Windows XP

Windows XP End of Support
Support ending for Windows XP on April 8th, 2014. What does this mean for those using Windows XP?

This means no longer receiving the following for Windows XP:
 * Technical assistance
 * Windows updates
 * Security updates
 * Microsoft Security Essentials updates

"'As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.'"

So, what does Microsoft recommend? Upgrade ($$) of course. Microsoft has provided a tutorial for upgrading Windows XP to Windows 8.1 (assuming your old hardware meets the new minimum system requirements). If your old hardware does not meeting the system requirements, then that leaves only two options, continue to run Windows XP and hope for the best, or buy a new computer.

There is actually one other option: switch to Linux (check out this fun animation). The system requirements are significantly lower, and the security updates are free.

References:
 * Windows XP support has ended - Microsoft Windows - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help?ocid=xp_eos_client
 * Windows XP End of Support - http://www.oeey.com/2014/04/windows-xp-end-of-support.html

Show Desktop Quick Launch
Show Desktop.scf: [Shell] Command=2 IconFile=explorer.exe,3 [Taskbar] Command=ToggleDesktop

C:\Documents and Settings\[USER]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\

Auto Logon
To have a user automatic login: control userpasswords2

Then clear the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer" check box.

References:
 * How to turn on automatic logon in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231

Events
How to view and manage event logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP

Group Policy Editor gpedit.msc

How To Use the Group Policy Editor to Manage Local Computer Policy in Windows XP

To log logon/logoff attempts
There are two options under Audit Policies "Audit account logon events" and "Audit logon events". Use the "Audit account logon events" as this will only log local computer logon/logoff events. The other option "Audit logon events" is very noisy and logs network connection events.

Audit account logon events:
 * Audit account logon events
 * MS TechNet: Audit account logon events

Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Audit Policy\Audit account logon events

Audit logon events:
 * Audit logon events
 * MS TechNet: Audit logon events

Disable Low Disk Warning
Disable Low Disk Warning Registry (disable-low-disk-warning.reg) Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoLowDiskSpaceChecks"=dword:00000001

References:
 * Description of the Low Disk Space Notification in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/285107
 * Eliminate XP's Low Disk Space Notification alert | TechRepublic - http://www.techrepublic.com/article/eliminate-xps-low-disk-space-notification-alert/5210496

Auto Reboot on BSOD
To disable auto reboot on BSOD
 * 1) Right Click on "My Computer" and goto "Properties".
 * 2) Then goto the "Advanced" tab and under the headline "Startup and Recovery"
 * 3) Press the "Settings" button.
 * 4) Untick the "Automatically Restart" box and press Ok.

Auto reboot on BSOD: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\CrashControl] "AutoReboot"=dword:00000001

Disable Auto reboot on BSOD: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\CrashControl] "AutoReboot"=dword:00000000

References:
 * How To Disable Automatic Restart For BSOD If You Are Unable To Get Into Windows - Technibble - http://www.technibble.com/how-to-disable-automatic-restart-for-bsod-if-you-are-unable-to-get-into-windows/
 * Automatic Restart XP - How to Disable the Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows XP - http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/ht/disautorestart.htm
 * Windows - Disabling AutoRestart - https://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=7049

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Microsoft Windows XP