Download the Windows XP Service Pack 3
Microsoft will be releasing the Windows XP Service Pack 3 in the first half of 2008 which means that users have to wait several months before they can install the new Windows XP Service Pack on their computer. As with most other Microsoft releases that are not yet ready for the prime time the Service Pack 3 can also be downloaded early.
Not by all users but by beta testers.. and you. The process is similar to the one that was used to get the Windows Vista Service Pack early. Create a new entry in the Windows XP Registry and use Windows Update to download the latest service pack for Windows XP.
Thankfully though there is no need to download and reboot the computer three times, a reboot is actually not needed at all.
Here are the two commands that you need. (you actually can bypass the first one if you have not installed the Service Pack 3 before)
reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateXPSP3 /f 2> NUL
reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateXPSP3 /v RCPreview /t REG_SZ /d 1c667073-b87f-4f52-a479-98c85711d869 /f
Create a batch file (or download it here), put those lines into it and execute it. This creates the necessary key that makes Windows Update believe that we are one of the few that are allowed to download the Windows XP Service Pack 3. It should appear in the list of Updates right away.
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
Windows XP Service Pack 2
loadTOCNode(2, ‘moreinformation’);Release Date: August 25, 2004
How to obtain
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);You can use Automatic Updates or Windows Update to obtain Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
Automatic Updates
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The best way to make sure that you get Windows XP SP2 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. Visit the Protect Your PC site to 4 steps to protect your computer (http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx) or follow these manual steps (http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/mu.mspx). Either way, you will receive Windows XP SP2 automatically.
After you turn on Automatic Updates, your computer can start to download important updates automatically, including the latest version of Windows Update.
Windows Update
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| 1. | Visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)
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| 2. | Click Express Install (Recommended). |
| 3. | If your computer qualifies, Windows XP SP2 will be one of the updates automatically selected. Click Install. |
| 4. | Review and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA). |
Windows XP SP2 will be downloaded to your computer, and the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard will help you install it.
Fix list
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’); For additional information about what is fixed in Windows XP Service Pack 2, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Release notes
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);For additional information about issues with Windows XP Service Pack 2, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Additional resources
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);For information that can help you successfully download and install Windows XP SP2 on a single computer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Back to the topWindows XP Service Pack 1a
loadTOCNode(2, ‘moreinformation’); Release Date: February 3, 2003
How to obtain
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’); To obtain Service Pack 1a (SP1a), visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Differences between Windows XP SP1 and SP1a
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’); For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Fix list
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’); For additional information about what is fixed in SP1a, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) includes Internet Explorer 6.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Therefore, the problems corrected by Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 are also fixed by Windows XP SP1a.
For additional information about these problems, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
For additional information about how to obtain the latest service pack for Internet Explorer 6, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Release notes
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);For additional information about issues with Windows XP Service Pack 1a, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Windows XP Service Pack 1
loadTOCNode(2, ‘moreinformation’); Release Date: September 9, 2002
How to obtain
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’); Service Pack 1 (SP1) is no longer available for download.
Fix list
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);For additional information about what is fixed in SP1, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) includes Internet Explorer 6.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Therefore, the problems corrected by Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 are also fixed by Windows XP SP1.
For additional information about these problems, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
For additional information about how to obtain the latest service pack for Internet Explorer 6, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Release notes
loadTOCNode(3, ‘moreinformation’);For additional information about issues with Windows XP Service Pack 1, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
APPLIES TO
| • | Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
| • | Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition |
| • | Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002 |
| • | Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition |
XP Network Protocols
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Im not going to explain everything about Protocols that is way out of scope of this guide.
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There are three main Protocols : TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and NETBEUI
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TCP/IP : Is automatically installed, can’t be un-installed, and is used by default for all networking functions.Windows XP provides one other supported protocol — IPX/SPX — and one unsupported protocol, NetBEUI. |
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By default, XP configures TCP/IP to obtain an IP address automatically. If there’s a DHCP server on the network, it will assign the IP address and other TCP/IP settings to the connection. Otherwise, Windows XP will use Automatic Private IP Addressing to assign an IP address to the connection.
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By default, XP configures TCP/IP to obtain an IP address automatically. If there’s a DHCP server on the network, it will assign the IP address and other TCP/IP settings to the connection. Otherwise, Windows XP will use Automatic Private IP Addressing to assign an IP address to the connection.
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This default configuration should work, unchanged, to connect a Windows XP computer to a network that uses TCP/IP for File and Printer Sharing in these common configurations:
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Using an Internet sharing program or a hardware router protects the local area network from access by other Internet users, so it’s safe to use TCP/IP for File and Printer Sharing on the LAN. The computers have private IP addresses that aren’t accessible from the Internet. No other protocol is needed.
If your network uses static IP addresses, click Use the following IP address — 192.168.0.3 and enter the configuration information. For example, here are settings for a network that uses a proxy server at IP address 192.168.0.1 for Internet access. |
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IPX/SPXIf the existing network uses IPX/SPX for File and Printer Sharing, you can add that protocol to the Windows XP computer. IPX/SPX is fully supported in XP. In the connection’s Properties, click the Install button to add a network component. XP will ask what type of network component to install.
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Click Protocol and Add.
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Click NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol and click OK. Two NWLink items are added to the connection’s Properties
Have your winXP CD handy.
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NetBEUI
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NetBEUI was the default protocol in Windows 95, but Microsoft has been moving away from NetBEUI ever since. Starting with Windows 98, TCP/IP has been the default protocol, and NetBEUI has been available for installation as a supported protocol.
Starting with Windows XP, NetBEUI is unsupported. This doesn’t mean that NetBEUI won’t work! It means that:
Microsoft recommends against using it.
It doesn’t appear in the list of protocols that can be installed.
Microsoft’s technical support staff won’t answer questions about NetBEUI or help solve problems with it.
Because it’s been around for so long, some people think that NetBEUI is required, and they install it on all Windows networks. Actually, nothing in Windows networking has ever required NetBEUI. You can even un-install NetBEUI in Windows 95 and use a different protocol. If your existing network uses NetBEUI for File and Printer Sharing, consider changing to a different protocol. Most networks can safely use TCP/IP. The main exceptions to this rule are when:
All of the networked computers are connected directly to a cable or DSL modem and receive public IP addresses from an Internet service provider.
You’ve separated your LAN from the Internet, but you’ve opened ports or have placed a computer outside the firewall to use certain applications or services.
If, after considering all the options, you decide to install NetBEUI on Windows XP, you can do it using files on the Windows XP CD-ROM. Follow the instructions in the article HOW TO: Install NetBEUI on Windows XP in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. These tips will help with the installation process:
If the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen appears when you insert the CD-ROM, click Perform additional tasks followed by Browse this CD.
Where the article refers to %SYSTEMROOT%, substitute the name of the Windows XP installation folder, which is typically C:Windows.
To see the hidden INF directory, go to My Computer | Tools | Folder Options | View. Scroll down the list of Advanced settings, and un-check Hide protected operating system files.
If you have a new computer that didn’t come with a Windows XP CD-ROM, see if the computer manufacturer will send you the CD-ROM or the necessary NetBEUI files. If that isn’t possible, you’ll have to use a different protocol on your network. |
XP Animations
You can turn off window animation (“exploding” windows), displayed when you play around with minimizing/maximizing open windows. This makes navigating Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP a lot quicker, especially if you don’t have a fast video controller, or if you got tired of seeing it all the time (like I did). 
To do this, run Regedit (or Regedt32) and go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Control Panel | Desktop | WindowMetrics
or if you are the only user of your Windows computer go to:
HKEY_USERS | .Default | Control Panel | Desktop | WindowMetrics
Right-click on an empty spot in the right hand pane. Select New -> String [REG_SZ] Value. Name it MinAnimate. Click OK. Double-click on “MinAnimate” and type 0 to turn OFF window animation or 1 to turn it ON. Click OK. Close the Registry Editor and restart Windows. Done.
TweakUI, the famous Microsoft Power Toy [110 KB, free, unsupported] can also turn off animated windows.
Just remove the check mark from the “Window Animation” box under the General tab.
XP Computer management console
To quickly access the computer management console, where you can see event logs (to see what’s causing a problem, for example), right-click My Computer and choose Manage.
Then, select the Event viewer and double-click highlighted events in the Applications or System areas to view detailed explanations of what went wrong.
XP Hibernate Option
Whenever you want to logoff, shut down or reboot your Windows XP machine you have only 3 choices
(1) Standby ONLY IF the ACPI/APM function is properly enabled BOTH in your motherboard’s BIOS AND in WinXP!
(2) Restart
(3) Shutdown.
To properly enable Hibernation in WinXP:
Start button -> Control Panel -> Power Options -> Hibernate tab -> check Enable hibernate support box -> Apply/OK -> reboot.
NOTE: If the Hibernate tab is unavailable your computer does NOT support it!
For some reason Microsoft did NOT enable the 4th option:
(4) Hibernate, which should be available on power saving (ACPI) enabled PCs and laptops.
But you CAN bring it back: just hold the Shift key while the Shut down menu is displayed on your screen, and notice the Standby button being replaced by a new, fully functional Hibernate button, which can be clicked with the left button of your mouse.
If you release the Shift key, the Hibernate option will disappear once again, to be replaced by Standby.
What are XP powerToys
PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after the product has been released to manufacturing, but before the next project has begun. These toys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience.
We’ve taken great care to ensure that PowerToys operate as they should. But please note that these programs are not part of Windows and are not supported by Microsoft. For this reason, Microsoft Technical Support is unable to answer questions about PowerToys
The PowerToys are installed into the directory you specify during setup. Typically this is the system32 directory.
To uninstall the PowerToys, Open the control Panel. Launch the Add/Remove Programs control panel applet. Find the PowerToys for Windows XP entry, and choose Modify/Remove. From here you can remove specific toys or all of them.
Faster User Switcher
Note: You cannot use this toy if fast user switching is not enabled.
What it is: With Fast User Switching enabled on Windows XP, this PowerToy allows you to switch users without having to use the logon screen.
Special requirements: This PowerToy requires a Windows key on your keyboard.
How to use: Press the Windows key then the Q key to activate; release and press Q to switch to a different user tile, then release both Q and Windows key to switch to that user.
Shell Player
What it is: This PowerToy plays MP3 files and WMA files from the taskbar.
How to use: Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click “Audio Player.” If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the player, you will have to unlock it. This will allow you to access the play list editor and view all the buttons.
Task Switcher
What it is: Replaces the existing Alt + Tab application switching mechanism of Windows XP. It provides a thumbnail preview of windows in the task list and is compliant with the new Windows XP visual style.
How to use: (NOTE: You must log off and then log on again for the changes to take effect). Use just as you do the existing Alt + Tab mechanism by pressing the Alt key and the Tab key to activate. While holding down the Alt key, press the Tab key to cycle through running applications. To move backwards, press Shift + Alt + Tab. Release all keys when the desired application is highlighted.
Open Command Window Here
What it is: This PowerToy adds an “Open Command Window Here” context menu option on file system folders. This gives users a quick way to open a command window (cmd.exe) pointing at a selected folder in the Explorer UI.
How to use: After installation, right click on the folder you would like to have a quick launch command window for.
Tweak UI
What it is: Provides access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface.
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, TweakUI for Windows XP.
PowerToy Calc
What it is: Graphing calculator
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, PowerToy Calc
Bulk Resize for Photos
What it is: Allows you to make a new, resized copy of your selected pictures in the same folder they are currently located in. You can opt to resize one or many pictures (as a batch).
How to use: Right click any image(s) and select Resize Pictures in the context menu.
ISO Image Burner
What it is: Allows you to burn an ISO Image using a CD-ROM burner that is compatible with Windows XP
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, ISO Burner
Slide Show Generator
What it is: Generate a slideshow when burning a CD
How to use: Add only images to a CD-ROM using Windows XP Explorer, then Write these files to disk. A new task is presented in the wizard for generating the autorun for the slideshow.
Virtual Desktop Manager
What it is: Manage up to 4 desktops from the Windows Shell Taskbar.
How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click “Desktop Manager.” If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the manager, you will have to unlock it.
Background Wallpaper switcher
What it is: Allows you to switch the background image periodically.
How to use: Access this PowerToy by right clicking the desktop, click properties. It has added a new tab that will allow you to specify the interval as well as the directory to obtain the images from.
Taskbar Magnifier
What it is: Allows you to magnify part of the screen from the taskbar.
How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click “Taskbar Magnifier.” If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the magnifier, you will have to unlock it.
Slide Show Wizard
What it is: This wizard helps you create a slide show of your digital pictures. When you’re done, you can put your slide show on the Web so that your family and friends can view it.
How to use: Launch the Wizard from the Start Menu under All ProgramsPowertoys for Windows XPSlide Show Wizard. Follow the steps of the wizard to select and arrange your pictures, choose from a few simple options, and then save a Web-ready HTML slide show to a folder.
Use the Internet Connection Firewall to Secure Your Small Network
A firewall is a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world. Windows XP includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) software you can use to restrict what information is communicated between the Internet and your home or small office network. ICF also protects a single computer connected to the Internet with a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a dial–up modem.
If your network uses Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) to provide Internet access to multiple computers, you should use ICF on the shared Internet connection. However, ICS and ICF can be enabled separately. You should not enable the firewall on any connection that does not directly connect to the Internet, and ICF is not needed if your network already has a firewall or proxy server.
You must be logged on to your computer with an owner account in order to complete this procedure. You should not enable Internet Connection Firewall on virtual private networking (VPN) connections or on client computers because ICF will interfere with file and printer sharing. ICF cannot be enabled on the private connections of the Internet Connection Sharing host computer.
To enable or disable Internet Connection Firewall
Open Network Connections (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double–click Network Connections.)
Click the Dial–up, LAN or High–Speed Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select one of the following:
To enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), select the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.
To disable Internet Connection Firewall, clear the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box. This disables the firewall, your computer and network are then vulnerable to intrusions
Setup XP from a Network drive
You use three switches. If D: is the target, and G: is the net drive.
G:i386winnt32 /tempdrive:D /makelocalsource /s:G:i386
Speed up viewing shared files across a network
Windows 2000 & XP machines delay as long as 30 seconds when you try to view shared files across a network because Windows is using the extra time to search the remote computer for any Scheduled Tasks. Here’s how to prevent this remote search for Scheduled Tasks:
Open up the Registry and go to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace
Under that branch, select the key :
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
and delete it.
If you like you may want to export the exact branch so that you can restore the key if necessary. This fix is so effective that it doesn’t require a reboot and you can almost immediately determine yourself how much it speeds up your browsing processes.
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