By Steven Hampton

Well, I'm bringing you this file because I have a scanner and an OCR package and I like to pick locks. This file is a complete transcription of the book, Secrets of Lock Picking by Steven Hampton, minus the chapter on warded locks (These locks are cheap. Use a hammer and a screwdriver). Before getting on to the subject, I would just like to use this opportunity to say that you can not just read this file and know how to pick locks. It does take practice. The good news is that by practicing you will learn how to open locks. And fast, too. I have heard many people say "It's not like the movies...it takes time to pick a lock." Well, sometimes thats true, but I have picked a Sargeant six-pin, high-security tumbler lock in three seconds.

And other similar locks in the the same time frame as well. So I know that it can be done. But don't worry. Practicing is not boring. There is a certain thrill present when you pick a lock for the very first time. Imagine the sensation of knowing that you can get into almost anywhere you want. Believe me when I tell you that it is very cool.

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Note: These are just notes of the changes i made to win-xp pro using win-xp options
after my default install. These changes will not secure your box 100% but they
make a good couple of 1st steps. They are in no specific order other than the
order that I performed them. I have only spent a couple of hours working on
this operating system at the time of this text so please bare with me and
understand that there is much more to securing your box than this.

1. NTFS Partition.
2. Disable Error Reporting
3. Disable Automatic Updates (only if your XP copy is pirated)
4. Disable "Recent Documents" Viewed
5. Setup XP Firewall
6. Setup screensaver password
7. Setup BIOS password

8. Setup "AfterBios" login password
9. Account Modifications
-Rename Admin Account
-Disable Guest Account
-Disable Help_Assistant Account
-Disable Support Account

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Note: These are just notes of the changes i made to win-xp pro using win-xp options
after my default install. These changes will not secure your box 100% but they
make a good couple of 1st steps. They are in no specific order other than the
order that I performed them. I have only spent a couple of hours working on
this operating system at the time of this text so please bare with me and
understand that there is much more to securing your box than this.

1. NTFS Partition.
2. Disable Error Reporting
3. Disable Automatic Updates (only if your XP copy is pirated)
4. Disable "Recent Documents" Viewed
5. Setup XP Firewall
6. Setup screensaver password
7. Setup BIOS password

8. Setup "AfterBios" login password
9. Account Modifications
-Rename Admin Account
-Disable Guest Account
-Disable Help_Assistant Account
-Disable Support Account

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Do you work in a corporate environment where you don't appreciate your co-workers or boss having access to your comp and private files when you are not around?

You can provide added level of security to your WINDOWS XP System. This is called securing your Windows XP accounts database. You can store all information related to your accounts in a encrypted form on a floppy disk. What this would do is that if You do not have access to your floppy disk, You can not access the system. I am not sure You realized what I just said ! Even if You know your userid/password, You will not be able to access the system unless and until You have this startup disk.

The process of generating this secure startup floppy disk is simple. Go to START-RUN and type syskey. You will see a window come up. Click on Upgrade command button. You would see another window popping up which will give You the option of storing the encrypted accounts database either locally or on your floppy disk.

Choose floppy disk and click OK and let the process complete. You are done.

Next time You reboot the computer and get to the logon prompt, make sure that You have the floppy disk available in A: drive else You can not log on.
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Copy everything in the box below into NOTEPAD

CODE
REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Search Page"="http://www.google.com"
"Search Bar"="http://www.google.com/ie"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL]
""="http://www.google.com/keyword/%s"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search]
"SearchAssistant"="http://www.google.com/ie"

1. Save the file as Google.reg
2. Double click to import to your registry.
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I have nothing but problems with efforts to the Task Manager of Windows, the reconstruction of my hardrive in a period determined only with the help of tools.

Step 1
Open Notebook (or his favorite editor) and type:

c renovation:
d reconstruction:
E reconstruction:
f reconstruction:
g reconstruction:
j reconstruction:

Make sure you change the drive letter in a game on your system. After the drive to adapt the letters, save the file as defrag_script.BAT or what's easy to remember. You just have to verify that. "BAT file. I save the file in education in all required documents my script, but it can be everywhere.

Step 2

Well, because the scenario has already been open your Control Panel, then click on "Tasks planned."

Select the file New> Creating a task planned

should create a file with oin the window with the name "new mission" slect and the right mouse button on the Properties.

Under click on the search field and browse the script. make sure the reader with an account with administrator rights, otherwise it could not function.

Now select the tab on the top agenda and date of entry and how often. I have every ballot box noght but probably you could run once a week and always in order.

After yo uset time and how many times did you take a look on the tab "Settings" and see if we have to change something. Then click OK and for that I am!


You can also change the scenario continued, in various actions on the banks of the reconstruction of command:
CODE

-- An analysis of only
-- F reconstruction forces, even if the space is small
-- V output sheet
--; Displays help


You can also responsible for directing the reconstruction in a file if you want to see that recently expired on script:
CODE

-- This form is rewirte delete all information before --
Reconstruction x: v-> x: / logs / defrag_log.txt

-- This form of this new information before the end of former --
Reconstruction x-v>> x: / logs / defrag_log.txt
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Tired of "Windows Explorer" always opening up with My Documents?

You can customize it by changing the properties for the "Windows Explorer" icon and replacing the Target field with:

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /n, /e, c:\yourfolder

wanna try ? Good luck ;)
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Occasionally when attempting to install something, you are asked to insert the windows xp cd, and sometimes you’re just too lazy to get up and go get it, or it's not available to you at the moment. Well here’s something that'll solve that problem...

1. Insert your windows xp cd

2. Click on, “Perform Additional Tasks”

3. Now click on, “Browse this CD”

4. Look for the I386 folder, right-click on the folder and copy.

5. Go into, “My Computer”

6. Right click on you C: drive and paste.

How can I change the default location of the i386 folder?

After installing Windows 2000 or XP, if you ever need to add a component to it (like DHCP etc.) it always asks you for the CD, even if you copy the i386 files to your local drive. Can I fix this?

Yes you sure can.

1. Open the registry editor and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

2. Highlight the Setup folder.
3. On the right pane, locate the SourcePath.
4. Double-click the SourcePath and replace the drive letter in the box to C:\ (if you copied the files to your C:\ drive). Make sure it's C:\ and not C:\i386.
5. Close the registry editor.
6. If the system ever needs files from the i386 folder, it will automatically look in the C:\i386 folder.

You can also do the trick with Windows 2000 and XP Professional client computers that were installed from a shared folder on your network, but do not copy the i386 folder to the local drive of each computer. Instead, copy the i386 folder to a share located on a network server. Edit the registry for the Windows 2000 or XP Pro machines and make it point to the UNC path of the network server.

Also, if you installed from a RIS server, keep the RIS server running. Your system is smart enough to grab the files from the RIS server when it needs extra files.

This tip works for service packs too. You'll notice at the registry string from step #1 that it says service packsourcepath. Extract the SP from the command prompt to a folder on your hard drive using the w2ksp# -x switch, make the path in the registry where you put the files, and you won't have to go fishing for service pack disks again.
AnalogX BanishCD is a small utility that allows you to change the path that Windows will look for the CAB files. Normally, the only way this could be done would be to modify the registry manually, which is a very tricky process, and if you make a mistake it can be hard to repair. With BanishCD, you can quickly browse through your system and select the path; and just in case you make a mistake it will store the original path!
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Adjust the settings for your graphics board and display to improve image quality.

When it comes to your PC, looks definitely matter. Tiny text, blurry images, and flickering screens aren't just annoying, they can lead to eyestrain, lost productivity, and a bill from the glazier for replacing the window you toss your monitor through out of frustration. But you don't have to give your display the heave-ho: A few simple adjustments to your graphics card and other Windows settings can ensure peak visual performance.

Your PC's graphics card is controlled by its Windows driver, so get the latest driver release for your board. To see what version you have, right-click the desktop and choose Properties to open the Display Properties dialog box, then click Settings, Advanced, Adapter (in Windows XP, also select Properties, Driver).

Visit your graphics-card vendor's Web site to download the most recent version of the driver, but don't install beta drivers. These are works in progress that may cause more trouble than they're worth.......

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Did you know that in Windows XP you can shut down your computer from the (eventually DOS prompt) command line box? Moreover, you can do this by clicking your mouse only once.

All you need to do is... right-click on an empty Desktop spot -> select New -> Shortcut -> type shutdown followed by a space, and then enter one or more of the parameters listed below -> click Next -> type a suggestive name for your new shortcut -> finally, click Finish.

This is the Shutdown.exe (located in %systemroot%\System32, usually C:\Windows\System32) syntax:

shutdown [-i|-l|-s|-r|-a] [-f] [-m \\computername] [-t xx] [-c "Text"] [-d[u][p]:xx:yy]

Valid command line switches:

-a = Abort system shutdown in progress ONLY IF the -t xx timeout option was already set to ANY value other than 0. ALL switches except -l and -m are ignored during abort.

-c "Text" = Text comment (case insensitive) to be displayed in the Message area of the System Shutdown window. MUST be enclosed between quotes. Maximum allowed 127 ASCII characters.

-d [u][p]:xx:yy = Reason code for shutdown:
u = User code.
p = Planned shutdown code.
xx = Major reason code. Positive integer number less than 256.
yy = Minor reason code. Positive integer number less than 65536.

-f = Force running applications to close without warning.

-i = Display the shutdown interface (GUI). MUST be the first option!

-l = Log off the current user of the local computer (default action). Can NOT be used with the -m option unless the current user has Sysadmin rights, in which case the -m switch takes precedence.

-m \\computername = Remote/network computer name (most always case sensitive) to log off/restart/shut down. Current user MUST have Sysadmin rights to be allowed to use this switch!

-s = Shut down the local computer.

-r = Shut down and restart (reboot) the local computer.

-t xx = Set shutdown timer to timeout for xx seconds. IF NOT specified defaults to 20 seconds. Allowed values between 0 and 99 seconds. The -a switch is the ONLY one that CAN be used during the timeout period.

NOTES:
The dash (-) in front of these switches can be replaced by a forward slash (/).

Spaces are NOT required to separate the shutdown command from ANY following switches, but ARE required to separate ANY switch from its following parameter(s), if any.
For example:

shutdown -s -c "Shutting down!" -t 3

tells your computer to shutdown after waiting for 3 seconds while the System Shutdown window will display text above in the Message area.

Optional: after you're done creating your customized shortcut for shutdown -> right-click on it -> select Properties -> enter your desired key "combo" in the Shortcut Key box (e.g. Ctrl + Alt + End) -> click OK/Apply.
From now on just left-click on your shutdown shortcut or hit that key combination to turn off/restart/log off your computer.
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When you open Folder Options, the entry Single-click to open an item (point to select) is dimmed. This happens if classic shell is enforced. The option Show Common tasks in folders will also grayed out. This may be a network policy setting. If your system is in a Domain, the best option is to contact your network admin. For standalone PCs, try the setting given below.


RESOLUTION

Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

-and-

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Backup the registry (export the branch) before modifying the values. Read this document for more information

In the right-pane, set ClassicShell to 0. Restart for the changes to take effect. The "Single click" folder option should now be restored.

If the problem persist and if you are using Windows XP Professional Edition, load the Group Policy Editor (GPEDIT.MSC) and go to:

User Configuration | Windows components | Windows Explorer
Double-click the entry "Turn on classic shell" and set it to "Not Configured
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Open up regedit.exe and find THIS folder. Navigate to it by clicking the +'s to expand
things like you would in Windows explorer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify\Guardian


Right click over "Guardian" in the left pane.
Left click on "Permissions"
Left click "SYSTEM" once to highlight it.
Check "deny" in all boxes that you can at the bottom (Probably only 2)
Left click Apply

Left Click OK

Say "OK" to any warnings about permissions
**Reboot** the system

then problems solved
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SlipSTreaming XP SP2

Now that Service Pack 2 (SP2) has been released (RTM 2180) for Windows XP a lot of people have been updating their systems. In fact, a lot have been doing clean installations followed immediately by applying SP2 to eliminate much of the garbage that has collected over the past year of using XP. There really isn't a downside to reformatting and doing a clean install, but if there was one I suppose it could be that the installation of SP2 might be quite time consuming, especially if you do it through Windows Update. However, there is a way to reduce this time expenditure.

If you fall into the category of users that frequently reformat their systems and clean install XP from the CD then creating a slipstreamed version of XP/SP2 can be a huge time saver. You invest the time once and then on subsequent reinstalls you avoid bringing XP up to SP2 speed via Windows Update downloads and installations. You will still have to get the post SP2 updates from Windows Update, but the time saved will still be worthwhile.

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Windows uses 20% of your bandwidth Here's how to Get it back

A nice little tweak for XP. Microsoft reserve 20% of your available bandwidth for their own purposes (suspect for updates and interrogating your machine etc..)

Here's how to get it back:

Click Start-->Run-->type "gpedit.msc" without the "

This opens the group policy editor. Then go to:

Local Computer Policy-->Computer Configuration-->Administrative Templates-->Network-->QOS Packet Scheduler-->Limit Reservable Bandwidth

Double click on Limit Reservable bandwidth. It will say it is not configured, but the truth is under the 'Explain' tab :

"By default, the Packet Scheduler limits the system to 20 percent of the bandwidth of a connection, but you can use this setting to override the default."

So the trick is to ENABLE reservable bandwidth, then set it to ZERO.

This will allow the system to reserve nothing, rather than the default 20%.
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Scans and verifies the versions of all protected system files after you restart your computer. Syntax

sfc [/scannow] [/scanonce] [/scanboot] [/revert] [/purgecache] [/cachesize=x]

Parameters

/scannow
Scans all protected system files immediately.
/scanonce
Scans all protected system files once.
/scanboot
Scans all protected system files every time the computer is restarted.
/revert
Returns the scan to its default operation.
/purgecache
Purges the Windows File Protection file cache and scans all protected system files immediately.
/cachesize=x
Sets the size, in MB, of the Windows File Protection file cache.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.

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Disable the SP antivirus and firewall functions - and keep XP from nagging about it:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center]
"AntiVirusDisableNotify"=dword:00000001
"FirewallDisableNotify"=dword:00000001
; don't monitor firewall and antivirus
"AntiVirusOverride"=dword:00000001
"FirewallOverride"=dword:00000001

;Disable antivirus and firewall check at boot time

SP2 enables Auto Updates by default. This is good for you, but some folks disagree, so here is how to turn it off:

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Although many organizations have deployed antivirus software, malicious software such as computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses continue to infect computer systems around the world. There is no single reason for this apparent contradiction, but the current situation indicates that the standard approach of deploying antivirus software on each computer in your environment may not be sufficient.

The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide provides an easy to understand overview of different types of malware, or malicious software, including information about the risks they pose, malware characteristics, means of replication, and payloads.

The guide details considerations for planning and implementing a comprehensive antivirus defense for your organization, and provides information on defense-in-depth planning and related tools that you can use to help reduce your risk of infection. The final chapter of the guide provides a comprehensive methodology to help you quickly and effectively respond to and recover from malware outbreaks or incidents.
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Guide Chapter Summary

The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide consists of four chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter presents a brief introduction to the guidance, an overview of each chapter, and the intended audience of the guide.
Chapter 2: Malware Threats

This chapter defines the primary types of malware and specifies what types of programs are included — and excluded — in this category. It also provides information about malware characteristics, attack vectors, means of propagation and payloads.
Chapter 3: Antivirus Defense-in-Depth

This chapter details considerations for establishing a comprehensive antivirus defense for your clients, servers, and network infrastructure. It also discusses user policies and general security measures that Microsoft recommends considering when forming your overall security plan.
Chapter 4: Outbreak Control and Recovery

This chapter provides a step-by-step approach to resolving and recovering from malware attacks, based on industry best practices and internal operations at Microsoft.
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Give Us Your Feedback

We would appreciate any feedback you might have on this guidance. In particular, we would be grateful for any feedback on the following topics:
• How useful was the information provided?
• Were the step-by-step procedures accurate?
• Were the chapters readable and interesting?
• Overall, how would you rate the guidance?

Send your feedback to secwish@microsoft.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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When using the start menu the you will notice a delay between different tiers of the menu hierarchy. For the fastest computer experience possible I recommend changing this value to zero. This will allow the different tiers to appear instantly.

Start Regedit. If you are unfamiliar with regedit please refer to our FAQ on how to get started.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Select MenuShowDelay from the list on the right.
Right on it and select Modify.
Change the value to 0


Reboot your computer.
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Windows 2k/XP

1. First, open the Windows Registry using Regedit, and (after backing up) navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\ServiceProvider
2. Note the following lines (all hex dwords):
Class = 008 ( biggrin.gif - indicates that TCP/IP is a name service provider, don't change
LocalPriority = 1f3 (499) - local names cache
HostsPriority = 1f4 (500) - the HOSTS file
DnsPriority = 7d0 (2000) - DNS
NetbtPriority = 7d1 (2001) - NetBT name-resolution, including WINS
3. What we're aiming to do is increase the priority of the last 4 settings, while keeping their order.

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Go to Start --> Run --> Regedt32

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Locate the key called "MenuShowDelay" and it is probably set to 400.

Change that value to 150.

Reboot your computer.

You should notice a slight increase in the speed of your menus
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