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Tag Archives: Windows

Top 4 Windows XP tools for maintenance and troubleshooting:

There are a large number of troubleshooting tools that can be used in the Windows XP operating system. Following are some of the most commonly used tools, which are described in detail:

MSCONFIG: It is a command line tool that is basically used to troubleshoot and resolve startup errors and resolve unwanted prompts by third-party applications. The MSCONFIG tool is used to troubleshoot errors that occur during startup, to discover and resolve problems with running services, or to resolve errors regarding the boot path configured on multiple computers.

MSINFO32: This tool is used to obtain information about the local and remote computer’s hardware configuration, computer components, installed software, or drivers, product activation status, etc.

CHKDSK: CHKDSK is an effective tool for troubleshooting. This command is basically used to view the file system type, and verify the integrity of the disks installed on the computer. By adding appropriate parameters with the CHKDSK command, a number of troubleshooting issues can be resolved.

SFC/ SCANNOW: System File Checker (SFC /SCANNOW) is a command-line tool that allows a user to detect and replace any of the missing protected system files, which can cause problems during the booting process or when the operating system components are opened on a computer.

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Conditional forwarding


Conditional Forwarding

Conditional forwarding is a feature of Windows DNS. It provides administrators the ability to configure a DNS server to forward queries conditionally, based on the domain specified in the name resolution request. By configuring conditional forwarding, administrators can ensure that a DNS query generated to resolve the host name of a particular domain is directly forwarded to the authoritative DNS server of that domain. Conditional forwarding reduces the host name resolution time by sending DNS queries directly to the authoritative DNS servers of the host’s domain.

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Monitor the processor performance on Windows 2003 Server.

Monitoring the processor performance can help you to speed up your system. Take following steps to monitor the processor performance on Windows 2003 Server:

  1. Run Performance from Start Menu > Programs > Administrative Tools > Performance.

  2. In the Performance console, click Console Root to expand the tree, click System Monitor, and click the Add button.

  3. In the Add Counters dialog box, select a performance object from the Performance object drop down list box, select counters from the Select counters from list option, and click the Add button. Click the Close button.

  4. Monitor the performance chart for the counters added over the period.

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The SYSPREP tool in Windows

System Preparation Tool (SYSPREP) is used to install operating systems as well as applications having identical configuration on multiple computers. SYSPREP allows administrators to duplicate a custom image of a Windows 2000/XP Professional installation from a master computer to destination computers. However, to accomplish this, it is essential that both the master and destination computers have similar hardware and software configurations, Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), and mass storage device controllers

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Driver signing in Wndows

Driver signing allows Windows XP to identify drivers that have passed all Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tests. Driver signing is included in Windows XP Professional/Windows 2003 to help promote driver quality. It notifies users if a driver has passed all Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tests. 

Driver signing allows for the following three responses:

  • Warn: This warns the user that the driver has not been signed and asks him whether or not to install it.
  • Block: This prevents all unsigned drivers from being installed.
  • Ignore: This allows all drivers to be installed, even if they have not been signed.
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The Stop: 0X0000007B error in Windows

The Stop: 0X0000007B error occurs usually when Windows is unable to access any boot device (such as hard disk). Following are the three main reasons responsible for this error:

  1. A boot sector virus can affect the bootable device and make it inaccessible for Windows.
  2. Any defective hardware component may be responsible for the Stop: 0X0000007B error.
  3. Any third-party device driver, which is needed for the installation may be the reason for the error.
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Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a Windows tool that keeps spyware and other potentially unwanted software from infecting a computer. It uses definitions to determine if detected software is spyware or malware, and then to alert users of potential risks. Definitions are updated periodically through Windows Update or by setting Windows Defender to check online for updated definitions. Windows Defender provides three ways to protect a computer:

  • Real-time protection: When spyware or potentially unwanted software tries to install itself or run on a computer, Windows Defender invokes alert messages for a user working on the computer. It also invokes alert messages when programs attempt to change important Windows settings.
  • SpyNet community: Microsoft has created an online Microsoft SpyNet community that helps users respond to software that has not yet been classified for risks. Windows Defender uses this community opinion to help users take their decisions.
  • Scanning options: Windows Defender is used to scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software that might be installed on a computer.

Note: While using Windows Defender, it is important to have up-to-date definitions.

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Offline files in Windows Operating Systems

Offline files are copies of network files on the local system. Users can work on these files even when they are not online. The Offline Files feature ensures that users are working with the most current version of the network files, and that the files will be synchronized with the network version of the files when users reconnect. If users have enabled offline files, they can navigate through shared folders and mapped network drives, regardless of whether or not they are connected to a network. Users can also browse network drives and shared folders in My Computer or My Network Places.

Windows operating systems support the Offline Files feature.

Any shared file or folder on a Microsoft network can be made available offline. Users can make files available offline from any computer that supports Server Message Block-based (SMB) File and Printer Sharing. The Offline Files feature is not available on Novell NetWare networks.

There are three modes of caching files offline:

  • No Caching: In this mode, no files are cached onto the client computers.
  • Manual: This mode permits users to specify individual files to be available offline.
  • Automatic: This mode is applied to the entire share. When a user uses any file in this share, it is made available to the user for offline access.

Offline files allow administrators to configure the amount of disk space used to store offline files. However, this only affects the offline files that are stored automatically. It does not affect offline files that are stored manually.

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