MDGx WinDOwS Tricks

WinDOwS Tricks - Part 9

Go to ALL WinDOwS ©Tricks + Secrets Contents

• 10-27-98 Win9x/NT4/2000/ME/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/IE Registry ©Trick in REGISTRY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE:

SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS

You can control the way your Windows 95/98/NT4/2000/ME/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/2012/8/8.1/2012 R2/10/2016/newer system and Internet Explorer (IE) [unfortunately integrated into the OS :(] restricts/allows access to certain areas or features (especially useful on multiuser machines) without having to mess with PolEdit (Policy Editor = %windir%\Poledit.exe), the default Windows 95/98/ME administrative control tool, which needs to be installed separately (for example) from the Win9x/NTx Setup CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
The bad news is Microsoft removed PolEdit from Windows ME, but you can get it back.
See "The Registry" [Intro chapter], also in REGISTRY.TXT [part of W95-11D.EXE], for more info.
Windows NTx (2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8, 8.1, 2012, 10) users have a greater variety of administrative tools at their disposal, designed for tweaking system + security policies, as part of the free Microsoft Windows 2003 Resource Kit (RK) Tools.
GPEDIT.MSC is the "daddy" of all policy editing tools.

FYI: Some of these security issues are detailed @ Microsoft (examples):

Windows NTx: Group Policy Registry Table.
Internet Explorer: Limit User Access to Local Computer or Hard Disks.
Windows XP: Policy Settings for Start Menu.

All you have to do is modify the Registry Values listed below, either manually using the Registry Editor (%windir%\Regedit.exe), or save them as text .REG files (in Notepad) for future use, eventually on more than one computer. I named mine RESTRICT.REG (example).
Without further ado, start Regedit and go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

Look in the left hand pane for these subkeys: Explorer, Network, Ratings, System, ActiveDesktop + WinOldApp. If they are not present, create them: right-click → New → Key → Name it to one of the values listed above.
Now you need to create (or modify if already there) the following DWORD [REG_DWORD] values listed further below under the subkeys above. To create a new DWORD value: right-click → New → DWORD → name it to one of the values listed further below.
To modify one of these DWORD values: right-click on the one you want → select Modify → check the Decimal box → give it a value of 1 (to disable access to a certain system feature/area), or a value of 0 (to enable access to a certain system feature/area).
These are the valid DWORD values (if not specified otherwise) you can change under the following subkeys:

Explorer subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- StartMenuLogoff = enable/disable Start Menu Logoff item (WinME/2000/XP ONLY)
System subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- VerboseStatus = enable/disable detailed system Status Messages at logon/logoff (Win2000/XP/2003 ONLY)
Network subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Network
- NoWorkgroupContents = enable/disable Network Workgroup
ActiveDesktop subkey (Win98/ME/2000/XP/2003 + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop
- NoMovingBands = enable/disable moving of shell toolbars
WinOldApp subkey (Win95/98/ME ONLY):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WinOldApp
- NoRealMode = enable/disable Real MS-DOS Mode reboot option (Win95/98 ONLY)
Messenger client subkey (Windows 2000/XP/2003/newer ONLY):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client
- See "50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR MESSENGER :)" for details, and scroll down to topic "7.".

Similar settings for Explorer, Network, System and ActiveDesktop can be also found under these Registry keys:

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

and:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

If there is only one user, the ".Default" key above contains all global system settings. If more than one user, each user has its own subkey here, named after the User Name(s) found in Control Panel → Users, and the Registry settings located under a user's subkey are valid only for that specific user.
If you (double-)click on any of these keys, you'll see 3 subkeys in the left hand pane: Explorer, Network and System.
Create (or modify if already present) the following Binary (hex) [REG_BINARY] values listed below under the subkeys above. To create a new Binary value: right-click → New → Binary → Name it to one of the values listed below.
To modify one of these Binary [hex] values: (double-)click on the one you want → give it a value of 01 00 00 00 (to disable access to a certain system feature/area), or a value of 00 00 00 00 (to enable access to a certain system feature/area). Don't type the spaces, they will be inserted automatically.

Explorer subkey valid DWORD values (if not specified otherwise) that can be changed (some are valid ONLY for Win98/ME and/or MS IE 4/5/6):

CDRAutoRun [hex] = enable/disable CD-R(W)/DVD-R(W) drive(s) AutoRun command
NOTE: This setting needs specific CD-R(W)/DVD-R(W) software installed, like Roxio (Adaptec) Easy CD Creator.

ChannelNotify = enable/disable Channel Notification (Win98/ME + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY)

ClassicShell [hex] = enable/disable Active Desktop shell interface (Win98/ME + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY)
FYI:
- MSKB: Quick Launch Toolbar Icons Are Missing or Unavailable.
- John Woram: Who Hid the IE5 Toolbars?
ClearRecentDocsOnExit = clear/don't clear Recent Docs upon exit
EditLevel = set security editing level. Integer number: 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4: 0 = lowest security level (full editing allowed)... 4 = highest security level (no editing allowed)
CAUTION: You may lock yourself out of your own computer if EditLevel = 4 !
EnforceShellExtensionSecurity = self explanatory :)
ForceCopyACLwithFile = enable/disable forced file/folder copy/move operations with Access Control Lists (ACLs) intact across drives/partitions/volumes (WinNT4/2000/XP/2003 ONLY, NTFS ONLY)
IgnoreLinkInfo = enable/disable Link info display
LinkResolve = enable/disable Link display
MyDocsOnNet = enable/disable My Documents on Internet
NoActiveDesktop = enable/disable Active Desktop
NoActiveDesktopChanges = enable/disable Active Desktop changes
NoAddPrinter = enable/disable addition of new printers
NoChangeStartMenu = enable/disable Start Menu changes
NoCommonGroups = enable/disable Start Menu Common Program Groups (WinNT4/2000/XP + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY)
NoClose = enable/disable closing IE GUI
NoCustomizeWebView = enable/disable Web View customization
NoDeletePrinter = enable/disable existent printers deletion
NoDeskTop = enable/disable ALL Desktop items and Desktop right-click menu
NoDevMgrUpdate = enable/disable Windows Web Update Manager (Win98/ME/2000/XP ONLY)
NoDrives [hex] = enable/disable ALL Drives in My Computer/Explorer/IE
CAUTION: See "HIDE YOUR DRIVES!" for details!
NoDriveTypeAutoRun [hex] = enable/disable selected Drives or Drive types AutoRun/AutoPlay
NOTE: See "HIDE YOUR DRIVES!" for details!
NoEditMenu = enable/disable Start Menu editing
NoFavoritesMenu = enable/disable Favorites folder display
NoFileMenu = enable/disable Explorer/IE File Menu
NoFileUrl = enable/disable local URL files access
NoFind = enable/disable Find command
NoFolderOptions = show/don't show Folder Options Menu in Explorer
NoForgetSoftwareUpdate = enable/disable Windows Software Updates (Win98/ME/2000/XP/2003 ONLY)
NoHelp = show/don't show Help Menu in Start Menu (Win98/ME/2000 ONLY)
NoInternetIcon = show/don't show Internet icon on Desktop
NoLogOff = show/don't show Logoff Menu in Start Menu (Win95/98 ONLY)
NoMSAppLogo = show/don't show Microsoft Logo (Win98/ME/2000/XP ONLY)
NoNetConnectDisconnect = enable/disable DUN Connect/Disconnect
NoNetHood = enable/disable Network Neighborhood
NoRecentDocsHistory = enable/disable Recent Documents in Start Menu (Win98/ME + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY)
NoRecentDocsMenu = show/don't show Recent Documents Menu in Start Menu → Settings
NoResolveSearch = enable/disable Internet/remote program/shortcut Search (Win98/ME/newer + IE4/IE5/IE6/newer ONLY)
NoResolveTrack = enable/disable Internet/remote program/shortcut Address Tracking (Win98/ME/newer + IE4/IE5/IE6/newer ONLY)
NoRun = enable/disable Run command
NoSaveSettings [hex] = enable/disable Save Settings upon exit
NoSetActiveDesktop = enable/disable Active Desktop settings
NoSetFolders = enable/disable Folder settings
NoSetTaskbar = enable/disable Taskbar settings
NoSettingsWizards = enable/disable Settings Wizards (Win98/ME + IE4/IE5/IE6 ONLY)
NoSMHelp = show/don't show Help Menu in Start Menu (WinXP/2003 ONLY)
NoStartBanner [hex] = enable/disable Logo banner upon IE start
NoStartMenuSubFolders = show/don't show subfolders on Start Menu
NoTrayContextMenu = show/don't show Context Menu for Tray items
NoViewContextMenu = show/don't show Context Menu
NoWebMenu = show/don't show Web Menu (Win98/IE 4.0x and newer ONLY)
NoWindowsUpdate = enable/disable Windows Web Update (Win98/ME/2000/XP ONLY)
NoWinKeys = enable/disable Windows (Win + Menu) logo keys on 104+ keyboards
See "WINKEY SHORTCUTS" for details.
RestrictRun = enable/disable Run Menu

Most of the "CURRENT_USER" settings, especially the ones that affect the entire system, change automatically when you modify the similar values under the "LOCAL_MACHINE" Registry key (see above). Most of these values affect ONLY Internet Explorer versions 3, 4, 5 and 6, and CAN be changed separately in the "CURRENT_USER" key, without influencing the overall system operation.
ANY changes to these settings under ANY of these Registry keys require a Windows restart to take effect.

The MS Internet Explorer 4.0x/5.xx/6.xx restrictions are found under these Registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions

and:

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions

if there is only one user. If more than one user, the ".Default" key above is replaced with each "UserName" key. All Values are in DWORD format. Type in the Decimal box for the desired Value: 1 to disable or 0 to enable the respective function/key combo:

NoBrowserContextMenu = enable/disable HTML context menu

NoBrowserClose = enable/disable Close/Exit in File Menu and Alt+F4

NoBrowserSaveAs = enable/disable Save and Save As in File menu

NoBrowserOptions = enable/disable Internet Options/Properties in View menu

NoFavorites = enable/disable Favorites in File Menu and Alt+A

NoFileOpen = enable/disable Open in File menu, Ctrl+O and Ctrl+L

NoFileNew = enable/disable New in File Menu and Ctrl+N

NoFileUrl = enable/disable local URL files access

NoFindFiles = enable/disable Find Menu and F3

NoSelectDownloadDir = enable/disable Save As dialog box upon file download

NoTheaterMode = enable/disable Full Screen (kiosk mode) and F11

The Internet Properties restrictions for MS Internet Explorer 4.0x/5.xx/6.xx (also found as a Control Panel applet) are located under this Registry key:

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel

Accessibility = enable/disable Accessibility settings

Advanced = enable/disable Advanced settings

AdvancedTab = enable/disable Advanced tab

Autoconfig = enable/disable Autoconfig settings

Cache = enable/disable Cache settings

CalendarContact = enable/disable Contact settings

Check_If_Default = enable/disable Check if IE default browser setting

Connection Settings = pretty obvious :)

Certificates = enable/disable Certificates settings

CertifPers = enable/disable Personal Certificates settings

CertifSite = enable/disable Certificates Publishers settings

Colors = enable/disable Colors settings

Connection Wizard = self explanatory :)

ConnectionsTab = enable/disable Connections tab

Connwiz Admin Lock = enable/disable Connection Wizard administrative lockout

ContentTab = enable/disable Content tab

Fonts = enable/disable Fonts settings

FormSuggest = enable/disable Forms suggest setting

FormSuggest Passwords = enable/disable Passwords suggest setting

GeneralTab = enable/disable General tab

History = enable/disable History settings

HomePage = enable/disable Home Page settings

Languages = enable/disable Languages settings

Links = enable/disable Links settings

Messaging = enable/disable MS Messaging settings

Profiles = enable/disable Profiles settings

ProgramsTab = enable/disable Programs tab

Proxy = enable/disable Proxy settings

Ratings = enable/disable Ratings settings

ResetWebSettings = enable/disable Reset Web settings

SecAddSites = enable/disable Security Add sites settings

SecChangeSettings = enable/disable Security changes

SecurityTab = enable/disable Security tab

Settings = enable/disable Settings boxes

Wallet = enable/disable MS Wallet settings (MS IE 5.xx and newer ONLY)

The policy restrictions for MS Net Meeting/Conferencing reside under this Registry key:

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Conferencing

if there is only one user. If more than one user, the ".Default" key above is replaced with each "UserName" key. All Values are in DWORD format. Type in the Decimal box for the desired Value:1 to disable or 0 to enable the respective restriction.
Changing ANY of these settings does NOT require restarting Windows:

CallSecurity = enable/disable call security

IntranetWebDirURL = enable/disable intranet web directory

MaximumBandwidth = enable/disable max bandwidth

NoAddingDirectoryServers = enable/disable adding directory servers

NoAdvancedCalling = enable/disable advanced calling

NoAllowControl = enable/disable control

NoAppSharing = enable/disable app sharing

NoAudio = enable/disable audio

NoAudioPage = enable/disable audio control

NoChangeDirectSound = enable/disable changing DirectSound

NoChat = obvious :)

NoDirectoryServices = enable/disable directory services

NoFullDuplex = enable/disable full duplex

NoGeneralPage = enable/disable general control

NoNewWhiteBoard = enable/disable new white board

NoOldWhiteBoard = enable/disable old white board

NoReceivingVideo = enable/disable receive video

NoSecurityPage = enable/disable security control

NoSendingFiles = enable/disable send files

NoSendingVideo = enable/disable send video

NoSharing = enable/disable sharing

NoSharingDesktop = enable/disable sharing Desktop

NoSharingDosWindows = enable/disable sharing DOS + Windows

NoSharingExplorer = enable/disable sharing Explorer

NoTrueColorSharing = enable/disable sharing true color video

NoVideoPage = enable/disable video control

NoWebDirectory = enable/disable web directory

Use AutoConfig = enable/disable auto config

MS IE 4.0x/5.xx/6.xx Web Check tool (%windir%\System\Loadwc.exe launched by %windir%\System\Webcheck.dll) Registry Values are stored under:

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Webcheck

if only one user. If more than one user, the ".Default" key is replaced by each "UserName" key. Both Values are DWORDs. Decimal box values: 1 (disables) and 0 (enables) each function.
Changes to these settings take effect without restarting Windows:

NoChannelLogging = enable/disable channels logging

NoScheduledUpdates = enable/disable scheduled updates

FYI: See these topics for more restriction settings: "HIDE YOUR DRIVES!", "UNCLUTTER START MENU", "NO MORE "CLICK HERE TO BEGIN"", "PERMANENT SETTINGS" + "SAVE SETTINGS - Part 1" (also in REGISTRY.TXT) and "LOCK UP THE DOS BOX" (also in MYTIPS95.TXT), all part of W95-11D.EXE.

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• 10-27-98 Win9x Registry ©Trick in REGISTRY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE:

OPEN WITH

To permanenly add the needed "Open with..." command to all the right-click file context menus, you need to apply this Registry tweak.
Launch Regedit and go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\openas\command

In the right hand pane, you can see the "(Default)" string which has this command line as value:

rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1

(Double-)click on "(Default)", hold the CTRL key and press C (or right-click and select Copy) to copy this entire command line to the clipboard, and then click Cancel.
Don't make ANY changes at this point!
Now go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*

and highlight the "*" key (asterisk). Right-click on it and select New Key. Name this new subkey "shell".

NOTE: Don't type the quotes for any of the keys or values mentioned here.

Right-click on the "shell" key and add a new subkey named "openas". Right-click on "openas" and add a new subkey named "command". Now (double-)click on the "(Default)" string in the right hand pane, hold the Ctrl key and press V (or right-click and select Paste) to paste here the command line you have copied earlier.
Click OK and close the Registry editor.
From now on a new "Open with..." context menu selection will appear whenever you right-click on any highlighted file.

UPDATE: "After implementing this Registry tweak all my MS Office Shortcut Bar buttons were broken. Every time I clicked one I would get the "Open with" dialog box."
[Thank you Meteor!]

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• 4-20-96 Win3.1x/9x/ME ©Trick in TIPS95.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE, and in MYTIPS31.TXT, part of W31-11D.ZIP:

FIXED SWAP FILE

Setting a Windows 95/98/ME (or Windows/WfWG 3.1x for that matter = both cases are discussed here) fixed size swap file will drastically reduce the thrashing (frequent access) your hard disk constantly takes from the Windows Dynapage VXD [Virtual eXtended (protected mode) Driver], thus avoiding the continuous variable size swap file resizing (default operation), and therefore spend less time listening to your hard drive churning. :)
Basically the swap file supplements system RAM (real memory) with disk space (virtual memory). Windows manages virtual memory by "swapping" ("dumping") chunks of data from system RAM (much faster), when physical RAM runs out, to the fixed disk (much slower), by writing them to the swap file (this is called "paging"), from where it can be later retrieved and used as needed.

WINDOWS 95/98/ME USERS:
To do this, begin by right-clicking on My Computer → select Properties → Performance tab → Virtual Memory Settings → disable Virtual Memory completely → click OK twice → restart Windows.
Next, unload all unneeded programs/devices/TSRs/runtimes/etc that load (when the Windows GUI starts up) from your Registry or Startup folder, by disabling them using the Startup Control Panel applet (freeware).
Restart Windows when done.
Now Defragment fully all your hard disk(s)/partitions using the Windows built-in Defrag.exe tool.
Win98/ME users: make sure the "Rearrange program files so my programs start faster" Defrag option is enabled.
After you're done, right-click on My Computer again → select Properties → Performance tab → Virtual Memory Settings → select a new permanent swap file by setting the Minimum and Maximum sizes the SAME → click OK twice → restart Windows.
Finally, use Startup CPL again to reenable all previously disabled programs.
From now on you'll enjoy less time waiting for your hard disk to spin. :)
WINDOWS/WFWG 3.1x USERS:
Open Control Panel → 386 Enhanced → Virtual Memory → disable the swap file completely. Exit Windows, Defragment all your hard disk(s)/partitions using the MS-DOS 6.xx mode DEFRAG.EXE tool.
If using a dual-boot setup (Win31/DOS6 + Win9x/ME) you MUST use the Win9x/ME 32-bit Defrag tool to preserve Long File Names (LFNs)!
Then restart Windows again → reopen Control Panel → 386 Enhanced → Virtual Memory → set up your new permanent swap file by setting the Minimum and Maximum sizes the SAME.
ALL WINDOWS 3.1x/95/98/ME USERS:
You can also do this by adding or modifying these two lines (using Notepad) under the [386enh] section of your SYSTEM.INI file (found in your Windows folder):
[386enh]
MinPagingFileSize=206400
MaxPagingFileSize=206400
Save the file and restart Windows.
In this case the swap file's fixed size is 200 MB (206,400 KB).
The SYSTEM.INI lines above need to have the size of your swap file specified in KiloBytes (KB). To convert the size from MegaBytes (MB) into KiloBytes (KB), use this formula (same example above: 200 MB):
200 MB x 1032 = 206,400 KB
See also "SWAP FILE - Part 1" [found as "SWAP FILE" in MYTIPS31.TXT, part of my Win31/DOS6 ©Tricks + Secrets files (W31-11D.ZIP)] and "SWAP FILE - Part 2", also in MYTIPS95.TXT [part of W95-11D.EXE], for more tweaks.
WINDOWS 95/98/ME USERS:
To determine the maximum upper limit of your fixed swap file, to accomodate all possible situations, even if running disk/graphics intensive apps/games, you need to benchmark your machine using the System Monitor tool (Sysmon.exe, located in your Win9x/ME folder).
Click the Start button → Run... → type sysmon → click OK.
Now make sure this is the ONLY item on the SysMon display: click Edit → Add item... → click Memory Manager → select "Swap file in use" → click OK → click File → Start logging... → choose a path for Sysmon.log → click Save.
Load up your most demanding application(s)/game(s) (a 3D rendering program like Photoshop, 3D Studio, LightWave etc, or a 3D game like Unreal Tournament, Quake III, MDK2 etc usually does the trick), and try to perform the most disk/memory/CPU intensive tasks you can think of, not forgetting multitasking. :)
When done, open Sysmon.log in Notepad, and look at the largest number (in KiloBytes) down the list. Add another 41,280 KB (40 MB) to this value to make sure your system will never go over this limit, and then either type this new number into both Virtual Memory Settings boxes above (in MB), or on both SYSTEM.INI lines above (in KB). Either way, restart Windows when done.
WINDOWS/WFWG 3.1x USERS:
Use a Win31 monitoring/benchmark tool like WinMag WinTune 2.0 [1.2 MB, free], to determine the maximum swap file size used when running the most disk/memory/CPU intensive apps/games.
Then look at the largest number (in KiloBytes) which represents the maximum size of the used swap file. Add another 41,280 KB (40 MB) to this value to make sure your system will never go over this limit, and then type this new number on both SYSTEM.INI lines above (in KB). Restart Windows when done.

This is ONLY my own estimate. You'll have to figure out yours, taking in consideration the types of software used (3D games, CD burning, true color image rendering/editing, desktop publishing etc), to have your system run smoothly.

More info: Swap file optimization guide.

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• 4-20-96 Win9x Registry ©Trick in REGISTRY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE:

MODEM TIMEOUT

If your modem is timing out (you experience too long delays) while performing file transfers or loading web pages, you might want to increase the inactivity timeout period.
Run Regedit and go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Class\Modem\00nn\Settings

00nn is the integer number assigned to your modem (valid values: 0000 - 0050). Example: 0000.
You'll see the "InactivityTimeout" String in the right hand pane, which has an integer number inside brackets, representing the modem timeout in minutes.
(Double-)click on "InactivityTimeout" and give it the value of your choice. Example:

"InactivityTimeout"=<60>

Default is 30 minutes.

NOTE: 3COM/US Robotics modems might have a default S19=<#> value string assigned as "InactivityTimeout" (30 minutes).

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• 5-3-96 Win9x/ME Registry ©Trick in REGISTRY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE:

NAMENUMERICTAIL [+ WARNING!]

WARNING: Take extreme caution when using this so-called FIX. Reports say that Win95 Long File Names (LFNs) information (especially Windows 95 retail + MS Plus! 95 users: see "UPDATE:" further below) can be PERMANENTLY LOST IF enabling this undocumented feature!
The good news is Windows 98 and ME (all releases) do NOT exhibit this BUG.
If you don't have a problem with reading truncated Long File Names in an OS/environment/application that doesn't support LFNs, please resist the temptation of doing this!
By default Windows 9x/ME creates 8 character alias names for long file and directory (folder) names.
Short File Names (SFNs) are relevant only in a mixed computing environment (MS-DOS 5.00/6.xx, Windows/WfWG 3.xx AND Win9x/NT/2000/ME/XP/2003), which share files and directories with systems that do not support LFNs.
More info @ MSKB:

To have a folder show as "New Documents" in Win9x/ME [and 32-bit (Win32) applications], but have the short directory name display as "DOCUMENT" [in Windows/WfWG 3.xx and 16-bit (Win16) applications] instead of the trucated "NEWDOC~1", follow the steps below:

Start your LFNs with the short version: rename the above folder to read "DOCUMENTS-NEW", which resolves to "DOCUME~1" (don't type the quotes).
Start Regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
Get rid of the unwanted tildes (~) by adding a new DWORD Value called "NameNumericTail": right-click → click New → click DWORD → give it the name "NameNumericTail" (no quotes). Now (double-)click on it → check the Decimal box → finally type "0" (no quotes).

The folder name in the above example (assuming there wasn't a \DOCUMENT directory already present) resolves to the correct short name: 8.3 characters (DOS specific).

To revert to Windows default setting (tildes are enabled), delete the "NameNumericTail" DWORD Value from the Registry subkey above.

CAUTION: Do NOT rename the "Program Files" folder to ANYTHING else, because many (especially older) applications assume its short file name should be "PROGRA~1"! Such programs that use the hard coded directory name (due to poor programming practices) will install correctly, but WILL have difficulty finding resources/libraries (DLLs) afterwards.

TIP: TweakUI, the free, unsupported Microsoft Power Toy [110 KB], also has the ability of getting rid of the tildes in LFNs.

UPDATE: "Setting NameNumericTail=0 causes 2 major problems addressed in these MSKB articles:

Q148594: Windows 95 + MS Plus! 95.
Q179370: Windows 95, 98, NT4, 2000, ME + XP."
[Thank you ERPMan!]

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• 5-3-96 Win9x Registry ©Trick in REGISTRY.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE:

MIDDLE BUTTON

To use a Logitech (or compatible) middle mouse button as a (double-)click (valid for 3-button mice users), run Regedit and go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Logitech\MouseWare\CurrentVersion\Serial\0000

Some Logitech mice might be installed under one of these other keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Logitech\MouseWare\CurrentVersion\SerialM\0000

or:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Logitech\Mouseware\CurrentVersion\SerialV\0000

Your rodent might reside under the "0001" or "0002" subkeys, not necessarily under "0000".
In the right hand pane, (double-)click the "DoubleClick" String value and change its value from "000" to "001" (no quotes).

UPDATE: "This only works with Logitech mice and only for a (double-)click. But there is a freeware program called Cool Mouse 97 [234 KB] which works with ANY 3-button or 2-button mouse, and provides multiple mode features, a must have for all 3-button mice users."
[Thank you Yuri!]

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AOL INSTANT MESSAGES ON/OFF

To turn off AOL Instant Messages (IMs) so they won't pop up while you're in the middle of doing something else, log on to AOL and follow these steps:

First method:
1. Hold Ctrl and press I to open the IM box.
2. Type:
  $im_off
  in the IM Send to box.
3. Type something (anything) in the body of the IM message box.
4. Hit Send.
To turn AOL Instant Messages back on:
1. Hold Ctrl and press I to open the IM box.
2. Type:
  $im_on
  in the IM Send to box.
3. Type something (anything) in the body of the IM message box.
4. Hit Send.
Second method (some steps may differ slightly depending on your AOL version):
1. Click the Favorites icon.
2. Open Favorite Places.
3. Click the "Add Favorite Place" button to create a new item.
4. In the "Enter the Place's Description:" box type:
  IM OFF
  or any other suggestive name you wish.
5. In the "Enter the Internet Address:" box type:
  aol://9293:$im_off
6. Click OK.
7. (Double-)click "IM OFF" to turn off AOL Instant Messages.
To turn IMs back on:
1. Click the Favorites icon.
2. Open Favorite Places.
3. Click the "Add Favorite Place" button to create a new item.
4. In the "Enter the Place's Description:" box type:
  IM ON
  or any other suggestive name you wish.
5. In the "Enter the Internet Address:" box type:
  aol://9293:$im_on
6. Click OK.
7. (Double-)click "IM ON" to turn on AOL Instant Messages.
Third method (applies ONLY to Windows 9x users):

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RENAME MS IE TITLE

This tip applies to Windows 95/OSR1/OSR2/NT4 systems ONLY IF you installed MS IE 4/5/6 or newer, and to Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003, which come all with MS IE 4/5/6 "built-in" [NO choice here! :(], but you can upgrade later to the newest MS IE release (MS IE 6.0 SP1 is current as of this writing), to benefit from all those "nifty" bug fixes and CRITICAL security patches. :)
You can change the Internet Explorer title bar name to whatever you want.
Just start Regedit and go to (all users):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

or to (if only one user):

HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

and/or to (currently logged on user):

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

Modify (or create if not present) the "Window Title" String Value in the right hand pane (don't type the quotes) to show the name of your choice: right-click in the right hand pane → select New → String Value → name it "Window Title" (no quotes) → (double-)click on it → type your own, customized MS IE title bar name (for example I use IE6) → click OK or press Enter.
Default is "Microsoft Internet Explorer".
To revert to default, simply delete the "Window Title" String Value.
Close the Registry Editor and open an Iexplore.exe window to see the change.

BTW: If you prefer to open IE in full screen (kiosk) mode (e.g. by hitting F11 when NOT full screen) you won't see the title bar though. :(

More info @ MSKB.

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IDENTIFY "NO NAME" CARDS

Courtesy of Asrepka.

"Here's another way of finding out who made your no name modem or other add-on cards for your PC. Open up your computer case, and take out the no name card. Write down the FCC ID number on the card. Plug the card back in and close up your machine. Go to this FCC web page. Type in the FCC ID number, and then search their database. You will know now who made your no name card and then you can search the web for updated drivers."

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EXTRA ASCII CHARACTERS

Another cool tip sent by The Captain. Enjoy.

"You aren't limited to just the number of characters (letters, symbols and numbers) on your keyboard. In fact, you could have dozens of characters you never knew about. Example:

•.

The above is what you get if you hold down ALT and press 3 or 4 numbers on your numeric keypad.

These are known as ASCII characters, useful for putting in non-standard keyboard characters and symbols for various purposes. Most of them should work in Wordpad, MS Word and other text editors as well, such as EDIT.COM (MS-DOS program)."

NOTES:

Notepad (and similar plain text editors/viewers, including EDIT.COM, the MS-DOS mode text editor) cannot display properly some of the extra ASCII characters above. Therefore I recommend using a better text editor or your favorite word processor to type/read/print them.
The standard ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) characters and symbols keyboard code combos are listed in MSDOSDRV.TXT (the ANSI.SYS section), a text file located in your Windows folder (Windows 98/OSR2/95 users). Similarly, MS-DOS 6.xx users can run the HELP command from any DOS prompt, and then read the ANSI.SYS section to access the ASCII codes.
The Character Map tool (Charmap.exe) included with all Windows/WfWG releases, and found in the Windows directory, shows the key code equivalent for each character supported by the installed fonts.

UPDATES:

"The Character Map tool (Charmap.exe) can be used in Windows 2000/XP/newer to enter other non-ASCII characters supported by installed fonts.
Windows 9x/ME users can also do this by using BabelMap (donationware)."
[Thank you JP!]
"There is a freeware replacement called Extended Character Map (ECM).
It gives a larger rendering of each character in a particular font and a large preview of a selected character. It's useful for small screen users, and those of us who must squint at the Windows version to make out the characters."
[Thank you Ojatex!]

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AOL THROUGH TCP/IP

This tip applies to all America Online members who:

use Windows 95/98 OS;
use AOL v3.0 software client 32-bit for Windows 95/98 [this does NOT work with AOL 4.0 or 5.0!];
connect to AOL through another (primary) ISP (Internet Service Provider);
log to the Internet using Win95/98 TCP/IP PPP protocol through the Dial-Up Networking (DUN) applet, configured for the primary ISP.

NOTE: This tip is NOT valid for AOL 4/5 users, who have to configure the built-in AOL protocol for TCP/IP connections. See your AOL 4.0/5.0 help files for details.

I'm going to use in this example AT&T Worldnet as primary ISP. This means your DUN must be configured to log on to Worldnet FIRST. You should be able to log on to the Internet by (double-)clicking the Worldnet icon on your desktop.

NOTE: To learn how to "squeeze" maximum performance out of your DUN connection using your ISP, read "SPEEDUP MY DUN!", also in TIPS95.TXT [part of W95-11D.EXE].

Then you have the choice of starting your favorite web browser and surf away, or/and check your e-mail on AOL the same time (like I do).
And AOL membership is only $9.95/month for unlimited use, if using another ISP to connect (the so-called "BYOA" option = Bring Your Own Access). See details at AOL Keyword: BYOA.
I use a local provider (TWR Online) as my primary ISP, which charges only $10.75/month for unlimited use (with an anual fee of $129). Therefore my monthly online charges amount to a grand total of $20.70, including AOL's $9.95/month, which allows me to use both for less than AOL's standard fee of $21.95/month (their unlimited use option).
Worldnet has its own proprietary method of starting AOL through a link found usually at the top of your web browser's Bookmark file/Favorites folder. But this may be time consuming, because you need to connect to Worldnet's server every time you want to access the AOL link. :(
BUT luckily there is a workaround. :)
This solution is valid no matter which primary ISP you are using, as long as you meet ALL conditions enumerated at the beginning of this topic.
Just follow the easy steps below to start AOL locally, without using Worldnet's (or your primary ISP's) remote AOL link.

Create a new shortcut on your desktop for AOL 3.0: right-click on an empty spot on your desktop.
Select New.
Click Shortcut.
Browse to your AOL 3.0 folder.
(Double-)click the AOL.EXE (or WAOL.EXE) executable.
Type in these parameters on the command line AFTER aol.exe (or waol.exe), separated by a space (AOL 3.0 is installed by default in the C:\AOL30 folder):
C:\AOL30\AOL.EXE -aATT -cTCP.CCL
or:
C:\AOL30\WAOL.EXE -aATT -cTCP.CCL
Click Finish.
Optional: change your AOL shortcut's name and/or icon if you so desire.
HINT: You can use the AOL custom icon (the small magenta sphere in the middle of a triangle) found in MYICONS.DLL [download MYICONS.ZIP], also part of W95-11D.EXE.

Bingo! If you (double-)click your new AOL shortcut, you'll see a new AT&T icon to the right, on AOL's main menu bar. If you click the AT&T icon, AOL simply shuts down if you are not signed on (offline mode), or logs off and then exits if you happen to be online.
The "-aATT" parameter can be used independently, just to get the extra "AOL shut down" icon (the only drawback is that AOL's modem Setup is disabled).
What this means: the "-cTCP.CCL" command line parameter tells AOL 3.0 to start in "TCP/IP mode", instead of its default "modem mode" (used to connect through AOL's proprietary modem protocol, using AOLNET.CCL by default, when you use AOL as your primary ISP). TCP.CCL (AOL's proprietary TCP/IP protocol) is actually a file found in the \AOL30\CCL subfolder, when using the same folder name in the example above.
This way you can start AOL even if you are not connected to your primary ISP (Worldnet in this example), and then you can sign on to AOL as soon as your TCP/IP Internet connection has been established.
Have fun!

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• 5-11-96 Win3.1x/9x Original ©Trick in MYTIPS95.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE, and in MYTIPS31.TXT, part of W31-11D.ZIP:

SYSTEM DLLS

I don't agree with programs that keep their system DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) into their own directories/folders, especially when they are older versions (duplicates) of the ones normally located in \Windows\System.
I found out that the \Windows\System directory sometimes also contains the same DLLs but usually of different (and if I'm "lucky", newer) versions, which may conflict/interfere with some (poorly written), usually older programs.
So whenever I install a new Windows program, I usually compare the same name duplicate DLLs, starting a search for that particular filename (present in both program's directory and in \Windows\System) on the entire drive, and erase (ONLY AFTER BACKING THEM UP!) all the older versions, to keep only the newest ones in \Windows\System. The Windows System directory is accessed by ALL properly installed applications, to find their shared (needed) Dynamic Link Libraries (newest versions are usually better to keep for compatibility reasons).
To uninstall a particular application properly, I keep a small text file, named after the program executable (but with the .TXT extension) in the application's folder, listing all DLLs used by it (and had duplicates at the time of installation). You can create such a plain text file to list all files present in a given directory, by running this command from any DOS prompt, from within the folder of your choice:

DIR /A /O:GEN > C:\APPDIR\APPNAME.TXT

Replace APPPDIR and APPNAME in this example with your real folder name and program name, respectively.
For details on the DIR command parameters, run:

DIR /?

from any DOS prompt.
This way I know which DLLs to delete from \Windows\System when uninstalling that particular program, WITHOUT affecting ANY other apps on my machine.
Sounds like a whole lot of work, but it saved me from trouble a few times, since I don't trust handing this job over to commercial Uninstallers.

NOTES:

The display of Long File Names (LFNs) is possible ONLY if you run DIR from a DOS box/window/session within Windows 95/98, NOT from the true/native MS-DOS prompt outside Windows.
Win98 users can run Sfc.exe (System File Checker), a handy tool located in \Windows\System, which verifies that all files in your Windows (sub)folders are up to date, and logs a complete list to a text file (Sfclog.txt), found in your Windows directory, and which can be viewed with Notepad.

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• 11-25-98 Win3.1x/9x/NT/2000/ME/XP/2003/DOS ©Trick in TIPS95.TXT, part of W95-11D.EXE, and in MYTIPS31.TXT, part of W31-11D.ZIP:

MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE MADE EASY

Windows XP? Windows 98? OSR2? MS-DOS 6.22? Windows 3.11? ... Confused? Which one are you having trouble with? I know that all Microsoft Operating Systems I have used so far gave me grief at some point. Why? Simple. They all exhibit their share of BUGs, glitches, annoyances, quirks, problems, "issues", incompatibilities, security leaks, or whatever else you want to call them. :)
But wait! Microsoft is taking important steps towards explaining the most common problems, answering the most "burning" questions, and eventually fix some of the BUGs... [and unfortunately ignore others! :(]
The answer is simple. And it's free. All you need is an e-mail account and/or Internet access.
It's called the MicroSoft Knowledge Base (MSKB), the "mother" of all support web sites. A vast area full of articles that cover most of the unsolved, asked about, annoying issues and BUGs. And some of these articles include free updates/patches for your "affected" Microsoft OS/application.

WEB ALTERNATIVE:

You can access any MSKB article by searching the entire MSKB web site if you know the 5, 6 or 7 digit article ID number or by typing keywords and/or selecting an OS/Environment/application name to refer to.
Example using keyword VMM. This will generate a list of all MSKB articles containing the word VMM.
You can substitute VMM with any other word you wish to search for.
To customize/narrow your search, go to this page.
Another example: typing keywords Windows 98 and MSDOS.SYS returns a list of matches (related MSKB articles) you can click on for on-line reading, and eventually save to disk in HTML or TEXT format for off-line reading.
To generate a list of all MSKB articles regarding the same particular subject, you can type keyword(s) in the box of main search page: example using MSDOS.SYS.
FYI: What Microsoft does NOT tell you, is that you can also access any MSKB article identified by a 5, 6 or 7 digit ID number (example: "id=242450" = see link above) by replacing the MSKB URL language specific string (example: "en-us" for U.S. English = don't type the quotes) with "ln" (abbreviation for Language Neutral = case insensitive), or even by deleting it altogether. ;)
All these URLs point actually to the same web page [default is English (en-us) language if en-us or no language (ln) specified]:
URLs are case insensitive: capital letters are interpreted by Microsoft servers the same as small letters.
If you wish to view a MSKB page in another supported language, just add or change the language code [French (fr) in this example]:
Lists of supported languages and their symbols:
- MSDN: Language Identifier Constants and Strings.
- MSDN: Language Codes.
- MDGx Form: Request a MSKB hotfix online in all supported languages.
This is the Microsoft Software Support Web server, containing free Windows 95/OSR1/OSR2/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7 upgrades, drivers, patches, utilities etc.
MSKB Search.
Microsoft (entire web site) Search.
Unofficial MSKB articles list by topic.
Unofficial Windows Resources.
Unofficial MSKB Free Email Alerts.
Suggested by Rick:
The Google search engine can limit searches by domain.
To get the most relevant hits from searching the MSKB customize Google to include the site main URL after your keyword(s):
like this (MSDOS.SYS used in this example):
This way you'll get hits only from support.microsoft.com, which primarily comprises the MSKB.
If using more than one keyword separate them with spaces.
If looking for exact hits enclose your keywords with quotes.
And Google makes this much easier now, just check the Google Microsoft Search page. :)

E-MAIL ALTERNATIVE:

MDGx Form: Request a MSKB hotfix online in all supported languages.
Suggested by Captain SiskoX:
Fire up your e-mail client and send a message to MSHelp@microsoft.com, with the word INDEX in the Subject field. This will return an automated list of all new ("hot") MSKB articles/issues/discovered bugs, in reference to all current Microsoft OSes/applications. If you type a MSKB article 5 or 6 digit ID number (nnnnnn) in the Subject area, you'll receive an automated message including that specific article.
Example: to get a copy of the MSKB article 120822 in e-mail, type 120822 in the Subject field. You can also find this article online as a web page.
Point your web browser [requires a cookies enabled browser :(] to this page, and subscribe for free to the Microsoft e-mail based Newsletter(s) of your choice.

Done. Gee... so many choices, so little time... ;)

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IE FULL SCREEN BAR

This tip applies to ALL Microsoft Internet Explorer releases beginning with version 4.00 (separate install), Windows 98 (installs MS IE 4.01), Windows 98 SE (installs MS IE 5.0), Windows ME (installs MS IE 5.5), and including MS IE 5.xx/6.xx (separate install).
I have been using MS IE 4.01 in full screen mode for some time, but I have never been able to adjust IE's menu bar to include all basic items, like: File, Home, Back, Forward, Reload, Full screen, Help etc, and the same time display the URL address bar and get rid of IE's annoying title bar.
Until now... :)

IMPORTANT: BACKUP the Registry key that will be modified further below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar

Start Regedit, highlight the Registry key above, click the "Registry" menu item, select "Export Registry File", type IE4OLD.REG in the "File name" field, Browse for a destination, and finally click the Save button.

Then close all open IE instances. Now create (using Notepad) a Registration file (with the .REG extension, which is actually a plain text file), and call it IE4BAR.REG. Cut & paste the lines below into IE4BAR.REG EXACTLY as they appear:

-----Begin cut & paste here-----
REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar]
"Theater"=hex:0c,00,00,00,4c,00,00,00,74,00,00,00,18,00,00,00,1b,00,00,00,5c,\
00,00,00,01,00,00,00,e0,00,00,00,a0,0f,00,00,05,00,00,00,22,00,00,00,26,00,\
00,00,02,00,00,00,21,00,00,00,a0,0f,00,00,04,00,00,00,01,00,00,00,a0,0f,00,\
00,03,00,00,00,08,00,00,00,00,00,00,00

------End cut & paste here------

Save the file and close Notepad. In Windows Explorer or File Manager (FM = C:\WINDOWS\WINFILE.EXE), (double-)click on IE4BAR.REG to merge (register) this information into your Registry.
Now restart IE in full screen mode (this also works in windowed mode though), et voila, no more title bar, a slick menu bar and a full sized address bar!

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