This REG (Registry) file will disable the Windows Logo keys on your keyboard.
To use: Download the disable_winlogo_key.reg file and save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Open Windows Explorer (if necessary) and locate the file you just saved. Double click the file and answer yes to the import prompt. You will need to log off/log on or restart for the change to take effect.
To re-enable the Windows Logo keys, download this REG file re-enable_winlogo_key.reg and double click the file. Answer yes to the import prompt and then reboot.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Setting File and Folder Security in Windows XP
You cannot password protect individual folders in XP. You restrict access by assigning permissions to drives, folders and files.To do this, you must be running NTFS as your file system on the drive in question. If your hard disk/partition is not NTFS you will need to convert it. To do this, open a Command Prompt window and enter the following command:CONVERT X: /FS:NTFS Where X: is the drive letter you wish to convert. You may also want to see http://www.aumha.org/a/ntfscvt.htm to ensure that you're getting the optimal conversion.After this step is completed and you've rebooted the computer, if necessary:XP PRO: In Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View and uncheck Use Simple File Sharing. Now, when you right click on a drive, folder or file (on an NTFS partition) and select Properties, you'll see a Security tab. Here you can assign or deny permissions based on user name or user group membership.XP Home: By default, you can only make files and folders under My Documents "private". This is done by right clicking a folder or file and selecting Properties, Sharing. To change the permissions on other folders, you need to boot the computer to Safe Mode and log in on the built in Administrator account. In this mode, you'll see the Security tab in Properties, and you can assign permissions based on user name or group membership.HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and Foldershttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308419HOW TO: Disable Simplified Sharing and Password-Protect a Shared Folder in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307874
Outlook Express keeps prompting for your password
NOTE: Following this procedure will remove all stored passwords for your user account. Make sure you know what they are before performing this procedure!!
This fix also applies to Outlook, other programs that store passwords in the Protected Storage System Provider sub branch of the Registry. It also corrects some issues with Internet Explorer and Autocomplete.
This is caused by a damaged Registry key. To Remove the broken Key in Windows® XP1) Click Start, click Run, and then type regedt32 in the Open box.2) Locate the following registry key:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider3) Right click the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider key, and then Select Permissions.4) In the Permissions for Protected Storage System Provider dialog box, click the Advanced tab. Make sure that the has Full Control access. Select "Replace permission entries..."5) Click OK.
6) Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each subkey that is listed under the Protected Storage System Provider registry key; otherwise, you may receive the following error message when you try to delete the Protected Storage System Provider key:
Registry editor could not delete the key currently selected. The key or one of its subkeys does not give you delete access.
Note: The sub keys under Protected Storage System Provide will look something like this:
S-1-5-21-1085031214-1202660629-1708537768-10037) At this point, you can delete the Protected Storage System Provider key by clicking Delete on the Edit menu. If you prefer, you can first export a copy of this key, and then delete the key. To export the key, right click the Protected Storage System Provider key, and select Export. The exported file can be re-imported by double clicking on it.8) When you click Delete, you receive the following message:
Registry editor will delete the currently selected key and all its subkeys. Do you want to continue the operation?
Click Yes to finish the process.9) Start Outlook Express. When Outlook Express checks your mail account(s) you will be able to re-enter your password(s). This process repopulates the Protected Storage System Provider registry key with the correct information for that computer's SID.
This fix also applies to Outlook, other programs that store passwords in the Protected Storage System Provider sub branch of the Registry. It also corrects some issues with Internet Explorer and Autocomplete.
This is caused by a damaged Registry key. To Remove the broken Key in Windows® XP1) Click Start, click Run, and then type regedt32 in the Open box.2) Locate the following registry key:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider3) Right click the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider key, and then Select Permissions.4) In the Permissions for Protected Storage System Provider dialog box, click the Advanced tab. Make sure that the
6) Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each subkey that is listed under the Protected Storage System Provider registry key; otherwise, you may receive the following error message when you try to delete the Protected Storage System Provider key:
Registry editor could not delete the key currently selected. The key or one of its subkeys does not give you delete access.
Note: The sub keys under Protected Storage System Provide will look something like this:
S-1-5-21-1085031214-1202660629-1708537768-10037) At this point, you can delete the Protected Storage System Provider key by clicking Delete on the Edit menu. If you prefer, you can first export a copy of this key, and then delete the key. To export the key, right click the Protected Storage System Provider key, and select Export. The exported file can be re-imported by double clicking on it.8) When you click Delete, you receive the following message:
Registry editor will delete the currently selected key and all its subkeys. Do you want to continue the operation?
Click Yes to finish the process.9) Start Outlook Express. When Outlook Express checks your mail account(s) you will be able to re-enter your password(s). This process repopulates the Protected Storage System Provider registry key with the correct information for that computer's SID.
Recover Deleted Files/Folders
Ok, you've deleted a file or files, and sent them to the Recycle Bin. Then, being conscientious, you emptied the Recycle Bin to free up the disk space.
Oops! The first pictures of your new baby were in that folder! Or the pictures of your sister's wedding.
And those pictures are gone!
You'll need 3rd party software to recover these files. I use FileSaver, from http://www.file-saver.com
Of course, the less work you do with your computer, in the meantime, the better your chances of recovering your deleted files/folders intact.
Oops! The first pictures of your new baby were in that folder! Or the pictures of your sister's wedding.
And those pictures are gone!
You'll need 3rd party software to recover these files. I use FileSaver, from http://www.file-saver.com
Of course, the less work you do with your computer, in the meantime, the better your chances of recovering your deleted files/folders intact.
Renaming Desktop Icons
You can easily rename various Desktop (System Icons).
For a Visual Basic utility to do this for you, click HERE.
Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT. Navigate to the following Registry brach:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CLSID
The Desktop Icons are located in the sub keys as follows:
My Network Places: {208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}My Computer: {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}My Documents: {450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}Recycle Bin:{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}Default IE Icon: {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}
Double click the Default value in the above keys and enter the text you desire. Right click on the Desktop and select Refresh to see the changes.
To undo the changes, just right click on the Default value and select Delete. Refresh the Desktop to see that things are back to normal.
For a Visual Basic utility to do this for you, click HERE.
Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT. Navigate to the following Registry brach:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CLSID
The Desktop Icons are located in the sub keys as follows:
My Network Places: {208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}My Computer: {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}My Documents: {450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}Recycle Bin:{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}Default IE Icon: {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}
Double click the Default value in the above keys and enter the text you desire. Right click on the Desktop and select Refresh to see the changes.
To undo the changes, just right click on the Default value and select Delete. Refresh the Desktop to see that things are back to normal.
How Do I Get the Security tab in Folder Properties
First, your hard drive must be formatted NTFS for this tab to show up.
Second, if you're running XP Pro, you must open Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View and uncheck Use Simple File Sharing.
Third, if you're running XP Home, Simple File Sharing is enforced by default and cannot be disabled. You must boot the computer into Safe Mode and log in with the Administrator account, in order to see the Security tab. A work around for XP Home, so that you don't have to enter Safe Mode, can be found here.
WARNING: Adjusting the permissions on a drive, file or folder can lock even the Administrator account out of that drive/file/folder. Deny Permissions take precedence over Allow Permissions, regardless of your group membership. Administrators are members of the User's group, by default. Uncheck Allow, rather than using Deny.
Second, if you're running XP Pro, you must open Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options, View and uncheck Use Simple File Sharing.
Third, if you're running XP Home, Simple File Sharing is enforced by default and cannot be disabled. You must boot the computer into Safe Mode and log in with the Administrator account, in order to see the Security tab. A work around for XP Home, so that you don't have to enter Safe Mode, can be found here.
WARNING: Adjusting the permissions on a drive, file or folder can lock even the Administrator account out of that drive/file/folder. Deny Permissions take precedence over Allow Permissions, regardless of your group membership. Administrators are members of the User's group, by default. Uncheck Allow, rather than using Deny.
How do I keep myself safe from Viruses
Computer viruses are a fact of modern, internet-connected life. At best, they're annoying performance sucking beasts, but at worst ... kiss all your data good bye.
We all need to take steps to make sure that our computers are safe, or we risk infection. Complacency is not an option.
And yet, even after all the news, and all the warnings, and after all this time ...
complacency remains all too common.
");
//-->
Ask Leo! about placing your ad here.
There are four important steps:
1. Install and Run an Anti-Virus Program
There are many out there.
Personally, I run Computer Associate's eTrust AntiVirus. It was the corporate standard solution where I used to work, and has served me exceedingly well for several years now. I have it scheduled to update signatures and scan every night.
I've also heard good things about Panda Antivirus, AVG Anti Virus, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus. Symantec maintains one of the best reference sites for virus related security issues.
Free and On-Line Virus Scanners: I've learned that not all virus scanners catch all viruses. I recommend having a selection of free virus scanners to run as a "second tier". AVG has a free product. Trend Micro's Housecall, and Panda's Active Scan are on-line scanners that download as an ActiveX control in your browser. Most downloadable virus scanning solutions often include free trial periods that can also come in handy as one-time second-level scans.
Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.
Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.
2. Update the Anti-Virus Database
Your first step should be to update the virus signature database that came with the installation. New viruses are being created every day, and the databases that the anti-virus programs use are being updated as well. You need to get the latest database for your program right away.
Most of the programs have update functions that will locate, download and install the latest databases automatically. Make sure that this is enabled.
3. Run Regular Scans
Most of the anti-virus programs work automatically. Once installed they are configured to scan all incoming and outgoing files, and often hook into your email in some way to double check that your received email is clean as well.
Unless you know what you're doing, make sure that this "real time" scanning is enabled.
I also recommend periodically running scans of your hard disk(s). Certainly when you first install the software you should run a full scan. Then, depending on how heavily used your machine is, you should run a scan periodically as well.
Some programs will allow you to schedule such a scan to happen automatically. In my case, for example, since my computers are on 24 hours a day, I schedule full virus scans nightly, while I'm asleep.
");
//-->
var al_article_category;
google_ad_client = "pub-6711026890334492";
google_ad_width = 336;
google_ad_height = 280;
google_ad_format = "336x280_as";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "00309c";
google_color_url = "1369e9";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_ad_channel = "6448756426";
4. Keep Windows Up-To-Date
Visit Windows Update regularly, or simply enable the automatic update feature in Windows XP.
All software has bugs. Some of those bugs are used to create the exploits that virus writers take advantage of to create viruses that can infect your system. As these bugs are found, Microsoft fixes the affected components in the operating system, and makes those fixes available for download and install using Windows Update.
The "problem", is that even once the bugs are discovered and publicized, and even when the fix is available, virus writers get busy writing viruses that still exploit them. Why? Because they know not everyone stays up-to-date. (As an example, one of my most popular articles here on Ask Leo! is being read by thousands of people each month who are still being affected by a virus using an exploit that was patched close to two years ago.)
Keep Windows up-to-date. Let someone else have the "fun" of being infected with the latest viruses. Visit Windows Update weekly, or enable automatic update.
We all need to take steps to make sure that our computers are safe, or we risk infection. Complacency is not an option.
And yet, even after all the news, and all the warnings, and after all this time ...
complacency remains all too common.
");
//-->
Ask Leo! about placing your ad here.
There are four important steps:
1. Install and Run an Anti-Virus Program
There are many out there.
Personally, I run Computer Associate's eTrust AntiVirus. It was the corporate standard solution where I used to work, and has served me exceedingly well for several years now. I have it scheduled to update signatures and scan every night.
I've also heard good things about Panda Antivirus, AVG Anti Virus, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus. Symantec maintains one of the best reference sites for virus related security issues.
Free and On-Line Virus Scanners: I've learned that not all virus scanners catch all viruses. I recommend having a selection of free virus scanners to run as a "second tier". AVG has a free product. Trend Micro's Housecall, and Panda's Active Scan are on-line scanners that download as an ActiveX control in your browser. Most downloadable virus scanning solutions often include free trial periods that can also come in handy as one-time second-level scans.
Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.
Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.
2. Update the Anti-Virus Database
Your first step should be to update the virus signature database that came with the installation. New viruses are being created every day, and the databases that the anti-virus programs use are being updated as well. You need to get the latest database for your program right away.
Most of the programs have update functions that will locate, download and install the latest databases automatically. Make sure that this is enabled.
3. Run Regular Scans
Most of the anti-virus programs work automatically. Once installed they are configured to scan all incoming and outgoing files, and often hook into your email in some way to double check that your received email is clean as well.
Unless you know what you're doing, make sure that this "real time" scanning is enabled.
I also recommend periodically running scans of your hard disk(s). Certainly when you first install the software you should run a full scan. Then, depending on how heavily used your machine is, you should run a scan periodically as well.
Some programs will allow you to schedule such a scan to happen automatically. In my case, for example, since my computers are on 24 hours a day, I schedule full virus scans nightly, while I'm asleep.
");
//-->
var al_article_category;
google_ad_client = "pub-6711026890334492";
google_ad_width = 336;
google_ad_height = 280;
google_ad_format = "336x280_as";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "00309c";
google_color_url = "1369e9";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_ad_channel = "6448756426";
4. Keep Windows Up-To-Date
Visit Windows Update regularly, or simply enable the automatic update feature in Windows XP.
All software has bugs. Some of those bugs are used to create the exploits that virus writers take advantage of to create viruses that can infect your system. As these bugs are found, Microsoft fixes the affected components in the operating system, and makes those fixes available for download and install using Windows Update.
The "problem", is that even once the bugs are discovered and publicized, and even when the fix is available, virus writers get busy writing viruses that still exploit them. Why? Because they know not everyone stays up-to-date. (As an example, one of my most popular articles here on Ask Leo! is being read by thousands of people each month who are still being affected by a virus using an exploit that was patched close to two years ago.)
Keep Windows up-to-date. Let someone else have the "fun" of being infected with the latest viruses. Visit Windows Update weekly, or enable automatic update.
Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator
Method 1
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Method 2
Download and run this REG fix and double-click it.
Method 3
Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
Navigate to the following branch:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies\ System
In the right-pane, delete the value named DisableTaskMgr
Close Regedit.exe
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional
Click Start, Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK.
Navigate to this branch:
User Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options / Remove Task Manager
Double-click the Remove Task Manager option.
Set the policy to Not Configured.
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Method 2
Download and run this REG fix and double-click it.
Method 3
Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
Navigate to the following branch:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies\ System
In the right-pane, delete the value named DisableTaskMgr
Close Regedit.exe
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional
Click Start, Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK.
Navigate to this branch:
User Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options / Remove Task Manager
Double-click the Remove Task Manager option.
Set the policy to Not Configured.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)