Windows Tips to enhance PC Performance-PART 3

1) Remove Orphaned Software Applications from Add/Remove Programs


Sometimes, even after you have uninstalled a program, it remains as an option in the 'add or remove programs' control panel applications.

To delete orphaned program entries open Regedit and navigate to:
'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall'

Look for the offending program entries and delete them.

2) Troubleshooting Shutdown Issues

Open Device manager (right click on 'my computer' and select 'manage' then 'device manager.'). Go to the 'view' menu and select 'show hidden devices.' Look for the 'APM/NT Legacy Node' entry. If it is disabled, enable it and try to shutdown your PC again.

If this did not help, go to'start\control panel\power options' If you have an 'APM' tab, make sure the option 'enable advanced power management support' is checked.

3) Alter Your Windows User Name

To change your registered user name open Regedit and navigate to:
'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\'

Double click the 'RegisteredOwner' value and change it as desired. You can also change the company name by editing the 'RegisteredOrganization' value.

4) How to Check if There is a DVD Decoder Installed in the PC

If you want to check if you have DVD decoding software installed, or what decoder you actually have, this quick tip can help.

Open the command prompt ('start\run' then type 'cmd') and type 'dvdupgrd /detect'. This will pop up a window on the desktop with information on your decoding software or lack of same.

5) Use the System Restore Utility From 'Safe Mode Command Prompt.'

It's possible to start the system restore utility from the 'safe mode command prompt' boot option of Windows XP. This gives you one more option for rescuing your system, since this safe mode may load where other Windows XP boot options do not.

To invoke the system restore utility from the safe mode command prompt, type 'c:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe.