Monday, December 15, 2008

Hidden files and folders not being shown?

Have you ever experienced this peculiar problem? You set the folder options to show Hidden files and folders, but if you close and reopen the options, it reverts to 'Don't Show Hidden Files'? If there are no virus attacks, this problem can be solved in the following way.

Acknowledgement: http://www.technize.com (It is a good forum to discuss tech issues)

Method 1:

Go to registry editor by running regedit in the run box.
Go to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced


In the right hand area, double click hidden and change the value to 1.

Now you’re all set to go. Check it in your tools menu if the changes have taken effect.

Method 2:

1. Click “Start” -> “Run…” (or press Windows key + R)
2. Type “regedit” and click “Ok”.
3. Find the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
4. Look at the “CheckedValue” key… This should be a DWORD key. If it isn’t, delete the key.
5. Create a new key called “CheckedValue” as a DWORD (hexadecimal) with a value of 1.
6. The “Show hidden files & folders” check box should now work normally.

The second method worked for me.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tour 2008 (Agra-Delhi-Jaipur-Amritsar)

DAY 2 - Oct 2, 2008, THURSDAY

A full day in train is bound to make anyone crazy, particularly in Andhra where the landscape doesn't change, even after running for hundreds of kilometers. The ever playful children and the ever snoring Billu Moti helped to avert monotony. The computerised reservation software of Indian railways has indeed improved so much that whenever a berth is vacated, another passenger soon occupied the seat. Another night in train.

DAY 3 - Oct 3, 2008, FRIDAY

As the train arrived at Agra one hour late, all of us were eager to get out of it at the earliest. The hot climate had us running to fetch water as soon as we set foot on the platform. Our accommodation was in the railway retiring rooms, so no journey was required. Meagre facilities were what was offered, but considering the paltry sum as rent, nothing better could be hoped for. After some refreshment, we ventured out and hailed two Maruti Omnis which must have been at least 25 years old. As the adage goes, all its parts except the horn made terrible sound. After a sumptuous lunch from a wayside restaurant named Taj Durbar, we headed straight for Agra Fort.

The red standstone monument still stands majestically in elegant style. Very near to the entrance, we had the moment we knew would cherish - the first glimpse of the Taj! On our right, shining above the line of trees stood the top part of the central dome glistening in the afternoon sunlight with the pearly splendour of white marble. We walked through the Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Jahangiri Mahal, Jahangir's Chain of Justice, Shah Jahan's tower where he was imprisoned and where he passed each sick day while sadly looking at the mausoleum of his beloved wife who departed him almost 25 years before in 1631. At about 3'o clock we came out and headed for Fatehpur Sikri which is about 30 km away on the west.

Our Maruti Omnis soon proved to be our undoing. After running for about 5 km, one tyre was flat. Spare tyre was soon replaced and that also went flat after a few km. Now, there was no spare and our driver went in search for a tyre shop. An agonizing wait by the road side when everyone else was seen to be going to Sikri as if to reach there before closing time. After repairing the tyre we resumed journey, but as it was very near to Sikri, it again failed. Our second vehicle soon offloaded the people there and came back to take us. It was almost 5 pm when we at last reached the palace. We hired a guide for Rs. 250, which was way too high! His comments and opinions were entirely off the mark and was verging on the idiotic. We visited the open areas of Sikri, saw the Buland Darwaza and other places of interest. It was already dark when we were done. An uneventful journey back to Agra completed the day's itinerary. On the way, we reserved bus tickets for Jaipur at noon the next day. Stay at the railway station proved to be an ordeal because of the intense heat, mosquitoes and the noise of trains coming and going.

DAY 4 - Oct 4, 2008, SATURDAY

Taj Mahal was the last item of attraction in Agra. We reached there early and was spell bound by its timeless beauty and regal eminence transcending centuries of negligence and looting. Tagore was stating only the truth when he likened it to a tear drop on the cheeks of time. Video cameras are not permitted inside and must be kept in lockers at the entrance. After customary photoshoots, we visited the tomb and was impressed by its grandeur and symmetry. The only thing which is asymmetric is the tomb of Shah Jahan which was placed at the spot 25 years after the structure was built.

It was time for our bus to Jaipur. After a quick lunch and vacating our rooms at the station, it threaded its long way through the desert-like landscape. Lot of cold water and way side refreshments kept us energetic. By about 4 pm, we reached Jaipur. A hotel was quickly found and did some shopping in the Maharani Market. A very good dinner at a roadside restaurant completed the day.

DAY 5 - Oct 5, 2008, SUNDAY

Today, we decided to take a round of Jaipur city as we have to leave for Delhi by the 4.30 pm train. An unusual vehicle was located to carry all the fourteen of us. Outside Jaipur, I haven't seen such a contraption and a rate was fixed after much bargaining. We went straight to Rani Ka Bagh, which was claimed to be an enchanting garden constructed under the tutelage of the Sisodia queen. On the way, we drove through the pink coloured streets of Jaipur and fully appreciated why it is called the Pink City. However, the colour seemed to be dull and not uplifting. Hawa Mahal was standing on the wayside as a silent reminder of the hyped up description of this city. While nearing Jantar Mantar, we decided to take a detour and see the astronomical paraphernalia of the Rajputs. The concrete constructions are neatly arranged, but in the absence of a knowledgable guide, the time was simply wasted.

The greatest disappointment was just waiting in store for us till we reached Maharani Ka Bagh. We virtually cried at the mediocrity of the place! Not even a single decent flower was seen in this much hyped garden. The place doesn't even deserve to be called a garden! If any of you plan to go there to see the lovely garden, it'd be better to save your time and money. On the wayback, we saw Jal Mahal, which is a royal construction half submerged in a lake. Not much impressive, though. Our tour operators tried their best to take us to some of their pre-arranged shops and exhibition stalls. They also said that Amber Palace is closed for visitors as Durga Puja was nearing. We had no option than to believe them. After a good lunch, we headed for our hotel to vacate it as the Delhi train would be leaving at 4.30 pm.

This journey proved how little we knew North India. As the journey was only about 5 hours, we had opted for sleeper class. The reservation was made two months before, so we were confident about a comfortable journey. As soon as we boarded the train, the ticket examiner came and inspected the tickets. Soon after, he left and not a trace was seen of him. People came in the hundreds inside the coach and it was clear that they would not be respecting reserved tickets! A hell of a journey took us to Delhi by about 10 pm. We availed a decent hotel and slept the night.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tour 2008 (Agra-Delhi-Jaipur-Amritsar) Day 1

Our tickets were from Palakkad to Agra by Kerala Express. So went by car to Palakkad and arrived at the Railway station at 6.15 pm. Surprisingly, the train pulled up 20 minutes before time and there was sufficient time to get the enormous baggage in. An uneventful journey ended the day in train.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

All Kinds of Restrictions for Win 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista

1.) Restrict Display Properties:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\System

create DWORD value NoDispCPLand set its value to 1

2.) Restrict Taskbar Properties:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoSetTaskbar and set its value to 1

3.) Restrict Folder Options:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoFolderOptions and set its value to 1

4.) Restrict Locking/Unlocking the taskbar:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value LockTaskbar and set its value to 1

5.) Restrict Active Desktop:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoActiveDesktop and set its value to 1

6.) Restrict adding/deleting items from Toolbars:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoToolbarCustomize and set its value to 1

7.) Restrict adding/deleting toolbars:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoBandCustomizeand set its value to 1

8.) Restrict right-click in Start Menu:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoChangeStartMenu and set its value to 1

9.) Restrict Desktop Cleanup Wizard:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoDesktopCleanupWizard and set its value to 1

10.) Restrict notification at low disk space:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoLowDiskSpaceChecks and set its value to 1

11.) Restrict Taskbar Context Menu:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

create DWORD value NoTrayContextMenu and set its value to 1

12.) Restrict Programs to run:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun

create String value with any name, like 1 and set its value to the program’s EXE file.

e.g., If u want to restrict msconfig, then create a String value 1 and set its value to msconfig.exe. If u want to restrict more programs, then simply create more String values with names 2, 3 and so on and set their values to the program’s exe.

13.) Restrict Registry Editor:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\System

create DWORD value DisableRegistryTools and set its value to 1

14.) Restrict Task Manager:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\System

create DWORD value DisableTaskMgr and set its value to 1

15.) Restrict Writing to USB Drives:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Current Control Set\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

Create DWORD value WriteProtect and set its value to 1

16.) Restrict New option in context menu:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenu Handlers\New

And delete the value of Default, e.g., empty it.

17.) Restrict Send To in context menu:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenu Handlers\Send To

And delete the value of Default, e.g., empty it.

18.) Restrict Balloon Tips:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Advanced

Create DWORD value EnableBalloonTips and set its value to 0

19.) Restrict Users to enable New XP StartMenu:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

Create DWORD value NoSimpleStartMenu and set its value to 1

20.) Restrict Command Prompt:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

Create DWORD value DisableCMD and set its value to 2

21.) Restrict Drives in My Computer:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value NoViewOnDrive and change its value as following:

3 : To Restrict A and B drives only.
4 : To Restrict C drive only.
7 : To Restrict A, B, and C drives only.
8 : To Restrict D drive only.
F : To Restrict A, B, C, and D drives only.
03FFFFFF : To Restrict all drives.

And if you want more specific restrictions, like you want to restrict a combination of other drives, then you can use decimal no. instead of hexadecimal no. Following is a list for all drives decimal no.:

A: 1
B: 2
C: 4
D: 8
E: 16
F: 32
G: 64
H: 128
I: 256
J: 512
K: 1024
L: 2048
M: 4096
N: 8192
O: 16384
P: 32768
Q: 65536
R: 131072
S: 262144
T: 524288
U: 1048576
V: 2097152
W: 4194304
X: 8388608
Y: 16777216
Z: 33554432
ALL: 67108863

So if you want to disable a combination of drives, just sum their numbers and give the same value to NoViewOnDrive. e.g., for restricting CDEF drives, give the value: 4+8+16+32 = 60

NOTE: You can also hide the drives using NoDrives DWORD value. The location and its value remain same as the above trick.

22.) Restrict RUN in New XP StartMenu:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

Create DWORD value NoRun and set its value to 1

1. Run commands in Windows

There are several commands which can be accessed from the Run menu in Windows. Here is a link which explain all commands with examples.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb491071.aspx

2. Broad Band Speed Test

Visit the link to have a speed test on download and upload speeds.

http://www.speedtest.net/

3. BSNL Broad band Speed Test
http://speedtest.dataone.in:83/bandwidthmeter/initialmeter.php

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Disable USB drives

If we are using an Office PC, it'd be very difficult to disallow access to any of our colleagues and their USB drives, which might be thriving with viruses. It so happens that our flash drives are clean and those of others are full of viruses. Any way, there is no way to limit the access.

However, there is a way!

Open regedit and go to HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBStor.

Select the key 'Start'. Its value will be 3 by default. Change it to 4 and USB drives will be disabled. To enable them, change the value back to 3.

This works in Win XP. However, the source site says it will work on Win 2000 and 2003 as well.