WINDOWS FUNS

Yahoo.Messenger.10.0.0.1102.Final Setup

2012-02-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Download Free Yahoo.Messenger.10.0.0.1102.Final Setup

More Features

Keep friends at your fingertips with the new Yahoo! Messenger:
* Easier ways to stay up to date - See more updates from your friends in the detailed Messenger list
* Show off your status - Easily add links and emoticons to your status messages
* Watch videos together - Share videos from popular sites and watch them with friends right in your IM window

Other features include:

1. Instant message with one friend, or conference in a bunch
2. Send text messages (SMS) to friends' mobile phones
3. Join a chat room to meet new friends while you discuss your favorite topics
4. Make free PC-to-PC calls and PC-to-phone calls for as low as 1¢ a minute (plus free voicemail!)
5. Use the built-in media player to watch web videos and view photos with friends
6. Show your style with emoticons, Avatars, audibles and IMVironments
7. Share securely with automatic file scanning for users of Norton AntiVirus or Internet Security

Multi Yahoo

Ads Remover

File Size:16.62 MB

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PowerCmd 2.0

2011-02-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

Download Free PowerCmd 2.0

PowerCmd enhances your command prompt with an easy-to-use Windows GUI-style interface and allows you to run multiple consoles within a single tabbed window. You can easily organize multiple consoles in vertical, horizontal, and grid forms. Auto-log, auto-completion, keywords highlight, configurable font and colors, customizable toolbar for frequently used commands or tools and minimizing to tray are easy solutions to daily needs. With PowerCmd, you can save and restore your sessions from last time.

Features:
- Organize command line windows
- Integrate to Shell
- Enhanced Windows style text editing behavior
- Bookmarks
- Filtered command prompt history
- Auto Save Logs
- Highlight keywords on a console and Word Find Buttons
- Quick Launch Toolbar
- Watch Command Prompt Environment Variables
- Auto Completion
- Configurable
File Size:2.25 MB

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Remote Anything v5.1.11.22

2011-02-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Download Free Remote Anything v5.1.11.22

RA allows to completely control the keyboard, mouse, and screen of a remote PC via a modem, a LAN, or the Internet: explorer-like file transfer, ability to install and use programs, to power up down PCs, and to record sessions that you can play back.

RA allows stealth surveillance as well as administration, instant training, interactive chat, user assistance and remote application sharing on more than 100 remote computers at the same time. Fast enough to watch real-time video remotely. Automatically detects available PCs on your network. Ultra-Fast File Transfer using intelligent compression. The ultimate small footprint: the Slave is only 90 KB. Easy to deploy - just copy and run the Slave.exe file. Integrated Gateway to reach private IP addresses.
File Size:1.25 MB

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USB_Disk_Security_v5

2010-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

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Yahoo.Messenger.10.0.0.1102

2010-02-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

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Real Player 11 Gold Edition

2010-02-22T09:47:00.001-08:00

Download Free Real Player 11 Gold Edition+Crack

ITS A FULL VERSION OF REAL PLAYER 11 GOLD EDITION

NOTE: You can also download videos from google and you tube downloading this software

One of the dinosaurs of media playback, RealPlayer has been on the scene since 1995. Sometimes it feels like it hasn't been updated since then, no matter what the version number says. Still, RealPlayer 11 beta introduces a major new function and takes care of some frustrating bugs, making it respectable once again.

The player runs smoother than ever, which to some might not be saying much, but if you haven't used it in years, the differences are dramatic. Now the free version of the player has the ability to download videos from the Internet, including Flash-based videos like those on YouTube. Once installed, mousing over an embedded video will provide a pop-up that not only lets you download the vid, but also change its name, the save-to directory, and other options.

The update sees a major face-lift, as well, removing much of the clutter from the downloadable music store. Though not groundbreaking, the RealPlayer music store gets a thumbs up for being easy to use and offering a flexible DRM policy. The new jukebox features let you make playlists, rip CDs, burn custom mixes, and listen to hundreds of online radio stations. The program still suffers from an intrusive installation, but file-type hijacking and upgrade harassment are mostly gone.

The positive steps begun with Version 10 continue, and users of earlier versions should upgrade.
File Size:12.66 MB

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Fraps 2.9.8 7777 Final

2010-02-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Download Fraps 2.9.8 7777 Final Crack

Fraps is a universal Windows application that can be used with games using DirectX or OpenGL graphic technology. In its current form Fraps performs many tasks and can best be described as:

Benchmarking Software - Show how many Frames Per Second (FPS) you are getting in a corner of your screen. Perform custom benchmarks and measure the frame rate between any two points. Save the statistics out to disk and use them for your own reviews and applications.

Screen Capture Software - Take a screenshot with the press of a key! There's no need to paste into a paint program every time you want a new shot. Your screen captures are automatically named and timestamped.

Realtime Video Capture Software - Have you ever wanted to record video while playing your favourite game? Come join the Machinima revolution! Throw away the VCR, forget about using a DV cam, game recording has never been this easy! Fraps can capture audio and video up to 2560x1600 with custom frame rates from 10 to 100 frames per second!
File Size:11.6MB

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Internet Download Manager (IDM) 5.18.2 + CRACK

2010-02-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Download Free Internet Download Manager (IDM) 5.18.2 + CRACK

Extraction Steps for CRACK:
After download extract it to C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager or whatever you installed it and replace IDMan.exe then open RUN.REG file and press

Yes in dialogue message.
File Size3.90 MB

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Uniblue Driver Scanner 2009

2010-02-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Download Free Uniblue Driver Scanner 2009 [Serials Included]

All hardware elements in your PC, including your graphics and sound card, your motherboard, your hard disk, your modem or even your keyboard, come with drivers. Initially these may have come preinstalled with the operating system, or you may have installed them from the manufacturers CD. However the manufacturers will since have improved these drivers by removing bugs and adding extra features or functionality. This means that unless you update your drivers regularly you may face any of a range of problems, from the relatively minor, such as hardware that seems buggy and poorly performing, to the more major such as hardware failures, conflicts and complete system crashes. With so many drivers installed on your system you cannot reasonably keep track of which drivers have been updated, which is why you need driver update management software to help out. Driver Scanner is the perfect solution for automatically updating drivers, saving you the hassle of having to identifying all your systems drivers, then find updates for them using, before then downloading them from the manufacturers website. Driver Scanner scans your PCs drivers and checks them against our comprehensive library of the latest drivers, to give you a full list of all those that need to be updated. With single click simplicity Driver Scanner will then install each update on your PC. But whats more, Driver Scanner will also backup all your drivers to an external device, meaning that the next time you reinstall your system you can load up all your latest drivers, from one place.

Features:
- Scan summary and download history
- Disk drives scan
- DVD/CD-ROM drives scan
- Monitors scan
- Processors scan
- Sound, video and game controllers scan
- Universal serial bus controllers scan
- Simultaneous driver downloads
- Driver download management technology
- Display adapters scan
- IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers scan
- Network adapters scan
- Other devices scan
- System devices scan
- Unplugged devices scan
- Easy driver backup
- Windows restore points
- Easy driver restore
- Minimize DriverScanner to taskbar
- Minimize DriverScanner to tray
- Select number of simultaneous downloads
- System tray shortcut
- Shows driver statuses
- Windows Familiar GUI
- Shows Scan Progress
File Size:2.82 MB
OR

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Working IP changer Ultrasurf 2009 FULL

2010-02-22T09:30:00.001-08:00

Download Free Working IP changer : Ultrasurf 2009 FULL

File Size:5.45 MB

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Acdsee Pro v3.0.355

2010-02-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Download Free Acdsee Pro v3.0.355

Manage, view, process and publish your images with speed and ease. ACDSee Pro 3 is the photography software with the flexibility to adapt to the way you work; helping you optimize every aspect of your workflow. New Features Include: Ground-breaking image processing workflow; Convenient FTP uploader; Free online photo sharing; SMTP e-mail support; Enhanced intuitive interface; Flexible non-destructive processing presets; Improved noise reduction; Vibrance image processing tool; Advanced Color image processing tool.

Features:

* Ground-breaking image processing workflow
* Convenient FTP uploader
* Free online photo sharing
* SMTP e-mail support
* Enhanced intuitive interface
* Flexible non-destructive processing presets
* Improved noise reduction
* Vibrance image processing tool
* Advanced Color image processing tool
File Size:56 MB

Real Hide IP v3.5.4.2 Incl. Patch + Install Video Tutorial

2010-02-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Download Free Real Hide IP v3.5.4.2 Incl. Patch + Install Video Tutorial

Did you know your IP address is exposed every time you visit a website? Your IP address is your online identity and could be used by hackers to break into your computer, steal personal information, or commit other crimes against you. Real Hide IP allows you to surf anonymously, change your IP address, prevent identity theft, and guard against hacker intrusions, all with the click of a button.

Key Features:

1. Easily Conceal Your IP Address
2. Anonymous Web Surfing
3. Advanced Application Support
4. Protect Your Identity and Stop Hackers
5. Un-ban Yourself From Forums, Blogs, Etc...
6. Prevent websites from tracking your online activities
7. Quickly delete all Internet Explorer and FireFox cookies
8. Automatically clear your cookies each time your IP changes
File Size:2.27 MB

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Cyberlink YouCam v3.0.1811.7429

2010-02-22T09:11:00.001-08:00

Download Free Cyberlink YouCam v3.0.1811.7429

Engaging Video Effects

Funnier than ever, your webcam's favorite software companion, NEW YouCam 3, is packed with cool video effects for online live chats and video recording. Endless hours of fun are in store for you.

* Headgear gadgets NEW: Get your head in the game with new headgear gadgets for role playing as a Chinese opera singer, nurturing nurse, or belligerent viking. YouCam's new facial tracking technology tracks head movements with fine precision.
* Scene Effects NEW: Make the scene with YouCam's new background effects. Are you ready for supermodel stardom, as your visage is plastered on billboard ads in Times Square or Piccadilly Circus?
* Video recording themes NEW: Automatically apply a range of themed effects for your videos! Perfect for birthdays and all kinds of special occasions.
* Emotional stamping & stomping IMPROVED: Take control over your online emotions when chatting and recording live.
* Sweet 16 Avatars MORE: With 16 doppelgangers to choose from, find a suitable alter ego for your online chats. YouCam's new facial tracking technology maps your facial expression accurately so smile away.
* Thousands of effects at DirectorZone: Featuring uploaded content from thousands of creative users, find lots of new frames and templates for your videos daily... Learn more

Webcam Recording

In this day and age of ultimate self-expression, YouCam 3 is a clever way to create videos on your favorite topic—You!

* HD webcam recording IMPROVED: In combination with YouCam, create high quality videos and photo snapshots.
* Facial Tracking Technology NEW: Sophisticated facial tracking technology, auto zooming, and automatic correction of poor lighting are all the tools you need for wrapping up your entire production using a one person crew.
* Home surveillance IMPROVED: Maximize security at home with your webcam and YouCam 3's built-in surveillance features. Automatically activate recording when motion is detected. YouCam will promptly notify you by email.
* Make it snappy: More than videos, snapshot features are ready to be utilized for your web display photos, desktop wallpapers, printed docs or via email. Capture single shots or a burst sequence by setting the number of shots you want to take... Learn more

Get on Facebook and YouTube in a heartbeat with YouCam's exporting options. Sharing Via Facebook & YouTube

What's a star without a stage? The world's 2 biggest online stages are at your beck & call. Take full advantage of YouCam's easy sharing options.

* Facebook Exclusive NEW: YouCam 3 is the first and only webcam software to offer direct uploading to Facebook, enabling sharing of videos and photos on today’s most popular and fastest growing social network.
* Fit any size on YouTube NEW: You now have more publishing options for YouTube with support for both standard/letterbox (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) sizes... Learn more

Live Presentations

You can share files much easier and even increase productivity with YouCam.

* Sharing PPT files: Communicate more effectively and make live presentations using your instant messenger software. Share photos, presentation files, and videos with PC desktop video capturing.
* Desktop capture mode NEW: Create easy-to-follow demos for illustrating software operation or step-by-step tutorials in completing tasks... Learn more

Touch & Hardware Support

YouCam 3 features support for HD webcams and touchDesigned for the latest touch systems, YouCam 3 features a host of support for high-definition and touch requirements:

* Touch interaction: YouCam's new interface design supports single-touch interaction, making online activity feel more intimate.
* Webcam compatibility: The latest HD webcams are supported allowing for capturing of high quality videos and photo snapshots.
* Perfect for netbooks & nettops: YouCam 3 supports full optimization for the latest netbooks and nettops... Learn more
File Size:111 MB

Trillian Astra Pro v4.0.0.119-TE

2010-02-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Download Free Trillian Astra Pro v4.0.0.119-TE

Description: Since 2001, Trillian has been a powerful part of the effort to bring interoperability to IM. We are proud to bring you our latest and fourth major version, Trillian Astra, our best yet! Trillian lets you connect to multiple IM and social networks at the same time, managing contacts and real time status feeds efficiently.

Supported Services:

* Astra
* AIM
* Yahoo!
* ICQ
* Windows Live (MSN)
* MySpaceIM
* Google Talk
* Jabber/XMPP
* Facebook
* Twitter
* Skype
* Bonjour
* IRC
* POP3 Mail
* IMAP Mail
File Size:15.10 MB

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Website Ripper Copier 3.5.1

2010-02-22T09:03:00.001-08:00

Download Free Website Ripper Copier 3.5.1

A 6-in-1 tool that allows you to download Web sites to a local directory for offline browsing
Website Ripper Copier is a 6-in-1 application which will allow the user to download Web sites to a local directory for offline browsing, grab files of certain types (picture, movie, MP3, document, ZIP, Flash, program.) from sites, teleport files from the Web as a download manager with download resumption support, create site mirrors and explore site link structures. You can use it as a tabbed Web browser with pop-up controls.

* Copy all or part of protected or regular sites for offline browsing
* Grab site files of certain sizes and types, like video and image
* Download a large number of files with resumption support
* Explore site structures
* Tabbed antipop-up Web browser
* Crawl protected sites with complex authentication
* Crawl HTTPS (secure) servers
* The Web is being updated! Let Website Ripper Copier save it for you NOW!

Website Ripper Copier (WRC) is an ideal tool to save or grab an enormous amount of Web site data! WRC can copy all or part of protected or regular sites to your computer for offline browsing, grab site files of certain sizes and types, like video, image, and music, retrieve a large number of files as a download manager with resumption support, and mirror sites. It is also a site link validator, explorer, and tabbed antipop-up Web browser.

This is the only tool that can resume broken downloads from the HTTP, HTTPS and FTP connections, access password-protected sites, support Web cookies, analyze scripts, update retrieved sites or files, and launch more than fifty retrieval threads. With capabilities to update, retry, edit, delete, browse, and copy each retrieval task and unique filters, such as link inner-text (no other spider has this), file type, size, name, URL, exploration depth, and server, it is a fully configurable, automated, multithreaded Web crawler. It is suitable for novices, as well as for professionals.
File Size:877.57 KB

Download here

Windows Environment Variables

2010-02-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Environment variables are specially named "placeholders" used for both programming and in system administration.

Environment variables contain information such as a drive, path, or file name. For example, the TEMP environment variable specifies the location in which programs place temporary files. Environment Variables have been in use not only in Windows, but in Unix and DOS as well.

So how do these variables help you? Well, Environment variables are very convenient in scripts where certain standard directories and parameters need to be referenced but where the actual locations or names can vary from computer to computer. For instance, on a Windows XP system, the TEMP folder is in C:\Windows\Temp whereas in Windows 2000 it is in C:\WINNT\Temp.

By having a placeholder, no prior knowledge is required of such details as the exact location or who is logged in All Environment Variables are enclosed in percentage (%) to mark them to the system as variables.

we has listed these variables below (a complete list is on the Microsoft site), and even cooler, how to make your own variables!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable Typical value
%ALLUSERSPROFILE% C:\Documents and Settings\All Users
%APPDATA% C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data
%COMPUTERNAME% {computername}
%COMSPEC% C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe
%HOMEDRIVE% C:
%HOMEPATH% \Documents and Settings\{username}
%PATH% C:\Windows\System32\;C:\Windows\;C:\Windows\System32\Wbem
%SYSTEMDRIVE% The drive containing the Windows XP root directory, usually C:
%PROGRAMFILES% Directory containing program files, usually C:\Program Files
%SYSTEMROOT% The Windows XP root directory, usually C:\Windows
%TEMP% and %TMP% C:\DOCUME~1\{username}\LOCALS~1\Temp
%USERNAME% {username}
%USERPROFILE% C:\Documents and Settings\{username}
%WINDIR% C:\Windows
%DATE% Current date in the format determined by the Date command
%TIME% Current time in the format determined by the Time command
%CD% Current directory with its full path

Environment Variables are found in your registry at:
User: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Environment
System: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment

In a command window, any of the values of an environment variable can be given to you via the command: echo variable e.g. echo %PATH%

Adding, Editing and Removing Environment Variables in Windows
Adding variables to Windows or modifying existing ones is managed through the "Environment Variables" button on the Advanced Tab of System Properties. This feature has been available since the days of Windows NT, and specifically from Windows 2000 and XP you get to it via: Control Panel -> SYSTEM -> Advanced Tab
In Windows 7 and Windows Vista it is in: Control Panel -> System & Security -> System ->Advanced System Settings

For temporary changes, the command " Set" can be used in scripts or in a command window, avoiding the need to do something permanent if you are just executing a one-off operation perhaps. For example: set GAMES=C:\Games

To create a new variable, use the "New" button. There are also buttons for editing and for deleting variables. I have created a new variable under my User Properties called "Games" and specified where that directory exists in C:\Games. If you want a variable to apply to all users of the computer, enter them under System Variables. See below:

PATH Variable
The %PATH% environment variable specifies the command search path. Typically, this is a group of directories where executable files that are repeatedly used are to be found.

To add directories to the PATH variable, type:
PATH = %PATH%;newdir

Note, the method above adds the directory to the existing PATH variable's list. If you would like to replace all of the path variables with what you specify, enter: PATH = dir1;dir2;dir3

Group Policy Tools & Resources

2010-02-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

This section provides common Group Policy Tools, Utilities and Extensions for the advanced management of your IT Network. Often tools and utilities are referenced in Guru Guy's guides and this resource page enables you to obtain these!

Downloads for your IT Toolbox
Group Policy Management Console with Service Pack 1
v1.02, 5.6MB, x86
The Microsoft Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) with Service Pack 1 (SP1) unifies management of Group Policy across the enterprise. The GPMC consists of a MMC snap-in and a set of programmable interfaces for managing Group Policy.
ORCA Database Editor (in Windows® Server 2003 SP1 SDK)
v3790.1830, 1.82MB, x86
Due to limitations in the existing Windows Installer tools, you may need to edit the Windows Installer package (.msi) files directly. The Orca database editor is a table-editing tool available in the Windows Installer SDK and it can be used to edit your .msi files. The Orca editor edits and creates merge module (.msm) files , Internal Consistency Evaluator (.cub) files, and patch creation files (.pcp).

Related Guides

Install Software via Group Policy Guide

2010-02-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is a common requirement where IT administrators need to deploy important software via Group Policy. Why?

The benefits of doing such are numerous, but the main reasons to want to install software via group policy are:

Clients cannot interact with the software installation, so support of such is standardised;
Quick and easy method to deploy instead of manually going around installing software;
Software can be kept up-to-date and new patches pushed out centrally. The last thing IT Administrators want is software like Adobe PDF viewer installed on one machine and then another version on another a bit later and they are using different patched versions - as one will always be older than the other!
Auditing - easy to see how many PCs are affected by the policy to which you've chosen to install the software.
Large enterprises would used specific software to assist with large-scale rollouts of corporate software (such as Microsoft SMS). But, if you are in such an enterprise, you are unlikely to be reading this!

So, follow this guide to learn of the basics of Group Policy software deployment. It's really very easy as long as you follow a few simple rules. Of course, it's all documented in Guru Guy's guide!

Pre-requisites:
Create a Domain Security Group of the desired Computers which will be instructed to install your desired software e.g. "Office 2003 Computers". This is purely optional as a way of filtering PCs out from every machine in an organisational unit. If you intend to deploy software based on a user, create a Domain Security Group of the desired Users! e.g. "Office 2003 Users". If you don't assign a group to which computers will be selected, all computers in the OU you apply this group policy to will be told to install the software. Depending on the software and the licensing will depend on whether you want this!
Create an Organisational Unit in Active Directory for all of the machines (computers/laptops) to which desired users can install the software on. E.g. “Test OU” (You can use an existing OU but see the note below! Guru Guy recommends creating a test OU for small deployement, specifically where modification of user rights is concerned!)
Place a test PC or 2 into this OU so that only a couple of computers are affected (once complete and tested, move the rest into this or apply the policy to your existing OU - again, see note below)
Install the Group Policy Management Tool (GPMT) to allow advanced modification and creation of domain Group Policies.
A Network share in which to place the software installation folder in e.g. "\\SERVER\SOFTWARE" (set the share permissions tab to "Everyone" read access - we will secure further via NTFS Security permissions). This can be on any server in your domain, but it must have appropriate permissions for your domain computers to access. Since this lowers security, Guru Guy recommends making a dedicated share just for Group Policy Software Deployment.
At a minimum the following security permissions you need are:
"Authenticated Users" - this allows both machine installation and user-based installation; give them read access at minimum.
OR:
"Domain Computers" - this allows all computers which are members of your domain access, "Domain Users" will allow all domain users read access.

Never modify the default domain policy. Always create organisational units and never include domain admins and server computers in these units. For these instructions we have created an Organisation Unit (OU) called “test”.

Software Installation Pre-Requistes
Depending on the software you have chosen to install will depend on what you need to do to deploy it. Since there are many types of software, Guru Guy will explain what's needed to be done so you can always tailor the instructions to your specific software.

The first thing you need to do is ensure you extract the EXE file or ZIP files of the software. Group Policy DOES NOT work with anything but MSI files. So don't try to deploy it!
Once you've got the MSI file, you've got to make sure you have an "Administrative Install Point" out of it. This is basically re-packaging the software and decompressing it further. For Instance, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional has an installation folder with setup.exe and PRO11.msi. You still can't use PRO11.msi yet... it needs to be administratively installed
To create an administrative installation, the most common method is to invoke the MSIEXEC installer in Administrative mode. Do this running:
msiexec /a [SOFTWARE.MSI]
When you do this you usually encounter a wizard that looks identical to the normal software setup, except somewhere it should acknowledge you are creating an administrative install point. In the case of Microsoft Office 2003, enter information such as your company, name and product key. This means that users don't need to nor are able to enter registration information and can have this installed for them over Group Policy.
Choose a destination folder for your extraction of the administration point. Guru Guy recommends placing this striaght to the network location in which Group Policy will be told to obtain the software from e.g. \\SERVERNAME\Software\Office2003
Optionally patch the administrative install point. Both Office 2003 and Adobe PDF Maker, for example, allow you to run patches on their software install points which is much better since it means clients have the latest software installed without the need to patch and upgrade the moment it is installed. (Integrated/Slipstreamed Patches often also mean faster software). Patch methods vary but most are:
msiexec.exe /a [location of administrative installation]\setup.msi /p [location of patch]\.msp

Step-by-Step instructions
Assuming you’ve followed both sets of pre-requisites above, continue below for deployment:

Open up the Group Policy Management Tool
Navigate to your TEST OU that should be located our underneath the domain policy.
Create and Link a new Group Policy Object (GPO) to the Organisation Unit and call it “Software Install” or something which means something to you. This GPO will apply to all users/machines of the PCs/Laptops in that Organisation Unit. If you wish to be selective on which machines get the software installed via the GPO, use the Domain Security Group to filter the installation, discussed later.
Now decide if you are installing software based on User or Machine. Most software installs via machine policy and often only installs that way. However, if you have users occupying multiple machines, then a User-Based policy is best. In either case, don't deploy them through both methods! They are likely to break the install or cause problems!
In the New GPO, navigate to either:
Computer Configuration\Software\Software Installation or
User Configuration\Software\Software Installation
Right Click over Software Installation and Click: NEW-> PACKAGE
In the Browse Window, navigate to the location of the administrative Software MSI package. Be sure to specify valid UNC network paths! E.g. \\SERVER\Software\Office2003\Pro11.msi
Select this as “Assigned” deployment and Save & OK out of dialogue.
If you select "Published" as a deployment method, users will be able to optionally install the product on workstations using the Add/Remove Programs utility from the Control Panel.
You can select "Advanced" if you need to make advanced customisations (such as asking the installer to ignore the language of the PC, offering a Modifications (MST) file (such as office 2003) in the Modifications tab. Either way, once done, you should now see below:

Nearly there! Lastly in this GPO we need to allow the software install to be "escalated", which means it can install even if the user does not have administrative rights, which in most cases they don't nor should not! So, navigate to:
Computer Configuration (or User Configuration)\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer
Make the value "Always install with elevated priveledges" to "Enabled".

Close the GPO and view the “scope” tab of the policy in the Group Policy Management Pane. Under Security Filtering add either “Office 2003 Computers” (if you used computer configuration method) or “Office 2003 Users” if you are deploying via user configuration.
For ease, you could just leave it as "Authenticated Users", but the problem is every machine/user in that Organisation Unit will have the software installed!!!
Once computers/users have been assigned to the security groups, and a machine is moved from Active Directory “Computers” into your new Organisation Unit, log into a machine to test the policy.
Type in the Start->Run “gpupdate /force” on a test workstation. This will refresh the group policy.
Reboot the computer, login, and to see if at Windows Startup it says "Installing managed software.... Office 2003"
Congratulations, you've just deployed your software automatically, without the need to login as an administrator or any manual intervention! Wow Microsoft's Group Policy rocks!
*Please note, the steps above are slightly different for deployment of Office 2007. Office 2007 can only be deployed via Computer Policy and does not use the "Always install with elevated priveledges command". It also does not get patched in the same way and only installs on the first login to the computer, not at startup.

**If your software requires installation of a Printer Driver, read Guru Guy's guide to "Install Local Printer Drivers without admin rights via Group Policy" as you may need to implement this to enable functioning of your installed software if the user does not have administrator rights.

Slipstreaming Office Service Packs in 2007 Office System, Office 2003, Office XP and Office 2000 Premium

2010-02-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

This section provides guidance on how to cleanly and neatly integrate (slipstream) Microsoft Office Service Packs into the installer without relying on third party software. This provides you the added benefit of installing Microsoft Office once with the Service Pack already applied (built-in)!

3 Main reasons to slipstream/integrate a Microsoft Office Service Pack:

Speed. Office Service Packs take a long time to download and longer to install. Downloading the full pack once to save mutliple downloads from Windows/Microsoft update in the future when you have to re-install, and will pay off almost as much as the time you save spending installing office and installing the service packs separately!
File Size. A Slipstreamed Office takes up less space on install and generally takes up less space on the install media. When you install a service pack traditionally, it backs up the old files in office and saves them in uninstaller locations for a restore. Between that and multiple hotfixes, separate installers etc. you waste space and clutter the system.
Security & Stability out the box. Office with the latest Service Pack means you install with the most up-to-date office possible. If you are using it whilst you await windows updates, at least you have the latest security and stability office can offer from the get-go!

So, why wait any longer? Anyone can do this so let Guru Guy guide you through the procedure for Office 2003, 2007 Office System, Office XP and Office 2000 Slipstreaming procedures!

<... See Related "Slipstreaming & Custom Installation Resources" for more tools.
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2007 Office System Service Pack Integration Office 2007 not only revolutionised its User Interface, but it also brought in changes to the way it installs and the way it maintains itself. In essence, 2007 and future versions of office will not have the same integration (or slipstream) method of Service Packs as did the previous generation of Offices. As a result of these changes, it is much easier to integrate Office Service Packs than ever before: Copy the install DVD of Office 2007 onto your hard disk into a folder such as "C:\Office2007"; Download the FULL Office 2007 service pack to your computer. At the time of writing, the latest office service pack was Service Pack 2 for 2007 Office System; Office 2007 makes use of the Updates folder in the installation media to install any new updates that it finds in the folder. However the updates need to be in an .msp file format for them to be recognised. Since the Office 2007 Service Packs are delivered in the .exe format, an extra step is required to make them integrate, by extracting the EXE file: office2007sp2-kb953195-fullfile-en-us.exe /extract:C:\Office2007\Updates An Office Installer will appear. Don't worry, it won't install, it will only extract the files to the location defined above so that it is ready for integration during setup. Accept the EULA (End User License Agreement) and continue; That's it! Now, your C:\Office2007 setup folder has the latest Service Pack integrated ready for installation. You can share this on a Network Drive/Path or burn to DVD so you have a new Office installation disc that is more up-to-date than the Retail (RTM) edition! If you would like to customise the Office 2007 Setup to make it install certain features or have programs installed with certain settings, visit Guru Guy's Office 2007 Custom installation guide. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office 2003 Slipstreaming Service Packs To slipsteam Office 2003 takes a few steps but the effort is well worth it! Like above, you will do this procedure into a shared distribution folder on a network or on your local computer: Download the latest administrative full-file version of Office 2003 Service Pack. At the time of writing, the latest is Office 2003 Service Pack 3. For languages other than English you'll need the Office 2003 Multilanguage Service Pack. Insert your original Office 2003 Installation media. We are going to extract the setup files into a format fit for optional customisation and integration of the latest Service Pack. (Assuming X: is your CDROM Drive letter) type the following: x:\setup.exe /a The Office Installer will start, but in a special mode which will only extract files onto your hard disk. You'll be presented with the option of where you want the files to go (I chose "C:\Office2003"); Enter your CD key.

Accept the EULA (End User License Agreement) and press Next;
The installer will copy and extract across the setup files to your local hard drive/network path. It is NOT installing although it looks like it!;
Once this is done, close the installer and extract the Service Pack you downloaded, by running the typing:
Office2003SP3-KB923618-FullFile-ENU.exe /t:C:\Office2003SP3 /c
Here's the really cool step - merging the Service Pack files into the Office Setup installer files. This is called integration or "slipstreaming". Type the following:
msiexec /p D:\Office2003SP3\MAINSP2ff.msp /a C:\Office2003\PRO11.MSI shortfilenames=true /qb

When this above disappears, it is finished. One last step is updating another set of office components - the web components. Do so by running the following command:
msiexec /p C:\Office2003SP3\OWC11SP2ff.msp /a C:\Office2003\OWC11.MSI shortfilenames=true /qb
Voila! You C:\Office2003 folder now contains the full Office 2003 installation with the latest service pack! You can now burn this to CD or share on a network for deployment! You can optionally customise the Office Installer so on installation certain decisions and program settings are preset for you.

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Office XP Service Pack Integration/Slipstreaming Guide
Office XP's previous Service Packs were a little tedious and some were incremental. Unlike previous service packs, Office XP SP3 installs on any previous edition of Office XP, such as SP1/SP2, and the RTM version of Office XP.

Download the latest administrative full-file version of Office XP Service Pack. At the time of writing, the latest is Office XP Service Pack 3. For languages other than English you'll need the Office XP Multilanguage Service Pack.
Insert your original Office XP Installation CD media. We are going to extract the setup files into a format fit for optional customisation and integration of the latest Service Pack. (Assuming X: is your CDROM Drive letter) type the following:
x:\setup.exe /a
The Administrative install will begin. Although it will look like an installation of Office, this installer will only extract the contents of the Setup files from the CD to the location you designate:

Enter you name, CD Key and Install Location, which can be a local or network path. (e.g. C:\OfficeXP)
Accept the EULA (End User License Agreement) and click Next. The installer will copy over all of the setup files into a format fit for Service Pack integration and for optional customisation;
Now we will extract the Office XP Service Pack setup file by typing the following:
OfficeXpSp3-kb832671-fullfile-enu.exe /t:c:\OfficeXPSP3 /c
Now we will integrate the latest Service Pack into the Office XP Setup installer files by typing:
msiexec /p c:\OfficeXPSP3\MAINSP3FF.MSP /a C:\OfficeXP\proplus.msi shortfilenames=true /qb
You will see a progress indicator screen as it installs and updates each file to Service Pack 3 level.
When the progress bar disappears, it is finished. One last step is updating another set of office components - the web components. Do so by running the following command:
msiexec /p c:\OfficeXPSP3\OWC10SP3FF.MSP /a C:\OfficeXP\owc10.msi shortfilenames=true /qb
Voila! You C:\OfficeXP folder now contains the full Office XP with SP3 installation files! You can now burn this to CD or share on a network for deployment! You can optionally customise the Office Installer so on installation certain decisions and program settings are preset for you.

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Slipstream Office 2000 Premium/Profession with Service Pack 3
To install the latest service pack into Office 2000 Premium/Professional, follow all of the steps above in Office XP Slipstreaming, but you need to download Office 2000 SR1a (Service Release 1a) for installation first, and then Office 2000 Service Pack 3.

Once you perform the administrative install of Office 2000 Premium (setup.exe /a), you need to extract the SR1a and SP3 files and integrate them, one at a time, into the Office 2000 setup installer files by typing the following:

SR-1a: (Extract setup files to C:\Office2000SR1a first)
msiexec /a C:\Office2000\Data1.msi /p C:\Office2000SR1a\data1.msp SHORTFILENAMES=1

SP3 Disc 1: (Extract setup files to C:\Office2000SP3 first)
msiexec /a C:\Office2000\Data1.msi /p C:\Office2000SP3\MAINSP3ff.msp SHORTFILENAMES=1

SP3 Disc 2:
msiexec /a C:\Office2000\Data2.msi /p C:\Office2000SP3\SP3CD2ff.msp SHORTFILENAMES=1

For the above SP3 installs, the install dialogue screen will still say "Office 2000 SR-1" but it really is now at Service Pack 3 level.

Your C:\Office2000 setup files have not got integrated updates to SP3 level and are ready to be burned to CD or shared over a network!

Office Setup Installers Customisation Guide for Office 2003, 2007 Office System and Office XP.

2010-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

In this guide, you will learn how to customise the Microsoft Office products to fit the needs of your business enterprise.

Ever wanted to pre-configure your exchange server settings in Outlook? Perhaps you only want Word, Excel and Outlook installed and not PowerPoint and Access? Or maybe you just want to deploy an up-to-date Office Package with the latest Service Packs and have it pre-activated so your users don't face having to register and activate everytime someone new uses the package!

Either way, this guide is for you! And remember, it's not just businesses that can take advantage of this, it is the consumer to, to save value human hours reconfiguring your office suites on reinstall.

Let Guru Guy show you the way!

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Office 2007 Customised Install
Microsoft Office 2007 is the easiest version of Office for customisation as all the tools you need to configure it for enterprise deployment are built right into setup! Yes that's right - no resource kits needed to obtain the Office Customization Wizard.

So, we need to do the following to make Office 2007 install with your own customised settings. NOTE: This procedure only works with certain editions of Microsoft Office 2007 (Volume License Editions: Office Standard 2007, Office Small Business 2007, Office Professional Plus 2007, and Office Enterprise 2007). To determine if your 2007 Office suite installation is a volume licensed version, check the 2007 Office suite installation disk to see if it contains a folder named Admin. If the Admin folder exists, this disk is a volume license edition.

Do the following:

If you haven't already done so, copy the contents of the Microsoft Office 2007 DVD to your Hard Disk (C:\Office2007);
Optionally, insert (slipstream) the latest Office 2007 Service Pack into this install folder.
If you are dealing with customising any version of Office with a service pack (Service Pack 2 for example features new files that need to be supplied in the Customisation Tool), you need to additionally download the 2007 Office System ADM Template and OCT files to ensure your office customisation wizard takes advantage of the later service pack features!;
If you have Service Pack 2 or above, and have downloaded the file from above, install and extract the file. Inside the extracted folder is an "Admin" file. These files need to be copied to your "Admin" folder in your C:\Office2007\Admin (replace any existing files). Now you have an updated Office CUstomisation Tool!
Run the Office Customisation Tool (OCT) from the command line:
C:\Office2007\setup.exe /admin
When you run the OCT, you have a choice to create a new Setup customisation (MSP) file or to open an existing MSP file. If you are creating a new file, the OCT displays a list of the products that are available on the network installation point. You must select a single product that you want to customise.

Run through the wizard, customising everything to your hearts content! Pay particular attention to "Organisation Name", "CD KEY", "User Name" (Environment Variables work), and the Outlook section where you can specify your exchange server and other preferences.

Save your customisations in a Setup MSP file. You place the file created in the Updates folder on the network installation point or local folder such as C:\Office2007\Updates. When you install Office, Setup looks for a Setup customization file in the Updates folder and applies the customisations. The Updates folder can only be used for deploying software patches during an initial installation of 2007 Office system!
As an alternative to placing the customisation MSP file in the Updates folder, you can use the Setup command-line option /adminfile to specify the fully-qualified path to the location of the MSP file. For example, type: setup.exe /adminfile \\server\share\mychanges\custom.msp.

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Office 2003/Office XP Installation Customisation
Office 2003 and Office XP are different to the way the 2007 (and forthcoming 2010) Office System work. Instead of placing custom setup files in an "updates" folder which the Office Installation will detect during install, instead you must create and specify an Office "Transformation" file.

If you are using Office XP, follow the same procedure below but substitute the Office 2003 Resource Kit with the Office XP Resource Kit.

Perform an administrative installation of Microsoft Office into your Hard Disk or Share by running: X:\Office2003\setup.exe /a
Assuming X is your CD Drive Letter

Then, download the Office 2003 Resource Kit which amongst other things includes the Office Customisation Wizard. Install this Resource Kit - you shall see new menu items in the Start Menu as below:

If you have Office 2003 Service Pack 3 slipstreamed into the administrative install, or Office is already patched with SP3, you need to download the Office 2003 Service Pack 3 Administrative Template pack and do the following:
Extract the pack by executing the installer
Copy all of the extracted OPA files to your \Program Files\ORKTools\ORK11\Tools\SHARED folder.
Start the "Custom Installation Wizard" from the start menu. There are 24 screens, but not all of which will need to be configured; You can skip what you don't need.
In the first step, specify the MSI file you will be transforming. This will be the file on the Office 2003 installation folder e.g. c:\Office2003\PRO11N.MSI (for Professional edition).
Next, choose to create a new MST file (you can also modify a previously created MST file in this step);
Specify the name and path of the new MST file, i.e., C:\Office2003\company.mst. In this step, a drop-down menu of all the Wizard's screens appears;
In the later steps you specify a product key, Office installation settings (e.g. Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Word, but NOT access, for example);

You may also configure any of the user options for the Office 2003 apps. Commonally Outlook 2003 can change the default location for PST files.

When you are done, click Finish. Your MST file is then saved to the location you specified.
Now you can run Microsoft Office 2003/XP installation via the command line, whilst specifying this custom MST file to ensure all of your users receive office in the same format with all your pre-configured settings by typing:
C:Office2003\setup.exe TRANSFORMS=C:\Office2003\company.mst /qb-
You can optionally use Group Policy to deploy Microsoft Office with the transforms file you've just created. Learn more about installing software via Group Policy.

Slipstream Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2003 Service Packs into your CD/Network Install Media

2010-02-21T07:42:00.001-08:00

This section provides guidance on how to cleanly and neatly integrate (slipstream) Microsoft Windows Service Packs into the windows installer without relying on third party software. This provides you the added benefit of installing Windows once with the Service Pack already applied (built-in)!
3 Main reasons to slipstream/integrate a Microsoft Windows Service Pack:

Speed. Windows Service Packs take a long time to download from Windows Update and take even longer to install. Downloading the full pack once to save mutliple downloads from Windows update in the future when you have to re-install will pay off almost as much as the time you save spending installing the service packs separately!
File Size. A Slipstreamed Windows Installation takes up less space on your hard disk once installed. When you install a service pack traditionally, it backs up the old files in Windows and saves them in uninstaller locations for restore. Between that and multiple hotfixes, separate installers etc. you waste space and clutter the system.
Security & Stability out the box. Windows with the latest Service Pack means you can install with the most up-to-date Operating System possible - so you can take advantage of the features immediately. Such as, Windows XP Firewall introduced in SP2, Server 2008 compatibility with Network Quarantine Services and High-Definition Audio support introduced in Service Pack 3!
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What you need: Full Service Pack (Administrative Network Install version) Installer for the version of Windows you wish to update: Windows XP (Service Pack 3 - 316MB) / Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4 -129MB) / Windows Server 2003 (Service Pack 2 - 372MB); Original Windows Installation CD Media (OEM or RETAIL); Up to 1.2GB Hard Disk Space for the slipstream operation (this can be deleted after the guide); 650MB space for Network Share or Local Folder to burn to a CD; Optional CD-Burning software (such as Nero or Roxio) to burn to CD; Step-by-Step Guide First, copy the original Windows Installation CD to your hard disk. For Example, for Windows XP make a folder on your drive (e.g. C:\WindowsXP) and then insert the CD. Copy all of the contents of the CDROM to the folder. Using Windows Explorer is a simple way of doing this, or you can use the command line: md c:\WindowsCD xcopy X:\ c:\WindowsCD /e Assuming X:\ is your CD Drive Letter and you want it to your C Drive Once you have downloaded the full network install (links above) of your Windows Service Pack (assuming they are in your C: Drive) run the following command to integrate them into your Windows Install Media folder (C:\WindowsCD): Windows XP Service Pack 3: C:\WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe /integrate:C:\WindowsCD Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2: C:\WindowsServer2003-KB914961-SP2-x86-ENU.exe /integrate:C:\WindowsCD Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: C:\W2KSP4_EN.EXE /x For Windows 2000, this will extract the Servide Pack. Select in the Windows that opens up where to place the files (e.g. C:\Windows2000SP4) and then run: C:\Windows2000SP4\i386\Update\Update.exe -s:C:\WindowsCD You can now deploy your Windows Installation to your users' computers from a shared distribution folder. However, if you'd like to place these new updated files on a CD, do the following: Launch your CD Burning Software (this guide is based on NERO 7) and start a new Boot Data CD project. (See below):

In the "Image file" section, you need to select a Boot Loader file to make the CD bootable. If you don't do this, you can still install windows, but only on a PC with Windows already installed to be able to launch the setup installer. So, to make the CD boot straight after the BIOS to load the Windows Setup, specify your Boot.img file here. You can get these files by extracting them from your original Windows CD using ISO, or from here: Windows XP/2003, Windows 2000;
In the "Advanced" section, you need to specify expert settings for the bootable image. We need to disable the "Floppy Emulation" and change the number of loaded sectors to "4":

Finally, drag all of the files and folders from your C:\WindowsCD folder to your CD Layout compilation. You should see a number of files and folders, including \I386.
Burn your CD and voila - you now have a new Windows Setup CD with the latest Service Pack integrated!
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Windows Vista Tips & Tricks

2010-02-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to have a list of hot keyboard combinations for Windows Vista? Invoke Windows Flip-3D (Aero Tab Switching) via a command line/shortcut or key combination? Or maybe just change the behaviour of User Account Control? This page should be most valuable to you and many instructions are applicable to Windows 7.

Is anything missing? Do you have any information to share? What do you think about this section? Please contact comment bellow and let him know!

Note: When these sections instruct you to "run", "type" or execute command lines, they mean typing the commands/instruction into Start->Run. Any reference to HKLM (HKey Local Machine) is a location within the Windows Registry (Start->Regedit). These tips & tricks assume you have sufficient knowledge to carry out the instructions and Guru Guy is not responsible for any consequences of implementing them.

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Windows Vista Tips
Windows Vista key combinations.
All shortcuts placed on the QuickLaunch are assigned Windows
Launch shortcuts. Starting from left-to-right, the first shortcut
can be launched by pressing [Windows Key] + 1, the second launched
pressing [Windows Key] + 2 etc. (up to 0 on the keyboard - therefore
first 10 shortcuts on quick launch this way only).
[Windows]+T: Cycles through programs using the Live Taskbar feature.
[Windows]+[Spacebar]: Brings the Windows Sidebar to the foreground.
In a Windows Explorer windows, scrolling the slifer to resize icons between tiles and extra large icons is long-winded!
Press [Ctrl] key and scroll your mouse wheel up and down to resize the icons from Tiles [smallest] to Extra Large Icons!
[Ctrl] key and the mouse wheel combination also works on the Desktop.
Scrolls icons from a microscopic 16 x 16 all the way up to a huge 256 x 256 renditions.
Turn on Windows Explorer Menu Bar temporarily as required:
Hold down [ALT] key.
Copy a path to the Clipboard
Hold down the [Shift] key, right-click on the file/folder, and select
"Copy as Path". You can now simply paste it anywhere you want.
Invoke Flip 3D (Windows Vista Aero beautiful sliding navigation of open windows)
[Windows Key] + [Tab] or via a shortcut (or even start->run):
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe dwmapi.dll #105
Windows Vista Tweaks
Tweak Windows Vista UAC (User Account Control) by:
a. secpol.msc
b. Local Policies->Security Options->Bottom of the list relate to UAC
c. Change behaviour to "Elevate without prompting".
d. Also you can change screen locking by "Switch to secure desktop" to "disabled"

Legacy Windows

2010-02-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

So you're still using the oldies of Microsoft Windows? Perhaps you want to get the most out of Windows 95, 98 or Millennium Edition? If so, read this page as a tip or two may help!

Please note this page is still under construction...

Is anything missing? Do you have any information to share? What do you think about this section? Please contact comment bellow and let him know!

Note: When these sections instruct you to "run", "type" or execute command lines, they mean typing the commands/instruction into Start->Run. Any reference to HKLM (HKey Local Machine) is a location within the Windows Registry (Start->Regedit). These tips & tricks assume you have sufficient knowledge to carry out the instructions and Guru Guy is not responsible for any consequences of implementing them.

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Legacy Windows 9x
Fool the Windows 95 upgrade installation: Windows 95 upgrade requires previous versions of windows to install.
Either

Create a file in notepad and save to c:\ as win386.exe
or

Save to Windows 95 boot floppy a file named Windows.cn_
To install Windows 95, 98/98SE and Windows ME without Setup checking that your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements, run the setup file with the switch /im
e.g. setup.exe /im

Windows XP/2000 Recovery Console Help & Commands

2010-02-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Windows XP and Windows 2000 Recovery console is quite an unspoken hero... If you know how to use it! Not only are you able to fix common problems with Windows such as the boot menu, corrupt/missing files, chkdsk: checkdisk (scandisk) and various other health remedies; but you are able to run System Restore to go back to an earlier state!

Yes, not many people realise this. But how to you take advantage of the power of the Windows Recovery Console? Let Guru Guy tell you how!

Firstly, you can access the Recovery Console from the Windows XP (Professional or Home) or Windows 2000 CDROM. (Note: Manufacturers recovery disks generally don't work as they are restore disks, not the original Setup CDROM). Just insert it into your computer and boot from it (check BIOS will enable this feature or access it from an optional boot menu - usually by F12).

Once the Windows Setup (TEXTMODE) is loading, press "R" to launch the Recovery Console which will do so once the setup files are read from the CD. (The other method to get into the recovery console without the CD is to load it from the boot menu, which has to be installed in the first place - see below.)

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To restore a restore point in the recovery console:
Type the following:

1. CD c:\
2. cd "system volume information\_resto~1"
3. DIR (this lists restore points)
4. Pick a restore point using folder dates to guide you.
5. CD RPx (x being restore point number to use)
6. CD SNAPSHOT (this takes you into the folder containing all snapshot files)
7. Copy the Registry backups in the restore point and overwrite them to the C:\
COPY _Registry_machine_system c:\Windows\System32\Config\System
COPY _Registry_machine_software c:\Windows\System32\Config\Software
COPY _Registry_machine_sam c:\Windows\System32\Config\Sam
COPY _Registry_machine_security c:\Windows\System32\Config\Security
COPY _Registry_user_.default c:\Windows\System32\Config\Default

8. Type "exit" to leave recovery console and reboot machine.

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Available commands for the Recovery Console:

Attrib changes attributes on one file or subdirectory;
Batch executes commands that you specify in the text file, Inputfile. Outputfile holds the output of the commands. If you omit the Outputfile parameter, output appears on the screen;
Bootcfg modifies the Boot.ini file for boot configuration and recovery;
CD (Change directory) operates only in the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources;
Chkdsk The /p switch runs Chkdsk even if the drive is not flagged as dirty. The /r switch locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. This switch implies /p. Chkdsk requires Autochk. Chkdsk automatically looks for Autochk.exe in the startup folder. If Chkdsk cannot find the file in the startup folder, it looks for the Windows XP Setup CD-ROM. If Chkdsk cannot find the installation CD-ROM, Chkdsk prompts the user for the location of Autochk.exe;
Cls clears the screen.
Copy copies one file to a target location. By default, the target cannot be removable media, and you cannot use wildcard characters. Copying a compressed file from the Windows 2000/XP Setup CD-ROM automatically decompresses the file;
Del (Delete) deletes one file. Operates within the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources. By default, you cannot use wildcard characters;
Dir displays a list of all files, including hidden and system files;
Disable disables a Windows system service or driver. The variable service_or_driver is the name of the service or driver that you want to disable. When you use this command to disable a service, the command displays the service's original startup type before it changes the type to SERVICE_DISABLED. Note the original startup type so that you can use the enable command to restart the service;
Diskpart manages partitions on hard disk volumes. The /add option creates a new partition. The /delete option deletes an existing partition. The variable device is the device name for a new partition (such as \device\harddisk0). The variable drive is the drive letter for a partition that you are deleting (for example, D). Partition is the partition-based name for a partition that you are deleting, (for example: \device\harddisk0\partition1) and can be used instead of the drive variable. The variable size is the size, in megabytes, of a new partition;
Enable enables a Windows system service or driver. The variable service_or_driver is the name of the service or driver that you want to enable, and start_type is the startup type for an enabled service. The startup type uses one of the following formats:

SERVICE_BOOT_START
SERVICE_SYSTEM_START
SERVICE_AUTO_START
SERVICE_DEMAND_START

Exit quits the Recovery Console, and then restarts the computer;
Expand expands a compressed file. The variable source is the file that you want to expand. By default, you cannot use wildcard characters. The variable destination is the directory for the new file. By default, the destination cannot be removable media and cannot be read-only. You can use the attrib command to remove the read-only attribute from the destination directory. The option /f:filespec is required if the source contains more than one file. This option permits wildcard characters. The /y switch disables the overwrite confirmation prompt. The /d switch specifies that the files will not be expanded and displays a directory of the files in the source;
Fixboot writes a new startup sector on the system partition;
Fixmbr repairs the startup partition's master boot code. The variable device is an optional name that specifies the device that requires a new Master Boot Record. Omit this variable when the target is the startup device;
Format formats a disk. The /q switch performs a quick format. The /fs switch specifies the file system;
Help If you do not use the command variable to specify a command, help lists all the commands that the Recovery Console supports;
Listsvc displays all available services and drivers on the computer;
Logon displays detected installations of Windows and requests the local Administrator password for those installations. Use this command to move to another installation or subdirectory;
Map displays currently active device mappings. Include the arc option to specify the use of Advanced RISC Computing (ARC) paths (the format for Boot.ini) instead of Windows device paths;
MD (Make directory) operates only within the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources;
More/Type displays the specified text file on screen;
Rd (Remove directory) operates only within the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources;
Ren (Rename) operates only within the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources. You cannot specify a new drive or path as the target;
Set displays and sets the Recovery Console environment variables;
Systemroot sets the current directory to %SystemRoot%.

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Recovery Console Rules

Several environment rules are in effect while you are working in the Recovery Console.

Type set to see the current environment. By default, these are the rules:

AllowAllPaths = FALSE prevents access to directories and subdirectories outside the system installation that you selected when you entered the Recovery Console.
AllowRemovableMedia = FALSE prevents access to removable media as a target for copied files.
AllowWildCards = FALSE prevents wildcard support for commands such as copy and del.
NoCopyPrompt = FALSE means that you are prompted by the Recovery Console for confirmation when overwriting an existing file.

When running the Windows Recovery Console, allow it to start in full admin mode (allows file copy which is disabled by default):

To do so, in Windows you need to run gpedit.msc go to:

Computer Config->Windows Settings->Security Settings->Local Policies ->Security Options

Enable "Recovery console: Allow floppy copy and and access to all drives and folders".
Taken from the Windows Tweaks & Hacks page.

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To install the Recovery Console in Windows to the Startup Boot Menu:
Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Start->Run.
Type d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons (where d is the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive).
A Windows Setup Dialog Box appears. The Windows Setup Dialog Box describes the Recovery Console option. To confirm the installation, click Yes.
Restart the computer. The next time that you start your computer, "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" appears on the startup menu.
To delete the Windows Recovery Console:
Click Start, click My Computer, and then double-click the hard disk where you installed the Recovery Console.
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.
Click Show hidden files and folders, click to clear the Hide protected operating system files check box, and then click OK.
At the root folder, delete the Cmdcons folder and the Cmldr file.
At the root folder, right-click the Boot.ini file, and then click Properties.
Click to clear the Read-only check box, and then click OK.
Open the Boot.ini file in Microsoft Windows Notepad, and remove the entry for the Recovery Console. It looks similar to this:
C:\cmdcons\bootsect.dat="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
Save the file and close it.
Taken from the Make Windows more reliable page.

Make Windows more reliable

2010-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted stop annoying "Write Delay Failure" errors when using USB sticks? Maybe add the Windows Recovery console to the boot menu? Maybe fix a broken boot loader? This page will be for you!

Is anything missing? Do you have any information to share? What do you think about this section? Please contact comment bellow and let him know!

Note: When these sections instruct you to "run", "type" or execute command lines, they mean typing the commands/instruction into Start->Run. Any reference to HKLM (HKey Local Machine) is a location within the Windows Registry (Start->Regedit). These tips & tricks assume you have sufficient knowledge to carry out the instructions and Guru Guy is not responsible for any consequences of implementing them.

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Make Windows more reliable
To solve the Windows 2000 External USB "Write Delay Error" Bug:
DISABLE WINDOWS WRITE-BEHIND CACHING:
Click on the Device Manager button.
Click on the + next to Disk Drives to expand it.
Right click on the hard drive on which to turn write caching off, then left click Properties.
Click on the Disk Properties tab.
Click on Write Cache Enabled to remove the tick. It must not be ticked.
Click OK.
OR
Disable SMB Signing via Registry by:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanworkstation\Parameters\
Set enablesecuritysignature to 0 and
Set requiresecuritysignature to 0.
If Windows system files are corrupt, run System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
To install the Recovery Console to the Boot Menu:
a. Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive.
b. Start->Run.
c. Type d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons (where d is the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive).
d. A Windows Setup Dialog Box appears. The Windows Setup Dialog Box describes the Recovery Console option. To confirm the installation, click Yes.
e. Restart the computer. The next time that you start your computer, "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" appears on the startup menu.
To delete the Windows Recovery Console:

Click Start, click My Computer, and then double-click the hard disk where you installed the Recovery Console.
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.
Click Show hidden files and folders, click to clear the Hide protected operating system files check box, and then click OK.
At the root folder, delete the Cmdcons folder and the Cmldr file.
At the root folder, right-click the Boot.ini file, and then click Properties.
Click to clear the Read-only check box, and then click OK.
Open the Boot.ini file in Microsoft Windows Notepad, and remove the entry for the Recovery Console. It looks similar to this:
C:\cmdcons\bootsect.dat="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
Save the file and close it.
How to install Recovery Console during an unattended installation:
Add in the [GuiRunOnce] section of the unattend.txt (Network Installation) or WINNT.SIF (CDROM Installation) file.
Command1="path\winnt32 /cmdcons /unattend"
Fix Windows 2k/XP/Vista Boot.ini in Windows Recovery Console, Type:
Bootcfg/Rebuild
or
Fixmbr \Device\HardDisk0
Install Recovery Console as a startup option to F8 Boot Menu.
a. Start->Run
b. Enter: X:\I386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons