Windows XP
Updated 1/9/04
15: How do I change the Windows Explorer so as a default it will open in C:\ instead of into My Documents? I
A: Right click on the Windows Explorer Icon, select Properties. Under the Target location change it to "C:\windows\explorer.exe /n,/e,c:\" with the c:\ being the location of the folder you want expanded.
14: XP seems to run slower then my Windows 9x did, how do I fix it?
A: Windows XP uses more processing power then previous versions of Windows did so some performance loss is invertible. But I recommend turning off all the of the Visual Effects. This will greatly improve performance.
13: Should I buy XP Home or XP Pro?
A: Both versions are start of the art and rock solid built on the Win2K kernel. Windows XP Pro also includes built in file encryption, dual processor support and enhanced network options.
12: How do I know what processes my PC is running?
A: Hold Ctrl + Alt + Del to bring up the task manager. Click the Processes tab. You will get a list of all running processes on your PC with CPU and Memory usage.
11: I can't find Windows XP drivers for my _____?
A: This is becoming less and less common. First thing to try is the Win2K driver if available, next try the Windows NT driver, if that still don't work try the 9x driver or one that says all Windows versions on it.
10: How do I add an item to the send to menu?
A: Open the current user in Documents and Settings. Unhide folders if necessary. Then create a short cut for the item you want to add and place it in the Send To folder. It will be added to the Send To list when you right click a file. You can also remove items by deleting them from this folder. Note in Windows 9x the Send To folder is in the C:\Windows directory.
9: Should I format my Windows XP drive in FAT32 or NTFS?
A: As always it depends. If you looking for pure speed, i.e. gaming machine, then you should go with FAT32. If you looking for security and reliability, i.e. business PC, then you should go with NTFS. But if your like most people your looking for a combination of both. Here are very simple explanations of each. FAT32 has a TOC (table of contains) at the beginning of the drive that indexes all the data on it. When data is copied, moved or deleted a marker in the TOC is changed (or removed in the case of deletion) and the data is left untouched on the drive itself. This is why file that have been deleted from the recycle bin can still be recovered. NTFS has a MFT (master file table) at the beginning of the drive and a back up in the middle of the drive that servers the same function as the TOC in FAT32. One big exception is that when a file is moved or deleted on a drive it is really moved or deleted. NTFS as have built in security features and is much more robust and stable then FAT32. Here is the break down, FAT32 will out perform NTFS as far as speed is concerned, but not in reliability or security. Also the "slowdown" noticed with NTFS is not universal among hard drives. Some have a significant slow down were as other are only affected a little. Typical the more expensive a hard drive the better it performs and as always stick with the brand names. What I recommend if using NTFS for Windows, Programs and Data files and have a separate FAT32 partition for games that seem to be affected by being on a NTFS drive.
8: Should I use the 9x of NT versions of old software?
A: Your best bet would be with the NT version, since Windows XP is an NT OS, but you can always try the compatibility mode if your having trouble with any older software.
7: Can I play most games if I change over to NTFS?
A: Yes, your file system does not effect system compatibility
6: I just got my new PC with XP pre-installed. When I powered it up, it asked me to name 5 different account names which I did. I don't want 5 do I have to have that many? I only use one.
A: No all you need it one, feel free to delete the four your not using.
5: I've looked all over my computer, and I just simply cannot find Scandisk. It's not there, I swear?
A: It's not called scandisk in XP, it's called check disk you will find it under Computer Management.
4: How do I disable Auto Update?
A: Right click My Computer, select Properties, click the Automatic Updates tab, select turn off automatic updating...
3: Does anyone know what a prefetch file is?
A: Your prefetch folder is basically another temp folder for XP. The same rules that applies to temp folder applies to it. Clean it out on a regular basis and delete anything Windows will let you
2: I have one user and the Admin account, who do I make single folders private, the option is grayed out?
A: You most likely have your hard drive formatted as FAT32. You can only make a folder private if you have a NTFS formatted drive.
1: What is the real truth about registration with XP?
A: With Windows XP you will need two things to register: the product key which is included with the disc and a registration number provided by Microsoft, which can be done via e-mail, phone, letter or electronically via your computer. This number is based on the hardware in your computer. Without this second Code Windows XP can only be booted 50 times. This is done to keep someone from buying one copy and installing it an all three of their computers. Some people have raised the question what happens if I upgrade do I have to get a new code. The answer is no you can change up to 4 pieces of hardware before the code is obsolete and you have to get a new one. And no XP doesn't check every so often and no it doesn't send any personal info to Microsoft so all you paranoid privacy freaks relax.