usability, XP

put "encrypt" and "decrypt" in the context menu

Windows has a built in encryption scheme known as EFS. You can put the "encrypt" and "decrypt" entries in the context menu and then encrypting a file is only two clicks away.

NumLock key at startup

When you start Windows, the numberlock (sometimes called NUMLOCK or NMBLOCK) is not activated on your keyboard. So the number pad on the right is being used for scroll keys and cannot be used as a calculator.

disable or bypass the Recycle Bin

When you disable the recycle bin in Windows, everything that is deleted will be completely removed from your system and wont go into the temporary holder name "recycle bin".

remove the Outlook Express splash screen

Outlook Express starts with a cute page to advertise itself. But to some waiting for it is just a pain; "Yeah, so what. Just get on with it!" and you might want to get rid of it.

"DOS prompt" in the context menu

The following registry edit will put a context menu (right click) item which will drop you into the CLI at the directory you are looking at in Windows Explorer.

locked files

Files that are in use by a program are locked from being changed by other programs. Usually this is a good thing but sometimes you have a file that is locked when you don't think it should be. What is using that file? Is it malicious?

desktop shortcuts

Trying to navigate to a system tool that you use on a regular basis gets irritating after a while. Instead you can either create a shortcut on your desktop that run that tool directly or if you are comfortable with the CLI then enter command into the run box.

Stop 'focus stealing' applications

"Focus stealing" is when you and the computer are focussing on one program and another pops-up and tries to get your attention and highjacking your concentration.

Change the Default Installation Directory

You can change where programs are automatically installed. By default they are placed in 'C:\Program files\...'.

adding scripts or programs to the context menu

A script or a program can be added to the context menu by editting the registry

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