Cool Tweaks, Toys and Experiments

68. Create a Portable Version of Windows XP

For a long time now, Linux users have been spoiled by the availability of 'Live' Linux distributions. These self-contained operating systems can boot themselves on almost any PC off a single CD or even a floppy disk, allowing users to carry their operating system with them wherever they go. The most well known version of these 'live distros' is Knoppix). These portable operating systems have many advantages, not least of which is their ability to boot PCs whose operating systems have failed, possibly rescuing essential data.

Until recently, there was no similar option for Windows users. Microsoft has come out with WinPE, a portable version of Windows intended to simplify the pre-installation of multiple computers, but it is a separate product from XP, command prompt based and frankly not very useful for anything except its intended purpose - not that this has stopped a host of modifications for it from appearing.

There is a another way though. This website offers access to a program that can build a bootable Windows environment out of your Windows XP CD. This 'BartPE' environment can be used to rescue data or perform a number of other tasks, and there are several add-ons (see here for starters) that can turn it into a viable, portable version of Windows (with restrictions, read the FAQ for more details). Download the PEBbuilder software and follow the instructions to get started!

69. Create Alarms and Reminders with Windows XP's Scheduling Service

Like other versions of Windows, XP includes a built in task scheduling application which is generally used to automatically run operations like data backups and disk defragmentation that need to be done when no-one is using the system. If you're creative though, you can find numerous other uses for this time keeping utility, including as a musical alarm clock and reminder.

To open the scheduled tasks application, go to 'start\all programs\accessories\system tools\scheduled tasks.'

Now, if you want to create a musical wakeup call, drag and drop a single MP3 file (or a playlist) into the scheduled tasks window.

If you want to create a text file reminder that will pop up at certain times, create a notepad document with the desired info, save it and then drag it into the scheduled tasks window. Now right click the new entry and hit 'properties.'

In the 'tasks' tab, you need to fill the 'start in:' box with the application you want to use to open the text or music file. To use notepad, type 'notepad.exe'. To use Windows media player type 'wmplayer.exe'. Note that if you are using another application to play MP3 files as your default, 'wmplayer.exe' should start that app instead. If not, you need to use the 'browse' button to locate the .exe file of your MP3 playing software.

The 'schedule' tab allows you to set the time, date and frequency of the alarm or reminder. The 'advanced' button contains further options. Once you have set your schedule, hit Ok and right click on the new entry in the scheduled tasks window again. Choose 'run' to test that everything is working correctly, and from them on your scheduled task will now occur at the time you set.