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Swap One Less Disk
If you're installing NT Server from a trio of floppy boot disks, copy your updated or third-party disk drivers to the third disk. This saves time and simplifies installation for sites that use the same configuration across multiple servers.
Smooth Migrations
Before upgrading from NT Server 3.51 to NT 4.0, remove or disable any non-Microsoft device drivers or services to minimise migration problems.
Make Room for Multiprocessors
When you add a second processor to your server, NT may not utilise it. The NT 4.0 Resource Kit includes a utility called UPTOMP.EXE that makes NT recognise additional processors.
Confront Peer Pressure
NT Server lets you prevent NT Workstation users from activating peer-to-peer networking. Start NT Server's User Rights Policy Editor in the User Manager for Domains Utility, check "Show advanced user rights" and select "Create permanent shared objects." Finally, remove any groups from the Grant To box and click on OK.
Leader of the Pack
For a sneak peek at Windows NT 5.0, download NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 3 from ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt/winnt-public/fixes/usa/nt40/. Itincludes full support for DirectX 3.0, ODBC 3.0, CryptoAPl 2.0, password filtering capabilities and bug fixes for NT 4.0.
Pick a Pentium
If you can't decide between Pentium Pro and Pentium II servers, consider Intel's take on the situation: the chip giant says the Pentium II is best for single- or dual-processor departmental NT servers, while the Pentium Pro is best suited for quad-processor systems and above.
Cut the FAT
If you're installing NT on a large hard drive, stick with NTFS. It runs more efficiently than the FAT file system on disk volumes above 400MB.
Peak Performance
In NT Server's Task Manager, double-click anywhere on the Performance screen to enlarge the CPU graph.
Doctor NT
When you installed NT Server 4.0, you were prompted to create Emergency Re-pair Disks. If you didn't do so, it's not too late. Go to Start/Run and type rdisk.
What a Bargain!
Before you buy an HTML editor, pop NT Server 4.0 into your CD-ROM drive and search for Microsoft FrontPage. That's right-it comes free with NT Server 4.0.
Exterminate the Mouse
If your servers reside in a rack-mounted system that lacks sufficient space for a mouse, navigate NT 4.0 with your key-board. Press Ctrl+Esc to open the Start menu; the arrow keys let you navigate the various menus, and the Esc key closes the Start menu.
Close Sesame
Strengthen NT's security by enforcing strict password policies. From the User Manager for Domains application, select Policies/Account. In the resulting dialog box, you can set age limits for passwords and deactivate accounts after a specified number of failed log-in attempts, among other options.
Memory Tune-Up
If your apps are approaching NT Server's 2GB RAM limit, consider upgrading to NT Server 4.0, Enterprise Edition. It can re-serve 3GB of RAM for applications.
Take the Right Router
Instead of buying expensive router hard-ware, consider using Microsoft's new Routing and Remote Access Service for NT. It requires NT Server 4.0 with Service Pack 3 and is available free at Microsoft's Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/info/Routing%26RASdown.htm.
Update Your Index
NT Server 4.0 ships with Index Server 1.0. You can download version 1.1 from http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/info/indexsamples.htm.
Insufficient Inoculation
Many antivirus utilities work only with FAT. If you're using NTFS, make sure your anti-virus solution is compatible with it.
Help for Tweakaholics
If you're constantly tweaking NT Server create a new directory on your hard drive called NT updates. Next, copy the CAB files from the NT CD-ROM to your new directory. This will let you fetch drivers and utilities from your hard drive rather than from the NT CD-ROM.
Screen-Saver Security
To activate a password-protected screen saver, right-click on NT Server's Desktop, select Properties, click on the Screen Saver tab and select a screen saver. Next, check Password Protected and click on Change to enter a password.
A View from Afar
You can keep tabs on NT Server 4.0 and Internet Information Server via your browser while you're on the road. Simply point your browser to http://domainname/iisad-min (where domainname is your server's domain name), and you'll be prompted for your administrator name and password. From there you'll see an HTML-based con-figuration manager that follows many of the same prompts as the IIS configuration program. Note: You must install this feature when you first install IIS.
Work Hand in Hand
Manage NT Server from Windows 95 using various tools on the NT Server CD-ROM. Install the tools by opening the Control Panel and selecting Add/Remove Pro-grams. Select the Windows Setup tab and click on Have Disk. Insert the NT 4.0 Server disk and type the drive letter, then \Clients\SrvTools\Win95.
A Backup Plan
If you change, create, add or restrict any user permissions, then update NT's Repair Disk utility, a valuable commodity for restoring a downed server. To create or up-date the disk, type RDISK from the Start/Run command line.
Remote Control
Manage a remote server from any NT sys-tem by launching Server Manager from the Administrative Tools group.
Expansion Planning
Many administrators create multiple partitions on NT servers to separate NT from application files. But plan ahead: your NT partition must have enough room for future NT service packs, which can consume more than 80MB of disk space.
Red Alert!
Automate alerts by launching Alerter in Control Panel/Service and setting it to Automatic. Next, launch the Server Manager from the Administrative Tools group. Select the server you wish to send alerts to, and Computer/Properties from the title bar. Click on the Alerts button and type the user name or computer name in the "New computer or username" box, then choose Add.
Don't Default on Security
Many hackers or "curious" users target administrator or default service accounts on NT. To compensate, either rename these accounts or create another log-on account for these services.
Are You Error-Prone?
Check NT's event logs daily to en-sure that backups, automated de-fragmentation or any other application is running error-free. If NT records an error to the event log, get more descriptive information about it by typing NET HELPMSG messaged (where messaged is a message number variable) at the Windows NT command prompt.
Will It Work?
To find out whether your hardware or software is NT-compatible, visit Microsoft's Knowledge Base at http://www.microsoft.com/KB/ARTICLES/Q163/0/03.HTM.
EISA or PCI?
As a general rule, EISA is fine for 1OMb-per-second connections. Choose PCI for 100Mbps connections or servers with multiple RAID drives.
This Is a RAID
A server using RAID requires at least four hard drives for optimal performance. Configuring your RAID system with write-through caching will increase performance, but could cause problems if your server crashes and data haven't been written to the disks yet.
A Bad IDE (A)
Even though NT Server allows IDE disk drives into a RAID configuration, IDE will not perform as well as SCSI disk drives.
Ask for directions
If you experlence problems with NT Server's Directory Replicator Service, make sure that it is a member of the Backup Operators group. Also, ensure that your service starts without any errors on the Import and Export server. If it doesn't start, check the password to the service account and make sure that replication service requires exclusive use of files and directories.
Proper Protocol
Clients connecting to NT Server 4.0 using Novell's IPX protocol may experlence difficulty if you've just installed NT Service Pack 3. To repair this problem, run Regedt32 from the Start/Run command line. Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters and add the following data: Value Name: MinClient-BufferSize Data Type: Reg_Dword Data: 500 Radix: Decimal
At Your Service
Upgrade your NT Servers regularly with Microsoft's Service Packs and Hot Fixes. They are available at http://www.microsoft.com/NTServerSupport/.
Resolve Hardware Conflicts
The Windows NT Diagnostic tool helps resolve IRQ address conflicts between hardware devices. Simply launch the tool and interrogate the server. Next, use the Resources tab to see if another device is using the same IRQ.
Communication Breakdown
On IP networks, various NT command-line tools can help resolve communication problems between servers. For instance, the command Ipconfig will give the IP address and gateway address of the server. Or use the NETView command to check high-level connectivity between servers or workstations.
Not Fit to Print
Incorrect settings in your Print Manager cause most printing problems. If the settings are correct, visit the Web and download the latest printer drivers from the appropriate hardware manufacturer's Web site. If you have the latest driver and still experlence problems, delete and reinstall the printer driver, or move the printer to a different parallel port or COM port.
An NT Bloodhound
NT Server includes a network protocol snifter called Network Monitor. Install it by clicking on Control Panel/Network. Then select the Services tab and click Add. Scroll down to Network Monitor.
A Tunnel to Nowhere
If you experlence problems with Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), make sure TCP/IP and NT's Remote Access Service (RAS) are installed and configured properly.
Valuable Resources
The NT 4.0 Resource Kit includes numerous troubleshooting tools, including Do- main Monitor and Process Viewer. The former keeps an eye on trust relationships; the tatter tells you which processes are running and allows you to kill any processes that may be causing problems.
Just Scrolling Along
Adjust the size of NT Server 4.0's scroll bar by right-clicking on the 'Desktop and selecting Properties. When the dialog box opens, click the Appearance tab. Click the arrow at the right of the item list box to expand the list. Choose Scrollbar from the list, then use the Size spin box to set the scrollbar width. After you set your new size, click OK to close the dialog box and record your changes.
Back to the Future
You can still use NT 3.x's Program Manager interface under NT 4.0. To do so, open My Computer and double-click on the drive that contains NT. Go to the WINNT\ System 3 2 subdirectory and find PROGMAN.EXE. Right-click and hold the mouse button down to drag it to the Desktop. Release the mouse button and choose Create Shortcut(s) Here. Now double-click on the shortcut to use the 3.51 Program Manager.
Hardware Hassles
Since NT lacks native Plug-and-Play support, hardware upgrades must be installed manually or via setup software provided by the manufacturer. To save time, identify your new hardware's IRQ and I/O base addresses prior to installation.
Divided Memory
The Start/Run command line has a check box for running 16-bit applications in a separate memory space. If you use this option often, create shortcuts to your protected applications and place them on your Desktop. First, find the application in question using NT Explorer. Next, right-click on the application and hold down the mouse button. Now, drag the app to your desktop and select Create Shortcut. Finally, right-click on the shortcut and select Properties to find the "Run in separate memory space" option.
Lost and Found
If you've Just searched for a file using the Find utility, you can use the settings from that search again at a later date. To do so, choose File from the title bar and select Save Search. That will create an icon on your Desktop. When you double-click the icon, the utility will launch with your preconfigured search parameters.
Different Strokes
Windows NT 4.0 supports multiple keyboard layouts. You can set these from the Input Locales tab found in Control Panel/ Regional Settings.
Make a Local FTP Drive
Some FTP sites that use NetBT connection protocols can be made into a logical drive on your local machine. Most machines that use IIS for FTP services can do this.
1. In Control Panel/Network/ Protocols, double-click on TCP/IP Protocol. Open the WINS Address tab and select Enable LMHOSTS Lookup.
2. In the %systemroot°/oSYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC directory, create (or edit) a file called LMHOSTS and add the string w.x.y.z ftp #PRE, where w.x.y.z is the IP address of the ftp server you're mounting as a logical drive. Do not use a domain name.
3. From the command prompt, type nbtstat -R. You should get the message, "Successful purge and preload of the NBT Remote Cache Name Table."
4. Type the command nbtstat -c. you should see a table listing the name and the host address of the FTP site, plus anything else you've entered into the LMHOSTS file.
5. Type the command net use X: \\ftp\ to connect the ftp site to your local X: drive. Perform this command last; it can be placed in a batch file that executes ail of these changes after you've already connected to your ISP.
If you want to connect more drives to subdirectories of the FTP directory, enter the command net use drive letter: \\ftp\subdirectory, where drive letter is the letter to use and subdirectory is the target FTP subdirectory. Experlment with this technique to see if your ISP's FTP services support it.
Avoid Lockups
One way to work around a Windows NT Explorer crash is to have each Explorer window run as a separate process. To do this, run the Registry Editor and look in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER subtree for the sub-key Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Create a new DWORD value called Desktop Process and set its data field to 1. Quit the Editor, log off and log back on again. Now you can still get access to the taskbar and Desktop whenever a particular window freezes up.
A Booster Shot
By default NT configures foreground applications to have the highest priority. However, you can adjust the priority of foreground and background applications by clicking on Control Panel/System/Performance and making the necessary slide-bar changes.
Memory Manager
For smaller networks, consider boosting performance by changing your buffer settings. In the Control Panel/Network/ Services tab, select Server from the list and click on the Properties button. Choose Minimised Memory Used for smaller networks (up to 10 users) and Balance for larger networks (up to 64 users).
Room to Grow
Short of adding more RAM, creating more Virtual Disk space will improve Windows NT's performance and enhance your multitasking experlence. Adjust your Virtual Disk space by clicking on Control Panel/System/Performance/Change.
IIS Adjustment
Make the most of Internet Information Server with the following performance tweak: in the Registry, go to HKEY_Locat_ Machine\ System \CurrentControlSet\ Services\lnetlnfo\Parameters. Edit or create the key (if it doesn't exist) MemoryCacheSize. The default value (if the key already exists) is 3MB/ but a better setting is 10 percent of your total server memory. So, if you have 64MB, set it for 6MB or 7MB.
Command Line User Administration
The CACLS.EXE utility lets you quickly modify Access Control Lists (ACLs). It's also a great means for identifying who has rights \p a particular directory. For example, from the Start/Run command line simply type CACLS C:\TEMP to find out who has access to C:\Temp.
The Profiler
SYSDIFF.EXE is an NT 4.0 utility that will profile an NT 4.0 server and install application for NT. It's located on the NT 4.0 CD-ROM in the \Support\Hqtool directory.
Locate Server Components
NT's Hardware Query Tool lets you interrogate your hardware. To run the tool/ put a blank floppy disk in drive A:, double-click the Makedisk icon in the \Support\ Hqtool folder of the NT CD-ROM, then boot your computer with the disk and begin the program.
Cooperative Client
The Network Client Administrator tool allows you to create floppy disks for installing network client software. You'll find the tool in NT's Network Administrator group.
Closing the Gateway Gateway
Services for NetWare (GSNW) provides translation between NetWare's NCP and Microsoft's SMP communications. Never stop GSNW from Control Panel/Services because this task may stop additional services. Instead, disable this service from the GSNW utility in Control Panel.
Get Your Fair Share
You cannot modify shares created under CSNW. To make changes, delete the share and create a new share with your desired modifications.
Printing EveryWare
To share a NetWare print queue among NT clients, install GSNW. Then, from the server that has GSNW/ open Control Panel and double-click on the Printer icon. Use the Add Printer Wizard to create a network print server, and then click on the Next button. Select the NetWare print server from the "NetWare or compatible list." Click on OK to continue and then select the appropriate drive for that printer.
Adios, NetWare
If you're migrating from NetWare 3.x to NT Server 4.0, use File and Print Services for NetWare (FPNW). It comes with NT 4.0 and lets you swap out your back-end servers without changing your clients' networking code.
Don't Delay
Launch NT faster by adjusting the boot delay to 5 seconds or less. To make the change, open Control Panel/System and select the Startup/Shutdown tab. In the Show List For control, change the setting to the desired boot delay value. To bypass the boot menu altogether, set the delay value to 0.
Secure Your Disks
After making an Emergency Repair Disk, be sure to properly secure the disk in a desk drawer or file cabinet because the disk contains security information about your NT system.
Quick Setup
Need to reinstall Windows NT? On the command line, type WINNT32 /U and Setup will run using the previous installation's settings, requiring no user intervention.
Make a Pit Stop
Tune up your NT system with the latest bug fixes and security patches. You'll find them on Microsoft's FTP site (ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt).
Patch It Up
If you're wondering in which order to install Service Pack 3 and the various hot fixes that have come since then, here's a quick thumbnail guide:
Just the Fax
Send and receive faxes from your NT Desktop using Personal Fax for Windows (available at http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/faxdownload.htm). Once installed, launch the Fax Send Utility (click on Start/Programs/Fax).
Defrag Your Disk
It's inevitable: sooner or later, NT Server's disk becomes fragmented. NT 5.0 will include a basic defrag utility, but in the meantime, speed performance by using Executive Software's Diskeeper or Symantec SpeedDisk.
Plug and Play
NT 4.0 doesn't support Plug and Play, but a special software driver lets you detect and install selected PnP devices on NT. On your NT 4.0 CD, right-click on the PN-P1SA.1NF file in the DRVL1B\PNPISA folder. Click on the resulting Install menu and restart your computer.
Win 16 Protection
To run a Win16 app in its own address space, start Windows NT Explorer, find the program you wish to run and create a Windows NT 4.0 shortcut to that program on your Desktop. Right-click on the program shortcut and select Properties. On the Shortcut tab, activate the check box labeled "Run in separate memory space" and click on OK.
Reconcilable Differences
Because NT and Windows 95 have several architectural differences, some Win95 hardware and software doesn't work with NT. For a complete list of NT-compatible products, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/thirdparty/winlogo/default.htm.
Manual Labour
Microsoft won't offer an automated upgrade path from Windows 95 to NT until NT 5.0 ships. Until then, follow this procedure: first, make sure NT supports ail your Win95 devices and applications. Next, install NT in a separate directory and reinstall of all your apps to the new directory. Finally, delete Win95.
Space Saver
NTFS lets you compress and decompress individual files. Launch Windows NT Explorer, and right-click on any file or folder. Next, select Properties and choose Compress. You can also compress folders this way. You must enable compression on the partition you're compressing. To do this, launch the Disk Administrator, right-click on the applicable NTFS partition and select Properties. Check Compress in the next box.
Multiple Personalities
You can customise your NT laptop to support different hardware profiles (video resolution, network cards and so on), but only when docked. Simply create new hardware profiles by right-clicking on the My Computer icon, selecting Properties and clicking on the Hardware Profiles button.
Finally, Toys For NT!
At last, selected portions of PowerToys, the popular family of utilities for Win95, are now available for NT. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/info/powertoys.htm and select NT-compatible PowerToys for download.
Piece It Together
Many disk defragmenters won't work properly if the administrator doesn't have the proper permissions to modify all objects on a given drive or partition.
Easy Searches
To find a misplaced file, click anywhere on the NT 4.0 Desktop and press F3.
A Quick Exit
To shut down a program listed on NT's taskbar, right-click on its button and choose Close. You may be prompted to terminate the program prematurely if it doesn't shut down in an orderly fashion.
Get Active Today
If you want to enjoy NT 5.0's Active Desktop features today, install Internet Explorer 4.0 for NT 4.0. It combines the Internet with NT's user interface.
Cover Your Tracks
Worried about probing eyes? If so, then erase the Start menu's Documents list. To do that, right-click on an empty portion of the taskbar, select Properties, click on the Start Menu Programs tab, select Clear and finally click on OK.
Rebuild Icons
To rebuild all your Desktop icons in a few seconds, find the ShelllconCache file in your main Windows NT directory, then delete it. Log off and log back on again, and your icons should be rebuilt from scratch. The ShelllconCache file holds copies of all the Desktop object's icons for speedy redraws and can occasionally get corrupted.
Share Across The Web
If you have Microsoft Internet Information Server 2.0 or greater installed, the Properties sheet for all folders will contain a WWW tab that lets you share a specific folder across the Web. Keep in mind that unless you have directory browsing enabled in US, folders that don't have HTML files or a properly named index file will report they have nothing in them.
Swap Your Swap File Settings
The best place for a swap file is at the front of a hard drive, on an NTFS partition. If you're only using Windows NT on a given machine, create a small partition at the front of the hard drive to hold the boot and swap files. Many partition-editing programs, such as PartitionMagic, will let you create and rearrange partitions to suit your needs. However, you may need to edit your NT BOOT.INI file to reflect where your system files are after making such partition changes. The partition(x) portion of every line in the BOOT.INI file indicates which partition of the indicated hard disk contains the needed files; if you change your NT partition from the first partition on the hard disk to the second, you'd change partition(l) to partition(2).
Enable Proxy Agent
NT 3.5x had a check box under TCP/IP settings that let you enable the WINS Proxy Agent so a non-WINS enabled client could use WINS for NetBios name resolution. That check box isn't available in NT 4.0, but you can enable the Proxy Agent by editing the Registry. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/ CurrentControlSet/Services/Netbt/ Parameters and change the value for EnableProxy to 0x1.
What's On the Menu?
If you have Windows NT and Win95 installed on your computer the Windows 95 selection on the boot menu might read Microsoft Windows instead of Windows 95. If this disturbs or confuses you, change it. Find the Boot.ini file on your root directory and remove its read-only attributes by typing attrib c:\boot.ini-r-s at the command prompt. Then go into a text editor, open Boot.ini and change the "Microsoft Windows" line to "Microsoft Windows 95" or whatever you want to call it. just make sure to put the new menu entry in quotes. Then save the file, go to the Command Prompt and type attrib c:\boot.ini +r +s.
A Few Pointers
Custom mouse pointers can give NT 4.0 a friendlier look. Double-click on the Mouse icon in Control Panel and select the Pointers tab. Pick from the list of available Schemes. If the list is empty, run Add/Remove Programs from Control Panel, select the Windows NT Setup tab, double-click Accessories and make sure the Mouse Pointers item is checked. The NT Resource Kit also includes tools for custom designing mouse pointers, including animated ones.
Share SCSI on a Budget
Here's a sneaky way to share a single SCSI device between two NT machines. Connect the device to the primary PC and then boot the system. After the boot finishes, turn off the SCSI device, unplug it and then plug it into the secondary PC and boot that system. Whenever you need the SCSI device on either PC, shut it off, switch it over to the system you want and turn it back on. Note that this isn't advisable for a device that forms the middle of a SCSI chain, and any removable-media drives using this trick should be properly ejected first.
RAS Nasties
If you're failing to establish any type of communication while using Remote Access Service (RAS) to connect to the Internet, there may be a conflict in NT networking caused by the presence of both a network card and a loopback adapter driver. To correct this, open Control Panel/Network/Adapters from the Start menu. If you see a network card and the loopback adapter, remove the loopback adapter and reboot your system.
Refreshing New Look
If your NT video driver doesn't support the Refresh Frequency drop-down list in the Display Properties/Settings window, you can still change the refresh rate through the Registry. In KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM \CurrentControlSet\ Ha rdwareProfiles\Current\System\CurrentControlSet\Services look for the device name of your video driver (an S3 brand video system, for instance, would have the subkey S3). Expand that key, and in the DeviceO subkey, add the string DefaultSettings.Vre-fresh. For the value, use the default refresh rating you want to set, such as 60 for 60Hz. Be sure to use a value that your monitor can support at the given resolution.
Stretch that DOS Box
You can increase your MS-DOS window size with the MODE command-line utility. From an MS-DOS prompt, enter mode con lines=x to increase the vertical size of the window, where x is the number of lines to display (25, 43 or 50). To increase the horizontal size of the window, specify mode con cols=x, where x is the number of columns to display (40 or 80).
Don't Get GIDdy
Do you have a bunch of GID files chewing up your disk space? If so, you can delete them; they're simply index files that the Help engine creates and recreates whenever you access the Find feature.
Control Panel Patch
If you upgrade to Service Pack 3 and find that the Control Panel/Devices icon has disappeared or you receive an error, try replacing the CFGMGR32.DLL and SETUPAPI.DLL files from the original NT installation CD.
Directions to Your Desktop
To make an Explorer folder that shows all the icons on your Desktop, create a new shortcut named Desktop and enter c:\win-nt\explorer.exe /root, on the command line (don't forget the comma). Use c:\win-nt\explorer.exe/e,/root/ for a two-pane view. Place the resulting shortcut on your Start menu, and you'll have easy access to your Desktop files and applications.
Keep CHKDSK in Check
Prevent CHKDSK from running at boot time by editing the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Controt\Session Manager key in the Registry and changing your current BootExecute's value to autocheck autochk *. If CHKDSK is scheduled for multiple volumes, there will be an autocheck entry for each volume. You can also use Service Pack 2's new CHKNTFS command-line utility to prevent CHKDSK from running during reboots if the dirty bit is set.
Permission to Copy
If you want to copy a block of files from one place to another and keep their original permissions intact, use the SCOPY command, which is available in the NT Resource Kit. This command-line utility is ideal for making backup copies of sensitive folders when you don't have easy access to a tape drive.
Surgery on System Services
You can manually delete a system service, or delete an entry to a service that no longer exists, by opening the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services key in the Registry and looking for the service you want to delete. Before you delete it, open the key and check the actual name of the service to make sure you're deleting the right one.
Faster NTFS Folders
If you've got a large number of directories on an NTFS partition, you can speed up Explorer by hacking the Registry. Launch REGEDIT and drill down to HKEY_LO-CAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM \CurrentCon-trolSet\Control\ FileSystem and add a new Dword value: NtfsDisableLastAccessUp-date. Set the value of that subkey to 1. This keeps Explorer from updating the time a file was last accessed. Note: Don't use this trick if you need to consistently audit or keep track of when files were last accessed.
Save Your Searches
Searches done through NT's Find utility (invoked from the Start button and Explorer) can be saved and reused later. The next time you conduct a search, click on Save Search in the File menu to create a Desktop icon. Double-clicking on the icon runs the same search again whenever you need it.
Prioritise Your Tasks
One of the most powerful NT features is the ability to run programs
at different levels of priority. If you're always starting a program and later
modifying its priority through the Task Manager, you can preset the priority
by using the command-line START command in a batch file. Use START /LOW
Ready for Rollout
If you need to deploy NT on several desktops, make your life easier by grabbing the Windows NT Setup Manager from the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit. This time-saving tool will help you perform unattended NT installations.
NumLock On-And Leave It On
By default, every time you log on to Windows NT, it sets the NumLock key to off. You can change this by editing the Registry. Open REGED1T and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Keyboard and in the right-hand pane, double-click on the InitialKeyboardIndicators string and change its value from 0 to 2. The next time you tog on to your system, NT will note your preference and automatically turn on the NumLock key.
Partition Shuffle
A spate of new utilities, including Quarterdeck's Partition-It or PowerQuest's PartitionMagic, lets you do nifty things with disk partitions that NT's Disk Administrator can't. These programs let you safely move and resize NTFS and FAT partitions. But be warned that reordering an NT system partition can render NT unbootable. If you've changed the order of your NT system partition, check the BOOT.INI file in the root directory of your system and look at the following line:
default=multi(O)disk (O)rdisk(O)partition (x)\WINNT
X is the number of the NT boot partition. If you've moved things around to make it the third partition on the disk, for instance, then x should be 3.
Fix Batch File Overflow
Sometimes a DOS application will come with a BAT file that runs the app recursively, meaning it calls itself over and over again, and causes a stack overflow error. The same thing can also happen if you run a whole slew of DOS applications from a batch file. If this happens, try renaming the *.BAT file to *.CMD and make sure it's run from the NT console CMD.EXE program instead of from COMMAND.COM. Also make sure that DOSONLY isn't specified in the CONFIG.NT configuration file, and that NTCMDPROMPT is specified. That should cause the DOS subsystem to exit and reload between each and every execution of the EXE you run, and clear the stacks problem.
Four Reasons For Tears
If you've been trying to get a 16-bit Windows application to run under NT and get nothing but crashes, check the following:
NT 4.0 Plus Pack?
If you're a Win95-NT 4.0 dual-booter, you can use Plus Pack desktop themes with NT. Copy THEMES.CPL and THEMES.EXE from your Win95 SYSTEM folder to your NT SYS-TEM32 folder. The next time you start NT, you'll find a Desktop Themes icon in Control Panel.
Get a Settings Report
A printout of your system configurations can save the day when you have a problem. To print the system configuration summary, go into Windows NT Diagnostics and select the print button on any tab. Under Scope, click on the All tabs radio button, select the detail level (summary or complete) and make Default Printer your destination. Click on OK to print the report.
How to re-install NT with the previous installation's?
When re-installing NT on a system, you can run Setup with the previous installation's settings by typing WINNT32 /U. You won't be prompted for any more information.
Relocate the Log
If you've got your swap file located on a different drive or partition than your main directory, you can get an additional performance boost by moving NT's log files to the swap file's drive or partition. Run the Registry Editor (regedit) and change the following keys:
Edit the "File" STRING value in each key to reflect where you want to put the new logs. Reboot for the changes to take effect.
A Booster Shot
By default, NT gives foreground applications the highest priority. However, you can adjust the priority of foreground and background applications by clicking on Control Panel/System/Performance and making the necessary slide-bar changes.
Room to Grow
Short of adding more RAM, creating more virtual Disk space is the easiest way to improve NT's performance. You can adjust your Virtual Disk space simply by clicking on Control Panel/System/Performance/ Change.
Different Strokes
NT 4.0 supports multiple keyboard layouts. You can set these from the Input Locales tab found in Control Panel/Regional Settings.
Print at Your Own RISC
If you have a RISC-based NT server, you can take advantage of multiplatform network printing, which lets NT clients print over the network without loading the required printer drivers locally. To add the Intel and RISC-based printer drivers, log on to one of the Intel workstations as Administrator. Start Print Manager, select Printer/Server Viewer, select the RISC-based server on which you want to install the Intel drivers and select Print/Properties. From the Printer Properties dialog, select Other in the Driver field. In the Install Driver dialog box, enter the path of the Intel printer drivers' location (either a CD-ROM drive or a network repository where you've stored the NT system files), then click on OK and select the appropriate printer.
Divided Memory
The Start/Run command line has a check box for running 16-bit applications in a separate memory space. If you use this option often, create shortcuts to your protected applications and place them on your Desktop. First, find the application in question using NT Explorer. Next, right-click on the application and hold down the mouse button; drag the app to the Desktop and select Create Shortcut. Finally, right-click on the shortcut and select Properties to find the "Run in separate memory space" option.
Go Bananas
Like some previous versions of Windows and MS-DOS, Windows NT includes a QBASIC game called Gorilla. To play it, select Run, then type qba s i c and press Enter. After the program loads, press Escape. Now select File/Open, Clear the command line and type drive:\winnt\system32\gorilia.bas where drive is your hard drive. Hit Shift+F5 and enjoy.
Win Key Clues
If you have a keyboard with a Windows function key, press Win+M to minimise all active windows; Win+Shift+M undoes the minimise. You can also use Win+Break to launch the System Properties panel.
Perls of NT Wisdom
When you run Perl scripts in Windows NT, you're required to call the script like this:
/[directory]/perl.exe?[script-name] .pl.
Both the script and the Perl executable (usually PERL.EXE) must be in the same directory. But you shouldn't run Perl this way, because you'll be vulnerable to security problems by letting users execute Perl commands from their browsers. Create a batch file that runs Perl, using a command like this:
c:perl.exe c:/pathname/script-name. pl .
Did PIF Editor Go 'Poof'
If you've upgraded to NT 4.0, you might be wondering where your PIF Editor went: It's now in the program's property sheet. Right-click on the application's icon in Windows Explorer and select Properties from the Context menu. You'll find a dialog with Program, Memory and Misc. tabs that let you set everything as you would with the old P1F Editor. If you want more than one set of properties for an application, create a shortcut. It will inherit the properties of the original icon by default, but you can separately edit the shortcut's properties.
Make Win95 Boot First
If you have Windows NT and Windows 95 in a dual-boot setup, NT will want to be the operating system that boots, so it comes up first on the list of OSes from which you can choose. To change the default OS to Windows 95, boot up NT and select Control Panel/System. Go to the Startup/Shutdown tab. From there, you can select the default startup operating system from a drop-down box.
Pining for Program Manager?
If you miss Program Manager and File Manager in NT 4.0, here's a way to make your Desktop look and feel more like earlier versions: Right-click on the Start button and select Explore from the resulting Context menu. An Explorer window will open, with the Programs folder in the right-hand pane. Right-click on the window and select Create Shortcut from the resulting menu. There will now be a Shortcut to Programs folder in the right-hand pane of Explorer. Click on it, drag it to the Desktop, rename it "Program Manager" and double-click to open it. By default, it will open in large icon view, and the folders within it will correspond exactly to NT 3.x Program Manager groups. One of the icons will be Windows NT Explorer. Right-click on it, create a shortcut, drag the shortcut to the Desktop and rename it "File Manager." It will open in the dual-pane Explorer view and default to the root of your system disk. Now move the standard NT icons out of the way and set the Taskbar to Auto Hide.
Old Drivers Hit Dead End
Microsoft drastically changed the video architecture in NT 4.0, which means NT 3.x video drivers aren't compatible with 4.0. You'll have no problems if you use one of the standard video drivers from the NT 4.0 installation CD; you'll get a new driver automatically when you upgrade. However, if you use a third-party video, SCSI or printer driver, you'll have to check with your vendor for NT 4.0 driver compatibility.
Teamwork
You can share documents with workgroup members by placing a shortcut on your Desktop to their Desktop folders. In NT/ you'll find the Desktop folder at \pro-files\UserName\Desktop.
Take Command Of NT Help
You can type help from a command line to display a list of commands and type command/? to get specific command help, but NT also has a command help file. The file SYSTEM32\NTCMDS.HLP provides a handy reference in a help window. You can create a shortcut and place it on your Desktop or Start menu.
Designated Driver
Adding and deleting drives from an NT system can mix up your drive letters. To change the current letter of a CD-ROM drive, open the Disk Administrator (WINDISK.EXE) and right-click on the drive you want to change. Next, choose Assign Drive Letter and make the appropriate changes.
All Ports Open
To run more than one instance of many server programs, assign different port numbers to each instance of the server. For Netscape servers, install all the servers in the same directory.
8.3 Isn't Enough
If you aren't using any 16-bit applications, you can turn off automatic short (8.3) filename generation and speed up file and folder access on most NT systems. Do this by using one of the Registry editors to select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM\ currentControISet \Control \FileSystem. Next, open the NtfsDisable8dot3 Name-Creation key and change its value from 0 to 1. You'll have to restart Windows NT to complete the change. Note that existing short filenames will still be present, but ail newly created files will be invisible to older 16-bit programs.
Dare to Dual Boot
If you've already installed NT and also want to install Win95 or Win98-and you want the two to remain separated-bear in mind that NT can see up to four primary partitions per drive, and Win95/98 can't. To take advantage of this, use NT to create a new FAT partition and Win95 or Win98 to create a bootable floppy disk (for safety's sake). Copy the Win95/98 install files to the new partition. Boot the floppy disk, log on to the new FAT partition and install Win95/98. This will automatically mark the FAT partition as "startabie." When you want to change back to NT, run FDISK and mark the original partition as "startabie." When you want to change from NT to Win95/98 again, use Disk Administrator to mark the FAT partition as "startabie."
Note: This technique will allow only one alternately bootable FAT partition per system.
Sweet Sounds
Using a Sound Blaster card with Plug-and-Play support under Windows NT requires a special driver that disables PnP and manually sets the card's configuration. Download the latest Sound Blaster driver from http://www.creaf.com.
Keep Zipping Along
If you remove an Iomega Zip drive (even temporarily) from your PC, you will receive an error message at startup. To avoid this message, open Control Panel/Devices and select the PPA3NT driver. This driver is normally set to Boot under the Startup option. Change this setting to Disabled while the Zip drive is disconnected.
The A-List
Most-but not all-new PC hardware supports NT. In fact, NT even runs on most laptops. To determine whether your system and peripherals can run NT, review Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) at http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/hwtest/hsearchn4.idc.
Big Memory ... Big Problems?
If you've installed NT 4.0 on a PC with more than 1.7GB of RAM, the operating system may not generate a MEMORY.DMP file if the system crashes, making it difficult to debug errors. Post-Service Pack 3 users can get a hot-fix for this at ftp://ftp.www.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt/winntpublic/fixes/usa/NT40/hotfixes-postSP3/2gcrash.
Go for an EIDE Drive
You might have trouble getting NT 4.0 to recognise a second EIDE driver. NT 4.0 Setup sometimes mistakes an EIDE controller for a generic ATAPI controller and automatically loads the ATAPI.SYS driver. The ATAPI.SYS driver doesn't know how to deal with the second drive. To correct the problem, disable ATAPI.SYS (using Control Panel/Devices) and load the appropriate EIDE driver.
Windows NT Diagnostics
Track down system conflicts or find unused I/O interrupts in a hurry by using the Windows NT Diagnostics program. Click on Run and type WINMSD on the command line. Under the Resources tab, all system peripheral devices are sorted using various parameters, such as IRQ channel, I/O port or DMA channel. Click on an option to view your detected system devices. If you double-click on a device you'll be presented with the individual properties as currently defined.
Hardware Hassles
Since NT lacks native Plug-and-Play support, hardware upgrades must be installed manually or via setup software provided by the manufacturer. To save time, determine your new hardware's IRQ and I/O base addresses prior to installation.
Resolving Hardware Conflicts
The Windows NT Diagnostic tool helps resolve IRQ address conflicts between hardware devices. Simply launch the tool and interrogate the server. Next, use the Resources tab to see if another device is using the same IRQ.
Keep Zipping Along
If you remove a Zip drive (even temporarily) from your PC, you will receive an error message at start-up. To avoid this message, open Control Panel/Devices and select the PPA3NT driver. This driver is normally set to Boot under the StartUp option. Change this setting to Disabled while the Zip drive is disconnected.
Playing with Adapter Cards
Most Network Interface Cards (NICs) support Plug and Play these days. Unfortunately Windows NT 4.0 doesn't. That's why most NICs include software that disables PnP an enables manual I/O address assignments. To set up a NIC, dig out your old DOS setup disk and boot to DOS (if you don't have a DOS partition) in order to reconfigure your NIC as required.
Keep Your Cool
If you experience random NT lock-ups and rebooting, check for an overheated CPU. If that's the problem, consider buying a bali-bearing-equipped CPU fan for your system.
EIDE and SCSI May Not Mix
Keeping virtual files and cache on a SCSI drive improves the performance of disk operations by at least four times over EIDE drives. SCSI drives must always be at SCSI address 0 to permit them to boot, but they still might not be able to boot to the NT kernel if your NT server has a mixture of EIDE and SCSI drives. SCSI boards may require that they're the only drive in the system to allow the SCSI drive to boot as drive C:, a holdover from older BIOS days. If this is the case and you want to use the SCSI drive, you'll have to disable the EIDE drive.
Use Safe Drivers
New drivers that make SCSI drives go faster are constantly appearing. A SCSI interface's vendor is always the best source for SCSI drivers, but be careful before applying the drivers. SCSI drivers might not be interchangeable. It's possible to inadvertently destroy disk data. Check with the SCSI interface maker before applying any drivers.
