Windows Utilities

 
 
Download | Extract | Show Extracted | Run (.bat file)
Used when multiple updates fail to install and don't show up in the installed updates list online...problem usally occurs after XP has been repaired or upgraded.   
 
The Windows Product Key Update Tool will make changes to your Windows installation to update your product key. 
 
Windows Update Error (related to firewall/proxy/HTTPS/Allowed Sites)
For example error code 0x80072ee2 while running updates...
Solution: Internet Options | Security -- re/set all zones to default and turn off firewall in needed.
 
XP Pro - turn off simple file sharing to access the security tab
XP HM - reboot in safe mode to access the security tab
 
This tool is for AMD based computers only...run the utility and turn off the IntelPPM driver.  MS artical on the subject.
 
ActiveX Not Working (with some sites)
Example, gmail.com ActiveX error (not working)
 
Windows Sysprep (must be extracted to C:\sysprep)
extract | run sysprep /factory | run sysprep /reseal
Microsoft process for configuring and using sysprep.
 
Run | CMD | SFC /SCANONCE /PURGECACHE (reboot)
System File Checker gives an administrator the ability to scan all protected files to verify their versions.
 
  
Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or not recognized by Windows or other programs, so you cannot play or access a CD or DVD.
   .....    or    Doug Knox CD/DVD Fix
 

Turn off XP unknown publisher warnings

Yet another thing that drives me nuts about XP. I'm sick of having to tell the system over and over that I actually DO want to run the program that I just executed. This will prevent that dialog box from popping up every time you try to run a new file on the system.


Run gpedit.msc, and go to
Local Computer Policy
 ->User Configuration
  ->Administrative Templates
   ->Windows Components
    ->Attachment Manager
Enable "Default risk level for file attachments"
Enable "Inclusion list for low risk file types"
Add the file extensions that you want to open without being bothered.

.exe; .zip; .rar; .doc; .xls; .com; .bat; .lnk; .msi;
 
note: right click on Administrative Templates and add system.adm if if attachment manager is not showing.
 


 
Server - net view mapping unavailable
     logon hangs does not show resources...SCHFH issue


When you logon to Windows by using cached logon information, if the domain controller is unavailable to validate your account, you cannot access network resources that require domain validation. However, you can access network resources that do not require domain validation. 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon\ 

valueName: CachedLogonsCount
Data Type: REG_SZ
Values: 0 - 50
 
 
How to reset your Serial Number in Windows XP
 
example:  > xp is looping with activation request and will not logon
               > boot in safe mode/command prompt
               > run regedit | search for oobetimer
               > change/delete data and reboot
               > attempt activation and/or call Microsoft
 
 
Run regedit and go to: HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
on the right double click on "OOBEtimer" and change at least one digit of this value to deactivate windows.

2. Choose run from start menu and type in this command:
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
to get the activation screen and go to the second option which is activate by phone.

3. In the new screen choose the option to change product key, and type in the new product key (Corporate one only).

4. Close that window, reboot your system and enter the command in step 2 for the second time to verify your activation , you should see "windows is already activated".

Related thread: Product Keys affected by WinXP Service Pack 1












Troubleshooting Server Message Block inbound connection limit in Windows peer-to-peer workgroup


     also see 

Inbound connections limit in Windows XP

XP Pro connection limit of 10 / 5 for Home


To restrict null session connections (or disable null session access):
  1. Start Registry Editor.
  2. Locate, and then click the following key in the registry:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA
  3. On the Edit menu, click Add Value, and then add the following registry value:
    Value Name: RestrictAnonymous
    Data Type: REG_DWORD
    Value: 2
    Default: 0
    A value of 2 restricts null session connections.

    To set the RestrictAnonymous value, change the registry key to 0 or 1 for Windows NT 4.0 or to 0, 1, or 2 for Windows 2000. These numbers correspond to the following settings:
    • 0 None. Rely on default permissions.
    • 1 Do not allow enumeration of SAM accounts and names.
    • 2 No access without explicit anonymous permissions
  4. Restart the computer.

Method 2

Use the following method to avoid null session connections that have a high session idle time and that have opened a handle to the named pipe \PIPE\spoolss.

Remove Printer Share on Clients

Identify clients that have local printer shares enabled (see the "More Information" section for additional information) and remove all local printer shares on these computers:
  1. Open the Printers folder to verify whether you have shared a local printer.
  2. Open the Properties window of the shared printer, and then click Sharing.
  3. Click to select the Not Shared option.