Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP

Registry Edits for Windows XP "Tweaks and Tips" by Category For List View Click here.

Cosmetic Tweaks - These tweaks change the appearance of the Windows operating system and its features (toolbars, menu bars, windows and etc.).

Fixes - These tweaks are created to correct specific problems with Windows XP and Windows applications. They generally correct the cause of a specific error message, or the failure of the operating system to perform as expected.

Security Tweaks- These tweaks are created to allow the user to restrict certain function and features of the operating system that are not readily accessible from the user interface. In some cases, they can also be used to correct issues caused by spyware, virus files and 3rd party applications.

Utilities - These are not tweaks, as such. They are specific applications that may perform one or more tasks, that are not available from the Windows interface, or require multiple built-in applications to complete. Some of these "utilities" may offer multiple "tweaks" in one package or program.

Notes: If a specific tweak involves editing the Registry, it may be a machine wide setting or may only affect the currently logged on user. If a Registry edit calls for a change to be made to HKEY_CURRENT_USER, then it only affects the User Profile that is currently logged on.

If an edit calls for changes to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, it would apply to every user. Some changes can be applied in HKEY_USERS\.Default, and would apply to all new user accounts created after the change was made.

Registry branches (hives) of interest:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - Changes made here apply on a machine wide basis, and affect all users, unless it is specifically over-ridden by a change in HKEY_CURRENT_USER, in some cases. Current user settings cannot always over-ride Local Machine settings.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER - This branch of the Registry affects the currently logged on user, just as the name implies. Changes made here will only affect the active logged on user. Some settings may over-ride the LOCAL_MACHINE settings, and others will not.

HKEY_USERS\.Default - This branch of the registry is used to determine how the computer behaves (Screen Saver and etc.) when no user is logged on to the computer.

Note: New User Profile - If the computer is not part of a domain, the local default profile is copied from the %Systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\Default User folder to a subfolder on the local computer with a username under %Systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\. More information here.

Note: By default, the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE branches can only be changed by an Administrator level user. This can be changed by adjusting the "permissions" of the branch or subkey in question.

To use the Regedits: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

To use the VBS Files: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double click the vbs file. You will be prompted when the script is done.

NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry.

Disclaimer: These registry edits and script files are presented "as is". Every effort has been made to ensure the files work
as stated. I assume no responsibility for your use of these files.