Windows XP, Tips Galore Part 1

By Michael G. Horan, MCT

Windows XP has been released for more than a year now, and Netdesk has been offering XP related courses for about that same time frame. I’ve heard mostly positive comments from my students about it, especially after they learn to really get under the hood in our 40-hour course 2272, Implementing and Supporting Windows XP.

On the first day of 2272, most students are struck by the scope of change. For example XP introduces many changes to the desktop, the look and functionality of Windows Explorer, and the Start Menu. By the end of the week, my students have undoubtedly found that changing these elements of the Operating System to their preference is a pretty simple process. I feel that this flexibility is one of XP’s biggest strengths.

However, some elements of the Operating System hide their flexibility, and cannot be manipulated directly in the GUI. My goal in this two part article is to crack open the door to some of XP's amazing, fun, and empowering, but hidden features.

1. Let’s start with an old favorite, Syskey. Syskey allows you to encrypt the password encryption key. The password encryption key protects the user account passwords. Once generated, the Syskey can be stored either on the local drive, or diskette. If you choose diskette, thereafter, you’ll need to provide the diskette as part of the logon process. This is a definite security enhancement. The obvious catch, if you lose the diskette, and have no backup, you are out of luck. You will not be able to get back to your desktop, or your data, without going through elaborate gyrations. Taking an Automated System Recovery (ASR) backup prior to using Syskey would be a wise precaution. Mechanically, Syskey is invoked by selecting Start-Run-Syskey. You should also check out Q Article 143473 before using Syskey.

2. I’m always looking for a quick, efficient way to take “one, logical step back in time," which is why I love XP’s System Restore feature. While System Restore is great for restoring the system state, applications and settings, it does not address all critical Operating System files. The overlooked “cousin” of System Restore is the SFC utility, which is the Windows File Checker version 5.1. It scans all protected files, check the files for integrity, and replaces “incorrect” versions (of files) with the default Microsoft versions. Invoke via Start-Run-CMD-SFC. It includes imbedded help, try SFC /? I tested this utility, and it also detected (and prompted me to replace) Office 2000 files back to their original. So be conscious of the fact that SFC’s capabilities extend to all files protected by Windows File Protect. If you’re troubleshooting Operating System installs or service packs / Hot Fix application, this is a handy tool.

3. Microsoft NetMeeting is included by default in Windows XP, it's just not “out in front." It’s not installed via the control panel, but must be manually activated in the Operating System. Start-Run-Conf, and follow the wizards instructions. The latest messaging products, notably Windows Messenger, have all but replaced NetMeeting. But for basic chat, shared whiteboard, and other collaboration tools, NetMeeting is still available, and in a corporate setting might be more “culturally acceptable” than more modern apps.

4. Two quick tips regarding logon and shutdown. If you’re at the “Welcome Screen” you can switch to the “Classic” Security Dialog box by hitting Ctrl-Alt-Del twice quickly. Also, in XP’s Turn off Computer dialog box, you can use the shift key on your keyboard to toggle the power conservation modes from “Standby” to “Hibernate”. This is pretty cool.

5. I personally love the Media Player 8.0 that accompanies XP, however many of my family members find it a bit too much. If you prefer a more “streamlined” application, try Start-Run-Mplayer2. This will launch good ol’ uncomplicated Media Player version 6.4.

6. Start-Run-IExpress launches a program of the same name that will help you create program installer .exe packages or self-extracting .exe files, complete with disclaimers, licensing agreement windows, and automatic program install routines driven by .inf files.

7. XP has tons of new native command line tools (more on these tools in part two of this article). You should definitely also check out the new suite of tools that accompany XP via the CD. They are installed from \support\tools\setup.exe. These tools are a “mini-resource kit” and provide some extremely useful functionality such as:

1. DNScmd.exe - Displays and changes the properties of DNS servers, zones, and resource records
2. Diruse.exe - Displays directory size information, including compression information for NTFS volumes. You can use DirUse to determine the actual usage of space for compressed files and directories
3. DHCPloc.exe - Displays the DHCP servers active on the subnet. If it detects any unauthorized DHCP servers, it beeps and sends out alert messages
4. FTOnline.exe - Allows an administrator to mount and recover files from a fault tolerant disk created in a previous version of Windows
5. MSIccu.exe - Deletes the configuration data that Windows Installer maintains for a product that it installed, including directories, files, registry subkeys, and registry entries. You can use Msicuu to remove the remnants of a corrupted Windows Installer installation that prevents you from installing a product correctly.
6. Pstat.exe - Lists all running processes and threads and displays their status
7. Spcheck.exe - Used by administrators to determine which service pack is installed on a Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0 system.
8. Whoami.exe - Display some or all information in the current access token.
9. Windiff.exe - Compares directories or files showing the results graphically.

The XP support tools have many other helpful utilities, with complete documentation and sample code. Enjoy, and stay tuned for part 2 of “Tips Galore”, brought to you by Netdesk!