Internet Explorer Taskbar Properties

Windows XP will group multiple open windows (IE windows for example) into one group on the task bar to keep the desktop clear.

This can be annoying at times - especially when comparing different web pages because you have to go back to the task bar, click on the group and then click on the page you want and then you only get one page because you have to click on each one separately.

I think the default for this is 8 windows - any combination of apps or utilities open.

You can modify this behavoir by adding this reg key at:
HKEY_CURRRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\
a. Add reg_Dword "TaskbarGroupSize"
b. Modify "TaskbarGroupSize" entry to be the number of windows you want open before XP starts to group them on the task bar.

A value of 2 will cause the Taskbar buttons to always group.

Lock your desktop

Bored of pressing ALT+CTRL+DEL all the times to lock your desktop. Worry not, follow the instructions below and you will be able to DOUBLE CLICK (yes, you got that right) your way to lock your desktop.

1. Right click an empty spot on the desktop, point to New and click Shortcut.
2. In the "Create Shortcut" dialog box, type the following into the "Type the location of the item text box": "rundll32 user32.dll,LockWorkStation" (remove quotes while typing).
3. Click Next.
4. In "Type a name for this shortcut", type "Lock the Desktop" and Click Finish.

Now the desktop will lock when you click your new "Lock the Desktop" iconin the desktop.

Note:This is applicable only for Win 2000 and Win XP users.

Another simple way of locking your desktop is to press "Windows + L". Most newer keyboards have the "Windows" button (a button with the Windows logo).

How to disable Script Debugging in the XP Internet Explorer

Have you been harassed by that damn message from Internet Explorer asking you if you want to "debug" a script when you visit a particular Web page?

There seems to be a lot of Web pages that don't get along with Internet Explorer and so we're seeing a lot of those errors pop up. Let's get rid of that error.

In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.
Click on the Advanced tab.
In the Advanced tab, place a checkmark in the Disable script debugging checkbox.
Click OK.
Close all Internet Explorer windows.

When you reopen Internet Explorer, you won't ever be asked to debug a script again.

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP (Q318378)

This article describes how to reinstall or repair Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express 6 in Windows XP. This may be necessary if you are having problems with Internet Explorer or Outlook Express because of damaged files or missing registration information.

IMPORTANT: After you use the procedures in this article, you must reinstall any updates to Windows XP again. To reinstall Windows XP updates, visit the following Microsoft Windows Update Web site, windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

By default, Internet Explorer 6 is pre-installed in all versions of Windows XP and cannot be un-installed. To provide computer manufacturers greater flexibility in configuring desktop versions of Windows XP, Microsoft has made it possible for OEMs, administrators, and users to remove user access to Internet Explorer while leaving the Internet Explorer code intact and fully functional to ensure the functionality of programs and operating system functions that rely on it.

For example, Windows XP supports an "IEAccess=off" switch in the Unattend.txt file, and Internet Explorer has been added to the Add/Remove Windows Components section of the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel. This does not reinstall Internet Explorer.

Click here for the kb article.

Useful Shortcuts for Windows

Windows Operating System
Windows Key+E => Opens Explorer Window
Windows Key+F => Opens Search Window
Windows Key+D => To show Desktop (minimizes all open windows. To undo, press Windows Key+D again)
Windows Key+L => Locks the computer (Works only on Windows XP Professional/2000)
Windows Key+M => Minimizes all open windows
Windows Key+CTRL+F => Opens the seach computer dialog box (to enable you search a computer on the network, if you are connected to a network)
Windows Key+Pause (Break) => Opens Systems Properties Dialog
F1 => Shows Help
CTRL+ESC => Shows Start Menu
ALT+TAB => Switch between open programs
ALT+F4 => Generally, closes the active program
Delete => Moves an item to Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete => Deletes permanently

Useful Shortcuts with the 'Start' button:
Start (windows logo Button) + M: Minimizes all open windows
Start + Shift + M: Maximizes All Windows
Start + E: Runs Windows Explorer
Start + R: Open the RUN Dialog Box
Start + F: Open the Search Results Dialog box
Start + CTRL + F: Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog Box (if thecomputer is connected to a network)
Start + Pause (Break): Opens the System Properties Dialog Box

Windows System Key Combinations:
F1: Help
CTRL + ESC: Open Start menu
ALT + TAB: Switch between open programs
ALT + F4: Quit program
SHIFT + DELETE: Delete item permanently