Icons are missing from Control Panel, or you cannot start Control Panel, the Welcome Center, or games in Windows Vista

SYMPTOMS

On a computer that is running Windows Vista, you experience one or more of the following problems:

1. Icons are missing from Control Panel. 
2. You cannot start Control Panel. When you try to start Control Panel, the screen may flash briefly, but Control Panel does not start.
3. You cannot start the Welcome Center. For example, when you type welcome center in the Start Search box, and then you click Welcome Center in the Programs list, nothing happens. 
4. You cannot start Windows Vista games such as Chess or Minesweeper. When you try to start the games, nothing happens.
These problems may occur intermittently.

RESOLUTION

Service pack information
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2008 stops responding (hangs) during startup

SYMPTOMS
When you press the power button or click Restart on the Start menu to start a computer that is running Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows Server 2008, the system startup may fail. The system stops responding (hangs) and shows a black screen where the Windows logo typically appears. Additionally, the mouse pointer does not appear, and the hard disk drive (HDD) light does not flash. When the HDD light does not flash, it means that the HDD is not being accessed at that time.

When this problem occurs, you have to force the power off. Then, you must press the power button to start the computer again.

CAUSE
This problem occurs because of a deadlock in the remote procedure call (RPC) component.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note: If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support
(http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support)

Note: The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Server 2008 installed on the computer. Restart requirement
You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix. Hotfix replacement information. This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Administrator doesn't have permission to access shared network resources

QUESTION:
I'm having problems getting to some of the shares on the network from my Vista computer even though I'm logged on with an administrative account. I can access those same shares from my XP computer with the same network logon. Any idea what's going on?

ANSWER:
Most likely the problem is that Vista's User Account Control (UAC) runs all accounts as standard users by default. When you log on with an admin account, two access tokens are created - one with administrative rights and one with standard user rights. Mapped network shares may be linked to the current logon session so if the share was mapped using the filtered access token (without admin rights), you may have this problem. You can fix it with a registry edit that tells Vista to share the network connections between the filtered access token and the administrative token for members of the Administrators group. Here are the steps (be sure to back up the registry first):

1. Open the registry editor and navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System
2. Click New and select DWORD Value.
3. Name the new value EnableLinkedConnections
4. Right click the new value and select Modify.
5. In the Value Data box, type 1
6. Click OK.
7. Close the registry editor and restart the computer

How to enable the DVD library on Vista Media Center?

In Windows Media Center on a Vista Home Premium or Ultimate computer, the DVD library is not enabled by default, which means you can't see your DVD content. Here's how to enable it to display the DVD content on your computer:

 
1. Close the Media Center application if it's open.
2. Click Start and in the Search box, type regedit to open the registry editor.
3. Click Continue or enter administrative credentials at the prompt.
4. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Media Center \ Settings \ DvdSettings
5. In the right Details pane, right click ShowGallery and select Modify.
6. Delete the contents of the Value data box.
7. In the Value data box, type Gallery.
8. Click OK.
9. Close the registry editor.
10. Restart your computer. Media Center should know display "DVD Library" instead of "Play DVD." You may need to right click Add Folders to see content.

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows?

Back up the registry

(For Windows Vista)

Click Start, type systempropertiesprotection in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

Wait for Windows to search for available disks and most recent restore points. In the System Properties dialog box, on the System Protection tab, click Create,

Type a name for the restore point and then click Create.

After the restore point has been created successfully, click OK two times.

Note If System Restore is turned off, click to select the local disk, click Apply and then click Create.

(Windows XP)

1. Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then click OK.
2. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Create a restore point, and then click Next .
3. On the Create a Restore Point page, type a name for the restore point and then click Create
4. After the restore point has been created, click Close.

Note If System Restore is turned off, you receive a message that asks whether you want to turn on System Restore now. Click Yes. Then, in the System Properties dialog box, click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box, click OK, and then repeat this step.

Restore the registry

(For Windows Vista)

Click Start, type systempropertiesprotection in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

In the System Properties dialog box, on the System Protection tab, click System Restore,

In the System Restore dialog box select Choose a different restore point, and then click Next

Select the restore point that you want to use, and then click Next.

Confirm your restore point, and then click Finish System restore restores the selected Windows Vista configuration and then restarts the computer.

Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK..

(For Windows XP)

Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Rstrui.exe, and then click OK.

On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next .

On the Select a Restore Point page, click the system checkpoint. In the On this list select the restore point area, click an entry that is named "Guided Help (Registry Backup)," and then click Next. If a System Restore message appears that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make, click OK.

On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration and then restarts the computer.

Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK.

Options to change wallpaper may be missing or unavailable on a Windows XP-based computer

SYMPTOMS
When you try to change the desktop wallpaper in a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, the options may be missing or unavailable. Therefore, you cannot change your wallpaper or use other options that are located in the Display Properties dialog box. This problem may occur after you remove spyware from the system.

CAUSE
his problem occurs when a registry key is set to hide or to lock the display settings on the computer. The registry key can be set by an administration policy or by malicious software.

RESOLUTION
Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs.


To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. In the right-pane, right-click the NoDispAppearancePage value if the value exists, and then click Delete.
4. Repeat step 3 for the following registry values if these values exist in the registry:
   • NoDispCPL
   • NoDispBackgroundPage
   • NoDispScrSavPage
   • NoDispSettingsPage
   
   Note Locate any registry value that says "Wallpaper" if it exists. In the right pane, right-click the registry value, click Delete, and then click OK.
5. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
6. In the right-pane, right-click the NoDispAppearancePage value if the value exists, and then click Delete.
7. Repeat step 6 for the following registry values if these values exist in the registry:
   • NoDispCPL
   • NoDispBackgroundPage
   • NoDispScrSavPage
   • NoDispSettingsPage
   
   Note Locate any registry value that says "Wallpaper" if it exists. In the right pane, right-click the registry value, click Delete, and then click OK.
8. For the changes to take effect, you may have to restart the computer after you delete these registry values.

After the Windows Logo displays or after you log on to Windows, a Windows XP-based computer may only display the wallpaper, a black screen, or a blue

SYMPTOMS
When you start Windows XP or you log on to Windows XP, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
1. When you start Windows XP, the Windows Logo is displayed, and then the screen turns black or blue, or only the wallpaper is displayed.
2. After you log on to Windows XP, you cannot see the Start button or the taskbar.
3. After you log on to Windows XP, the screen turns black or blue, or only the wallpaper is displayed, or only the icons are displayed.

CAUSE
This behavior may occur for one of the following reasons:
1. The Auto-hide the taskbar option has been selected for the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.
2. Your user account settings are corrupted.
3. The core files are damaged.
4. The Explorer.exe file does not load during startup.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Make sure that the auto-hide option is not enabled for Taskbar and Start Menu Properties

To determine whether the auto-hide option is not enabled for Taskbar and Start Menu Properties, follow these steps:

1. Press CRTL+ESC.
   
2. If the Start menu appears, right-click the Start menu, and then click Properties.
   
3. Click the Taskbar tab, clear the Auto-hide the taskbar check box, and then click OK.
   

Method 2: Log on as a different user

Log off as the current user, and try to log on to the computer as a different user. If logging on as different user resolves this problem, create a new user account, and try to copy the settings from the old user account to the newly created user account. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Restart the computer. When the Power On Self Test (POST) is complete, press F8.
2. On the Windows Advanced Options Menu, use the ARROW keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
3. When you are prompted to select which operating system to start, select Microsoft Windows XP edition where edition is the edition of Windows XP that is installed, and then press ENTER.
4. On the To begin, click your user name screen, click Administrator.
5. Type the administrator password, and then click the arrow button.
   
   Note In some cases, the Administrator password may be set to a blank password. In this case, do not enter a password before you click the arrow button.
6. Click Yes to close the message that states that Windows is running in safe mode.
7. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
8. In the Computer Management (Local) list, expand Local Users and Groups.
9. Right-click the Users folder, and then click New User.
10. Type the user name and password in the appropriate boxes, and then retype the password in the Confirm password box.
    
    Note If you do not want to assign a password to the user account, do not type a password in the Password or Confirm password boxes.
11. Click to clear the User must change password at next logon check box.
12. Click to select the Password never expires check box if you do not want the password to expire.
13. Click Create, click Close, and then exit the Computer Management snap-in.
14. Restart Windows as usual, and then log on as the new user that you created.

If the issue is resolved, reinstall the programs that you want, and then copy the documents that you want from the My Documents folder of the old user account. To copy the contents of the My Documents folder of the old user account, follow these steps:

1. Log off Windows.
2. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE two times.
   
   
   The Log On to Windows dialog box appears.
3. In the User name box, type Administrator. In the Password box, type the administrator password, and then click OK.
4. Right-click Start, and then click Explore.
5. In the Folders tree, expand the old user account under Documents and Settings.
6. Click user name's Documents where user name is the name of the old user account with which you experience this issue.
7. On the Edit menu, click Select All, and then click Copy on the Edit menu.
8. Under Documents and Settings, expand the new user account folder.
9. Click new user's Documents where new user is the name of the new user account that you created.
10. On the Edit menu, click Paste.
11. If you are prompted to replace files or folders, click Yes to All to confirm the replacement.
12. On the File menu, click Close.
13. Log off Windows.

Method 3: Start your computer in safe mode with networking enabled

Restart your computer, and select the Safe Mode with Networking option. If some application is loading or crashing before Explorer loads, follow these steps:

1. If you have a virus scan utility on your computer, run a full scan of your computer.
   
2. Run Microsoft Update or Windows Update, and apply all the updates.
   
3. Restart your computer to see whether the problem goes away.
   

Method 4: Start your computer in safe mode

Restart your computer, and select the Safe Mode option. If Explorer is starting, check whether any startup applications are causing the problem. You can use Windows Defender or the System Configuration Utility to check the startup programs. For more information about how to download and to install Windows Defender, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
(http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)

To check the startup programs, follow these steps:

1. Press CTRL+ALT+Delete, and then click Task Manager.
   
2. Right-click explorer.exe, and then click End Process.
   
3. If Explorer restarts automatically, Explorer is fine, and you must use Windows Defender or the System Configuration Utility to stop programs from starting at startup.
   

Windows Defender

To use Windows Defender, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Defender.
   
2. Click Tools, and then click Software Explorer.
   
3. Select Startup Programs from the Category list.
   
4. Click a program name in the Name column that you want to disable, and then click Disable.
   
5. Restart your computer.
   
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until you find the bad program that is causing the problem.
   
7. You can then decide to uninstall the program or to apply the latest update for that program.
   

System Configuration Utility

To use the System Configuration Utility, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
   
2. Click the Startup tab.
   The Startup tab lists all programs that start during startup.
3. Disable any program on the Startup tab that you think may be causing the problem. To do this, click to clear the check box that is next to the program, and then click OK.
   
   
   
   Note Not every file name has a user-friendly name in System Configuration Utility. We recommend that you clear all check boxes for file names that do not have user-friendly names, and see whether the problem is resolved when you restart your computer.
   
   
4. Restart your computer.
   
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until you find the bad program that is causing the problem.
   
6. You can then decide to uninstall the program or to apply the latest update for that program.
   

Method 5: Repair Windows XP

Perform an in-place repair of Windows XP. To do this, start the installation of Windows XP, but select the option to repair the existing installation. This will replace all the Windows files. However, the installed programs and the data will remain intact.

How to make your XP desktop look like a Mac?

Prefer the functionality of Windows XP but like the look of Mac OS X? This free download replaces the Windows taskbar with a customizable Mac-like "dock." Read more about it here:

http://www.wxpnews.com/LL10M5/090224-RK-Launcher

How to recover a damaged user profile in XP?

Windows XP is a really good operating system as long as it is running fine, but when it doesn't, you have to scurry around looking for solutions to get it back to normal. Once in a while, it so happens that you get a message that reads something like this:

Windows cannot load your profile because it may be corrupted. You may log in using a temporary User Profile.
Or
The system has recovered from a serious error.
This happens when the user profile becomes damaged.

Find out here:
http://www.wxpnews.com/LL10M5/090224-Damaged-User-Profile

Can I boot Vista without the boot menu?

QUESTION:
I installed Vista with Windows XP (dual boot) just in case, so I could go back to XP if Vista didn't work. Well, it does and I like Vista and I never use XP. But when I reboot, I still get the boot menu to choose Vista or XP. Is there a way I can get it to just boot into Vista? Do I have to uninstall XP?

ANSWER:
It's not necessary to uninstall XP in order to boot directly to Vista. You just need to adjust the system startup settings. Here's how:

1. Click Start and right click My Computer
Select Properties
In the left pane, click Advanced System Settings
On the Advanced tab, at the bottom in the Startup and Recovery section, click the Settings button
Make sure the Default Operating System is set to Vista
Uncheck the box labeled "Time to display list of operating systems"
If you ever do need to boot to XP again, first go into Vista and re-enable the boot menu by checking this box and setting the time to a number of seconds (such as 15).

How to set your wireless mouse or keyboard not to wake the computer

1. Click Start | Control Panel | Mouse
2. Click the Hardware tab
3. Click the Properties button
4. In the General tab, click the Change Settings button
5. Click the Power Management tab
6. Uncheck the box that says "Allow this device to wake the computer."
7. Click OK in all the dialog boxes to close them

Differences between a Quick format and a regular format during a "clean" installation of Windows XP

During a "clean" installation of Microsoft Windows XP, you are prompted to choose from the following format options: Format the partition by using the NTFS file system (Quick)
Format the partition by using the FAT file system (Quick)
Format the partition by using the NTFS file system
Format the partition by using the FAT file system
Leave the current file system intact (no changes)
Format the partition by using the NTFS file system (Quick)
Format the partition by using the FAT file system (Quick)
Format the partition by using the NTFS file system
Format the partition by using the FAT file system
Leave the current file system intact (no changes)

This article describes the differences between a Quick format and a regular format.

When you choose to run a regular format on a volume, files are removed from the volume that you are formatting and the hard disk is scanned for bad sectors. The scan for bad sectors is responsible for the majority of the time that it takes to format a volume.

If you choose the Quick format option, format removes files from the partition, but does not scan the disk for bad sectors. Only use this option if your hard disk has been previously formatted and you are sure that your hard disk is not damaged.

If you installed Windows XP on a partition that was formatted by using the Quick format option, you can also check your disk by using the chkdsk /r command after the installation of Windows XP is completed.

How to adjust settings for people with limited vision

QUESTION:
Some of us as we grow older suffer from limited vision. For instance, I have glaucoma and the beginnings of macular degeneration. Where can I find information to "tuneup" my computer for some help? Things like screen contrasts, Cursor color, size, and shape, and software that is very simple and easy to see the commands. I am repeatedly frustrated by screen changes in Yahoo (cannot find the buttons) and popups that are not easily removed (cannot find the buttons).

XP includes a number of "accessibility options" that let you adjust the scrollbar and window border size, icons, size and color of the cursor and contrast. There is an Accessibility Wizard that can guide you through the steps. Just go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | Accessibility and click Accessibility Wizard. You can find out more about how to use the wizard here:

http://www.wxpnews.com/LL10M5/090217-Accessibility-Wizard

If that's not enough, there are also many third party programs made to assist those with limited vision. These include screen enlargers, screen readers and more. The Assistive Technology Catalog helps you search for those products:
http://www.wxpnews.com/LL10M5/090217-Assistive-Technology

How to prevent problems when installing XP SP3

f you still haven't gotten around to installing Service Pack 3, you're not alone. I hear from many readers who have heard about problems other had with the SP and want to know if they should risk it. SP3 includes important security updates so it's a good idea to install it. There are steps you can take to help prevent common problems with installing the Service Pack:

1. Make sure you have enough free disk space (1500 to 1800 MB).
2. Remove these updates first if you've installed them: Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit, Remote Desktop Connection 6.0 MUI pack.
3. If you use a wireless network adapter, make sure it is supported (check for XP SP3 drivers)
4. You might need to disable your antivirus software to install the SP. Be sure to re-enable it after the installation.
5. If you're using a laptop, plug it into AC power. Bad things can happen if the battery dies during installation.

It's also a good idea to do a full backup of your data and if you're using XP Pro, create an automated system recovery set so you can repair the computer if the installation fails. Although most Service Pack installations go smoothly, it's better to be safe than sorry.

How to Improve Windows Vista's Performance

1. turn of the vista's slide bar.
a. Right click on the slide bar.
b. Click on Properties.
c. Uncheck Start Sidebar when Windows starts.

2. Turn off unnecessary Eye Candy
a. Right click on Mycomputer. Click Properties.
b. Click on Advance Tab
c. Click on setting of Performance.
d. On Visual Tab, Uncheck Animate Controls and elements inside windows and Animated windows when minimizing and maximizing.

3. Favorite links Provides shortcuts

4. Add your Desktop to the taskbar.
a. Right click on Task bar.
b. Select Toolbars.
c. Choose Desktop.

5. Use Search to Boot Programs

6. Customize your Start Button
a. Right click on taskbar.
b. Select Properties.
c. Choose StartMenu Tab.
d. Click on Customize of Startmenu.
e. Uncheck Search communications, Search favorites and history.

7. Hardware improvements can Boost performance.

Add a Network Shortcut to the Vista Desktop

1. Click Start, type Network, and then click Network and Sharing Center.

2. On the lefthand side, under Tasks, click Manage network connections.

3. You should see your connection listed in the Virtual Private Network section. Right-click the icon, and then choose Create Shortcut.

4. Vista will indicate that you can't create a shortcut here, but would you like one on the desktop instead?

5. Click Yes and you're done!

Now just double-click the shortcut icon and presto: You can sign right into your VPN.

Vista computer wakes immediately after you put it to sleep

If you put your Vista computer to sleep but it immediately wakes up, this may be caused by a USB device connected to a USB host controller that doesn't support the wake from sleep functionality. You can fix the problem by disabling the USB device's ability to wake the computer. Find out how in KB article 927821 at

http://www.vistanews.com/XQBLAG/090211-Vista-Sleep

I don't want autoplay to autoplay - except when I do

QUESTION:
I like the autoplay feature when I put a CD or DVD in the drive - but I don't want to see that dialog box every time I put in an SD card from my camera. Is there a way to fix this?


ANSWER:
You can designate what AutoPlay should do with specific types of content. For instance, if you want it to always open up the folder to view the files list when you insert an SD card containing pictures, do this: In the AutoPlay dialog box that pops up when you insert the card, check the box that says "Always do this for pictures" and then pick the option you want (Import Pictures, View Pictures, Open Folder to View Files, etc.). From now on, when you insert the card, your selected action should occur instead of the dialog box popping up. You can also configure the behavior of AutoPlay for various types of media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs through the AutoPlay applet in Control Panel.

How to change the time and date on your photos

If your camera's clock was set incorrectly when you took your digital pictures, your photos may have the wrong time and/or date. That's not good if you're trying to find a photo based on when it was taken. But you can change the date and time. Here's how:

To change the date:
1. In Windows Explorer, right click the photo file whose date you want to change and 2. click Properties.
3. Click the Details tab.
Navigate to the Origin section and click in the "Date Taken" field, then type in the correct date. Note that you can't change the time here.

To change the time:
1. Open Windows Photo Gallery (included in Vista) and navigate to the photo whose time you want to change. You can also select multiple photos here.
2. Right click and select Change Time Taken.
3. In the dialog box, use the up and down arrows to change the time in the "New Time" field

Note: if you're using Windows XP or Windows 7, you can download Windows Photo Gallery from the Windows Live web site at
http://www.vistanews.com/XQBLAG/090211-Photo-Gallery

How to delete recently used commands from "Run"

The "Run" box in XP remembers the commands you've typed there recently, and that can be handy - however, for security's sake, you might not want to have them display. Here's how to get rid of them:

1. Open the registry editor and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ RunMRU

2. In the right pane, you'll see your recently used commands. You can delete any or all of them (right click and select Delete).

If you'd rather not edit the registry, there's another way:
1. Right click the Taskbar and select Properties.
2. On the Start Menu tab, click Classic Start Menu.
3. Click the Customize button.
4. Click the Clear button.

Note that this second method clears all of the commands, as well as recent applications and documents from the Start menu. To do it selective, use the first method.

"Missing or corrupt Ntfs.sys" error message when you restart Windows XP after you convert your hard disk to the NTFS file system

SYMPTOMS

You can use the following command to convert your hard disk from the FAT 32 file system to the NTFS file system:
convert drive: /fs:ntfs

When you use the command, after the computer completes the conversion and you restart Windows XP, you may receive an error message similar to the following error message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the Ntfs.sys file is missing or becomes corrupted when you convert your hard disk to NTFS.

RESOLUTION

o resolve this problem, replace the missing or corrupted Ntfs.sys file:

1. Use the Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD to restart your computer.

2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to select the To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R option.

3. Type the number of the Windows installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console, and then press ENTER.

4. Type the administrator password when you are prompted, and then press ENTER. If no administrator password exists, just press ENTER.

5. At the command prompt, type the following commands (press ENTER after each command):

cd \windows\system32\drivers

ren ntfs.sys ntfs.old

Note: This step renames the corrupted Ntfs.sys file to Ntfs.old. If the Ntfs.sys file is not found,the file is missing.

6. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
copy cd:\i386\ntfs.sys drive:\windows\system32\drivers

Where cd is the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive that contains the Windows XP CD, and drive is the drive where you installed Windows XP.

7. Remove the Windows XP CD from your CD-ROM drive, type quit at a command prompt, and then press ENTER to quit the Recovery Console.

8. Restart the computer.

Command prompt runs file as program instead of opening it

SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS

When you use a command prompt (Cmd.exe, or the Windows command processor) to open a file that does not have an executable file name extension, the file may run as a program instead of being opened in the program that is registered for the file type (based on the file name extension).

For example, if you type filename or filename.txt at a command prompt, Filename.txt may run as a program instead of being opened in Notepad. This may also occur if the file is called as a command line in a batch (.bat) file or in a Windows NT command script (.cmd) file.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the following conditions exist:

* The file is a binary image that contains an executable header. For example, the file is a .com or .exe file that has been renamed with a different file name extension.
* You do not specify a program for Cmd.exe to use to open the file.

When you type a file name at a command prompt, or you use a file name as a command line in a batch file or Windows NT command script, Cmd.exe calls the CreateProcess function to open the file. The CreateProcess function examines the file's contents. If the file's binary image contains an executable header (which indicates that the file is really a .com or .exe file), the file is run as a program. This behavior is compatible with previous versions of Windows NT.

WORKAROUND

Open the file by using Windows Explorer, or use the following command line to open the file in the appropriate program:
program filename.ext

For example, to open Filename.txt in Notepad, use the following command line:
notepad filename.txt

MORE INFORMATION

Some files contain viruses or can otherwise damage your computer. If you are not confident that a file is safe, take precautions such as these before you open the file:

1. Check the file with a virus scanner.
2. Save your work and quit other programs.
3. Disconnect from the Internet or from any other network connections.

Cmd.exe recognizes files with .com, .exe, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, .js, and .ws extensions, and any other extensions that are defined by the PATHEXT environment variable as executable files, but it can also run files without these known extensions if the file's binary image contains an executable header.

Windows and Microsoft Internet Explorer perform additional checks before opening a file. This includes determining if any program is associated with the file name extension in the registry. This MIME-type detection permits Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer to find and start the object server or program that is associated with the file name extension.

REFERENCES

For additional information about computer viruses, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
129972 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129972/EN-US/ ) Description of Computer Viruses
For additional information about MIME-type detection, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms775147.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms775147.aspx)
For additional information about the CreateProcess function, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms682425.aspx

How can I remove Service Pack 3?

QUESTION:
I just installed Service Pack 3 on my XP Pro computer. Before that everything worked fine. Now some of my programs are flaky. I want to get rid of it? Can I and how?

ANSWER:
If you installed the beta of IE 8 before installing SP3, you may not be able to roll back. Otherwise, there are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest is to use the Add/Remove Programs item in Control Panel, but if that doesn't work, try this:

1. Click Start | Run
2. Type : c\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst.exe
3. Click OK
4. This should start the Service Pack 3 Removal Wizard, which walks you through the steps of uninstalling the SP

If these methods don't work, first restart the computer and then use System Restore to roll back to a restore point that was prior to the time you installed the service pack (this will also undo any other changes that you've made since that time).

How to open files and folders with a single click

By default, clicking once on a file or folder in My Computer or Windows Explorer highlights it; you have to double click to open it. But if you're really lazy - er, efficiency-minded - and want to be able to open items with just one click, you can configure XP to do so. Here's how:

1. Click Start | My Computer
2. In the My Computer console, click Tools | Folder Options
3. Under "Click Items as Follows" at the bottom of the General tab, select "Single-click to open an item (point to select)
4. Click OK

Now you can save energy by eliminating dozens or hundreds of clicks per day!