xp rants

[RVN]

How about rembering folder views, window size and other details such as status bar?

Even after changing the number of folders to remember (setting BAGS MRU Size) and deleting Shell No Roam Bag MRU and Shell No Roam Bags in the registry ...the settings don't last. There is no way to turn off "folder sniffing"... and I suspect being able to turn it off would probably fix this problem.

The fix: Don't open any more folders.

I'm resigned to periodically re-setting this based on how many different folders I open. I open up about a hundred folders a day and don't care how XP opens them. After opening up fifty or sixty different folders XP forgets the six folders that I want my way: IE cache, C: Programs, C:Windows and three folders on my D Drive.

Anybody else?

 

[Kadarin]

Here's an annoyance of mine with Word XP (I believe that's the version):

With a document open, there is a button on the toolbar for Search. Intuitively, you'd think it would be for "search document for text", but no, it's "search computer for files". I know you can change this, but how utterly lame for a default install can Microsoft get?

 

[Psych]

The desktop usability lag usually has to do with either your Antivirus, Viruses, a LAN connection trying to phone friends, or it's just taking a while to initialize.

The desktop cleanup wizard runs once every 2 months and can be disabled.

What's wrong with the new search? It gives you a big window that can quickly switch between explorer and search views.

I used to have a simple VB script that disables that stupid MSConfig warning dialogue.

 

[Tash]

oldman420 - I agree on your second point. I also get ballooned all the time on my wireless network connection - usually when another wireless signal is detected, from my neighbors, or it loses or regains the signal with my own network. I wish I could shut that off.

 

[CPORonin]

Disable Balloon Tips

 

[CQuinn]

Remember the toolbar we had on the Windows 9x command prompt? Where you
had buttons to do things like change the font, switch to fullscreen, and cut, copy and paste text
on the fly?

When I switched to Windows 2000, they (the programmers) must have decided this feature
was too convenient, and that I'd rather jump thru clicking thru three to five menu selections to
get me to what used to take one click. I want that toolbar (or a reasonable facsimile) back.

No solution as of yet.

 

[Flexicon]

Kelly's Korner tweaks.

Disable Balloon Tips #11
Increase Folder view sizze Limit to 8000 #2
Add MoveTo and SendTo to the Right click #24
Old Style Search Engine #49
Disable Messenger in Outlook Express #49
Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard #62
Disable Messenger Service (popup SPAM) #95
Prevent Spyware From Being installed #116
Add Explore CD-Rom to Start Button #124
Clear Wallpapers Most Frequently Used List #144
Disable "Use The Web Service To Find..." #212

And many more! Bookmark that site; it's a treasure.

 

[AlexWade]

Okay, nobody has said this yet, but the biggest thing wrong with Windows XP is that if an application refuse to terminate, then Windows will not shut it down without your permission.

For example, I tell the computer to shut down and restart. I want it to do that no matter what. I walk away, and when I come back, I see "XXX program will not shut down." I have to click 'End Now' to get to shut down. Also, some Microsoft programs, Outlook, won't let you shut down until you close the program.

When I click shut down, I want it to end at all costs.

Another XP rant

The OS gives too low of a priority to user input. If some task is going on in the background and it is taking a lot of resources, such as start-up programs, they should all be delayed by my request. All that other stuff can wait, I don't like to.

Another XP rant

Why are you required to be an Administrator to run a game. Install, I can see. But to run? Give me a break! You wonder why Windows is so vulnerable? It is because everyone has access to everything, not by choice but by Microsoft design.

Now that I've said all that, all-in-all, XP is a good OS.

 

[earthling30]

Originally posted by: Flexicon
Kelly's Korner tweaks.

...............
Disable Messenger in Outlook Express #49
Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard #62
...............

Another way is just simply rename the messenger folder once you make sure it isn't running. Works very good for me. Windows can't run it if it can't find it. Very good link BTW

 

[M16Grenadier]

1. More Explorer.exe stability
2. Power User option (Kids always screwing with passwords, need to play legacy games)
3. Less crap added on
4. No hassle with hardware (Or fix corporate edition pirate to work with SP2)
5. Become affordable (Or release a pirate that supports SP2)

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: M16Grenadier
1. More Explorer.exe stability
2. Power User option (Kids always screwing with passwords, need to play legacy games)
3. Less crap added on
4. No hassle with hardware (Or fix corporate edition pirate to work with SP2)
5. Become affordable (Or release a pirate that supports SP2)

Why haven't you been banned yet?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: AlexWade
Okay, nobody has said this yet, but the biggest thing wrong with Windows XP is that if an application refuse to terminate, then Windows will not shut it down without your permission.

For example, I tell the computer to shut down and restart. I want it to do that no matter what. I walk away, and when I come back, I see "XXX program will not shut down." I have to click 'End Now' to get to shut down. Also, some Microsoft programs, Outlook, won't let you shut down until you close the program.

When I click shut down, I want it to end at all costs.

Another XP rant

The OS gives too low of a priority to user input. If some task is going on in the background and it is taking a lot of resources, such as start-up programs, they should all be delayed by my request. All that other stuff can wait, I don't like to.

Another XP rant

Why are you required to be an Administrator to run a game. Install, I can see. But to run? Give me a break! You wonder why Windows is so vulnerable? It is because everyone has access to everything, not by choice but by Microsoft design.

Now that I've said all that, all-in-all, XP is a good OS.

What exactly do you mean by "delayed at your request"?

As for the Administrator requirement, my guess is that that problem is more the fault of game developers than it is Microsoft. There are plenty of programs out there that run fine under Limited accounts.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: CQuinn
Remember the toolbar we had on the Windows 9x command prompt? Where you
had buttons to do things like change the font, switch to fullscreen, and cut, copy and paste text
on the fly?

When I switched to Windows 2000, they (the programmers) must have decided this feature
was too convenient, and that I'd rather jump thru clicking thru three to five menu selections to
get me to what used to take one click. I want that toolbar (or a reasonable facsimile) back.

No solution as of yet.

Finally, a rant I actually agree with in this thread

 

[AlexWade]

"What exactly do you mean by "delayed at your request"?"

When I tell a program, any program, to open, I want the OS to put everything else on hold and get to my request, that is, open my program that I want opened. In other words, I want Windows priority system redone. User inputs and program request first, everything else low priority.

 

[0rion]

Tweak UI has a option to get rid of all balooning problems!!!
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=afa135c8-8b63-4c03-8986-d7f45a6aa1fa&DisplayLang=en

 

[jadinolf]

Here is what bugs me and I don't know how to fix it.

My XP Home Retail (upgrade) doesn't know what OS it is. I first discovered it when I tried to install a Hot Fix from Microsoft. When attempting to install it I got the message " The Version of Windows you have Installed Does not Match the Update You are Trying to Install"

Furthermore, I checked "Shoot the Messenger" (GRC) which I had previously installed with no difficulty and it reported that I was not using XP, NT or Win2000.

Continuing on, someone mentioned that I should try sfc. I put in the CD, typed the appropriate command and Windows came back and said "Put in your Windows XP Pro CD" Luckily, the XP Home CD ran.

System reports XP Home
Start menu reports XP Home


Any ideas? I've talked to Microsoft at least 4 times will no results.

This happens on 2 computers.

Yes, legal copies from Sam's Club.