Window doesn’t show when using Cisco VPN Client 5.x/Windows 7

Recently I started having some issues with the Cisco VPN client window not coming to the foreground. After some digging I found the solution. Windows 7 Hold the Alt key, press Tab key until the VPN Client window is highlighted. Release Alt. Hold the Windows key and press the right arrow key once. This should … Read more

Outlook 2010 – The ‘Delete Conversation’ Shortcut

After finding this amazing shortcut the other day I thought it worth sharing. To ignore a conversation (which moves them to the deleted items) use the shortcut <CTRL+DEL>. Further details can be found here http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/outlook-help/ignore-all-email-messages-in-a-conversation-HA010361232.aspx

How to define a passive FTP port range in IIS 7

Within this article we will describe the required steps for defining a specific passive FTP port range within IIS 7. First of all permit the necessary ports through your edge firewall. Typically you will only need to allow FTP (rather then the data channel ports as well) as most firewalls include a FTP inspection engine … Read more

Excel – Unable to open file

Issue Unable to open a file by just double-clicking on the file. But you can open the file if you go into Excel first. Solution You will need to turn off “Ignore other applications”. This can be found in “Tools / Options / General”.

How to enable Indexing within Windows 2008

The Windows 2008 Indexing Options can be located from with the Control Panel. In a number of instances you may find that this is not available or not installed. To install the Windows 2008 Indexing Service follow these steps: Start Server Manager via the Start Menu | Administrative Tools. Click on Roles (left navigation pane). … Read more

Configuring Windows 2008 R2 as an NTP Server

In order to configure an Windows 2008 R2 Server you will need to make a number of changes to the registry. This tutorial will show you both the settings for configuring the NTP Server in addition to the client settings. NOTES It is worth noting that this example is based on the below, A Windows … Read more

How do I disable IP Routing Mode on Windows 2008 ?

In order to disable IP Routing Mode on Windows 2008 locate the following registry key (see below) and change IPEnableRouter from 1 to 0. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters To confirm that IP Routing is disabled run the following command : C:\Documents and Settings\admin>ipconfig /all | findstr “Routing”        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : … Read more

How do to import Word 2007 styles into Outlook 2007

This article will show you how to load your Word 2007 style sets into Outlook 2007. Styles (also known as tags) are previously saved styling formats. These styles are then applied to text to so they adopt the desired formatting standard. The use of styles saves both time and ensures consistency through your documents. Steps … Read more

Windows 2008 – w32tm service doesnt automatically start

By default the w32tm service will not automatically start if your Windows machine is not on a domain. To ensure that the service starts automatically run the following command : sc triggerinfo w32time start/networkon stop/networkoff

Windows 2008 System Files

Below lists the core Windows 2008 system files. The list “Core System Files” was derived from the “System Files” list (found here). The “System Files” list was obtained using the “file name” XML tags within %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup\*.manifest. The %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup is a cache storage for backing up critical system files that are needed to start Windows, as … Read more

How to enable the telnet client in Windows 7

In both Vista and Windows 7 Microsoft (have by default) disabled the Telnet client in an attempt to approve the security of the operating systems. Below lists the steps that are needed in order to enable it : Goto Start Goto the Control Panel Open Programs And Features Select Turn Windows features on or off … Read more

Windows 7 driver / application incompatibility work around

So you have Windows 7  but you either cant find the Windows driver for your Sound Card or your trusted old Windows XP program fails to work under your new OS. If so there is a way to allow you to run a program using the compatibility mode of your previous (working) Windows version. Steps … Read more

How do I configure IPv6 in Windows XP ?

In this article we will show you the steps involved in configuring you Windows XP device with IPv6. All commands should be run via the command prompt. Enable IPv6 ipv6 install Configure IP If you are not using Stateful or Stateless IPv6 address Autoconfiguration you can manually configure your settings using the following commands : … Read more

Upgrade SMS Brightmail Appliance from 7.6.1-14 to 8.0.0.24

This document will provide the required steps in order to upgrade the SMS Brightmail appliance from 7.6.1-14 to 8.0.0.24. Backup 1.      Navigate to “Administration > Hosts > Version” 2.      Click “Backup Now” 3.      Under “Backup Data” select “Full Backup” 4.      Under “Backup To” select “Store Backup on server” 5.      Click “Backup Now” 6.      Download the … Read more

Windows XP: Kill a Number of Individual Processes in One Go

From time to time you may find that you have a number of processes (with the same name) that you want to terminate. Rather than kill each one individually you can run the following command to kill the complete lot in one go. C:\Documents and Settings\admin>tskill [process name] Example : Below shows you how you … Read more

Cannot log on after you remove the computer from domain

After removing a computer from a domain you cannot login and receive the follow error : The system could not log you on. Make sure your user name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed using the correct case. Make sure that Caps Lock is not accidentally … Read more

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder

What is the “Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder” ?   The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware open source utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install Windows from your registry. It allows you to print or save your keys for safekeeping. It works on Windows 7, 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, … Read more

Windows Performance Tweaks

Please make sure you backup your registry prior to making any changes to your registry. To create a system restore point go to “Run” and type ‘%SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe’ Below are 2 performance tweaks you can make on your windows system. In addition to the registry key below I have also include the command syntax so that … Read more

How to embed an SWF into a Word 2007 Document

In order to embed an SWF into a Word 2007 Document please follow these steps : Click the Microsoft Office Button on the top left corner. Click Word Options at the bottom of the panel Select Show Developer tab in the Ribbon and click OK On the Developer tab click the icon of hammer and … Read more

Windows – Environment Variables Windows 2000/XP

Environment variables are a set of dynamic named values that can affect the way running processes will behave on a computer. %ALLUSERSPROFILE% Returns the location of the All Users Profile %APPDATA% Returns the location where applications store data by default. %CD% Returns the current directory string %CMDCMDLINE% Returns the exact command line used to start … Read more

Windows: Disable Windows Update Restart Dialog Box

Your windows box installed another bunch of windows updates and keeps asking you if you want to restart. To disable this reminder, Go into the Command Prompt. via Start / Run / CMD. Enter the command sc stop wuauserv This change is temporary and updates will continue upon the next reboot.

Worm Prevention – Disable Autorun

There are a number of worms which exploit the autorun feature of your removable media. This is normally caused by infecting your autorun.inf file. A counter measure to this is to disable the auto run feature. Fir3net.com has supplied the relevant registry key so that you can disable the auto feature. The registry key to … Read more

Windows – Comparing 2 files

From time to time you may need to compare 2 files, i find this is useful for comparing old device configurations such as routers or firewalls to see what has changed. The program is fc (file compare). Which is a small windows program run via the Command Prompt. This is a short guide on how … Read more

Windows – netsh – Change you IP address via the CLI

Netsh.exe is a network administration tool that allows you to configure and monitor Windows-based computers at a command prompt. With the Netsh.exe tool, you can direct the context commands you enter to the appropriate helper, and the helper then carries out the command. Setting you IP address Below is the syntax for setting the IP … Read more

Windows – Openfiles Command

The windows command prompt openfiles command can be useful for viewing the openfiles used by the system. Errors When trying to use the following syntax openfiles /local You get the error message,               The system global flag ‘maintain objects list’ is currently disabled This can be resolved via the following, openfiles /local on Viewing open … Read more

Windows – Securing Windows XP

If your like me, and haven’t the time to waste trying to find and delete viruses, then this guide below is a must read. In this guide we will be securing the use of windows by creating a limited account. If you’re using a limited account when you visit an attacker’s Web site, it’s less … Read more

Windows : System Error 1326 has occurred

Problem When trying to map a drive to a remote machine you receive,             System Error 1326 has occurred Logon failure: unknown user name or bad password. Also when you try access the share resource via run it only allows you to log in as guest. All passwords used (which are known to be correct) … Read more

DOS – Boot Files

In order to get a USB disk to boot into a DOS prompt you will need to have the required boot files. These files can be found here.

Windows – Installing exe shows MSI dialog Box

Issue When trying to install an .exe which contained an msi, you are just prompted with the MSI help dialog box.  Resolution Goto ‘Start / Run‘ and type CMD Once in the CLI type ‘echo %temp%‘ to find your default temp folders. Remove as much as you can from your temp folder. Try to run … Read more

Windows – What are Ports needed for Active Directory ?

In order to add a machine to the Active Directory (Domain) or to allow you machine to speak with a Domain Controller you will need to open the following ports, LDAP         – TCP+UDP/389DNS          – UDP/53SMB          – UDP/138SMB          – TCP/445 Kerberos   – UDP/88

Windows – I can`t connect to my Wireless Network

Issue  I can see my wireless network but when i try to connect it says that it maybe out of range and that it cannot connect. But I can connect using a 3rd Party program such as Netgear Smart Wizard etc ?? Whats going on ?? Solution Check to see if you have set up … Read more

XP – Cannot login to Domain

This can be down to many many reasons. One reason can be due to “trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed”. You can resolve this by adding the machine back to a workgroup then adding it back into the domain. Further information can be found here www.support.microsoft.com/kb/162797

PowerPoint – Error “Cannot create a hyperlink to ^0”

Issue When I try to play a slideshow I get the error, Cannot create a hyperlink to ^0 Solution This is down to the hlink.dll file being corrupt. The “Official” fix for this is to copy over a new one to system32 and register. You can register this by going to run and executing the … Read more

Windows – How to add a route

Go to the Command Prompt via `Start / Run / CMD`. And use the following syntax, Add a route route -p add [Destination] MASK [Mask] [Gateway] Remove a route route -p delete [Destination] MASK [Mask] [Gateway] Example This would add a route to network 10.1.1.0/24 via your gateway address of 192.168.1.100. route -p ADD 10.1.1.0 MASK … Read more

Windows – I`ve forgotten / lost my Windows Password

If you have forgotten or lost your Windows Admin password have no fear, just follow the steps below. 1. Log into a limited account and in command prompt run the following. This will copy CMD.exe in place of the login screen, so when XP reboots it will present you with a command prompt window with … Read more

Windows – Speedup Shutdown Times

As you know theres nothing more annoying then a PC that takes ages to shutdown. These registry settings wil increase the speed in which windows stops processes and services once the user has initiated a shutdown. Download Shutdown Registry Fix Here (Virus Scanned) Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]“WaitToKillAppTimeout”=”1000”“HungAppTimeout”=”1000” [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop]“HungAppTimeout”=”1000”“WaitToKillAppTimeout”=”1000” [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]“WaitToKillServiceTimeout”=”1000” [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management]“ClearPageFileAtShutdown”=”1”

Windows – MSI runas fix

As default (SP1 & SP2) you could not do a run as on an MSI file, which in a windows admin role, is somewhat of a pain……. Below is the reg entry to fix this annoying feature, just copy the below (including the windows line) into notepad, save as a .reg file then once saved, … Read more

What have you been doing on my machine ?

A few reg keys which you may find useful to find out what someone has been doing on your machine. reg query HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRreg query “hkcu\software\microsoft\internet explorer\typedurls”reg query hkcu\software\realvnc\vncviewer4\mru Get to this reg key via the regedit GUI (via run / regedit) HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RecentDocs\.doc 

Enable Active Mode FTP in Internet Explorer

By default Internet Explorer is configured to run in passive mode ftp when using it as an ftp client (over http).To change the Internet Explorer FTP client mode to Active, do the following, Start Internet Explorer. Click Internet Options on the Tools menu. Click the Advanced tab. Uncheck the box “Enable Folder View for FTP … Read more

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