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The TCP/IP settings are contained in HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters. A comprehensive list of these settings can be found in the Technet article Q120642, or by viewing the registry help file located in the latest Windows NT 4.0 resource kit.
I have heard that it is a good idea to increase the default ARP cache life. What is ARP and how do I do this?
The Address Resolution Protocol is responsible for resolving a high level IP address to the low level physical network interface card address. Every time your PC communicates with another machine, it performs an ARP broadcast to locate the card address of the other machine. You can see what is in your ARP cache by accessing the command prompt and typing:
arp –a
By default, when an entry is added to the cache, it is time-stamped. If it is not used for two minutes, it is removed. It is renewed every ten minutes even if it is being used. To reduce the number of these broadcasts, you may wish to add static entries. These expire only when the computer is restarted. An alternative is to change the ARP cache life. An example of adding a static entry is:
C:\>arp - s 213.38.10.66 00-00-bc-be-a9-a4
Two entries with which you may wish to experiment to change the ARP cache life are held in HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
Value Name: ArpCacheLife
Data type: REG_DWORD
Default: 600 (10 minutes)
This figure determines the default lifetime for entries in the ARP cache table. Once an entry is placed in the ARP cache, it is allowed to remain there until its lifetime (10 minutes) expires or until its table entry is reused because it is the oldest entry.
Value Name: ArpCacheSize
Data type: REG_DWORD
Default: 62
This is the maximum number of entries that the ARP cache table can hold. The ARP cache is allowed to grow dynamically until this size is reached. After the table reaches this size, new entries can only be added by replacing the oldest entries that exist.
Is it possible for me to collate the information from my WINS database into a document such as Word or Excel?
Yes - there is a utility in the resource kit called WINSDMP.EXE which allows you to dump the contents of your database into CSV format, which any spreadsheet can easily import.
In WINS, what does the term "scavenging" mean?
Over time, the WINS database becomes filled with old and released entries from other WINS servers. Scavenging is the process of removing these entries from the database. This is done periodically; however, you can initiate it manually by selecting the Initiate Scavenging command from the Mappings menu in the WINS administration utility.
Why is my workstation shown three times in the WINS database?
The WINS database actually registers all the NetBIOS services running on a workstation. A NetBIOS name consists of 15 characters plus a sixteenth character, which defines the type of service. For example, in the case of a Windows NT Workstation named Benjy, you would normally see the following entries in a WINS database.
BENJY [00h] - Workstation Service on Benjy
BENJY [03h] - Messenger Service on Benjy
BENJY [20h] - Server Service on Benjy
What is the difference between DNS and WINS?
Domain Name Service (DNS) and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) both resolve names to IP addresses. DNS was originally written to resolve host names and fully qualified domain names (FQDN eg LTREE4.LTI.C154.COM). It requires all entries to be manually input, so it does not work in an environment where the IP address could potentially be automatically changed via a product such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). WINS, however, works extremely well with DHCP, as it is an automatic service. When a client starts up, it contacts the WINS server and registers its IP address.
Why do you need both? DNS cannot cope with automatic registration, but is required when you start accessing the Internet and your company wants to reduce resolution over the Internet. WINS is dynamic but cannot be used with the FQDN structure of the Internet hosts.
You can get the best of both worlds by piggy-backing the WINS service onto the DNS service. Attend Learning Tree Course 154 to learn how to do this!
Alternatively, remove WINS for good! Come and attend some of our Windows 2000 courses that will allow you to see how Windows 2000 implements dynamic DNS.
Is there a utility that allows me to check the TCP/IP configuration of my Windows NT system?
Yes. Access your command prompt and type the following command: C:\>IPCONFIG /all
How can I check that SNMP is working on my NT system?
The Windows NT resource kit contains a utility called SNMPUTIL. This is a very simple utility that allows you to query an NT system with the Simple Network Management Protocol service installed.
Is there a way of getting DHCP to check that an IP address is not already in use before allocating it from its address pool?
If you have systems that other people have manually configured and you suspect that the IP address they have used is contained within your DHCP scope, you can configure your DHCP server to ping the IP address before allocating it to a workstation. If it has already been used, DHCP will then mark this as a bad address and try the next available IP address in the scope. To set this up, access the Server Properties dialog box in your DHCP Manager utility.
I have just used my emergency repair disk to restore some corrupt system files. However, my TCP/IP stack no longer seems to be working. Why is this?
This is a common problem. The issue is that you have restored the original Windows NT files and probably have a conflict with some of the service pack files. You will need to reinstall your current service pack after repairing your system with an emergency repair disk.
What is Active Directory?
The Windows 2000 Active Directory is the database that contains a description and location of every object available in your entire network. Examples of these include usernames, groups, shared folders and printers, and servers located in any domain.
What is an attribute?
An attribute is a component that gives us further information about an object. Every object listed in the active directory contains a set of attributes. For example, a user object has approximately 50 attributes defined, including first name, surname, e-mail address, and telephone number.
Where can I see the database of objects that can be created?
This is held in a master table known as the "schema." This defines every object and its attributes that can be created. The schema is extensible so it may mean that one company's schema has some additional objects that can be created which are not in your current corporation's schema.
What is a GUID?
GUID stands for Globally Unique Identifier. It is a unique 128-bit number that is assigned to every object and domain contained in the Active Directory. Its purpose is to ensure that objects can always be found even if the object's name is changed.
What is a site?
A site is a group of one or more domain controllers, which are physically located within well-connected areas. A well-connected area is defined as your internal network (providing there are no slow WAN links). If there are several slow WAN links in your environment, then you should think about having a site on each end of a slow WAN link.
What is the Global Catalog?
The Global Catalog is a partial replica of all objects contained within the Active Directory. It is a partial replica as it has a limited number of attributes per object. Using the Schema Manager, an administrator can reduce or increase the number of attributes replicated within a Global Catalog. Every domain requires at least one Global Catalog to locate objects on the network. It must be hosted on a domain controller.
How does an administrator change the name of the computer?
Right click on My Computer and select the Properties option from the menu offered.
How can I encrypt files from the command line?
Use the Cipher command. CIPHER /? will give you help on the options available.
How can I promote my Windows 2000 member server to a domain controller?
There is a command line utility called DCPROMO. This will allow you to promote or demote your Windows 2000 system to a domain controller, but remember to have DNS running first.
Where is the rdisk command to create my emergency repair disk?
The repair system is totally different in Windows 2000 and Windows NT. You can create an ERD (Emergency Repair Disk) by running NTBACKUP and following the instructions given by the ERD Wizard.
Does Windows 2000 support FAT32?
Windows 2000 supports FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and NTFS v5 file systems, so you should be able to dual boot with any other Microsoft Operating System, apart from the old LAN Manager HPFS file system (which is rarely used these days).
Can I create logoff and shutdown scripts for Windows 2000?
You can create logoff scripts for individual users and shutdown scripts for computers by using the Group Policy editor.
Is it possible to clone Windows 2000 systems?
Microsoft released a utility called SYSPREP which should be on your Windows 2000 CD under \SUPPORT\RESKIT. The SYSPREP utility allows you to clone a Windows 2000 system prepared to the stage before all the security information is installed. When the cloned machine is started, a mini-wizard will lead you through the final installation.
Windows 2000 Terminal Server and XP Remote Desktop interoperability
Because Windows XP Professional’s Remote Desktop feature is based with Windows 2000’s Terminal Server, you can access your Windows XP desktop from any Windows 2000 Terminal Services Client. You can also use XP’s Remote Desktop Client to access a Windows 2000 Terminal Server.
Integrating IIS and Remote Desktop for web-based remote access
Once you’ve configured IIS and Remote Desktop access on your Windows XP Professional computer, its desktop can be accessed from almost any web browser by setting the target URL to the following:
http://
Setting up drag-n-drop to web shares
If “directory browsing” and “write” permissions have been allowed on a remote web share, using the Add Network Place wizard in My Network Places will allow a client computer to view and interact with the remote web share as though it were a local folder, permitting drag and drop to and from the web share.
Quickly accessing the Administrator account under XP
If you want to access the built-in Administrator account from XP’s new Fast User Switching logon screen, just press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice quickly. This will present the Windows 2000 style logon dialog. Note: This won’t work if any local users are currently logged on to the workstation. Everyone must be logged off, not just “switched” off.
Managing license key issues with large-scale XP roll-outs
Worried about how Windows XP’s activation requirements will affect image distribution in your company’s roll-out plan? Contact Microsoft directly to purchase the Volume License Key version of Windows XP Professional, available to quantity buyers. The VLK version does not require activation.
Verifying your Guest Account is really disabled
If your Windows XP Professional machine is not configured in a domain, your Control Panel User Accounts screen may provide false information about your Guest account status. If it reports that the “Guest account is off,” after you have configured your computer to be accessed via the network, double-check the Guest account’s true status by right-clicking on My Computer and selecting Manage. Look under Local Users and Groups/Users. A red circle with an X indicates it is truly disabled. If you don’t see the X, your computer’s shares may be open to the world.
Important security issue when sharing resources over the network
The Windows XP Sharing dialog suggests that if you want to share resources over the network, you should run the Network Setup Wizard. Before you run it, you should be aware of what this wizard does to allow access to your resources. First, it removes the Guest account from the list of users denied network access to your machine. Second, it enables your Guest account. Third, it shares your Shared Documents folder with the network. Since opening a Guest account may not be acceptable practice in many environments, you can, instead, simply open your Local Security Policy administrative tool, and look under Local Policy | Security Options for Network Access: Sharing and Security Model for Local Accounts. The default value is Guest Only. Simply change it to Classic, and users with accounts on your computer will be able to access your machine from the network in the traditional Windows NT/2000 manner.
Changing file permissions the “Classic” way
If you find Windows XP Professional’s Simple File Sharing a tad too simple, and would prefer to set access permissions on files, folders, shares, and printers the Windows 2000 way, just open any Explorer window, go to the Tools menu, and select Folder Options. From the Folder Options dialog, choose the View tab and scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Settings list box. Uncheck the box labeled Use Simple File Sharing. Afterwards, you will see the traditional permission options on the Sharing and Security tabs of your Properties dialogs.
Sharing encrypted files
Unlike Windows 2000, Windows XP allows encrypted files to be shared with others. To share an encrypted file, first, encrypt the file by right-clicking and choosing Properties, then clicking the Advanced button and checking the box labeled “Encrypt contents to secure data.” Notice that the Details button is grayed out. Click OK on each of the open dialogs to close them. Now that the file has been encrypted, reopen the Properties and Advanced dialogs, and you will see that the Details button is enabled. Click it, and from there, you may add the user names of others you’d like to have access to your encrypted file.
Setting up NetMeeting
Microsoft’s NetMeeting doesn’t appear anywhere in the Windows XP user interface, yet it is still present. To configure and use NetMeeting in Windows XP, simply click Start and Run. Type CONF and click OK. This will start NetMeeting’s configuration wizard, the first time it is run, and thereafter, it will start NetMeeting itself.
Using “Reseal” to test XP setups prior to distribution to customers
When using SysPrep to ready your Windows XP installation for imaging, clicking Reseal will reset your activation timeout to 30 days, but only three times on the same installation. Resetting the timeout means that the first boot after the SysPrep will begin the 30-day countdown. This feature is beneficial for system integrators who wish to configure their customers’ new computers completely prior to delivery, but still gives customers a full 30-day grace period to activate their Windows XP operating systems. Just build the system, install all the software, and then run SysPrep. (Note: Each customer’s computer must have its own licensed copy of Windows XP. The retail version of Windows XP does not support cloning for distribution.)
Recovering your system when the GUI is damaged
If your Windows XP graphical user interface (GUI) becomes damaged and you cannot launch System Restore to repair it, try pressing during startup to boot to Safe Mode with Command Prompt. At the Command Prompt, type
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter to launch the System Restore application manually.
Quick access to Digital Cameras
Inserting a USB WebCam or digital camera will generally add an icon for the device near the bottom of My Computer. You can simply double-click the icon to view, save, and manage the device’s images. You don’t even need to launch imaging applications for many basic tasks.
Downgrading from Windows XP to other Windows
If you change your mind after upgrading to Windows XP, you can uninstall it by pressing while booting and choosing Safe Mode. Then, go to Control Panel’s Add or Remove Programs utility. You will see the option to Uninstall Windows XP. Note: If you upgraded from Windows 2000, you cannot uninstall Windows XP.
Improve legacy application compatibility through security settings
Windows XP’s default permissions on system folders and Registry keys keep limited users from running many legacy applications. To resolve this issue, you can weaken your security to be compatible with Windows NT defaults. Use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC.EXE) to add the snap-in called Security Configuration and Analysis. Follow instructions on the screen to import the COMPATWS template and apply it to your computer. Thereafter, most legacy applications will run for limited users.
Tool for troubleshooting complex compatibility issues
To resolve advanced application compatibility issues and patch your system to provide future support for specific programs, download and run Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Toolkit for Windows XP, available free from www.microsoft.com.
Inspecting and tuning XP startup and shutdown processes
Wondering what’s taking so long during startup, logon, logoff, or shutdown? You can configure Windows XP to detail which programs it is loading or executing during those times. Just use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC.EXE) to add the Group Policy snap-in for the local computer. Under Computer Configuration | Administrative Tools | System, you will find a setting called “Verbose vs normal status messages.” Enable it, then log off and log back on to see the effects (just below your user name).
How to create an MS-Dos boot floppy from XP
Windows XP has a new feature allowing you to create a Windows Millennium MS-DOS boot disk. To do so, insert a blank, formatted diskette in Drive A:, then right-click on the Drive A: icon in My Computer and choose Format. In the Format dialog, you will see a checkbox labeled “Create an MS-DOS Startup Disk. ” Just check the box and click Start. Note: This makes only a basic boot diskette. It does not include drivers for CD-ROM drives, etc. Furthermore, you will not be able to access NTFS drives while booted to this diskette.
Customizing the Start Menu
If you don’t see the items you prefer to see on your Start Menu, or if you see more items than you prefer to see, right click on your Start button and choose Properties, then click Customize and select the Advanced tab. The scroll box there will allow you to customize the icons on your Start Menu by selecting and deselecting Start Menu items to suit your preferences.
Displaying network printers and faxes
Looking for shared printers and Faxes on your Local Area Network? Just look inside XP’s Printers and Faxes window, located on the Start Menu. XP will display a list of printers and Faxes currently available on your LAN. Note: Printers and Faxes shared on other operating systems may not appear here automatically, but you can add them easily by clicking “Add a printer” or “Add a Fax.”
Changing network binding settings
Can’t find the binding order settings for your network card in Windows XP? They’ve been moved, but they’re still accessible and configurable. Right-click on My Network Places and choose Properties. Then, from the Advanced menu, select Advanced Settings. You can adjust the binding orders by selecting the connection, then highlighting bound protocols and services and clicking the Move Up or Move Down arrows.
Using the “Classic” Control Panel
If you prefer a Windows 2000 style Control Panel in XP, just open Control Panel and click “Switch to Classic View” in the left-hand pane. To change back to XP’s default, just click “Switch to Category View.”
Improve usability with larger desktop icons
If you are using a high-resolution monitor, and the icons and menus on your screen are making you squint to see them, you can increase their size without sacrificing your high resolution. Just right-click on your desktop and choose Properties. Then, select the Settings tab and click Advanced to locate and change the current DPI setting to a larger value. The default is 96 dots per inch. You can either select Microsoft’s suggested alternative of 120 DPI, or you can enter a custom value. For many users, a value about halfway between the two suggested ones is satisfactory. You will have to restart your computer to see the effects of the change.
Get Back to the Desktop Quickly
No matter how many windows you have open, you can always minimize all of them at once by clicking the Show Desktop button in the Quick Launch part of the taskbar in Windows XP. If you change your mind and don't want to use the desktop, you can click the Show Desktop button again to restore all of your windows.
Note: If you don't see the Show Desktop button, right–click an empty part of the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and make sure Quick Launch is checked. If it’s not, then click it.
Move or Copy Files to Subfolders
You can use Windows Explorer in Windows XP to move or copy a file by dragging the file icon to a folder. When you have Folders displayed on the left side of the window, it's easy to drag a file to a different folder.
If the folder you want isn't visible because the folder it's in is not expanded, here's a trick that will save you time and frustration. Drag the file icon to the collapsed (unexpanded) folder, and hold it there for a few seconds. The folder automatically expands and then you can drop the file into the folder you want.
Ways to Delete a File or Folder
When folders and files start to clutter up your hard disk, Windows XP gives you several ways to get rid of the files and folders you don't want.
Within Windows Explorer, you can use any of these methods:
Note: To access Windows Explorer, click All Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
Move Backward and Forward Between Web Pages More Quickly
In Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP, you can click the Back and Forward buttons to move back and forth between pages you've recently viewed, one page at a time. If you want to go back several pages and forward again more quickly, click the small black arrow next to the Back and Forward buttons to see a list of pages you've recently viewed—and then just click the page you want. You can also display this list by right–clicking the Back or Forward buttons.
Find Your Way Back to a Web Page You Saw Some Time Ago
To find a page that you visited days, weeks, or even months ago, but which you never added to your Favorites, you can use the History list in Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP to help track it down. Click the History button on the toolbar. The History bar appears, containing shortcuts to every page you've been to today, yesterday, the day before, and so on for the previous three weeks. The links are organized by week. To find the link you want, click the week that you believe you saw it. Links in each week’s groupings are listed alphabetically.
Note: You can change the number of days that pages are saved in the History list (click Tools, then click Internet Option, and then look for the History section of the General tab). The more days you specify, the more disk space is used on your computer to save that information.
Rearrange and Resize Toolbars in Internet Explorer
With Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP, you can move your menu bar, toolbar, Links bar, and Address bar to create more room to view Web pages or to customize your browser for efficiency's sake.
Simply point to the vertical bar on the left side of the bar you want to move. When the pointer changes to a double–headed arrow, drag the toolbar to where you want it. You can move it left, right, up, or down.
Are You Linked to a Workgroup?
To determine whether your computer is linked to a workgroup:
Are You on a Domain?
To determine whether your computer is linked to a domain:
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard helps you move your data files and personal settings from your old computer to your new one, without having to repeat much of the same configuration you did with your old computer. For example, you can take your personal display properties, folder and taskbar options, and Internet browser and mail settings from your old computer and place them on the new one. The wizard will also move specific files or entire folders, such as My Documents, My Pictures, and Favorites.
To access the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:
Going Solo?
If you're a party of one—sole owner and user of a computer—you might still want to set up your computer with user accounts, naming you as computer administrator and protecting the account with a password. Doing so prevents casual access to the system by others if you leave your computer unattended while logged onto Windows XP, provided you log off from your account.
For added security, disable guest access. Here's how:
Note for Windows XP Professional Users
This description and procedure applies only to users of Windows XP Home Edition and to users of Windows XP Professional configured to link the computer to a workgroup. If your version of Windows XP Professional links the computer to a domain, see your network administrator or visit Help and Support Center and search for “user accounts”.
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