Windows 2000 Hints and Tips

Command Completion

To invoke command completion with the tab key like that provided in a bash shell, set the \HKEYLOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CommandProcessor\CompletionChar registry key to '0x09' (tab).

Creating Explorer Shortcuts

  • %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /e, /select, "c:\Folder to select"

or

  • %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /n,/e, "c:\Folder to open"

Command Prompt

To change the command prompt from the standard single line version to operate across two lines with the > prompt starting on a new line.

  • prompt $p$_$G

Permanently change the prompt by setting an environment label named PROMPT to $p$_$g

Disabling Windows Popup Messages

There are two approaches to disabling unwanted popup messages. Both approaches require administrative rights to the machine.

The best method is to install a firewall and disable port 135 for incoming packets.

Failing that, disable the Windows messenger service. (Bear in mind that it's possible that some applictions may use this service to alert users to events. However, this doesn't appear to be very common. Your call!) by:

  1. Select Start->Settings->Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services
  2. Right click the service named 'Messenger' and select 'Properties'
  3. Click 'Stop' to stop the service
  4. Select either 'Manual' or 'Disabled' for the 'Startup type'
  5. Click OK.

System Policies

Screen Saver Password Protection

  • \\HKEYCURRENTUSER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop

If the ScreenSaverIsSecure key does not exist, there is no policy enforced. (REG_SZ under XP SP1, DWORD under XP) It it does exist, it's values have the following meanings:

Value    Description
-------- ---------------------------------------------------------- 
 0       Compulsory disablement of screen saver password protection
 1       Compulsory enforcement of screen saver password protection

Screen Saver Active

  • \\HKEYCURRENTUSER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop

key ScreenSaveActive - (REG_SZ under XP SP1, DWORD under XP)

Value    Description
-------- ------------------------ 
 0       Screen saver is inactive
 1       Screen saver is active

-- Frank Dean - 03 Sep 2003

Related Topics: WindowsXP