Make AutoPlay work with network drives in Windows 98!
AutoPlay enables a CD to start automatically when you place it in
the drive, and it usually kicks off a setup program. This works by
way of a file called Autorun.inf, which sits in the root directory
of the drive--commonly the CD drive.
The AutoPlay function provides a novel method of distributing
programs to users over a network. The basic format simply points
to an executable program. For example:
[Autorun]
OPEN=Setup.exe
You can also configure AutoPlay to work with network drives by
editing the registry. Here's how:
1. On the Windows 9x computers that will access the network drive,
start the Registry Editor by typing Regedit.exe in the Run dialog
box.
2. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoft
WindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer"NoDriveTypeAutoRun."
3. Change the first byte of this value from 95 to 85, and leave
the other three bytes as 0. This allows network drives to
recognize the Autorun.inf files.
4. Map a drive letter to a network share, perhaps through the
login script. This technique will only work with the root of
mapped drives.
5. Exit the registry.
Once you've edited the registry and mapped a drive letter to a
network share, you're ready to finish the task. Follow these
steps:
1. Copy your application to the shared folder that's been mapped
to from the Windows 9x computers. There should be an executable
file in this folder that either sets up an application or starts
one and doesn't need an installation program.
2. Create the following Autorun.inf file in Notepad or other text
editor:
[Autorun]
OPEN=executable.xxx
where executable.xxx is the name of the file to be run.
3. Save this file in the root of the mapped drive and open My
Computer.
4. Right-click the drive icon. If you don't see an AutoPlay
option, press [F5] to refresh the drive list, which will force the
Autorun.inf file to be reread--provided you've set the registry
entry correctly.
5. Double-click the drive, and the application will start
automatically, instead of opening an Explorer window into that
drive.
This is an inexpensive way to distribute simple software that's
periodically updated. Where disk space is plentiful, it may also
provide you with a cost-effective alternative to a CD jukebox. But
perhaps the biggest benefit is that users won't become frustrated
searching for setup icons on drives--simply instruct them to
"double-click drive X" to run the application.
Note: Editing the registry is risky, so be sure you have a
verified backup before saving any changes.
Send Webpages in Windows ME!
If you come across an interesting site on the Web, send the entire
page to your friends.
1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Choose the webpage you wish to send.
3. Select File > Send > Page by email.
4. Enter the address and it's off.
Use Boolean operators to search in Windows XP!
Windows XP's Help and Support Center is packed with information on
how to use the operating system. However, sometimes it's tricky to
find that one piece of information you're looking for.
The Help and Support Center comes with a very nice Search tool
that makes it easier to sort through all the information. You can
also make your searches more fruitful by using the Boolean
operators AND, OR, NOT, and NEAR to enhance or limit your search.
AND (as in x AND y): This operator will narrow your search to
topics that contain both keywords.
OR (as in x OR y): This operator will broaden your search to
topics that contain either keyword.
NOT (as in x NOT y): This operator will narrow your search to
topics that contain the keyword x, but not the keyword y.
NEAR (as in x NEAR y): This operator will narrow your search to
topics that contain both keywords in close proximity to each
other.
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Things to Note
Starting 05/31/2004 Our new remote connection service will start!
If we cannot fix your computer problem by email you will be able
to setup a Remote Connection Session With Us.
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