MDGx MAX Speed WinDOwS İTricks · Secrets · Bugs · Fixes ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻhttp://www.mdgx.com/ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ Windows 7/7 SP1 Tweaks, Fixes, Guides, Downloads + Links ŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻŻ These topics refer STRICTLY to ALL Microsoft Windows 7 + 7 SP1 32-bit (x86) + 64-bit (x64) retail/final/gamma/Gold/RTM/OEM English releases + editions [including Service Packs (SPs), Updates + Releases], unless specified otherwise: http://www.mdgx.com/7.php Also available as plain text/ASCII file: http://www.mdgx.com/WINDOWS7.TXT   ALWAYS BACKUP ALL YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM DRIVES TO A SAFE LOCATION   BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE ANY SYSTEM CHANGES !   http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#BKP   WARNING: * Take EXTREME CAUTION when modifying your System/Startup settings! Faulty changes may result in crashes/lockups/permanent data loss, or might lead to having you REINSTALL your Operating System(s)! YOU are the ONLY one responsible for ANY changes YOU make! ALWAYS HAVE YOUR MOST RECENT SYSTEM BACKUP READY! http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#BKP * BACKUP YOUR REGISTRY BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES! -> "BACKUP/EXPORT + RESTORE/IMPORT REGISTRY/REGISTRY KEY(S)" in WINDOWS7.TXT (this file): http://www.mdgx.com/7.php http://www.mdgx.com/WINDOWS7.TXT NOTES: - These İTricks + Secrets have been tested on many computers, but with NO guarantee they should also work for you. - Some of these tips I stumbled upon while browsing the Internet or while helping others with WinDOwS problems, some were kindly sent in by concerned readers (all authors/contributors are acknowledged and reliable sources given proper credit), and some I discovered on my own. Enjoy the ride. - Contributed tips (clearly marked) posted here do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the author of these files. Please send me feedback online: http://www.mdgx.com/form.htm MUST HAVE from SOFTWARE.TXT (included): - INTERNET EXPLORER (IE) 4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11 ESSENTIAL FREE FIXES + UPDATES: http://www.mdgx.com/ietoy.htm - FREE Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 (NTx) Extras: http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm - 1000+ Windows 9x/NT/2000/ME/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 Power Toys [99.99% Free(ware)]: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm WINDOWS7.TXT Contents: [New İtweaks added at the TOP] BACKUP/EXPORT + RESTORE/IMPORT REGISTRY/REGISTRY KEY(S) Tweaks, Hacks + Fixes... UNconventional, UNdocumented, UNcensored ;-/ Updates/(Hot)Fixes/Patches + Windows Update (WU) Task Scheduler Tweaks Patch Windows 7 Customize BOOT Screens Desktop Wallpaper Tweaks + Free(ware) Tools Free(ware) 7/8/8.1/10 Aero Tools + Tweaks Free(ware) Windows 7 Replacement Apps + Tweaking Tools Free(ware) Start Menu Shell Replacements Disable/Enable User Account Control (UAC) Free(ware) BOOT Tools + Tweaks Windows Side-by-Side (WinSxS) Folder Free(ware) Burn/Copy/Write/Install CDs/DVDs/BDs Tools OEM Application (IN)Compatibility Control Panel (CP) + Omnipotent/Master/Mega/"god mode" (OMG) Control Panel Public Root DNS Servers Internet + Web Browsers Tweaks, Fixes + Tools Put A Pin In It! XP -> 7/8/8.1 Easy Transfer Files + Settings Turn OFF/ON Windows Features Turn OFF/ON Windows Services Turn OFF Action/Security Center + Notifications/Messages Logon + Password Tweaks Clock Sync CMD, Commands, Environment + Console Paging (Swap) File Tweaks Windows (Defender) Firewall (WF) Tweaks + Tools Turn OFF NVidia Telemetry Java No Java Windows 7 @ Wikipedia + Free eBooks Free(ware), Open Source + Portable Software + Games @ MDGx.com See also matching/related Windows OS tweaks in DESKTOP.TXT, MYTIPS95.TXT, REGISTRY.TXT, TIPS2000.TXT, TIPS95.TXT, TIPSXP.TXT (all included): http://www.mdgx.com/newtip.htm exFAT -> SECRETS.TXT (included): http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#XFAT  BACKUP/EXPORT + RESTORE/IMPORT REGISTRY/REGISTRY KEY(S) * Backup + Restore the Registry +/- separate Registry (hive) key(s) in Windows NTx [2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019/newer] 32-bit (x86) + 64-bit (x64) Operating Systems (OSes): http://support.microsoft.com/help/322756/ http://neosmart.net/wiki/backup-restore-registry/ http://www.howtogeek.com/197785/ http://blog.netwrix.com/2018/10/30/how-to-back-up-and-restore-the-windows-registry/ http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/automatically-backup-registry-hives-windows-10/ http://www.minitool.com/data-recovery/backup-and-restore-registry.html http://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/how_to_back_up_or_restore_the_windows_registry.html http://www.windowscentral.com/how-backup-entire-registry-windows-10/ http://theitbros.com/restore-windows-10-registry-from-backup-or-restore-point/ http://www.techbout.com/backup-registry-in-windows-10-47923/ Registry hive keys (hives): http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/sysinfo/registry-hives/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry#Keys_and_values http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RTS 1. From the graphical user interface (GUI) or from a DOS console command prompt (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE) using RegEdit (%WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE): http://ss64.com/nt/regedit.html Where %WinDir% = usually main C:\WINDOWS directory/folder. A. Backup/Export/Save entire Registry +/- separate Registry (hive) key(s) manually: - From a DOS console command prompt (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE): right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run this command -> press Enter (example): REGEDIT.EXE /E REGISTRY.reg - Right-click RegEdit (%WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE) or its shortcut/link -> Run as Administrator -> make sure it points to "Computer" [root, entire registry] -> click File -> click Export... -> under Export Registry File -> select the folder of your choice -> type your choice of "File name:" (example: REGISTRY.reg) -> click Save -> exit RegEdit. B. Restore/Import/Load/Merge entire Registry +/- separate Registry (hive) key(s) manually: - From a DOS console command prompt (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE): right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run this command -> press Enter (example using saved reg file above): REGEDIT.EXE /S REGISTRY.reg - Right-click RegEdit (%WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE) or its shortcut/link -> Run as Administrator -> make sure it points to "Computer" [root, entire registry] -> click File -> click Import... -> under Import Registry File -> select the folder where your backed up .REG file(s) reside(s) -> highlight/select your backed up Registry (.HIV, .REG, etc) file(s) (in this example: REGISTRY.reg) -> click Open separately for each file (if more than 1) -> click OK or press Enter -> exit RegEdit. 2. From a DOS console command prompt (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE) using REG (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\REG.EXE): http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/reg/ http://www.ss64.com/nt/reg.html A. Backup/Export/Save separate Registry (hive) key(s) manually: right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: REG.EXE EXPORT "HKCR" HKCR.reg /y REG.EXE EXPORT "HKCU" HKCU.reg /y REG.EXE EXPORT "HKLM" HKLM.reg /y REG.EXE EXPORT "HKU" HKU.reg /y REG.EXE EXPORT "HKCC" HKCC.reg /y Where: http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RTS HKCR = Classes Root Hive Key. HKCU = Current User Hive Key. HKLM = Local Machine Hive Key. HKU = Users Hive Key. HKCC = Current Configuration Hive Key. B. Restore/Import/Load/Merge separate Registry (hive) key(s) manually (example using saved reg files above): locate saved reg files [see above] -> right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: REG.EXE IMPORT HKCR.reg /y REG.EXE IMPORT HKCU.reg /y REG.EXE IMPORT HKLM.reg /y REG.EXE IMPORT HKU.reg /y REG.EXE IMPORT HKCC.reg /y Where: http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RTS HKCR = Classes Root Hive Key. HKCU = Current User Hive Key. HKLM = Local Machine Hive Key. HKU = Users Hive Key. HKCC = Current Configuration Hive Key. 3. Using 3rd party Registry Backup/Restore tools [free(ware)]: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#FIX http://www.raymond.cc/blog/backup-restore-whole-windows-registry-selected-hives/ http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/registry_backup.html http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/sortdate/registry.html http://listoffreeware.com/list-of-best-free-registry-backup-software/ http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/automatically-backup-registry-hives-windows-10/ http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/registry_backup.html * Registry info, guides + tools [free(ware)]: - MDGx Backup, Edit + Restore the Registry in Windows NTx OSes -> see "The Registry" section -> "REG:" paragraph in REGISTRY.TXT (included): http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#BNR - MDGx Registry Editing Rules + RegEdit (REGEDIT.EXE) Guide -> see "Registry Editing Rules" section in REGISTRY.TXT (included): http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RER - MDGx Windows Registry Backup, Restore + Tweaking tools [free(ware)] -> see "FREE WINDOWS SYSTEM + REGISTRY FIXERS" in SOFTWARE.TXT (included): http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#FIX  Tweaks, Hacks + Fixes... UNconventional, UNdocumented, UNcensored ;-/ * For more tweaks, hacks + fixes -> see also (all included): - MDGx: Windows 10 Tweaks, Fixes, Guides, Downloads + Links -> see WIN10.TXT: http://www.mdgx.com/10.php http://www.mdgx.com/WIN10.TXT - MDGx: Win10 Block Tools (10_BLOCK) -> see 10_BLOCK.TXT: http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#10BLK http://www.mdgx.com/10BLK/10_BLOCK.php http://www.mdgx.com/10BLK/10_BLOCK.TXT - MDGx: Windows 8/8.1 Tweaks, Fixes, Guides, Downloads + Links -> see WINDOWS8.TXT: http://www.mdgx.com/8.php http://www.mdgx.com/WINDOWS8.TXT Some apply to Windows 7/7 SP1. * Fix Windows 7 Shut Down Bug: http://www.lifehacker.com/1841581231/ http://esupport.quickheal.com/support/solutions/articles/23000020281/ * Fix Windows 7 Wallpaper Display Bug: http://www.winaero.com/blog/microsoft-fixes-black-wallpaper-windows-7-bug-with-kb4539602/ http://www.lifehacker.com/1841274851/ FIX: Wallpaper set to Stretch is displayed as black: http://support.microsoft.com/help/4539602/ created by Microsoft... BUG: Windows 7 January 14 2020 Monthly Rollup: http://support.microsoft.com/help/4534310/ * Fix Windows 7 Slow/Stuck "Checking for Updates" Bug: http://www.reddit.com/r/windows/comments/4tx4s9/ * Migrate Windows 7 to a new SSD (SATA)/NVMe (PCIe) drive without reinstalling: http://www.lifehacker.com/5837543/ MDGx: Free(ware) WinDOwS Backup + Restore Tools: http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#BKP * Speed Up Windows Shutdown Process: http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/how-to-speed-up-windows-shutdown-process/ * Control How Long Windows Waits Before Killing Apps at Shutdown: http://www.howtogeek.com/282062/control-how-long-windows-waits-before-killing-apps-at-shutdown/ * Always show full details in Explorer Copy/Move/Delete dialog box: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-always-show-more-details-in-file-transfer-cut-copy-delete-dialog-box-in-windows-vista-and-7/ Install Open-Shell [Classic Shell fork] (free, open source): http://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/ Open-Shell -> enable Open (Classic) Explorer Bar -> Classic Explorer Settings button -> File Operation tab -> enable Always show more details -> Apply/OK. * (Un)Hide/(re)assign/remove/(un)mount drive/partition/volume in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/hide-or-unhide-hard-disk-partition-in-windows-10.html http://www.windowscentral.com/how-hide-entire-drive-prying-eyes-windows-10/ * Delete Files Protected by TrustedInstaller: http://www.helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/windows-7-how-to-delete-files-protected-by-trustedinstaller/ * TrustedInstaller Permission and CPU Fix: http://howtoremove.guide/trustedinstaller-permission-cpu-fix-win7-win10/ * The Art of Becoming TrustedInstaller: http://tyranidslair.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-art-of-becoming-trustedinstaller.html * Registry keys affected by WoW64 64-bit (x64) in Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) OSes: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa384253.aspx WoW64 symbolic links (Wow6432Node): HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppId HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppId HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\PROTOCOLS HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\PROTOCOLS HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\Typelib HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Typelib More info: See REGISTRY.TXT (included) -> "Registry Structure" section: http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RTS * Use Large System .FON/.TTF/.OTF Size = DPI Scaling 100%: http://www.superuser.com/questions/163430/#1131693 Customize Windows 7 Font Face/Size + Taskbar Icons Size: http://www.wikihow.com/Customize-the-Size-of-the-Windows-7-Taskbar-Icons/ http://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/developingfordynamicsgp/2009/12/01/more-on-windows-7-bitmap-fonts-and-dpi-settings/ Change Default System Fonts: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-to-change-system-default-font-in-all-parts/dfce15db-7337-420a-a42e-517521a8502e/ Change Dialog Boxes + Buttons Fonts: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1175-fonts-change.html 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts] "Courier 10,12,15"="COURF.FON" "MS Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24"="SERIFF.FON" "MS Sans Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24"="SSERIFF.FON" "Small Fonts"="SMALLF.FON" "Small Fonts (120)"="SMALLF.FON" ; ------End cut & paste here------ * MS Sans Serif FON (examples): 125% DPI font file | 100% DPI font file *************************************** SSERIFF.FON | SSERIFE.FON SSERIFFE.FON | SSERIFEE.FON SSERIFFG.FON | SSERIFEG.FON SSERIFFR.FON | SSERIFER.FON SSERIFFT.FON | SSERIFET.FON SSEF1255.FON | SSEE1255.FON SSEF1256.FON | SSEE1256.FON SSEF1257.FON | SSEE1257.FON SSEF874.FON | SSEE874.FON * MS Serif FON: 125% DPI font file | 100% DPI font file *************************************** SERIFF.FON | SERIFE.FON SERIFFE.FON | SERIFEE.FON SERIFFG.FON | SERIFEG.FON SERIFFR.FON | SERIFER.FON SERIFFT.FON | SERIFET.FON SERF1255.FON | SERE1255.FON SERF1256.FON | SERE1256.FON SERF1257.FON | SERE1257.FON * Courier FON: 125% DPI font file | 100% DPI font file *************************************** COURF.FON | COURE.FON COURFE.FON | COUREE.FON COURFG.FON | COUREG.FON COURFR.FON | COURER.FON COURFT.FON | COURET.FON COUF1255.FON | COUE1255.FON COUF1256.FON | COUE1256.FON COUF1257.FON | COUE1257.FON * Tweak Network Interface Controller (NIC) Ethernet settings for maximum performance + speed in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://windowsreport.com/best-ethernet-settings-for-gaming/ http://techgenix.com/advanced-network-adapter-driver-settings/ http://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/articles/202118518/ http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/network-subsystem/net-sub-performance-tuning-nics/ http://www.digit.in/features/tech/tweak-network-adapter-properties-networking-ethernet-wifi-vpn-45243.html http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=727946014 http://www.speedguide.net/articles/3449/ http://www.peerwisdom.org/2013/04/03/large-send-offload-and-network-performance/ http://www.networkworld.com/article/2224722/jumbo-frames.html http://netcraftsmen.com/just-say-no-to-jumbo-frames/ NetSh (Network Shell) tool [%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\NETSH.EXE]: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/netsh/netsh/ http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb490939.aspx http://www.ss64.com/nt/netsh.html View all NetSh available options + parameters: NETSH.EXE /? * Desktop Gadgets (free): http://gadgetsrevived.com/ http://win10gadgets.com/ http://win7gadgets.com/ http://www.gadgetskit.com/ * Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012 MDL Projects and Applications: http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forums/34-MDL-Projects-and-Applications * 175 Windows 7 Tweaks, Tips + How-tos: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/5391/ * 94 Windows 7 tips, tricks + secrets: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/computing-components/643861/ * Windows 7 Right-click Menu Tips, Tricks + Tutorials: http://www.thecustomizewindows.com/2011/08/windows-7-right-click-menu-tipstricks-and-tutorials-index/ * 20 Best Windows 7 Start Menu and Taskbar Tips + Tricks: http://www.howtogeek.com/77614/best-windows-7-start-menu-and-taskbar-tips-and-tricks/ * System Tweaking Freeware: http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/system/fwsystweak.html * Change Default System Font [Registry hack]: http://www.edy.es/dev/docs/windows-tricks/ * Create Scheduled Task to Run at Boot Time: http://www.myboogpages.com/2009/02/how-to-create-a-scheduled-task-that-runs-at-boot-time.html * Run BATch File as Service: http://www.serverfault.com/questions/226271/running-a-batch-file-as-a-system-service-in-windows-server-2003 * Windows 7 Workaround Removes Shortcut Arrow (+ adds Transparency) + Pins to Taskbar/Start Menu: http://www.mydigitallife.info/workaround-to-remove-shortcut-arrow-make-transparent-in-windows-7-yet-can-pin-to-taskbar-or-start-menu/ * Windows 7 File Association Fixes: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/ http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/unassociate-file-types-windows-7-vista/ http://www.techsupportall.com/file-association-fixes/ http://www.techsupportall.com/file-association-fix-for-windows-7/ http://www.vistax64.com/threads/233243/ * Add programs (file associations) to right-click Open with... menu: http://www.techrepublic.com/forums/discussions/using-open-with-does-not-work/ * Default Programs Editor (DPE) 32-bit adds/edits/removes right-click items, file associations, autoplay programs: http://www.defaultprogramseditor.com/ File: http://www.defaultprogramseditor.com/files/DefaultProgramsEditor.zip Requires Microsoft .Net Framework Redistributable (NFR) 3.5/newer: http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#NFR * Fix Files/Folders Access Denied + other (similar) Errors: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2623670/ http://www.thewindowsclub.com/access-is-denied-software-installation-windows/ http://www.stackoverflow.com/questions/8619541/ http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-permissions-system32-drivers-50434.html http://www.blogsdna.com/2159/how-to-take-ownership-grant-permissions-to-access-files-folder-in-windows-7.htm * Take Ownership + Grant Permission right-click items in Windows NTx: http://www.techfleece.com/2011/05/15/how-to-take-ownership-of-files-or-folders-or-an-entire-hard-drive/ http://www.blogsdna.com/2159/ http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/add-take-ownership-to-explorer-right-click-menu-in-vista/ * Gain full permissions (run as SYSTEM) to edit protected/hidden registry keys in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1: http://www.howtogeek.com/262464/how-to-gain-full-permissions-to-edit-protected-registry-keys/ Run the Registry Editor [RegEdit = %WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE] with full SYSTEM level privileges to be able to view/create/edit/rename/delete hidden/locked registry keys/values: 1. Download ZIP archive + extract NirCmd files: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html Free(ware) archive/shrinking/(un)ZIPping tools: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#ZIP - NirCmd 32-bit for Windows NTx 32-bit (x86): http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.zip - NirCmd 64-bit for Windows NTx 64-bit (x64): http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd-x64.zip 2. UnZIP the NirCmd ZIP archive above matching your Windows edition: 32-bit or 64-bit. 3. Place all NirCmd files into a folder of your choice (example): C:\Tools\NirCmd 4. Use Notepad or favorite/similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a new Command Batch (.cmd) file -> copy & paste text strings between Cut & Paste lines below -> save file as REGEDIT.CMD (example) into the same folder where NirCmd files reside (see example above): -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END IF NOT EXIST C:\Tools\NirCmd\nircmd.exe GOTO END IF NOT EXIST %WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE GOTO END C:\Tools\NirCmd\nircmd.exe elevatecmd runassystem %WinDir%\REGEDIT.EXE :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ This way from now on you can run RegEdit with full SYSTEM privileges from a convenient shortcut. 5. Use Notepad or favorite/similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a new VBScript (.vbs) file -> copy & paste text strings between Cut & Paste lines below -> save file as REGEDIT.VBS (example) into the same folder where NirCmd files reside (see example above): -----Begin cut & paste here----- Dim WshShell:Set WshShell=CreateObject("WScript.Shell") WshShell.Run chr(34)&"C:\Tools\NirCmd\REGEDIT.CMD"&Chr(34),0,true Set WshShell=Nothing ------End cut & paste here------ 6. Use Notepad or favorite/similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a new Registry (.reg) file -> copy & paste text strings between Cut & Paste lines below -> save file as REGEDIT.REG (example) into the same folder where NirCmd files reside (see example above): -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 ; Desktop right-click RegEdit as SYSTEM shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\Background\shell\regedit_sys] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = SYSTEM" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" "NoWorkingDirectory"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\Background\shell\regedit_sys\command] @="WSCRIPT.EXE /B /Nologo C:\\Tools\\NirCmd\\REGEDIT.VBS" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; My Computer (machine/system wide/all users) Desktop RegEdit as SYSTEM shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\regedit_sys] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = SYSTEM" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\regedit_sys\command] @="WSCRIPT.EXE /B /Nologo C:\\Tools\\NirCmd\\REGEDIT.VBS" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; My Computer (current/logged on user) Desktop RegEdit as SYSTEM shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{59031A47-3F72-44A7-89C5-5595FE6B30EE}\shell\regedit_sys] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = SYSTEM" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{59031A47-3F72-44A7-89C5-5595FE6B30EE}\shell\regedit_sys\command] @="WSCRIPT.EXE /B /Nologo C:\\Tools\\NirCmd\\REGEDIT.VBS" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; Desktop right-click RegEdit as Current User shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\Background\shell\regedit] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = Current User" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" "NoWorkingDirectory"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\Background\shell\regedit\command] @="REGEDIT.EXE" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; My Computer (machine/system wide/all users) Desktop RegEdit as Current User shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\regedit] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = Current User" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\regedit\command] @="REGEDIT.EXE" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; My Computer (current/logged on user) Desktop RegEdit as Current User shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{59031A47-3F72-44A7-89C5-5595FE6B30EE}\shell\regedit] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = Current User" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 "Icon"="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{59031A47-3F72-44A7-89C5-5595FE6B30EE}\shell\regedit\command] @="REGEDIT.EXE" "IsolatedCommand"=- ; Control Panel (CONTROL.EXE) RegEdit as SYSTEM shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b9}] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = SYSTEM" "InfoTip"="Starts Registry Editor (RegEdit) as SYSTEM" "System.ControlPanel.Category"="5" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b9}\DefaultIcon] @="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b9}\shell\open\command] @="WSCRIPT.EXE /B /Nologo C:\\Tools\\NirCmd\\REGEDIT.VBS" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b9}\Elevation] "Enabled"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ControlPanel\NameSpace\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b9}] @="Add Registry Editor (RegEdit) as SYSTEM to Control Panel" ; Control Panel (CONTROL.EXE) RegEdit as Current User shortcut: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b8}] @="Registry Editor (RegEdit) = Current User" "InfoTip"="Starts Registry Editor (RegEdit) as Current User" "System.ControlPanel.Category"="5" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b8}\DefaultIcon] @="REGEDIT.EXE,0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b8}\shell\open\command] @="REGEDIT.EXE" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b8}\Elevation] "Enabled"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ControlPanel\NameSpace\{77708248-f839-436b-8919-527c410f48b8}] @="Add Registry Editor (RegEdit) as Current User to Control Panel" ; ------End cut & paste here------ 7. Desktop/Explorer -> go to C:\ drive -> Tools folder -> NirCmd subfolder (C:\Tools\NirCmd in this example) -> right-click on REGEDIT.REG -> Run as Administrator -> answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register the information into your Registry. 8. From now on you can run either "Registry Editor (RegEdit) = SYSTEM" (privileged) or "Registry Editor (RegEdit) as Current User" (default) shortcuts from all these locations: - Desktop [context menu] -> right-click. - My Computer (machine/system wide/all users) [context menu] -> right-click. - My Computer (current/logged on user) [context menu] -> right-click. - Control Panel (CP) [list of shortcuts] -> Start -> Control Panel or Run... [hold WinKey + press R]: control -> press Enter. Control Panel executable is located in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32): CONTROL.EXE * Remove Favorites/Libraries/Homegroup/My Folder: http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/23122-remove-favorites-libraries-homegroup-my-folder-2.html * Turn OFF HomeGroup + Network Function Discovery (optional) in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/27091/how-to-disable-or-enable-the-homegroup-feature-in-windows-7/ MSKB: HomeGroup explained from start to finish: http://support.microsoft.com/help/17145/ Digital Citizen: What is the Homegroup and how does it work: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/homegroup-feature-how-it-works/ How-To Geek: Everything You Need to Know About Using HomeGroups in Windows: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/9524/ NOTE: Certain file/folder/library/device sharing/printing features will be lost if disabling these services! Disable these 2 HomeGroup services: HomeGroup Listener (HomeGroupListener) + HomeGroup Provider (HomeGroupProvider): 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text batch file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the BAT (.BAT) or CMD (.CMD) extension. 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created batch file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Wait for all operations to complete. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: Disable HomeGroup Listener (HomeGroupListener) service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP HomeGroupListener SC.EXE CONFIG HomeGroupListener START= disabled :: Disable HomeGroup Provider (HomeGroupProvider) service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP HomeGroupProvider SC.EXE CONFIG HomeGroupProvider START= disabled :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}] "System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0 ; Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) only: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}] "System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}] "System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0 ; Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) only: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}] "System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\HomeGroup\SharingInProgress] "SharingInProgress"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\HomeGroup] "AlwaysStuffAlphaCreds"=dword:0 "ShareBannerCount"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HomeGroupListener] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HomeGroupProvider] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\HomeGroupListener] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\HomeGroupProvider] "Start"=dword:4 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Turn OFF these 2 HomeGroup related Function Discovery services (optional): Function Discovery Provider Host (fdPHost) and Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub): 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text batch file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the BAT (.BAT) or CMD (.CMD) extension. 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created batch file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Wait for all operations to complete. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: Disable Function Discovery Provider Host (fdPHost) service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP fdPHost SC.EXE CONFIG fdPHost START= disabled :: Disable Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub) service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP FDResPub SC.EXE CONFIG FDResPub START= disabled :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\fdPHost] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FDResPub] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\fdPHost] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\FDResPub] "Start"=dword:4 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware: http://support.microsoft.com/help/15054/ * Add + Customize Fonts from a DOS console (command prompt): http://smallvoid.com/article/winnt-cmd-add-font.html http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/quick-tip-add-fonts-to-the-command-prompt/ http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/stupid-geek-tricks-enable-more-fonts-for-the-windows-command-prompt/ http://www.wikihow.com/Customize-the-Font-in-Windows-Command-Prompt/ * .MSI/.MSP/.MSU Installer (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\MSIEXEC.EXE) Command Line Options: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/desktop/msi/command-line-options/ http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa367988.aspx http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa372024.aspx http://helpnet.installshield.com/installshield21helplib/helplibrary/IHelpCmdLineMSI.htm http://www.silentinstall.org/msiexec/ * Disable Aero Snap in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/disable-snap-assist-in-windows-7-8-10/ * Remove Breadcrumbs Bar from Explorer in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://twigstechtips.blogspot.com/2010/02/win7-remove-windows-explorer.html http://www.winaero.com/show-full-path-address-bar-windows-10-file-explorer/ * Fix Windows 7 Annoyances: http://www.thesystemmaster.com/windows7_annoyances.php * Fix Network Issues in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://windowsreport.com/tag/network/ * List of DOS console (command prompt) Commands: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/windows-commands/ http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=56846 http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/8/9/58911986-D4AD-4695-BF63-F734CD4DF8F2/ws-commands.pdf http://web.archive.org/web/20071014001728/http://technet2.microsoft.com:80/windowsserver/en/library/552ed70a-208d-48c4-8da8-2e27b530eac71033.mspx http://www.c3scripts.com/tutorials/msdos/commands.html http://www.ss64.com/nt/ http://www.lifewire.com/4092302/ http://www.bytescout.com/blog/windows-command-prompt-commands.html http://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/windows-cmd-commands/ http://www.ccm.net/faq/403-command-prompts-for-windows/ * Link Directory IDentifier (LDID)/DIRectory IDentifier (DIRID) built-in/hardwired system/user/special folders values in Windows 9x/NTx OSes (conventions used in INF/MSI installation files/scripts, registry keys/values, API/NET programming, etc): http://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/system.environment.specialfolder/ http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/install/using-dirids/ http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/shell/knownfolderid/ http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/shell/csidl/ List of system, user + special folders registry values [some are unique to specific Windows NTx OS editions]: Desktop {B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641} This PC {0AC0837C-BBF8-452A-850D-79D08E667CA7} Downloads {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} Documents {FDD39AD0-238F-46AF-ADB4-6C85480369C7} Local Downloads {7d83ee9b-2244-4e70-b1f5-5393042af1e4} 3D Objects {31C0DD25-9439-4F12-BF41-7FF4EDA38722} My Music {4BD8D571-6D19-48D3-BE97-422220080E43} Local Pictures {0ddd015d-b06c-45d5-8c4c-f59713854639} My Pictures {33E28130-4E1E-4676-835A-98395C3BC3BB} Local Music {a0c69a99-21c8-4671-8703-7934162fcf1d} My Video {18989B1D-99B5-455B-841C-AB7C74E4DDFC} Personal {FDD39AD0-238F-46AF-ADB4-6C85480369C7} Local Documents {f42ee2d3-909f-4907-8871-4c22fc0bf756} Local Videos {35286a68-3c57-41a1-bbb1-0eae73d76c95} MDGx: INF Setup files: http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#INF MDGx: INF Guide: http://www.mdgx.com/INF_web/ Value Destination Directory/Folder ==================================== 01 Source Drive_Letter:\Pathname = the directory the INF file is installed from 10 Windows directory = equivalent to %WinDir% 11 System directory = equivalent to %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 for NT based (NTx) OSes and to %WinDir%\SYSTEM for Windows 9x/ME 12 Drivers directory = equivalent to %WinDir%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS for NT based (NTx) OSes and to %WinDir%\SYSTEM\IoSubsys on Windows 9x/ME 17 INF file directory 18 Help directory 20 Fonts directory 21 Viewers directory 23 Color directory (ICM) = not used for installing printer drivers 24 Root directory of the system disk = root directory of disk on which Windows files are installed = example: if DIRID 10 is C:\WINDOWS then DIRID 24 is C:\ root 25 Shared directory 30 Root directory of the boot disk known as "ARC system partition" for NT based (NTx) OSes = may or may not be same directory as the one represented by DIRID 24 50 System directory for NT based (NTx) OSes = equivalent to %WinDir%\system = NT based (NTx) OSes only 51 Spool directory = not used for installing printer drivers: see Printer DIRIDs 52 Spool drivers directory = not used for installing Printer drivers 53 User profile directory 54 Directory where ntldr.exe and osloader.exe are located = NT based (NTx) OSes only 55 Print processors directory = not used for installing Printer drivers -1 Absolute path (hard link) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_link#Microsoft_Windows DIRID values from 16384 through 32767 are reserved for special Shell folders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_link#Shell_objects Table below shows DIRID values for the Special folders: http://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/system.environment.specialfolder/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_folder#List_of_special_folders http://www.nirsoft.net/articles/find_special_folder_location.html http://livecode.fandom.com/wiki/SpecialFolderPath http://commandwindows.com/windows7-shell-commands.htm http://johnkoerner.com/csharp/special-folder-values-on-windows-versus-mac/ Value Shell Special Directory/Folder ====================================== 16406 All Users\Start Menu 16407 All Users\Start Menu\Programs 16408 All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup 16409 All Users\Desktop 16415 All Users\Favorites 16419 All Users\Application Data 16422 Program Files 16425 %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 = valid for Win32 user mode applications running under Windows 32-bit/x86 on Windows 64-bit/x64 (WoW64) 16426 Program Files = valid for Win32 user mode applications running under Windows 64-bit/x64 (WoW64) 16427 Program Files\Common 16428 Program Files\Common = valid for Win32 user mode applications running under Windows 64-bit/x64 (WoW64) 16429 All Users\Templates 16430 All Users\Documents * Turn ON Writing + Formatting (disable Write Protect) for USB Disks/Drives/HDDs/SSDs/NVMes/Flash Memory Cards/Sticks: http://www.lifewire.com/4586905/ http://www.isumsoft.com/computer/format-write-protected-usb-drive-using-cmd.html http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/registry-hack-to-disable-writing-to-usb-drives/ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies] "WriteProtect"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Turn ON Automatic Logon for default/main user/owner/administrator in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://quicklaunch.ucworkspace.com/support/solutions/articles/3000053152/ http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3539-sign-user-account-automatically-windows-10-startup.html http://mashtips.com/set-auto-login-windows-10/ http://support.microsoft.com/help/324737/ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon] "AutoAdminLogon"="1" ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Hide Disabled/Empty/Inactive/Removed Drives in Windows Explorer, File Manager + 3rd party Explorer replacements: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/6969-drives-hide-show-empty-drives-computer-folder.html 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. Hide Disabled/Empty/Inactive/Removed Drives Registry file: -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=- [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=dword:1 [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Reboot. Show Disabled/Empty/Inactive/Removed Drives Registry file: -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=- [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=dword:0 [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced] "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Reboot. * MDGx Group Policy Editor (GPE) fixes + tools (free): http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#GPO * Tweaks + Hacks: http://www.isoftspot.com/ http://www.thewindowsclub.com/ http://www.winaero.com/blog/category/windows-7/ http://www.winaero.com/ http://www.mydigitallife.info/ http://www.sevenforums.com/ http://www.door2windows.com/download/ http://www.howtogeek.com/ http://www.tweaks.com/windows-7/ http://www.tweakhound.com/tweaking-windows-7/ http://www.askvg.com/category/windows-seven/ http://www.tweaks.com/ http://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/ http://www.blogsdna.com/ http://www.techfeb.com/category/windows-7/ http://www.instantfundas.com/search/label/Windows%207 http://www.webtlk.com/list-of-how-to-windows-7/ http://www.techdows.com/ http://www.techsupportalert.com/view/tips/ http://www.winbeginners.com/ http://www.commandwindows.com/ * Transformation Packs + Themes: http://winempyrean.net/category/shell-styles/ http://winempyrean.net/jarvis/ http://www.deviantart.com/#/art/Jarvis-Windows-7-Transformation-Pack-397222303 * Tutorials: http://sites.google.com/a/rmprepusb.com/www/tutorials/ http://www.7tutorials.com/ http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2008/11/tutorials.html http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/ http://sector-seven.net/ http://www.technixupdate.com/tag/windows-7/ * MSKB: http://support.microsoft.com/products/windows?os=windows-7 http://support.microsoft.com/help/10164/ * Windows 7 system requirements: http://support.microsoft.com/help/10737/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7#System_requirements  Updates/(Hot)Fixes/Patches + Windows Update (WU) * NOTE: All these Microsoft Updates/Upgrades/Service Packs (SPs)/(Hot)Fixes/Patches/etc are for English [en-US] Operating Systems (OSes). See Microsoft web pages for information how to download Windows updates in other languages. http://www.science.co.il/language/Locale-codes.php Microsoft Updates Catalog lists Windows Updates (WU) in all available languages: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=Windows%207%20Update * Must uninstall Windows 7/7 SP1 Updates/Upgrades/(Hot)Fixes/Patches/etc which expose your computer(s) to: - invasion of privacy, - telemetry snooping ("phone home"), - data collection/logging, - "customer experience", - unwanted "offers", - spyware, - adware, - forced (without your knowledge, behind your back!) upgrade to Windows 10 (GWX): http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#10BLK http://www.privacytools.io/#win10 http://gist.github.com/xvitaly/eafa75ed2cb79b3bd4e9/ http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/a-complete-list-of-all-updates-you-should-uninstall-to-block-windows-10/ http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/413301-reinstall-win7-what-updates-avoid-telemetry-winx-preparation-3.html http://www.ghacks.net/2019/01/15/better-check-your-windows-7-pc-for-get-windows-10-gwx-traces/ Similar tools: http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/sortname/windows_10_fixes.html July 2019 Windows 7 "security only" update installs telemetry snooping: http://www.computerworld.com/article/3408496/new-windows-7-security-only-update-installs-telemetrysnooping-uh-feature.html Block Telemetry in Windows 7/7 SP1 and 8.1: http://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/11/blocking-telemetry-in-windows-7-and-8-1/ All Microsoft Updates/Upgrades/(Hot)Fixes/Patches/etc listed at the web sites above should be uninstalled: 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text batch file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the BAT (.BAT) or CMD (.CMD) extension. 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created batch file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Wait for all operations to complete. 7. Reboot. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END IF NOT EXIST %WinDir%\SYSTEM32\WUSA.EXE GOTO END :: KB4507456: Security Only Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:4507456 /quiet /norestart :: KB971033: Windows Activation Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:971033 /quiet /norestart :: KB2952664: Get Windows 10 (GWX) Assistant: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:2952664 /quiet /norestart :: KB2990214: Get Windows 10 (GWX): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:2990214 /quiet /norestart :: KB3012973: Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3012973 /quiet /norestart :: KB3021917: Performance Improvements Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3021917 /quiet /norestart :: KB3022345: Customer Experience and Diagnostic Telemetry Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3022345 /quiet /norestart :: KB3035583: Get Windows 10 (GWX) App: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3035583 /quiet /norestart :: KB3044374: Get Windows 10 (GWX) Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3044374 /quiet /norestart :: KB3068708: Customer Experience and Diagnostic Telemetry Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3068708 /quiet /norestart :: KB3075249: Telemetry Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3075249 /quiet /norestart :: KB3080149: Customer Experience and Diagnostic Telemetry Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3080149 /quiet /norestart :: KB3112343: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3112343 /quiet /norestart :: KB3083711: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3083711 /quiet /norestart :: KB3083325: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3083325 /quiet /norestart :: KB3075853: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3075853 /quiet /norestart :: KB3072318: OOBE Update to upgrade to Windows 10: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3072318 /quiet /norestart :: KB3065988: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3065988 /quiet /norestart :: KB3064683: OOBE Update to upgrade to Windows 10: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3064683 /quiet /norestart :: KB3058168: Activate Windows 10 from Hosts Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3058168 /quiet /norestart :: KB3050267: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3050267 /quiet /norestart :: KB2976978: Compatibility Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:2976978 /quiet /norestart :: KB2977759: Compatibility Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:2977759 /quiet /norestart :: KB3081954: Work Folders Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3081954 /quiet /norestart :: KB3123862: Upgrade Capability Update: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3123862 /quiet /norestart :: KB3138612: Windows Update Client (WUC): START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3138612 /quiet /norestart :: KB3172605: July 2016 Update Rollup: START "Uninstalling BUGGY Update..." /B /WAIT WUSA.EXE /uninstall /KB:3172605 /quiet /norestart TIMEOUT /T 5 /NOBREAK :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ * Windows 7/7 SP1 Updates Catalog: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=Windows%207%20Update Download desired Update(s)/Fix(es)/Patch(es) to your local disk/storage device -> right-click .EXE/.MSI/.MSP/.MSU file -> Run as Administrator -> reboot (if prompted). * Windows 7/7 SP1 Updates/(Hot)Fixes/Patches History: http://support.microsoft.com/help/4009469/ * Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) native Drivers for Windows 7 SP1 32-bit (x86) + 64-bit (x64): http://support.microsoft.com/help/2990941/ - NVMe Drivers 64-bit for Widows 7 SP1 64-bit (x64) [7 MB]: http://conduant.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217205998-PXIe-DM-4M-2-Windows-Driver/ http://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds105871 - NVMe Drivers 32-bit for Widows 7 SP1 32-bit (x86) [6 MB]: http://conduant.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217205998-PXIe-DM-4M-2-Windows-Driver/ http://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds105871 NVMe Drivers: http://nvmexpress.org/drivers/windowsdrivers/ More info: http://www.win-raid.com/t29f25-Recommended-AHCI-RAID-and-NVMe-Drivers.html NVMe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NVM_Express * Windows 7 SP1 Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Remote Code (BlueKeep cryptocurrency miner) Vulnerability Fix: http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-0708 RDP/RDS Fixes: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=KB4499175 - RDP/RDS Fix 64-bit [100 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/secu/2019/05/windows6.1-kb4499175-x64_3704acfff45ddf163d8049683d5a3b75e49b58cb.msu - RDP/RDS Fix 32-bit [73 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/secu/2019/05/windows6.1-kb4499175-x86_6f1319c32d5bc4caf2058ae8ff40789ab10bf41b.msu More info: http://support.microsoft.com/help/4499175/ Prevent BlueKeep cryptocurrency miner worm -> update RDS (CVE-2019-0708): http://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2019/05/14/prevent-a-worm-by-updating-remote-desktop-services-cve-2019-0708/ * Windows 7 SP1 System Update Readiness (SUR) tool: http://support.microsoft.com/help/947821/ - SUR 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/8/D/E8DAA970-1036-447F-B5EA-716D4BA70EC5/Windows6.1-KB947821-v34-x64.msu - SUR 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/7/A/47A0F7B9-1F0F-41B0-AA42-00FD16337268/Windows6.1-KB947821-v34-x86.msu Windows Update Errors in Windows Vista/2008/7 Fixed by System Update Readiness (SUR) tool: http://support.microsoft.com/help/947821/ Fix Windows Update Error 00009C48 in Windows 7: http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/213912-i-cant-update-windows-due-windows-up-date-error-00009c48.html * Windows 7 SP1 Servicing Stack Update (SSU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/3020369/ - SSU 64-bit [10 MB]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/D/0/5D0821EB-A92D-4CA2-9020-EC41D56B074F/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64.msu - SSU 32-bit [8 MB]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/C/0/8/C0823F43-BFE9-4147-9B0A-35769CBBE6B0/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x86.msu * Windows 7 SP1 Monthly Rollup Update (MRU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/4093118/ - MRU 64-bit [219 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/secu/2018/04/windows6.1-kb4093118-x64_5ea1778b896fcc764e0db8da7d094f62dc98d82f.msu - MRU 32-bit [131 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2018/04/windows6.1-kb4093118-x86_2bbb81cd98fb80623b7afa3dcb2da73f28322ea3.msu * Windows 7 SP1 Convenience Rollup Update (CRU) + VNIC.VBS VBScript: http://support.microsoft.com/help/3125574/ - CRU 64-bit [477 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/updt/2016/05/windows6.1-kb3125574-v4-x64_2dafb1d203c8964239af3048b5dd4b1264cd93b9.msu - CRU 32-bit [317 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/updt/2016/05/windows6.1-kb3125574-v4-x86_ba1ff5537312561795cc04db0b02fbb0a74b2cbd.msu * Windows 7 SP1 Security Quality Rollup (SQR): http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=Security+Quality+Rollup+Windows+7+SP1 SQR is updated every month. * Windows 7 SP1 Stop Errors with Multiple CPUs TCPIP.SYS Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2905412/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2905412&kbln=en-us - TCPIP.SYS Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix476701/7600/free/470223_intl_x64_zip.exe - TCPIP.SYS Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix476701/7600/free/470191_intl_i386_zip.exe All TCPIP.SYS Hotfixes for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019: http://www.mskbfiles.com/tcpip.sys.php * Windows 7 Stop Errors with Large SATA HDD MSAHCI.SYS Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/977178/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=977178&kbln=en-us - SATA HDD Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix306215/7600/free/404474_intl_x64_zip.exe - SATA HDD Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix306215/7600/free/404472_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7 Registry Hive Ntkrnlpa.exe + Ntoskrnl.exe Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/983544/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=983544&kbln=en-US - Registry Hive Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix322114/7600/free/413807_intl_x64_zip.exe - Registry Hive Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix322114/7600/free/413805_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7/8/8.1 DirectX 9.0c (DX9c)/10.0 (DX10)/11.x (DX11) 32-bit + 64-bit: http://www.mdgx.com/dx.htm#DX9 * Windows 7 SP1 DirectX (DX) Graphics Update: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2028560/ - DX Graphics 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/1/A/F1A02F0C-0F64-4E87-9BC1-EFA8CDE464FE/Windows6.1-KB2028560-v2-x64.msu - DX Graphics 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/7/6/976634BE-DC4D-4B7B-9567-209811D7AF14/Windows6.1-KB2028560-v2-x86.msu * Windows 7 SP1 DirectX (DX) Direct3D (D3D) App Crash Full Screen Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2400157/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2400157&kbln=en-US - DX D3D Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix347381/7600/free/425610_intl_x64_zip.exe - DX D3D Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix347381/7600/free/425608_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7 SP1 Performance and Functionality Update (FPU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/2454826/ - FPU 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/D/B/D/DBD62263-2627-49CB-B675-AA1601EBE0BD/Windows6.1-KB2454826-v2-x64.msu - FPU 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/E/4/5E404378-9A5D-41AB-AFBA-1AC04F3B2A13/Windows6.1-KB2454826-v2-x86.msu * Windows Vista/2008/7/8/8.1 Windows Help (.HLP) + Compiled HTML Help (.CHM) WinHlp32.exe Fix: http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#HHU * USBView (USBView.exe): http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/usbview/ Available as part of Windows 10 SDK for Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1: http://developer.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/windows-10-sdk/ SETUP ONLY: http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/C/3/8C37C5CE-C6B9-4CC8-8B5F-149A9C976035/windowssdk/winsdksetup.exe Requires Universal C Runtime Update for Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2999226/ USBView.exe installed in: - 64-bit Windows OS (x64): C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Debuggers - 32-bit Windows OS (x86): C:\Program Files\Windows Kits\10\Debuggers * Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1 Universal C Runtime Update: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2999226/ - Windows 8.1 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/6/F/96FD0525-3DDF-423D-8845-5F92F4A6883E/Windows8.1-KB2999226-x64.msu - Windows 8.1 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/4/6/E4694323-8290-4A08-82DB-81F2EB9452C2/Windows8.1-KB2999226-x86.msu - Windows 7 SP1 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/1/5/11565A9A-EA09-4F0A-A57E-520D5D138140/Windows6.1-KB2999226-x64.msu - Windows 7 SP1 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/F/E/4FE73868-5EDD-4B47-8B33-CE1BB7B2B16A/Windows6.1-KB2999226-x86.msu * Windows 7 SP1 Platform Update (PU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/2670838/ - PU 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/4/9/14936FE9-4D16-4019-A093-5E00182609EB/Windows6.1-KB2670838-x64.msu - PU 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/4/9/14936FE9-4D16-4019-A093-5E00182609EB/Windows6.1-KB2670838-x86.msu * Windows 7 SP1 0x00000050 Stop Error after installing Platform Update (PU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/2834140/ - PU Error Fix 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/A/5/5A548BFE-ADC5-414B-B6BD-E1EC27A8DD80/Windows6.1-KB2834140-v2-x64.msu - PU Error Fix 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/1/4/F1424AD7-F754-4B6E-B0DA-151C7CBAE859/Windows6.1-KB2834140-v2-x86.msu * FixIt! Windows Installer MSI/MSU Errors: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2438651/ FixIt! problems that block programs from being installed/removed: http://support.microsoft.com/help/17588/ File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/E/9/7E9188C0-2511-4B01-8B4E-0A641EC2F600/MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab Repair MSI (Windows Installer) Automated Scripts: http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/repair_msi_windows_installer.html File: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_repair_msi_(windows_installer).html Microsoft .NET Framework (NetFX) Repair Tool: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2698555/ Download: http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=30135 File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/B/D/2BDE5459-2225-48B8-830C-AE19CAF038F1/NetFxRepairTool.exe Fatal Error 0x80070643: Failed to install .NET/MSI package: http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+0x80070643%3A+Failed+to+install+MSI+package http://stackoverflow.com/questions/41720158/ http://www.windows101tricks.com/fix-error-0x80070643-failed-to-install-msi-package/ http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/14ccc37f-d70a-454d-bea2-a0244394ac5e/ http://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/vsnetsetup/2014/10/ http://support.microsoft.com/help/10164/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cBg_A5axNI * FixIt! Windows Installer MSI/MSU Install Error 0x8007000D: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2230957/ File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/B/3/2/B3259ACE-2BFC-47D3-9627-A21372C1D4B5/MicrosoftFixit50485.msi * FixIt! Disable "Test mode" message: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2509241/ File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/C/7/9/C796E9A8-E2F2-4281-9A53-9BF67BB259FC/MicrosoftFixit50756.msi * Windows 7 Computer Stops Responding Randomly Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2265716/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2265716&kbln=en-us File: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix322397/7600/free/417036_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7 SP1 Stop Error 0x00000050 in NTKRNLPA.EXE Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2516405/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=2516405&kbln=en-us - NTKRNLPA.EXE Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix368160/7600/free/430477_intl_x64_zip.exe - NTKRNLPA.EXE Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix368160/7600/free/430476_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7 32-bit Variable %UserDomain% not resolved Profprov.dll + Profsvc.dll Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2664408/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2664408&kbln=en-us File: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix397022/7600/free/444149_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7/7 SP1 ROBOCOPY.EXE incorrectly skips files Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2680906/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Hotfix/KbHotfix?kbnum=2680906&kbln=en-US - ROBOCOPY.EXE Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix396879/7600/free/445248_intl_x64_zip.exe - ROBOCOPY.EXE Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix396879/7600/free/445246_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7 Audiodg.exe Memory Leak Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/981013/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Hotfix/KbHotfix?kbnum=981013&kbln=en-US - Audiodg.exe Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix307914/7600/free/409416_intl_x64_zip.exe - Audiodg.exe Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/WindowsServer%202008%20R2/sp1/Fix307914/7600/free/409414_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7/7 SP1 defective WaitToKillServiceTimeout Registry value Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2549760/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Hotfix/KbHotfix?kbnum=2549760&kbln=en-US - WaitToKillServiceTimeout Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix367694/7600/free/435571_intl_x64_zip.exe - WaitToKillServiceTimeout Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix367694/7600/free/435569_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7/7 SP1 slow Startup (ReadyBoot) with many Restore Points Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2555428/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Hotfix/KbHotfix?kbnum=2555428&kbln=en-US - ReadyBoot Hotfix 64-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix368028/7600/free/433314_intl_x64_zip.exe - ReadyBoot Hotfix 32-bit: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%207/Windows%20Server2008%20R2%20SP1/sp2/Fix368028/7600/free/433313_intl_i386_zip.exe * Windows 7/7 SP1 "Explorer.exe Server Execution Failed" Error: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2444677/ - Hotfix 64-bit for Windows 7/7 SP1 64-bit (x64): http://thehotfixshare.net/board/index.php?showtopic=15505 - Hotfix 32-bit for Windows 7/7 SP1 32-bit (x86): http://thehotfixshare.net/board/index.php?showtopic=15506 Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2444677&kbln=en-us Fix "Explorer.exe Server Execution Failed" Error in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.pcerror-fix.com/methods-repair-explorer-exe-server-execution-failed-windows-7-8-10/ http://support.microsoft.com/windows/fix-a-corrupted-user-profile-in-windows-1cf41c18-7ce3-12f9-8e1d-95896661c5c9 http://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-explorer-exe-server-execution-failed-on-windows-7/ http://michlstechblog.info/blog/windows-explorer-exe-server-execution-failed/ * Extract files from .MSU installers and install them in automated mode: http://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/astebner/2008/03/11/knowledge-base-article-describing-how-to-extract-msu-files-and-automate-installing-them/ http://support.microsoft.com/help/934307/ Extract .MSU contents (example): EXPAND.EXE -f:* "Q000000.msu" %temp%\Q000000 Then use extracted file (.XML) to install .MSU by using Package Manager (PkgMgr.exe), after renaming .XML file if needed (example): PKGMGR.EXE /n:%temp%\Q000000\Q000000.xml Install .MSU directly using Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA.exe) (example): WUSA.EXE "Q000000.MSU" /quiet /norestart * Toubleshoot: Missing Windows Installer Cache files: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/missing-windows-installer-cache-files-rebuild * Microsoft: FixIt!: http://support.microsoft.com/fixit/ * Fix problems with programs that canNOT be installed or uninstalled: http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall/ * FixIt! Disable "Test mode" message: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2509241/ FixIt!: http://download.microsoft.com/download/C/7/9/C796E9A8-E2F2-4281-9A53-9BF67BB259FC/MicrosoftFixit50756.msi * Download ALL FixIt! Files: - FixIt! PORTABLE INSTALL = RECOMMENDED ! : http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/2/3/E237A32D-E0A9-4863-B864-9E820C1C6F9A/MicrosoftFixit-portable.exe - FixIt! LOCAL INSTALL: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2970908/ * FixIt! Disable Network Adapter Power Management setting: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2740020/ File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/A/F/0AFE6980-A813-42DD-86EC-58BF7A6A7B1B/MicrosoftEasyFix55016.msi * Troubleshoot Intel Network Adapters Power Management: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005879/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking.html * Stop Network Adapter from Getting Disabled in Windows 7: http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/stop-network-adapter-from-getting-disabled-in-windows-7/ * Turn ON/OFF + Enable/Disable/Restart/Reset Internet/Network Adapter/Connection/Interface/Profile using command line tools: http://www.action1.com/kb/restarting-the-network-adapter-in-Windows.html http://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/20296/torrenting-disconnect-s-my-internet/ http://stackoverflow.com/questions/19831023/ * Prevent Windows from Turning OFF USB Devices: http://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/prevent-windows-from-powering-off-usb-device/ * 5 Tools to Prevent Windows from Sleeping or Turning OFF the Display: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/dont-sleep-prevent-windows-from-standby-shutdown-hibernate-and-restart/ * DSKCACHE.EXE Hotfix for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019: http://web.archive.org/web/20140825143556/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811392/ Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=811392 Files: http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%202000/sp5/Fix178740/2195/free/266264_ENU_i386_zip.exe http://hotfixv4.trafficmanager.net/Windows%202000/nosp/PKG37835/2195/free/109780_ENU_i386_zip.exe Enable write cache + power protection for all connected drives/volumes (example): DSKCACHE.EXE +p +w Registry settings [1 = enabled | 0 = disabled]: "UserWriteCacheSetting"=dword:1 "CacheIsPowerProtected"=dword:1 * Keep Computer Awake without Touching the Mouse or Keyboard: http://www.technorms.com/41354/ * Mouse Jiggler: http://archive.codeplex.com/?p=mousejiggler File: http://github.com/cerebrate/mousejiggler/releases/download/1.6/MouseJiggle.exe http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Other-Desktop-Enhancements/Mouse-Jiggler.shtml Requires Microsoft .Net Framework Redistributable (NFR) 2.0/newer (free): http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#NFR DOCumentation: http://github.com/cerebrate/mousejiggler/ Command: MouseJiggle.exe -j -z -m * Coffee prevents standby/sleep during network/internet activity, changes power settings: http://sourceforge.net/projects/coffee-sc/ Download: http://sourceforge.net/projects/coffee-sc/files/ * Save/view/print list of installed Windows Updates (WU) from the command line: http://www.rakhesh.com/windows/get-a-list-of-recently-installed-windows-updates-via-the-command-line/ Save updates list(s) to text file(s) (examples): WMIC.EXE QFE>UPD_QFE.TXT WMIC.EXE QFE LIST FULL>UPD_FULL.TXT DISM.EXE /Online /Get-packages>UPD_LIST.TXT DISM.EXE /Online /Get-Packages /Format:Table>UPD_TABLE.TXT systeminfo.exe>UPD_INFO.TXT View text file(s) using Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT * Uninstall IE9: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2579295/ File: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2970908/ IE Uninstall command line: FORFILES.EXE /P %WinDir%\Servicing\Packages /M Microsoft-Windows-InternetExplorer-*9.*.mum /c "CMD /C ECHO Uninstalling package @fname && START /W pkgmgr /up:@fname /norestart" * Install/Uninstall IE9 in Windows 7: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/how-do-i-install-or-uninstall-internet-explorer-9/ * Uninstall IE10 and Reinstall IE9 in Windows 7: http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-to-Remove-IE10-and-Get-Back-to-IE9-on-Windows-7-308998.shtml * Install/Uninstall IE10 in Windows 7: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/282216-internet-explorer-10-install-uninstall-windows-7-a.html * Searching, Downloading and Installing Updates: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa387102.aspx Searching, Downloading and Installing Specific Updates: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa387101.aspx Using the Windows Update Agent API: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa387287.aspx Using WUA to Scan for Updates Offline: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa387290.aspx MSKB: Error code 0x80000FFFF when using Windows Update or Microsoft Update: http://support.microsoft.com/help/946414/ MSKB: Get latest version of Windows Update Agent (WUA): http://support.microsoft.com/help/949104/ MSKB: Unable to install Updates: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2509997/ SevenForums: Windows Update will not start: http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/120431-windows-update-will-not-start.html#post1039097 SevenForums: Windows Update service not working: http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/102472-windows-update-service-not-working.html Fix WU: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Fix-WU.shtml MDGx: Windows Update Client (WUC) + Windows Update Agent (WUA): http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#WUC * Enable Windows Updates (WU) in Windows 7/8/8.1: http://support.microsoft.com/help/4056895/ http://support.microsoft.com/help/4056894/ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\QualityCompat] "cadca5fe-87d3-4b96-b7fb-a231484277cc"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Disable Windows Updates (WU), Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) + related Registry settings in Windows 7/8/8.1: http://support.microsoft.com/help/328010/ http://github.com/vFense/vFenseAgent-win/wiki/Registry-keys-for-configuring-Automatic-Updates-&-WSUS/ http://www.smallvoid.com/article/winnt-automatic-updates-config.html 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate] "DisableWindowsUpdateAccess"=dword:1 "ElevateNonAdmins"=dword:1 "DisableOSUpgrade"=dword:1 "WUServer"="0.0.0.0" "WUStatusServer"="0.0.0.0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU] "AutoInstallMinorUpdates"=dword:0 "NoAutoUpdate"=dword:1 "NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers"=dword:1 "NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption"=dword:1 "RebootRelaunchTimeout"=dword:3 "RebootRelaunchTimeoutEnabled"=dword:1 "UseWUServer"=dword:1 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate] "DisableWindowsUpdateAccess"=dword:1 "ElevateNonAdmins"=dword:1 "DisableOSUpgrade"=dword:1 "WUServer"="0.0.0.0" "WUStatusServer"="0.0.0.0" [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate\AU] "AutoInstallMinorUpdates"=dword:0 "NoAutoUpdate"=dword:1 "NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers"=dword:1 "NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption"=dword:1 "RebootRelaunchTimeout"=dword:3 "RebootRelaunchTimeoutEnabled"=dword:1 "UseWUServer"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update] "NextSqmReportTime"="0" "NextFeaturedUpdatesNotificationTime"="0" "EnableFeaturedSoftware"=dword:0 "FeaturedUpdatesNotificationSeqNum"=dword:0 "FeaturedUpdatesNotificationSeqNumGenTime"="0" "SetupWizardLaunchTime"="0" "ForcedReboot"=dword:0 "AUOptions"=dword:1 "ConfigVer"=dword:1 "BalloonTime"="0" "ScheduledInstallDay"=dword:0 "ScheduledInstallTime"=dword:0 "IncludeRecommendedUpdates"=dword:0 "NextDetectionTime"="0" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoWindowsUpdate"=dword:1 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoWindowsUpdate"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade] "AllowOSUpgrade"=dword:0 "ReservationsAllowed"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade\State] "OSUpgradeState"=dword:1 "OSUpgradeStateTimeStamp"="2015-05-05 05:05:05" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main] "EnableAutoUpgrade"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main] "EnableAutoUpgrade"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Media Player] "DisableAutoUpdate"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Infodelivery\Restrictions] "NoUpdateCheck"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Portable Update (PortUp): http://www.portableupdate.com/ PortUp: http://www.portableupdate.com/public/PortUp.zip PortUp DOCumentation: http://www.portableupdate.com/docs/documentation.aspx * Microsoft Windows Updates (WU) server: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ * Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Offline Update tool: http://download.wsusoffline.net/ * Start (run) WuauServ (Windows Updates Automatic Service) and configure it to start only when needed (on demand): NET.EXE START wuauserv SC.EXE CONFIG wuauserv START= demand Stop (exit) WuauServ (if running): NET.EXE STOP wuauserv * Run Windows Automatic Updates (WUA): WUAPP.EXE Run WUA from the command line: http://morgansimonsen.com/2010/12/14/automatic-updates-client-command-line-parameters/ http://www.ss64.com/nt/wuauclt.html WUAUCLT.EXE * Repair/Reinstall Windows Update (WU): http://www.winhelp.us/reinstall-windows-update.html File: http://www.winhelp.us/files/MicrosoftFixit50202.msi * Fix WU Utility: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-fix-windows-updates-with-fix-wu-utility/ File: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/downloads/Fix%20WU.zip * FixIt! Windows Update (WU): http://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_update/ FixIt! WU PORTABLE: http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/2/3/E237A32D-E0A9-4863-B864-9E820C1C6F9A/MicrosoftFixit-portable.exe FixIt! WU ONLINE: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/2/2/F22D5FDB-59CD-4275-8C95-1BE17BF70B21/WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab * Repair Windows 7 Update Issues: http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=404587 * Hide/Restore Hidden Windows Updates in Windows 7/8/8.1: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/24376-windows-update-hide-restore-hidden-updates.html * Windows Hotfix Downloader (WHDownloader.exe) for Windows 7/8/8.1: http://forums.mydigitallife.net/threads/whdownloader-support-and-chat.44645/ File: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_hotfix_downloader.html * Windows Updates Downloader (WUD): http://www.windowsupdatesdownloader.com/ Files: http://www.windowsupdatesdownloader.com/ProgramFiles.aspx Updates List (ULZ): http://www.windowsupdatesdownloader.com/UpdateLists.aspx * Windows Update Checker (KUC): http://windows-update-checker.com/ Files: http://windows-update-checker.com/download/ * TheHotfixShare (THS) Windows Hotfixes: http://www.thehotfixshare.net/board/?autocom=downloads THS forum membership is free. THS Language Neutral Windows 7 Hotfix Downloads: http://www.thehotfixshare.net/board/?autocom=downloads&showcat=136 * FixWin for Windows Vista/7: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-fix-windows-7-vista-problems-with-fixwin-utility/ File: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/downloads/FixWin.zip Guide: http://www.windowsvalley.com/download-fixwin-utility-reform-your-windows/ * Windows Update Client (WUC) + Windows Update Agent (WUA): http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#WUC * System Update Readiness (SUR) + Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool (DISM.EXE) repairs WU errors, (re)installs + verifies updates/(hot)fixes/patches in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10: http://support.microsoft.com/help/947821/ - DISM 64-bit for Windows 7 64-bit (x64): http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=20858 File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/8/D/E8DAA970-1036-447F-B5EA-716D4BA70EC5/Windows6.1-KB947821-v34-x64.msu - DISM 32-bit for Windows 7 SP1 32-bit (x86): http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=3132 File: http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/7/A/47A0F7B9-1F0F-41B0-AA42-00FD16337268/Windows6.1-KB947821-v34-x86.msu DISM.EXE is included with all Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 editions in the %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS] folder. Use DISM to fix Windows Update (WU) errors: http://docs.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/windows-server/deployment/fix-windows-update-errors/ DISM command line options: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-operating-system-package-servicing-command-line-options/ * Windows 7 Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Core Fonts Blurred Text Fix: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2545698/ - IE9 Text Fix 64-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/5/6/05675ADF-21AB-4476-8731-95182643D02C/Windows6.1-KB2545698-x64.msu - IE9 Text Fix 32-bit: http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/C/7/4C7D491B-6F78-4DB7-B87C-71777BF41E3F/Windows6.1-KB2545698-x86.msu * Uninstall/Reinstall/Repair Internet Explorer (IE) in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10: http://docs.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/browsers/how-to-repair-or-reinstall-ie/ http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install-winsubother/windows-update-how-to-fix-some-settings-are/a5160e9d-21e8-4ecd-8218-6a6b88134748 1. Uninstall Internet Explorer (IE) from a DOS console (command prompt) -> right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run one of these commands (run the 2nd in case the 1st doesn't work) -> press Enter (after each line): DISM.EXE /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64 FORFILES.EXE /P %WinDir%\servicing\Packages /M Microsoft-Windows-InternetExplorer-*11.*.mum /c "cmd.exe /c echo Uninstalling package @fname && start /w pkgmgr.exe /up:@fname /norestart" 2. Reinstall Internet Explorer (IE) -> open Control Panel (CP) CONTROL.EXE -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off -> Windows Features -> check Internet Explorer (11) box -> Apply/OK. MDGx: Internet Explorer (IE) Essential FREE Fixes + Updates: http://www.mdgx.com/ietoy.htm * Windows 7 Application Compatibility Update (ACU): http://support.microsoft.com/help/974332/ Windows 7 Application Compatibility List: http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=2394 MDGx: Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT): http://www.mdgx.com/xptoy.htm#ACT * Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1): http://support.microsoft.com/help/976932/ Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Update: http://support.microsoft.com/help/2533552/ Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Guide: http://windows.microsoft.com/windows7sp1/ Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Downloads: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=KB976932 - Windows 7 SP1 64-bit for Windows 7 64-bit (x64) [900 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2011/02/windows6.1-kb976932-x64_74865ef2562006e51d7f9333b4a8d45b7a749dab.exe - Windows 7 SP1 Update 64-bit for Windows 7 SP1 64-bit (x64): http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/crup/2011/05/windows6.1-kb2533552-x64_0ba5ac38d4e1c9588a1e53ad390d23c1e4ecd04d.msu - Windows 7 SP1 32-bit for Windows 7 32-bit (x86) [500 MB]: http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2011/02/windows6.1-kb976932-x86_c3516bc5c9e69fee6d9ac4f981f5b95977a8a2fa.exe - Windows 7 SP1 Update 32-bit for Windows 7 SP1 32-bit (x86): http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/crup/2011/05/windows6.1-kb2533552-x86_f2061d1c40b34f88efbe55adf6803d278aa67064.msu * Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE): http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ * Windows 7 Review: http://www.activewin.com/reviews/software/operating-sys/windows7/ * Windows 7 ISOs: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/11/10/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download-links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/ * Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7: http://support.microsoft.com/help/974674/ Hotfix [request links in e-mail]: http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=974674&kbln=en-us http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=18924  Task Scheduler Tweaks * Windows 7: Run any BATch/script/program (in Task Scheduler) minimized and with custom icon: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/make-windows-7-task-scheduler-run-a-batch-file/0573dc2e-4941-44a2-8304-264864e94f1a/ Windows 10: Run any BATch/script/program (in Task Scheduler) minimized and with custom icon: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-performance/make-windows-10-task-scheduler-run-a-batch-file/e00b2fb0-02ca-439f-b534-eb34541130a9/ Run applications/scripts minimized (from Task Scheduler): http://forums.anandtech.com/threads/want-to-run-applications-minimized-at-log-in-from-task-scheduler.224581/ 1. Create (if not present) C:\SCRIPTS folder (example) from a DOS console (command prompt) -> right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: C: CD\ MD SCRIPTS 2. Use Notepad to create C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.VBS VBScript file (example): -----Begin cut & paste here----- Dim WshShell:Set WshShell=CreateObject("WScript.Shell") WshShell.Run chr(34)&"C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.CMD"&Chr(34),0 Set WshShell=Nothing ------End cut & paste here------ 3. Use Notepad to create C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.CMD BATch file (example): -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END COLOR 3B TITLE "Delete all $Recycle.BIN folders..." ECHO. ECHO.  ECHO.  Deleting $Recycle.BIN folders on all connected drives/partitions/volumes...  ECHO.  ECHO. C: CD\ FOR %%i IN (C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z:) DO IF EXIST "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" TAKEOWN.EXE /f "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" /r /d y >NUL FOR %%i IN (C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z:) DO IF EXIST "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" ICACLS.EXE "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" /grant:r Administrators:F /t /c /q >NUL :: FOR %%i IN (C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z:) DO IF EXIST "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" RD /Q /S "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" >NUL 2>&1 FOR %%i IN (C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z:) DO IF EXIST "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" RUNDLL32.EXE ADVPACK.DLL,DelNodeRunDLL32 "%%i\$RECYCLE.BIN" >NUL 2>&1 :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ 4. Add C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.VBS (example) to your custom Task Scheduler script -> run: MMC.EXE /S taskschd.msc 5. Create a new Task -> Action tab -> highlight your task line -> click Edit... button -> Program/script box -> type (example): WSCRIPT.EXE -> Add arguments box -> type (example): /B /NoLogo C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.VBS 6. Customize and save your task to run whenever and however often you wish. 7. Optionally you can automate Task Scheduler to run C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.VBS every 30 minutes (example) from a DOS console (command prompt) -> right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: ECHO Y|SCHTASKS.EXE /Create /TN "Delete_$Recycle.B1N_folders" /TR "WSCRIPT.EXE /B /NoLogo C:\SCRIPTS\DEL_RECYCL_B1N.VBS" /RU SYSTEM /RL HIGHEST /SC MINUTE /MO 30 /F ECHO Y|SCHTASKS.EXE /Change /TN "Delete_$Recycle.B1N_folders" /RI 30 /RL HIGHEST /ENABLE * Create scheduled task to be triggered by Windows service event using XML: http://www.superuser.com/questions/502160/ http://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askds/2011/09/26/advanced-xml-filtering-in-the-windows-event-viewer/ http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/windows/bae1e2c4-c60a-4f90-87b9-7b33e8d9660e/ http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa385231.aspx http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/office/fac16f3c-d088-4d66-83d8-7139261dea83/ Run... [hold WinKey + press R] -> taskschd.msc -> Create Task... -> Trigger tab -> On an event -> Custom -> New Event Filter -> XML tab -> Edit query manually -> Yes -> cut & paste (example): Actions tab -> Start a program -> Program/script (example): SC.EXE Add argument (optional) (example): STOP sppsvc OK -> OK.  Patch Windows 7 * Updated Physical Address Extension (PAE) Patch [ntkrnlpa.exe] for Windows 7 SP1 32-bit unlocks using installed RAM up to 128 GB: http://www.wj32.org/wp/2011/02/23/pae-patch-updated-for-windows-7-sp1/ Updated Physical Address Extension (PAE) Patch [ntkrnlpa.exe] for Windows 8/8.1 32-bit unlocks using installed RAM up to 128 GB: http://www.wj32.org/wp/2013/10/25/pae-patch-updated-for-windows-8-1/ Updated Physical Address Extension (PAE) Patch [ntkrnlpa.exe] for Windows 10 32-bit unlocks using installed RAM up to 128 GB: http://www.wj32.org/wp/2016/02/01/pae-patch-updated-for-windows-10/ ReadyFor4GB PAE Patch [ntkrnlpa.exe] for Windows Vista/7/7 SP1 32-bit unlocks using installed RAM up to 128 GB: - Chinese: http://zh-deepxw.blogspot.com/2009/04/readyfor4gb.html - English: http://www.arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=49358 PAE RAMPatch [ntkrnlpa.exe] for Windows Vista/7/7 SP1 32-bit unlocks using installed RAM up to 128 GB: http://www.bcastell.com/tech-articles/enabling-more-than-4-gb-of-ram-under-windows-7-32-bit/ File: http://www.bcastell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/win7-7600-4gb-patch.rar PASSWORD: nowarranty These Patches work ONLY with 32-bit (x86) Windows NTx OSes! * 4GB Patch for 32-bit EXEcutables (.exe) to use up to 4 GB of virtual RAM on Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) OSes: http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php File: http://www.ntcore.com/files/4gb_patch.zip This Patch works ONLY with 64-bit (x64) Windows NTx OSes + 32-bit (x86) EXEcutables! * Windows 7 Patches: TCP/IP Connection Limit (TCPIP.SYS), Theme (UXTHEME.DLL), Terminal Server (TERMSRV.DLL) + Desktop Watermark (USER32.DLL + USER32.DLL.mui): http://deepxw.blogspot.com/ Windows 7 Desktop Watermark (USER32.DLL + USER32.DLL.mui) Patch: http://deepxw.blogspot.com/2008/12/remove-watermark-v03-build-20081210.html Desktop Watermark Patch Guide: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-remove-windows-7-rc-watermark-build-info-from-desktop/ * Windows XP/Vista/7 TCPIP.SYS Limited Connections Patch: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/tcp-z-is-the-best-tcpip-half-open-connection-limited-patcher/ Patch %WinDir%\System32\drivers\TCPIP.SYS -> reboot -> run these 3 commands to turn ON TCP/IP autotuning + turn OFF scaling heuristics from a DOS console (command prompt) -> right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: NETSH.EXE interface tcp set global autotuning=normal NETSH.EXE interface tcp set heuristics disabled NETSH.EXE interface tcp set global rss=enabled chimney=enabled rsc=enabled nonsackrttresiliency=enabled More info: http://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/networking/2016/08/11/an-update-on-windows-tcp-autotuninglevel/ http://www.techjourney.net/disable-tcp-receive-window-auto-tuning-fix-slow-internet-cannot-load-web-page-cannot-download-email/ * Windows 7 Theme Source Patcher (7TSP): http://www.xptsp.com/fixit/7tsp.php 7TSP Portable: http://users.xptsp.com/fixit/programs/7tsp_GUI_v0.4_B(2015).exe 7TSP Installer: http://users.xptsp.com/fixit/programs/7tsp_GUI_v0.4_B(2015)_Installer.exe 7TSP Icon Packs: http://www.creativx.net/forums/7tsp-iconpacks/ 7TSP requires Resource Hacker: http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/ File: http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/resource_hacker.zip * ReadyDriver Plus: http://web.archive.org/web/20131029095655/http://www.citadelindustries.net/rdp.php File: http://web.archive.org/web/20131029095655/http://data.citadelindustries.net/setupreadydriverplus.exe * Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider (DSEO): http://www.ngohq.com/?page=dseo File: http://files.ngohq.com/ngo/dseo/dseo13b.exe * Windows 7 Boot Updater changes animated boot logo: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/ Guide: http://www.intowindows.com/windows-7-boot-animation-updater-change-windows-7-boot-screen/  Customize BOOT Screens * Customize Windows 7 Boot Screen Guides: http://www.techdows.com/2011/06/get-windows-8-betta-fish-boot-screen-for-windows-7.html http://www.techfeb.com/customize-windows-7-boot-screen/ http://www.askvg.com/download-windows-8-rtm-boot-screen-windows-7/ http://www.door2windows.com/how-to-change-windows-7-boot-screen-animation/ Win7BootUpdater = MUST USE IT!: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/ File: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/downloads/ http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/downloads/Win7BootUpdater2.exe Extras: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/extras/ Boot Screens: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/bootskins/ http://www.deskmodder.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=220&t=13363 Custom Animations: http://medi-dadu.deviantart.com/art/Win-Boot-Screen-16-9-277342889 Navi OS from SE Lain: http://detechtive.deviantart.com/art/Win-7-boot-animation-Navi-OS-from-SE-Lain-280887190 Holographic: http://ultimatedesktops.deviantart.com/art/Holographic-Boot-Skin-for-Windows-7-359440527 http://creativ-xtreme.deviantart.com/art/Holographic-Boot-Skin-for-Windows-7-359440527 Abstract: http://detechtive.deviantart.com/art/Abstract-Bootscreen-w-resolution-fix-and-a-bonus-393047765 The Hatchling v2: http://faziri.deviantart.com/art/The-Hatchling-v2-340304259 Blaupunkt v2: http://tchiro.deviantart.com/art/Blau-punkt-v2-BootScreen-344602849 Pulse Blue: http://tchiro.deviantart.com/art/Pulse-blue-Windows-7-BootScreen-321869645 Pulse Green: http://tchiro.deviantart.com/art/Pulse-Windows-7-BootScreen-321814750 Molecule 16:9: http://judian.deviantart.com/art/Molucule-Boot-Screen-16-9-312105328 L: http://luttik.deviantart.com/art/L-bootloader-297223007 Earth 16:9: http://medi-dadu.deviantart.com/art/Win-Boot-Screen-16-9-294257700 Gears: http://creativ-xtreme.deviantart.com/art/gears-BootScreen-262299074 Stargate Logo: http://fallenangelofdeath63.deviantart.com/art/Stargate-Boot-Theme-290423425 STARGATE: http://zangio.deviantart.com/art/Win7-Boot-Animation-STARGATE-189992814 Starfleet Logo: http://deskmodder.deviantart.com/art/Starfleetlogo-by-rufus721-269639178 Blue Plasma: http://deskmodder.deviantart.com/art/BluePlasma-by-AxP-261661276 Nerd: http://sachse.deviantart.com/art/Nerd-Bootscreen-260310482 DoTa Puck: http://seva-tmplr.deviantart.com/art/WIN7-Boot-DoTa-Puck-196485118 Orb: http://zangio.deviantart.com/art/Win7-Boot-Animation-Orb-188321689 Windows 8 ALPHA Fish: http://misaki2009.deviantart.com/art/Windows-8-Bootscreen-quot-ALPHA-quot-214596752 Boot Screens: http://creativ-xtreme.deviantart.com/gallery/36418593 http://kidofoundation.deviantart.com/gallery/ http://korruptninja.deviantart.com/gallery/ http://www.windows7bootscreens.com/bootscreen-22-orb/  Desktop Wallpaper Tweaks + Free(ware) Tools * Next wallpaper slideshow -> right-click Desktop shortcut: http://www.techfeb.com/change-your-windows-wallpaper-with-next-wallpaper-from-windows-right-click-menu/ http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/161638-next-desktop-background-add-remove-desktop-context-menu.html http://www.windowsvalley.com/remove-next-desktop-background-from-desktop-context-menu-of-windows-7/ http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-create-shortcut-key-to-switch-to-next-desktop-background-in-windows-7-and-windows-8/ NOTE: This requires your wallpaper (Desktop Background) settings to cycle through a folder containing at least 2 images. 1. Use Notepad or your favorite plain text/ASCII editor to create Next_Wallpaper.vbs VBScript file (example): -----Begin cut & paste here----- Dim WshShell:Set WshShell=WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell") WshShell.SendKeys("^ ") WshShell.SendKeys("+{F10}") WshShell.SendKeys("n") ------End cut & paste here------ 2. Run Next_Wallpaper.vbs (example): WSCRIPT.EXE /B /NoLogo Next_Wallpaper.vbs 3. Right-click on an empty Desktop spot -> click "Next desktop background". 4. Make this permanent: use Notepad to create a new Registry (.reg) file -> copy & paste text strings between Cut & Paste lines below -> save file as Next_Wallpaper.reg (example). 5. Right-click on Next_Wallpaper.reg -> Run as Administrator -> answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register the information into your Registry. 6. From now on you can right-click on an empty Desktop spot -> click "Next desktop background". -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\DesktopBackground\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\DesktopSlideshow] @="{0bf754aa-c967-445c-ab3d-d8fda9bae7ef}" "Icon"="themecpl.dll,0" "Position"="Bottom" "MUIVerb"="Next &Wallpaper" "SuppressionPolicy"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{0bf754aa-c967-445c-ab3d-d8fda9bae7ef}] @="SlideshowContextMenu" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{0bf754aa-c967-445c-ab3d-d8fda9bae7ef}\InProcServer32] @=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,5c,73,\ 74,6f,62,6a,65,63,74,2e,64,6c,6c,00 "ThreadingModel"="Apartment" ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Any Wallpaper: http://www.anyutils.com/anywall.php File: http://www.anyutils.com/download/anywall.exe Requires Microsoft .Net Framework Redistributable (NFR) 2.0/newer (free): http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#NFR Right-click Taskbar Icon -> Restore main window -> Options -> Choose a wallpaper position: Autofit. Settings: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\AnyUtils\AnyWall\settings.xml * Logon Background Changer (W7LBC): http://www.julien-manici.com/windows_7_logon_background_changer/ File: http://jmanici.blob.core.windows.net/download/Win7LogonBackgroundChanger_1_5_2.zip * Logon Changer: http://www.tweaks.com/software/tweakslogon/ File: http://www.tweaks.com/software/tweakslogon/download/tweakslogon.zip * Logon Screen Rotator (LSR): http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/lsrotator/ File: http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/downloads/lsr_4.4 LSR Guide: http://www.door2windows.com/how-to-automatically-change-your-logon-screen-background-after-an-interval-of-time-in-windows-7/ * Wallpaper Slideshow LT: http://www.gphotoshow.com/wallpaperss.htm File: http://www.gphotoshow.com/files/WallpaperSSLT.exe * Desktop Background Tuner 32-bit: http://www.winaero.com/desktop-background-tuner/ File: http://www.winaero.com/download-desktop-background-tuner/ * Aero Wallpaper Changer (AWC) for Windows 7 Home/Basic: http://www.winaero.com/aerowallpaperchanger/ File: http://www.winaero.com/download-aerowallpaperchanger-adds-cool-aero-color-effects-and-desktop-slideshow-to-windows-7-home-basic/ * Oceanis: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/47294-desktop-background-wallpaper-change-windows-7-starter.html File: http://dl2.sevenforums.com/dl/Oceanis_Change_Background_W7.zip * Windows Wallpaper Changer: http://sourceforge.net/projects/winwallchanger/ File: http://sourceforge.net/projects/winwallchanger/files/ * List of Wallpaper Changers: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-wallpaper-changer.htm  Free(ware) 7/8/8.1/10 Aero Tools + Tweaks * TransparentMenu 32-bit + 64-bit: http://www.moo0.com/software/TransparentMenu/ File: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Other-Desktop-Enhancements/Moo0-TransparentMenu.shtml "%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Moo0 Transparent Menu 1.20.lnk" shortcut command line: TransparentMenu.exe -startup * Window Menu Plus (includes stripped-down TransparentMenu) right-click shell context menu 32-bit + 64-bit: http://www.moo0.com/software/WindowMenuPlus/ File: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Moo0-WindowMenuPlus.shtml * Aero Adjuster: http://samusaranfreak.deviantart.com/art/Aero-Adjuster-261383189 File: http://www.deviantart.com/download/261383189/aero_adjuster_by_samusaranfreak-d4bmck5.zip * WinaeroTweaker for Windows 7/8/8.1/10 32-bit + 64-bit [select Portable at install time!]: http://www.winaero.com/winaero-tweaker/ File: http://www.winaero.com/download.php?view.1796 * Switcher: http://www.insentient.net/ File: http://www.insentient.net/Files/Projects/Switcher/Switcher-2.0.0.2705.zip * Aura Auto Colorization tool: http://aura.codeplex.com/ http://www.askvg.com/aura-get-windows-8-aero-auto-colorization-feature-in-windows-vista-and-7/ http://www.door2windows.com/get-windows-8-auto-colorization-feature-in-windows-7vista-3/ File: http://aura.codeplex.com/downloads/get/227648 http://angelwzr.deviantart.com/art/Aura-Beta-3-203960157 http://www.deviantart.com/download/203960157/aura_beta_2_by_angelwzr-d3dfknx.zip * 7+ Taskbar Tweaker for Windows 7/8/8.1 [select Portable at install time!]: http://www.rammichael.com/7-taskbar-tweaker/ File: http://www.rammichael.com/downloads/7tt_setup.exe * Advanced Appearance (Metrics) Settings HTML Application file (.HTA) for Windows 8/8.1, works with Windows 7: http://www.intowindows.com/advanced-appearance-settings-for-windows-8-1/ http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=163836#comment-1049765 File: http://www.msfn.org/board/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=37314 Advanced Appearance (Metrics) Settings Registration file (.REG) for mobile/portable computers/laptops with 1080p vertical resolution, usually 1920x1080 (example): 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics] "BorderWidth"="-15" "CaptionFont"=hex:ed,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "CaptionHeight"="-375" "CaptionWidth"="-375" "IconFont"=hex:f3,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,\ 65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "IconTitleWrap"="1" "MenuFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,\ 65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "MenuHeight"="-300" "MenuWidth"="-300" "MessageFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "ScrollHeight"="-270" "ScrollWidth"="-270" "SmCaptionFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,\ 65,00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "SmCaptionHeight"="-300" "SmCaptionWidth"="-300" "StatusFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "Shell Icon Size"="42" "AppliedDPI"=dword:60 "PaddedBorderWidth"="0" "IconSpacing"="-1180" "IconVerticalSpacing"="-880" "MinAnimate"="0" "MaxWidth"="256" "MinWidth"="56" "Shell Icon BPP"="32" [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics] "BorderWidth"="-15" "CaptionFont"=hex:ed,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "CaptionHeight"="-375" "CaptionWidth"="-375" "IconFont"=hex:f3,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,\ 65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "IconTitleWrap"="1" "MenuFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,\ 65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "MenuHeight"="-300" "MenuWidth"="-300" "MessageFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "ScrollHeight"="-270" "ScrollWidth"="-270" "SmCaptionFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,\ 65,00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "SmCaptionHeight"="-300" "SmCaptionWidth"="-300" "StatusFont"=hex:f1,ff,ff,ff,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,bc,02,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,4c,00,65,00,65,00,6c,00,61,00,77,00,61,00,64,00,65,\ 00,65,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00 "Shell Icon Size"="42" "AppliedDPI"=dword:60 "PaddedBorderWidth"="0" "IconSpacing"="-1180" "IconVerticalSpacing"="-880" "MinAnimate"="0" "MaxWidth"="256" "MinWidth"="56" "Shell Icon BPP"="32" ; ------End cut & paste here------ * UxStyle for Windows 7/8/8.1: http://www.uxstyle.com/ UxStyle for Windows 8/8.1: http://www.uxstyle.com/builds/UxStyle_sep23_x86_x64_possibly_bugged.zip UxStyle for Windows 7/7 SP1: http://www.uxstyle.com/builds/UxStyle_Core_jul13_bits.zip Aero Theme for Windows 8/8.1: http://simplexdesignsart.deviantart.com/art/Windows-Aero-536877982/ http://web.archive.org/web/20130402051457/http://xxinightxx.deviantart.com/art/Windows-7-Vs-REV-D-350491112/ File: http://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B883uGPmNY72Sjk3dy1MTzBGVEE http://web.archive.org/web/20130402051457/http://www.deviantart.com/download/350491112/windows_7_vs_rev_d_by_xxinightxx-d5so8o8.zip * AeroRainbow for Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.winaero.com/aerorainbow/ File: http://www.winaero.com/download.php?view.11 * Windows 7 Start Button/Orb Changer: http://www.door2windows.com/windows-7-start-button-changer-change-your-windows-7-start-button-with-one-click/ File: http://www.door2windows.com/download-freeware/?obsolete#Windows+7+Start+Orb+Changer Guide: http://www.intowindows.com/windows-7-start-orb-changer-lets-you-quickly-change-start-orb/  Free(ware) Windows 7 Replacement Apps + Tweaking Tools * Vista Calculator (CALC.EXE): http://www.askvg.com/get-windows-7-calculator-working-in-windows-vista/ http://www.askvg.com/get-windows-7-like-calculator-in-windows-xp/ http://grdcityboy.deviantart.com/art/Seven-Calculator-102484514 http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Windows-7-Calculator-Review-106024.shtml http://www.7tutorials.com/windows-calculator-tool-geek-you/ * AeroCalc (Glass Theme): http://www.door2windows.com/how-to-get-glass-calculator-in-windows-7vista/ * Notepad (Glass Theme): http://www.door2windows.com/how-to-get-glass-notepad-in-windows-7vista/ Ribbon Notepad: http://www.door2windows.com/get-notepad-with-ribbon-user-interface-in-windows-7vista/ * Command Prompt (Glass Theme): http://www.door2windows.com/how-to-get-glass-command-prompt-in-windows-7vista/ * Ribbon Image Viewer: http://www.door2windows.com/get-ribbon-user-interface-ui-image-viewer-in-windows-7vistaxp/ * Bubbles, Mystify, Ribbons, Lines + Aurora Screen Savers: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Screensavers/Vista-Screensaver-Ported-to-XP.shtml Screen Savers Guides: http://www.door2windows.com/tweak-bubbles-mystify-ribbons-lines-aurora-screensavers/ http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/15088/customize-the-default-screensavers-in-windows-7-and-vista/ http://www.winaero.com/comment.php?comment.news.9 http://www.tweaks.com/windows/39129/the-ultimate-windows-screensaver-tweaking-guide/ * XP Pipes (SSPIPES.SCR) Screen Saver: http://www.bearblain.com/Downloads/sspipes.zip http://www.mdgx.com/3dpipes.jpg * 7Smoker Pro: http://www.xp-smoker.com/7smokerpro.html File: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/7smoker_pro.html  Free(ware) Start Menu Shell Replacements * Open-Shell Start Menu + Button/Orb replacer 32-bit + 64-bit [Classic Shell fork] (free, open source): http://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/ ReadMe: http://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/ Download: http://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases/latest/ Nightly Builds: http://ci.appveyor.com/project/passionate-coder/open-shell-menu/branch/master/artifacts/ Guide: http://askleo.com/open-shell-regain-your-start-menu-in-windows-and-much-more/ Custom Start Button/Orb Tutorial: http://coddec.github.io/Classic-Shell/www.classicshell.net/tutorials/buttontutorial.html Skins: http://www.winaero.com/best-skins-for-classic-shells-start-menu/ http://www.classicshell.net/gallery/Start-Menu/skins/ http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=17 Start Buttons/Orbs: http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 http://www.deviantart.com/w1ck3dmatt/art/Mega-Orb-Pack-150-start-orbs-259940654/ http://www.door2windows.com/customization/start-buttons/ Aero Glass mod [Windows 8/8.1 style UI] for Windows 8/8.1/10: http://www.glass8.eu/ Open-Shell/Classic Shell Free(ware) Alternatives: http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/alternatives.html http://classic-shell.en.softonic.com/windows/alternatives/ http://www.alternativeto.net/software/classicshell/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-start-menu-alternatives/ http://www.similarindex.com/classic-shell-alternatives/ * Power8 Start Menu replacer for Windows 8/8.1, works with Windows 7: http://github.com/AgentMC/power8/ Download: http://github.com/AgentMC/power8/releases/latest/ * Start Menu X Start Menu replacer [CRIPPLED freeware!] for Windows 7/8/8.1: http://www.startmenux.com/ File: http://www.startmenux.com/StartMenuX_Setup_freeware.exe * Pokki Start Menu replacer for Windows 8/8.1, works with Windows 7: http://www.pokki.com/ File: http://cdn.pokki.com/download/PokkiStartMenuInstaller.exe  Disable/Enable User Account Control (UAC) * Temporary fix: in Windows Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 you must right-click each file/executable/program/installer/DOS console (command prompt)/BATch file/script/screen saver/etc and select Run as Administrator in order to execute it/them the way they were intended. Otherwise a nagging dialog box will pop up and you will be prompted to Run/Open/Save/etc them, or you won't be allowed to execute them every time you (double-)click on them or their shortcuts (.lnk), and you will notice most of them will not run properly, and/or exhibit restrictions, limitations, inappropriate or annoying behavior. ;-( * Permanent fix: disable User Account Control (UAC): - Windows 10/2016/2019: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3577-user-account-control-uac-change-settings-windows-10-a.html - Windows 8/2012/8.1/2012 R2: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5509-user-account-control-uac-change-settings-windows-8-a.html - Windows 7/7 SP1/2008 R2: http://www.petri.com/disable-uac-in-windows-7.htm - Windows Vista/2008: http://www.petri.com/disable_uac_in_windows_vista.htm * UAC_OFF.REG Registry file disables all UAC annoyances: Open Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT and save Registry file below as UAC_OFF.REG (example). Right-click on UAC_OFF.REG -> Run as Administrator -> answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 ; MUST reboot after turning UAC ON or OFF ! ; Disable User Account Control file virtualization (LUAfv) Service: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\luafv] "Start"=dword:4 ; Disable ALL UAC settings: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System] "ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin"=dword:0 "ConsentPromptBehaviorUser"=dword:1 "DisableStatusMessages"=dword:0 "DontDisplayLastUserName"=dword:0 "EnableInstallerDetection"=dword:0 "EnableLUA"=dword:0 "EnableSecureUIAPaths"=dword:0 "EnableUIADesktopToggle"=dword:1 "EnableVirtualization"=dword:1 "FilterAdministratorToken"=dword:0 "NoInternetOpenWith"=dword:1 "PromptOnSecureDesktop"=dword:0 "SCForceOption"=dword:0 "SynchronousMachineGroupPolicy"=dword:0 "SynchronousUserGroupPolicy"=dword:0 "ValidateAdminCodeSignatures"=dword:0 "VerboseStatus"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Perform same steps for UAC_OFF.BAT BATch file, which also disables UAC: 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text batch file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the BAT (.BAT) or CMD (.CMD) extension. 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created batch file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Wait for all operations to complete. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: MUST reboot after turning UAC ON or OFF ! :: Disable User Account Control file virtualization (LUAfv) Service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP luafv SC.EXE CONFIG luafv START= disabled :: Disable UAC: REG.EXE ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ Reboot. * UAC_ON.REG Registry file enables all UAC annoyances: Open Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT and save Registry file below as UAC_ON.REG (example). Right-click on UAC_ON.REG -> Run as Administrator -> answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 ; MUST reboot after turning UAC ON or OFF ! ; Enable User Account Control file virtualization (LUAfv) Service: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\luafv] "Start"=dword:2 ; Enable ALL UAC settings: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System] "ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin"=dword:2 ; "ConsentPromptBehaviorUser"=dword:3 "ConsentPromptBehaviorUser"=dword:0 "DisableStatusMessages"=dword:1 "DontDisplayLastUserName"=dword:1 "EnableInstallerDetection"=dword:1 "EnableLUA"=dword:1 "EnableSecureUIAPaths"=dword:1 "EnableUIADesktopToggle"=dword:0 "EnableVirtualization"=dword:0 "FilterAdministratorToken"=dword:1 "NoInternetOpenWith"=dword:0 "PromptOnSecureDesktop"=dword:1 "SCForceOption"=dword:1 "SynchronousMachineGroupPolicy"=dword:1 "SynchronousUserGroupPolicy"=dword:1 "ValidateAdminCodeSignatures"=dword:1 "VerboseStatus"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Perform same steps for UAC_ON.BAT BATch file, which also enables UAC: 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text batch file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the BAT (.BAT) or CMD (.CMD) extension. 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created batch file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Wait for all operations to complete. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: MUST reboot after turning UAC ON or OFF ! :: Enable User Account Control file virtualization (LUAfv) Service: ECHO Y|NET.EXE START luafv SC.EXE CONFIG luafv START= auto :: Enable UAC: REG.EXE ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ Reboot. * UAC and Application Run Levels: http://www.slickit.ca/2009/05/uac-and-application-run-levels.html * Disable UAC Prompt for certain apps: http://web.archive.org/web/20080103052016/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946932 More info: http://web.archive.org/web/20121225075400/http://kartones.net/blogs/kartones/archive/2008/01/21/kb946932-disabling-uac-prompt-for-certain-apps-not-that-useful.aspx * Selectively disable UAC for trusted Windows Vista/7/newer apps: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/selectively-disable-uac-for-your-trusted-vista-applications/ * Change User Account Control (UAC) settings: - Disable Windows User Access Control (UAC): http://www.keithholloway.net/blog/how-to-disable-windows-user-access-control-uac/ - Registry Tweaks to Customize User Account Control (UAC) Options in Windows Vista and Later: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-tweak-user-account-control-uac-options-in-windows-vista-home-basic-home-premium/ - MS TechNet: UAC Group Policy Settings and Registry Key Settings: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd835564.aspx - MSDN: FilterAdministratorToken Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232760.aspx - MSDN: ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232761.aspx - MSDN: ConsentPromptBehaviorUser Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232762.aspx - MSDN: EnableInstallerDetection Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232763.aspx - MSDN: ValidateAdminCodeSignatures Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232764.aspx - MSDN: EnableLUA Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232765.aspx - MSDN: PromptOnSecureDesktop Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232766.aspx - MSDN: EnableVirtualization Registry REG_DWORD value: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232767.aspx - MSKB: PromptOnSecureDesktop Registry Value: http://support.microsoft.com/help/975788/ - Configure Windows UAC prompt behavior for admins and users: http://www.ghacks.net/2013/06/20/how-to-configure-windows-uac-prompt-behavior-for-admins-and-users/ - Changing How UAC Works (The Hard Way): http://www.sourcedaddy.com/windows-7/changing-how-uac-works-the-hard-way.html - Windows 7: User Account Control (UAC) Change Notification Settings: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/299-user-account-control-uac-change-notification-settings.html - MSKB: Adjust User Account Control Settings in Windows 7/8/8.1: http://support.microsoft.com/help/975787/ * Free(ware) UAC tools: - UAC Pass: http://sites.google.com/site/freeavvarea/UACPass-en/ File: http://sites.google.com/site/freeavvarea/files/uacpass1.7a.zip - UAC Tweak: http://www.askvg.com/uac-tweak-a-small-cute-utility-to-tweak-uac-user-account-control-in-windows-vista/ File: http://media.askvg.com/files/uac-tweak.zip - TweakUAC: http://www.winability.com/tweak-uac/ File: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweakuac.html - Disable UAC: http://www.disableuac.com/ File: http://www.disableuac.com/disableuac_setup.exe * Run always as Administrator: http://www.superuser.com/questions/204781/ A. Add User to Administrators Group + remove User from Users Group: 1. Log in as Administrator -> Run... [hold WinKey + press R] -> type: CONTROL.EXE userpasswords2 -> press Enter. 2. Your Account Name -> Properties -> Group Membership tab -> Administrators -> OK -> OK. B. Disable Approval Mode: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-tweak-user-account-control-uac-options-in-windows-vista-home-basic-home-premium/ http://www.tweakhound.com/vista/tweakguide/page_5.htm http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc232771.aspx 1. Log in as Administrator -> Run... [hold WinKey + press R] -> type: SECPOL.MSC -> press Enter. 2. Local Polices -> Security Options. 3. User Account Control (UAC): Switch to secure desktop when prompting for elevation -> Disable -> OK. 4. Must reboot for these changes to take effect!  Free(ware) BOOT Tools + Tweaks * Free(ware) Windows Boot Managers: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#BOO * BOOTCFG + BOOT.INI: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#BINI * Free(ware) DOS Boot Managers: http://www.mdgx.com/dos.htm#BTM * BellaVista 32-bit + 64-bit BOOT.INI, Boot Configuration Data (BCD) + BCDEdit.exe interface (GUI) tweaking tool: http://www.zezula.net/en/fstools/bellavista.html File: http://www.zezula.net/download/bellavista_en.zip * Visual BCD Editor (VBCDE) Boot Configuration Data (BCD) + BCDEdit.exe interface (GUI) tweaking tool: http://www.boyans.net/ VBCDE Download: http://www.boyans.net/DownloadVisualBCD.html File: http://www.boyans.net/VisualBcd/VisualBcd_0.9.3.1.msi VBCDE DOCument: http://www.boyans.net/VisualBCD_doc.htm VBCDE Guide: http://www.boyans.net/VBCD_HowTo.html * Dual-Boot Repair (DBR) GUI tool repairs any Windows XP/newer multi-boot setup: http://www.boyans.net/dual-boot-repair-windows-10.html File: http://www.boyans.net/dbr7/dbr-1.3.0.0.zip Online Help: http://www.boyans.net/DualBootRepairHelp.html Repair Windows boot: http://www.boyans.net/RepairWindows/repair-windows-boot.html Requires Microsoft .Net Framework Redistributable (NFR) 2.0/newer (free): http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#NFR * EasyBCD Community Edition 32-bit Boot Configuration Data (BCD), BCDEDIT.EXE + BOOT.INI interface (GUI) tweaking tool: http://www.neosmart.net/EasyBCD/ File: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/EasyBCD.shtml EasyBCD Online DOCumentation: http://www.neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/ * MBRFix 32-bit + 64-bit command line MBR/EMBR create/backup/restore/repair tool: http://www.sysint.no/mbrfix/ File: http://www.sysint.no/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mbrfix.zip http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Hard-Disk-Utils/MBRFix.shtml * Stop Check Disk (ChkDsk) [CHKDSK.EXE = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 (%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS)] from Running at Startup: http://www.top-password.com/blog/stop-check-disk-chkdsk-from-running-at-startup/ Example of DOS console command line: CHKNTFS.EXE /X C: D: E: F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: P: Q: R: S: T: U: V: W: X: Y: Z: Manually Clear or Set Dirty Bit on Windows (Boot) Volume: http://www.top-password.com/blog/how-to-manually-clear-or-set-dirty-bit-on-windows-volume/ View all ChkDsk available options + parameters: CHKDSK.EXE /? View all ChkNTFS available options + parameters: CHKNTFS.EXE /? * Optimize Windows 7/8/8.1/10 for Solid State Drives (SSDs): http://www.thomas-krenn.com/en/wiki/Optimize_Windows_for_SSDs http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/optimize-ssd-windows.php http://www.howtogeek.com/256859/ * Fsutil (FSUTIL.EXE) = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc753059.aspx Troubleshoot Disks and File Systems: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb457122.aspx Windows 7 FSUTIL.EXE Update improves compatibility with Advanced Format Disks: http://support.microsoft.com/help/982018/ FSUTIL.EXE: http://www.ss64.com/nt/fsutil.html File System Utility - Fsutil.exe: http://www.commandwindows.com/fsutil.htm FSUTIL behavior: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc785435.aspx FSUTIL quota: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc788136.aspx FSUTIL resource: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/ff621564.aspx FSUTIL usn: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc788042.aspx FSUTIL fsinfo: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc788080.aspx FSUTIL 8dot3name: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/ff621566.aspx FSUTIL dirty: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc788091.aspx FSUTIL file: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc788058.aspx Monitor Disk Space using FSUTIL: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/powersql-by-prashanth-jayaram/2016/09/27/sql-server-monitoring-disk-space-with-fsutil-command-line-utility/ Monitor File System using FSUTIL: http://tutorial.wmlcloud.com/windows_server/Windows-Server-2008-Server-Core---Monitoring-the-File-System-with-the-FSUtil-Command-(part-2)---FSInfo,-Hardlink,-ObjectID,-Quota---Repair.aspx Enable SSD TRIM = Turn ON DisableDeleteNotify -> 0 = ON | 1 = OFF : http://www.howtogeek.com/257196/how-to-check-if-trim-is-enabled-for-your-ssd-and-enable-it-if-it-isnt/ FSUTIL.EXE behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set AllowExtChar 1 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set BugcheckOnCorrupt 0 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set DisableCompression 0 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set DisableEncryption 0 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set DisableLastAccess 0 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set EncryptPagingFile 1 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set MemoryUsage 2 FSUTIL.EXE behavior set Disable8dot3 0 * BootCfg (BOOTCFG.EXE) = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: Windows Recovery Console (WRC) command used to build or modify the BOOT.INI file in Windows 2000/XP/2003. Can be used to multi-boot with other operating systems (OSes), like Windows Vista/7/8/8.1, Linux, etc. BOOT.INI can be created/modified using a plain text/ASCII editor from within other OSes. Free(ware) Text Editors: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT Syntax: bootcfg /list /list = lists every entry in the boot list in the BOOT.INI file. bootcfg /scan /scan = scans all drives for Windows installations + displays the results. bootcfg /rebuild /rebuild = steps through the process of rebuilding the BOOT.INI file. bootcfg /default /default = sets the default boot entry in the BOOT.INI file. bootcfg /add /add = adds an entry manually in the BOOT.INI boot list. Examples: bootcfg /rebuild In this example the bootcfg command scans all drives for any Windows installations, displays the results, and steps through building the BOOT.INI file. NOTE: The bootcfg command is only available from within the Recovery Console in Windows 2000/XP/2003. * Switch Windows 7/7 SP1 Boot Disk from D: to C: using BcdBoot (BCDBOOT.EXE) -> see bellow: http://www.hanselman.com/blog/SwitchingMyWindows7BootDiskFromDToCWithBCDBootRatherThanBCDEdit.aspx http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/1a909e7c-6ffe-48df-a179-6cba7256e836/ http://www.boyans.net/MoveWindows7BootFilesToAnotherDrive.html View all BcdBoot available options + parameters: BCDBOOT.EXE /? * BcdBoot (BCDBOOT.EXE) = [Windows 7/7 SP1 only] = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: BCD boot file creation and repair tool. The bcdboot.exe command-line tool is used to copy critical boot files to the system partition and to create a new system BCD store. bcdboot [/l ] [/s ] [/v] [/m [{OS Loader ID}]] source Specifies the location of the windows system root. /l Specifies an optional locale parameter to use when initializing the BCD store. The default is US English. /s Specifies an optional volume letter parameter to designate the target system partition where boot environment files are copied. The default is the system partition identified by the firmware. /v Enables verbose mode. /m If an OS loader GUID is provided, this option merges the given loader object with the system template to produce a bootable entry. Otherwise, only global objects are merged. Examples: bcdboot C:\WINDOWS /l en-us bcdboot C:\WINDOWS /s h: bcdboot C:\WINDOWS /m {d58d10c6-df53-11dc-878f-00064f4f4e08} * BcdEdit (BCDEDIT.EXE) = [Windows 7/7 SP1 only] = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: Boot Configuration Data Store Editor. MS TechNet: BCDEdit Command Line Options: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc709667.aspx BCDEdit Guide: http://diddy.boot-land.net/bcdedit/ BCDEdit commands: http://diddy.boot-land.net/bcdedit/files/commands_list.htm BCDEdit command line tool: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2676-bcdedit-how-use.html Use BCDEdit to dual-boot multiple Windows: http://www.superuser.com/questions/511582/ Dual-boot Windows 7 and Linux using BCDEdit: http://www.iceflatline.com/2009/09/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-linux-using-bcdedit/ Loading/Installing Grub4Dos from Windows: http://diddy.boot-land.net/grub4dos/files/install_windows.htm The Bcdedit.exe command-line tool modifies the boot configuration data store. The boot configuration data store contains boot configuration parameters and controls how the operating system is booted. These parameters were previously in the Boot.ini file (in BIOS-based operating systems) or in the nonvolatile RAM entries (in Extensible Firmware Interface-based operating systems). You can use Bcdedit.exe to add, delete, edit, and append entries in the boot configuration data store. For detailed command and option information run: bcdedit.exe /? For example, to display detailed info about the /createstore command run: bcdedit.exe /? /createstore For an alphabetical list of topics in this help file run: bcdedit /? TOPICS Commands that operate on a store ================================ /createstore Creates a new and empty boot configuration data store. /export Exports the contents of the system store to a file. This file can be used later to restore the state of the system store. /import Restores the state of the system store using a backup file created with the /export command. /sysstore Sets the system store device (only affects EFI systems, does not persist across reboots, and is only used in cases where the system store device is ambiguous). Commands that operate on entries in a store =========================================== /copy Makes copies of entries in the store. /create Creates new entries in the store. /delete Deletes entries from the store. /mirror Creates mirror of entries in the store. Run bcdedit /? ID for information about identifiers used by these commands. Commands that operate on entry options ====================================== /deletevalue Deletes entry options from the store. /set Sets entry option values in the store. Run bcdedit /? TYPES for a list of datatypes used by these commands. Run bcdedit /? FORMATS for a list of valid data formats. Commands that control output ============================ /enum Lists entries in the store. /v Command-line option that displays entry identifiers in full, rather than using names for well-known identifiers. Use /v by itself as a command to display entry identifiers in full for the ACTIVE type. Running "bcdedit" by itself is equivalent to running: bcdedit /enum ACTIVE Commands that control the boot manager ====================================== /bootsequence Sets the one-time boot sequence for the boot manager. /default Sets the default entry that the boot manager will use. /displayorder Sets the order in which the boot manager displays the multiboot menu. /timeout Sets the boot manager time-out value. /toolsdisplayorder Sets the order in which the boot manager displays the tools menu. Commands that control Emergency Management Services for a boot application ========================================================================== /bootems Enables or disables Emergency Management Services for a boot application. /ems Enables or disables Emergency Management Services for an operating system entry. /emssettings Sets the global Emergency Management Services parameters. Command that control debugging ============================== /bootdebug Enables or disables boot debugging for a boot application. /dbgsettings Sets the global debugger parameters. /debug Enables or disables kernel debugging for an operating system entry. /hypervisorsettings Sets the hypervisor parameters. TOPICS IN THIS HELP FILE To display help for a topic run: bcdedit /? where is one of the following: bootdebug /bootdebug command. bootems /bootems command. bootsequence /bootsequence command. copy /copy command. create /create command. createstore /createstore command. dbgsettings /dbgsettings command. debug /debug command. default /default command. delete /delete command. deletevalue /deletevalue command. displayorder /displayorder command. ems /ems command. emssettings /emssettings command. enum /enum command. export /export command. FORMATS Formats for types. hypervisorsettings /hypervisorsettings command. ID Identifiers for entries.. import /import command. mirror /mirror command. set /set command. store /store command-line option. timeout /timeout command. toolsdisplayorder /toolsdisplayorder command. TYPES Types that apply to any entry. TYPES BOOTAPP Types that apply to boot applications. These include the boot manager, memory diagnostic application, Windows OS loader, and the resume application. TYPES BOOTMGR Types that apply to the boot manager. TYPES BOOTSECTOR Types that apply to the boot sector application. TYPES CUSTOMTYPES Custom types. TYPES FWBOOTMGR Types that apply to the firmware boot manager TYPES MEMDIAG Types that apply to the memory diagnostic application TYPES NTLDR Types that apply to the NTLDR based OS loader TYPES OSLOADER Types that apply to the Windows OS loader TYPES RESUME Types that apply to the resume application v /v command-line option TYPES The /set and /deletevalue commands require a as a parameter. uniquely identifies both the data format and meaning of the value. Data types are identified using either a name or a custom type. The names are listed below, along with their data formats (in parentheses) and a short description of the custom type. If a format is not specified, then the description lists the literal values that you can use for that type. For information about data formats run: bcdedit /? formats The following types are valid for any entry. For information about types that are specific to a particular entry, such as boot manager entries or the Windows OS Loader entries, see the end of this help topic. Entries ======= DESCRIPTION (string) Defines the description of the entry. PATH (string) Defines the path to the application. DEVICE (device) Defines the device that the application resides on. INHERIT (list) Defines the list of entries to be inherited. For information about additional types for device objects run: bcdedit /? TYPES DEVOBJECT For information about additional types for particular applications run: bcdedit /? TYPES where is one of the following: BOOTAPP Boot applications. These types also apply to the boot manager, memory diagnostic application, Windows OS loader, and the resume application. BOOTMGR Boot manager. BOOTSECTOR Boot sector application. CUSTOMTYPES Custom types. DEVOBJECT Device object additional options. FWBOOTMGR Firmware boot manager MEMDIAG Memory diagnostic application NTLDR OS loader that shipped with earlier Windows OS OSLOADER Windows Vista OS loader RESUME Resume application The following describes the formats of the data that are required for used with the /set command. The format that is required depends on the that you specify with the /set command. For more information about the formats associated with each , run "bcdedit /? TYPES". bool A boolean value. The following values correspond to TRUE: 1, ON, YES, TRUE The following values correspond to FALSE: 0, OFF, NO, FALSE device A device can be one of the following types: BOOT PARTITION= HD_PARTITION= FILE=[] RAMDISK=[], VHD=[], The options for these types are: A drive letter with a colon and no trailing backslashes. (Required) Can be either BOOT, LOCATE, or a drive letter with colon. The square brackets do not indicate that this is optional, but are a literal part of the syntax. A path to the file (or .wim file) from the root of the parent device. The identifier to the device options entry that contains the system deployment image (SDI) options for the RAM disk. This is usually {ramdisksdioptions}. Supplies an optional element used to locate a device within a VHD. The default locate element for a device is its application path (systemroot for an osdevice). Custom values must be specified using custom element sytax (see -help types customtypes), for example: locate=custom:22000002. id An entry identifier, which refers to an entry in the boot configuration data store. Run: bcdedit /? ID for more information about identifiers. integer A 64-bit integer type. Some integer types can be set using enumerated values. integerlist A list of one or more 64-bit integers, separated by spaces. This list should not be enclosed in quotation marks. list An entry identifier list. It contains one or more entry identifiers separated by spaces. The list should not be enclosed in quotation marks. string A literal string. If it contains spaces, it should be surrounded by quotation marks (""). DEVICE ADDITIONAL OPTIONS The following types apply to device additional options entries. For information about data formats for these types run: bcdedit /? FORMATS The following options are valid for the device additional options entry: Ramdisk EXPORTASCD (bool) Enables exporting the RAM disk as a CD. RAMDISKIMAGELENGTH (integer) Defines the image length for the RAM disk. RAMDISKIMAGEOFFSET (integer) Defines the image offset for the RAM disk. RAMDISKSDIDEVICE (device) Defines the device on which the SDI file is located. RAMDISKSDIPATH (string) Defines the path to the SDI file. RAMDISKTFTPCLIENTPORT (integer) Defines the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) client port for the RAM disk Windows Imaging (WIM) file. RAMDISKTFTPBLOCKSIZE (integer) Defines the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) block size for the RAM disk Windows Imaging (WIM) file. RAMDISKTFTPWINDOWSIZE (integer) Defines the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) window size for RAM disk Windows imaging (WIM) file. RAMDISKMCENABLED (bool) Enables or disables Multicast for RAM disk Windows Imaging (WIM) file. RAMDISKMCTFTPFALLBACK (bool) Enables fallback to TFTP if Multicast fails. IDENTIFIERS Many of the Bcdedit commands require identifiers. An identifier uniquely identifies entries contained in the store. An identifier takes the form of a globally unique identifier, or GUID. A GUID has the following format, where each "x" represents a hexadecimal digit. {xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx} For example: {d2b69192-8f14-11da-a31f-ea816ab185e9} The position of the dashes (-) and the braces {} at the beginning and end of the GUID are required. Several entries can be identified by well-known identifiers. If an entry has a well-known identifier, BCDedit displays it in output unless the /v command-line switch is used. For more information run: bcdedit /? /v The well-known identifiers are as follows: {bootmgr} Specifies the Windows boot manager entry. {fwbootmgr} Specifies the firmware boot manager entry, specifically on systems that implement the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) specification. {memdiag} Specifies the memory diagnostic application entry. {ntldr} Specifies a OS loader (Ntldr) that can be used to start operating systems earlier than Windows Vista/2008/7. {current} Specifies a virtual identifier that corresponds to the operating system boot entry for the operating system that is currently running. {default} Specifies a virtual identifier that corresponds to the boot manager default application entry. {ramdiskoptions} Contains the additional options required by the boot manager for RAM disk devices. {dbgsettings} Contains the global debugger settings that can be inherited by any boot application entry. {emssettings} Contains the global Emergency Management Services settings that can be inherited by any boot application entry. {badmemory} Contains the global RAM defect list that can be inherited by any boot application entry. {globalsettings} Contains the collection of global settings that should be inherited by all boot application entries. {bootloadersettings} Contains the collection of global settings that should be inherited by all Windows boot loader application entries. {resumeloadersettings} Contains the collection of global settings that should be inherited by all Windows resume from hibernation application entries. {hypervisorsettings} Contains the hypervisor settings that can be inherited by any OS loader entry. This command sets an entry option value in the boot configuration data store. bcdedit [/store ] /set [{}] [ /addfirst | /addlast | /remove ] Specifies the store to be used. If this option is not specified, the system store is used. For more information run: bcdedit /? store Specifies the identifier of the entry to be modified. If not specified, {current} is used. For more information about identifiers run: bcdedit /? ID Specifies the option data type that will be created or modified. Run: bcdedit /? TYPES for more information about data types. Specifies the value that should be assigned to the option. The format of depends on the data type specified. Run: bcdedit /? FORMATS for more information about data formats. /addfirst This switch can only be used if datatype is an object list. Adds the specified entry identifier to the top of the list. If this switch is specified, only a single entry identifier may be specified. If the specified identifier is already in the list, it will be moved to the top of the list. /addlast This switch can only be used if datatype is an object list. Adds the specified entry identifier to the end of the list. If this switch is specified, only a single entry identifier may be specified. If the specified identifier is already in the list, it is moved to the end of the list. /remove This switch can only be used if datatype is an object list. Removes the specified entry identifier from the list. If this switch is specified, only a single entry identifier may be specified. If the identifier is not in the list then the operation has no effect. If the last entry is being removed, then the datatype value is deleted. Examples: The following command sets the application device to the partition C: for the specified operating system entry: bcdedit /set {cbd971bf-b7b8-4885-951a-fa03044f5d71} device partition=C: NOTE: Use 'hd_partiton=' syntax to explicitly disable automatic VHD detection, and create entries that are compatible for booting a virtual machine, i.e.: bcdedit /store F:\boot\bcd /set {default} device hd_partition=F: The following command sets the OS device to a VHD file (C:\vdisks\vdisk01.vhd) for the specified operating system entry: bcdedit /set {cbd971bf-b7b8-4885-951a-fa03044f5d71} osdevice vhd=[C:]\vdisks\disk01.vhd The following command sets the application path to \windows\system32\winload.exe for the specified operating system entry: bcdedit /set {cbd971bf-b7b8-4885-951a-fa03044f5d71} path \windows\system32\winload.exe The following command sets the NX policy to OptIn for the current operating system boot entry. bcdedit /set nx optin * BootRec (BOOTREC.EXE) = [Windows 7/7 SP1 only] = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: http://support.microsoft.com/help/927392/ You can use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to troubleshoot and repair the following items in Windows Vista or 7: * A master boot record (MBR). * A boot sector. * A Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. NOTE: When you are troubleshooting startup issues by using Windows RE, you should first try the Startup Repair option in the System Recovery Options dialog box. If the Startup Repair option does not resolve the issue, or if you must troubleshoot more steps manually, use the Bootrec.exe tool. To run the Bootrec.exe tool you must start Windows RE. To do this, follow these steps: 1. Put the Windows Vista or 7 installation disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer. 2. Press a key when you are prompted. 3. Select a language, a time, a currency, a keyboard or an input method, and then click Next. 4. Click Repair your computer. 5. Click the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next. 6. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click Command Prompt. 7. Type Bootrec.exe, and then press ENTER. NOTE: To start the computer from the Windows Vista or 7 DVD, the computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive. For more information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation included with the computer or contact the computer manufacturer. The Bootrec.exe tool supports the following options. Use the option appropriate for your situation. NOTE: Use the Bootrec.exe tool to troubleshoot "Bootmgr Is Missing" issue. If rebuilding the BCD does not resolve the startup issue, you can export and delete the BCD, and then run this option again. By doing this, you make sure that the BCD is completely rebuilt. To do this, type the following commands at the Windows RE command prompt: bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup c: cd boot attrib bcd -s -h -r ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old bootrec /RebuildBcd /FixMbr The /FixMbr option writes a Windows 7 or Vista compatible MBR to the system partition. This option does not overwrite the existing partition table. Use this option when you must resolve MBR corruption issues, or when you have to remove non-standard code from the MBR. /FixBoot The /FixBoot option writes a new boot sector to the system partition by using a boot sector that is compatible with Windows Vista or 7. Use this option if one of the following conditions is true: * The boot sector has been replaced with a non-standard Windows Vista or 7 boot sector. * The boot sector is damaged. * An earlier Windows operating system has been installed after Windows Vista or 7 was installed. In this scenario the computer starts by using Windows NT Loader (NTLDR) instead of Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr.exe). /ScanOs The /ScanOs option scans all disks for installations compatible with Windows Vista or 7. Additionally, this option displays the entries currently not in the BCD store. Use this option when there are Windows Vista or 7 installations that the Boot Manager menu does not list. /RebuildBcd The /RebuildBcd option scans all disks for installations compatible with Windows Vista or 7. Additionally, this option lets you select the installations you want to add to the BCD store. Use this option when you must completely rebuild the BCD. Startup Repair can automatically recover from most BCD problems. If you prefer to manually analyze and repair problems, you can use the command line tool BootRec.exe by starting the System Recovery tools and then clicking Command Prompt in the System Recovery Options dialog box. BootRec.exe supports the following command line parameters: /FIXMBR writes a new MBR to the system partition. /FIXBOOT writes a new boot sector onto the system partition. /SCANOS scans all disks for Windows installations and displays entries currently not in the BCD store. /REBUILDBCD scans all disks for Windows installations and provides a choice of which entries to add to the BCD store. * BootSect (BOOTSECT.EXE) = [Windows 7/7 SP1 only] = located in %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 [%WinDir% = usually C:\WINDOWS]: Boot sector restoration tool. bootsect {/help|/nt60|/nt52} {SYS|ALL|:} [/force] [/mbr] Bootsect.exe updates the master boot code for hard disk partitions in order to switch between BOOTMGR and NTLDR. You can use this tool to restore the boot sector on your computer. /help Displays these usage instructions. /nt52 Applies the master boot code that is compatible with NTLDR to SYS, ALL, or . The operating system installed on SYS, ALL, or must be older than Windows Vista. /nt60 Applies the master boot code that is compatible with BOOTMGR to SYS, ALL, or . The operating system installed on SYS, ALL, or must be Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 or later. SYS Updates the master boot code on the system partition used to boot Windows. ALL Updates the master boot code on all partitions. ALL does not necessarily update the boot code for each volume. Instead, this option updates the boot code on volumes that could be used as Windows boot volumes, which excludes any dynamic volumes that are not connected with an underlying disk partition. This restriction is present because boot code must be located at the beginning of a disk partition. Updates the master boot code on the volume associated with this drive letter. Boot code will not be updated if either 1) is not associated with a volume or 2) is associated with a volume not connected to an underlying disk partition. /force Forcibly dismounts the volume(s) during the boot code update. You should use this option with caution. If Bootsect.exe cannot gain exclusive volume access then the file system may overwrite the boot code before the next reboot. Bootsect.exe always attempts to lock and dismount the volume before each update. When /force is specified, a forced dismount is attempted if the initial lock attempt fails. A lock can fail, for example, if files on the target volume are currently opened by other programs. When successful, a forced dismount allows exclusive volume access and a reliable boot code update even though the initial lock failed. At the same time, a forced dismount invalidates all open handles to files on the target volume. This could result in unexpected behavior from the programs that opened these files. Therefore, you should use this option with caution. /mbr Updates the Master Boot Record without changing the partition table on sector 0 of the disk that contains the partition specified by SYS, ALL, or drive letter. When used with /nt52 option, the master boot record is compatible with operating systems older than Windows Vista. When used with the /nt60 option, the master boot record is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 or later. Example: To apply the master boot code that is compatible with NTLDR to the volume labeled E:, use the following command: bootsect /nt52 E:  Windows Side-by-Side (WinSxS) Folder * Move/delete WinSxS folder/files in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10: 01. Download + unzip PendMove (PendMove.exe) + MoveFile (MoveFile.exe) -> place them inside your C:\WINDOWS\System32 folder. http://technet.microsoft.com/sysinternals/pendmoves.aspx File: http://download.sysinternals.com/files/PendMoves.zip 02. Explorer -> \Windows\WinSxS -> right-click on it -> Properties -> Security tab -> must list the owner of the directory user (Administrator) -> must grant Administrator Full Control. 03. Run an Administrator command prompt -> create dummy directory: mkdir C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.moved 04. Create junction (a.k.a. symbolic link): mklink /J C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.link WinSxS.moved 05. Delete WinSxS.moved directory: rmdir C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.moved 06. Use MoveFile to schedule renaming of WinSxS directory at next reboot. 07. Run Administrator command prompt: movefile C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.moved This will rename WinSxS directory before Windows can get a lock on it. 08. Run Administrator command prompt: movefile C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.link C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS This restores new WinSxS directory back to avoid OS critical errors! 09. Run Administrator command prompt: pendmoves This shows the 2 pending moves you executed above with no errors -> reboot. 10. Upon reboot critical rename/move operations will execute and WinSxS directory will be unlocked + allowed to be moved. 11. Run Administrator command prompt: dir C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS* Can see WinSxS.moved directory contents and WinSxS junction. If this doesn't work, MUST repeat steps above! 12. Explorer -> copy entire WinSxS.moved directory to \Windows directory on different drive/partition/volume (example D:). 13. Rename new directory from WinSxS.moved back to WinSxS . 14. Run Administrator command prompt: rmdir C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS 15. Run Administrator command prompt: mklink /J C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS D:\Windows\WinSxS 16. Explorer -> browse to C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS -> should see all files, even if now physically located on different drive/partition/volume. 17. Reboot. 18. Now you should be able to delete C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS.moved to free disk space. * Move/delete WU downloads folder in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1: Same process can be applied to Windows Updates (WU) list. Installed Windows Updates are configured to download to C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution which will grow too large, and take too much space. Stop WU service -> moveCreate a directory junction -> restart WU service -> done. * Q: Should you delete files inside \WinSxS directory? And what's the deal with VSS? A: No. Why? Because component store (\WinSxS) is needed to repair OS binaries in the event file(s) become corrupted or compromised. Directories located under component store: \WinSxS\Catalogs = Security catalogs for each manifest on the system; \WinSxS\InstallTemp = Temporary location for install events; \WinSxS\Manifests = Component manifest for each specific component used during operation to make sure files end up in proper location; \WinSxS\Temp = Temp directory used for various operations, pending renames; \WinSxS\Backup = Backups of manifest files in case the copy in \WinSxS\Manifests becomes corrupted; \WinSxS\Filemaps = File system mapping to a file location; \WinSxS\ = Binary payloads for each specific component. So long as files in the \Windows\System32 directory are valid, most likely you wouldn't see any problems initially, the machine would most likely operate properly. However, the 1st time you attempt to update a binary, apply a service pack or service a component, it's going to fail because the backing components needed don't exist anymore. The way files end up in \System32 are via hardlinks. This should help answer another question regarding how VSS is used in servicing. Short answer: No. We use NTFS hardlinks to project the file to the file system from the component store. That's why the \WinSxS directory is so important. The files there can be seen as the "authoritative" versions on the file system. When there is an issue and a binary needs to be replaced, running SFC /SCANFILE against it verifies the directories above and if the version doesn't match, it will re-project it so it stars working again. See the hardlink via CLI (example): C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers>fsutil hardlink list ntfs.sys \Windows\System32\drivers\ntfs.sys \Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-ntfs_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_02661b64369ca03a\ntfs.sys You can see the NTFS file has a link to the \WinSxS directory and if that version of NTFS were to become corrupted, we could go back to the component store and find a new copy. The \WinSxS backup directory exists in the event the version in the main directory has also become corrupted. This is a good method of having decent OS protection without consuming a huge amount of space. New servicing structure does remove the $NTUninstall$ folders that many people have become accustomed to in Windows NT/2000/XP/2003. Updates, if they are marked as removable, no longer contain that structure. Instead, updates are recommended to be removed via Control Panel -> Programs (and Features) -> (View) Installed Updates. Updates can be removed via appropriate switches using DISM.EXE or PKGMGR.EXE, but Control Panel method tends to be cleaner. * WinSxSLite: http://www.dmitrybobrovsky.ru/2012/09/05/decrease-of-the-size-of-folder-winsxs-in-windows-7-or-how-to-use-winsxslite-bat/ NEWest: http://sites.google.com/site/winsxslite/ File: http://raw.githubusercontent.com/ferventcoder/nugetpackages/master/WinsxsLite1.88.zip OLD Version: http://www.dmitrybobrovsky.ru/wp-content/uploads/files/winsxslite.zip * Reduce size of WinSxS folder with COMPCLN.EXE: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tr-dojo/reduce-the-size-of-the-winsxs-folder-with-vsp1clnexe-and-compclnexe/ http://www.boshdirect.com/Blogs/Tech/how-to-reduce-size-of-winsxs.html * WinSxS = Reduce folder size by deleting some files: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2008/09/17/what-is-the-winsxs-directory-in-windows-2008-and-windows-vista-and-why-is-it-so-large.aspx http://blogs.technet.com/b/joscon/archive/2010/08/06/should-you-delete-files-in-the-winsxs-directory-and-what-s-the-deal-with-vss.aspx http://www.helpdeskgeek.com/windows-8/cleanup-the-winsxs-folder-in-windows-8-7/ * WinSxS = Delete duplicates by hand: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=109131 * Delete Windows 7/8 backup files: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn251565.aspx * Deployment Image Servicing and Management (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\DISM.EXE = %WinDir% usually C:\WINDOWS) commands for component cleanup: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/what-is-dism/ http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-image-management-command-line-options-s14/ First backup/clone your operating system drive/partition/volume to a safe location. http://www.mdgx.com/secrets.htm#BKP Then from a DOS console command prompt (%WinDir%\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE): right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these 3 commands in this exact order -> press Enter: DISM.EXE /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup DISM.EXE /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase DISM.EXE /online /Cleanup-Image /SpSuperseded * Package Manager (PKGMGR.EXE) Command Line Options: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc749465.aspx Use Package Manager (PKGMGR.EXE) to Uninstall A Package: http://support.microsoft.com/help/940410/ * Windows 7 64-bit (x64) vLite extreme removal: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=136837 * WinSxS Folder in Windows 7/8 explained: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/winsxs-folder-windows-7-8  Free(ware) Burn/Copy/Write/Install CDs/DVDs/BDs Tools * Create Windows 7 Live CD/DVD/USB using WinBuilder: http://www.instantfundas.com/2010/12/how-to-create-windows-7-live-cddvdusb.html * WinBuilder: http://reboot.pro/files/file/4-winbuilder/ http://reboot.pro/files/download/4-winbuilder/ WinBuilder Scripts: http://reboot.pro/files/category/5-winbuilder/ WinBuilder Download Center = Scripts: http://multipe.exec-se.de/ * Win7PE_SE: http://reboot.pro/topic/12427-win7pe-se-release/ Win7PE SE Downloads [144 MB]: http://w7pese.cwcodes.net/Compressed/ multiPE 62 script: http://reboot.pro/files/file/61-multipe/ * Get WAIK Tools without downloading entire ISO: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=156869 File: http://db.tt/2l5l22OE * Create Windows 7 Bootable Install USB Drive ISO: http://www.softlay.net/operating-system/create-windows-7-bootable-usb-install-disk-drive-iso.html * Windows 7 Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK): http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=5753 Win7 WAIK ISO [1.7 GB]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/E/9/8E9BBC64-E6F8-457C-9B8D-F6C9A16E6D6A/KB3AIK_EN.iso Win7 WAIK ReadMe: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd349350.aspx Win7 SP1 WAIK Supplement: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5188 Win7 SP1 WAIK Supplement ISO [1.3 GB]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/4/C/04C805CC-4C04-4D76-BE80-7D67B951CF73/waik_supplement_en-us.iso * GImageX GUI for Windows Imaging: http://www.autoitconsulting.com/site/software/gimagex/ * ei.cfg Removal Utility (Windows 7 Universal CD) Make Your Windows 7 Disc Universal: http://www.technibble.com/ei-cfg-removal-utility-repair-tool-of-the-week/ * Windows ISO Disc Image Utilities: http://code.kliu.org/misc/winisoutils/ * PEFactory WinBuilder add-on: http://multipe.exec-se.de/Documentation/multiPE/PEF_index.htm * PEChecksum 32-bit + 64-bit command line tool updates Portable EXEcutable (PE) files (EXE, DLL, OCX, SYS, DRV, MUI) 32-bit + 64-bit signatures: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/utilities/#PEChecksum PEChecksum 32-bit: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/utilities/PEChecksum.exe PEChecksum 64-bit: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/utilities/PEChecksum64.exe * Tools: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/list-freeware-releases-from-the-windows-club/ http://www.winaero.com/ http://www.xptsp.com/ http://www.blogsdna.com/ http://www.xp-smoker.com/ Themes: http://www.winaero.com/news.php?cat.2 Downloads: http://www.winaero.com/download.php?list.2 * WinCDEmu 32-bit + 64-bit mounts CD/DVD/BD ISO/IMG images on HDD/SSD/USB: http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu Portable: http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/portable/ File: http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/download/ * WinFLASHTool writes raw CD/DVD/BD disk images to memory cards/sticks: http://winflashtool.sysprogs.com/ File: http://www.sysprogs.com/files/WinFLASHTool/v2/WinFlashTool.exe Download: http://winflashtool.sysprogs.com/download/ * cdrtfe Audio/CD/XCD/VCD/DVD/BD ISO/bootable burning tool: http://cdrtfe.sourceforge.io/ http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdrtfe/ Download: http://cdrtfe.sourceforge.io/cdrtfe/download_en.html Portable: http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdrtfe/files/cdrtfe%20portable/ cdrtfe Tools: http://cdrtfe.sourceforge.io/tools/index_en.html Download: http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdrtools/ File: http://sourceforge.net/projects/cdrtools/files/ * Sevenize: http://www.sevenize.com/ * Completely Hide Windows 7 Shell, Logos, Icons, Start etc: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113896.0 * Completely hide Windows + Shell with 3rd party Front End GUI: http://www.gameex.com/Community/InstantShellerandShellingGuide.aspx * Windows 7 Boot Updater: http://www.coderforlife.com/projects/win7boot/  OEM * OEM licensing terms: http://web.archive.org/web/20141228133711/http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail (FLR) except they... - Do not provide any free direct support from Microsoft. - OEM licenses are tied to the 1st computer Windows is installed and activated on. - All hardware upgrades are allowed except for different model/version motherboard upgrades. - Cannot be used to upgrade directly from an older Windows OS.  Application (IN)Compatibility * Application Compatibility Info, Guides + Tips: To DEP or not to DEP... DisableNXShowUI: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askperf/archive/2008/06/17/to-dep-or-not-to-dep.aspx Script Compatibility Layers in Windows XP: http://web.archive.org/web/20111114000642/http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=286705 Configure "Compatibility" tab: http://www.intrntpirate.com/2012/03/29/configuring-the-compatibility-tab/ Use Windows Application Compatibility Mode (ACM): http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb456979.aspx Use Compatibility Administration tool in Windows 10: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/planning/using-the-compatibility-administrator-tool/ Use Compatibility Administration tool in Windows 7: http://www.sourcedaddy.com/windows-7/using-the-compatibility-administrator.html http://support.microsoft.com/help/317510/ http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc749034.aspx http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/selectively-disable-uac-for-your-trusted-vista-applications/ Use Compatibility Administration tool in Windows XP: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb456983.aspx Get Rid of UAC Prompts using Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT): http://www.ghacks.net/2010/07/08/get-rid-of-uac-prompts-with-microsofts-application-compatibility-toolkit/ Fix Old Games using Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT): http://classicgamefixes.wixsite.com/home/act-toolkit/ Create Shim/Fix using Compatibility Administrator tool: http://www.msigeek.com/4823/ Using Program Compatibility Mode in Windows 7: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/10436/using-program-compatibility-mode-in-windows-7/ Use Compatibility Mode to Fix App Problems: http://www.reviversoft.com/blog/2013/01/compatibility-mode/ Using RunAsHighest Fix: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd638322.aspx UAC and Application Run Levels: http://www.slickit.ca/2009/05/uac-and-application-run-levels.html Disable UAC for certain apps: http://web.archive.org/web/20080103052016/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946932 Selectively disable UAC for trusted Windows Vista/7/newer apps: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/selectively-disable-uac-for-your-trusted-vista-applications/ Exclude Programs from Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA): http://support.microsoft.com/help/2545347/ Application Compatibility: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/bb757005.aspx Application Compatibility: Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA): http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/bb756937.aspx Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA) - Part 2: http://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askperf/2007/10/05/the-program-compatibility-assistant-part-two/ Add/Remove Compatibility tab from Properties: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/237405-compatibility-tab-add-remove-properties.html * Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) (English): http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=7352 ACT 5.6 [12.2 MB]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/D/3/3/D33A8F5D-A7E1-4BBE-B04D-7A688785A229/ApplicationCompatibilityToolkitSetup.exe Requires Microsoft .Net Framework Redistributable (NFR) 3.5/newer (free): http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#NFR * AppCompatFlags "Layers" Registry REG_SZ (String) values are case insensitive: All Users (system wide) [HKLM Registry Hive Key]: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers Current User (logged on user) [HKCU Registry Hive Key]: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers Enumeration of multiple values is allowed on the same line: they must be separated by a space if more than 1. Meaning: http://www.verboon.info/2011/03/running-an-application-as-administrator-or-in-compatibility-mode/ Windows Vista = VISTARTM Windows Vista SP1 = VISTASP1 Windows Vista SP2 = VISTASP2 Windows XP SP3 = WINXPSP3 Windows XP SP2 = WINXPSP2 Windows 2000 = WIN2000 Windows 98/ME = WIN98 Windows 95 = WIN95 Run in 65536 colors (16-bit) = 16BITCOLOR Run in 256 colors (8-bit) = 256COLOR Run in 640x480 screen resolution = 640X480 Disable visual themes = DisableThemes Disable desktop composition = DisableDWM Disable display scaling on high DPI settings = HighDPIAware Run this program as Administrator = RunAsAdmin Enable program to work with SkyDrive = PlaceHolderFiles List of parameters: EveryOne-full (?) 16BITCOLOR 256COLOR 640X480 AlcatelLayer DisableCicero DisableDWM DisableNXHideUI DisableNXShowUI DisableThemes ElevateCreateProcess EnableNXShowUI HighDPIAware International LUA LUACleanUp NT4SP5 PlaceHolderFiles PlayerGetProcAddrExOverride ProfilesSetup RunAsAdmin RunAsInvoker RunAsHighest VISTARTM VISTASP1 VISTASP2 WIN95 WIN98 NT4SP5 WIN2000 WIN7RTM WIN8RTM WINSRV03SP1 WINSRV08SP1 WINXPSP2 WINXPSP3 * Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA) Service (PcaSvc): http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4161/disable-program-compatibility-assistant-in-windows-7-and-vista/ Disabled: ECHO Y|NET.EXE STOP PcaSvc SC.EXE CONFIG PcaSvc START= demand Enabled: ECHO Y|NET.EXE START PcaSvc SC.EXE CONFIG PcaSvc START= auto * Optimize Application Compatibility Registry settings: 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat] ; http://www.windows-security.org/a9e1f3187a2d9e753e52bc92a558b867/remove-program-compatibility-property-page/ ; http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/237405-compatibility-tab-add-remove-properties.html "DisablePropPage"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/13372c6a0a2d392443dc146ceb94d720/turn-off-application-telemetry/ "AITEnable"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/7be7ad4dce7009d71a3061f872f610e0/turn-off-steps-recorder/ "DisableUAR"=dword:1 ; http://www.windows-security.org/dc93a8ca81b69891762057593d8d2ccd/prevent-access-to-16-bit-applications/ "VDMDisallowed"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/a6c2ac5e5f13a880f6254303a16e20a4/turn-off-application-compatibility-engine/ "DisableEngine"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/6412ea982640d8a1dd2090387e2e5b29/turn-off-program-compatibility-assistant/ "DisablePCA"=dword:1 ; http://www.windows-security.org/36ff6b13efb41d27cc12094bc252b9f3/turn-off-switchback-compatibility-engine/ "SbEnable"=dword:1 ; Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) only: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat] ; http://www.windows-security.org/a9e1f3187a2d9e753e52bc92a558b867/remove-program-compatibility-property-page/ ; http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/237405-compatibility-tab-add-remove-properties.html "DisablePropPage"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/13372c6a0a2d392443dc146ceb94d720/turn-off-application-telemetry/ "AITEnable"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/7be7ad4dce7009d71a3061f872f610e0/turn-off-steps-recorder/ "DisableUAR"=dword:1 ; http://www.windows-security.org/dc93a8ca81b69891762057593d8d2ccd/prevent-access-to-16-bit-applications/ "VDMDisallowed"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/a6c2ac5e5f13a880f6254303a16e20a4/turn-off-application-compatibility-engine/ "DisableEngine"=dword:0 ; http://www.windows-security.org/6412ea982640d8a1dd2090387e2e5b29/turn-off-program-compatibility-assistant/ "DisablePCA"=dword:1 ; http://www.windows-security.org/36ff6b13efb41d27cc12094bc252b9f3/turn-off-switchback-compatibility-engine/ "SbEnable"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------  Control Panel (CP) + Omnipotent/Master/Mega/"god mode" (OMG) Control Panel * Wikipedia: Windows Omnipotent/Master/Mega/"god mode" (OMG) Control Panel folder/shortcut (all Control Panel items enumerated in bulleted list form): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Master_Control_Panel_shortcut http://www.nogeekleftbehind.com/2010/01/16/more-windows-7-god-mode-hacks/ http://technet.microsoft.com/magazine/hh706157.aspx * Add Control Panel (CP), Omnipotent/Master/Mega/"god mode" (OMG) Control Panel, Enable/Disable User Account Control (UAC), Open Console Command (CMD) Here as Administrator to Desktop right-click menu in Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/19706-control-panel-desktop-context-menu-create-windows-8-a.html * Control Panel (CP) Commands, Shortcuts + Folders in Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (examples): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_Panel_(Windows)#Standard_applets http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/shell/executing-control-panel-items/ http://docs.rainmeter.net/tips/launching-windows-special-folders/ http://www.thewindowsclub.com/shortcuts-shell-commands-clsid-windows-8/ http://www.howtogeek.com/257715/ http://www.lifewire.com/2626060/ http://www.winaero.com/blog/control-panel-context-menu-windows-10/ http://www.thewindowsclub.com/remove-click-context-menu-items-editors/ http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/6051-add-personalize-classic-context-menu-windows-10-a.html http://www.techspot.com/guides/1670-windows-right-click-menu/ http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/24451-add-bluetooth-context-menu-windows-10-a.html - Omnipotent/Master/Mega/"god mode" (OMG) Control Panel (all Control Panel items enumerated in bulleted list form): as Folder: @.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> System (About) [hold WinKey + press Pause/Break]: as Folder: @.{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE} - Control Panel behavior in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: as Folder: Small icons: @.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} Large icons: @.{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683} as Shortcut: Small icons: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} Large icons: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683} - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Personalization -> Window Color and Appearance (Aero): as Command line: CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Personalization /page pageColorization as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}\1\::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}\pageColorization - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> AutoPlay: as Command line: CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.AutoPlay as Folder: @.{9C60DE1E-E5FC-40f4-A487-460851A8D915} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{9C60DE1E-E5FC-40f4-A487-460851A8D915} - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Devices and Printers -> Bluetooth Devices: as Command line: Bluetooth Settings -> tab: Options: CONTROL.EXE bthprops.cpl,,1 RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL bthprops.cpl,,1 COM Ports: CONTROL.EXE bthprops.cpl,,2 RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL bthprops.cpl,,2 Hardware: CONTROL.EXE bthprops.cpl,,3 RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL bthprops.cpl,,3 Shared Folder: CONTROL.EXE bthprops.cpl,,4 RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL bthprops.cpl,,4 as Folder: @.{28803F59-3A75-4058-995F-4EE5503B023C} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{28803F59-3A75-4058-995F-4EE5503B023C} - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change adapter settings -> Your Connection -> drag connection name onto an empty Desktop spot or create shortcut [these examples may or may not work on your computer(s) depending on your connection(s) type(s)/name(s)]: as Folders: @.{38A98528-6CBF-4CA9-8DC0-B1E1D10F7B1B} @.{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87} @.{BA126ADB-2166-11D1-B1D0-00805FC1270E} as Shortcuts: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{38A98528-6CBF-4CA9-8DC0-B1E1D10F7B1B} EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{38A98528-6CBF-4CA9-8DC0-B1E1D10F7B1B} EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87} EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{BA126ADB-2166-11D1-B1D0-00805FC1270E} Right-click on an empty Desktop spot -> New -> create: Shortcut [.lnk] or Folder. - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Personalization -> Desktop Background: as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921} -Microsoft.Personalization\pageWallpaper - Control Panel -> All Control Panel Items -> Programs (and Features) -> (View) Installed Updates: as Folder: @.{d450a8a1-9568-45c7-9c0e-b4f9fb4537bd} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{d450a8a1-9568-45c7-9c0e-b4f9fb4537bd} - Task/Window Switcher [hold Alt + press Tab]: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,-10114 as Folder: @.{3080F90E-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} as Shortcut: EXPLORER.EXE SHELL:::{3080F90E-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} * Windows CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/110919-clsid-key-list-windows-7-a.html Windows 8/8.1 CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts: http://www.eightforums.com/threads/clsid-key-guid-shortcuts-list-for-windows-8.13591/ Windows 10 CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3123-clsid-key-guid-shortcuts-list-windows-10-a.html * Executing Windows Control Panel Items: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/cc144191.aspx http://support.microsoft.com/help/192806/ http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/4486.accessing-the-control-panel-via-the-commandline.aspx * Personalization: ****************************************************************************** Font Size and DPI DpiScaling.exe Screen Resolution CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,Settings,@Settings Screen Resolution CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Display /page Settings Display CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,Settings,@Settings Themes CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,Themes,@Themes Screen Saver CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,screensaver,@screensaver Multi Monitor CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,Monitor,@Monitor Color Scheme CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Personalization /page pageColorization Desktop Background CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Personalization /page pageWallpaper * System Properties: ****************************************************************************** Performance Options SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe Remote Access SystemPropertiesRemote.exe Computer Name SystemPropertiesComputerName.exe System Protection SystemPropertiesProtection.exe Advanced System Properties SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe Hardware SystemPropertiesHardware.exe Data Execution Prevention SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention.exe * Programs + Features: ****************************************************************************** Add/Remove Programs CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures Windows Features OptionalFeatures.exe * Regional + Language Options: ****************************************************************************** Keyboard CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.RegionalAndLanguageOptions /page /p:keyboard Location CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.RegionalAndLanguageOptions /page /p:location Administrative CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.RegionalAndLanguageOptions /page /p:administrative * Folder: ****************************************************************************** Folder searching RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 2 View RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 7 General RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 0 File associations CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageFileAssoc * Power: ****************************************************************************** Edit current plan settings CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.PowerOptions /page pagePlanSettings System settings CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.PowerOptions /page pageGlobalSettings Create a power plan CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.PowerOptions /page pageCreateNewPlan Advanced Settings CONTROL.EXE powercfg.cpl,,3 * Accessibility (Ease of Access): ****************************************************************************** Ease of Access Center CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.EaseOfAccessCenter * Control Panel (CP) canonical names in Windows Vista/newer: http://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/shell/controlpanel-canonical-names/ ****************************************************************************** CONTROL.EXE desktop Display Properties CONTROL.EXE color Display Properties Appearance tab CONTROL.EXE date/time Date and Time Properties CONTROL.EXE international Regional and Language Options CONTROL.EXE mouse Mouse Properties CONTROL.EXE keyboard Keyboard Properties CONTROL.EXE printers Printers and Faxes folder CONTROL.EXE fonts Fonts folder * Control Panel (CP) canonical names in Windows 2000/XP/2003/newer: ****************************************************************************** CONTROL.EXE folders Folder Options CONTROL.EXE netware Novell NetWare (if installed) CONTROL.EXE telephony Phone and Modem Options CONTROL.EXE admintools Administrative Tools folder CONTROL.EXE schedtasks Scheduled Tasks folder CONTROL.EXE netconnections Network Connections folder CONTROL.EXE infrared Infrared Monitor (if installed) CONTROL.EXE userpasswords User Accounts main menu CONTROL.EXE userpasswords2 User Accounts accounts menu * Control Panel tool Command ****************************************************************************** Accessibility Options CONTROL.EXE access.cpl Add New Hardware CONTROL.EXE sysdm.cpl add new hardware Add/Remove Programs CONTROL.EXE appwiz.cpl Date/Time Properties CONTROL.EXE timedate.cpl Display Properties CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl FindFast CONTROL.EXE findfast.cpl Fonts Folder CONTROL.EXE fonts Internet Explorer Properties CONTROL.EXE inetcpl.cpl Joystick Properties CONTROL.EXE joy.cpl Keyboard Properties CONTROL.EXE main.cpl keyboard Microsoft Exchange (Windows Messaging) CONTROL.EXE mlcfg32.cpl Microsoft Mail Post Office CONTROL.EXE wgpocpl.cpl Modem Properties CONTROL.EXE modem.cpl Mouse Properties CONTROL.EXE main.cpl Multimedia Properties CONTROL.EXE mmsys.cpl Network Properties CONTROL.EXE netcpl.cpl Password Properties CONTROL.EXE password.cpl PC Card CONTROL.EXE main.cpl pc card (PCMCIA) Power Management (Windows 95) CONTROL.EXE main.cpl power Power Management (Windows 98) CONTROL.EXE powercfg.cpl Printers Folder CONTROL.EXE printers Regional Settings CONTROL.EXE intl.cpl Scanners and Cameras CONTROL.EXE sticpl.cpl Sound Properties CONTROL.EXE mmsys.cpl sounds System Properties CONTROL.EXE sysdm.cpl * Using RUNDLL32.EXE in Windows Vista/newer: http://www.windows7tips.com/rundll32-vista-windows-7.html http://www.robvanderwoude.com/rundll.php http://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/the_ultimate_list_of_rundll32_commands_for_windows_1087.html http://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/here_are_all_the_rundll32_commands_for_windows_10.html http://web.archive.org/web/20150317044746/http://www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/control.htm http://web.archive.org/web/20150812103403/http://best-windows.vlaurie.com/rundll32.html http://www.commandwindows.com/windows7-commands.htm http://www.commandwindows.com/command3.htm http://www.commandwindows.com/runline.htm http://www.svolpi.ch/Windows/cmd.html http://www.eightforums.com/threads/36567/ Syntax: %WinDir%\SYSTEM32\RUNDLL32.EXE , Commands can be used in shortcuts, BATch files, scripts, etc. RUNDLL32.EXE Commands: Add/Remove/Uninstall Programs + Features: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,0 Personalization -> Desktop Background (Wallpaper): RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,@desktop Personalization -> Color and Appearance (Aero): RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,Advanced,@Advanced Content Advisor: RUNDLL32.EXE msrating.dll,RatingSetupUI Control Panel: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL Device Installation Settings: RUNDLL32.EXE newdev.dll,DeviceInternetSettingUi 2 Delete Internet Explorer (IE) browsing files using RUNDLL32.EXE + InetCpl.cpl: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/clear-ie-cache-command-line-rundll32/ http://www.superuser.com/questions/450014/ http://www.stackoverflow.com/questions/33447236/ http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/ie/ce81943b-32b8-437b-b620-171c3d5893e7/ Delete (Internet Explorer) History: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1 Delete (Internet Explorer) Cookies: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 2 Delete (Internet Explorer) Temporary Internet Files (TIF): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4 Delete (Internet Explorer) Favorites Cached Data (FCD) + History: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8 Delete (Internet Explorer) Form Data (FD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16 Delete (Internet Explorer) Passwords: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 32 Delete (Internet Explorer) Phishing Filter Data (PFD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 64 Delete (Internet Explorer) Web Page Recovery Data: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 128 Delete All (Internet Explorer) browsing + temporary files: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255 Delete All (Internet Explorer) browsing + temporary files but do not display GUI: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 256 Delete All (Internet Explorer) browsing + temporary files but do not use delete multi-threading: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 512 Delete (Internet Explorer) Private Mode Data (PMD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1024 Delete (Internet Explorer) Tracking Data (TD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 2048 Delete (Internet Explorer) Add-ons Data (AoD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4096 Delete All (Internet Explorer) Add-ons settings + data (AoSD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4351 Delete (Internet Explorer) History but keep Favorites Cached Data (FCD): RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8192 Delete (Internet Explorer) download History: RUNDLL32.EXE InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16384 Date and Time Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl Ease of Access Center: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL access.cpl Display Settings: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL access.cpl,,3 Device Manager: RUNDLL32.EXE DEVMGR.DLL,DeviceManager_Execute RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl,,0 Folder Options -> General: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 0 Folder Options -> File Types: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_Options 2 Folder Options -> Search: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 2 Folder Options -> View: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 7 Forgotten Password Wizard: RUNDLL32.EXE KEYMGR.DLL,PRShowSaveWizardExW Hibernate: RUNDLL32.EXE POWRPROF.DLL,SetSuspendState Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> General: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,0 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Security: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,1 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Privacy: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,2 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Content: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,3 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Connections: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,4 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Programs: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,5 Internet Explorer (IE) Properties -> Advanced: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,6 Keyboard Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @1 Lock Screen: RUNDLL32.EXE USER32.DLL,LockWorkStation Swap Left and Right Mouse Buttons: RUNDLL32.EXE USER32.DLL,SwapMouseButton Mouse Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @0,0 Keyboard Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL main.cpl keyboard Map Network Drive Wizard: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL Connect Network Connections: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL ncpa.cpl Pen, Tablet and Touch: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl Organize IE Favorites: RUNDLL32.EXE SHDOCVW.DLL,DoOrganizeFavDlg Open With: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,OpenAs_RunDLL FileName.ext Printer User Interface: RUNDLL32.EXE PRINTUI.DLL,PrintUIEntry /? Printer Management Folder: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL PrintersFolder Power Options: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl Process Idle Tasks: RUNDLL32.EXE ADVAPI32.DLL,ProcessIdleTasks Regional and Language Options -> Formats: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,0 Regional and Language Options -> Location: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,1 Regional and Language Options -> Administrative: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL intl.cpl,,2 Usernames and Passwords: RUNDLL32.EXE KEYMGR.DLL,KRShowKeyMgr Safely Remove Hardware (Plug/Unplug Removable Devices): RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL HotPlug.dll Sound Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL mmsys.cpl,,0 System Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,3 System Properties -> Advanced: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,4 System Properties -> Automatic Updates: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl,,5 Taskbar and Start Menu/Orb Properties: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Options_RunDLL 1 User Accounts [Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008 only]: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL nusrmgr.cpl Local User and Groups [Windows 7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 only]: MMC.EXE /S lusrmgr.msc Windows Security Center (WSC) -> Security and Maintenance: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl Windows -> About: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,ShellAboutW Windows Fonts Installation Folder: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL FontsFolder Windows Firewall: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl Wireless Network Setup: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,Control_RunDLL NetSetup.cpl,@0,WNSW 3D Window Switcher = Flip3D (Windows Vista/7 only): RUNDLL32.EXE DwmApi.dll #105 * Using Microsoft Management Console (MMC.EXE) snap-in control (.msc) script files in Windows NTx [2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019/newer]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Management_Console http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/bb742441.aspx http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/bb742442.aspx http://ss64.com/nt/syntax-mmc.html http://www.groovypost.com/tips/mmc-exe-windows-process-safe-virus/ http://www.ghacks.net/2017/06/10/windows-msc-files-overview/ http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#MMC Syntax: %WinDir%\SYSTEM32\MMC.EXE \. Commands can be used in shortcuts, BATch files, scripts, etc. MMC command line using /S (Silent) parameter (example): MMC.EXE /S services.msc By default *.msc files are associated with %WinDir%\SYSTEM32\MMC.EXE, therefore they can be run by themselves (example): services.msc Most *.msc files are located in the %WinDir%\SYSTEM32 folder [where %WinDir% = C:\WINDOWS], listed in your system path: SET PATH * Administrative Tools: Management Saved Console (.msc) script files are associated by default with and executed by Microsoft Management Console (MMC.EXE) snap-in control tool, and most of them are located in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 system folder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Management_Console Command line (example): MMC.EXE /S services.msc Administrative Tools = CONTROL.EXE admintools Authorization Manager = azman.msc Component Services = dcomcnfg.exe Certificate Manager = certmgr.msc DirectX Diagnostic Tool = dxdiag.exe Display Languages = lpksetup.exe ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32.exe File Signature Verification Tool = sigverif.exe Group Policy Editor = gpedit.msc Add Hardware Wizard = hdwwiz.cpl iSCSI Initiator = iscsicpl.exe Iexpress Wizard = iexpress.exe Local Security Settings = secpol.msc Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool = msdt.exe Microsoft Management Console = mmc.exe Print management = printmanagement.msc Printer User Interface = printui.exe Problems Steps Recorder = psr.exe People Near Me = p2phost.exe Registry Editor = regedit.exe or regedt32.exe Resoure Monitor = resmon.exe System Configuration Utility = msconfig.exe Resultant Set of Policy = rsop.msc SQL Server Client Configuration = cliconfg.exe Task Manager = taskmgr.exe [also LaunchTM.exe in Windows 10] Trusted Platform Module = tpm.msc TPM Security Hardware = TpmInit.exe Windows Remote Assistance = msra.exe Windows Share Folder Creation Wizard = shrpubw.exe Windows Update Manager = wusa.exe Windows System Security Tool = syskey.exe Windows Script Host Settings = wscript.exe Windows Version = winver.exe Windows (Defender) Firewall with Advanced Security = wf.msc Windows Memory Diagnostic = MdSched.exe Windows Malicious Removal Tool (MRT) = mrt.exe * Computer Management: Management Saved Console (.msc) script files are associated by default with and executed by Microsoft Management Console (MMC.EXE) snap-in control tool, and most of them are located in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 system folder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Management_Console Command line (example): MMC.EXE /S services.msc Computer Management = compmgmt.msc or CompMgmtLauncher.exe Task Scheduler = CONTROL.EXE schedtasks or taskschd.msc Event Viewer = eventvwr.msc Shared Folders = fsmgmt.msc Local Users and Groups = lusrmgr.msc Performance Monitor = perfmon.msc Device Manager = devmgmt.msc Disk Management = diskmgmt.msc Windows Services = services.msc Windows Management Infrastructure (WMI) = wmimgmt.msc * Control Panel: Control Panel = CONTROL.EXE Action (Security) Center = wscui.cpl AutoPlay = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.AutoPlay Backup and Restore = sdclt.exe Create a System Repair disc = recdisc.exe BDE Administrator = bdeadmin.cpl Color Management = colorcpl.exe Credential Manager = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.CredentialManager Credential Manager Stored User Names and Passwords = credwiz.exe Date and Time Properties = timedate.cpl Default Programs = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms Set Program Access and Computer Defaults = CONTROL.EXE appwiz.cpl,,3 or ComputerDefaults Devices and Printers = CONTROL.EXE Printers Devices and Printers Add a Device = DevicePairingWizard.exe Display = dpiscaling.exe Screen Resolution = desk.cpl Display Color Calibration = dccw.exe Cleartype Text Tuner = cttune.exe Folders Options = CONTROL.EXE Folders Fonts = CONTROL.EXE Fonts Getting Started = GettingStarted.exe HomeGroup = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.HomeGroup Indexing Options = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions Internet Explorer (IE) Properties = inetcpl.cpl Keyboard = CONTROL.EXE keyboard Location and Other Sensors = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.LocationandOtherSensors Location Notifications = LocationNotifications.exe Mouse = CONTROL.EXE mouse or main.cpl or CONTROL.EXE main.cpl,,0 Network and Sharing Center = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.NetworkandSharingCenter Network Connections = CONTROL.EXE NetConnections or ncpa.cpl Notification Area Icons = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.NotificationAreaIcons Parental Controls = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.ParentalControls Performance Information = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.PerformanceInformationandTools Personalization = CONTROL.EXE Desktop Windows Color and Appearance (Aero) = CONTROL.EXE Color Phone and Modem Options = telephon.cpl Power Configuration = powercfg.cpl Programs and Features = appwiz.cpl or CONTROL.EXE appwiz.cpl Optional Features Manager = OptionalFeatures.exe or CONTROL.EXE appwiz.cpl,,2 Recovery = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Recovery Regional and Language = intl.cpl RemoteApp = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.RemoteAppandDesktopConnections Sound = mmsys.cpl Personalization (Desktop Background, Themes, Colors, Appearance, Sounds, Screen Saver) = CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,,2 Screen Saver = CONTROL.EXE desk.cpl,,1 Volume Mixer = sndvol.exe System Properties = sysdm.cpl or hold WinKey + press Pause/Break System Properties ComputerName tab = SystemPropertiesComputerName.exe System Properties Hardware tab = SystemPropertiesHardware.exe System Properties Advanced tab = SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe System Properties Performance Options = SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe System Properties Data Execution Prevention = SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention.exe System Properties Protection tab = SystemPropertiesProtection.exe System Properties Remote tab = SystemPropertiesRemote.exe Windows Activation = slui.exe Windows Activation Phone Numbers = slui.exe 4 Taskbar and Start Menu = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.TaskbarandStartMenu Troubleshooting = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting User Accounts = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.UserAccounts User Account Control Settings = UserAccountControlSettings.exe User Accounts / Windows domain version = netplwiz or CONTROL.EXE Userpasswords2 Encryption File System = rekeywiz.exe Windows Anytime Upgrade = WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui.exe Windows Anytime Upgrade Results = WindowsAnytimeUpgradeResults.exe Windows CardSpace = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.cardspace Windows (Defender) Firewall = firewall.cpl or CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.WindowsFirewall WindowsSideshow = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.WindowsSideshow Windows Update = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate (CONTROL.EXE update) (wuapp.exe) Windows Update -> Change Settings = CONTROL.EXE /name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate /page pageSettings * Accessories: Calculator = calc.exe Command Prompt = cmd.exe http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/cmd/ Connect to a Network Projector = NetProj.exe Presentation Settings = PresentationSettings.exe Connect/switch to a second screen/projector = displayswitch.exe or hold WinKey + press P Notepad = notepad.exe Microsoft Paint = mspaint.exe Remote Desktop Connection = mstsc.exe Run... [hold WinKey + press R] or run this command: RUNDLL32.EXE SHELL32.DLL,#61 Snipping Tool = snippingtool.exe Sound Recorder = soundrecorder.exe Sticky Note = StikyNot.exe Sync Center = mobsync.exe Windows Mobility Center [laptops/portables only] = mblctr.exe or hold WinKey + press X Windows Explorer = explorer.exe or hold WinKey + press E Wordpad = write.exe or wordpad.exe Ease of Access Center = utilman.exe or hold WinKey + press U Magnifier = magnify.exe Narrator = Narrator.exe On Screen Keyboard = osk.exe Private Character Editor = eudcedit.exe Character Map = charmap.exe Ditilizer Calibration Tool = tabcal.exe Disk Cleanup Utility = cleanmgr.exe Defragment User Interface = dfrgui.exe Internet Explorer (IE) = iexplore.exe Internet Explorer (IE) no add-ons = iexplore.exe -extoff Internet Explorer (IE) no home page = iexplore.exe about:blank Phone Dialer = dialer.exe Printer Migration = PrintBrmUi.exe Rating System = ticrf.exe System Information = msinfo32.exe System Restore = rstrui.exe Windows Easy Transfer = migwiz.exe Windows Media Player = wmplayer.exe Windows Media Player DVD Player = dvdplay.exe Windows Fax and Scan Cover Page Editor = fxscover.exe Windows Fax and Scan = wfs.exe Windows Image Acquisition (scanners, copiers) = wiaacmgr.exe Windows PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment) = powershell_ise.exe http://docs.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_powershell_ise_exe/ Windows PowerShell = powershell.exe http://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/powershell/ Windows PowerShell (fully loaded) = powershell.exe -noExit -ImportSystemModules -command Set-Location -literalPath '%V' http://docs.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_powershell_exe/ http://docs.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.security/set-executionpolicy/ XPS Viewer = xpsrchvw.exe * Other Shell/User Folders: Open Documents folder = Documents Open Pictures folder = Pictures Open Music folder = Music Open Videos folder = Videos Open Downloads folder = Downloads Open Favorites folder = Favorites Open Recent folder = Recent Logs out of Windows = Logoff Locks User Account = hold WinKey + press L * Shell Commands in Windows Vista/newer: http://www.ss64.com/nt/shell.html http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/shell-commands-to-access-the-special-folders/ http://www.winaero.com/list-of-shell-commands-in-windows-10/ http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3109-shell-commands-list-windows-10-a.html http://www.windowslearning.net/articles/list-of-windows-10-shell-commands.php http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/shell-folders-the-best-kept-windows-time-saving-secret-464668/ All Shell commands must be preceded by EXPLORER.EXE and 1 space. Example: EXPLORER.EXE shell:AppData and can be executed from the Run... [hold WinKey + press R] box. Shell Command Description ****************************************************************************** shell:AccountPictures Account Pictures shell:AddNewProgramsFolder Programs Control Panel item shell:Administrative Tools Administrative Tools shell:AppData C:\Users\%UserName%\Appdata\Roaming = %AppData% shell:Application Shortcuts Modern Apps shortcuts shell:AppsFolder Installed Modern Apps shell:AppUpdatesFolder Installed Updates Control Panel item shell:Cache Internet Explorer (IE) Cache [Temporary Internet Files (TIF)] shell:CD Burning Temporary Burn shell:ChangeRemoveProgramsFolder Uninstall Program Control Panel item shell:Common Administrative Tools Administrative Tools for all users shell:Common AppData C:\ProgramData = %ProgramData% shell:Common Desktop Public Desktop = same for all users shell:Common Documents Public Documents shell:Common Programs All Users Programs = part of Start Menu + used by Start screen shell:Common Start Menu All Users Start Menu shell:Common Startup Startup = all users shell:Common Templates Startup = new documents, templates (MS Office) shell:CommonDownloads Public Downloads shell:CommonMusic Public Music shell:CommonPictures Public Pictures shell:CommonRingtones Public Ringtones shell:CommonVideo Public Videos shell:ConflictFolder Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Sync Center\Conflicts item shell:ConnectionsFolder Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network Connections item shell:Contacts Contacts = Address book shell:ControlPanelFolder Control Panel shell:Cookies IE Cookies shell:CredentialManager C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials shell:CryptoKeys C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto shell:CSCFolder Not valid in Windows 7/8/8.1/10 = Access to Offline files item shell:Desktop Desktop = different for each user shell:Device Metadata Store C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceMetadataStore shell:DocumentsLibrary Documents Library shell:Downloads Downloads shell:DpapiKeys C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Protect shell:Favorites Favorites shell:Fonts C:\WINDOWS\Fonts = %WinDir%\Fonts shell:Games Games Explorer item shell:GameTasks C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\GameExplorer shell:History C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History = IE browsing history shell:HomeGroupCurrentUserFolder Home Group for current user shell:HomeGroupFolder Home Group root shell:ImplicitAppShortcuts C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\ImplicitAppShortcuts shell:InternetFolder Internet Explorer (IE) shell:Libraries Libraries shell:Links Favorites = Explorer menu shell:LocalAppData C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local shell:LocalAppDataLow C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\LocalLow shell:LocalizedResourcesDir Not valid in Windows 8/8.1/10 shell:MAPIFolder Microsoft Outlook shell:MusicLibrary Music Library shell:My Music My Music (not Library) shell:My Pictures My Pictures (not Library) shell:My Video My Videos (not Library) shell:MyComputerFolder Computer/Drives shell:NetHood C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts shell:NetworkPlacesFolder Network Places = Computers and Devices instaleld on respective network shell:OEM Links May work only in Windows 8/8.1/10 OEM editions [?] shell:Original Images Not functional in Windows 8/8.1/10 shell:Personal My Documents (not Library) shell:PhotoAlbums Saved slideshows = Not implemented yet shell:PicturesLibrary Pictures Library shell:Playlists Stored WMP Playlists shell:PrintersFolder Classic Printers (not Devices and Printers) shell:PrintHood C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts shell:Profile User profile = %UserProfile% = C:\Users\%UserName% shell:ProgramFiles C:\Program Files = %ProgramFiles% shell:ProgramFilesCommon C:\Program Files\Common Files shell:ProgramFilesCommonX86 C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files = Windows 64-bit (x64) only shell:ProgramFilesX86 C:\Program Files (x86) = Windows 64-bit (x64) only shell:Programs C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs = Per user Start Menu Programs shell:Public C:\Users\Public shell:PublicAccountPictures C:\Users\Public\AccountPictures shell:PublicGameTasks C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\GameExplorer shell:PublicLibraries C:\Users\Public\Libraries shell:Quick Launch C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch shell:Recent Recent Items = Recent Documents shell:RecordedTVLibrary Recorded TV Library shell:RecycleBinFolder Recycle Bin shell:ResourceDir C:\WINDOWS\Resources = %WinDir%\Resources stores visual styles shell:Ringtones C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Ringtones shell:Roamed Tile Images Not implemented yet = reserved for future use shell:Roaming Tiles C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\RoamingTiles shell:SavedGames Saved Games shell:Screenshots Win+Print Screen screen shots shell:Searches Saved Searches shell:SearchHomeFolder Windows Search UI shell:SendTo Items visible in Send to menu shell:Start Menu C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu = Logged on User Start Menu shell:Startup Logged on User Startup shell:SyncCenterFolder Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Sync Center shell:SyncResultsFolder Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Sync Center\Sync Results shell:SyncSetupFolder Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Sync Center\Sync Setup shell:System C:\WINDOWS\System32 = %WinDir%\System32 shell:SystemCertificates C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SystemCertificates shell:SystemX86 C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64 = %WinDir%\SysWOW64 = Windows 64-bit (x64) only shell:Templates C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates shell:User Pinned C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned = Pinned items shell:UserProfiles C:\Users = Users profiles shell:UserProgramFiles Not implemented yet = reserved for future use shell:UserProgramFilesCommon Not implemented yet = reserved for future use shell:UsersFilesFolder Current user profile shell:UsersLibrariesFolder Libraries shell:VideosLibrary Videos Library shell:Windows C:\WINDOWS = %WinDir%  Public Root DNS Servers * Public Root DNS Servers: http://www.lifewire.com/2626062/ http://twitgoo.com/best-free-dns-servers/ http://public-dns.info/ http://public-dns.info/nameserver/us.html http://servers.opennicproject.org/ http://www.publicdns.xyz/ http://www.tech-faq.com/public-dns-servers.html http://www.getdriver.com/how-to/2498/free-fast-public-dns-server-faster-browsing-experience.html http://www.zerodollartips.com/best-public-dns-servers-fastest-dns-servers/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_name_server * Fix DNS by using public root DNS servers: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/fixing-dns-woes-for-comcast-users-and-everyone-else/ * Configure IP address and DNS: http://www.tweaks.com/windows/40339/ * DNS Jumper (DNSJumper) tests + changes to fastest + closest public root DNS servers -> right-click DNSJumper.exe -> Run as as Administrator -> click Benchmark button: http://www.sordum.org/7952/dns-jumper-v2-2/ File: http://www.sordum.org/files/downloads.php?dns-jumper * Domain Name Speed (DNS) Benchmark (DNSBench) tests fastest + closest public root DNS servers -> right-click DNSBench.exe -> Run as Administrator -> click Fastest DNS button -> click Start DNS test button: http://www.grc.com/dns/benchmark.htm File: http://www.grc.com/files/DNSBench.exe * Complete Internet Repair (CIR) 32-bit + 64-bit suite of tools diagnose + repair network/internet connectivity: http://www.rizonesoft.com/downloads/complete-internet-repair/ CIR Portable: http://www.rizonesoft.com/download/3905/ File: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/complete_internet_repair.html * Automate customization of NameServer Registry REG_SZ values: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc978468.aspx Setup/change IPv4 (and IPv6 if applicable) public root DNS servers Registry entries (example using default home computer internet connection name: "Local Area Connection" = modify to match your connection name if different, and Cloudflare public root DNS servers): Open Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT -> copy & paste text strings between Cut & Paste lines below -> save BATch file as Root_DNS_Servers.bat (example). - If using Windows 7 or 7 SP1 -> right-click on Root_DNS_Servers.bat -> Run as Administrator -> reboot. - If using Windows 8, 8.1, 2012, 10, 2016, 2019 or newer -> right-click on Root_DNS_Servers.bat -> select Open with -> select Notepad or your favorite plain text/ASCII editor (browse to executable if needed) -> remark (comment) all Windows XP... and Windows 7... NETSH.EXE lines by adding ":: " (double colon + space) in front of them -> enable the 2 remarked (commented) Windows 8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 NETSH.EXE lines by deleting the ":: " (double colon + space) in front of them -> save your file -> right-click on it -> Run as Administrator -> reboot. - If using Windows XP or 2003 -> right-click on Root_DNS_Servers.bat -> select Open with -> select Notepad or your favorite plain text/ASCII editor -> remark (comment) all Windows 7... and Windows 8... NETSH.EXE lines by adding ":: " (double colon + space) in front of them -> enable the 2 remarked (commented) Windows XP/2003 NETSH.EXE lines by deleting the ":: " (double colon + space) in front of them -> save your file -> right-click on it -> Run... [hold WinKey + press R] -> run batch file below [customize it first: change IP addresses below to other/faster public root DNS servers] -> reboot. -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: Cloudflare public root DNS servers (example): :: * Windows 7/7 SP1 only: NETSH.EXE interface ip set dns "Local Area Connection" static 1.1.1.1 NETSH.EXE interface ip add dns "Local Area Connection" 1.0.0.1 index=2 :: * Windows 8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 only: :: NETSH.EXE interface ipv4 set dns "Local Area Connection" static 1.1.1.1 :: NETSH.EXE interface ipv4 add dns "Local Area Connection" 1.0.0.1 index=2 :: * Windows XP/2003 only: :: NETSH.EXE interface ip set address dns name="Local Area Connection" static 1.1.1.1 :: NETSH.EXE interface ip add address dns name="Local Area Connection" 1.0.0.1 index=2 :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ This batch file (name it and save it as whatever you wish, just make sure it has the .BAT or .CMD extension) searches the Registry database for the current/active network connection, and adds/changes the public root DNS servers (example using Cloudflare servers) to the matching NameServer value(s): -----Begin cut & paste here----- @ECHO OFF IF NOT "%OS%"=="Windows_NT" GOTO END :: * Windows 8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019 only: FOR /F "skip=2 tokens=4*" %%a IN ('NetSh Interface IPv4 Show Interfaces') DO ( CALL :Network_Adapter %%a "%%b" ) :: PAUSE EXIT /B :Network_Adapter :: %1=State :: %2=Name (quoted); %~2=Name (unquoted) IF %1==connected ( :: Run your commands here (example): :: ECHO %2 :: Primary public DNS server: NETSH.EXE interface ipv4 set dnsservers %2 static 1.1.1.1 :: Secondary public DNS server: NETSH.EXE interface ipv4 add dnsservers %2 1.0.0.1 index=2 :: NETSH.EXE int ip reset %2 ) :: PAUSE EXIT /B :END EXIT ------End cut & paste here------ * Customize public root DNS servers step-by-step: http://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using/ - Windows 8/8.1/10: http://support.opendns.com/hc/articles/228006907/ Start menu -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Active Networks -> click item right side of Connections: -> "your Network Connection name" (typical examples): "Ethernet" (direct broadband modem connection), "Local Area Connection" (direct router connection) or "Wi-Fi" (Wi-Fi connection) -> connection Status -> General tab -> Properties -> scroll down -> select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties -> Use the following DNS server addresses: -> type desired IP addresses (example using Cloudflare public root DNS servers): Preferred (1st) DNS Server: 1.1.1.1 Alternate (2nd) DNS Server: 1.0.0.1 Click OK -> exit all dialogs/windows -> reboot. - Windows 7/7 SP1: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12421-local-area-connection-status-create-shortcut.html Start menu -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> View network status and tasks -> View Active networks -> click item right side of Connections: -> "your Network Connection name" (typical examples): "Ethernet" (direct broadband modem connection), "Local Area Connection" (direct router connection) or "Wi-Fi" (Wi-Fi connection) -> connection Status -> General tab -> Properties -> Connection Properties General tab -> scroll down -> select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties -> Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties General tab -> scroll down -> select (x) -> Use the following DNS server IP addresses: -> type desired IP addresses (example using Cloudflare public root DNS servers): Preferred (1st) DNS Server: 1.1.1.1 Alternate (2nd) DNS Server: 1.0.0.1 Click OK -> exit all dialogs/windows -> reboot. - Windows XP/2003: http://www.webnots.com/how-to-change-dns-server-ips-in-windows-xp/ Start menu -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> select current connection -> "your Network Connection name" (typical examples): "LAN" (Local Area Network connection) or "Wireless" (Wi-Fi connection) -> connection Status -> General tab -> Properties -> Connection Properties General tab -> scroll down -> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -> Properties -> Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IP) Properties General tab -> scroll down -> select (x) -> Use the following DNS server IP addresses: -> type desired IP addresses (example using Cloudflare public root DNS servers): Preferred (1st) DNS Server: 1.1.1.1 Alternate (2nd) DNS Server: 1.0.0.1 Click OK -> exit all dialogs/windows -> reboot. - Router (example using NETGEAR routers): http://kb.netgear.com/30510/ Type router IP address in your web browser (example): http://192.168.1.1/ Type user name (usually admin) + password (if any) to log on into your router web browser interface (example): router Menu (interface varies depending on brand/model/firmware version) -> Internet -> DNS (Name)Server settings -> Status -> router -> Basic Setup -> check Static DNS box -> type desired IP addresses (example using Cloudflare public root DNS servers): Primary Static DNS Server (DNS1): 1.1.1.1 Secondary Static DNS Server (DNS2): 1.0.0.1 router Basic Setup Help -> Apply/Save changes -> reset router (if needed). * Router IP: Router IP address in Windows NTx [XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019/newer] OSes: Right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run this command: IPCONFIG press Enter -> Default Gateway IP address -> same as router IP address. * Router users: MUST set DNS servers in Windows (computer) to router IP address: 192.168.1.1 Router caching DNS server will redirect query to currently pre-configured (default) ISP servers or assigned (default if not changed) public root DNS servers. Router static DNS IP addresses should be selected from outside DHCP range to avoid conflicts (example): 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.9 * Upgrade WRT54G2 router (example) to DD-WRT Firmware: http://blogs.gurulabs.com/mike/2009/03/upgrading-a-cisco-linksys-wrt5.html WRT54G2 Set up web server behind router: http://sanzon.wordpress.com/2008/04/04/setting-up-web-server-behind-router-wrt54g2/ WRT54G2 Static IP config and reconfig: http://sanzon.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/wrt54g2-static-ip-configuration-and-reconfiguring-router/ WRT54G2 Assign Static IP(s): http://www.superuser.com/questions/8574/ * Cloudflare public root DNS servers: http://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-1.1.1.1/ 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 * Google public root DNS servers: http://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/ 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 Install Guide: http://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using/ IP addresses used by Google: http://www.lifewire.com/818153/ * Quad9 public root DNS servers: http://www.quad9.net/faq/ 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112 * Level3 (CenturyLink) public root DNS servers: http://www.dnsserverlist.org/ 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 4.2.2.3 4.2.2.4 4.2.2.5 4.2.2.6 Level3 (CenturyLink) alternate public root DNS servers: 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4 * CenturyLink public root DNS servers: http://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/dns.html 205.171.3.26 205.171.2.26 * CleanBrowsing public root DNS servers: http://cleanbrowsing.org/filters/ 185.228.168.9 185.228.168.10 * SafeDNS public root DNS servers: http://www.safedns.com/en/guides/win7/ 195.46.39.39 195.46.39.40 * Comodo Secure DNS public root DNS servers: http://www.comodo.com/secure-dns/ 8.26.56.26 8.20.247.20 * Advantage DNS (UltraDNS) public root DNS servers: http://www.neustar.biz/security/dns-services 156.154.70.1 156.154.71.1 * Verisign public root DNS servers: http://www.verisign.com/en_US/security-services/public-dns/ 64.6.64.6 64.6.65.6 * OpenDNS public root DNS servers: http://www.opendns.com/setupguide/ 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220 Install Guide: http://use.opendns.com/ Cisco alternate public root DNS servers: http://docs.umbrella.com/deployment-umbrella/docs/point-your-dns-to-cisco/ 128.107.241.185 192.135.250.69 * OpenNIC public root DNS servers: http://www.opennic.org/ 52.173.73.208 45.56.117.118 OpenNIC public root DNS servers: http://servers.opennicproject.org/  Internet + Web Browsers Tweaks, Fixes + Tools * MDGx: Internet Power Toys [free(ware)]: http://www.mdgx.com/nettoys.htm * MDGx: Firewalls, Anti-Spyware + Internet Monitors [free(ware)]: http://www.mdgx.com/fw.htm * Turn OFF Internet Explorer (IE) 9/10/11/newer "Block Tracking" (Geolocation Detection) + "Automatic (Forced) Upgrade": http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2012/09/do-not-allow-websites-to-get-your.html http://support.microsoft.com/help/2843950/ http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/7996-internet-explorer-10-auto-update-enable-disable.html http://www.itninja.com/question/ie10-turn-off-auto-updates/ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Geolocation] "BlockAllWebsites"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main] "EnableAutoUpgrade"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main] "EnableAutoUpgrade"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Turn OFF Internet Explorer (IE) Security Check: http://www.windows-security.org/65c2e8edd3108cdb6fc985493bb2fa38/turn-off-the-security-settings-check-feature/ Recommended independent free(ware), open source, secure, uncrippled, unrestricted web browsers: http://www.mdgx.com/nettoys.htm#NET - Chromium [Chrome stripped of Google adware/phone-home/spyware code]: http://www.mdgx.com/nettoys.htm#CHR - Firefox/Mozilla: http://www.mdgx.com/nettoys.htm#MOZ All Chromium users must have these 3 environment variables: GOOGLE_API_KEY=NO GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_ID=NO GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_SECRET=NO Right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: SETX.EXE GOOGLE_API_KEY "NO" /M SETX.EXE GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_ID "NO" /M SETX.EXE GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_SECRET "NO" /M Either install Chromium precompiled stable releases 32-bit + 64-bit: http://chromium.woolyss.com/ http://github.com/henrypp/chromium/releases/latest/ http://download-chromium.appspot.com/ http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/chromium.html or extract all files from archive + copy to the destination of your choice Chromium portable stable releases 32-bit + 64-bit: http://github.com/Hibbiki/chromium-win64/releases/latest/ http://github.com/portapps/ungoogled-chromium-portable/releases/latest/ http://www.winpenpack.com/en/download.php?view.1082 http://www.winpenpack.com/en/request.php?1082 http://sourceforge.net/projects/winpenpack/files/X-Chromium/releases/ 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Security] "DisableSecuritySettingsCheck"=dword:1 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Security] "DisableSecuritySettingsCheck"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Turn OFF Open File Security Warning: MSKB: Attachment Manager: http://support.microsoft.com/help/883260/ Windows 7: Open File -> Security Warning - Enable or Disable: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/124367-open-file-security-warning-unblock-file.html http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/182353-open-file-security-warning-enable-disable.html http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/124427-open-file-security-warning-allow-prevent-unblock-file.html CAUTION: Make sure to scan for malware/spyware ALL files downloaded from the internet! http://www.mdgx.com/vir.htm 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments] "ScanWithAntiVirus"=dword:1 "SaveZoneInformation"=dword:1 "HideZoneInfoOnProperties"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments] "ScanWithAntiVirus"=dword:1 "SaveZoneInformation"=dword:1 "HideZoneInfoOnProperties"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Turn ON Chromium/Chrome/Firefox/Opera/Your favorite web browser as Default Browser for file extensions, internet protocols + URL shortcuts [replace Internet Explorer (IE)/Edge] in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/open-url-shortcuts-different-browsers-right-click-menu/ http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-networking-winpc/how-do-i-get-url-files-to-open-in-chrome-not-ie/8e766fa8-eb8d-43a3-9945-3c43f5edf1fb/ http://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/7009292/ Chromium/Chrome web browsers need .URL Handler extension [free, open source]: http://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/url-handler/nhmccpjmdhejpfhafcfajkgifkmjhkgf/ I use winPenPack X-Chromium Portable Launcher (example) which installs Chromium web browser [free, open source]: http://www.winpenpack.com/en/download.php?view.1082 File: http://sourceforge.net/projects/winpenpack/files/X-Chromium/releases/ http://www.winpenpack.com/en/request.php?1082 In the example below "winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" [installed on my computer in C:\PORT\CHROME\X-Chromium.exe] becomes your default web browser for all these file extensions, internet protocols + URL shortcuts: http://superuser.com/questions/1205914/ File extensions: .htm .html .shtm .shtml .url .xht .xhtm .xhtml Protocols: http https mailto Shortcuts: .url .website 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML] @="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" "AppUserModelID"="winPenPack.X-ChromiumLauncher.Default" "EditFlags"=dword:1 "FriendlyTypeName"="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML\Application] "AppUserModelId"="winPenPack.X-ChromiumLauncher.Default" "ApplicationName"="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" "ApplicationDescription"="X-Chromium Portable Chromium Web Browser" "ApplicationCompany"="winPenPack" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML\shell] @="Open" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML\shell\open\command] @="\"C:\\PORT\\CHROME\\X-Chromium.exe\" \"%1\"" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.URL] @="urlfile" "EditFlags"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.URL\shell] @="Open" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.URL\shell\open\command] @="\"C:\\PORT\\CHROME\\X-Chromium.exe\" \"%1\"" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\urlfile] @="URL File" "EditFlags"=dword:1 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\urlfile\shell] @="Open" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\urlfile\shell\open\command] @="\"C:\\PORT\\CHROME\\X-Chromium.exe\" \"%1\"" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\InternetShortcut] @="InternetShortcut" "NeverShowExt"="" "EditFlags"=dword:1 "IsShortcut"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\InternetShortcut\shell] @="Open" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\InternetShortcut\shell\open\command] @="\"C:\\PORT\\CHROME\\X-Chromium.exe\" \"%1\"" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RegisteredApplications] "winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher"="Software\\Clients\\StartMenuInternet\\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\\Capabilities" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher] @="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\Capabilities] "ApplicationName"="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" "ApplicationDescription"="Chromium is a fast web browser for Windows." [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\Capabilities\FileAssociations] ".htm"="ChromeHTML" ".html"="ChromeHTML" ".shtm"="ChromeHTML" ".shtml"="ChromeHTML" ".url"="ChromeHTML" ".website"="XChromium.exe_.website" ".xht"="ChromeHTML" ".xhtm"="ChromeHTML" ".xhtml"="ChromeHTML" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\Capabilities\Startmenu] "StartMenuInternet"="winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\Capabilities\URLAssociations] "http"="ChromeHTML" "https"="ChromeHTML" "mailto"="ChromeHTML" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\winPenPack X-Chromium Launcher\shell\open\command] @="\"C:\\PORT\\CHROME\\X-Chromium.exe\" \"%1\"" ; ------End cut & paste here------ * Turn OFF automatic Google Chrome Update, Chrome Default Browser takeover + Google Update services in Windows 7/8/8.1/10: http://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6350036/ http://superuser.com/questions/974766/ http://eddiejackson.net/wp/?p=17266 http://admx.help/?Category=GoogleUpdate&Policy=Google.Policies.Update::Pol_DefaultUpdatePolicy http://admx.help/?Category=GoogleUpdate&Policy=Google.Policies.Update::Pol_AutoUpdateCheckPeriod http://www.ghacks.net/2017/05/19/how-to-block-automatic-google-chrome-updates/ http://www.itninja.com/question/how-to-disable-updates-for-latest-chrome-enterprise-version-44-0-2403-130/ http://computergarage.org/disable-auto-update-google-chrome.html http://www.chromium.org/administrators/policy-list-3/#DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled http://admx.help/?Category=Chrome&Policy=Google.Policies.Chrome%3A%3ADefaultBrowserSettingEnabled http://www.tenforums.com/attachments/browsers-email/120981d1486931502t-how-stop-google-chrome-not-your-default-browser-message-modification-info.jpg http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5507-choose-default-apps-windows-10-a.html#option6 See topic above to use winPenPack X-Chromium Portable Launcher (example) which installs Chromium web browser as your default browser for file extensions, internet protocols + URL shortcuts. 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update] "UpdateDefault"=dword:0 "AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes"=dword:0 ; Windows NTx 64-bit (x64) only: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Google\Update] "UpdateDefault"=dword:0 "AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes"=dword:0 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GoogleChromeElevationService] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\GoogleChromeElevationService] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\GoogleChromeElevationService] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gpupdate] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\gpupdate] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\gpupdate] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gpupdatem] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\gpupdatem] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\gpupdatem] "Start"=dword:4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome] "DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled"=dword:0 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome] "DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled"=dword:0 [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome] "DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled"=dword:0 ; ------End cut & paste here------ * MSKB: Configure IPv6 for advanced users: http://support.microsoft.com/help/929852/ MDGx: IPv6 Testing, Info + Links: http://www.mdgx.com/ipv6.php * Lockdown Windows: Customize/Disable Network/Internet + Security Settings: http://forums.techguy.org/threads/locking-down-windows.829647/ * Batch files + command line tools to delete Cookies, Cache + History in all major web browsers: http://www.catonmat.net/clear-privacy-ie-firefox-opera-chrome-safari/ * Chromium/Chrome ***************** MDGx: Internet Power Toys: Chromium + Chrome [free(ware)]: http://www.mdgx.com/nettoys.htm#CHR Chromium Raw Build Snapshot: http://download-chromium.appspot.com/ X-Chromium Portable: http://www.winpenpack.com/en/download.php?view.1082 File: http://www.winpenpack.com/en/request.php?1082 http://sourceforge.net/projects/winpenpack/files/X-Chromium/releases/ Chromium Portable: http://sourceforge.net/projects/crportable/ Chromium Portable ALL Files: http://sourceforge.net/projects/crportable/files/ Chromium Portable: http://www.thumbapps.org/2015/06/Chromium-browser-portable-32-64-bit.html File: http://sourceforge.net/projects/thumbapps/files/Internet/Chromium/ Chromium Precompiled EXEcutable (Portable ZIP) 64-bit + 32-bit: http://chromium.woolyss.com/ http://download-chromium.appspot.com/ http://getchromium.wasil.org/ http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/chromium.html All Chromium [Chrome stripped of Google adware/phone-home/spyware code] users must have these 3 environment variables: GOOGLE_API_KEY=NO GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_ID=NO GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_SECRET=NO Right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> type SET -> press Enter to view all installed SET environment variables: SET | MORE or save list to plain text file (example): SET>%TEMP%\ENVLIST.TXT Example: http://www.winaero.com/blog/how-to-see-names-and-values-of-environment-variables-in-windows-8-and-windows-7/ Add custom variables to your machine (system wide) environment: right-click CMD shortcut/CMD.EXE -> Run as Administrator -> run these commands -> press Enter after each line: SETX.EXE GOOGLE_API_KEY "NO" /M SETX.EXE GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_ID "NO" /M SETX.EXE GOOGLE_DEFAULT_CLIENT_SECRET "NO" /M Disable subsystems running network requests in the background: add parameter to ALL Chrome/Chromium command lines: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/08/a-chrome-feature-is-creating-enormous-load-on-global-root-dns-servers/ http://blog.apnic.net/2020/08/21/chromiums-impact-on-root-dns-traffic/ http://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=935772 CHROME.EXE --disable-background-networking Enable Flash in Chrome/Chromium: http://www.howtogeek.com/434334/how-to-enable-adobe-flash-in-google-chrome-76/ http://www.lifewire.com/4160696/ Create/Edit/Customize Chrome/Chromium Search Engines: http://www.minterest.com/how-to-create-custom-search-engines-google-chrome/ http://www.superuser.com/questions/578228/ http://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95426/ http://www.ghacks.net/2018/03/30/custom-search-engines-in-google-chrome/ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/create-custom-search-engines-google-chrome/ http://www.gearpatrol.com/2019/10/14/google-chrome-settings-privacy-effeciency/ Chrome/Chromium -> chrome://settings/searchEngines [Manage search engines] -> Add/Edit -> vertical ellipsis (3 vertical dots) -> Edit: Search engine: Google Keyword: google.com Query URL [URL with %s in place of query]: {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&{google:RLZ}{google:acceptedSuggestion}{google:originalQueryForSuggestion}{google:assistedQueryStats}{google:searchFieldtrialParameter}{google:searchClient}{google:sourceId}{google:instantExtendedEnabledParameter}{google:contextualSearchVersion}ie={inputEncoding} Chrom(ium) Group Policy Templates (ADML + ADM): http://www.chromium.org/administrators/policy-templates/ File: http://dl.google.com/dl/edgedl/chrome/policy/policy_templates.zip Chrom(ium) Group Policy Administrative Templates Catalog: http://getadmx.com/?Category=Chrome Install + Tweak Chrom(ium) Group Policies: http://www.chromium.org/administrators/windows-quick-start/ Import + tweak ADM(L) policies: Start -> Run... [hold WinKey + press R] -> type: GPEdit.msc -> press Enter -> Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> right-click -> Add/Remove Templates -> browse to chrome.adm(l) (example): C:\PORT\CHROME\chrome.adml -> Close button -> Administrative Templates folder -> Google folder -> Chrome folder -> double-click -> tweak desired policies. Disable Flash Out of Date Notice: AllowOutdatedPlugins: http://getadmx.com/?Category=Chrome&Policy=Google.Policies.Chrome::AllowOutdatedPlugins http://getadmx.com/?Category=Chrome&Policy=Google.Policies.Chrome::DefaultPluginsSetting http://cloud.google.com/docs/chrome-enterprise/policies/?policy=RunAllFlashInAllowMode 1. Use Notepad or similar/better free(ware) plain text/ASCII editor: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#TXT to create a plain text Registry file containing the lines between Cut & Paste delimiters below. 2. Save it as plain text/ASCII file (Encode -> ANSI) with the REG extension (.REG). 3. Name it whatever you wish. 4. Right-click newly created .REG file. 5. Run as Administrator. 6. Answer Yes/OK to all prompts to register its information into your Registry. -----Begin cut & paste here----- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome] "AllowOutdatedPlugins"=dword:1 "RunAllFlashInAllowMode"=dword:1 "DefaultPluginsSetting"=dword:1 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome] "AllowOutdatedPlugins"=dword:1 "RunAllFlashInAllowMode"=dword:1 "DefaultPluginsSetting"=dword:1 ; ------End cut & paste here------ Add parameter to ALL Chrome/Chromium command lines: CHROME.EXE --allow-outdated-plugins * Export Chrome/Chromium passwords to CSV file: 1. Chrome/Chromium -> chrome://flags/#PasswordForceSaving -> Force-saving of passwords -> Enabled -> RELAUNCH NOW. 2. Chrome/Chromium -> chrome://flags/#PasswordImport -> Password Import -> Enabled -> RELAUNCH NOW. 3. Chrome/Chromium -> chrome://settings/passwords -> Saved Passwords -> vertical ellipsis (3 vertical dots) -> Export Passwords... -> confirm EXPORT PASSWORDS... -> desired folder -> Save -> Yes (overwrite). * Import Chrome/Chromium passwords from saved CSV file: Chrome/Chromium -> chrome://settings/passwords -> Saved Passwords -> vertical ellipsis (3 vertical dots) -> Import -> saved CSV folder -> Open. Force Chrome/Chromium to save passwords -> create new Bookmark in Bookmark Bar: javascript:(function(){var e=document.querySelectorAll("input[autocomplete=off]");for(var i=0;i