Clear/Disable Recent Documents History from Start Menu

Windows keep records of your recently opened documents. You could access your most recently opened documents by clicking the Start>Recent Documents.

Its a good feature if you have to open/edit some files often.

But it could be a privacy threat for you. There are always some files(Pictures, videos,documents etc) that you will never wanted to know some one about it. If you open these files these will be automatically added to the “Recent documents”. and someone could easily find them.

You could disable this feature by doing this:

• Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.

• On the Start Menu tab, click Start menu, and then click Customize.

• On the Advanced tab, uncheck the “List my most recently opened documents” check box.

• The next time you click Start, the My Recent Documents folder will be gone from Start menu.

Note:

To clear Recent documents click On the Advanced tab, click Clear List to empty the My Recent Documents folder. This does not delete the documents from the computer.

Enable/Disable Windows Task Manager

Task Manager provides information about programs and processes running on your computer. It also displays the most commonly used performance measures for processes.

You can use Task Manager to monitor key indicators of your computer's performance. You can see the status of the programs that are running and end programs that have stopped responding. You can also assess the activity of running processes using as many as fifteen parameters, and see graphs and data on CPU and memory usage.

In addition, if you are connected to a network, you can view network status and see how your network is functioning.

If you have more than one user connected to your computer, you can see who is connected, what they are working on, and you can send them a message.

Sometimes it got disabled by viruses and you cannot use it.

To Disable/Enable Windows Task Manager

• Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type gpedit.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The Group Policy Window will appear. Now click on the “+” sign of Administrative Templates( or double click) under User configuration in the left columns to expand it and then again click on the “+” sign of System under Administrative Templates to expand it.select/click Ctrl+Alt+Del Options (see the image below).
• Now double click on “Remove Task Manager” in the right column to open its properties. (as shown in the picture)
• Then select Disabled radio button from Remove Task Manager Properties to enable it OR Enabled to disable windows Task Manager.Click the OK button. (as shown in the picture).
• It Done.

Important Note:

Above method is for Windows XP Professional users.If you are using Windows XP Home or you are having trouble with above method you may download this small utility to enable it.

Enabling Internet Explorer add-ons

What are Web browser add-ons?

Web browser add-ons add features (for example, extra toolbars, animated mouse pointers, stock tickers, and pop-up ad blockers) to your web browser.

Some websites will not browse correctly if their required add-ons are not installed or they get disabled.

For example a website with flash content will not display correctly if the flash plugin/add-on not installed or disabled.

Important Note:

If you get a message saying you are running without add-ons when you start Internet Explorer, then Internet Explorer is opened with add-ons disabled. To run Internet Explorer normally (with add-ons turned on), make sure to select Internet Explorer on the Start menu and do not click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

To enable Internet Explorer add-ons:

If you are getting a balloon tip at the status bar of internet explorer saying add-on disabled(as shown above in picture).Then click on it and jump to step 3

otherwise

For Internet Explorer 8:

1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer.

2. Click the Tools button or Press Alt+T to open Tools menu and select Manage Add-ons.

3.Click the add-on you want to enable, and then click Enable.

Repeat step 3 for every add-on you want to enable. When you are finished, click Close.

To enable an add-on in Internet Explorer 7

1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer.

2. Click the Tools button or Press Alt+T to open Tools menu and point to Manage Add-ons, and then click Enable or Disable Add-ons.

3. In the Show list, click Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer to display all add-ons.

4. Click the add-on you want to enable, and then click Enable.

5. Repeat step 4 for every add-on you want to enable. When you are finished, click OK.

Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows XP

What is Remote Desktop?

With Remote Desktop, you can have access to a Windows session that is running on your computer when you are at another computer. This means, for example, that you can connect to your work computer from home and have access to all of your programs, files, and network resources as though you were sitting at your computer at work. You can leave programs running at work and when you get home, you can see your work desktop displayed on your home computer, with the same programs running.

When you connect to your computer at work, Remote Desktop automatically locks that computer so that no one else can access your programs and files while you are gone. When you come back to work, you can unlock your computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.

You can keep your programs running and preserve the state of your Windows session while another user is logged on. When that user logs off, you can reconnect to your session in progress.

Remote Desktop can be used in many situations, including:

• Working at home. Access work in progress on your office computer from home, and have full access to all local and remote devices.
• Collaborating. Access your desktop from a colleague's office to work together on projects such as updating a slide presentation or proofreading a document.
• Sharing a console. Allow multiple users to maintain separate program and configuration sessions on a single computer, such as at a teller station or a sales desk.

To use Remote Desktop, you need:

• A computer ("host" computer) running Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 or higher or Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 or higher ("remote" computer) with a connection to a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.
• A second computer ("client" computer) with access to the LAN via a network connection, modem, or virtual private network (VPN) connection. This computer must have Remote Desktop Connection installed.
• Appropriate user accounts and permissions.

Now here is the step by step guide for enabling remote Desktop.

• Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type gpedit.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The Group Policy Window will appear. Now click on the “+” sign of Administrative Templates( or double click) under Computer configuration in the left columns to expand it and then again click on the “+” sign of Windows Components under Administrative Templates to expand it.select/click Terminal Services(see the image below).
• Now double click on “Allow users to connect remotely using Terminal Services” in the right column to open its properties. (as shown in the picture)

• Then select Enabled radio button from Allow users to connect remotely using Terminal Services Properties and click the OK button. (as shown in the picture).

• Its done.

Enabling cookies in internet Explore/Mozilla Firefox

Websites use cookies to offer a personalized experience to users and to gather information about website use. Many websites also use cookies to store information that provides a consistent experience between sections of the site, such as a shopping cart or customized pages. With a trusted website, cookies can enrich your experience by allowing the site to learn your preferences or allowing you to skip having to sign in every time you go to the website. However, some cookies, such as those saved by banner ads, might put your privacy at risk by tracking sites you visit.

If cookies are disabled you will not be able to browse some websites.

To enable cookies in Internet Explorer.

• Run Internet Explorer and Press Alt+T to open Tools menu and select Internet options.

• Now Choose the Privacy tab and drag the slide bar to Medium (recommended) and click the OK button. If you still receive the warning that Cookies are disabled then drag the slide bar down till end to apply accept all cookies setting(not recommended).

To enable cookies in Mozilla Firefox

• Run Mozilla Firefox and Press Alt+T or click on Tools from Firefox Menu Bar and select Options.

• Now Mozilla Firefox Options window will be opened. Select Privacy tab and check the Accept cookies from sites checkbox.

• Click the OK button and its done.

Enabling JavaScript in Internet Explorer/Mozilla Firefox

JavaScript is a scripting language commonly used in WebPages. Many website you visit require JavaScript to be enabled, otherwise you will not be able to browse them.

To enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer.

• Run Internet Explorer and Press Alt+T to open Tools menu and select Internet options.

• Now Choose the Security tab and click on Custom Level button.

• Security setting will be opened.Now scroll down until you find Scripting and select Enable.

• Click the OK button and its done.

To enable JavaScript in Mozilla Firefox

• Run Mozilla Firefox and Press Alt+T or click on Tools from Firefox Menu Bar and select Options.

• Now Mozilla Firefox Options window will be opened. Select Content tab and check the Enable JavaScript box.

• Click the OK button and its done.

Disable/Enable Windows Security Center

Windows Security Center checks the status of your computer for the three security essentials listed below. If a problem is detected with any of the three essentials (for example, if your antivirus program is out of date), the Security Center sends you an alert and provides recommendations for how to better protect your computer.

• Firewall: A firewall helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to it through a network or the Internet. Windows checks to see if your computer is protected by a software firewall.
• Virus protection software: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Windows checks to see if your computer is using a full, up-to-date antivirus program.
• Automatic Updates: With Automatic Updates, Windows can routinely check for the latest important updates for your computer and install them automatically.

The Security Center can also help you:

• Find out about the latest viruses or other security threats.
• Get customer support from Microsoft for a security-related issue.

Why disable it?

If you are an experienced computer user and you are familiar with Antivirus, Firewall, Windows Update, and you dont like the annoying Windows Security center icon in your Windows System tray then you may want to disable it.

and there could be other reasons too.

To Disable Windows Security center in Windows XP:

• Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type services.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The services Window will appear. Now double click on “Security Center” to open its Properties. (as shown in the picture)

• Now Form Security Center Properties click on Startup Type Drop Down Box and select Disabled and click the OK button. (as shown in the picture) and its done.
• There will be no more Security center icon in your System Tray.

• To enable it again just Select Enabled instead of Disabled in above step.

What is Spyware,Its Signs and Removel instructions

What is spyware?

Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first.

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information.

Not all software that provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but you "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.

Other kinds of spyware make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer to slow down or stop responding. These programs can change your web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them.

There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your computer. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program.

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

Signs of Spyware:

If your computer starts to behave strangely or displays any of the symptoms listed below, you may have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer.

• I see pop-up advertisements all the time

Some unwanted software will bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particular website you're visiting. These ads are often for adult or other websites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon as you turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the web, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer.

• My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were

Some unwanted software has the ability to change your home page or search page settings. This means that the page that opens first when you start your Internet browser or the page that appears when you select "search" may be pages that you do not recognize. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find that they revert back every time you restart your computer.

• My web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading

Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer.

• My computer seems sluggish

Spyware and other unwanted software are not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash.

If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certain program crashes, or if your computer is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your machine.

If you think your computer is infected with spyware, find out how to get rid of spyware and how you can prevent spyware from getting on your computer.

Article is taken from Microsoft Website

Permanent link

Spyware Removal:

To remove you must use some anti-spyware software. Note that only Antivirus itself cannot remove spyware. You must use an Anti-Spyware or an Antivirus that also comes with Spyware protection.

Most popular and Useful but free Anti-Spyware could be found here.

http://fullpcsoft.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Spyware

Disabling Microsoft Windows Defender

Windows Defender is free and useful antispyware security tool from Microsoft. (Don't know what is Windows Defender? Click here to Know). But is some conditions you may want to disable it because

• You have anoteher antispyware tool and you prefer to use it, then its better to disable Windows Defender to prevent from conflict.
• You have some adware (adware are free but advertising-supported software their ads must be running to run those software) software and Windows Defender is not allowing you to run those software.
• or you may have any other reason

Now here is the step by step guide to disable it

First to open Windows Defender

in Windows XP

• Click the Start >All Progrmas and click on Windows Defender to open it

In Windows Vista and Windows 7

• Click the Start button and type windows defender in search programs and files box and hit the Enter key or select it from menu (as shown below) to run it.

Now to disable Windows defender.

• After running Windows defender, Click on Tools and the select Options from Tools Window.

• Now select Administrator from left column of Options,uncheck Use this program checkbox and click on Save button.

• If User Access/Account Control is turned on you will need to confirm the setting by clicking Yes .
• Now you will receive a notification that This program is turned off, click the close button and its done.

Disable/Enable System Restore in Windows

System Restore is a component of Windows, that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.

Why you will need to disable it?

Well, Its a great and important feature of windows, but in some conditions you will need to disable it, such as

• You computer is infected with a virus and you want to remove the virus, but if the System Restore is enabled, the virus cannot be removed completely because System Restore will make a backup of the infected system files in the PC.
• You are running out of Disk space. System Restore takes space in your Hard Drive to make backup of System changes. You can recover free Disk space by Turning System Restore Off.

Now here is the step by step guide to Enable/Disable System Restore.

• Click the Start button and then point to My Computer in Start Menu.
• Right Click on My Computer icon and select properties from right Click menu to open System Properties.

• Now click on the System Restore tab in System Properties to open System Restore Setting.
• If you want to Turn Off System Restore on all drives just Check (√) the box named Turn Off System Restore in the System Restore Properties and click the OK button.

• But if you want to Turn off system Restore to a specific drives (e.g to Drive E only), select the drive from Available drives box and select setting.

• From setting dialogue box Check (√) the Turn off System Restore on this drive checkbox and click the OK button

• If you want to re-enable the System Restore feature of Windows just uncheck the the box named Turn off System Restore in the System Restore Properties and click the OK button.

Removing Recycle Bin from Windows Desktop/Explorer

Well, Think of the situation you have deleted some most personal/private files from your computer in your office, but you forget to empty the Recycle Bin. and some one get these files, It will be be nightmare.

So here comes the solution. Remove the Recycle Bin icon from your PC Temp or permanently (depends on your needs).

This setting removes the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop, from Windows Explorer, from programs that use the Windows Explorer windows, and from the standard Open dialog box.

This setting does not prevent the user from using other methods to gain access to the contents of the Recycle Bin folder.

Note: To make changes to this setting effective, you must log off and then log back on.

Now here is the step by step guide for removing Recycle Bin icon.

Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type gpedit.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The Group Policy Window will appear. Now click on the “+” sign of Administrative Templates( or double click) under User configuration in the left columns to expand it and select/click Desktop(see the image below).
• Now double click on “Remove Recycle Bin icon from desktop” to open its properties. (as shown in the picture)

• Then select Enabled radio button from Remove Recycle Bin icon from desktop Properties and click the OK button. (as shown in the picture) and its done.

To restore Recycle Bin icon to Desktop:

To get back Recycle Bin icon to Desktop just select Disabled or Not configured Radio button in above step.

Removing/Restoring Shutdown button in StartMenu

Why you need to enable/Disable Shutdown Features of windows?

• You want to enable the Shutdown Command

Because there are viruses which can disable Windows Shutdown. and you will not be able to Shutdown your Windows PC.

• You want to Disable the Shutdown Command

1. If you have a computer which should be always on. e.g. a Web Server.
2. you want to prevent your Kids/friends/colleagues from shutting down the Windows because you are doing some important Takes, such as virus scanning, Disk Defragmenting, downloading or others, and shutdown can cause these tasks to start from beginning.

I will guide you step by step to Enable/disable Shutdown windows command.

• Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type gpedit.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The Group Policy window will open. Now click on the “+” sign of Administrative Templates( or double click) under User configuration in the left columns to expand it(see the image below).

• Then Click/select Start Menu and Taskbar under Administrative Templates(see the image below).

• Now double click on “Remove and prevent access to Shut Down command” to open its properties(see the image below) .

• Now select “Enable” to Remove/Prevent access to Shutdown command and removing shutdown button from start menu OR Select Disabled to enable Shutdown command in windows/shutdown button in start menu, and click the OK button. (as shown in the picture below)

Note: It will only works in Windows 2000/XP PRO, It will not work in XP Home edition.

Waiting for comments.

Disable Autorun/Autoplay on Windows

Autorun is a handy feature . But these days its the most common source of infecting your computer with viruses/worms.

Autorun begins reading from a drive as soon as you insert media in the drive. As a result, the setup file of programs, Media or images opened/run immediately. If the CD/DVD Rom,flash drives, Mobiles storage devices(MMC,Micro SD cards etc) is infected with a Virus, the virus will run automatically and infect your computer also.

I will guide you step by step to disable autorun/autoplay.

But first you will need to download and install Microsoft Patch to disable autoplay feature work correctly. You may download this patch from Microsoft website.

After installing the above patch do the following. (please click the pictures to enlarge them).

• Click Start and then Click Run.

• Type gpedit.msc in Run, and click the OK button.

• The Group Policy window will open. Now click on the “+” sign of Administrative Templates( or double click) under computer configuration in the left columns to expand it(see the image below).

• Then Click System under Administrative Templates(see the image below).

• Now double click on “Turn off Autoplay” to open its properties(see the image below).

• Now select “Enable” and then choose “All Drives” from Turn off Autoplay on drop down menu. and click the OK button and you are done. (as shown in the picture below)

Now no more nasty viruses worms from Removable devices.

Note: It will only works in Windows 2000/XP PRO, It will not work in XP Home edition. Waiting for comments.

It this will not work for you just leave a comment and I will answer it

Other ways to secure your Network

Another way to protect a home network is to use a hardware device called a residential gateway, or router. A residential gateway contains a firewall and replaces an ICS host computer as the central Internet connection. Because it contains no files, folders or other data, and cannot be used to manipulate computers to which it is linked, a residential gateway offers a greater degree of protection than an ICS host computer. Should a hacker manage to bypass the firewall, the only access gained is to the device, which is in effect empty. A disadvantage of a residential gateway is the extra cost it adds to putting together a network.

You can create a home network having neither an ICS host computer nor a residential gateway, but at a high cost to security—and convenience. With such a setup, Internet access can be obtained by linking each computer directly to the Internet service provider via the computer's own modem, or else all computers on the network can be linked to an Ethernet hub, which functions as a central Internet connection. Neither of these methods provides firewall protection; and while Internet Connection Firewall can be enabled on networked computers running Windows XP, doing so prevents those computers from sharing files and devices such as printers.