Windows 95 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

(version 1.3, 8/8/96)

Travis A. Solin

© 1996

•	About this Help File

•	Contacting the Author

•	Changes in Version 1.3

•	Using the Registry Editor

Menus & Windows

•	Adding Items to the 'New' Menu

•	Adding Popout System Folders to the Start Menu

•	Changing the Explorer Window Defaults

•	Changing the Start Menu and Popout Menu Speed

•	Cleaning Up Opened Windows

•	Clearing the 'Any Folder....OtherFolder' SendTo menu

•	Clearing the 'Documents' Menu

•	Clearing the 'Run' Menu

•	Closing the Start Menu

•	Turning Window Animation On and Off

Icons & Graphics

•	Changing the Shortcut Icon

•	Changing System Icons

•	Changing Windows 95 System Screens

•	Making BMP Files Their Own Icons

•	Taking a Screen Shot

Network & Internet

•	FTP Batch Commands

•	Netdde

•	Sharing Invisible Folders

•	Tracing Internet Routes

•	Winchat

•	Winpopup

Editing the Msdos.sys File

•	Booting to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) or to MS-DOS Mode

•	Booting to Windows 95 or Your Previous Version of MS-DOS

•	Changing How Long Until the Default Selection Takes Effect in the Boot Menu

•	Changing How Long You Have to Press a Function Key when booting Windows

•	Displaying the Boot-up Menu by Default

•	Displaying the Windows 95 Logo at Startup

Other Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

•	Adding Sounds to Application Events

•	Changing the Tips of the Day

•	Changing the Truncation of Long Filenames

•	Command Prompt Commands

•	Disabling Autoplay

•	FTP Batch Commands

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Making Your Logitech Mouse Double Click

•	Restarting Windows Quickly

•	Shut Down Screen Commands

•	Speeding up Microsoft Backup

•	Taking a Screen Shot


Menus & Windows


Adding Items to the 'New' Menu

 Registry Edit

It is possible to add new document templates to the new menu.  This operation does require a registry edit, but you first need to make a document template, then place it into the directory specified below.

1.	Create a new file (blank, or with your desired information). This will become the template for all new files when you choose your new entry.

2.	Move this file into the ShellNew subdirectory under your Windows directory (i.e., c:\windows\ShellNew). The ShellNew directory is hidden, so you may have to change your Explorer options so that hidden files and directories are visible (see Windows' help for more information on viewing hidden files).

3.	Open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

4.	Find the extension of the file that you just created.

5.	Make a new key under it called ShellNew.

6.	Under the ShellNew key, make a new string value called FileName.

7.	Type in the name of the new file you created including the extension.  The complete path is not necessary (i.e. c:\windows\ShellNew\whatever.txt).

NOTE:	This may not work with some programs and files.


Adding Popout System Folders to the Start Menu

Have you ever wanted to access a particular applet in Control Panel without having to open Control Panel up?

If you want to add a popout menu with the contents of your Control Panel, Printers folder, or Dial Up Netwoking folder, it is easy to do by following these instructions:

1.	Right click on the start button, then choose Open to open its contents within an Explorer window.

2.	Create a new folder

3.	If you want to create a Control Panel folder, you would name the new folder:

Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}

4.	If you want to create a new Printers folder, you would name the new folder:

Printers.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

5.	If you want to create a new Dial Up Networking folder, you would name the new folder:

Dial Up Net.{992CFFA0-F557-101A-88EC-00DD010CCC48}

That's all there is to it.  Now, if you click on your Start Menu, and navigate to where you placed your new folder(s), it should pop out, showing the contents of that particular folder (i.e., if you made a new Control Panel folder, you would see all of your Control Panel applets).


Changing the Explorer Window Defaults

When you open an Explorer window, there are two distinct ways of viewing your computer. By default, you open a window with regular-sized icons representing directories and other aspects of your computer. Alternatively, it is possible to open a "double-paned" version of Explorer instead. This lists the parent items you have selected in the left pane, and the contents of that folder or computer resource in the right pane. To change the default to double-paned mode, follow these instructions.

1.	Open a regular Explorer window, then choose Options... from the View menu.

2.	From the dialog box that comes up, choose the File Types tab.

3.	Scroll down the list of Registered file types and double click on Folder.

4.	Highlight the explore item under the Actions list, and choose the Set Default button.

Now, each time you open up a drive or folder, you will have a double-paned view of Explorer.

NOTE:	In some very rare instances, there may be problems with returning the default value to its original state ('open' instead of 'explore').


Changing the Start Menu and Popout Menu Speed

 Registry Edit

If you want to increase the rate at which the Start menu opens, and popout menus 'pop' it can be done easily by opening up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigating to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

1.	Make a new key under the Desktop key

2.	Create a new string value called MenuShowDelay.

3.	Edit MenuShowDelay and give it a value from 1 to 10, 1 being the fastest.


Cleaning Up Opened Windows

After you have opened multiple Explorer windows, you can close your current window and its parent window(s) all at once by holding down the shift key while closing.


Clearing the 'Any Folder....OtherFolder' SendTo menu

 Registry Edit

If you are using the 'Any Folder....OtherFolder' context menu that comes in the set of PowerToys, then perhaps you want to clear the "most recent commands" list.  To accomplish this, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\OtherFolder

1.	Once under the OtherFolder subkey, delete all of the values except for  (Default). Now your "most recent commands" list will be cleared.


Clearing the 'Documents' Menu

Are you tired of going to the Taskbar properties screen to clear the Documents menu under the Start menu? If so, here is an easier way to do it:

1.	Create a batch file with the following line in it (assuming your copy of Windows 95 is located in a subdirectory named Windows):

echo y| del \windows\recent\*.*

2.	Save the batch file and place it into a directory of your choice.

3.	Create a shortcut to the batch file wherever you wish.

If desired, you can also add these features to the newly created shorcut:

1.	Right click on the shortcut and choose Properties.

2.	Select the Program tab.

3.	From the Run drop down box, choose Minimized.

4.	Click the Close on exit box.

Now, all you have to do is double click on this icon every time you want to clear the contents of the Documents Menu.


Clearing the 'Run' Menu

 Registry Edit

To remove items from the Run menu, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows

\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU

Choose the values of the entries that you want to delete, then press delete.

NOTE:	Do not delete the (Default) or RunMRU values.


Closing the Start Menu

If you wish to temporarily remove the Start Button (and menu) from the taskbar, take the following steps:

1.Give the Start button focus.  This can be done by opening the start menu, then hitting ESC.

2.Press Alt + - (press the minus key while holding Alt)

3.Select Close from that menu.

The Start button will not appear again until you restart Windows.


Turning Window Animation On and Off

 Registry Edit

Window animation is the "zoom" effect you get when opening, closing, maximizing, or minimizing a window.  To turn window animation off, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\desktop

\WindowMetrics

1.	Under the WindowMetrics subkey, create a new string value called MinAnimate.

2.	Edit this value and enter 0 to turn off window animation.  Entering 1 will turn on window animation, as will deleting the MinAnimate key altogether.


Icons & Graphics


Changing the Shortcut Icon

 Registry Edit

Changing the Shortcut Icon

By default, the shortcut icon is a small black and white arrow in the lower left corner of a shortcut.  To change it, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows

\CurrentVersion\explorer

If there is not a key under the explorer key called Shell Icons, then it needs to be created.  If there is a Shell Icons subkey, then you are ready to proceed.

1.	Create a new string value named 29.

2.	Edit the string then enter the path to the icon file, follwed by a comma and the index of the icon. For example, "c:\windows\system\shell32.dll,30" would change the shortcut icon to the 31st icon in the shell32.dll file (the index of the first icon in an icon file has an index of 0).  In this case, the new shortcut icon would be a larger gray-colored icon.


Changing Windows 95 System Screens

As you may have noticed, there are a total of three major Windows 95 system screens:

• The startup screen (logo.sys)

• The "Please wait while your computer shuts down" screen (logow.sys)

• The "It is now safe to turn off your computer" screen (logos.sys)

It is possible to change these screens to an image of your choice. However, there are certain requirements for these system screens.  They are as follows:

• The image must be a valid 256 color RGB encoded bitmap

• The image must have dimensions of 320 x 400 pixels

Here are the steps to making a desired image your startup or shutdown screen:

1.	Obtain a bitmap image which meets the above criteria.

2.	After the file is saved, change the .bmp extension to .sys (i.e., logow.sys)

NOTE:	If you changed the startup screen (logo.sys), it should be placed in the root of your boot drive. If you changed any of the other two system screens, they should be placed in your Windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).

If all of the following is adhered to, you should see a new startup/shutdown screen.

NOTE:	Because the ratio of the image at 320 x 400 is different than when you may be viewing it in Windows, it may be hard to have your image look proportional once it goes into effect. However, by following these steps using an image editor such as Paint Shop Pro or Lview Pro, you can resolve this problem:

1.	Create a new image with dimensions of 640 x 480.

2.	Open the image that you wish to make a system screen.

3.	Center this image on the newly created image.

4.	Resize the 640 x 480 image to 320 x 400.

5.	At this point, the image should look out of proportion (not wide enough)*

6.	Save the image as a 256 color RGB encoded bitmap.

7.	Change the file extension from .bmp to .sys if necessary.

* (Once it appears as a system screen, however, it will be proportional).

ONCE AGAIN--NOTE:  If you changed the startup screen (logo.sys), it should be placed in the root of your boot drive. If you changed any of the other two system screens, they should be placed in your Windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).


Changing System Icons

 Registry Edit

You probably are already aware that you can change the icons for shortcuts. However, what about the icons for Folders, the Recycle Bin, and others? This can be done by opening up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigating to:

My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft

\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Shell Icons

Once there, you will see a list of string values numbered from 0 to 40. The number is the default index number of the icon in the file shell32.dll, which should be located in your windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).  The data assigned to each value is the icon file, or icon library file and index number. For example, the data assigned to the string value "3" will be the icon that is normally a closed folder icon (i.e., the closed folder icon is the 4th icon in shell32.dll). I realize that may sound somewhat confusing, so here is a step by step example. Reference the end of this topic for a complete list of the values and their respective icon assignments.

Example: Changing the yellow folder icon to the Windows flag.

1.	Locate the value "3", because it is the index of the actual folder icon in shell32.dll. By default, it would be a yellow folder icon.

2.	Find another icon that you want the yellow folder to be replaced with. If the icon you want is in a library, you will be entering in the path to the icon library file, followed by a comma, and then the index of the icon you want (see step 4).

3.	The Windows flag that we want to change to be the yellow folder replacement is the 40th icon in shell32.dll, so the index number is 39 (because the first icon in an icon file has an index number of 0).

4.	Edit the value "3" and enter in c:\windows\system\shell32.dll,39.

5.	After exiting the Registry Editor and restarting Windows, all of the icons that used to be yellow folders should now be Windows flags.

Updating your icons to view your changes

After making your icon change, you probably won't see the changes. In fact, restarting Windows also won't work in most cases. This is because of the way that Windows caches icon images (stores there images for quick and convenient retrieval). Located in your Windows directory is a file called ShellIconCache (its short filename equivalent is shellico). This file has a hidden attribute to it, so it isn't visible if you do a regular file list in an MS-DOS window by typing dir. Follow these steps to update your icon cache and your registry icon changes:

1.	Shut down your computer to MS-DOS Mode (from the Start button, choose Shut Down, then choose the "Restart your computer in MS-DOS Mode" option.

2.	Once at a DOS prompt in your Windows directory, type attrib -h shellico. This will remove the hidden attribute from the icon cache file so that you can delete it.

3.	Type del shellico to delete the file.

4.	Restart Windows from the DOS prompt by typing win.

After completing the above steps, your icons should be updated.

NOTE:  Deleting the icon cache file while still in Windows and then restarting Windows will not update your icons.

List of values and their respective icons (the number represents the index of the icon in shell32.dll):

0	Default icon for unassigned file types

1	Document

2	Window

3	Closed yellow folder

4	Opened yellow folder

5	5 1/4" disk

6	3 1/2" disk

7	Removable drive

8	Hard drive

9	Network drive

10	Network drive (disconnected)

11	CD-ROM drive

12	RAM chip

13	Globe

14	Network cable connection

15	Network computer

16	Printer

17	Networked computers (1 of 2)

18	Networked computers (2 of 2)

19	Small folder & window

20	Small open yellow folder with paper inside

21	Yellow gear

22	Find file(s)

23	Help

24	Window and hourglass cursor (1 of 2)

25	Computer monitor (1 of 2)

26	External hardware/removable disk drive

27	Computer monitor (2 of 2)

28	Shared drive/folder (white hand with blue shirt)

29	Black & White shortcut arrow

30	Larger gray arrow

31	Empty Recycle Bin

32	Full Recycle Bin

33	Dial-Up Networking folder

34	Desktop

35	Control Panel folder

36	Start menu folder

37	Printers folder

38	Fonts folder

39	Windows flag

40	Music CD

41	Green tree

42	Multiple documents

43	Find file(s)

44	Find on networked computer

45	Monitor on case

46	Control Panel folder (again)

47	Printers folder (again)

48	Printer image on pad of papers

49	Network printer

50	Print to file (3 1/2" disk)

51	Alternate full Recycle Bin (1 of 3)

52	Alternate full Recycle Bin (2 of 3; with light green recycle arrows)

53	Alternate full Recycle Bin (3 of 3)

54	From document to document

55	Documents going from folder to folder

56	Pen writing label for folder

57	Computer, yellow gear, and small open yellow folder

58	Configuration file

59	Text file

60	Window with yellow gear

61	Gears image on document

62	Font file

63	True Type font file

64	Window with larger hourglass cursor (2 of 2)

65	Are you sure you want to delete these files?

66	Tape backup (hard drive, yellow cassette tape, 3 1/2" disk)

67	Cutout of CD in drive

68	Defragment

69	Printer (again)

70	Network printer (again)

71	Print to file (again)

As an alternative to editing the registry to change your icons, take a look at Microangelo, an icon editor and tool. Look towards the bottom of the article, About this Help File for more information.


Making BMP Files Their Own Icons

 Registry Edit

It is possible for an icon to actually be a .bmp image of itself. To make this enhancement, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Paint.Picture\DefaultIcon

Edit the value that is under the DefaultIcon key and change it to %1.


Network & Internet


FTP Batch Commands

If you find yourself logging on often to a FTP site, and repeadedly doing the same commands, then this tip is for you.  By making a simple text file with desired FTP commands in it, you can speed up everday tasks.

1.	Create a text file using an ascii text editor such as  Notepad.

2.	In this text file, place a desired list of ftp commands, one on each line (see example below).

3.	When you run ftp.exe all that is needed is a simple command switch:  c:\windows> ftp -s:textfile.txt (where textfile.txt is the file with your FTP commands)

NOTE:  The -s switch can include the full path to your desired text file.  For example:

c:\windows> ftp -s:c:\windows\textfile.txt (where textfile.txt is the file with your FTP commands)

NOTE:  As far as I know, ftp.exe will automatically exit after all of the commands in your text file are carried out.  I currently do not know of a way to avoid this from happening.

Here is an example of what your text file with FTP commands might look like:

(The text in bold should not be included in the text file).

------------------------------------------------------------

login

(Your login name)

password

(Your password)

cd files

(Change to the files directory on your account)

binary

(Set binary mode for file transfers)

send test.zip

(Sends your desired file, 'test.zip')

Here is the same file without the comments:

login

password

cd files

binary

send test.zip


Netdde

Netdde.exe is a great program that works in conjunction with Winchat. If someone calls you, and your copy of Winchat is not already loaded, it will be loaded automatically.

The best way to use Netdde.exe is to place it in your Startup folder.  Netdde.exe runs quietly in the background, taking very little memory.

See Also: Winpopup; Winchat


Sharing Invisible Folders

It is possible to share folders on a network from your computer without having them visible to others that happen to be browsing the network.  Folders shared in this way can still be accessed by manually mapping a network drive and typing in the entire computer name and share (i.e., \\ComputerName\SecretShare).

To share folders in this manner, follow these simple instructions:

1.	Share a folder as you normally would by right clicking on it and choosing Sharing.

2.	Simply add a dollar sign ($) to the end of the Shared As name.

For example, a folder shared as Incoming will be visible to others.  A folder shared as Incoming$ will not be visible to others. Assuming the computer name that this share is on is called Centurion, one would have map this network share to a desired drive letter and enter \\Centurion\Incoming$ as the path to connect this hidden shared folder.


Tracing Internet Routes

Did you ever wonder how you actually connect to a site on the Internet?  By typing tracert followed by the IP address or number at an MS-DOS prompt, you can find out exactly which computers your connection goes through along the way.  Using tracert can also help you to find out which computer along the way is causing you connect errors.

Example:

C:\WINDOWS> tracert www.example.com


Winchat

Introduction

•	Winchat is a program used to communicate with other people by typing messages using a networked connection (such as a LAN or the Internet).

•	Winchat is not installed with Windows 95, but is included on the Windows 95 CD-ROM.  It is also available with documentation via anonymous ftp at ftp.microsoft.com.

Placing and Receiving Calls

•	Calling someone at another computer:

To call or dial someone else, press the dial button (or choose Dial from the Conversation menu). All you need to know is the other computer's name.

•	Receiving calls if Winchat is already loaded:

When someone calls you, the Chat icon in the Taskbar will flash. To answer the incoming call, simply restore Winchat from its minimized state.  If Winchat was not minimized, you may have to minimize it, then restore it again in order to answer the call.

•	Receiving calls if Winchat is not already loaded:

The handyness of Winchat comes into play in that it does not have to be loaded in order to receive incoming calls.  For this feature to work, Netdde must be previously loaded.  To my knowledge, Netdde only works with Winchat, and not with other network communication programs such as Winpopup.

Chatting with Others

•	The interface:

Once a connection is made between you and the person you are talking to, the screen will be split into two horizontal or two vertical frames; the horizontal layout is the default. The option between horizontal and vertical can be changed by choosing Preferences from the Options menu.  Fonts can also be changed through the preferences dialog.

A Tip for using Winchat

•	If you find yourself calling the same computer on a regular basis, you can make a small change to the shortcut for Winchat.  If, for example, the computer you are calling is named Centurion, then the command line for the shortcut would be:  winchat.exe Centurion.

See Also: Winpopup; Netdde


Winpopup

Winpopup is a small program used to send quick messages to another user, computer, or workgroup on a networked connection (such as a LAN or the Internet).  In order for Winchat to work properly, it must be running on your machine, as well as the machine(s) where you are sending the message.

Winpopup comes with Windows 95, but may not have been installed with a default Windows 95 installation. If was installed, it should be located in the Windows root directory (winchat.exe).  If it was not installed, open up Control Panel and go to Add/Remove Programs.  Once there, go to the Windows Setup tab, and add Winpopup from the Accessories program set.

See Also:  Winchat


Starting the Screen Saver on Demand

If you so desire, you can start the screen saver whenever you want by simply making a shortcut to the Windows screen saver file of your choice.  For example, to make a shortcut that will invoke the "Curves and Colors" screen saver, the path in the Target line of your shortcut would be "C:\Windows\System\Curves and Colors.scr" (assuming your Windows directory is c:\windows). Note that because Curves and Colors.scr is a long filename, the target path must be in quotes.

This tip works great if you maintain a password on your screen saver and you need to leave your computer unattended for a short period of time.


Editing the Msdos.sys File

The Msdos.sys file is an ascii text file which holds some basic system information which is needed when Windows 95 boots up.  It should be located in your boot drive's root directory (i.e., c:\ ).

By editing the Msdos.sys file, you can change the startup behavior of Windows 95.

NOTE: The msdos.sys file has hidden and read-only attributes. To remove these attributes before editing, type attrib -r -h -s msdos.sys at a MS-DOS prompt.

Please click on one of the items below for more detailed explanations on individual topics:

•	Booting to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) or to MS-DOS Mode

•	Booting to Windows 95 or Your Previous Version of MS-DOS

•	Changing How Long Until the Default Selection Takes Effect in the Boot Menu

•	Changing How Long You Have to Press a Function Key when booting Windows

•	Displaying the Boot-up Menu by Default

•	Displaying the Windows 95 Logo at Startup


Booting to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) or to MS-DOS Mode

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

Are you still a DOS user that was pressured somehow to migrate to Windows 95? If so, you can still boot your computer up to MS-DOS mode (Windows 95's version of MS-DOS).

1.	Using Notepad or any other ascii text editor, change the line that reads BootGUI=1 to BootGUI=0 under the [Options] section of the msdos.sys file.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys file after the editing (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=0

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=2

BootMenu=0

BootMenuDelay=30

Logo=1

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Booting to Windows 95 or Your Previous Version of MS-DOS

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

If you are running Windows 95, but still have your old MS-DOS and Windows 3.x combination installed, it is possible to access it.  In some cases, Windows 95 will load up without a chance to load your old version of DOS and Windows.  This edit to the msdos.sys file allows you the chance to bypass the normal loading of Windows 95 and load into DOS instead.

After making the change to the msdos.sys file, simply press F4 when you see "Starting Windows 95" on your screen.

1.	Using Notepad or any other ascii text editor, change the line that says BootMulti=0 to BootMulti=1 under the [Options] section of the msdos.sys file.

NOTE: If you upgraded to Windows 95 (i.e., you already had DOS and Windows) then the BootMulti= setting might have already been set to 1.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys file after the editing (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=1

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=2

BootMenu=0

BootMenuDelay=30

Logo=1

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Changing How Long Until the Default Selection Takes Effect in the Boot Menu

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

If you ever get faced with a boot menu when starting Windows 95, by default, you have 30 seconds to make a selection until the default selection is made automatically.  Changing the time you have to make a selection is easy:

1.	Using Notepad or any other ascii text editor, enter a number in seconds that you would like to have for the default wait period after the text, BootMenuDelay= in the [Options] section of the msdos.sys file.  By default, this value is set to 30.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys file if you changed the setting to have a 15 second delay (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=1

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=2

BootMenu=0

BootMenuDelay=15

Logo=1

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Changing How Long You Have to Press a Function Key when booting Windows

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

When you start up your computer and see the text, "Starting Windows 95", there are two primary function keys that you might desire to press.  One of them is F4 (boots up your old version of MS-DOS) and the other is F8 (brings up the Windows 95 boot menu) (See Booting to Windows 95 or Your Previous Version of MS-DOS for more information).

The problem is, you may not have enough time to press one of those keys.  Making the delay longer is quite simple.

1.	Using Notepad or any other ascii text editor, change the line that reads BootDelay=2 to BootDelay=x, where x is the number of seconds you want to be able to press one of those function keys. This is done in the [Options] section of the msdos.sys file.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys after the changes, if you changed the delay to 5 seconds (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=0

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=5

BootMenu=0

BootMenuDelay=30

Logo=1

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Displaying the Boot-up Menu by Default

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

When you start up Windows 95, you generally have your default options set, and Windows 95 loads as usual. However, you can choose different modes of loading from a menu that appears by pressing F8 when you see "Starting Windows 95" on your screen.  Options you have in the boot menu vary from starting in Safe Mode (a minimal set of drivers), loading to an MS-DOS prompt only, and more.

If you wish to display the boot menu by default each time you start Windows 95, make the following change to the [Options] section of the msdos.sys file using Notepad or any other ascii text editor:

1.	Change the line that reads BootMenu=0 to BootMenu=1.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys file after the editing (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=1

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=2

BootMenu=1

BootMenuDelay=15

Logo=1

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Displaying the Windows 95 Logo at Startup

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents

If you do not want to view the Windows 95 startup logo when you start Windows 95, a simple text editing job is all that is needed to make this adjustment.

Using Notepad or any other ascii text editor, add a line which reads logo=0 under the [Options] section.

NOTE:	If you already have a line that reads logo=1, then simply change the 1 to 0 (zero); do not add an additional logo= line.

Here is an example of the items that might be under the [Options] section in your msdos.sys file after the editing (you may have more or less of the following entries):

[Options]

BootMulti=1

BootGUI=1

DoubleBuffer=1

Network=1

BootKeys=1

BootDelay=2

BootMenu=0

BootMenuDelay=30

Logo=0

Msdos.sys File Editing Contents


Other


Adding Sounds to Application Events

 Registry Edit

Wav sound files can be added to many aspects of your favorite and most-used applications.  To make this enhancement, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\AppEvents\Schemes\Apps

Under the Apps subkey, create a new key with the name of the .exe file that you want to assign sounds to.  The program that you wish to assign sounds to does not have to be in the Windows directory or in your computer's path.  All that you need to enter is the name of the .exe file without the .exe extension (for example, name the key notepad and not notepad.exe).

Create any or all of the following keys under the key for the program that you just created:

Name of Key	What causes the sound

AppGPFault	Application General Protection Fault error

Close	Close Program

Maximize	Maximize Program

MenuCommand	Selection from a menu

MenuPopup	Menu Popout

Minimize	Minimize Program

Open	Open Program

RestoreDown	Restore Down

RestoreUp	Restore Up

SystemAsterisk	Asterisk Message Box

SystemExclamation	Exclamation Message Box

SystemHand	Stop Message Box

SystemQuestion	Question Message Box

That is the extent of the registry editing that you have to do for this feature. Now, load up Control Panel and then Sounds.  Scroll down to find the new program that you just entered.  To assign sounds to the events, simply do so as you would with the regular Windows system events (see Windows' help if you need more information).


Changing the Tips of the Day

 Registry Edit

If you want to change the tips that come up by default each time you start Windows 95, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows

\CurrentVersion\explorer\Tips

Within the Tips key are all 48 tips that are chosen at random each time you start Windows 95.  To insert your own tips or thoughts, just change any or all of the keys numbered 0-47.


Changing the Truncation of Long Filenames

 Registry Edit

This registry edit will change the way that Windows 95 truncates (cuts short) long filenames.  To make this change, open up the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet

\control\FileSystem

1.	Create a new binary value called NameNumericTail.

2.	Edit this value, and add a zero to the existing four zeros that are already present.

The final result in the Data field should appear as follows:

0000 00

Before the Registry edit:

Windows 95 filename:	This is a test.txt

MS-DOS filename:	thisis~1.txt

After the Registry edit:

Windows 95 filename:	This is a test.txt

MS-DOS filename:	thisisat.txt


Command Prompt Commands

While you are at a MS-DOS prompt, try these things you can do to speed things up and make things easier:

cd ...	Moves two directies up within the root directory you are currently in.  For example, if you are in C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs, typing cd ... will move you to c:\Windows.

cd ....	Same as above, except that you would be moved to c:\.  You can type up to six dots after the "cd" command (which would move you back five directories).

start .	Typing start . will bring up an Explorer window of the directory that you are currently in at the MS-DOS prompt.  Start .. brings up the parent directory of the one that you are in.

Starting Windows-based programs from a MS-DOS prompt

Type start followed by the windows-based program you wish to start.  For example, type start notepad.exe to run Notepad.

Starting programs associated with a particular file type

Type start followed by a file that has an associated program, and that program will load up with the file.  For example, type start c:\windows\readme.txt to load up the readme.txt file in Notepad.

Dragging and Dropping files into a MS-DOS prompt

Try dragging a file or shortcut into an active MS-DOS window.  Its filename with the full path will appear at the command prompt.


Disabling Autoplay

If you do not wish to have audio CD's automatically play, and data CD's automatically load, hold down the Shift key while loading the CD into your drive for a few seconds.


Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts often increase your efficiency in Windows 95.  Here is a list of common Windows 95 shortcuts to speed things up:

Shortcut Key	Action

F1:	Help

F2:	Rename

F3:	Find

F4:	Gives combo box focus in an Explorer window

F5:	Refresh

F6:	Switches between panes in an Explorer window

F10:	Menu mode

Shift+F10:	Context menu for selected item

Shift+Enter*:	Explore the object (such as a directory)

Backspace:	Goes to the parent folder (in an Explorer window)

Shift+Close:	Closes folder and all parent folders

Ctrl+A:	Select all (in an Explorer window)

Ctrl+C:	Copy

Ctrl+X:	Cut

Ctrl+V:	Paste

Ctrl+Z:	Undo

Alt+Tab:	Switches between applications

Shift+Del:	Delete files immediately without putting them into the Recycle Bin

Shift+Drag a file:	Forces a move

Ctrl+Drag a file:	Forces a copy

Shift+Ctrl+Drag a file:	Creates a shorcut of an object

Ctrl+Esc:	Brings up Start menu

*	The Shift+Enter keyboard combination can also be performed by holding Shift while double clicking.

Windows 95 keyboard specific:

Shortcut Key	Action

Win+R:	Run dialog

Win+M:	Minimize All

Shift+Win+M:	Undo Minimize All

Win+F1:	Windows Help

Win+E:	Explorer (opens in 'My Computer')

Win+F:	Find Files or Folders

CTRL+Win+F:	Find Computer

Win+Tab:	Cycle through taskbar buttons

Win+Break:	PSS Hotkey... (System properties)


Making Your Logitech Mouse Double Click

 Registry Edit

If you have a three-button Logitech mouse, and you're not using the middle button to double click, then you're not using your mouse's full potential!  This registry edit seems to vary depending on your Logitech mouse version and/or your Windows setup.  Try these locations in the registry for starters, or simply search for DoubleClick.

1)  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\logitech\version???

2)  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Logitech\MouseWare

\CurrentVersion\MouseMan\0000

3)  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Logitech\MouseWare

\CurrentVersion\MouseMan2\0000

In all locations when you find the DoubleClick value, it should be changed from 000 to 001.

NOTE:  After making this registry change, it is no longer necessary to run any external software such as Logitech's Mouseware or Mouseware Enhanced.


Restarting Windows Quickly

To restart Windows 95 quickly without having to reboot your whole system, follow these simply instructions:

1.	Choose Shut Down from the Start Menu.

2.	Choose the Restart the Computer option button.

3.	Hold down the shift key while clicking Yes.

NOTE:  Holding down the shift key while pressing enter has the same effect as described above.


Shut Down Screen Commands

After you have successfully shut down Windows 95, your only options are not to turn off or reboot your computer.  In actuality, you are just at a MS-DOS prompt displaying the shut down screen image.  Next time you are at the shut down screen ("It is now safe to turn off your computer."), try these handy commands:

Command:

win	Restarts Windows 95 without re-booting your computer.

mode co80	Returns you to a MS-DOS prompt.

NOTE:  For unknown reasons, these commands don't always work. Try them out for yourself to find out.

See also:  Changing Windows 95 System Screens


Speeding up Microsoft Backup

By minimizing the Microsoft Backup program that comes with Windows 95 while backing up, restoring, or comparing files, your backup may possibly run up to 25% faster.


Taking a Screen Shot

By pressing the Print Screen button on your keyboard while in Windows, you can place an image of what you see on your screen into the Windows clipboard.  Then, this image can be pasted into any number of Windows applications which support image editing and manipulation (such as Microsoft Paint, Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, etc.).

By pressing Alt+Print Screen, an image of the current window, instead of the entire screen will be placed into the clipboard.


Help File


Using the Registry Editor

General Information:

The Registry Editor is used to edit the Windows 95 system registry (contained in the system.dat and user.dat files).  The registry file is basically just a mass of information that Windows 95 uses for its various settings.  By changing these settings, you can change the way Windows 95 looks and acts.

To load up the Registry Editor, run regedit.exe, which is in your windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).

NOTE:  I do no recommend making any changes to the Windows 95 registry unless you are comfortable with the information contained in this topic. One slight typing error could potentially hamper the operation of Windows 95.

Creating New Keys:

All of the folders are on the left pane of the Registry Editor are called keys.  Each key may contain more keys within it, along with at least one value named (Default).  To create a new key, right click then choose Key from New the popout menu.  This action can also be done through the Registry Editor's Edit menu.  To create a key within an existing key, right click on the parent folder.

Creating New Values:

Values are plentiful throughout the Registry Editor, and control a lot of what goes on in Windows 95.  There are three types of values that can be created:  String, Binary, and DWORD.  For all practical purposes, you will most likely only be dealing with the String and Binary value types.  To create a new value, right click on the right pane of Registry Editor and choose New String, Binary, or DWORD value.

Renaming Keys and Values:

To rename a key or value, either right click on the key or value and select Rename, or simply hit F2 on your keyboard (F2 is the shortcut key for renaming objects throughout Windows 95).

Editing Values:

To edit a registry value, simply double click on the name of the value.  Depending on the type of the value (i.e., String or Binary), you will get a different interface through which to edit.

Important Information About the Registry:

Every time you successfully boot up Windows 95, copies of your system.dat and user.dat files (the two main registry files) are made.  If you are working in Windows 95, and something "fatal" goes wrong, DO NOT reboot and let Windows 95 load up again.  Instead, restore the registry from the backups that are automatically made.  For detailed information on how to restore the system registry, refer to the help file accompanying regedit.exe, or do a text search from within Windows help. Often, if you return to Windows 95 with a registry error, you will receive a message telling you there is an error, and your backup copies will automatically be restored. It is still a good idea though to be prepared to manually restore the registry.


About this Help File

Thank you for choosing one of the most valuable and well-written guides to tips, tricks, and secrets found throughout Windows 95!

New users and experienced users of Windows 95 alike can benefit from the contents of this help file.  Perhaps you have seen other Windows 95 compilations with so called "Tips and Tricks."  This one is just a little bit different.  With the exception of a few entries in this help file, most of the information cannot be found by using Windows 95 from day to day. Other "Tips and Tricks" resources usually tend to dwell on simple things that most people will eventually figure out.  One of the goals of this help file is to avoid that redundant approach to getting the most out of Windows 95.

For information on some of the more basic features of Windows 95, refer to the text file tips.txt, which can be found in your Windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).

If you are somewhat apprehensive about changing system settings and editing your system's registry, then you can take heart in the fact that many of these changes can be done by using a variety of programs.  Take a look at these programs next time you are on the WWW. Some, if not all of them are available from my WWW PC Shareware page at http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~tsolin/share.

•	Powertoys/TweakUI.  The Powertoys are a set of great programs and utilities written and distributed for free from Microsoft. They are easy to install and easy to use. The Powertoys home page can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/software/powertoy.htm.

•	Microangelo.  Microangelo is a great icon editor and tool. It does everything from edit and create 256 color icons to making your own icon library files. At the time of this publication, the newest version was 2.0. The Microangelo home page can be found at http://www.impactsoft.com/muangelo/muangelo.html.

The author of this help file is not responsible in any way for any type(s) of unwanted result(s) from the use of the tips, tricks, and/or secrets obtained from this help file.

Contacting the Author


Changes in Version 1.3

Changes in Version 1.3:

1.	Changed the format of title page to allow easier browsing of help file by categorizing the topics.

2.	Proofread the entire file, fixing various formatting and typographical errors.

Changes in Version 1.21:

Topics added:

•	Changing System Icons---covers changing nearly all of the icons you might come across while using Windows 95, including the icons for folders, My Computer, and the Recycle Bin.

Other changes:

1.	Changed the font on the title page and in article headings to Times New Roman (was Arial).

2.	Added references to Powertoys and Microangelo in the article, About this Help File.

3.	Other miscellaneous bug fixes & typo corrections.

About this Help File


Regedit.exe
Regedit.exe is the program file which runs the Windows 95 Registry Editor. It is located in the windows directory (i.e., c:\windows).


Contacting the Author

Any comments, suggestions, or tips of your own are encouraged and welcome.

(All Internet addresses are as of August 8, 1996)

•	Internet E-mail:

tsolin@mail.wsu.edu

•	Home Page:

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~tsolin

•	Travis' Best PC Shareware Programs

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~tsolin/share


Title Bar Buttons

  Minimzes the current window

  Maximizes/restores the current window

  Closes the current window


Batch File
One or more MS-DOS commands contained in a text file with a .bat extension.  When run, a batch file will carry out the MS-DOS commands.  For more information on batch files and batch file commands, refer to your MS-DOS manual or online help.