:
* Be careful with e-mail. Set your e-mail software security settings to high. Don't open messages with generic-sounding subjects that don't apply specifically to you from people you don't know. Don't open an attachment unless you're expecting it.
* If you have broadband Internet access, such as DSL or cable, get a router, even if you only have one PC. A router adds an extra layer of protection because your PC is not connecting directly with the Internet.
* Check your Internet ports. These doorways between your computer and the Internet can be open, in which case your PC is very vulnerable; closed, but still somewhat vulnerable; or stealthed (or hidden), which is safest. Visit Gibson Research's Web site and run the free ShieldsUP test to see your ports' status. If some ports show up as closed--or worse yet, open--check your router's documentation to find out how to hide them.
How to Boot Winxp Fast
by Computer Tricks And Tips
Boot Winxp Fast
Follow the following steps
1. Open notepad.exe, type "del c:\windows\prefetch\ntosboot-*.* /q" (without the quotes) & save as "ntosboot.bat" in c:\
2. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "gpedit.msc".
3. Double click "Windows Settings" under "Computer Configuration" and double Click again on "Shutdown" in the right window.
4. In the new window, click "add", "Browse", locate your "ntosboot.bat" file & click "Open".
5. Click "OK", "Apply" & "OK" once again to exit.
6. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "devmgmt.msc".
7. Double click on "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
8. Right click on "Primary IDE Channel" and select "Properties".
9. Select the "Advanced Settings" tab then on the device or 1 that doesn't have 'device type' greyed out select 'none' instead of 'autodetect' & click "OK".
10. Right click on "Secondary IDE channel", select "Properties" and repeat step 9.
11. Reboot your computer.
Follow the following steps
1. Open notepad.exe, type "del c:\windows\prefetch\ntosboot-*.* /q" (without the quotes) & save as "ntosboot.bat" in c:\
2. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "gpedit.msc".
3. Double click "Windows Settings" under "Computer Configuration" and double Click again on "Shutdown" in the right window.
4. In the new window, click "add", "Browse", locate your "ntosboot.bat" file & click "Open".
5. Click "OK", "Apply" & "OK" once again to exit.
6. From the Start menu, select "Run..." & type "devmgmt.msc".
7. Double click on "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
8. Right click on "Primary IDE Channel" and select "Properties".
9. Select the "Advanced Settings" tab then on the device or 1 that doesn't have 'device type' greyed out select 'none' instead of 'autodetect' & click "OK".
10. Right click on "Secondary IDE channel", select "Properties" and repeat step 9.
11. Reboot your computer.
How To Speed Up Your Windows XP
by Computer Tricks And Tips
if like mine, your PC is getting slower and slower, there are a number of things you can do to speed it up. You will be surprised how much faster your computer gets after these steps, you won’t need to buy a new one. In addition to following the tips below, it’s a good idea to buy a trusted all-in-one PC optimizer. I would recommend FixCleaner,
a Microsoft Certified all-in-one tool which optimizes your computer and hugely improves speed through a number of tasks, including:
- cleaning the registry
- removing errors
- deleting junk files
- downloading critical updates
- improving browser speed
Please refer to the FixCleaner website at www.fixcleaner.com to see the full list of features. By using a PC maintenance program such as FixCleaner, you can save a load of money from buying a new computer.
Here is what you can do yourself to improve your Windows XP’s performance:
Step 1 : Remove unused software
You probably don’t use half the programs you have installed over time. Removing the ones you don’t need anymore can significantly speed up your Windows XP computer. To remove software:
- Go to the Control Panel (Start -> Control Panel) and select Add Or Remove Programs. It may take a while for the list to load if you have many programs installed.
- Going through the whole list, select programs you rarely use and uninstall them, one by one.
- Restart your computer to see the changes.
Step 2: Use Less Graphics
Do you really need a wallpaper and the fancy animations when opening or closing windows? Disabling animations can increase the speed at which your computer opens and closes windows. To disable window animations:
- In Control Panel, go to System and select the Advanced tab. Click the Performance Settings tab.
- In the Visual Effects window, disable all the animations in the box, or simply select “Adjust for best performance” as shown on the screenshot on the right. Press Apply.
In the same Performance Options window, choose the Advanced tab, and press the Change button in the Virtual Memory area. From there you can change the size of your paging file – a file on your hard drive that acts as RAM. By increasing the size of your paging file, you can significantly increase speed, but be warned! Using your hard drive as RAM can cause damage to it, so it’s a good idea to buy a better RAM instead.
Step 3: Clean your Registry
You should regularly clean your Windows XP’s Registry to remove old errors that can clog up the registry. To properly clean the Registry, you need a reliable Registry Cleaner software. There are some free ones out there, but I would not be too comfortable with using them. Instead, buy a trusted registry cleaner program so for a little bit of extra cash, you can feel safe. I would recommend FixCleaner, which in addition to cleaning your registry does a number of other things to significantly speed up your Windows XP.
Step 4: Stop unwanted Startup programs
By disabling programs that are set to automatically open when the computer starts, you can greatly speed up your startup process – the time between turning on the computer and being able to fully use it.
Here’s how to disable Startup programs:
- Click Run in your Start menu, type msconfig into the box and press enter.
- Select the Startup tab.
- Go through the list, disabling programs you don’t need by un-ticking the box left of them. Only disable programs you are sure you do not need, and I recommend not touching the ones in the WINDOWS directory.
Step 5: Clean up your hard drive
Performing a disk cleanup can free some hard drive space and also speed up your computer. To use the disk cleanup tool:
- Go to Start -> Run and type cleanmgr.exe. Press Enter.
- It will probably take a while, especially if you have never used this tool before.
Step 6: Defragment your hard drives
Defragmenting your drives can make a big difference in your computer’s speed. Defragmenting places files physically closer on the hard drive, making it easier and faster for the hard drive to read these files and write new ones. It is a good idea to defragment your hard drive regularily, so it alway stays optimal. I posted a tutorial for an automatic defragment link here: http://www.xptricks.net/windows/xp/2008/01/cool-xp-tips-tricks-automatically-defrag-drives/
There are also a number of commercial defragment programs available, which are more powerful than the Windows tool and come with a wide variety of features. If you don’t want to spend any money on this, I would recommend Auslogics Disk Defrag, which is a great, free tool.
Here’s how to defragment your hard drives using the built-in Windows tool:
- In My Computer, right click on a drive you want to defragment.
- Click Tools and select Defragment
- Click the Analyse button first, which will analyse your hard drive and see how fragmented it is.
- Once the report is finished and the system finds it necessary to perform a defragmentation, press defrag. This will take a very long time, but you have to be patient.
Step 7: Use a PC optimization tool to do the rest
There are a hundreds of other ways to improve your computer’s speed and performance but it is impossible to list all of them here or go through them manually. To fix them, you can either purchase a separate tool for each one, which will end up costing you a fortune, or buy an All-In-One optimization program that will do all the dirty work and fix errors behind the scenes for you. Going through all the steps mentioned above will definitely speed up your Windows XP, but running a professional tool even after following these manual steps will increase performance even further.
FixCleaner has a clean, easy to use interface that lets you fix your PC’s problems even if you did not understand any of the procedures above. Unlike most other tools, FixCleaner is Microsoft Certified, which means that Microsoft has approved the software and that it is safe and reliable. You can download a free tool that will check your computer and produce a report on how much it can be optimized.
If you have any other tips you know, please leave a comment below!
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