Windows Tools, Help & Guides

This method disables automatically running CD-ROMs. If you want to disable automatically running CD-ROMs depending on the CD-ROM that you insert in the CD-ROM drive, you can press and hold down one of the SHIFT key while you insert the CD-ROM.

I have found this very useful many times, as you do not always want to auto run, especially if it’s a data cd. It gives you the opportunity to manually browse the contents of the CD without having to close any autorun window that may open on the insertion of the CD.

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As you know Windows XP looks for wallpapers (by default) in the folder c:\Windows. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make it look somewhere else instead ? Let’s say YOUR image folder – where you store all your photos. Well It is possible – using a small registry hack.

Before we start, let me remind you that you should make a backup of your registry before you continue. Just to be on the safe side. I don’t want you to blame me if something goes wrong :)

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This guide is part of the Windows Desktop Theme Customization Series. If you want to learn how to install Themes in your version of Windows or want to locate some new themes, head here. If you’d like to keep up with this series and other articles from this site, subscribe here.

Here is a collection of themes compatible with Windows XP. Learn how to install theme here. Many themes only work on a specific operating system, architeture, and service pack. i.e. Vista SP2 x86. Please read the instructions for each theme very carefully.

Chromes for XP

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This guide is part of the Windows Desktop Theme Customization Series. If you want to learn how to install Themes in your version of Windows or want to locate some new themes, head here. If you’d like to keep up with this series and other articles from this site, subscribe here.

Note: Please create a create a restore point before patching system files. Many themes only work on a specific operating system, architeture, and service pack. i.e. Vista SP2 x86. Please read the instructions for each theme very carefully.

Installing desktop themes on your Windows XP machine takes just a few minutes . Learn, in this guide, how to patch system files and install themes.

Patch Your System Files to Install Themes

To install a theme, do the following:

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If you like to customize you Windows installation, you may have considered adding a theme. In this series, you’ll learn how to install a theme and then I’ll share the very best themes with you; this, if you already know how to install a theme, you’ll find greater benefit at the end of the week when I link to the themes. If you’re new to this, take your time, and be sure to seek help in the forums.

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Please Note: This guide involves working with the Windows Registry. If this is your first time editing the registry, please read this guide to get you started. Learn how to backup and restore your registry here.

If you are tired of the balloon tips coming up in Windows XP or Vista, this quick simple guide will help you remove them. You can also bring them back again if you miss the company…

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