Windows is not perfect! We all know it but we love it, don’t we?! Being a user friendly OS, we cannot migrate to another operating system, because it’s like changing from driving on the right to driving on the left side of the road. That would be odd and unpleasant.

Though I mentioned user friendly above…well there are some inconveniences in Windows XP that do not permit users to configure their “buddy” the way they want. Here are some unpleasant situations for the common user along with their solutions.

Remove Recycle Bin Icon from Desktop

Are you a “shift-deleter”? Well I am. Most of my deleted files are not going to Recycle Bin because I use shift+delete operation to permanently delete them. In this case, the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop is kind of obsolete. If you ever tried to delete it you may have noticed that you can do it using the universal method. It has no delete option when right clicking it. So what do we do? There is a method: editing the registry:

Go to Start -> run -> type Regedit. In the Registry Editor window search the fallow the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace. Once you have found the Recycle Bin string, just delete it and you are done; the trash icon is no more on your desktop.

Renaming the Recycle Bin

If we talked about removing the Recycle Bin from the desktop let’s see how to rename this fellow. Normally, there is no option available for the user to do this operation although many of you want to name it according to your desires. To do it we need to edit the registry the same way we performed in the precedent operation mentioned above.

So, go to Start->run-> type Regedit and look for this path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}. There you can find the Recycle Bin. Just delete the name between the quotes and enter the desired name.

How to enable Hibernation Button

The hibernation button (common in the previous Windows versions), was available in the Shut Down menu. Because now, in Windows XP it’s not generally available (motherboard issues), you might miss it a lot. That’s why here is the simplest method to activate the Hibernation button:

Go to Start -> Turn Off Computer -> hold the Shift key and the Stand By button will morph into Hibernate button. To enter hibernate mode keep the shift key pressed and click the new button. All the content of the RAM will be saved on disk and you can continue your work after you power on the computer from the same point.

Fast Access Volume Control Shortcut

Ever wanted to adjust the volume but, because Windows hides unused tray icons, you found it difficult to perform? Placing the volume icon on the desktop offers fast access to your sounds settings.

Right click on your desktop and choose New -> Shortcut and in the provided field type sndvol32.exe. Name it and click ok. The volume control icon will appear.

Train “My Computer” to open in Explorer Mode

Did you know that My Computer can start in the explorer mode? If not here are the steps that must be proceeded to teach “My Computer” start in the explorer mode.

Open My Computer and go to Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types. Here go to (NONE) Folders and select it. After you have selected it click Advanced. In this window you have two actions available: explore and open. The “open” action is in bold. This means it is set by default. Select the “explorer” action and click “Set as default”. Now My Computer will open in explorer mode.

Permanently delete the arrow from shortcuts

Shortcuts under Windows are adorned by default with a distinctive arrow to specially inform us that we are dealing with a shortcut, not with the application itself. While on the desktop we keep most of out shortcuts, not applications files, the arrow is annoying. Because there is no option to remove the arrow from the shortcuts here is a trick how to do it:

Go to Start -> Run -> Type Regedit. Browse the registry tree and look for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT – lnkfile. Once you got there just delete the IsShortcut key. Now restart or log off computer and the icons will appear with no arrow attached.

How to remove the shared documents folder from My Computer

Have you noticed that when you open My Computer in the list there is a “Shared Documents” folder right on top? This folder cannot be deleted the way you do with a regular folder. Let’s get rid of it!

Go to Start -> Run -> Type Regedit. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Explorer My Computer NameSpace DelegateFolders and delete the fallowing sub-key: {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c5-5595fe6b30ee} Restart computer and you are done.

Set a permanent view for your files and folders

The file view in Windows can be customized using 5 patterns: thumbnails, tiles, icons, list and details. I personally prefer the list view because it offers me the largest option to monitor all my files and folders. You may prefer some other view option, but how do we set it up by default for all the files and folders. To stick with just one view option open My Computer, go to File Options -> View and uncheck “Remember each folder’s view settings”. Now Windows will remember only the last view option selected and will apply it to all your files.