M Page - Windows XP from A to Z

Getting MP3 ripping to work in Windows Media Player 8 in XP. Start/Run/Regedit and enter the following in the registry:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftMediaPlayerSettingsMP3Encoding]
"LowRate"=dword:0000dac0
"MediumRate"=dword:0000fa00
"MediumHighRate"=dword:0001f400
"HighRate"=dword:0002ee00

This corresponds to 56, 64, 128 and 192 Kbps. You can change this to your liking using the following dword hex values :

320 Kbps = dword:0004e200
256 Kbps = dword:0003e800
224 Kbps = dword:00036b00
192 Kbps = dword:0002ee00
160 Kbps = dword:00027100
128 Kbps = dword:0001f400
112 Kbps = dword:0001b580
64 Kbps = dword:0000fa00
56 Kbps = dword:0000dac0

MP3 and WMA

Information here.

MPREXE Error

If you have a system that has multiple passwords, and have ever gotten an error that states "MPREXE Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Kernel32.dll" then you have a corrupted password file. One not-so-pleasant solution is to delete the .PWL files. This will eliminate the errors, but force you to re-key all the passwords.

If you have a retail version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional, you are eligible for unlimited no-charge Installation Support and 2 no-charge Personal support incidents by phone or online.

Personal Support is designed to provide support for everyday product usage to help U.S. consumers, home users and home office customers using Microsoft consumer products. (425) 635-3311 (long distance charges may apply)

Msbb.Exe

To extract: Open a command prompt window. Insert your XP CD into the drive and enter the following command:

EXPAND -R X:\I386\MSCONFIG.EX_ Z:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\BINARIES. This will extract a new copy of the MSCONFIG.EXE from the CD.

Msconfig - To Remove Entries:

These values are stored in the Registry. Click Start/Run/Regedit

For items that were in the Start menu, Programs, Startup folder:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder.
You'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

For items loaded from the Registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg.
Again, you'll find a subkey for each disabled item.

Msconfig - Stops the Selective Startup screen

Download the xp_nomsconfig.vbs file: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_nomsconfig.htm and save it to your Desktop (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double-click the xp_nomsconfig.vbs file after closing MSConfig. You will not see the Selective Startup screen on the next boot.

Or...

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

In the right pane, delete the value for MSConfig. Alternatively, you can use a small VB Script file to do this for you as well. Copy the following three lines to a Notepad file and save as No_MSCONFIG.VBS

On Error Resume Next
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.RegDelete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\MSConfig"

After running MSConfig, run the VBS file and this entry will be removed automatically.

Msinfo32 - System Information (Error or Missing)

Odd msinfo32.exe problem. msinfo32 mystery solved. (written by Vampirefo, furnished by Martin)

<Quote>

I finally figured it out, after running test after test. A index.dat file has been deleted, and that's why when some run msinfo32 they get the help center instead of system information.

I had this problem, and just now got it figured out, I restored a new image and system information was working great, I then ran Spider which cleans temp files, I saved the report rebooted and system information was not working.

I looked at what spider deleted and I found it deleted a index.dat here E:\\WINDOWS\\PCHEALTH\\HELPCTR\\OfflineCache\\index.dat
I opened and image and restored just this dat, and now my system information is working, so this dat file is the cause for the problem.

</Quote>

More info

Tip: Add System Information to the Right Click

"Can't collect information Access denied to Windows Management Instrumentation server on this computer. Have an administrator change your access permissions."

Go to Start/Run and type in: services.msc. Scroll down to: Windows Management Instrumentation and make sure the Service is set to Automatic.

Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

If that doesn't help, try this:

Open a Command Prompt and type "winmgmt /clearadap" to clear prior WMI/resyncperf information from the registry.
Then type "winmgmt /resyncperf" to register the system performance libraries with WMI again.

WinMgmt could not initialize the core parts

This will re-install wmi into the registry: Go to Start/Run and type in: CMD, then Winmgmt/? for information. Then run each of these hitting enter after each:

winmgmt /clearadap
winmgmt /kill
winmgmt /unregserver
winmgmt /regserver
winmgmt /resyncperf

If this doesn't help, try posting to this group: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.wmi

Can't Open Msinfo32

Checkpoints: Go to Start/Run and type in: winmsd and/or click here: hcp://system/sysinfo/sysInfoLaunch.htm or
Go to Start/Run and type in: msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules (exactly as written)

Manual settings: Create a batch file containing the following lines:

cd C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo
msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules

To Troubleshoot: Verify your settings here: Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo
Path value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\msinfo32.exe

Default value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe
Path value = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo

Fix for Help and Support and System Information
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

To correct this error: Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net stop winmgmt. Then delete
the %windir&\system32\wbem\repository directory. Once done go back to Start/Run/CMD and type in: net start winmgmt

Or:

If none of the above helps, replace your Boot.ini. In most cases it has to do with more than one OS being listed.

Go to Start/Run and type in: msconfig. Then go to the Boot.ini Tab and click on Check All Boot Paths. If you receive a warning about a duplicate path: Do you want to remove, choose yes.

Or...

Right click the My Computer icon/Properties/Advanced/Startup and Recovery/Settings/System Startup/Edit.

How to Edit the BOOT.INI File in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q289/0/22.asp

How to Use System Information (MSINFO32) Switches

MSINFO32 displays a comprehensive view of your hardware, system components, and software environment. This article provides an overview of the available switches that can be used with the MSINFO32 command.

Using these switches, MSINFO32 can be used to:

Use System Information from a batch file
Create .nfo or .txt files that contain information from specified categories.
Open System Information and display only specific categories.
Save a file silently (without opening System Information).
Start System Information connected to a remote computer.
Create a shortcut that opens System Information in a commonly used configuration.

To open System Information in History view, type: msinfo32 /pch
To create an .nfo file in the folder C:\TEMP with a name of TEST.NFO, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\TEST.NFO
To create a .TXT file in the folder C:\TEMP with a name of TEST.TXT, type: msinfo32 /report C:\TEMP\TEST.NFO

To view System Information from a remote computer with a UNC name of BIGSERVER, type:
msinfo32 /computer BIGSERVER

To list the available category IDs, type: msinfo32 /showcategories

To start System Information with all available information displayed, except Loaded Modules, type:
msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules

To create an .nfo file called SYSSUM.NFO in the C:\TEMP folder that contains information in the System Summary category, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\SYSSUM.NFO /categories +systemsummary

To create a .NFO file called CONFLICTS.NFO in the C:\TEMP folder that contains information about resource conflicts, type: msinfo32 /nfo C:\TEMP\CONFLICTS.NFO /categories +componentsproblemdevices+resourcesconflicts+resourcesforcedhardware

Msdart.dll Problems, Error Messages and Workarounds and Suggestions

"The procedure entry point GetIUMS could not be found in the dynamic link library MSDART.DLL."

1. This is caused by Windows XP improperly naming the msdart dll file. Download (save) DARTFIX.BAT to your desktop and click on it. This will make a copy of MSDART.DLL and name it MSDART32.DLL. It will be placed in the Windows/System32 directory. This should allow you to run the InfoBase CD.

2. Start/Search for file msdart*.* on your computer.

Should be found in:

C:\I386
C:\Winnt or Windows\System32
C:\Winnt or Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386

3. Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.8

"unregmp2.exe - Entry Point Not Found - The procedure entry point GetIUMS could not be located in the dynamic link library MSDART.DLL".

When the problem occurs, press Shift +F10 to bring up the command prompt. Then type taskmgr.exe in the DOS window
and press Enter. The Task Manager should be started. If not, try to press C+Shift+ESC. In the Task Manager program, select the error message window in the
application list and click "End Task". In the process list, terminate the unregmp2.exe program. Exit the DOS prompt window and resume the installation process.

Note: In some cases: There is another step needed - killing the error may not be enough.

Shift+F10, kill the process, WinXP should continue loading, and around 23 MORE minutes left to go, the monitor will flash several times. Don't panic.

Once loaded, get past the "Microsoft in a box" screens: next, finish. Once on the desktop, log in a user with system admin capabilities (hopefully you still have one). Go to
C:\windows\sr.inf. Right click and select Install. It will ask for sr.sys. Get this OFF the CD!!! The one on C: is corrupt. On the CD, under the I386
folder, you will find sr.sy_. Double click it and it SHOULD decompress itself and load. (Microsoft tech suggests as a convenience, load directory
I386 from CD to C: (root) for ease of use NEXT TIME you have a problem!

That is the fix for the MSDart, repair/reinstall WinXP problem.

2. The next problem to fix will be the DSL and WinSta.dll problems. Your instructions from your ISP tells you to use the Network Connection
Wizard and do some stuff, then select Broadband, use user ID and password. However, the Wizard has disabled this option. AND you find you cannot make
system restore points. And if you open up My Computer, right click on some white space in the window and click properties, you will get 'procedure
entry point RemoteAssistancePrepareSystemRestore could not be located in the dynamic link library winsta.dll. These problems are solved simultaneously
by:

a. Right click My Computer. Manage, Services and Applications, Services. Find Remote Access Connection Manager (on either tab). Right click,
Properties. On the General tab, Startup Type listbox, change Manual to Automatic. Apply. Ok. Restart your machine.

b. Log in as a user that has System Admin capabilities. Start, Run, Regedit. Find HKLM\system\Current Control Set\services\rasman\ppp\eap.
Export the node by selecting, File, Export. (This creates a backup in case of screw-up. If you don't know how to import, maybe you shouldn't be doing
this.) Once this is done, under EAP is a folder/key 25. Delete it. Also delete folder/key 26. (These are the keys for the connection wizard. MS
will not tell you how to modify the keys for the desired result, you must delete them. Or run this edit.

c. Reboot.

Now you SHOULD be able to connect to DSL or recreate your connection as per your ISP's instructions. System restore will now work. You should perhaps
create a restore point for fun. Start, Help, Performance and maintenance, Using System Restore to undo changes, Run the System Restore Wizard, Create
a system restore point.

BTW, you cannot create a dial-up connection using the Wizard. To do this, bring up your browser. If IE, select tools, Internet Options,
connections tab. Select Add. Dial up to private network, next, phone number .. Once done, the connection will be listed with the Network
Wizards and other connections you have off Start, Settings.. or Control Panel, Network Connections.

If these fixes didn't work, MS's next solution involves installing XP to a separate place on your machine. This too ought not remove your data. Once
installed, your DATA, not applications, should be transferrable between OSs. The last option you don't want to know!

Note: If these do not work, call Microsoft: 1-800-936-4900. You get TWO whole free calls to them if encountering problems during installation. (Take
copious notes!). Reference.

Last resort:

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=315341&FR=1

MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message

This installation program will reinstall the missing or corrupt Windows XP system files command.com, autoexec.nt and config.nt. The absence or corruption of one or more of these files causes a "16 Bit Subsystem" error.

XP_Fix.EXE by TRF Systems, Inc.
http://www.visualtour.com/downloads/xp_fix.exe

From Ron:

Running Audit on my computer showed that a program called
WINDUPDATE.EXE (not WINUPDATE.EXE) was deleting my Autoexec.nt file on boot
up. If I replaced the file it would delete it again. Go to \Program
Files\WINDUPDATE folder and delete it!

Go to your registry and delete anything named WINDUPDATE. Put the Autoexec.nt
file back into your \system32 folder and all is well! This was definately the
problem here and I bet most everyone has the same nasty bugger, WINDUPDATE.EXE
on their infected computer.

Another note and workaround:

C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

This problem just started around mid August 2004, so I suspect it to be related to a recent Microsoft Update that you may have downloaded for Windows XP.

HomeSchool Easy Records (the current version) is a Windows program (not a DOS program) but it is a "16 bit" Windows program. Apparently HER and other 16 bit Windows programs will run into this error when you try to run them. Note: HER version 3, now in the works, is a 32 bit Windows program, so it won't be prone to this problem.

There is a cure. Please read the following tip and follow the steps to reinstall three files: autoexec.nt, config.nt, and command.com

Side note: You also want to look for the file "windupdate.exe" (note the spelling closely -- the 'd') and if you find it anywhere on your hard drive, delete it! This is a secondary problem and you are not very likely to find this file. But if you have it, it actually deletes the autoexec.nt file each time you start your PC, so even if you restore the file, it will get deleted again!

Here is the tip originally posted to the Internet by Spencer Greystrong:

This article http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767 is the Microsoft response to that error message. The fix involves expanding the original files from your XP CD and overwriting. The problem with that solution is that many people do not have the original CD. [So the links below were created so you can get the files directly].

When you click on either link below you will see a file-download window appear. Click on the "Open" button and you will get a WinZip self-extractor window. Leave the "Unzip to folder" set to "c:\windows\system32" and leave the "Overwrite files without prompting" check box checked. Ignore the yellow warning sign (this is trustworthy code). Click on the "Unzip" button. The files will save to your hard drive. Then click on the "Close" button.

For Windows XP Professional click on this link: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/spencer.greystrong/XPProfiles.exe

Will read as: DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://public.windupdates.com/get_file.php?bt=ie&p=5b2f12423f01fa3f255a10cc9af8f7b5d60c0438ad44fd2a1a760d51c0241936773ca04aab077905855565abe08139a2080b:c7857c068f27d7cc50f91b20c15a3e0e

MSEvents.MSEvents and MSEvents.MSEvents.1

This one is tricky, I must admit and takes a bit of work; however, it gets the job done. For those of you who are getting the MSEvents Object and/or Winlogon Notify (both in most cases) via HijackThis, this will help:

1. Download Process Explorer from Sysinternals and save it to your desktop:

Download Process Explorer (x86 - 566 KB) - you plan on using Process Explorer on 32-bit NT/2K/XP/Server 2003 or
Download Process Explorer (x64 - 566 KB) - you plan on using Process Explorer on 64-bit XP/Server 2003

2. Modify this reg file to the CLSID (.dll) in question, beings it varies. In the cases here it was gebyx.dll. Once done copy and paste into Notepad (Start/Run: Notepad)
and save with a .reg extension and save to your desktop. Note: You would be modifying lines: 1, 2 and 7.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{6DD0BC06-4719-4BA3-BEBC-FBAE6A448152}]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{6DD0BC06-4719-4BA3-BEBC-FBAE6A448152}]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSEvents.MSEvents]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSEvents.MSEvents.1]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MSEvents.MSEvents]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MSEvents.MSEvents.1]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify\gebyx]

Can be downloaded here as is: ridmsevents.reg

3. Turn off System Restore: Right click My Computer/Properties/System Restore.

4. Now boot into Safe Mode, to do so: Go to Start/Run/Msconfig/Boot.ini and check off: /SafeBoot
Note: When done in Safe Mode, revert before rebooting.

5. Then open Windows Explorer, under your local drive and delete: !Submit. From there scroll down to Winnt or Windows\System32 and delete: gebyx.dll
Also, delete the Prefetch Folder (ex. C:\Winnt\Prefetch) and clear out all temp files and cookies.

Added Tip: To get a better idea of what you are dealing with: Go to Start/Search - go to When was it modified? Click, Specify Date and change the date from and to to the exact date of the Application Extension entry. From there it will list each item of interest. In my case, it had 8 listings of the .dll stored in my HJT backup folder and two other entries: !Submit under my root drive and System32\gebyx.

6. Once in Safe Mode, load procepxp.exe (which is the Process Explorer mentioned earlier).
     a. Double click on Winlogon on the left side, once the new window opens, select Threads.
     b. Select each instance of the .dll in question and then use the Kill button. Once done hit the Ok button.
     c. From there scroll down to Explorer.exe and do the same there.

7. Once done, run the regedit you modified.

8. Final step is to run HijackThis now either manually or by clicking here: hijackthisnow
Select both the listings: MSEvents Object and/or Winlogon Notify, Fix checked.

Note: Empty the backup folder once complete, either altogether or hand select.

9. Undo /SafeBoot via Start/Run/Msconfig, then reboot.

10. Turn System Restore back on.

Msmsgs.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Ole32.dll May Cause an Error Message in Windows XP

msmqocm.inf - Setup was unable to open information file msmqocm.inf. Contact your system administrator.

Go to Windows\inf. In the right pane scroll down to msmqocm.inf. Right click it and choose install.

If it isn't listed ...

Go to Windows\inf. In the right pane scroll down to sysoc.inf. Open it in Notepad and remove this line:
msmq=msmqocm.dll,MsmqOcm,msmqocm.inf,,6

From: http://www.explorer.msn.com/setuphelp.htm

MSN Explorer uses a new e-mail program. This program is based on MSN Hotmail, a Web-based e-mail service. When you upgrade to MSN Explorer, your e-mail Inbox will be converted automatically from POP3 e-mail to Web-based e-mail. All of your new e-mail will come to you in MSN Explorer.

Important details about your e-mail and newsgroups are:

You will not lose any e-mail.
Your e-mail address will not change.
You will receive all your new e-mail in MSN Explorer instead of Outlook Express.
Your old e-mail will remain in Outlook Express, and you will be able to see it there.
Your address book will be copied to MSN Explorer. It will also remain in Outlook Express.
You can access your newsgroups through Outlook Express.
You can access your e-mail from a computer connected to the Internet anywhere in the world.

You cannot switch your e-mail account back to your previous program by uninstalling MSN Explorer and reinstalling a prior version of MSN Internet Access. Click here to learn how to set up Outlook Express to access your new e-mail account. (Note: there is no link here as you must be an MSN user to access this page)

Web based e-mail does not require Outlook Express, so some e-mail features have changed. For example, your address book is now web-based so you can access information on your contacts from any computer.


(Default)	REG_SZ	(value not set)
HighRate	REG_SZ	0x0004e200 (320000)
LowRate	REG_SZ	0x0000fa00 (64000)
MediumHighRate	REG_SZ	0x0002ee00 (192000)
MediumRate	REG_SZ	0x0001f400 (128000)

	Disable Recent Documents History (All Versions)
	Clear Recent Documents When Windows Exits (All Versions)
	Remove My Documents from the Start Menu (Windows 2000/Me/XP)
	Remove Favorites from the Start Menu (All Versions)
	Remove My Pictures from the Start Menu (Windows 2000/Me/XP)
	Remove My Music from the Start Menu (Windows 2000/Me/XP)
	Change the Number of Recent Documents to Display (Windows 2000/Me/XP)


	HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Settings\M...