How To Use MSCONFIG Tool To Change Boot.Ini

We all know that Boot.ini is a hidden read only file.We can edit the boot.ini file to alter the way the computer boots.In Windows XP,we can use the System Configuration Utility to do this.It's not only easier but very safe too.It also allows you to configure several advanced boot options.

How To:-

Start>Run>type in:msconfig>ok

Now click BOOT.INI and make changes accordingly.

Further Reference :-How To Edit Boot.Ini File in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=289022

Right Click Delay

The Problem:-Whenever one right clicks on any item it takes atleast fifteen seconds to open same thing happens when one tries to delete any item.

Solution:-
Right click on an empty area of Desktop>Properties.When the Display Properties box opens, click the Appearance tab, click the Effects button, left click to REMOVE the checkmark in the box to the left of: Use the following transition effect for menus and tooltips, click the OK button, then click the Apply and OK buttons at the bottom of theremaining box. You'd probably gain even more speed if you'd switch to the Classic Start Menu (Right click the Start button, left click Properties,select the option: Classic Start menu, click the Apply and OK buttons.

Registry Tweak:-
It's may be due to one of the context menu entries, one may need to remove one. But before doing this one must back up the following registry keys.These are the registry keys you will find them in, but many programs will have their own options to disable them.

Start>Run>Regedit>ok and navigate to the following keys:-

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\OpenWithList
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers


Further References:-
Right-click is slow or weird behavior caused by context menu handlers
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/slowrightclick.htm

Right click causes an error and crashes Explorer.exe after installingWindows XP SP2
http://www.winxptutor.com/sp2/divxcrash.htm

Temporary Decrease in Performance Occurs When You Right-Click a File orFolder in Windows Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;819101

Internet Explorer Opens In A Blank Page

This is a very annoying problem in which internet explorer (sp1)opens in a blank page.

Cause:-It happens if some dll files are not registered.

Solution:-
You have to re-register the dll files.
Start>Run>regsvr32 urlmon.dll>ok
Start>Run>regsvr32 actxprxy.dll >ok


Now again:-


Start>Run>regsvr32 scrrun.dll‏>ok
Start>Run> regsvr32 msxml.dll‏ >ok
Start>Run>regsvr32 shdocvw.dll‏ >ok
Start>Run>regsvr32 browseui.dll >ok
Start>Run>regsvr32 msjava.dll>ok

Now restart your computer and open internet explorer.

Ref:-http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555027

But I think best option is to switch over to Service pack 2.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx

16 Bit Windows Subsystem Error

The problem:- 16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem path to the program that you are trying to start or install C:\Windows\System32\config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

Possible Solutions:-
Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

Alternatively one can put back the standard version of autoexec.nt/config.nt by copying a backup copy held in %windir%\repair\ to %windir%\system32\ (%windir% is typically C:\Windows) instead of using the procedure in the KB article above.

It could be caused a trojan or something similar, e.g. TrojanDownloader.Win32.Dia.a, more about this here: http://tinyurl.com/5mw6l

Also, AVAST antivirus software can be the cause if one has WinXP SP2 installed:
http://tinyurl.com/3ufsd

lights.exe

lights.exe is a Microsoft tool which places a modem status icon on your tray bar. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user preference.
And there also is a Spyware program with the same name Re:http://www.2-spyware.com/file-lights-exe.html

Can't Install Service Pack-Copy of WinXP is illegal

The case History:-
A user upgraded his operating system from Windows 98 over a year ago. He activated the installation and has been running ever since without any problem. The otherday when he tried to install SP1 he got a message that his copy of WinXP is illegal. His question -how can it be illegal as he has already activated it and it has been runing for over a year?

Solution:-
Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326904
If it does, it means he was sold an illegal copy of the commonly distributed volume license version. He will need to purchase a legal copy before he does anything.

Activation Problem

During solving various problems in Microsoft newsgroups I have come accross to this problem many times.It asks the user repeatedly to activate his/her Windows XP though it has already been activated.

How To Solve:-

First Method:-

Start>Run>type in:"regsvr32 regwizc.dll" (without the quotes) >ok.
Start>Run>type in:"regsvr32 licdll.dll"(without the quotes) >ok. You should get a successful message for both and it should resolve the error message.

Second Method:-

If the first method fails then:-
Start the computer in Safe mode by hitting F8 at startup.
Start>Run>type regedit>ok.
Now navigate to the following key:-HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\ProvidersHKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers
Click on the folder representing each key and delete them. Now close the registry editor and restart the machine.