Windows Client OS

What is Microsoft (or Windows) Product Activation (or WPA for short)? Windows Product Activation (or WPA) is Microsoft’s attempt to make sure that one copy of Windows XP is used on only one box. More specifically, to ensure that each CD-key is used to install Windows XP on only one box. It makes up a…

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’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 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…

Can I uninstall Windows Messenger in Windows XP? Yes. You can also uninstall it although I don’t recommend it. You’d be better off if you just disable it. Read this tip on how to do it: Disable Windows Messenger in Windows XP. If, however, you do want to uninstall it, there are at least 2…

How do I drag and drop a file to the Recycle Bin if it’s hidden behind many open windows? This is one of these cool tips that you’ll never forget. This tip was new to me and when I first used it I found myself with my jaw hanging… Sometimes one might want to drag-and-drop…

How can I fix STOP 0x7B Error Messages after deploying Sysprep Images? When you prepare an image of a machine with the sysprep tool, the machine resets or you get the stop 0x7B error on the deployed machines even if you used the pnp switch. The message is: ​STOP 0x0000007B INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE This is caused because…

How can I speed-up the very s..l..o..w Start menu in Windows XP? The Start Menu can be leisurely when it decides to appear, but you can speed things along by changing it’s settings from the Registry: Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Locate the following key in the registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Control Panel/Desktop/ On the Edit menu, click Add…

How do I restrict a User’s Logon hours on my Windows XP machine? Local and domain users can be restricted from logging on to the computer (or to the network) at specific hours or days. You can only restrict when a user can log on to the system. On a stand alone computer (one that…

Why do get errors when trying to run programs or MMC snap-ins with the RUNAS command? As a security best practice, it is recommended that you do not log on to your computer with administrative credentials. Running your computer as a member of the Administrators group makes the system vulnerable to Trojan horses attacks and…