Friday, March 31, 2006

Creating symbolic links in Linux

You can easily create symbolic links similar to shortcuts in Linux using this command
ln -s filename newname
If you remove or delete the file then it will be dangling or broken link
Then the broken link can be removed by
symlinks -rd directory

Installing MP3 plugin in FC5

The best way to install MP3 pugin is by using yum.
Use this command
# yum -y install bmpx bmp-mp3 gstreamer-plugins-ugly libmad libid3tag
This installs MP3 plugin for Rhthymbox and BMPX.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Lauch Taskmanager Quickly..

There are manily three ways to lauch task manager in Windows 2000/NT/XP.
ctrl+alt+del task manager is lauched in NT security dialogue box.
Right click windows task bar and select task manager.
Ctrl+shift+esc will bring windows task manger.

Reinitialize your registry without rebooting Windows

Many registry needs system reboot. With this tweak you can get around with that problem. You can reintialize your Windows XP registry using this tweak.

Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE, to bring up the Windows task list. Highlight 'Explorer' and click on 'End Task', if the Shutdown screen is shown, click 'Cancel'. After a few seconds an error message will popup, click on 'End Task' and the Windows explorer will be reloaded along with any new registry settings.

For Windows NT ,2000 or XP, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Task Manager". Choose the "Processes" tab and locate the "explorer.exe" process, highlight it and click "End Process". Select 'File -> New Task', then enter 'explorer' and click OK.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Creating an ISO image file in Linux

For creating an ISO image file in linux you can use the following command. If you are using graphiocal cdrecord utility then use Nero Linux or K3b. From command line use this command
/usr/bin/mkisofs -r -o file.iso /files/to/image

Monday, March 27, 2006

Detecting two ethernet cards in Linux

To configure an ethernet card in Linux you need to enable it in the kernel. Then the kernel will detect your ethernet card if it is at a common IO port. But it will stop there, and will never check if you have 2 ethernet cards.The trick is to tell the ethernet driver that there are 2 cards in the system. The following line will tell the kernel that there is an ethernet card at IRQ 10 and IO 0x300, and another one at IRQ 9 and IO 0x340:
ether=10,0x300,eth0 ether=9,0x340,eth1
You can add that line on bootup at the "boot:" prompt, or in the /etc/lilo.conf file.
run lilo at prompt
This will load lilo and enable changes.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

How to make Google Internet Explorer's Primary Search Engine

By default IE uses msn.com as its search engine. But you can make IE search google by default using this registry tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor.
Now navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software
\ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ Main
.Double-click the Search Page value, and in the Value data box enter http://www.google.com (overwriting existing entry).Select New > String Value from the Edit menu .Name the new value Search Bar.Double-click the Search Bar value, and in the Value data box enter http://www.google.com/ie.Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ SearchURL. Double-click the (Default) value, and in the Value data box enter http://www.google.com/keyword/%s.Select the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer .Select New > Key from the Edit menu .Name the new key Search.With the Search key selected, Select Select New > String Value from the Edit menu .Name the new value SearchAssistant.Double-click the SearchAssistant value, and in the Value data box enter http://www.google.com/ie.Close the registry editor.
For this to work, make sure you haven't selected Do not search from the Address bar in Advanced options in Tools>Internet Options menu.


How to delete an undeletable file in Windows XP

If you try to delete a file and you get the file is in use and cannot delete message. You can delete the file using this method.
Start>Run
Type cmd
This opens the command prompt. Leave that windows open.
Now Start>Run
Type taskmgr.exe. This opens the task manager. Now go to the process tab, click on explorer.exe and click end process. Now in the command prompt window go to the directory where the undeletable file is using DOS commands. Delete the file using Del filename . The file will be deleted. Now go back to taskmanager window. File>New Task. Type explorer.exe. Click OK to restart the GUI shell.

Enable Autologin in Windows XP

You can enable Windows XP to login to a account automatically at boot up using this method
Start>Run
Type control userpasswords2
Select the user account you want to set autologin on. Uncheck user must enter a username and password check box.Click apply.Enter the password for the acccount you choose to autologin. Click OK.

Disable Prefetch in Windows XP

One of the notable feature in Windows XP is that it loads programs very fast. This is done by loading fragments of program at system startup. This may slow your bootup.
To disable prefetching do the following
Start>Run
Type Regedit
This opens the registry editor
Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM CurrentControlSet \ Control \ SessionManager
\ Memory Management \ PrefetchParameters
Double-click the EnablePrefetcher value (remember the value that EnablePrefetcher is set to!)
Change the Value data to 0 to disable the prefetcher
Close the registry editor and reboot the computer for the changes to take effect

Disable Windows key in Windows XP

You can disable the windows key in Windows XP using this registy tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Now navigate to following key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet
\ Control \ Keyboard Layout
From the Edit menu select New > Binary value
Give this new value the name Scancode Map
Double-click the new value, and enter the following binary data (0 = zero): 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 5B E0 00 00 5C E0 00 00 00 00
Close the registry editor
Log off, or restart Windows for the changes to take effect

Hide users on Welcome screen in Windows XP

You can hide user accounts from showing in welcome screen in Windows XP using this registry trick.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE
\ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon
\ SpecialAccounts \ UserList Right-click an empty space in the right pane and select New > DWORD Value
Name the new value exactly as the Username
Leave the Value data as 0
If you want to enable this user again on the Welcome Screen, either double-click the Username value, and change the Value data to 1, or delete the Username
Close the registry editor

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Do not highlight newly installed programs in windows XP

Tired of that annoying little window that pops up to tell you that new software is installed? If it gets in the way when you’re logging off, turn it off completely.To do this Click Start, right-click at the top of the Start menu where your name is displayed, and then click Properties.In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, on the Start Menu tab, click Customize.Click the Advanced tab, and then clear the Highlight newly installed programs check box.Click OK, and then click OK again. Now that message won’t be popping up when you least want to see it.

Securing Your Grub boot loader

Anyone can easily log in as root through single usermode through grub. The way is already posted in this blog.Please check archive for that.This really compromises your system security. This is how to prevent that cracking. For entering into single user mode you need to press p followed by password.
The way to do
Type grub-md5-crypt command to create password in MD5 format:
# grub-md5-crypt
The output will be something like this
Password:
Retype password:
$1$NYof7ff$$ffdgfd6fdfLG4GXpihIJy
Then you need to copy and paste MD5 password ($1$NYof7ff$$ffdgfd6fdfLG4GXpihIJy) to grub configuration file
This is how to do that
Under Debian GNU/Linux the Grub configuration file is located at /boot/grub/menu.lst. (Red Hat / Fedora user use /boot/grub/grub.conf file)
# vi /boot/grub/menu.lst
Next edit /boot/grub/menu.lst and add a password line as follows:
password --md5 $1$NYof7ff$$ffdgfd6fdfLG4GXpihIJy
save the file exit

How to delete a file securely in Linux

For deleting a file securely in Linux use any of the following commands
$ srm filename
read man srm for more details
or you can use wipe utility
$ wipe filename
The most popular one is shred available with most distributions
$ shred -n 200 -z -u personalinfo.tar.gz
-n -overwrite 200 times
z: Add a final overwrite with zeros to hide shreddin
-u: Truncate and remove file after overwriting
You can download srm and wipe from from
http://sourceforge.net/projects/srm
http://wipe.sourceforge.net/

Friday, March 24, 2006

How to use USB/Pen flash devices with Linux

May people have a hard time trying to access USB pen drives while using Linux. This is to show how to mount and use device. It uses SCSI interface.So device /dev/sda where n is the number where it is connected. eg /dev/sda1.
Login as root and type
# mkdir –p /mnt/pen
To mount the device to create directory type
# mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/pen
Use this to see your files
# cd /mnt/pen
# ls –l

How to Encrypt/Decrypt files with a password in Linux

We can use gpg which is a encrypt/decrypt and signing tool for linux, unix,solaris etc.
To encrypt single file use command gpg as follows:
gpg -c filename
Enter password and confirm
-c : Encrypt with symmetric cipher.
To decrypt file use gpg command:
$ gpg myfinancial.info.gpg
Remember if file extension is .asc then it is ASCII encrypted file and if file extension is .gpg then it is binary encrypted file.
As this uses very powerful encryption algorithm never forget password.

Find all failed login attempts in linux

If you are using ssh for remote connection then following command will help to trace out all failed login attempts
As root user type this
# grep "authentication failure" /var/log/messages|awk '{ print $13 }' | cut -b7- | sort | uniq -c

Recover deleted files in Linux/Unix

This process works mainly for text files only
As root user type init 1 command to go to single user mode.
# init 1
Use the folowing grep syntax
grep -b 'search-text' /dev/partition > file.txt
or this one
grep -a -B[size before] -A[size after] 'text' /dev/[your_partition] > file.txt

-i : Ignore case distinctions in both the PATTERN and the input files i.e. match both uppercase and lowercase character.
-a : Process a binary file as if it were text
-B Print number lines/size of leading context before matching lines.
-A: Print number lines/size of trailing context after matching lines.

To recover text file starting with "abc" word on /dev/sda1 you can try following command:
# grep -i -a -B10 -A100 'abc' /dev/sda1 > file.txt
Use any editor to see file.txt.
If you are using ext2 then you may try recover command.

Increase Bandwidth usage for faster network connection in Windows XP Professional

Windows XP will restrict "best effort" traffic to 80% of the bandwidth even if you send a data with highest priority. To change this
Log in as Administrator
Click Start
Click Run
Enter gpedit.msc
Select Local Computer Policy
Select Administrative Templates
Select Network
Select QOS Packet Scheduler
In the right window, double-click limit reservable bandwidth
On setting tab, check enabled setting
Bandwidth limit % value = 0
Click OK
Close gpedit.msc
Click My Computer
Select My Network Connections
Select View Network Connections
Right-click your connection
Under Protocol Properties, check QOS Packet Scheduler
Reboot

Changing the colour of ls command in Linux

Configuration file for ls colour command is /etc/DIR_COLORS for linux. You can modify it if you want.
Here is a list of common colours
Normal file : Normal
Directory: Blue
Symbolic link : Cyan
Pipe: Yellow
Socket: Magenta
Block device driver: Bold yellow foreground, with black background
Character device driver: Bold yellow foreground, with black background
Orphaned syminks : Blinking Bold white with red background
Missing links ( - and the files they point to) : Blinking Bold white with red background
Archives or compressed : Red (.tar, .gz, .zip, .rpm)
Image files : Magenta (.jpg, gif, bmp, png, tif)

They are stored in a special environment variable called LS_COLORS.
You can customized them in /etc/DIR_COLORS or file pointed by shell variable COLORS.
To customized colours you must use special string combination:
FILE-TYPE Attribute codes: Text color codes:Background color codes
where
FILE-TYPE: is file type like DIR (for directories)
Attribute codes:
00=none
01=bold
04=underscore
05=blink
07=reverse
08=concealed
Text color codes:
30=black
31=red
32=green
33=yellow
34=blue
35=magenta
36=cyan
37=white
Background color codes:
40=black
41=red
42=green
43=yellow
44=blue
45=magenta
46=cyan
47=white

for example: an entry for dir will look like
DIR 01;34
Now open /etc/DIR_COLORS using
# vi /etc/DIR_COLORS
Modify DIR entry to
DIR 01;34;41 # NEW default is Bold blue with RED background
save the file
Try other alternatives if you want.
You may need ti logout and login back to make changes to effect.
Or run the command 'eval `dircolors -b /etc/DIR_COLORS`' .

Linux Password Trick

Here is a linux password trick using a extfs 2 file system. Login as root
Run the following command
# chattr +i /etc/shadow
above command will write protect the /etc/shadow file
Now try to change passwd using
#passwd
It will work!!!!
Now try to login using new password
It won't work!!!!!
Now try using old password
It works!!!!
This is beacuse of +i attribute to /etc/shadow file
Only the superuser or a process possessing the CAP_LINUX_IMMUTABLE capability can set or clear this attribute.
Get the list of Linux second extended file system using the lsatter command
# lsattr /etc/shadow
For changing the password you need to change attributes using
# chattr -i /etc/shadow
# lsattr /etc/shadow
Try this at your own risk!!!

Mount ISO image under Linux

This is how to mount an ISO image in linux.
You must be a root user. Otherwise change to root using
$ su -
Create a directory ie, a mount point
# mkdir -p /mnt/disk
Use mount command as follows assuming image is disk.iso
# mount -o loop disk1.iso /mnt/disk
Change directory and list
# cd /mnt/disk
# ls -l

Change Taskbar group size in Windows XP

Windows XP automatically groups similat program lists in task bar when it exceeds a particular number. You can change the group size using this registry tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Change the dword value of "TaskbarGroupSize" to the group size you want.

Create a password reset disk in Windows XP

This is how to create a password reset disk in Windows XP. A password reset disk can be used to access computer if you forget your password. You should be running a Windows XP Professional in local settings in a workgroup environment.
To create disk
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click your account name.
Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.

Remove Recycle Bin icon from Desktop

You can remove Recycle Bin icon from the Desktop using this registry tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Now navigate to the following key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/
CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace
Click on the "Recycle Bin" string in the right hand pane. Hit Del, click OK.
You can access RecycleBin using C:\Recycle Bin

Remove Shortcut arrow from Desktop Icons in Windows XP

This is how to remove those ugly looking shortcut arrows from icons in Windows XP.
Start>Run
Type regedit
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTlnkfile
Delete the IsShortcut registry value.
Reboot your computer to make changes to effect.

Change the text in Internet Explorer's title bar to anything you want

You can the default text in IE's title bar to anything you want using this registry tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain
Change the value of the string "Window Title" to whatever you want on the title bar of Internet Explorer - to have no title except the title of the web pages you are browsing do not enter anything for a value.

How to make My Computer' open in Explore mode with folder list

This is how to make My Computer open in foldeer view as windows+E does
In My Computer click Tools menu, and then click Options.
Click the File Types tab.In the list of file types, highlight "(NONE) Folders"
Click Advanced button, In the Actions box, highlight "Explore" Click "Set Default"

How to kill a Frozen X server in Linux

IIf your X window freezes there are two ways to kill X server. The first one is simple hit
Ctrl+Alt+Backspace. The second one is more complicated. Hit Ctrl+Alt+F2 to open a new virtual console. Login with your username and password. Then run # ps -ax | grep startx
This gives the PID of the X server. Then kill the server using the command kill -9 PID_Number
Now use Alt+F1 to go back to your previous console.

Avoid Reactivation while reinstalling Windows XP

Usually you will have to go through the reactivation process again after reinstalling Windows XP. You can avoid that by doing the following.
Copy wpa.dbl after you activated the first time. It is located in the WINDOWS\system32 folder. Now if you reinstall Windows XP just copy the file back and you're up and running again.
You can't use file from some other computer. No piracy here.

How to Rename a series of files in Windows XP

Windows XP allows you to rename a set of files in an easy step. Do the following.
Open another folder containing files that you want to rename.Select the files you want to rename. If the files you want are not adjacent in the file list, press and hold CTRL, and then click each item to select it.On the File menu, click Rename. Type the new name, and then press ENTER.All of the files in the series will be named in sequence using the new name you type.

Convert FAT to NTFS without data loss

You can convert FAT 32 to NTFS file system without having to format in Windows XP. Go to command prompt.(Type cmd in Start>Run press Enter).
Then type the following command
CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS
Press enter. Replace drive letter by the drive you want to convert(without []).
Remember you can't convert NTFS to FAT without data loss.Also Microsoft OSs prior to Windows 2000 can't read or write to NTFS. Also it is recommended that you back up your data.

Rename Recycle Bin in Windows XP to what you want

You can rename Recycle Bin to the name you want using this registry tweak.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor.
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Change the name Recycle Bin to what you want.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Set default Download page in Internet Explorer

You can change the default download folder in Internet Explorer from My Documents to any thing you want.
Start>Run
Type regedit
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
Edit download directory to the folder you want to use.

Clear Page file when shutting down Windows XP

You can make Windows XP to clear the page file (virtual memory) when shutdown so that XP starts with a new page file when its start. To do so
Start>Run
Type regedit
Navigate to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
\Session Manager\Memory Management
Change ClearPageFileAtShutdown value to 1.

Clearing page file may slow down your shutdown process


Keep Windows XP operating data in the main memory

Windows Xp in its default settings store essential driver files, kernel files to the virtual memory. As virtual memory is in harddisk system will suffer to quick access these files. But you can change settings to this memory management. Remember you should have more than 512MB of RAM and otherwise it may result in an unstable system.
Start>Run
Type regedit
Navigate to key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control
\Session Manager\Memory Management
And change
DisablePagingExecutive value to '1'.
Try this at your own risk.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Disable changes to the File Associations

Many programs and users will change file assoaciations as they like and you will have a hard time to restore your ever loved settings. This is how to disable change in file association.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor. Now navigate to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer
Create a dword entry named "NoFileAssociate" and put its value to 00000001. Modify the value if it is already there.

Disable Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows XP

This is how to prevent working of this famous three key combination in Windows XP.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor. Browse to the following key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Create a dword entry named "DisableCAD" (excluding ") and put its value to "00000001" (excluding ").

Disable Low Disk space notifications in Windows XP

Low disk space notifications may become really annoying once your diskspace becomes low. It irritates you all while working. This is how to disable it. As usual it involves registry trick. Make sure you backup copy of registry before try editing it. Also make sure that you do nothing wrong while editing.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens registry editor. Browse to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Put 00000001 to the dword entry "NoLowDiskSpaceChecks". Create the entry if it is not there.
You may have to restart your computer to changes to make effect.
Put value to 00000000 to restore old setting.

How to disable CD Burning in Windows XP

Windows XP comes with in built CD burning. You don't need third party software to burn CDs in windows XP. Any way if you want to disable CD burning do this trick.
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Browse to the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Set 00000001 to the dword entry "NoCDBurning". Create the entry if it is not there.
You may have to restart the computer to make changes to effect.
Put dword value to 00000000 to enable CD burning back.

How to Install/Uninstall Net Meeting

For all those who don't know Windows XP has a messenger like powerful tool called Netmeeting which can be used for anything from chatting to file sharing across a network. It is not enabled by enabled by default.
For enabling it
Start>Run
conf.exe

You can uninstall/reintall netmeeting by this method
To remove: Start/Run/RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection C:\WINDOWS\inf\msnetmtg.inf,NetMtg.Remove
To reinstall: To reinstall, open the Windows\Inf folder ,this is a hidden folder, so you may need to adjust your Folder Options to show hidden files and folders. Or you can click Start, Run and enter %systemroot%\Inf. Locate the msnetmtg.inf file in the Inf folder. Right click and select Install. You may have to insert Windows XP CDROM.

To clear Netmeeting Call history
Start>Run
Type regedit
This opens the registry editor
Browse to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Conferencing\UI\CallMRU
Delete the key. Restart netmeeting to changes to take effect.

Disable Balloon Tips in Windows XP

Balloon tips are sometimes very useful in providing notifications. Sometimes it can be very annoying sending notifications every now and then. If u want to disable balloon tips then do the following.
Start>Run
Type Regedit to bring registry editor
Browse to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Change dword entry "EnableBalloonTips" and put its value to "00000000"(excluding ").
Create the key if it is not already there. You may have to restart your computer to make changes to effect.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Here is A-Z list all Windows Command-line Commands

All the windows command-line commands are available in the following link.
You will surprised by the amount of content
link here

List of Run Commands for XP

Here is the list of commands that can run from the run box
Start>Run
Type the commans you want

Accessibility Controls : access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard : hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs : appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools : control admintools
Automatic Updates : wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard : fsquirt
Calculator : calc
Certificate Manager : certmgr.msc
Character Map : charmap
Check Disk Utility : chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer : clipbrd
Command Prompt : cmd
Component Services : dcomcnfg
Computer Management : compmgmt.msc
Date and Time Properties : timedate.cpl
DDE Shares : ddeshare
Device Manager : devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)* : directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter : dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility : cleanmgr
Disk Defragment : dfrg.msc
Disk Management : diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager : diskpart
Display Properties : control desktop
Display Properties : desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected) : control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility : drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility : verifier
Event Viewer : eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool : sigverif
Findfast : findfast.cpl
Folders Properties : control folders
Fonts : control fonts
Fonts Folder : fonts
Free Cell Card Game : freecell
Game Controllers : joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) : gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game : mshearts
Iexpress Wizard : iexpress
Indexing Service : ciadv.msc
Internet Properties : inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) : ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents) : ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents) : ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections) : ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections) : ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS) : ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID) : ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID) : ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed) : jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) : javaws
Keyboard Properties : control keyboard
Local Security Settings : secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups : lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows : logoff
Microsoft Chat : winchat
Minesweeper Game : winmine
Mouse Properties : control mouse
Mouse Properties : main.cpl
Network Connections : control netconnections
Network Connections : ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard : netsetup.cpl
Notepad : notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed) : nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager : packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator : odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard : osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) : ac3filter.cpl
Password Properties :password.cpl
Performance Monitor : perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor : perfmon
Phone and Modem Options : telephon.cpl
Power Configuration : powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes : control printers
Printers Folder : printers
Private Character Editor : eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed) : QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings : intl.cpl
Registry Editor : regedit
Registry Editor : regedit32
Remote Desktop : mstsc
Removable Storage : ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests : ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) : rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras : sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks : control schedtasks
Security Center : wscui.cpl
Services : services.msc
Shared Folders : fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows : shutdown
Sounds and Audio : mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game : spider
SQL Client Configuration : cliconfg
System Configuration Editor : sysedit
System Configuration Utility : msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) : sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot) : sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) : sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting) : sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) : sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) : sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties : sysdm.cpl
Task Manager : taskmgr
Telnet Client : telnet
User Account Management : nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager : utilman
Windows Firewall : firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier : magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure : wmimgmt.msc
Windows System Security Tool : syskey
Windows Update Launches : wupdmgr
Windows XP Tour Wizard : tourstart
Wordpad : write
source

How to Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP

You can disable using Desktop cleanup wizard in windows xp using Group Policy

1. Click start => run

2. Type gpedit.msc there

3. Expand "Administrative Templates" under "User Configuration"

4. Click on "Desktop"

5. On the right panel, select "Remove the Desktop Cleanup Wizard"

6. Open it and set it enabled

This one also removes access to Desktop clean up wizard

Disable "Show All files" option in Folder options in Windows XP/2000

If u want to hide hidden files and folders from appearing from some one permanently is to disable folder option from showing show hidden files. This can be done with a registry trick.
Start>Run
Type Regedit
This opens the registry editor
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\HiddenSHOWALL
The key Type contains the string value named radio. This is resposible for showing the radio button. Rename it to 'ABCD' and close regedit. The show hidden files option will not be there in folder options. You can still navigate to folder through address bar if u know address. You may have to reboot your PC to changes to take effect.

Removing Username from the top of start menu in Windows XP

You can remove the user name from appearing in the Windows XP start menu using the following registry trick
Start>Run
Type regedit
This brings the registry editor
Navigate to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
create a new value named
"NoUserNameInStartMenu" and put its value to 1.
This will remove the user name from appearing in start menu.

Configure size of Windows XP Thumb image

You can change the image size in the thumbnail view by using this method. Always remember registry editing is a risky process. If not carefully done, you may end up with an unusable system.
Start>Run
Type regedit
Browse to the following key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer.
Add a ThumbnailSize Value Name, a REG_DWORD data type, and set the data value to a number between 32 (small) and 256 (large), using the Decimal radix.
The image size must be a mutiple of 16
To make it available to all users edit the follwing key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. instead of the above mentioned one.

How to disable System Properties

You can disable system properties from My Computer shortcut menu using the following method.
1.Start>Run
2.Type gpedit.msc
3.Expand Administrative templates under user configuration
4.Click on Desktop
5.On the right panel look for the this. Remove System Properties from My Computer context menu
6.Open it and set it enabled

Change Your Drive Icons without using third party softwares in Windows

You can easily change the drive icon in My Computer using the this technique. This doesn't use any third party software. It is very simple. First select the icon you want to be the drive icon. Make sure it is a .ico file. The open your favourite text editor, like notepad and type the following two lines
[autorun]
icon=xxxx.ico

xxxx is your icon name. Save the file as Autorun.inf and place in the drive. The icons will change




Monday, March 20, 2006

Guide to change Mozilla's Inner Configuration.

You can customize your mozilla browser the way you want by typing about:config in the address bar.
It is almost like windows registry. You can make changes to the default configurations all for good.
Here the guide to the complete about:config of mozilla. click here

Running Linux inside Windows

You can run linux inside your windows using this software.
It has detailed installation guide too....
Here is the link:
http://topologi-linux.sourceforge.net/index.php?menu=1
Download:
http://topologi-linux.sourceforge.net/index.php?menu=3

Nokia Secret Codes

Here are a few secret codes. TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

*3370#
This Nokia code activates Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) - Your Nokia cell phone uses the best sound quality but talk time is reduced by approx 5%.

#3370#
Deactivate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR)

*#4720#
Activate Half Rate Codec - Your phone uses a lower quality sound but you should gain approx 30% more Talk Time

*#4720#
With this Nokia code you can deactivate the Half Rate Codec

*#0000#
Displays your phones software version, 1st Line : Software Version, 2nd Line : Software Release Date, 3rd Line : Compression Type

*#9999#
Phones software version if *#0000# does not work

*#06#
For checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI Number)

#pw+1234567890+1#
Provider Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)

#pw+1234567890+2#
Network Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)

#pw+1234567890+3#
Country Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)

#pw+1234567890+4#
SIM Card Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)

*#21#
This phone code allows you to check the number that "All Calls" are diverted to

*#2640#
Displays phone security code in use ( a very useful one - hackers rejoice ! )

*#43#
Allows you to check the "Call Waiting" status of your cell phone.

*#61#
Allows you to check the number that "On No Reply" calls are diverted to

*#62#
Allows you to check the number that "Divert If Unreachable (no service)" calls are diverted to

*#67#
Allows you to check the number that "On Busy Calls" are diverted to

*#67705646#
Phone code that removes operator logo on 3310 & 3330

*#73#
Reset phone timers and game scores

*#746025625#
Displays the SIM Clock status, if your phone supports this power saving feature "SIM Clock Stop Allowed", it means you will get the best standby time possible

*#7760#
Manufactures code

*#7780#
Restore factory settings

*#92702689#
Displays - 1.Serial Number, 2.Date Made, 3.Purchase Date, 4.Date of last repair (0000 for no repairs), 5.Transfer User Data. To exit this mode you need to switch your phone off then on again

**21*number#
Turn on "All Calls" diverting to the phone number entered

**61*number#
Turn on "No Reply" diverting to the phone number entered

**67*number#
Turn on "On Busy" diverting to the phone number entered

12345 This is the default security code
press and hold # Lets you switch between lines

Menu To view Warranty menu enter *#92702689# [*#war0anty#] Phone asks 'warranty code:' Press the following warranty code: 6232 (OK) : Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture (MMYY)
7332 (OK) : Displays the date of the last repairment - if found ('DATE NOT SAVED'...) 7832 (OK) : Displays (if found) the date where the phone was purchased ('DATE NOT SAVED'...)
9268 (OK) : Displays Serial Number
37832 (OK) : Set the Purchasing Date MMYY (Warning: You can only do this once - So be careful ...)
Orginal Source
http://www.chip-india.com/townsquare/viewtopic.php?t=10078

Create Shutdown & Restart icon on Desktop

To create a shutdown icon
Right click on an empty area on your desktop.
Select New>Shortcut.
In the first box of the Create Shortcut Wizard, type : Shutdown -s -t 00
Click Next.
Name the shortcut : Shutdown , and click Finish.
Then select an appropriate icon for it.

Similarly for Restart icon
n the first box of the Create Shortcut Wizard, type : Shutdown -r -t 00
Click Next.
Name the shortcut : Restart , and click Finish.
select an appropriate icon for it,

Enabling Font Smoothing in WindowsXP using Clear Type

XP has ClearType, Microsoft's anti-aliasing font display technology . But doesn't have it enabled by default. It's well worth trying, especially if you are using a notebook PC. To enable ClearType, right click on the desktop, select Properties, Appearance, Effects, select ClearType from the second drop-down menu and enable the selection. Expect best results on laptop displays. If you want to use ClearType on the Welcome login screen as well, set the registry entry HKEY_USERS/.DEFAULT/Control Panel/Desktop/FontSmoothingType to 2.

How to uninstall windows components not shown in ADD&Remove Programs

XP hides some system software you might want to remove, such as Windows Messenger, but you can make it appear on Add&Remove Programs. Using Notepad or Edit, edit the text file /windows/inf/sysoc.inf, search for the word 'hide' and remove it. You can then go to the Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel, select Add/Remove Windows Components and you can remove it for good.

Kill tasks from command prompt in Windows XP

You can at get rid of tasks on the computer from the command line by using 'taskkill /pid' and the task number, or just 'tskill' and the process number. Find that out by typing 'tasklist', which will also tell you a lot about what's going on in your system.

Enabling IPv6 in WindowsXP

XP has IP version 6 support -- the next generation of IP.You can only experiment with this on your LAN. Type 'ipv6 install' into Run, and then 'ipv6 /?' at the command line to find out more.

Change Windows XP pirated product key to a legal key

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
When you acquire a new Product ID for your Windows XP installation, follow these steps to change the Product Identification number:

Start Windows XP.

Click Start, and then click ECHO is on. Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
In the right pane, right-click the OOBETimer binary value, and then click Modify.
Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate ECHO is on. Windows.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK:

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe ECHO is on. /a
Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
Click Change Product key .
Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.
If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
Product Activation works by confirming that the software product key or Product Identification number (required as part of product installation) has not been used on more computers than is permitted by the software license. Activations on the same computer that use the same product key are unlimited. Product Activation discourages piracy by limiting the number of times that a product key can be activated on different computers.

Booting into Linux without root password

If the root password is lost there is a way to boot into your linux machine
while Booting ( Redhat ) just press "e" in GRUB
you will find 3 lines of code..
Goto to the 2nd line press "e"again and type "1" in the end
then press ENTER..
Then press "b" and it will boot you into your shell..
Just type "passwd" and change your ROOT password...
don't need to know the old one..

If you are using lilo,
Go to lilo prompt and type linux 1
You can get into your machine...

Removing unused device drivers in Windows XP

The unused device drivers in windows xp are not removed by default. Unless you uninstall it manually, it may hog your system resource up. This is how it can be done.

Press [Windows]+[Break] to bring up the System Properties dialog box.
Select the Advanced tab and click the Environment Variables button.
Click the New button below the System Variables panel.
In the New System Variable dialog box, type devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices in the Variable Name text box and 1 in the Variable Value text box.
Click OK to return to the System Properties dialog box and then click OK again.
Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button.
In Device Manager, go to View | Show Hidden Devices.
Expand the various branches in the device tree and look for the washed out icons, which indicate unused device drivers.
To remove an unused device driver, right-click the icon and select Uninstall.