How-To Articles

• Library behavior when you use your Xbox 360 console as a Media Center Extender
  Describes library behavior when you use your Xbox 360 console as a Media Center Extender.
• Required Media Center Edition PC settings for your Original Xbox console
  This article describes the required settings you must configure on the Media Center Edition (MCE) PC to use the Media Center Extender (MCX) for Xbox.
• When using the Media Center Extender for your Original Xbox console, you receive the error message: "The Media Center Extender for Xbox has unexpectedly disconnected from the Media Center PC"
  While using the Media Center Extender (MCX) for Xbox, you may receive the following error message:
• Media Center Extender setup and installation for your Original Xbox console
  This article describes the how to set up and install a Media Center Extender (MCX) for Xbox device.
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 frequently asked questions
  This article answers some of the more frequently asked questions about Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2004.
• Performance enhancement tips for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Describes basic performance enhancement tips for Media Center Edition 2005 that you can use when the performance of your Media Center Edition 2005-based computer decreases or when your hard disk drive has insufficient space.
• Media file compatibility for Media Center Extender on your Original Xbox console
  This article describes the media files that are compatible with the Media Center Extender (MCX) for Xbox.
• There is no support for HDTV with the Media Center Extender for your Original Xbox console
  This article describes some of the requirements you must have to use an HDTV with the Media Center Extender (MCX) for Xbox.
• You cannot find the Burn CD/DVD option in My Music in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Discusses how to create an audio CD or DVD in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
• DirectShow playback support for files recorded with Windows XP Media Center Edition
  Microsoft has released a supplement to update the Stream Buffer Engine (SBE) and Encryptor/Decryptor (EncDec) components that are included with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). If you want to play files that were recorded in Windows XP Media Center...
• Frequently asked questions about the product support options and known issues of Windows XP Media Center Edition
  Answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the product support options and known issues of Windows XP Media Center Edition.
• You cannot fast forward music during playback on a Media Center Extender device from Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Discusses the problem where you cannot fast forward music during playback on Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 using the FWD button.
• The Resume dialog box appears when you try to start Live TV in Media Center 2005
  Describes how the Resume dialog box may appear when you try to start Live TV in Media Center 2005 after you make the display optimization settings. To avoid this behavior, you can quit and restart Media Center 2005 before you try to run Live TV.
• Description of copy protection support for recorded cable TV content in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Describes the type of copy protection support that is provided for recorded cable TV content in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
• Description of the new Away mode for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Describes the new Away mode feature that introduces new power management behavior in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
• Expert Zone Support WebCast: How to use Microsoft Xbox 360 as a Media Center Extender
  <strong><em>Wednesday, December 28, 2005: 10:00 A.M. Pacific time: </em></strong> Describes the features, benefits, and limitations of using Xbox 360 as a Media Center Extender, computer and network requirements, and setup.
• You cannot play audio files that are stored in the Shared Music folder by using the My Music feature in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  Discusses how you cannot play files from the main menu in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 when those files are stored in the Shared Music folder. To work around this issue, you can add the files to the Windows Media Player Media Library.
• How to disable the Media Sensing feature for TCP/IP in Windows
  Describes how to control the Media Sensing feature.
• Video picture appears to jump and video frames are dropped during live TV playback in Microsoft Windows XP Media Edition
  During live TV playback in Microsoft Windows XP Media Edition, the video picture appears to jump. This means that video frames are being dropped. You are most likely to notice dropped video frames if you do not view the video in Full-Screen mode.
• While attempting to connect your Xbox 360 console to a computer, you receive the error message: "Connection Error" (NXE)
  Describes steps that you can try if you see a connection error when you connect your Xbox 360 console to computer running Windows XP Media Center Edition.
• How to troubleshoot channel changing in MCE 2004
  Describes how to troubleshoot Windows XP Media Center 2004 if the Media Center Guide remote does not correctly change the channel on your cable box.
• How to troubleshoot problems when you install or uninstall programs on a Windows-based computer
  Describes how to troubleshoot problems that may occur when you install, uninstall, or upgrade a program on a Windows-based computer. This troubleshooter replaces the previous Microsoft Installer Cleanup Utility (msicu2.exe).
• How to Delete the Contents of the Temporary Internet Files Folder
  Describes how to delete the contents of the Temporary Internet Files folder from the computer. This article includes the "Fix it for me" option that can omplete the procedure automatically for you. Or you can follow the manual steps to complete the...
• The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool helps remove specific, prevalent malicious software from computers that are running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, or Windows XP
  Discusses the release of the Malicious Software Removal Tool to help remove specific prevalent malicious software from computers that are running Windows 7 Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, or Windows XP.
• How to delete cookie files in Internet Explorer
  Describes how to delete cookie files from your computer.
• How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
  Describes how to recover your system software (when your computer does not start correctly) by using the Recovery Console.
• How to troubleshoot sound problems in Windows XP
  Describes how to troubleshoot sound problems in Windows XP.
• How to log on to your Windows XP-based computer if you forget your password or if your password expires
  Provides step-by-step instructions that you can use to try to log into Windows XP if you forget your password or if your password expires.
• Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
  This article describes a problem with CD or DVD drives not work, or is missing, or not recognized after installing or uninstalling programs.
• How to add, modify, or delete registry subkeys and values by using a registration entries (.reg) file
  This step-by-step article describes how to add, modify, or delete registry subkeys and values by using a Registration Entries (.reg) file. Regedit.exe uses .reg files to import and export registry subkeys and values. You can use these .reg files to...
• Overview of memory dump file options for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
  Describes an overview of memory dump file options for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
• How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
  This article describes how to recover a Windows XP system that does not start because of corruption in the registry. This procedure does not guarantee full recovery of the system to a previous state; however, you should be able to recover data when you...
• An update package that includes BITS 2.0 and WinHTTP 5.1 is available for Windows Server 2003, for Windows XP, and for Windows 2000
  Describes the BITS 2.0 and WinHTTP 5.1 update package that is available for Windows Server 2003, for Windows XP, and for Windows 2000. Package installation and removal instructions are included.
• How to troubleshoot a "STOP 0xC000021A" error
  This article presents advanced troubleshooting steps for the STOP 0xC000021A error.
• How to manually open ports in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
  Describes how to manually open ports in Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) in Windows XP to make sure that the programs work correctly when ICF is in use on the local computer or on the gateway computer.
• Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Microsoft XML Core Services could allow remote code execution
  Microsoft is investigating new public reports of vulnerability in supported versions of Microsoft Windows.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the June 2006 security release
  Describes the detection and deployment guidance for the security release for June 13, 2006.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the December 2006 security release
  Provides the detection and deployment guidance for the December 12, 2006 security release.
• Internet Explorer security zones registry entries for advanced users
  Describes how and where Internet Explorer security zones and privacy settings are stored and managed in the registry.
• Information about Windows XP Service Pack 3
  Provides a link to an overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3.
• List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
  Primarily intended for IT Professionals, this article lists the fixes that were added in Windows XP Service Pack 3.
• How to Change the Default Location of the My Documents Folder
  This article describes how to change the default location of the My Documents folder in Microsoft Windows XP.
• How to set performance options in Windows XP
  Describes how to use the System tool in Control Panel to allocate resources and manage devices. You can use this tool to change the way programs use memory and the performance of foreground and background programs.
• How can I turn on or turn off the firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions?
  Explains how to turn on or turn off the firewall feature in Windows XP.
• Description of how to enable the S3 system power state for standby when USB devices are armed for wake
  The USB driver stack will normally only allow a system to enter the S1 system power state if a USB device is armed for wake. This behavior can be overridden using the USBBIOSX registry key.
• You receive a "Microsoft Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close (Pdm.dll)" error message
  You receive the following error message in Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer, or MSN Explorer: In the error message, click the link at the bottom of the message box. For this particular error, the following error signature information is displayed:...
• Windows Installer 3.1 v2 (3.1.4000.2435) is available
  Describes the Windows Installer 3.1 v2 download that is available as a redistributable system component for Windows 2000 SP3, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, Windows XP SP2, and Windows Server 2003.
• Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
  This article describes a problem with CD or DVD drives not work, or is missing, or not recognized after installing or uninstalling programs.
• How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP
  Explains how to back up the registry in case something goes wrong when you edit the registry and you must restore the registry.
• How to back up or transfer your data on a Windows-based computer
  Describes how to manually back up or transfer your personal files and settings on Windows-based computers as a precautionary measure.
• Frequently asked questions about the Windows Genuine Advantage Kit
  Contains the most frequently asked questions about the WGA kit.
• How to move a Windows installation to different hardware
  Describes how to move a Windows installation to a different computer. This article is a consolidation of Microsoft Knowledge Base articles 249694 and 263532.
• Windows root certificate program members
  This article discusses the trusted CAs that can be used by Windows users for secure e-commerce. Provides a download link for a list of program members.
• Sysprep functions and known issues
  Discusses Sysprep functions, known issues that occur when you use Sysprep, and settings that are restored to their default settings when you deploy a computer by running Sysprep.
• Detection and deployment guidance for Microsoft security updates
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for Microsoft Security Updates.
• Naming conventions in Active Directory for computers, domains, sites, and OUs
  Describes how to name computers, domains, sites, and organizational units in Active Directory.
• Description of the Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 client update for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, and Windows Vista SP2
  Describes the Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 client update for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in Windows XP and Windows Vista.
• How to show or hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer
  Describes how to show or hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7. Provides steps, screen shots, and an automatic solution to perform this task.
• How to configure RPC to use certain ports and how to help secure those ports by using IPsec
  Explains how to force ports to use certain ports and then secure those ports by using IPsec. This procedure is performed at a risk of application compatibility.
• Well-known security identifiers in Windows operating systems
  A security identifier (SID) is a unique value of variable length that is used to identify a security principal or security group in Windows operating systems. Well-known SIDs are a group of SIDs that identify generic users or generic groups. Their...
• Enabling debug logging for the Net Logon service
  Describes how to enable logging of debug information by using a debug version of Net Logon and the required debug .dll files.
• How to re-create the Show desktop icon on the Quick Launch toolbar in Windows XP
  If you accidentally delete the icon, we can automatically fix it for you. Or we can show you how to fix it yourself.
• Frequently asked questions about the automated portion of the Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site
  This article contains a list of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the automated portion of the Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site. Q1: What is the Protect Your PC Web site? A1 : The Protect Your PC Web site is a Microsoft Web site that...
• How to obtain Windows Defender
  Discusses the release of Windows Defender.
• How to turn off the Windows Update feature in Windows XP
  Explains how to turn off the Windows Update feature by modifying the registry. You can still visit the Windows Update Web site to update Windows after you use this method to turn off the feature.
• How to install and uninstall IPv6 in Windows XP
  Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), is the full form of IPv6 which is the "next generation" protocol designed by the IETF to replace the current version Internet Protocol (IP Version 4 ("IPv4")). Windows XP includes IPv6 implementation, but IPv6 must be...
• How to disable or uninstall the pilot version of Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows XP
  Describes how to disable or uninstall the pre-release version of the Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows XP.
• How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system
  Describes how to determine whether the computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
• Description of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA)
  Provides general information about the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation check in the Microsoft Windows Update Web site.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the May 13, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the May 13, 2008 security release.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the August 12, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the August 12, 2008 security release.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the October 14, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the October 14, 2008 security release.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the December 9, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the December 9, 2008 security release.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the July 8, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the July 8, 2008 security release.
• Virus scanning recommendations for Enterprise computers that are running currently supported versions of Windows
  Describes recommendations that may help you protect a computer that is running Windows from viruses.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the November 11, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the November 11, 2008 security release.
• Detection and deployment guidance for the September 9, 2008 security release
  Provides detection and deployment guidance for the September 9, 2008 security release.
• The registry entries are not updated when Microsoft re-releases a security update or a hotfix in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003
  Describes the affect of security updates and hotfixes on registry entries.
• The user rights that are required by Update.exe
  Discusses the user rights that you must have to install a product update for version 5.4.1.0 and later versions of Update.exe. Examples of product updates may include security updates, critical updates, update rollups, or hotfixes.
• Service overview and network port requirements for the Windows Server system
  A roadmap of ports and protocols and services required by Microsoft client and server operating systems, server-based applications and their subcomponents to function in a segmented network.
• Description of the cumulative update rollup for the Visual Basic 6.0 Service Pack 6 Runtime Extended Files
  Description of the cumulative update rollup for the Visual Basic 6.0 Service Pack 6 Runtime Extended Files.
• Hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
  Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) on a computer on which Windows XP is already installed.
• You are prompted to activate Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 every time that you start the computer
  Discusses a problem that occurs if a script that interferes with Windows activation is running on the computer.
• How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
  Explains how to perform a clean boot to help troubleshoot a software issue that has an unknown cause. When you perform a clean boot, you start Windows XP with frequently used startup programs, settings, and drivers disabled.
• Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker (Sfc.exe)
  This article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line utility used with the Windows File Protection (WFP) feature.
• How to Defragment Your Disk Drive Volumes in Windows XP
  This article describes how to defragment your disk drive volumes and describes the limitations of using Disk Defragmenter Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that is included with Windows XP.
• How to use the Backup utility to back up files and folders in Windows XP Home Edition
  Describes the Backup utility that is included in Windows XP. Includes details on how to install it and how to use it to back up files. Also includes a link to a video that shows you how to use the utility.
• How to read the small memory dump files that Windows creates for debugging
  Describes how to examine the small memory dump files that are generated if your computer stops responding (hangs).
• A Description of the Diskpart Command-Line Utility
  Describes the Diskpart utility and what commands to use to enhance the Disk Administrator graphical user interface (GUI).
• How to troubleshoot home networking in Windows XP
  Discusses how to troubleshoot several issues that you may experience when you use Windows XP Home Networking.
• Windows Installer 3.0 is available
  Windows Installer 3.0 is available as a redistributable system component for Windows 2000 SP3, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, Windows XP SP2, and Windows Server 2003. Describes new features.
• How to configure Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP
  Describes how to set up the Internet Connection Sharing feature in Microsoft Windows XP on the host and client computer. Describes how you can use this feature to share a single Internet connection.
• How to modify your folder view settings or to customize a folder
  By default, folders appear in Microsoft Windows as folder icons or as pictures that are contained in the folder. (When folders appear as pictures, you are viewing them in "Thumbnails" view.) For example, when Microsoft Windows Server 2003 opens a folder...
• Explanation of the Three-Way Handshake via TCP/IP
  This article is intended for audiences who are familiar with Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and discusses the process of the TCP three-way handshake that occurs between a client and server when initiating or terminating a TCP...
• How to capture network traffic with Network Monitor
  The purpose of this article is to provide you with the information needed to capture network traffic from a local area network using Microsoft's Network Monitor. The text of this article comes directly from the Network Monitor's Help file and should be...
• Error message in Windows XP SP2: ?Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt. Windows\System32\Hal.dll?
  Describes a problem where you receive a ?Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt? error message in Windows XP SP2. This article contains troubleshooting steps to resolve this problem.
• How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
  Explains the methods that you can use to install Windows XP.
• Windows registry information for advanced users
  Describes the Windows registry and provides information about how to edit it.
• How to create and use a batch file to silently install multiple GDI+ security updates
  Discusses how to use a batch file to silently install multiple GDI+ security updates for Office programs
• Description of the Windows File Protection feature
  This article describes the Windows File Protection (WFP) feature.