Welcome Screen is missing

The Problem:-I dont know what happened but for the past couple days, my welcome screen stop appearing and it just log on automatically to my account. How do i get my welcome screen back?

Resolution:-
Several options are there and the user may try the followings to get back his or her 'Welcome Screen' back.

Method#1:-
Open control panel -> users account -> change the way user log on or off -> Use Welcome Screen (Put a check); Use Fast User Switching (put a check )

Method#2:-
Run -> Control Userpasswords2 -> Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer (Put a check)

Method#3:-
Check the registry settings. Start>Run>Regedit>Ok
Now navigate to the following key:- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mi­­crosoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Spe­­cialAccounts\UserList
The respective user account value may be set to 0 there,change it to 1.

Method#4:-
Download and install TweakUI. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

It has the option to show the Welcome Screen under 'logon'.

16 bit programs running on a 64 bit XP

The Problem:-When you try to run 16 bit programs or applications on a 64-bit Windows XP Professional you get the following errors:-
Install.exe is not a valid win32 application.
Setup.exe is not a valid win32 application.

The Reason:-
16-bit programs are not compatible with the 64-bit version.

Further Reference:-
64-bit versions of Windows do not support 16-bit components, 16-bit processes, or 16-bit applications
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896458

Thumbnail view file names are missing

The Problem:- Filenames are missing from Windows Explorer when looking at thumbnail view.

Solution:- Select a different view, then press the Shift key while clicking Thumbnails in the View menu and the names should reappear.

Difference between an OEM copy and a Upgrade copy

What is the difference between an OEM copy and an Upgrade copy?

1]An Upgrade copy will upgrade an existing operating system,say for example,from Windows 98 or Windows Millennium to 2k or to XP.Where as an OEM copy can't be upgraded.

2]The EULA is also bit different between the two.

3]An OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC.However, the FPP (Full-Packaged Product)version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product.

For More information:-
XP OEM Clarification
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

Task Manager appears for a second then disppears

The problem:-When you open Task Manager by pressing three keys-[CTRL]+[ALT]+[TAB],it appears for a second or two then disappears.

Why does it happen?
If there is virus infection.

What to do?
Check whether regedit,msconfig tools are also disappearing or not.You should scan the system with latest virus definitioned antivirus.

More Information:-
Win32.Cydog.C@mm ( Win32/Kickin.A@mm / I-Worm.Cydog.c / W32.HLLW.Kickin.A@mm / WORM_CYDOG.C / Win32.HLLM.Cydog )
http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/virusinfo.php?menu_id=1&v_id=114

Emergency Tool to revive the Task Manager:-
Create Emergency Copies of Critical XP System Utilities (Regedit, MSConfig and Task Manager)
By courtesy Doug Knox,MS-MVP

Tabs or Menus are mising in Task Manager

We know that when we open Task Manager in Windows XP we find several tabs with information and options for Applications, Processes, Performance, and Networking.
Sometimes tabs or menus seen missing.

Cause:-This behavior can occur if Task Manager is running in Tiny Footprint mode which removes the menu bar and the page tabs.

Resolution:-double-clicking the top border of the window solves the problem.

Further Help:-
Task Manager Menu Bar and Tabs Are Not Visible
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193050