IT Knowledgebase Articles

Beginning with Windows 2000, Microsoft has updated the Advanced RISC Computing (ARC) syntax in BOOT.INI to support the SIGNATURE() syntax, which offers a more accurate method for Windows 2000 to boot up in certain conditions. You will see this syntax, which is otherwise identical to SCSI(), if you install Windows 2000 on a hard drive…

What is the Recovery Console? How can I use it? What will it help me do? If safe mode and other startup options do not work, you can consider using the Recovery Console. This method is recommended only if you are an advanced user who can use basic commands to identify and locate problem drivers…

What is the Windows XP Password Reset Disk and how can I use it? To protect user accounts in the event that the user forgets the password, every local user should make a password reset disk and keep it in a safe place. Then, if the user forgets his or her password, the password can…

Microsoft Active Directory services in Windows 2000 replace the computer browser service used in earlier versions of Windows to provide the network basic input/output system (NetBIOS) name resolution. The browser service in Windows 2000 is provided for backwards compatibility with client computers that are running earlier versions of Windows. The primary function of the browser…

What’s the HCL? The hardware compatibility list (or HCL) provides a representative list of hardware peripherals that are compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating systems (e.g. Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 2003). Microsoft has validated the compatibility of the hardware peripherals on an x86-based Windows hardware reference platform. Microsoft…

What is System Restore in Windows XP? System Restore is a component of Windows XP Professional that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the…

What is the System File Checker (SFC) command on a Windows 2000/XP/2003 computer? The System File Checker tool gives an administrator the ability to scan all of the protected files to verify their versions. The System File Checker tool also checks and repopulates the %SystemRoot%\System32\Dllcache folder. If the Dllcache folder becomes damaged or unusable, you…

What is the Shutdown Event Tracker on a Windows Server 2003? Shutdown Event Tracker overview Shutdown Event Tracker provides a way for IT professionals to consistently track why users restart or shut down their computers. It does not document why users choose other options, such as Log off and Hibernate. It gathers the reasons users…

If you’ve ever tried to help a novice user troubleshoot a Windows problem over the phone, you know how frustrating the entire process can be. It’s usually difficult for an inexperienced user to accurately communicate detailed configuration information, especially if the problem involves technically challenging areas such as hardware drivers or network protocols. Because you’re…

Looking for an overview of what’s new in Active Directory in Windows Server 2003? Daniel points out the highlights and noteworthy additions.