Why Folder Options not showing

How to get folder option backIts a silly virus which modify your registry files remove the folder option from tools menu.today at free computer tips I will teach you how you can get Folder Options back.

Open Start menu and from there select Run type gpedit.msc and hit enter now in the Group Policy window, from the left pane,

select user configuration-> Administrative Templates-> windows components-> Windows Explorer by highlighting it with the mouse cursor and now in the right side you will see an option which says "Removes the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu" right click on this option and select properties now in the properties under Setting tab, select Disabled and hit apply then OK






Alternate Method

Open run and type gpedit.msc

user configuration >> administrative templates >> system disable "prevent access to registry editing tools".

Courtesy : http://gopikannanparthiban.blogspot.in/

How to Repair a SQL Server 2005 Suspect database

Sometimes when you connect to your database server, you may find it in suspect mode. Your database server won’t allow you to perform any operation on that database until the database is repaired.

SQL server database can go in suspect mode for many reasons; some of them are given below:

Improper shutdown of the database server
Corruption of the database files
Unavailable device files
Unavailable database files
Database resource used by operating system
SQL Server incorrectly asserts free data page space when a row is inserted

To get the exact reason of a database going into suspect mode can be found using the following query,

DBCC CHECKDB (‘YourDBname’) WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS

Output of the above query will give the errors in the database.

To repair the database, run the following queries in Query Analyzer,

EXEC sp_resetstatus ‘yourDBname’;

ALTER DATABASE yourDBname SET EMERGENCY

DBCC checkdb(‘yourDBname’)

ALTER DATABASE yourDBname SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE

DBCC CheckDB (‘yourDBname’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS)

ALTER DATABASE yourDBname SET MULTI_USER

and you are done. 

You should keep one thing in mind while using the above queries that the repair mode used here , REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS, is a one way operation i.e. once the database is repaired all the actions performed by these queries can’t be undone. There is no way to go back to the previous state of the database. So as a precautionary step you should take backup of your database before executing above mentioned queries. 
Source : http://sapost.blogspot.in/

Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool Released

Microsoft has released a new tool called as Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool that will help you resolve issues you may face with the .NET Framework on your Windows computer.

This tool troubleshoots common issues with the setup of or with updates to Microsoft .NET Framework setup installation. Additionally, this tool tries to resolve these issues by applying known fixes or by repairing the installed product. 

Specifically, the tool will typically carry out the following tasks: 

· Re-register Windows Installer service. It unregisters and re-registers the Windows Installer service using MsiExec.exe. Applicable regardless of the diagnosis results. 

· Restart Windows Installer service. It stops and restarts the Windows Installer service. Applicable regardless of the diagnosis results. 

If any additional fixes need to be applied, those too will be recommended on completion of the run. 

While one may need to troubleshoot .NET Frameworks 4.0 Install Issues on Windows manually, or run the .NET Framework Setup Cleanup Utility and try to install the .NET Framework again, running the new .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft should now be the first option, should you be facing any .NET Framework issues on your Windows computer. 

Download page: Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool. 

Source : http://www.thewindowsclub.com

How to disable USB sticks and limit access to USB storage devices on Windows systems

USB storage - a possible security risk?

Decent IT administrators secure their networks behind firewalls. They install mail filters on their SMTP servers and deploy anti-virus software on all client workstations. But securing the network is not sufficient -- what happens if the users bring their own USB memory sticks and connect them to the computers at their office? A 1 Gb USB stick can sometimes hold an entire company's vital data. Within minutes or even seconds an employee has all the files they need in order to start up their own business and take all the customers with them. Alternatively, what happens if a careless user accidentally compromises the network with an infected USB stick?

What does Microsoft have to say about it?

If you, the administrator, want to establish a minimum level of security, it is absolutely necessary to control which users can connect USB memory sticks to a computer. Unfortunately, a default Windows XP or Windows 2000 installation comes with no limitations on who is able to install and use USB storage media. Microsoft knowledge base article 823732 contains instructions on how to disable USB storage access for a certain group of users; however, the article only distinguishes between whether or not a USB storage device has been installed on a particular computer. Furthermore, the instructions are limited to a stand-alone computer. According to the general rule of thumb "If it's tedious, there is a better way", I try to avoid techniques that force me to repeat certain tasks for each computer that I manage. That's what group policy objects (GPO) are for.

Suggestions?

Mark Heitbrink describes how to disable USB storage devices entirely on all or some computers in the network. He employs an ADM template in a group policy object that disables the USB storage driver (USBSTOR). The ADM template simply sets the registry valueHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor\Start to 4 (Disable). But his technique has a serious drawback. It only works if the USB storage driver is already installed. If it has not yet been installed, Windows' plug & play subsystem automatically resets the Start value to 3 (Manual) when it installs USBSTOR after a USB storage device is plugged in for the first time. In that case, USBSTOR remains enabled until the GPO is re-applied, usually at the next reboot. If the storage device is plugged in during that reboot, it will still be available because the USBSTOR driver is started before any GPOs are processed.

The Howto!

If we combine Mark Heitbrink's approach with the one outlined in knowledge base article 823732, we get a more reliable solution. Firstly, we need to prevent USBSTOR from being installed unless the currently logged on user is allowed to use USB storage. We do that by restricting access toUSBSTOR.INF and USBSTORE.PNF in a GPO such that PNP can't automatically install the driver. This is possible because when PNP installs a driver, the installation is performed using the priviledges of the currently logged on user. Secondly, we need to make sure that USBSTOR is not started when a USB storage device is plugged in. For that we use Mark's ADM template. The only minor drawback of my solution is that users with access to USB storage need to manually start USBSTOR before connecting USB storage devices.

1.   In Active Directory Users and Computers, open an existing GPO or create a new one and open it. Use the security settings of that GPO to specify which computers it affects.

2.   In that GPO, go to Computer Configuration – Windows Settings – Security Settings – File System and create a new entry (right-click File System and select Add File). Specify the location of USBSTOR.INF (usually SystemRoot%\Inf\USBSTOR.INF)

3.   Change the security settings of the new entry. The security settings that you specify here will be enforced on the USBSTOR.INF of every computer to which the GPO is applied. This process is not additive, which means that the previous security settings ofUSBSTOR.INF will be overwritten by the ones given in the GPO. It is therefore recommended to grant full control to SYSTEM and local administrators. But unlike in the default security settings of USBSTOR.INF, you should not grant any priviledges to Everybody. You do not need to explicitly deny access – just omit an entry for Everybody. Optionally, you can grant read access to a certain group. Members of this group will be able to use USB storage.

4.   Repeat the above two steps for USBSTOR.PNF.

5.   Download USBSTOR.ADM.

6.   Back in the GPO, right-click Administrative Templates under Computer Configuration and select Add/Remove Templates. Click Add and browse to the location of USBSTOR.ADM. Close the dialog.

7.   You should now have an additional entry called Services and Drivers in Administrative Templates. Click on it. If it is empty, select View from the menu and uncheck Show Policies Only. Click back on Services and Drivers in Administrative Templates. It should now show the USB Storage policy. Double click it, select Enabled and pick Disabled from the Startup Type drop down. Again, the policy must be enabled wheras Startup Type must be Disabled.

8.   Close the dialog as well as the GPO and boot/reboot one of your workstations. Make sure no USB strorage device is connected to that computer. Log on with administrative privileges and check the permissions of USBSTOR.INF and USBSTOR.PNF. Check the value of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor\Start. It should be 4. It is also ok if the UsbStor key doesn't exist at all.

9.   On the same workstation, log off and back on as a user that should not have access to USB storage. Connect a USB memory stick or a similar device. Nothing should happen. Remove the memory stick.

10.                Log on as a user that should have access to USB storage and execute net start usbstorin a command shell or at Start – Run before connecting the memory stick. The memory stick should initialized and mapped to a drive letter. If USBSTOR fails to start, it's probably because this is the first time a memory stick is plugged into the workstation in which case USBSTOR is not yet installed. Nevertheless, the memory stick should be initialized and mapped correctly but you need to reboot in order to reapply the administrative template such that USBSTOR is disabled again. Alternatively, you can disable it manually by downloading and double clicking USBSTOR.REG as well as executing net stop usbstor.

11.                Instruct the users with access to USB storage that they need to execute net start usbstor before they can connect a USB storage device.

Attachment	Size
usbstore.adm	530 bytes
usbstore.reg	258 bytes

Source : http://diaryproducts.net/
Courtesy :  http://rms sa.blogspot.in/

 

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To Speed-Up Computer by editing Registry

Is your Computer running too slow?
Have you installed many unwanted softwares which are slowing down your PC?
Here is the solution for you!

If the computer is running slow this may be that it is low on memory. The first thing a person will try to do is to uninstall some of those computer software that are not in use. The truth is that unless the program is removed from the registry then the computer may assume it is still there. The computer registry is very important in the overall operation of the computer, it is recommended that a backup be done on the system before attempting this.

Instructions

1. Go to the start menu and click on run.
2. From here type in regedit.exe and then press enter key. This will open the registry of the computer now it is possible to look for the specific program to be edited.
3. There will be five options available to choose from. Select theHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT option. Double-click the word to expand this option.
4. Once done, scroll through this section and find the programs or software to be deleted and then delete it.

Create a restore point

1. Click Start: this is usually located at the bottom left corner of the task bar
2. Go to all Programs: This is usually located at the bottom of the menu. here the cursor can be placed over the option or the user can just click it.
3. Go to Accessories: This option is most times found at the top near the other folders, simply use the mouse to click this folder to see more folders appear
4. Go to system/System tools: Place the cursor over this option to view a list of programs
5. Click on the system restore option: Left click on this option and a menu will pop up which will provide a choice a restoring the computer or creating a restore point
6. Create the Restore point: Open this option and follow the on screen instructions to create a restore point.

The registry contains extended information, settings and a number of various values for the Microsoft Operating System (OS). Within the registry, an individual is able to control a large portion of the OS which can be used to correct problems with Windows.

Tips and Warnings

• IF YOU ARE UNSURE HOW TO DO THIS, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT. If the incorrect program is deleted this may interrupt the overall operation of the computer.
• To avoid the bad functioning of the computer try not to attempt these steps. Editing the registry can be very costly as well as beneficial. If the wrong program in the registry is deleted then this may affect how the computer operates and it may require the services of a computer technician which would be an unnecessary expense. While of this is done properly, the overall function of the computer may be elevated and things will run faster.
• Seek assistance if you have no knowledge of how to edit the registry
• Make careful note of the p
• ----------------------------------------
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Changing the Administrator Password- Windows XP

Have you forgotten Windows xp Administrator login password or do you want to change the Administrator password of the windows system , Then this will be useful

• Follow the steps below 

• Restart your computer 

• Press F8 key continuously until you get a black screen where you have many options to start you operating system 
• From the options“Select the Safe mode with Command Prompt” 
•  When your computer starts in DOS mode, type the following commands 

net user

This command displays the list of users on this OS in ROWS

5. Now type the following commands to reset the windows Administrator password

net user username password

Note: Enter your username above and space then password.

Then it asks the new password without the last password.

Now type your new password ******
Again retype your new password********

Note: When you type the password, it will not be displayed

Courtesy : saparavur.blogspot.com

Registry Mechanic Registry Cleaner

Clean your Windows Registry with one easy download!

The Windows Registry stores information, settings and options for all the hardware, software and preferences on your PC. Since the registry holds so much crucial information, corrupt or invalid entries cause slow computer performance, error messages and even Windows crashes.

Regardless of your computer expertise, PC Tools’ easy-to-use download cleans your registry by scanning and fixing invalid entries. PC Tools Registry Mechanic registry cleaner software backs up any and all repairs, so you can restore your registry at any time.

But PC Tools registry cleaner doesn’t just clean your registry – Registry Mechanic also repairs, optimizes and protects your PC.

Repair. Your Windows Registry gets corrupted during a range of everyday computing activities. Installing and uninstalling software, missing or damaged hardware drivers, and surfing the Internet can all cause registry problems. Registry Mechanic’s advanced algorithm detects and fixes corrupt and invalid registry entries, speeding up and smoothing out your PC experience.

Optimize. Registry Mechanic’s tune-up services improve your PC’s overall performance and stability. Streamline start-up time by turning off non-essential Windows services. Organize and consolidate registry entries to increase system efficiency.

Protect. PC Tools registry cleaner ensures that all traces of your online and computer activities are permanently erased from your PC. Using Department of Defense standards of encryption, Registry Mechanic securely shreds personal files and confidential data making them unrecoverable using regular methods.

Powerful features. Registry Mechanic includes plug-ins to clean the history of more than 100 third-party programs, including chat, image viewers, P2P applications and more. Smart Updates silently and automatically install product upgrades for no-hassle optimization and protection.

Download PC Tools Windows registry cleaner. Stabilize and secure your system today!

Download

Recovering Scratched CD’s/DVD's

Recover CD/DVD Using Softwares: There are many softwares available on the net, which enable the recovery of the CD data. BadCopy Pro is one such software, which can be used to recover destroyed data and files from a range of media.
Just a few clicks is all it requires to recover the disc from almost all kind of damage situation; be it corrupted, lost data, unreadable or defective.
DiskDoctors is another popular company, which offers both software and solutions to recover data from a scratched CDs and DVDs

Manual method of recovering data from Scratched cd/dvd:
* Always wipe the CD from the center outward with straight spoke-like strokes. Wiping CDs in circles will create more scratches.errors.
* Clean your Disc players lens regularly with a suitable product to ensure optimal viewing pleasure.
* Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean both sides of the disc. Wipe in a straight line from the centre of the disc to the outer edge.
* If wiping with a cloth does not remove a fingerprint or smudge, use a specialized DVD disc polishing spray to clean the disc.

* Do not scratch the graphics layer as you cannot repair the disc.

HINT: Hold the disc up to a light with the graphics layer facing the light source. If you can see light thru the scratches at any point then the disc may be irreparable and or exhibit loading or playing

Here’s an easy home remedy, which might give you the desired results. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch and polish the CD with a soft cloth and any petroleum-based polishing solution (like clear shoe polish). Squirt a drop of Brasso and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Coutesy : saparavur.blogspot.com