Window XP Tips - How to Manage Groups in the Address Book in Windows XP Professional?

How to Manage Groups in the Address Book in Windows XP Professional?

 

You can manage groups in the address book in Windows XP Professional by creating groups of your contacts. It becomes very easy to find your contacts when they are organized well. A simple way to organize them is by creating groups and then placing the contacts in the appropriate groups or categories like family, friends, coworkers etc. The feature to manage groups in the address book in Windows XP Professional makes it very easy to look for all your stored information. If all the stored information is organized well, you can easily retrieve it from the different programs in your operating system. These include the Microsoft Phone System,  NetMeeting, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook. This is how we create as well as manage groups in the address book in Windows XP Professional:

How to Open the Address Book:

• Choose Programs and then Accessories.
• Click on Address Book.

• If you want to reach the Address Book in Outlook Express, click on Address Book in the Tools menu.
  
  
  
  

  You can create a single group and give it a name e.g. top friends or co-workers. This will make it very convenient to send a single message to numerous contacts together in an instant. When sending the message you just have to add that group name in the box.
  Follow these steps to create a group in order to manage groups in the address book in Windows XP Professional:

  • Go to the Address Book.
  • Click on New in the toolbar, and next click on New Group.

  

  The dialog box named Properties will appear. Type in the name of the group in the Group Name box.

  

  How to Move a Group or a Contact:

  • Select the name of the group or contact that you want to move in the Address Book contact list.
  • Drag the selected contact or group from the list on the right to the desired group or folder on the left.

  

  You can make as many groups as you want and can also keep a single contact in multiple groups at the same time. As you follow these tips, you can well manage the contacts in the address book in Windows XP Professional.

   

   

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Window XP Tips - View previously open Folders after Shutdown or Logoff

View previously open Folders after Shutdown or Logoff

If you need to access lot of folders on your home computer or on the network regularly then you can set them re-open automatically, when you will login, shutdown or restart your computer next time. There is no need to open regularly used folders manually, just configure the simple sitting, your computer will automatically reload all the previously opened windows.

By default windows XP disables this option to reload automatically all the previously opened windows, when you login on, shutdown or restart your computer.

Follow the given steps to configure your computer to reload previously opened folders automatically after shutdown. 

• To edit this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
• First click on Start button then go to Control Panel. 
• 
• Open the “Appearance and Themes” option in control panel then click on Folder Options. 
• 
• A small windows dialog box will appear with the title “Folder options”, click on View tab.
• Under the Advanced setting section, scroll down to bottom and click the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option and then click Ok button to save sitting.
• 
• Now when you log off, restart or shutdown, your computer will automatically open the previously opened folders from the same location as before.
  

 

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Window XP Tips - How to add new destinations to "Send To" menu in windows XP?

In windows environment, the Send To command is used to transfer files from one location to different locations. By using this command, a user can quickly send his file between default destinations (default lists in Send To menu, for example Desktop, CD/DVD Drive, My Documents, Mail Recipient and Floppy Drive). These are the default Send To menu lists in windows XP. To increase the data transfer speed between different locations, you can add more new destination in Send To lists. 

Follow the given steps to add new destinations to Send To lists:

First click on Start button and type sendto in Run option then press Ok button.

 

A window will appear with default Send To lists (Compressed (zipped) Folder, Desktop (create shortcut), Mail Recipient, My Documents). 

 

Now using drag-and-drop technique (or using copy and paste method), you can move any program, folders and drives shortcuts to this folder.

 

Now you can verify, your new shortcut is created in Send To menu.

 

But next times, if you want to delete any destination, then open the Sent To folder and remove the destination shortcut.

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Window XP Tips - How to enable/disable the compressed (zipped) folder feature in XP?

Today tip will help you to enable/disable the built-in feature of compression or de-compression in windows XP. Windows display the several default frequently used shortcuts in "Send To" menu, for example Compressed (zipped) Folder and others. But if you want to use any third-party application in windows XP for compression or de-compression then you can disable this windows built-in compressed folder feature. 

Follow the given steps to disable the windows built-in compressed folder feature:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and then click on Run option to open run dialog box. 

Now type the following command in Run box and press Ok button.

  regsvr32 /u %windir%\system32\zipfldr.dll

 

A small message will appear with title "RegSvr32" and the message is "DllUnregisterServer in C:\WINDOWS\system32\zipfldr.dll succeeded."  Click on Ok button.

Now right click on any file or folder to verify the change.

 

Follow the given steps to enable the windows built-in compressed folder feature: 

Now again click Start button and click on Run option to open run dialog box. 

Now type the following command in Run box and press Ok button.

regsvr32 %windir%\system32\zipfldr.dll

 

A small message will appear with title "RegSvr32" and the message is "DllUnregisterServer in C:\WINDOWS\system32\zipfldr.dll succeeded."  Click on Ok button.



Now right click on any file or folder to verify the change.






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Window XP Tips - How to enjoy Windows Media Player using shortcuts keys?

In Windows Media Player, you can use the combination of different keyboard keys to accomplish routine task. By using these keys, you can increase the working speed in media player, otherwise require a conventional mouse to select menus and buttons options. Basically keyboard shortcuts keys help you to save time and you can perform any tasks without leaving the keyboard keys.

Shortcut keys                        Action

ALT+1                      Adjust zoom to 50 percent

ALT+2                      Adjust zoom to 100 percent

ALT+3                      Adjust zoom to 200 percent

ALT+ENTER               Display the video in full mode

ALT+F                      Go to media player File Menu

ALT+T                      Go to media player Tools Menu

ALT+V                      Go to media player View Menu

ALT+P                      Go to media player Play Menu

ALT+F4                     Use to close media player

CTRL+1                     Display media player in full mode

CTRL+2                     Display media player in skin mode

CTRL+B                     Use to play the previous item in media player

CTRL+F                     Use to play the next item in media player

CTRL+E                     Use to Eject CD or DVD from CD or DVD drive

CTRL+P                     Use to Play or Pause the item in media player

CTRL+T                     Use to Repeat the items in media player

CTRL+SHIFT+B           Use to Rewind a file in media player

CTRL+SHIFT+F           Use to Fast Forward a file in media player

CTRL+SHIFT+S           Use to play items slower than a normal speed

CTRL+SHIFT+ G          Use to play items faster than a normal speed

CTRL+SHIFT+ N          Use to play items at normal speed in media player

F8                            Use to mute the volume in media player

F9                            Use to decrease the volume in media player

F10                          Use to increase the volume in media player

ENTER or SPACEBAR    Use to play an item

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Window XP Tips - How to set specified folder view to all Folder Views in windows XP and Vista?

Today tip will help you to manage the specified view of all folders in windows XP and Vista. By default, you have options to choose the view of folders contents as thumbnails, titles, icons, list or display with details. But this change will apply on the folders that you are currently working in. On the other hand, with the just few more clicks, you can change the view of all the folders on your computer.

Follow the given steps to accomplish this task through the Folder Options dialog box.

First of all open any folder, click "View" and choose the view you would most like to use.

Now from the Tools menu, click on Folder Options" to open the Folder Options dialog box.

 

 

Here on Folder Options dialog box, select the View tab.

At the top of the dialog box, click Apply to all folders button.

 

Now a new confirmation message will appear as "Set all the folders on your computer to match the current folders view settings (except for toolbars and folder task)? Change will occur the next time you open them."

 

Click OK in the Folder Options window to save the changes.

Now all the folders on your computer should display contents in your chosen view. As before, you can still change the view in individual folders via the "View" button.

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Window XP Tips - How you can Automate the DIR Command

If your are using same switches frequently in Command prompt then open your system command prompt using open Run option

Click Start and open Run option then type cmd to open command prompt, here type

set dircmd=/w/o/p

then press Enter, now every time thereafter that you type

dir

the /w/o/p switches will be automatically applied and now need to type every time. If your are interested to use single switch like /w you can use it

set dircmd=/w

and press Enter.

and same if you wants to undo these switches then you can very easily by typing

dir /-switch

For example, if you wanted to do a directory with only the /w switch, you could enter

dir /-p/-o

When you exit the Command prompt window, however, the Dircmd setting returns to its default settings.

 

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How to create a System State data backup?

Using System State backup technique, you can create the backup of windows critical components on any system drive and this backup file can be used if the original copy is lost, damaged, or destroyed. On windows 2000/XP/Vista, system state data wizard backed up the following components.

• Windows registry
• Windows boot files
• COM+ class registration database 

But if you are running domain controller, system state data wizard backed up the following components.

Active Directory

System volume (SYSVOL)

Windows registry

Windows boot files

COM+ class registration database     

Follow the given steps to run System State data backup wizard:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights. 

First click on Start button> All programs> Accessories> System Tools then click on Backup.

 

Now by default backup wizard will start, click on advanced mode option to change the backup settings.

 

Here a dialog box will appear with title "Backup Utility", select "Welcome" tab and click on Backup Wizard [Advanced] button to create backup of windows important components.  

 

Click on Next button to continue backup wizard.

Now select option "Only back up the System State date" on what to back up page and click on Next button.

 

Here click on Browse button to specify the destination for backup file and also set backup file name under "Type a name for this backup" box then click on Next button. 

 

Now verify your selected settings and click on Finish button to start backup process.

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How to restrict user's to access shutdown button?

This tip is very interesting for home and some small office users, who wants to restrict user's ability to shutdown their computer. You can hide the Shutdown button from the Start menu using registry editor and also restrict access to shutdown, if a user clicks on Ctrl+Alt+Del. 

Follow the given steps to hide system shutdown button from start menu:

• To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with

        administrative rights.

• Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.
• Here locate the location to:
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer
  
  
  • Here in right side panel, right click to create a new DWORD value with name NoClose.
  • Now assign number 1 to its value data box.
  • Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
  • But next time, if you want to unhide the shutdown button then simply change the value data box to 0 or delete this DWORD item.
  • Again close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
  
  
  
  
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Window XP Tips

How to adding your favorite image to a folder?

Dear friends here I have a very useful and interesting tip for you. Sometimes you have to face some problem to distinguish the folders because in standard configuration of window explorer each folder seems closely the similar to others.            

If you want to explore your folder in windows explorer's thumbnail view and make these folders are prominent then it is easier to distinguish using text name, for example you're download audio files or digital photos. But if you want to add image to a folder to distinguish with others then you should choose that folder which you want to decorate. 

First open Window Explorer and right click on the folder to display the folder menu. Now choose Properties option from the menu, here a new dialog windows will appear with title "Program Properties".

Select Customize tab and click on "Choose Picture" button to add favorite image./p> 

The image which you want to use navigates to that image and then clicks "Open" to view a sample of the picture inside the folder icon. Click on Ok button, if you are satisfied from that image .If you are not satisfied then choose another image.

Now at the end, go to View menu to display the folder in Explorer's thumbnail with image.

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Window XP Tips

Windows Hot shortcut keys
 

Win                                 Press windows key to open start menu

Win+R                           Apply to open Run dialog box                           

Win+M                           Apply to minimize all opened windows                                

Win+Shift+M                 Apply to maximize all opened windows                                  

Win+L                            Press keys to lock keyboard in windows XP                                 

Win+E                            Press keys to open My Computer                                

Win+F                            Apply to open search options                                 

Win+U                            Apply keys to open Utility Manager                                   

Win+D                            To view desktop/minimize all windows                                  

Win+F1                           To view the detail windows help page                                           

Win+Pause                    To view the System Properties dialog box                               

Win+Tab                         Move through taskbar programs                             

Win+F+Ctrl                      Apply to open search for computers

Alt+Tab                            Move through opened windows programs                                

Alt+F4                              Press keys to close active windows program                                

Alt+Enter                         Apply to open properties of selected item                               

Alt+ SPACEBAR            Open the system menu of active window                                  

Alt+ SPACEBAR +N      Press keys to minimize the active program                                 

Alt+ SPACEBAR +R      Press keys to restore the active program                                

Alt+ SPACEBAR+C       Press keys to close the active program                                

Alt+ SPACEBAR+X        Press keys to maximize the active program                                 

Alt+ SPACEBAR+M       Press keys to move the active program                                

Ctrl+Alt+Delete              Apply to open windows task manager                               

Ctrl+Shift+Esc               Apply to open windows task manager                                

Ctrl+Esc                         Press keys to open start menu                                 

Shift                                 Shift key to prevent CD from automatically playing                                

Shift+Delete                  To delete items permanently      

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Window XP Tips

How to find a lost file on your Computer?

Today tip will help you to enjoy the quick and easy way to find lost files on your computer. Here I recommends you, try to search a file with its file extensions (for example for word file, type *.doc, Excel *.xls, Acrobat *.pdf, *.ppt and *.exe for executable files. If you don't know the name of file but know that it contains a string of text then try to search for files containing specific text, type the text you want to find from any file or folder. This is time taking process but creates very precise result. In Look in, click the drive, folder, or network you want to search. To save time, always select the specified drive or location instead of whole computer.

Click Start Button, point to Search, and then click For File or Folders, a Search Results dialog box will appear. In Search for files or folders named, type the file name or folder name you want to find in containing text.

To specify additional search criteria, click Search Options, and then click one or more of the following options to narrow your search:

• Select Date to look for files that were created or modified on or between specific dates.
• Select Type to look for files of a specific type, such as a text or WordPad document.
• Select Size to look for files of a specific size.
• Select Advanced Options to specify additional search criteria.
• Click Search now.

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Window XP Tips

Are You Ready for SP2 and why you install it
Windows XP's Service Pack 2 basically a windows update and it is very necessary to secure your windows XP from virus, worm and other security problems. Window's  XP SP2 are available on Microsoft site and ready to download without any cast. If you're ready to install this major OS update, you can check out the info at: 
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx 


and find out how to get a hold of this important OS update. Download this file and install it, after installing restart your system. If you want to check SP2 installed or not then right click on "My Computer" then properties option for confirmation.


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Window XP Tips

Adding Internet Prefixes and Suffixes Automatically

Here's a cool tip for accessing a Web page from any Windows address bar. You can enter any string of characters in an address bar and then press Ctrl-Enter; Windows will automatically add both "www" and ".com", and then search for the page on the Internet. For example, if we type

computerfreetips

in an address bar and then press Ctrl-Enter, Windows will take us to the

computerfreetips

 Web site at www.computerfreetips.com. Give it a try.

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Window XP Tips

How you can add a Shortcut Key to Your Internet Connection?

This basic and common way to dial the internet connection using giving path:

• Click on Start Button > sittings then click on Network and dial-up connections option, here you can dial your internet connection.
• Another way to dial your internet connection if you have a shortcut to your internet connection on your desktop. Simply boot your system and dial your internet connection from your desktop shortcut.
  • A new cool tip to dial internet connection with out using the mouse, simply add a shortcut key that will allow you to do this. Just right-click on your Internet connection and go to  Properties option. Click in the Shortcut Key box and then press a key combination that you would like to use here like  (Ctrl-Alt-I). When you have a combination you like, click OK. Next time no need to use mouse to run your internet connection simply use this shortcut from your keyboard, you can just press your shortcut key combination (Ctrl-Alt-I) to launch your Internet connection. 
    
    
   
  
   

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Window XP Tips

A Quick way to print a Document 

 There are many ways to prints a document, but you can print a document quickly if you put a shortcut to the printer on your desktop and drag a document icon to it, no need to  open file for printing just drag a file to printer icon and get your print. 

To do this, first click Start button, Settings, then  Printers ( first make sure you installed your printer driver). When the Printers window opens, hold down Ctrl and drag the printer icon to your system desktop.

Now you can drag a document icon and drop it in printer icon on your desktop. Here you will get a print quickly and with out open a  file.

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Windows System Tips (Windows Vista Tips) How to start windows programs quickly with Run Command?

The run option of Start menu is used to run a program or to open a document directly. If you do not know the exact location of the program or document then click on Start button to open Run and type the programs shortcut name to open it directly.

Run Commands

• appwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add/Remove wizard
• Calc --Calculator
• Cfgwiz32 --ISDN Configuration Wizard
• Charmap --Character Map
• Chkdisk --Repair damaged files
• Cleanmgr --Cleans up hard drives
• Clipbrd --Windows Clipboard viewer
• Control --Displays Control Panel
• Cmd --Opens a new Command Window
• Control mouse --Used to control mouse properties
  
  
• Dcomcnfg --DCOM user security


• Debug --Assembly language programming tool


• Defrag --Defragmentation tool


• Drwatson --Records programs crash & snapshots


• Dxdiag --DirectX Diagnostic Utility


• Explorer --Windows Explorer
   


•  
  
  


• Fontview --Graphical font viewer


• Fsmgmt.msc -- Used to open shared folders


• Firewall.cpl  -- Used to configure windows firewall


• Ftp -ftp.exe program


• Hostname --Returns Computer's name


• Hdwwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add Hardware wizard


• Ipconfig --Displays IP configuration for all network adapters


• Logoff -- Used to logoff the computer


• MMC --Microsoft Management Console


• Msconfig --Configuration to edit startup files


• Mstsc -- Used to access remote desktop


• Mrc -- Malicious Software Removal Tool


• Msinfo32 --Microsoft System Information Utility


• Nbtstat --Displays stats and current connections using NetBIOS over TCP/IP


• Netstat --Displays all active network connections


• Nslookup--Returns your local DNS server


• Osk ---Used to access on screen keyboard


• Perfmon.msc -- Used to configure the performance of Monitor.


• Ping --Sends data to a specified host/IP


• Powercfg.cpl -- Used to configure power option


• Regedit --Registry Editor


• Regwiz -- Registration wizard


• Sfc /scannow -- System File Checker


• Sndrec32 --Sound Recorder


• Shutdown -- Used to shutdown the windows


• Spider -- Used to open spider solitaire card game


• Sfc / scannow -- Used to run system file checker utility.


• Sndvol32 --Volume control for soundcard


• Sysedit -- Edit system startup files


• Taskmgr --Task manager


• Telephon.cpl -- Used to configure modem options.


• Telnet --Telnet program


• Tracert --Traces and displays all paths required to reach an internet host


• Winchat -- Used to chat with Microsoft


• Wmplayer -- Used to run Windows Media player 

 

Wab -- Used to open Windows address Book.

WinWord -- Used to open Microsoft word

Winipcfg --Displays IP configuration

Winver -- Used to check Windows Version

Wupdmgr --Takes you to Microsoft Windows Update

Write -- Used to open WordPad

 

  

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