Tweaking The Visual

Enable/Disable 3D Menus In Windows XP

2009-10-20T14:19:00.001-07:00

Start –> Run –> Type Regedit –> Hit enter.

Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Double click the Reg Binary “UserPreferencesMask”

To enable 3D menus type: 9E 3E 05 80 (under value data)

To disable 3D menus type: 9E 3E 07 80 (under value data)

Reboot.

Completely Remove Windows Messenger (Windows XP)

2009-10-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

Click Start –> Run.

Paste the following:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Click ok.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: If you have service pack 1 installed, you may receive a message telling you that there was an error unregistering the OCX 16422. Just click ok--windows messenger will still be uninstalled.

Using The Microsoft Security Essentials Command-Line

2009-10-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

How To Run The Microsoft Security Essentials Command-Line

Start –> run –> type cmd –> hit enter.

Paste the following: "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Security Essentials\MpCmdRun.exe"

Hit enter.

List of Commands

-? / -h Displays all available options for this tool.
-Trace [-Grouping #] [-Level #] Starts diagnostic tracing
-RemoveDefinitions [-All] Restores the installed signature definitions to a previous backup copy or to the original default set of signatures
-RestoreDefaults Resets the registry values for Microsoft Antimalware Service settings to known good defaults
-SignatureUpdate [-UNC] Checks for new definition updates
-Scan [-ScanType] Scans for malicious software
-Restore -Name <name> [-All] Restore the most recently or all quarantined item(s) based on name
-GetFiles Collects support information

Using The NirLauncher From NirSoft

2009-10-06T12:46:00.001-07:00

Start Using NirLauncher

Download the beta version of NirLauncher from here.

Open your hard drive—the one you wish to store NirLauncher in. Right click, select new –> folder. Extract the contents of the download into that folder.

Double click nirlauncher.exe to launch NirLauncher. You should see a screen like the following:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adding Additional Software Packages to Nirlauncher

Below is an example on how to add an additional software package to Nirlauncher. For this case, we will be using the Sysinternals suite from Microsoft.

Download the latest version of the Sysinternals suite from here.

Open the same drive you used to store Nirlauncher in and create a new folder. Extract the contents of Sysinternals into that folder.

Open Notepad i.e. Start –> Run –> Notepad –> enter. Paste the following:

[General]
SoftwareCount=69
GroupCount = 3
Name=SysInternals Suite

[Group0]
name=PsTools

[Group1]
name=Other Console Tools

[Group2]
name=GUI Tools

[Software0]
exe=accesschk.exe
group=1

[Software1]
exe=AccessEnum.exe
group=2

[Software2]
exe=ADExplorer.exe
group=2

[Software3]
exe=ADInsight.exe
group=2

[Software4]
exe=adrestore.exe
group=1

[Software5]
exe=Autologon.exe
group=2

[Software6]
exe=autoruns.exe
group=2

[Software7]
exe=autorunsc.exe
group=1

[Software8]
exe=Bginfo.exe
group=2

[Software9]
exe=Cacheset.exe
group=2

[Software10]
exe=Clockres.exe
group=1

[Software11]
exe=Contig.exe
group=1

[Software12]
exe=Coreinfo.exe
group=1

[Software13]
exe=ctrl2cap.exe
group=1

[Software14]
exe=Dbgview.exe
group=2

[Software15]
exe=Desktops.exe
group=2

[Software16]
exe=diskext.exe
group=1

[Software17]
exe=Diskmon.exe
group=2

[Software18]
exe=DiskView.exe
group=2

[Software19]
exe=du.exe
group=1

[Software20]
exe=efsdump.exe
group=1

[Software21]
exe=handle.exe
group=1

[Software22]
exe=hex2dec.exe
group=1

[Software23]
exe=junction.exe
group=1

[Software24]
exe=ldmdump.exe
group=1

[Software25]
exe=Listdlls.exe
group=1

[Software26]
exe=livekd.exe
group=1

[Software27]
exe=LoadOrd.exe
group=2

[Software28]
exe=logonsessions.exe
group=1

[Software29]
exe=movefile.exe
group=1

[Software30]
exe=newsid.exe
group=2

[Software31]
exe=ntfsinfo.exe
group=1

[Software32]
exe=pagedfrg.exe
group=2

[Software33]
exe=pendmoves.exe
group=1

[Software34]
exe=pipelist.exe
group=1

[Software35]
exe=portmon.exe
group=2

[Software36]
exe=procdump.exe
group=1

[Software37]
exe=procexp.exe
group=2

[Software38]
exe=ProcFeatures.exe
group=1

[Software39]
exe=Procmon.exe
group=2

[Software40]
exe=psexec.exe
group=0

[Software41]
exe=psfile.exe
group=0

[Software42]
exe=psgetsid.exe
group=0

[Software43]
exe=Psinfo.exe
group=0

[Software44]
exe=pskill.exe
group=0

[Software45]
exe=pslist.exe
group=0

[Software46]
exe=psloggedon.exe
group=0

[Software47]
exe=psloglist.exe
group=0

[Software48]
exe=pspasswd.exe
group=0

[Software49]
exe=psservice.exe
group=0

[Software50]
exe=psshutdown.exe
group=0

[Software51]
exe=pssuspend.exe
group=0

[Software52]
exe=RegDelNull.exe
group=1

[Software53]
exe=regjump.exe
group=1

[Software54]
exe=RootkitRevealer.exe
group=2

[Software55]
exe=sdelete.exe
group=1

[Software56]
exe=ShareEnum.exe
group=2

[Software57]
exe=ShellRunas.exe
group=2

[Software58]
exe=sigcheck.exe
group=1

[Software59]
exe=streams.exe
group=1

[Software60]
exe=strings.exe
group=1

[Software61]
exe=sync.exe
group=1

[Software62]
exe=tcpvcon.exe
group=1

[Software63]
exe=Tcpview.exe
group=2

[Software64]
exe=vmmap.exe
group=2

[Software65]
exe=Volumeid.exe
group=1

[Software66]
exe=whois.exe
group=1

[Software67]
exe=Winobj.exe
group=2

[Software68]
exe=ZoomIt.exe
group=2

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Select file –> save as –> call it sysinternals.nlp –> save it to the sysinternals folder.

Open NirLauncher. Select launcher –> add software package.

When the “Select file package to add” dialogue box comes up. Browse to the sysinternals.nlp file and click open.

You should then see a screen containing the sysinternals software package.

To switch back to the nirsoft suite, select launcher –> previous software package.

Faster Shutdown (Windows Xp)

2009-09-12T16:23:00.001-07:00

Note: You should create a restore point before this process i.e. Click Start –> all programs –> accessories –> system tools –> system restore. Select “Create a restore point.” Click next. Under “restore point description” type “shutdown backup” (without quotes). Click create.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Start –> run –> type “regedit” (without quotes). Hit enter.

Browse to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Modify the string value: “AutoEndTasks” set the value data to 1.

Modify/Create the string value: “WaitToKillAppTimeout” set the value data to 1000.

Modify/Create the string value: “HungAppTimeout” set the value data to 1000.

Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

Modify the string value: “WaitToKillServiceTimeout” set the value data to 1000.

Reboot.

Give Administrative Rights To The Guest Account

2009-09-10T07:17:00.001-07:00

Start –> run –> type “control userpasswords2” (without quotes).

Under “Users for this computer” highlight the guest account and click properties.

Select the “Group Membership” tab. Under “Other” select the drop down menu and click “Administrators.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click apply –> ok.

Restore The Address Bar Option To The Taskbar (Xp SP3)

2009-08-31T15:41:00.001-07:00

Note: You will need the following dll for this tweak: browseui.dll

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Restart your computer.
Before the windows logo, tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows Advanced Options menu.
Select the option Safe Mode with the arrow keys.
Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once in safe mode, browse to my computer –> c drive –> windows –> system 32. Copy and paste browseui.dll into the C:\windows\system32 folder. Restart.

Disable Winrar Notification Popup With Ollydbg

2009-08-29T17:42:00.001-07:00

Note: you will need to download the following program for this tweak: Ollydbg

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open Ollydbg. Select file –> open.

Under “look in” select the C drive and browse to program files –> winrar –> winrar.exe. Select open.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are presented with the following warning, click ok.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Press ctrl – g on your keyboard and type “0043FF47” at the prompt.

Click ok.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right click on the address that is highlighted. Select binary –> fill with NOPs.

Now right click, select copy to executable –> All modifications.

Disable Winrar Notification Popup With Resource Hacker

2009-08-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

Note: You will need to download the following program for this tweak: Resource hacker

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open resource hacker. Select file –> open.

Under “look in” select the C drive and browse to program files –> winrar –> winrar.exe. Select open.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the left hand side of recourse hacker, select the plus sign next to “dialogue.”

Scroll down and click the plus sign next to “Reminder.”

Right click 1033 and select “Delete Resource”

You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete the resource. Select yes.

Select file –> save.

Show Your Windows Version On Your Desktop

2009-08-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Start -> Run -> Regedit.

On the left hand side browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Modify/Create the DWORD value "PaintDesktopVersion" (without quotes)

Give it the value data 1 and reboot.

Restore The Internet Explorer Desktop Icon

2009-08-20T08:25:00.001-07:00

Start -> Run -> Type "Notepad"

Paste the following into notepad:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]"{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}"=dword:00000000 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu]"{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}"=dword:00000000

File -> save as. Under "Save as type" select All files.

On the left hand side select "Desktop"

Under file name, type: "restore.reg" (without quotes). Select save.

Double click the new registry file. You should get the following warning:

Select yes.

Enable Clear Pagefile At Shutdown

2009-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Start -> Run -> Type "Regedit" (without quotes)

Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

Modify/Create the DWORD value "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" (without quotes) Give it the value data of 1.

Exit registry and reboot.

Turn Inprivate Filtering On Indefinately (Internet Explorer 8)

2009-08-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Start -> Run -> Notepad.

Paste the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Safety\PrivacIE]"StartMode"=dword:00000001

Save it as "Auto.reg" (without quotes).

Double click on the new registry file. A dilogue box asking if you want to add the information to the registry should popup, select yes.

Create Registry Files To Toggle Your Screensaver

2009-07-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Turn The Screen Saver Off

Start -> run -> notepad.

Paste the following:

Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"ScreenSaveActive"="0"

save it as "scrnsaveroff.reg" (without quotes)

To activate this file, simply click on it. *see note*

Turn The Screen Saver On

open notepad once again, and paste the following:

Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"ScreenSaveActive"="1"

save it as "scrnsaveron.reg" (without quotes)

To activate this file, simply click on it.

(Note: once you click on one of the registry files, a dialogue box will come up asking if you want to add the information to the registry. Click yes.)

Integrate Avira's Virus Scanner Into Winrar

2009-07-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Those of you who use winrar should notice that there's a "virus scanner" located in winrar when you download a file.

This tutorial will show you how to integrate Avira's Luke Filewalker into winrar's virus scan.

Click on virus scan located at the top right of WinRAR

Under Virus scanners found by WinRAR, select: "User defined"

Next to scanner name select browse and locate:

C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir_version\avscan.exe

In "Virus scanner parameters" type:

/GUIMODE=1 /PATH="%f"

Select ok.

Changing The Way Avira Antivir Starts

2009-06-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

There is always "I change my mind, I want Avira to start early!" Or "Avira is starting early, and it is slowing down my computer!" The question is: how do you change the way it starts?

Start -> Run -> Type cmd.

In cmd type as follows:

1. cd *enter*

2. cd c:\Program Files *enter*

3. cd Avira *enter*

4. cd Antivir Desktop *enter*

5. avconfig.exe /WIZARD *enter*

If you did this correctly, you should see a dialogue box like the one below come up.

Click next several times until you see the "Guard Start Mode." You can select either "Normal start" or "Secure Start."

Get Old Firefox Addons To Work With Newer Builds

2009-06-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

1. Open Firefox, type "about:config" into the location bar (without quotes)

2. Click "I'll be careful I promise" when the confirmation page comes up.

3. Below "preference name" right click, select new -> boolean.

4. Call it "extensions.checkCompatibility" (without quotes). Set the value to false.

What this does is disables Firefox from checking addon compatibility. So (after the tweak) when you install an older addon to a newer build of firefox, firefox won't check to see if it's compatible with it and will allow you to install.

Remove .net Framework Assistant From Firefox

2009-06-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

(note:before doing step one, firefox should be closed)

1. Locate C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v3.5\Windows Presentation Foundation\DotNetAssistantExtension

2. Delete everything in the folder.

3. Type about:config in the firefox address bar. Under filter type: "general.useragent.extra.microsoftdotnet" (without quotes)

4. Right click on the entry and select reset.

5. Restart Firefox.

Disable All Balloon Tips

2009-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

1. Start -> Run -> Notepad.

2. Paste the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"EnableBalloonTips"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"FolderContentsInfoTip"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\tips]
"Show"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"StartButtonBalloonTip"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"ShowInfoTip"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoSMBalloonTip"=dword:00000000

3. Save it as disableall.reg

4. Double click on disableall.reg, a dialogue box should come up asking if you want to add the information, choose yes.

Backup Your Firefox Passwords

2009-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

1. Navigate To: My Computer -> C Drive -> Documents And Settings -> User -> Application Data -> Mozilla -> Profiles -> nyj4og2r.default

2. From here locate:

signons.txt

signons3.txt

key3.db

And copy them to the place you want to back them up. To restore them later, just replace the signons and key3.

Create A Batch File To Restart The Dns Service

2009-05-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

1. Start -> Run -> Notepad.

2. Paste the following:

net stop dnscache
net start dnscache

3. Call it "restartdns.bat" (without quotes)

Disable The Dns Client Service

2009-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

1. Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services.

2. Right click on the dns service and select properties. Under Startup type select disabled. Under service status select stop.

Disable Automatic Expanding Folder Trees

2009-05-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

1. Start -> Run -> Regedit.

2. Locate: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

3. Modify/Create the Dword value "FriendlyTree" (without quotes)

4. Set the value data to 0.

Add Notepad To Right Click

2009-05-20T17:37:00.001-07:00

1. Start -> Run -> Notepad.

2. Paste the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shell\Notepad]
@="Notepad"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shell\Notepad\command]
@="C:\\Windows\\notepad"

3. Save it as "notepad.reg"

4. Open it, it will ask you if you want to add the data, select yes.

Display Your Desktop Icons In List View

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

1. Follow this link and download desktop list view self extracting or zip.

2. Double click the "desktoplistview.exe" and your desktop icons should be organized in list view.

More:

Desktop List View To Start Up When Your Computer Starts

1. Go to start -> All Programs -> Right click on startup and select explore. Copy the desktoplistview.exe into the startup folder.

I Want My Icons Back The Way They Were!

Im sorry to say this, but, you can't, it's impossible (just kidding)

1. Go back to the folder you unzipped desktop list view into and double click "unload.bat" Your icons should now be the way they were before.