XP-Resource

Windows Registry 2

2008-11-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

Hives
The Registry is split into a number of logical sections, or "hives". Hives are generally named by their Windows API definitions, which all begin "HKEY". They are abbreviated to a three- or four-letter short name starting with "HK" (e.g. HKCU and HKLM).
The HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER nodes have a similar structure to each other; applications typically look up their settings by first checking for them in "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Vendor's name\Application's name\Version\Setting name", and if the setting is not found look instead in the same location under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key. When writing settings back, the reverse approach is used — HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is written first, but if that cannot be written to (which is usually the case if the logged-in user is not an administrator), the setting is stored in HKEY_CURRENT_USER instead.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR)
Abbreviated HKCR, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT stores information about registered applications, such as file associations and OLE Object Class IDs tying them to the applications used to handle these items. On Windows 2000 and above, HKCR is a compilation of HKCU\Software\Classes and HKLM\Software\Classes. If a given value exists in both of the subkeys above, the one in HKCU\Software\Classes is used.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU)
Abbreviated HKCU, HKEY_CURRENT_USER stores settings that are specific to the currently logged-in user. The HKCU key is a link to the subkey of HKEY_USERS that corresponds to the user; the same information is reflected in both locations. On Windows-NT based systems, each user's settings are stored in their own files called NTUSER.DAT and USRCLASS.DAT inside their own Documents and Settings subfolder (or their own Users subfolder in Windows Vista). Settings in this hive follow users with a roaming profile from machine to machine.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM)
Abbreviated HKLM, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE stores settings that are general to all users on the computer. On NT-based versions of Windows, HKLM contains four subkeys, SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE and SYSTEM, that are found within their respective files located in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Config folder. A fifth subkey, HARDWARE, is volatile and is created dynamically, and as such is not stored in a file. Information about system hardware drivers and services are located under the SYSTEM subkey, while the SOFTWARE subkey contains software and Windows settings.

HKEY_USERS (HKU)
Abbreviated HKU, HKEY_USERS contains subkeys corresponding to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER keys for each user profile actively loaded on the machine, though user hives are usually only loaded for currently logged-in users.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
Abbreviated HKCC, HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG contains information gathered at runtime; information stored in this key is not permanently stored on disk, but rather regenerated at the boot time.

HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA
This key provides runtime information into performance data provided by either the NT kernel itself or other programs that provide performance data. This key is not displayed in the Registry Editor, but it is visible through the registry functions in the Windows API.

HKEY_DYN_DATA
This key is used only on Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows Me. It contains information about hardware devices, including Plug-and-Play and network performance statistics. The information in this hive is also not stored on the hard drive. The Plug and Play information is gathered and configured at startup and is stored in memory.

Symbolic Links
In Windows NT based systems Symbolic Links between registry keys are supported through REG_LINK value type. Registry links work similarly to file shortcuts or filesystem Symbolic links. As such they can span across different hives, however only those visible in Native API namespace, that is \Registry\Machine and \Registry\User. Other hives like HKEY_DYN_DATA are only virtual objects in Win32 API and thus not linkable. Links are used in Windows rather scarcely, only by CurrentControlSet and Hardware Profiles\Current.

See Windows Registry 1
Source : Wikipedia

Windows Registry 1

2008-11-02T04:10:00.000-08:00

The Windows registry is a directory which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions, 64-bit versions, and Windows Mobile. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, users, preferences of the PC, etc. Whenever a user makes changes to Control Panel settings, file associations, system policies, or most installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware. This use of registry mechanism is conceptually similar to the way that Sysfs and procfs expose runtime information through the file system (traditionally viewed as a place for permanent storage), though the information made available by each of them differs tremendously.

The Windows registry was introduced to tidy up the profusion of per-program INI files that had previously been used to store configuration settings for Windows programs. These files tended to be scattered all over the system, which made them difficult to track.

Keys and values
The registry contains two basic elements: keys and values.

Registry Keys are similar to folders - in addition to values, each key can contain subkeys, which may contain further subkeys, and so on. Keys are referenced with a syntax similar to Windows' path names, using backslashes to indicate levels of hierarchy. E.g. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows refers to the subkey "Windows" of the subkey "Microsoft" of the subkey "Software" of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key.

Registry Values are name/data pairs stored within keys. Values are referenced separately from keys. Value names can contain backslashes but doing so makes them difficult to distinguish from their key paths. The Windows API functions that query and manipulate registry values take value names separately from the key path and/or handle that identifies the parent key.

The terminology is somewhat misleading, as the values are similar to an associative array, where standard terminology would refer to the name part of the value as a "key". The terms are a holdout from the 16-bit registry in Windows 3, in which keys could not contain arbitrary name/data pairs, but rather contained only one unnamed value (which had to be a string). In this sense, the entire registry was like an associative array where the keys (in both the registry sense and dictionary sense) formed a hierarchy, and the values were all strings. When the 32-bit registry was created, so was the additional capability of creating multiple named values per key, and the meanings of the names were somewhat distorted.

There are a number of different types of values:
List of Registry Value Types

0	REG_NONE	No type
1	REG_SZ	A string value
2	REG_EXPAND_SZ	An "expandable" string value that can contain environment variables
3	REG_BINARY	Binary data (any arbitrary data)
4	REG_DWORD/REG_DWORD_LITTLE_ENDIAN	A value, a 32-bit unsigned integer (numbers between 0 and 4,294,967,295 [2³² – 1]) (little-endian)
5	REG_DWORD_BIG_ENDIAN	A value, a 32-bit unsigned integer (numbers between 0 and 4,294,967,295 [2³² – 1]) (big-endian)
6	REG_LINK	symbolic link (UNICODE)
7	REG_MULTI_SZ	A multi-string value, which is an array of unique strings
8	REG_RESOURCE_LIST	Resource list
9	REG_FULL_RESOURCE_DESCRIPTOR	Resource descriptor
10	REG_RESOURCE_REQUIREMENTS_LIST	Resource Requirements List
11	REG_QWORD/REG_QWORD_LITTLE_ENDIAN	A QWORD value, a 64-bit integer (either big- or little-endian, or unspecified) (Introduced in Windows 2000)

To Be Continued...
Source : Wikipedia

Bricopacks Crystal Clear

2008-10-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

Crystal Clear is the new pack created by the CrystalXP.net Team!
Based on Everaldos Crystal icons, this new BricoPack will entirely change the appearance of your Windows XP by modifying system files. The Crystal Clear pack integrates a visual style which will bring some freshness to your Windows. In order to answer all your desires, several versions of this style are proposed. So, you have the choice between an Aero style or a Classic one, a Tux or a Windows button, a normal taskbar and a thin taskbar.

The modification of system files allows to change the appearance of Windows in depth. And that includes icon modifications ! Indeed, for 5 years, we have seen the same icons in Windows XP. We need a change! And what is more beautiful than Crystal icons ? Ill let you admire...

Additional Sofwtare :

The aim of our Bricopacks is to make your desktop more beautiful, but also more practical. So Crystal Clear Bricopack brings some additional software. For example, you will be able to change the colour of your folders so you can locate an important folder easier...

Download from Server 1 | Server 2 | Server 3 | Server 4
For more information please visit CrystalXP.

Brico Pack Crystal XP

2008-10-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

BricoPack Crystal XP is a free pack which makes it possible to modify the system files of Windows XP in order to give it a new appearance fun and variegated. This pack includes the icons Crystal SVG of Everaldo used in the graphic interface linux KDE. (with his authorisation)

This pack modifies :

all the original icons of Windows (explorer, internet, control panel,...)
its visual style (the style of your windows, start panel, buttons...)
the logon screen (the one who shows « welcome »
all the animations (copy and paste - cut and paste - search...)
the wallpaper
the icons of explorer toolbar (previous - next - display properties...)

Warning : the use of a BricoPack installed without following our instructions can make your system down. Before installing this BricoPack, please read the instructions page "about the BricoPacks"

Download here or here. Visit CrystalXP for more information.

BricoPack Vista Inspirat Ultimate 2

2008-10-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

BricoPack Vista Inspirat is a free pack which modifies Windows XP system files in order to change its appearance and make it look like Windows Vista (the next operating system made by Microsoft). Rewarded by a lot of magazine, Vista Inspirat BricoPack is the best way to change quickly and easily your Windows icons, logon and visual style.

Download here or here. Visit CrystalXP for more information.

WinFlip by TokyoDownstairs

2008-10-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

WinFlip is a 'Flip 3D' function for Windows XP. It provides an alternate window-switcher to the standard Windows Alt-Tab. Winflip displays all open windows in a 3D stack, which the user can flick through and select using either keyboard or mouse.

Requirements
OS : Windows XP
Library : DirectX9.0c(2004 Summer) (only if SP1 or earlier)
available at Microsoft Corporation under:
http://www.microsoft.com/directx/

Download
WinFlip Ver.0.50

For more information please visit TokyoDownstairs

DeskHedron by TokyoDownstairs

2008-10-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

DeskHedron is a tool which switch the desktop by using 3D GUI. This software doesn't support multi monitor environment. At 3D view you can switch the desktop by mouse wheel or left and right cursor keys. DeskHedron can organize apporoximetely 9 desktops, and switch the desktop.

Requirements
OS : Windows 2000/XP
Library : DirectX9.0c(2004 Summer) (It is included in XP SP2 or later)
available at Microsoft Corporation under:
DirectX 9.0c Redistributable

Download
DeskHedron Ver.1.00
Please read readme_e.txt carefully before you satrt using the application.

For more information visit TokyoDownstairs

Windows XP Setup Simulator

2008-10-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Windows XP Setup Simulator is a program that teaches you how to install Windows XP, without having to worry you will mess up your hardware or software. It just simulates installing Windows XP as if it was the real setup. It reproduces every step exactly as it is in the real setup, and it does not restart your computer. This program can also be used as a guide for learning how to install Windows 2003, because the steps are very similar. The package also includes an e-book that explains every step of the Windows XP Setup and some other Windows XP Basics. You can also find the simulation with every step explained in several languages.

Visit website here | Download here

Vienna Transformation Pack V1.2

2008-10-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Vienna Transformation Pack v1.2 - very beautiful OS transformer! It transforms your Windows XP\ Vista to New Windows Vienna. (Official release at 2009)

Include:
Bootscreen
Skin (Wba)
Sounds (Wav)
Styler Skin
User Login
Vienna Explorer
Wallpapers Total 08
Windows 7 Pie Dock

Download here from Rapidshare or Easy-Share

Desktop Icon Toy

2008-10-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Desktop Icon Toy is an easy to use desktop icon enhancement tool, which allows you to make many funny but useful patterns out of your windows desktop icons. You can change and restore their layout with just a couple of quick mouse clicks. Are you tired of a boring desktop? Would you like to give it more pizazz, and brighten you day? With this cool simple tool you can even organize and arrange all your desktop icons into simple rows to the right, along the top or place them anywhere your mind chooses? Desktop Icon Toy can save desktop icon layout for different screen2 resolutions, and it will automatically repostion and restore the proper layout when the screen2 resolution has been changed.

Features:

Arrange Desktop Icons
Save Desktop Icon Position
Animate Desktop Icons
Remove Desktop Icon Texts
Show/Hide Desktop Icons or Desktop Icon Texts on Demand
Lock Desktop Icons
Swap Desktop Icons in Primary Monitor
Change Desktop Icon Size
Place Desktop Notes
Change Desktop Icon Text Color
Remove desktop icon shortcut overlay
Activate desktop icons using single mouse click
Automatically select icon when mouse hovers over an icon
Change Desktop Icon Text Color
Sometimes you change to use a beautiful wallpaper, but maybe hard to see your desktop icon text again as its default color is similar to your wallpaper. Even more there will be an ugly background under the test.
With Desktop Icon Toy, you can change the desktop icon text or background to any color.
You can also make the background of desktop icon text transparent.
More Funny Things
You could remove all desktop icons, and only keep the icon texts.
You could change desktop icons to small mode, (all the icons will become small, and icon texts will be placed on the right of icons.)

Other Features:

Remove desktop icon shortcut overlay.
Activate desktop icons using single mouse click.
Automatically select icon when mouse hovers over an icon.

Oct 12, 2008, Release version 3.3

Added - Option to export configurations
Added - New layouts shape4, shape5 and shape6

OS: Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista (32/64 bits)

Click here for Website - Download - Mirror

Unique Wallpaper - Series #1

2008-10-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #1
32 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 | 8.7 MBDownload :
Rapidshare

Unique Wallpaper - Series #2

2008-10-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #2
41 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 - 2020×1070 | 9.3 MBDownload :
Rapidshare

Unique Wallpaper - Series #3

2008-10-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #3
50 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 - 2020×1070 | 10 MBDownload :
Rapidshare

Unique Wallpaper - Series #4

2008-10-16T06:02:00.001-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #4
32 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 | 12.59 MBDownload :
Rapidshare

Unique Wallpaper - Series #5

2008-10-16T05:59:00.001-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #5
30 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 - 1920×1200 | 15.2 MB
Download :
Rapidshare

Unique Wallpaper - Series #6

2008-10-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Unique Wallpaper - Series #6
20 JPEG Wallpapers | 1024×768 - 1280×1024 - 1600×1200 - 1920×1440| 5.6 MBDownload :
Rapidshare

Top Model Wallpapers

2008-10-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

Top Model | 1024x768 |30 Pics | 6 Mb
Download :
Rapidshare

3D Wallpapers

2008-10-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

3D Wallpapers | 7 Pics | JPEG | 1280x1024 | 6.5 MB
Download :
Rapidshare

Sexy Wallpapers

2008-10-16T05:36:00.001-07:00

Sexy | 36 JPEG Images | 1024*1600*1920 | 11.5 Mb
Download :
Rapidshare | Easy-Share

Abstract - Wallpapers

2008-10-16T05:23:00.001-07:00

Abstract | 1600 x 1200 HQ | JPG | 6.4 MB

Download :
Rapidshare | Depositefiles

Fire iStock

2008-10-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

Fire iStock | JPG | 2500X2000 | 300DPI | 6MB

Download :
Rapidshare | Easy-Share