34. Create a password
reset disk
Here's an
important tip… If you are using a password protected user account in Windows XP
(and you really, really should be ) you might be nervous
about forgetting your password. Well here's a way to put your mind at ease, at
least a little bit. Windows XP allows users to create a password reset disk
specific to their user account. This disk can be used at the welcome screen to
reset your password in the event that you do forget it.
To create
the disk: Go to start\control panel\user accounts. Select the account you are
currently logged in as.
Under the
'related tasks' heading in the top left corner, click 'prevent a forgotten
password' to open the forgotten password wizard. Insert a blank floppy disk and
follow the instructions to create your password reset disk.
To use
the password reset disk in case of emergency:
Once you
have created a password reset disk for a specific user, the next time the
password for that user is entered incorrectly at the welcome screen, a message
will pop up asking if you have forgotten your password. At this point you can
elect to use your password reset disk. Follow the instructions to reset your
password.
Note:
There are a couple of possible problems with the above procedure. For one, if
you have used Windows XP's built in encryption feature to encrypt some of your
files and folders, but have not yet updated to service pack 1, do not reset your
password, as you will lose access to all the encrypted data. Once you have got
service pack 1, it is safe to use the disk. Also, you cannot gain access to the
reset feature if you have disabled the welcome screen on XP by using tip #31
above.
Keep your
reset disk in a safe location, because anyone else can also use it to reset your
password.... muhahaa!
35. Applying a password to the
'administrator' account in XP Home
All
versions of Windows XP come with a built in administrator account. In the case
of XP Home, this account can only be accessed in safe mode. Unfortunately, the
administrative account in XP Home has no password by default, meaning anyone who
knows how to launch windows in safe mode could potentially see your data.
To
password protect the administrator account in XP Home: Restart your system. Just
after the memory and BIOS check screen, but before the Windows splash screen
comes up, press F8 a few times. When the Windows boot menu appears, select 'safe
mode' from the list of options.
Once
Windows XP has loaded into safe mode, go to 'start\control panel\user accounts'
select the administrator account and apply a password to it. Restart normally.
36. 'Rolling back' a faulty
device driver
Windows
XP has the ability to store previous versions of the device driver for certain
hardware devices like video cards and sound cards. This enables you to 'roll
back' and replace a driver that is having problems with a proven older version.
Obviously, this only works if you have previously updated that device with a new
driver.
To 'roll
back' a driver: Right click 'my computer' and select properties, then the
'hardware tab' then the 'device manager' button. Locate and highlight the
hardware device you wish to roll back the drivers on. Press the 'properties'
button.
Select
the 'driver' tab and click the 'roll back driver' button. If you have a stored
older driver for the device, you will be asked if you wish to roll it back.
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