tips and tricks for u r pc's

8/9/2019 Tips and Tricks for u r Pc's

1/21

FOR ALL VTU STUFFS VISIT:

http://sites.google.com/site/ncetians/study-materials-3

This article explains how to use the Windows Registry. The Registry is the

central storehouse for all settings for the Windows operating systems. This

includes hardware configuration, file associations, and control panel

settings. Many other programs will also store settings in the registry.

Accessing the Registry

To examine and modify the registry, use the regedit.exe program that is located

in the operating system directory.

To open regedit.exe, follow this procedure:

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. Choose "Run".

3. Enter "regedit" and press Enter.

Structure

The registry is made up of "Keys". Each key is like the branch of a tree. Each

key has one parent key, and zero or more child keys. Each key can contain zero

or more "Values", each of which contains a single piece of data.
http://sites.google.com/site/ncetians/study-materials-3http://sites.google.com/site/ncetians/study-materials-3


2/21

To make navigating the registry a bit easier, you can think of the registry's

construction like your hard drives.

Hard drive Registry

Folders Keys

Files Values

The registry contains 6 main keys:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT ---- Contains information on file types,

including which programs are used to open a particular file type.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER---- Contains user-specific settings that are

built from information in the HKEY_USERS key during the logon

process.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ---- Contains computer specific information

including installed hardware and software. This is the one users tend to

spend the most time in.

HKEY_USERS ---- Contains information (generic and user- specific)

about all the users who log on to the computer. The generic settings are

available to all users who log on to the computer. The information is made

up of default settings for programs, desktop configurations,and so on.

This key contains subkeys for each user that logs on to thecomputer.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG ---- Contains information about the

computer's hardware configuration .

HKEY_DYN_DATA ---- Contains real-time performance statistics on the

computer's hardware.


3/21

Warning:

Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. At the very least,

you should back up any valued data on the computer before making changes to the

registry.

If you do damage your system, you may be able to repair the registry or restore it to

the same version you were using when you last successfully started your computer.

Otherwise, you must reinstall Windows. When you reinstall your system, you may

lose any changes that have been made, such as Service Pack upgrades, which you

must reinstall separately

Backing-Up the Registry

On Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, and Vista the operating system does not allow the

user to directlymanipulate the registry files. To perform a backup, you must use the

Microsoft Backup Utility. To launch this utility, open the Start Menu, choose "Run",

enter"ntbackup.exe", and press the Enter key.

On Windows 95, 98, and ME, the registry is stored in two files, SYSTEM.DAT and

USER.DAT. SYSTEM.DAT contains all hardware and computer specific

information. USER.DAT contains all user-specific information.

These files are located in the operating system directory, typically"c:\windows". However, if you are using "User Profiles", you should also backup the

User.dat files located in:

C:\Windows\Profiles\


4/21

where is the name of each user.

Creating The Registry Backup

To backup the registry, enter the following commands at the DOS prompt:

c:

cd \windows

xcopy /h system.dat d:\backup

xcopy /h user.dat d:\backup

Alternatively, if "User Profiles" are enabled, this example would change to:

xcopy /h c:\windows\system.dat d:\backup

xcopy /h c:\windows\profiles\\user.dat d:\backup

Please note that these examples assume that the operating system directory is

"c:\windows"and the destination of the files is "d:\backup".

Restoring A Registry Backup

Simply reverse the above process. This is best done from DOS, since the registry files

could be in use,and Windows will have to be rebooted anyway. To enter DOS, open

the Start Menu, choose "Shut Down", then choose"Restart in MS-DOS Mode".


5/21

d:

cd \backup

xcopy /h system.dat c:\windows

xcopy /h user.dat c:\windows

Alternatively, if "User Profiles" are enabled, this example would change to:

xcopy /h d:\backup\system.dat c:\windows

xcopy /h d:\backup\user.dat c:\windows\profiles\

Windows also makes its own backup of the registry each time it boots up. When you

don't have a good backup, you can try using the backup created by Windows. The

backup files are located in the operating system directory. The .dat extension is

changed to .da0. The following DOS commands would restore this backup:

c:

cd \windows

xcopy /h system.da0 system.dat

xcopy /h user.da0 user.dat


6/21

Editing the Registry

Modifying the registry can potentially make Windows unbootable. Be

careful! Always make a backup of the registry before making changes.

To edit a registry value, first navigate the tree until the value is displayed. Usually,

you will know where you are going. If not, use the Find tool (described above).

In this example, we have navigated to the registry value that controls the delay beforea menu pops up.

To edit a value, double click on its name. If you are following this example, go ahead

and change the MenuShowDelay value from 100 to 0. After making this change, like

most changes made in the registry, you will need to reboot. After rebooting, all menus

should pop up noticeably faster.


7/21


8/21

3. To add a key

Open Registry Editor.

In the registry tree (on the left), click the registry key under which you would like to

add a new key.

On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key.

Type a name for the new key, and then press ENTER.

4. To add a value


Click the key or entry where you want to add the new value.

Onthe Edit menu, point to New, and then click the type of value you wantto add:

String Value, Binary Value, DWORD Value, Multi-String Value, orExpandableString Value.

Type a name for the new value, then press ENTER.

5. To change a value


Select the entry you want to change.

On the Edit menu, click Modify.

In Value data, type the new data for the value, and then click OK.


9/21

6. To delete a key or value


Click the key or entry you want to delete.

On the Edit menu, click Delete.

7. To rename a key or value


Click the key or entry you want to rename.

On the Edit menu, click Rename.

Type the new name, and then press ENTER.

8. To copy a registry key name


In the registry tree (on the left), click a registry key.

On the Edit menu, click Copy Key Name.

Paste the name of the registry key into another program or document.


10/21

9. To restore the registry


ClickOptions, and then click Print to print these instructions. (If you areusing the Help

and Support Center, click Print above the topic area.)They will not be available afteryou shut down your computer in step 2.

Click Start, and then click Shut Down.

In the list, click Restart, and then click OK.

When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.

Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press

ENTER.

NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.

Use the arrow keys to highlight an operating system, and then press ENTER.

Speedup your startup buttons

Speedup your startup buttons The earlier posts were to educate about registryeditor.

Now that we are ready to start playing with windows registry.

Now its time we start having some fun!!!

OK ..Here I go..

How to make your start buttons work faster?


11/21

1. Go to run and write regedit

2. Then click ok..

3. You will reach registry editor

4. Now click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER5. Then go to CONTROL PANEL in the list

6. Then just click once on DESKTOP (which leads to a long list of files)

7. In the list there is a file called MenuShowDelay.

8. Double click on it and change 400 to 0.

Once you have changed the value from 400 to 0.click ok close registry editor and

restart you computer.

Now run you mouse over the start buttons to see how fast your start buttons work..

Recycle bin removal trick

How to remove recycle bin from the desktop

Go to run and type regedit and click ok.

You have reached registry editor.

Now navigate the following entries in the registry

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\

SOFTWARE\


12/21

Microsoft\

Windows\

CurrentVersion\

Explorer\

Desktop\

NameSpace\

{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Now Delete this key. i.e {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Now close registry editor and restart you computer.

Surprise Surprise you dont have a recycle bin on your desktop any more..

To get back the recycle bin on the desktop

Navigate back through those registry entries

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\

SOFTWARE\

Microsoft\

Windows\

CurrentVersion\

Explorer\

Desktop\

NameSpace\


13/21

Now right click on NameSpace to create a new key.

Rename the key to {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Now set the default value to Recycle Bin.

Again restart your computer to find your recycle bin back.

Speedup Boot sequence trick

Speedup boot up sequence by defragmenting all key boot files




HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\

SOFTWARE\

Microsoft\

Dfrg\


14/21

BootoptimizeFunction

In the right hand panel look for enable .

Right click on it and set it to Y for enable

This will speed up boot time..

Safe n quick shutdown trick

When ever you shutdown your computer it takes a lot of time in closing all the

running applications and worse if they stop responding then you have to click either

end task or wait for windows to shut it down.

Now here is a registry tip to automatically shut the non responding annoying

applications instantly




HKEY_CURRENT_USER\

CONTROLPANEL\


15/21

DESKTOP\

Now look at the right side window for AutoEndTasks.

Assign its value to be 1 .its default value is 0

For Reverting the process is also simple just set it back to 0.

Add n remove programs listing correction

If you have removed an installed program and its files by deleting the files it may still

show up in the add and remove programs list in the control panel.

In order to remove them




HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/

SOFTWARE/


16/21

Microsoft/

Windows/

Currentversion/

Uninstall

Delete any programs from the list

Changing registered owners name trick

Changing the Registered Owner and Organization




HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE /

SOFTWARE /

Microsoft /

Windows /

CurrentVersion

Modify the data for the 'Registered Owner' key or for 'Registered Organization.

Restart the system for changes to take place.


17/21

Note:

This trick works on certain Operating systems, not all

ACCESS YOUR DESKTOP ICONS FROM YOUR TASKBAR:

Do you ever want to access your desktop, orshortcut icons on your desktop when your

screen is cluttered with windows whichyou don't want to minimize?

A simple solution. Place a shortcut to your desktop atop your START Menu. Here's how:

1) Right click on your TASKBAR and choose PROPERTIES.

2) Select the START MENU PROGRAMS tab, then the ADVANCED button.

3) In the right panel, under the PROGRAMS folder, you will see any shortcuts you have

already placed atop your START menu. Right click here in the white space here and

choose NEW, then SHORTCUT.

4. In the command line for your shortcut, type c:\windows\desktop (If your Windows

directory has another name, substitute that name for windows).

5. Click NEXT. Then in the name box, name your shortcut Desktop.

6. Click the FINISH button.

7. Close the Explorer window, then click ok in TASKBAR PROPERTIES.

8. Now, open START on your taskbar. VOILA! Your desktop folder icon should be visible.

Click it to open your desktop folder.

Success!

You will now be able to view and access your desktop shortcut icons (notnon-shortcut

icons). If you want ALL desktop icons to be visible (Recycle Bin, My Computer etc.), you

will need to place shortcuts to these other icons onyour desktop.


18/21

Hint:

If you normally hide your taskbar, so that it is not always on top of other windows, you can

access it at any time from any program by pressing andholding control, then pressingescape (the ESC key at top left of your keyboard). You may then quickly choose your

desktop folder and access desktop icons as well as any other programs accessible via your

taskbar and programsmenu.

OPEN ANY NEW DOCUMENT FROM YOUR DESKTOP:

Yes, we can teach you how to edit your Windows registry in order to add any new document to your desktop -and in a future tip, wewill!

But the easiest way to add any new document to your desktop, whether

or not it is listed in your NEW menu is to simply:

1) Right click on your desktop and choose NEW.

2) Choose TEXT document (assuming it is listed there, and associated with Notepad or the equivalent).

Otherwise, choose any kind of document included in your NEW menu.

3) Retype the name by clicking inside the name box and typing OR by right clicking the icon, selecting

RENAME, the typing. Type in a document name, and the extension for the kind of document you

wish to open (e.g. .doc for Microsoft Word).

NOTE: The above tip assumes that you have associated this document with a particular program on your

computer. If not:

1) In MY COMPUTER, select view, options, then the FILE TYPES tab.


19/21

2) Choose NEW TYPE.

3) In the DESCRIPTION box, type a name for the kind of document or file you are associating (e.g. Adobe

Acrobat file)

4) In the ASSOCIATED EXTENSION field, type the extension of the kind of file inquestion (e.g. pdf).

5) Below the ACTIONS field, choose NEW.

6) Type OPEN (in capitals).

7) Using the BROWSE button, browse to find the executable program (usually ending with .exe, in the

primary directory for the program) of the software which will open this particular file type. Select it.

Click ok or close until you've exited all your open screens.

9) Now your document type is associated. When you type in the extension on a file you create from the

desktop and then double click on the icon, Windows will open its program.

OPEN EXPLORER RATHER THAN MY COMPUTER TO VIEW FILES:

(This is a great tip!! One of the most usefulcustomizations...)

Have you created drive icons for your hard drives and floppy drives on your desktop.

If so, you may wish that they opened in the two-paned Explorer view, rather than in My Computer.

To change the default view to Explorer:

1) Open Explorer (from Start, Programs, Explorer, or if you have created it, from the Explorer icon on your

desktop).

2) Choose the View, Options menu.

3) Select the File Types tab.


20/21

4). Under registered file types, double click on FOLDER.

5) From the list of actions, select explore.

6) Click on the SET DEFAULT button at bottom right!

Now when you double click on a folder or open a drive icon shortcut Explorer will open instead of MyComputer.

Create a link to shutdown your PC:

To create a useful link desktop link to shutdownor restart your PC, follow these directions:

Right click on an empty area of your desktop, then select 'new' and 'shortcut' to open the

new shortcut wizard. When prompted for the location of the shortcut, enter SHUTDOWN-s -t 01 to shutdown the system or SHUTDOWN -r -t 01 to restart the system. Name the

shortcut and give it an appropriate icon from the '%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll'

location.

Rename multiple files simultaneously:

In windows XP explorer, you can rename multiple files at the same time simply by

highlighting all the files you wish to change, right clicking one of them and selecting

'rename.' Once you have done this, all the files will share the same name with a number inbrackets differentiating them.

Clean out the prefetch folder:

Windows XP uses a system called 'prefetch' to organize and preload some of the datanecessary for commonly used applications and files. A folder called prefetch is used to store

the information that the operating system needs to carry out the operation. After several

months of use, the prefetch folder may become quite overloaded with older references to

software and files that may no longer be in use. It's a good idea to manually empty the

older files out of the prefetch folder every few months or so. To do this: Navigate to

'c:\windows\prefetch' and delete all .PF files that are older than a week or two.


21/21

Set priority for individual programs:

If you regularly multi-task while you are working at your computer, but some of the

applications you use require more horsepower than others to work effectively (for example

using Adobe Photoshopalong with Word or other less demanding programs), you may

want to consider setting a custom priority for the high-demand applications. Priority is

how the operating system determines how to share the processor time among applications.

Most applications default to the 'normal' priority, so by setting your high demand

application higher, you can increase its performance when multitasking. To do this: Load

the program you wish to change the priority for and press CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up

the Task Manager. Select the applications tab and highlight your program. Right click the

program and select 'go to process.' Now right click on the highlighted process and choose

'set priority.' The higher you set the priority above normal, the more CPU time theprogram will steal from other applications when you are multitasking.

tips and tricks for u r pc's

Documents