People have been fascinated by Microsofts idea of using a flash memory as a RAM in its Vista OS. Id say Im not surprised at all! Thats because Ive been doing the same thing with XP for about 2 years now!!! Yes, Ive been using my pen drive as RAM ! I would suggest backing up your XP installation before trying this out. Create a restore point if you can.
Heres how its done:
1. Insert your flash memory, and wait until you can see the icon for it in My Computer.
2. Right Click on My Computer, goto properties.
3. Goto Advanced.
4. Click the first settings button.
5. Select the advanced tab.
6. Click the change button
7. select the flash memory and type in the new size for the paging file (Yes, the amount of RAM you want added), take care this must not exceed the size of the drive.
8. Click the set Button, then the OK button. When asked to restart, do so...and VOILA, your XP got much MUCH faster...you wont find a difference in the amount of RAM displayed, but you'll find a performance gain for sure!
CAUTION: You will have to disable the paging file on the flash memory, before removing the flash memory, failing which, your Windows installation will fail to startup and you'll get the dreaded BSOD!!
Showing posts with label XP is better than vista. Show all posts
Showing posts with label XP is better than vista. Show all posts
26 May, 2008
21 April, 2008
Outsmarting System File Protection
Tested in Windows 2000 sp2, Windows 2000 sp3 with and without IE6 sp1. Should work fine in XP and XPsp1
------------------------------
A lot of people are having troubles with System File Protection (SFP for short). This can be a major pain in the butt unless you know the tricks to it. Having only tweaked Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 I figured out a few things about SFP and replacing files:
1) TaskManger is your best friend when replacing files in 2k/XP.
When you open task manager you can do just about as much as you can do with Explorer just by going File>NewTask(Run..). From here you can either use the Run Dialog to launch programs one at a time, or select 'Browse' and explore. Using right click menu commands to do the bulk of your work (Copy, Paste, Rename). Problem is often times you can't replace items do to the fact that your browse is making calls to things you want to delete.
2) CommandLine or Cmd.exe is like that other friend you have that likes to help out.
One plus this has over TaskMan is you don't use the file you are trying to replace. A minus is that it can be a pain if you aren't an experienced DOS user.
3) Backups are your ace in the hole.
Always back your files up prior to doing anything (sometimes I don't bother and wish I did.). Keep It Simple Stupid applies here. Save yourself a few keystrokes and place your backups in something like C:\back\
4) SafeMode is the rest of the hand.
Windows2000 and XP (I believe) can both be booted into SafeMode. When your computer is first booting up, after your bios screen but before the Windows is Starting screen (I could be slightly wrong here seeing how I don't know the timing for sure.) you hit F4 or F8 to get the SafeMode menu. Select 'SafeMode with CommandPrompt'. Welcome to "DOS" on 2k/XP. Anything that can't be replaced while Windows is running can be replaced here. (url.dll) Syntax would be Copy c:\url.dll "c:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\" quotations allow you to put spaces in the path (I didn't know this)
...
Here we go. System File Protection, of Sytem File Checker is a neato feature of Windows meant to protect Joe Computeruser's PC from being ruined. When a needed System file is being replaced your File Checker says "Wait a minute this isn't mine." While this can be great in the long run, it's not a positive thing in Windows Hacking. The trick is to replace the files it uses to replace files.
...
1) First up you need to find the file you want to hack and then replace. Start>Search>Files and Folders>dllname. It's good to actually search for the file so you can find out all of the locations of all copies. Let the search finish just in case. If you have installed any service packs you will have probably have copies of the file in:
\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\ (Win2k)
\windows\servicepackfiles\i386\ (XP)
As well as:
\winnt\system32\dllcache\ (hidden folder in Win2k)
\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\ (hidden folder in XP)
\winnt\system32\ (win2k)
\windows\system32\ (XP)
2) Now that you have all of the locations, write them down on paper or your forehead just to be safe (backwards so it shows up in the mirror).
3) Make a backup (remember K.I.S.S.)
4) Hack your file and save it c:\ for simplicity.
5) Open TaskManger (Right click on your taskbar and select TaskManger)
6) Go to the 'Processes' Tab and find 'Explorer.exe' highlight it and push the 'End Process' button. Say Yeah to the popup.
7) Go to the first tab in TaskManger and select 'File>NewTask>Run>Browse' from this Window navigate to c:\ and higlight your hacked file. Right clic on it and select 'Copy' (don't Cut it.)
8) Nagivate to your Windows directory, open the \servicepackfiles\i386\ folder. Paste your hacked file and replace the copy that is in that folder.
9) Navigate to your respective dllcache folder, paste the file there too.
10) Replace the normail copy in system32 finally (or wherever it might be).
11) Reboot. Don't LogOff , Reboot.
Now chances are this won't go that smoothly. Either the file you want to replace is in use, or your pal and mine SFP will pop-up. It can mess with you in odd ways. I've replaced the servicepackfiles version and the dllcache files, then had SFP grab the normal and replace the other two with it. This can be frustrating. Or maybe the file is in use. This is where the Command Prompt comes into play. If you already replaced the files and rebooted to no change, launch TaskMan again, kill explorer.exe, then go 'File>NewTask>Run>Cmd.exe' Use the DOS commands to try to replace all of the copies of the file in that order using your hacked version in C:\
This is usually where you get the message from SFP telling you it's alive and kicking. You will get a rather urgent looking pop-up telling you that a file that Windows needs is being replaced by a different file. It will then ask you if you want keep the modified files. Say 'yes'. Next it will prompt you to insert your Windows cd to retrieve a copy of the file it needs. Click 'Cancel'. As a good rule of thumb, when you get this message replace what you need then reboot!
If your file still isn't changing, boot into SafeMode with CommandLine. Wait for Windows to take it's sweet time loading. Then just type copy c:\file.dll c:\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\. Rinse and Repeat. Then reboot. This has worked for me 100% of the time, if followed it will work for you as well.
http://pixelarmy.org
------------------------------
A lot of people are having troubles with System File Protection (SFP for short). This can be a major pain in the butt unless you know the tricks to it. Having only tweaked Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 I figured out a few things about SFP and replacing files:
1) TaskManger is your best friend when replacing files in 2k/XP.
When you open task manager you can do just about as much as you can do with Explorer just by going File>NewTask(Run..). From here you can either use the Run Dialog to launch programs one at a time, or select 'Browse' and explore. Using right click menu commands to do the bulk of your work (Copy, Paste, Rename). Problem is often times you can't replace items do to the fact that your browse is making calls to things you want to delete.
2) CommandLine or Cmd.exe is like that other friend you have that likes to help out.
One plus this has over TaskMan is you don't use the file you are trying to replace. A minus is that it can be a pain if you aren't an experienced DOS user.
3) Backups are your ace in the hole.
Always back your files up prior to doing anything (sometimes I don't bother and wish I did.). Keep It Simple Stupid applies here. Save yourself a few keystrokes and place your backups in something like C:\back\
4) SafeMode is the rest of the hand.
Windows2000 and XP (I believe) can both be booted into SafeMode. When your computer is first booting up, after your bios screen but before the Windows is Starting screen (I could be slightly wrong here seeing how I don't know the timing for sure.) you hit F4 or F8 to get the SafeMode menu. Select 'SafeMode with CommandPrompt'. Welcome to "DOS" on 2k/XP. Anything that can't be replaced while Windows is running can be replaced here. (url.dll) Syntax would be Copy c:\url.dll "c:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\" quotations allow you to put spaces in the path (I didn't know this)
...
Here we go. System File Protection, of Sytem File Checker is a neato feature of Windows meant to protect Joe Computeruser's PC from being ruined. When a needed System file is being replaced your File Checker says "Wait a minute this isn't mine." While this can be great in the long run, it's not a positive thing in Windows Hacking. The trick is to replace the files it uses to replace files.
...
1) First up you need to find the file you want to hack and then replace. Start>Search>Files and Folders>dllname. It's good to actually search for the file so you can find out all of the locations of all copies. Let the search finish just in case. If you have installed any service packs you will have probably have copies of the file in:
\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\ (Win2k)
\windows\servicepackfiles\i386\ (XP)
As well as:
\winnt\system32\dllcache\ (hidden folder in Win2k)
\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\ (hidden folder in XP)
\winnt\system32\ (win2k)
\windows\system32\ (XP)
2) Now that you have all of the locations, write them down on paper or your forehead just to be safe (backwards so it shows up in the mirror).
3) Make a backup (remember K.I.S.S.)
4) Hack your file and save it c:\ for simplicity.
5) Open TaskManger (Right click on your taskbar and select TaskManger)
6) Go to the 'Processes' Tab and find 'Explorer.exe' highlight it and push the 'End Process' button. Say Yeah to the popup.
7) Go to the first tab in TaskManger and select 'File>NewTask>Run>Browse' from this Window navigate to c:\ and higlight your hacked file. Right clic on it and select 'Copy' (don't Cut it.)
8) Nagivate to your Windows directory, open the \servicepackfiles\i386\ folder. Paste your hacked file and replace the copy that is in that folder.
9) Navigate to your respective dllcache folder, paste the file there too.
10) Replace the normail copy in system32 finally (or wherever it might be).
11) Reboot. Don't LogOff , Reboot.
Now chances are this won't go that smoothly. Either the file you want to replace is in use, or your pal and mine SFP will pop-up. It can mess with you in odd ways. I've replaced the servicepackfiles version and the dllcache files, then had SFP grab the normal and replace the other two with it. This can be frustrating. Or maybe the file is in use. This is where the Command Prompt comes into play. If you already replaced the files and rebooted to no change, launch TaskMan again, kill explorer.exe, then go 'File>NewTask>Run>Cmd.exe' Use the DOS commands to try to replace all of the copies of the file in that order using your hacked version in C:\
This is usually where you get the message from SFP telling you it's alive and kicking. You will get a rather urgent looking pop-up telling you that a file that Windows needs is being replaced by a different file. It will then ask you if you want keep the modified files. Say 'yes'. Next it will prompt you to insert your Windows cd to retrieve a copy of the file it needs. Click 'Cancel'. As a good rule of thumb, when you get this message replace what you need then reboot!
If your file still isn't changing, boot into SafeMode with CommandLine. Wait for Windows to take it's sweet time loading. Then just type copy c:\file.dll c:\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\. Rinse and Repeat. Then reboot. This has worked for me 100% of the time, if followed it will work for you as well.
http://pixelarmy.org
19 April, 2008
10 Fast and Free Security Enhancements
Before you spend a dime on security, there are many precautions you can take that will protect you against the most common threats.
1. Check Windows Update and Office Update regularly (_http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates); have your Office CD ready. Windows Me, 2000, and XP users can configure automatic updates. Click on the Automatic Updates tab in the System control panel and choose the appropriate options.
2. Install a personal firewall. Both SyGate (_www.sygate.com) and ZoneAlarm (_www.zonelabs.com) offer free versions.
3. Install a free spyware blocker. Our Editors' Choice ("Spyware," April 22) was SpyBot Search & Destroy (_http://security.kolla.de). SpyBot is also paranoid and ruthless in hunting out tracking cookies.
4. Block pop-up spam messages in Windows NT, 2000, or XP by disabling the Windows Messenger service (this is unrelated to the instant messaging program). Open Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and you'll see Messenger. Right-click and go to Properties. Set Start-up Type to Disabled and press the Stop button. Bye-bye, spam pop-ups! Any good firewall will also stop them.
5. Use strong passwords and change them periodically. Passwords should have at least seven characters; use letters and numbers and have at least one symbol. A decent example would be f8izKro@l. This will make it much harder for anyone to gain access to your accounts.
6. If you're using Outlook or Outlook Express, use the current version or one with the Outlook Security Update installed. The update and current versions patch numerous vulnerabilities.
7. Buy antivirus software and keep it up to date. If you're not willing to pay, try Grisoft AVG Free Edition (Grisoft Inc., w*w.grisoft.com). And doublecheck your AV with the free, online-only scanners available at w*w.pandasoftware.com/activescan and _http://housecall.trendmicro.com.
8. If you have a wireless network, turn on the security features: Use MAC filtering, turn off SSID broadcast, and even use WEP with the biggest key you can get. For more, check out our wireless section or see the expanded coverage in Your Unwired World in our next issue.
9. Join a respectable e-mail security list, such as the one found at our own Security Supersite at _http://security.ziffdavis.com, so that you learn about emerging threats quickly and can take proper precautions.
10. Be skeptical of things on the Internet. Don't assume that e-mail "From:" a particular person is actually from that person until you have further reason to believe it's that person. Don't assume that an attachment is what it says it is. Don't give out your password to anyone, even if that person claims to be from "support."
1. Check Windows Update and Office Update regularly (_http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates); have your Office CD ready. Windows Me, 2000, and XP users can configure automatic updates. Click on the Automatic Updates tab in the System control panel and choose the appropriate options.
2. Install a personal firewall. Both SyGate (_www.sygate.com) and ZoneAlarm (_www.zonelabs.com) offer free versions.
3. Install a free spyware blocker. Our Editors' Choice ("Spyware," April 22) was SpyBot Search & Destroy (_http://security.kolla.de). SpyBot is also paranoid and ruthless in hunting out tracking cookies.
4. Block pop-up spam messages in Windows NT, 2000, or XP by disabling the Windows Messenger service (this is unrelated to the instant messaging program). Open Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and you'll see Messenger. Right-click and go to Properties. Set Start-up Type to Disabled and press the Stop button. Bye-bye, spam pop-ups! Any good firewall will also stop them.
5. Use strong passwords and change them periodically. Passwords should have at least seven characters; use letters and numbers and have at least one symbol. A decent example would be f8izKro@l. This will make it much harder for anyone to gain access to your accounts.
6. If you're using Outlook or Outlook Express, use the current version or one with the Outlook Security Update installed. The update and current versions patch numerous vulnerabilities.
7. Buy antivirus software and keep it up to date. If you're not willing to pay, try Grisoft AVG Free Edition (Grisoft Inc., w*w.grisoft.com). And doublecheck your AV with the free, online-only scanners available at w*w.pandasoftware.com/activescan and _http://housecall.trendmicro.com.
8. If you have a wireless network, turn on the security features: Use MAC filtering, turn off SSID broadcast, and even use WEP with the biggest key you can get. For more, check out our wireless section or see the expanded coverage in Your Unwired World in our next issue.
9. Join a respectable e-mail security list, such as the one found at our own Security Supersite at _http://security.ziffdavis.com, so that you learn about emerging threats quickly and can take proper precautions.
10. Be skeptical of things on the Internet. Don't assume that e-mail "From:" a particular person is actually from that person until you have further reason to believe it's that person. Don't assume that an attachment is what it says it is. Don't give out your password to anyone, even if that person claims to be from "support."
26 February, 2008
Does Windows Vista really beat XP? I think NOT!
Windows XP might just be the most stable OS that Microsoft has built. I thought of trying Vista a few days back, and installed it. The installation went smoothly. No hassles at all. I must say Microsoft has put in a lot of effort into this software, but it quite doesn't cut the cake. The GUI looked great, what with its new "Aero Glass" interface. I have a medium-high end PC, with 512 + 128 MB RAM, and a 128 MB GeForce FX graphics card. I don't see XP complaining!
In my view, a good OS is one which runs on most Pc's with minimum resource consumption. Provided my spec's people using XP would say its pretty fast, but on Vista, i found myself at a loss! The OS itself hogs around 500 - 600 MB of RAM!! When the OS was installed without any software, it was fairly fast, but after installing a couple of applications such as Office '07, it began to slog. The loading times for Vista seemed to double in subsequent restarts. And after installing the newly released Norton '07, Vista went Kaboom!
Even notepad took a long time to load, and everything on my desktop seemed to do the vanishing act every now and then. "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" is screamed out loud! I should actually thank god for giving me the good heart. I didnt uninstall my previous XP installation. It just sat at a corner of my HDD sulking about my new found obsession. I came back to XP and said "Home.......SWEET SWEET HOME!!".
If youre a user trying to migrate to Vista, I would recommend otherwise. The hassles of giving up on performance and embracing eye candy are many. You will actually miss the customization that all of us are so used to in XP. On top of all this Vista seems to index a particular folder again and again, every time you visit it.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
XP is the most widely used OS right now. It will be years until after which it will be declared a dead OS. It is one of the most stable and customizable OS I have ever used, and believe me when I say this : Its the best Windows OS out there! Try Vista, if your Hard disk is empty or you have a high end system with 2 GB RAM and a 1 GB Graphic card. But I know I'll be using XP for a long, long time...At least until Vista gets 3 service packs! Until then, its Bye Bye Vista!
Installation : 9.0 [ Hassle Free! ]
User Interface : 9.0 [ One of the best UI's I have seen around on an OS! ]
Performance : 3.0 [ I have seen Vista screw up and it does it pretty well!]
Disaster recovery : 2.0 [BSOD, restart are the only solutions Microsoft can STILL think of! ]
Backward Compatibility : 7.0 [ Most of my XP proggies ran on Vista ]
Disk Space required : 5.0 [ I believe NO operating system should exceed 1.5 GB]
In my view, a good OS is one which runs on most Pc's with minimum resource consumption. Provided my spec's people using XP would say its pretty fast, but on Vista, i found myself at a loss! The OS itself hogs around 500 - 600 MB of RAM!! When the OS was installed without any software, it was fairly fast, but after installing a couple of applications such as Office '07, it began to slog. The loading times for Vista seemed to double in subsequent restarts. And after installing the newly released Norton '07, Vista went Kaboom!
Even notepad took a long time to load, and everything on my desktop seemed to do the vanishing act every now and then. "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" is screamed out loud! I should actually thank god for giving me the good heart. I didnt uninstall my previous XP installation. It just sat at a corner of my HDD sulking about my new found obsession. I came back to XP and said "Home.......SWEET SWEET HOME!!".
If youre a user trying to migrate to Vista, I would recommend otherwise. The hassles of giving up on performance and embracing eye candy are many. You will actually miss the customization that all of us are so used to in XP. On top of all this Vista seems to index a particular folder again and again, every time you visit it.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
XP is the most widely used OS right now. It will be years until after which it will be declared a dead OS. It is one of the most stable and customizable OS I have ever used, and believe me when I say this : Its the best Windows OS out there! Try Vista, if your Hard disk is empty or you have a high end system with 2 GB RAM and a 1 GB Graphic card. But I know I'll be using XP for a long, long time...At least until Vista gets 3 service packs! Until then, its Bye Bye Vista!
Installation : 9.0 [ Hassle Free! ]
User Interface : 9.0 [ One of the best UI's I have seen around on an OS! ]
Performance : 3.0 [ I have seen Vista screw up and it does it pretty well!]
Disaster recovery : 2.0 [BSOD, restart are the only solutions Microsoft can STILL think of! ]
Backward Compatibility : 7.0 [ Most of my XP proggies ran on Vista ]
Disk Space required : 5.0 [ I believe NO operating system should exceed 1.5 GB]
