Windows Vista tips and tweaks

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|| Windows Vista Unofficial Help Guide ||
|| for Vista RTM Only ||
=============================

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TWEAKS AND HACKS
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Permanent Genuine Activation
------------------------------------
Items in package:
1. OEM Keys
2. OEM Certifications (for Acer, Asus, Dell, Emachine, Getaway, HP, Lenovo, NEC and Sony)
3. OEM Logos (for Abit, Acer, Asrock, Asus, BenQ, Dell, ECS, Futjitsu-Siemens, Gateway, Gigabyte, HP, IBM, Lenovo, MSI, NEC, Neo, Toshiba and Sony)

4. Everest (to check if your BIOS does support SLA 2.0)
5. BIOS emulator ( for those BIOS without SLA 2.0 support)
6. Clear and easy do understand install manual (with screen shots)

What is it?
If you downloaded the Windows Vista retail version DVD media image, or downloaded pirate leaked RTM edition of Windows Vista, or have MSDN release, you will need to import and install Microsoft signed OEM certificate for corresponding OEM-made computer with BIOS that supports SLA 2.0 and build with the SLIC ACPI table from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Sony or other manufacturers. OEM cert is a requirement for OEM style permanent Windows Vista activation, where users need not to activate online if they have the correct and valid OEM product key. If you downloaded an OEM version of Windows Vista DVD media, the digital certificate is already built-in into the distribution disc.



How do I install the OEM Certificates?
You need to check if the BIOS contains SLIC (Software Licensing Description Table) and RSDT tables by using Everest which you will find in this kit. Run the Everest and look for an entry called ‘’SLIC’’and ‘’RSDT’’ in Motherboard>ACPI. (see screen shot)

If your BIOS if not currently supported, try to upgrade and flash the BIOS to latest version from motherboard manufacturer, should this not work, use the BIOS Emulator (VistaActivator 2.1.2) from this Kit.

Vista OEM certificates for the folowing brands are included in this Kit: Acer, Asus, Dell, Emachine, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, NEC and Sony.
Once you confirm that your motherboard and BIOS has SLIC table in ACPI and you have the OEM certification for your brand, you can proceed with one of the two following methods:

Method 1: OEM activation for during Vista installation:
1. Install any of the following Windows Vista edition:
Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate
2. During installation, enter the corresponding edition of OEM product key listed in this file (OemKeys.txt) in the folder Oem Keys of this Kit.
3. After installing Windows Vista, open an elevated command prompt with administrator rights and execute the following command to import the correct OEM cert:
slmgr.vbs -ilc oemcert.xrm-ms ‘’Wait until windows pops up with a conformation-message.’’
For example, to import and install a Dell OEM cert for a Dell computer, execute (assuming the OEM cert is located at C: drive:
slmgr.vbs -ilc c:dell.xrm-ms

Windows Vista should be automatically and permanently activated.

Method 2: OEM activation Vista already installed:
1. Open an elevated command prompt with administrator rights and execute the following command to import the correct OEM cert:
slmgr.vbs -ilc oemcert.xrm-ms ‘’Wait until windows pops up with a conformation-message. ‘’
For example, to import and install a Dell OEM cert for a Dell computer, execute (assuming the OEM cert is located at C: drive:
slmgr.vbs -ilc c:dell.xrm-ms

2.Now type "C:windowssystem32slmgr -ipk ". Wait until windows pops up with a conformation-message.
3. Now type "C:windowssystem32slmgr -ato ‘’Wait until windows pops up with a conformation-message.’’
This will activate OEM version of Windows Vista (or Windows Vista as OEM edition) once the digital certificate is loaded.
You are now activated!

How to install OEM Logos?
Double click on the exe file of the brand you want to install, and confirm with yes at the next pop up window. You are done!

How to install the BIOS emulator (Only for those BIOSs without the SLIC table support!!!)
1. Install Windows Vista WITHOUT a key (if already installed, never mind)
2. unpack the complete folder to a folder, say "C:\vistaloader_2.1.2"
3. go to start > all programs > accessoires and rightclick "Command Prompt" > choose "run as administrator" type "C:\vistaloader_2.1.2\install.cmd".
4. Now REBOOT!
5. go to start > all programs > accessoires and rightclick "Command Prompt" > choose "run as administrator" type: "C:\windows\system32\slmgr -ilc c:\vistaloader_2.1.2\dataoemcert.xrm-ms". (oemcert= you have to choose by yourself which brand you want to use) Wait untill windows pops up with a conformation-message. Be sure to use an UNMODIFIED version of slmgr.
6. now type "C:windowssystem32slmgr -ipk ". Wait untill windows pops up with a conformation-message.
7. now type "C:windowssystem32slmgr -ato Wait untill windows pops up with a conformation-message.

DONE, you're activated!

Download:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RMFRERV0

Enable Aero on SUPPORTED Cards, with no drivers!
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Click on the start menu and type in devmgmt.msc and Enter to load it up.
2. Expand the Display Adapters section and right click on each device and select Uninstall.
3. Reboot the computer.
4. When it restarts, it should install a generic video driver so your screen will still work.
5. Go back into Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section again and then right click on the device and select Update Driver.
6. This time select Browse My Computer for Driver and then Let me pick it from a list.
7. Go to the Graphics section closest to your Graphics Card and select the Driver closest, too.
8. Hit OK and install the new driver. Restart your computer.
9. Once you have rebooted, right click on your desktop and select Personalize again.
10. Click on Windows Colors and Appearance.
11. Click on Open classic appearance properties for more color options.
12. In the Color Scheme box, select Windows Vista Aero.
13. Hit OK and glass will now load.

Applications to make Home Basic like Premium
---------------------------------------------------------
VisualTaskTips - Thumbnail view of the windows in the taskbar.
Taskbar Shuffle - No hotkey, no extra steps, rearrange the programs on your Windows taskbar by simply... well, dragging and dropping them! Neat concept, huh?
Taskbar Tools - Check this site out smile.gif Nice free stuff!
TopDesk - FLIP 3D and Alt+Tab Alternative to Vista. Home Basic just got better smile.gif

Enable Aero (NOT Glass) in Home Basic
-----------------------------------------------
Regedit:
HKCU/Software/Microsoft/Windows/DWM/

Composition = 1
CompositionPolicy = 2

Right click Command Prompt and run as admin:

net stop uxsms
net start uxsms

Enable New Boot screen in Vista
-------------------------------------
1. Click on the start orb and type in "MSCONFIG" in the textbox.
2. Once the System Configuration tool loads, click on the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot Options check 'NO GUI Boot'
4. Reboot and enjoy!

Resize Partitions with Vista Disk Management
----------------------------------------------------
1. Click on the Start Button and right click on Computer and select Manage.
2. Expand the Storage section and select Disk Management.
3. Then just right click on any partition and select either Expand or Shrink to change the size of the partition.

Create a Shortcut for Flip 3D
----------------------------------
1. Right click on your desktop and select New and then Shortcut.
2. Copy and paste "RunDll32 DwmApi #105" into the location box and hit Next.
3. Enter in a name for your shortcut and hit Finish.
4. Copy/Cut and Paste your new shortcut where ever you want.

Disable Network Printer Search
------------------------------------
1. Hit Alt to bring up the menubar if it is not already on the screen.
2. Click on Tools and select Folder Options.
3. On the View Tab, uncheck Automatically search for network printers.

Super Quick - Quick Launch Bar
---------------------------------------
If you have the quick launch bar you can press the WINDOWS + a number and it will launch that application.

For example: If you have a shortcut for a folder in the first slot you would press WINDOWS + 1 to open that folder.
A second quick launch application would be WINDOWS + 2.

Tweaking tools
-----------------
"TweakVista"
"TweakVI"
"VistaBootPro"

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SOFTWARE COMPATABILITY
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Works Perfect in Vista RTM
========================

Academic
------------------------
* BioRad QuantityOne 2.6.3
* Endnote X
* Vector NTI Advance 10.3
* Zeiss Lsm Image Browser 4

AntiSpam & AntiSpyware
-----------------------------------------
* CA eTrust PestPatrol Antispyware v4.4.4.81 (32-bit)
* EMSI Software a-squared Free v2.1
* FireTrust MailWasher Pro Ver. 5.3 (32-bit)
* Javacool Software SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 (32-bit/64-bit)
* Lavasoft Ad-aware SE Personal v1.06 (32-bit/64-bit)
* PC Tools Spyware Doctor v4.0.0.2621
* Pyrenean eDexter v1.42 (32-bit/64-bit)
* Spybot Search & Destroy v1.4 (32-bit)
* Trend Micro Internet Security 2007 (32-bit/64-bit) - NOTE: Get the latest version, more info here
* Webroot Spy Sweeper v5.3 (32-bit)

AntiVirus
-----------------------
* ALWIL Software avast! v4.7 Home Edition (32/64-bit) (28 language versions)
* ALWIL Software avast! v4.7 Professional Edition (32/64-bit) (28 language versions)
* ALWIL Software avast! Virus Cleaner Tool - version 1.0.209 (32-bit) (Czech)
* ClamWin portable v0.88.5
* ESET NOD32 v2.70.31 or newer (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* Etrust Etrust EZ CA Antivirus v8.2.0.13 (32-bit)
* Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition v7.5.441 (32-bit)
* Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Professional Edition v7.5.441 (64-bit)
* Kaspersky AntiVirus 6.0.2.614 (32/64-bit) (64 bits runs as 32 bits)
* Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0.2.614 (32/64-bit) (64 bits run as 32 bits)
* McAfee McAfee VirusScan 11.2 build 7.2.144 only works with 32-bit,they are working on 64-bit patch
* McAfee McAfee Security Center 11.2 build 7.2.144 only works with 32-bit,they are working on 64-bit patch
* McAfee AntiVirus 8.5i (32-bit)
* McAfee McAfee Site Advisor for IE or Firefox (32-bit)
* McAfee Stinger v2.60 (32-bit)
* Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 1.5 (32-bit - NOTE: Have to open some ports to get Windows Mobile Device Center to work
* Norman Virus Control
* Panda Antivirus 2007 (32-bit)
* Softwin Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 10 Build 247 (32-bit)
* Symantec Norton Antivirus 2006/2007 - NOTE: Download the latest version, more info here
* Symantec Norton Internet Security 2006/2007 - NOTE: Download the latest version, more info here
* Symantec Norton 360 Beta
* Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2.224 - NOTE: Disabling Microsoft Windows Defender may help solve sluggish performance.
* Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2.276
* Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 v14.57 (32/64-bit)
* Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 - NOTE: Get the latest version, more info here

Audio
--------------------------
* Adobe Audition 1.5 (32 bit) Works perfectly. No compatibility issues.
* Apollo v3.7zy
* Apple Quicktime v7.1.3 (32/64-bit) - installs as 32-bit app under 64-bit Vista
* Apple iTunes 7.0.2 - See link for information on Compatibility Issues
* Apple iTunes 7.1 - installs as 32-bit app under 64-bit Vista
* Apple iTunes Library Updater 1.22
* AtomixMP3 DJ: Virtual DJ v2.0 and AtomixMP3 v2.3
* Audacity v1.3.2-beta (32-bit)
* Audioactive Production Studio 1.05
* CoolEdit Pro 2.0
* Creative Tools: Creative AudioHQ, Creative Recorder, Creative Mixer etc...
* Cakewalk Dimension Pro DXi and VSTi sampler synthesizer works great with updates and expansion packs too
* Cakewalk Sonar 6 Updated 6.0.1 works great with VST and VSTi also
* Foobar2000 v0.8.3, v0.9.4.1 and v0.9.4.2 (During the installation, make sure Enable per-user settings is on)
* dbPowerAmp Audio the website says that all their products are Vista compatible, doesn't specify 32 or 64 bit
* Free Easy HI-Q Recorder 2.0
* Fruity Loops 6.0.8 (32bit) - works great, performance slightly sub-par
* FXsound DFX Audio Enhancement v8.0 for Windows Media Player & Winamp
* GoldWave v5.17 (32-bit)
* Guitar Pro 5: (32-bit) Works fine!
* Jetaudio v6
* Magix Music Maker 5 a bit older version, but still, not the oldest (32bit) - Working Fine!
* Media Monkey latest Version (note old versions have not been tested)
* musikCube v1.0 RC2 beta (32-bit)
* mp3tag v.2.37a (newly added Vista Support, v.2.36a and below simply crash)
* Native Instruments Absynth 3 and 4 works great too
* Native Instruments Battery 3
* Native Instruments Kontakt 2
* Orb MyCasting
* Propellerheads Reason 3.0.4 works great
* Rhapsody v4.0.850
* Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 6.0
* Sony Acid Pro 6.0d
* Sony SonicStage CP 4.3
* Sony Sound Forge 8.0d
* Spectrasonics Atmosphere and Trilogy VSTi works great without any problem
* Steinberg V-Stack works good - some problems with ASIO
* Wavepad works with no compatibility issues.
* Winamp v2x and v5x (32bit) - DRM Problems, 5.32 Pro
* WinAmp 5.3 (32bit) - work perfect but when startup Winamp note error with PX.dll but audio and video files plays like on Win XP

Backup
---------------------
* Acronis True Image Home v10.0.4871 - May require Vista startup repair from Vista DVD after recovery.
* Acronis True Image WorkStation 9.1.3886 - May require Vista startup repair from Vista DVD after recovery.
* Allway Sync v5.5.8 Works fine on Vista Home Premium 32-bit
* Cobian Backup 8.2.0.186
* Genie Backup Manager v7
* MozBackup 1.4.2
* NovaStor NovaBackup Maintenance Release v7.5.2.1
* Paragon Drive Backup Personal v8.5
* Vision Backup Home, Pro, Server & Server w/MS SQL & Exchange

Browsers
-------------------------
* Avant Browser 11 Build 25
* Browzar 1.2.0.1 (32-bit) (Do NOT use this! It´s a fraud, a SCAM!)
* Deepnet Explorer 1.53 beta (32-bit)
* Flock 0.78 (32-bit)
* Maxthon 1.5.9 build 30 and 2.0
* Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.2 (32/64-bit)
* Off By One 3.5.d (32-bit)
* Opera 9.xx (32-bit)
* Portable FireFox 1.5 (32-bit)
* Torpark 1.5.0.7a (32/64 Bit)

CD/DVD Authoring
--------------------------------------
* Alcohol-Soft Alcohol 120% 1.9.6.4719
* Alcohol-Soft Alcohol 120% 1.9.5.4521
* Ashampoo Burning Studio 6
* Burn4Free CD and DVD v2.6 - NOTE: upgrade to the latest version to solve compatibility.
* CyberLink PowerDVD Copy (may have problem during installation but if you keep trying it will run fine).
* DVD43 v 2.5.0.192 and up - (32 Bit)
* DVD Decrypter 3.5.4.0
* DeepBurner 1.8 - (32 Bit)
* DVDLAB Pro 2.2
* DVDFab Platinum 3.0.5.2 beta
* DVD Decrypter 3.5.4.0
* DVD Rebuilder Pro 1.20.5
* DVD Shrink 3.2.0.15
* ImgBurn 2.1.0.0 (32/64bit)
* ImgTool Classic 0.91.7
* IsoBuster 1.9.1. Tested on Vista Business 32-bit.
* LG Software 1Click DVD Copy 5 - works completely with no issues
* MagicDisk 2.5 Build 074
* MagicISO 5.3.221 - 32/64 Bit
* Nero Premium Reloaded v7.7.5.1 - NOTE: Thumbnails (avi&mpeg) engine now fixed that was previously broken in v7.5.7.0. It attempts to install directX 9, claiming that is more updated than the version running on the OS. Vista ships with DirectX 10. Will not install if you choose not to install the directX component. The product may work if the DirectX component is installed but can affect other parts of the system.

* ONES (Prassi) - Current update 2.1.358 - 30-days trial version available.
* PowerISO 3.4, 3.5, 3.6
* PowerISO 3.6 (32/63-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* PrimoDVD 2.1 for Disc Publisher (Bravo II CD/DVD Duplicator & Printer)
* RipIt4Me RipIt4Me 1.6.4.0
* Roxio (Sonic) Easy Media Creator 9 - (32-bit)
* Roxio (Sonic) Easy Media Creator 8 - (32-bit)
* Roxio Easy Media Creator 7
* SilentNight Microburner v5.0.0.26 (32-bit)
* Slysoft AnyDVD 6.1.0.4 - (32-bit) technical support at Slysoft says all products will work on 32/64 bit
* Slysoft CloneCD 5.2.91 - (32/64-bit)
* Slysoft CloneDVD2 2.9.01 - (32-bit)
* Slysoft CloneDVD 3.9.4.0 - (32-bit)
* Sony DVD Architect 4.0a
* Super Clone Dvd 5
* Ultimate CD/DVD Burner 2.0 - (32-bit)
* UltraISO 8.5.1.1860 (32-bit)
* VOBEdit 0.6
* Vso-Software ConvertXtoDVD 2.1.5.173- 32/64 Bit
* Vso-Software CopytoDVD 4.0.3

Codecs & Converters
-------------------------------------------
* 3ivx
* Advanced Vista Codec Package 4.3.2
* Combined Community Codec Pack
* DivX 6.5 ( Note: DivX Converter requires an update - pending release )
* Electronic Cosmo's MPEG Suite 1.5 (32bit)
* ffdshow (use Celtic Druid's (x64)
* FLV to AVI Converter Ver_3.1 (32-bit)
* K-Lite Codec Pack v2.8 / K-Lite Mega Codec Pack v1.61
* Quick Time Alternative [latest version]
* Real Alternative [latest version]
* StormCodec v6.10.00
* SWF Video Converter v_3.0.18 (32-bit)
* X Codec Pack v2.1.2 or newer
* XVid v1.1.2

Compression
----------------------------
* 7-Zip (32/64-bit)
* Advanced RAR Password Recovery 1.53
* Flash Optimizer- compress SWF Ver_1.48 (32-bit)
* IZArc 3.6
* PowerArchiver 2006 Version 9.64
* TUGZip 3.4+
* Ultimatezip 2007 (ver 3.1) 32-bit
* WinAce 2.5, 2.65
* WinRAR 3.70 (BETA) - Works perfectly.
* WinRAR 3.4 (installs/runs fine as user, just asks for permission), 3.51, 3.60 and 3.62 (32-bit) (must be run as Administrator)
* WinZip Pro 10.0 (build 7245) and 11.0 (build 7313) (32/64-bit)

Corporate Records Management
--------------------------------------------------------
* Metrosharp IMS Express 2007 (AKA Identity Management System for USC 2257) (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp IMS Professional 2007 (AKA Identity Management System for USC 2257) (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp IMS Small Business 2007 (AKA Identity Management System for USC 2257) (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp IMS Enterprise 2007 (AKA Identity Management System for USC 2257) (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp Migrate for IMS 2007 (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp OpenIMF (AKA Open Identity Management Framework for USC 2257) (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp Retroact for IMS 2007 (32/64 bit)
* Metrosharp SteelSafe 2007 (32/64 bit)

Customization
-------------------------------
* allSnap (32-bit)
* Samurize v1.64.2 (to install, set compatibility to Windows XP SP2)

Databases
-------------------------
* Microsoft Access 2000 (32-bit)
* Microsoft Access 2002 (32-bit)
* Microsoft Access 2003 (32-bit)
* Microsoft Access 2007
* Microsoft SQL Server 2005 x64 & x86 (needs SQL Server 2005 SP2 installed to run best in Vista). Note: SP2 is available at [3],
* Microsoft SQL Server 2005 express edition - works perfectly if SP1 is installed. SP2 is also available at [4]
* MySQL Administrator
* MySQL Query Browser
* MySQL Community Server 5.0.27
* Oracle 10g Express Edition
* Quest Toad for MySQL
* Quest Toad for Oracle

Defragmenting
--------------------------
* Ashampoo® Magical Defrag
* Ashampoo WinOptimizer 4 works great
* Auslogics Disk Defrag 1.1.0
* Diskeeper® Corporation Diskeeper® 2007 (v11.0.697.0 and later) (32/64-bit) - more info here
* Golden Bow Systems VOpt 8.08 (32-bit)
* O&O Defrag V8.6 Pro (32/64-Bit). Great performance and stability.
* Raxco PerfectDisk v8.0 build 48 (32/64-bit) and newer

Development
--------------------------
* Bloodshed C++ Compiler - Crashes if cache is created. Works fine otherwise (32-bit)
* Crimson Editor 3.70 Release
* ConTEXT v0.98.5 (32-bit)
* Eclipse 3.2.1
* JCreator Pro
* JDK v1.5
* JDK v1.6
* Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition (32-bit) (use the SP1 for Vista service pack for optimal Vista compatibility)
* Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team Suite (32-bit) (use the SP1 for Vista service pack for optimal Vista compatibility)
* Microsoft Visual SourceSafe 2005 (32 Bit) (Compatibility warnings, but works)
* Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions: Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition (32 Bit) (Compatibility warnings, but works)
* Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 Professional Edition (32 Bit) (SP6) (Compatibility warnings, but works)
* Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Enterprise Edition (32 Bit) (SP6) (Compatibility warnings, works poorly)
* Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0
* Microsoft Visual Basic 1.0 (16-bit abandonware, but runs on RTM 32bit version)
* Netbeans IDE v5.5
* Notepad++ 4.02
* Programmers Notepad 2 (32-bit)
* SharpDevelop 2.1 RC 1
* Sun Java Runtime 6.0
* Tinn-R 1.19.1.6 (32-bit)
* UltraEdit v10.10a and higher (32-bit)
* Vim v7.0 (32-bit)
* vlite v0.5 beta
* WinHex v12.0 SR-1
* WinMerge v2.3.10.0 (32-bit)
* Textpad 4.7.1

Download Managers
-------------------------------------------------
* Bearshare 5.2.5 (32-bit)
* Bit Comic 0.84
* BitTorrent 5.0.5 (32-bit)
* Download Accelerator Plus 5.3(DAP)
* Download Accelerator Plus 8(DAP)
* Download Master
* FlashGet 1.73 Build 128 (32/64-bit) and 1.8 Final (32-bit)
* Free Download Manager
* GetRight 6.1
* HiDownload 6.95
* Internet Download Accelerator
* Internet Download Manager 5.06 beta
* Leechget 2006
* Microsoft File Transfer Manager
* RapGet 1.26
* ReGet Deluxe 2.6
* Thunder5 5.5.6.274 (Chinese Simplified/Traditional)
* Xi Software Net Transport 2.28

Email
-------------------------
* Chaos Software Group
* IBM Lotus Notes 6.55
* Microsoft Outlook 2007
* Microsoft Outlook 2003 (32-bit)
* Microsoft Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta (Build 8.0.1172)
* Mozilla Thunderbird v1.5.x Works well on my Vista Enterprise 64bit.
* Mozilla Thunderbird v2b1 (32-bit)
* PocoMail v4.1 Works fine on Vista Home Premium 32-bit.
* PoP Peeper
* Portable Thunderbird v1.0.7 (32-bit)
* Qualcomm Eudora v7.1.0.9 (32-bit)
* TheBat 3.71

Emulation
--------------------------
* Daemon Tools 4.00 (32-Bit)
* Daemon Tools 4.08HE (32-bit/64-bit)
* DOSBox (0.63 tested in 32 bit, worked fine)
* Jnes 0.5.3 works great
* MAME32 (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator)
* Project 64 1.6 and 1.7 beta work perfectly
* ScummVM 0.5.1
* UltraISO 8.6.0.1936
* Kawaks 1.57

Encryption
-----------------------
* Ashampoo® Magical Security
* Ashampoo® WinOptimizer 4 (v4.10, 02/05/2007)
* BestCrypt 7
* Cryptext (version unknown, but from 2001)
* File Securer Version: 3.95
* PGP Desktop v9.6 BETA
* Tropical Software Stealth File Encryptor 6.0
* TrueCrypt 4.3 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista. Do not use older versions with Vista

Encylopedia
--------------------------
* Encyclopedia Universalis 10/11 (french) (32-bit) : patch available since 03/08/07, contact the support by mail

Financial
-------------------
* Business Plan Pro 2007
* Microsoft Money Deluxe 2006
* PocketQuicken 2.5.1
* Quicken 2007 R2 (32-bit)
* Quicken 2006 R5 (32-bit)
* Quicken 2005 R6 (32-bit) (Install hiccupped but program is fine)
* Quicken 2000 (32-bit) (Run as administrator)
* Starmoney 5.0 (32-bit)
* TaxCut 2006 (32-bit)
* TurboTax 2006 (32-bit)

Firewalls / IDS's
-----------------------------
* Bitdefender Bitedefender Internet Security 10
* Iolo Personal Firewall (32 bits only)
* JeticoPersonal Firewall v.2 beta jpf2beta NOTE: This will NOT uninstall properly, and may cause probles. If you have to uninstall, do so in safemode, then scan registry for Jetico and delete all corresponding keys.
* Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0.2.614 (32/64-bit) (64 bits runs as 32 bits)
* Kerio WinRoute Firewall 6.3 BETA build 2397 (64-bit) NOTE: Driver won't install on a 32-bit.
* McAfee McAfee Personal Firewall 11.2 build 11.2.121
* Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 1.5 NOTE: MS are currently (02/22/07) offering a 90-day trial for free. OK as an interim until some that actually work show up. (PT-BR unavailable)
* Pc Tools Firewall Plus 2.0 (32 bits only)
* Symantec Norton 360
* Symantec Norton Internet Security 2006/2007 - NOTE: Download the latest version, more info here
* Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 - NOTE: Get the latest version, more info here
* Vista Firewall Control (native 32 and 64 bits) Incoming/outcoming program control

FTP
---------------
* Cerberus (32-bit)
* Filezilla (32-bit)
* FTP Navigator 7.5 Small and simple ftp client (32-bit)
* GMail Drive Shell Extension 1.0
* GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 4.2
* GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 8, 8.0.4 Pro (Error on exit, but works fine)
* iniCom.Networks FlashFXP
* PSFtp FTP Client for Windows (Shareware - 32bit/64 bit)
* Rhino Software FTP Voyager 7.0
* SmartFTP 2.0 SmartFTP build 2.0.1002 (Freeware - 32bit/64 bit)
* UtraFXP Nice, simple ftp client (tested on 32bit only!)
* Visicom Media FTP Expert 3.70.3 (French) (32-bit)

Games
----------------------
* 1602 A.D. (32-Bit)
* Agatha Christie : And then there were none (32 bit)
* Agatha Christie : Murder on the orient express (32 bit)
* Aliens versus Predator 2
* Americas Army 2.7 (32-bit)
* Anno 1701
* Age of Empires and the Rise of Rome expansion
* Age of Empires II and the Conquerors expansion
* Age of Empires III and The WarChiefs expansion
* Alice (American McGee's)
* Another World: 15th Anniversary Edition
* Ankh II : hearth of Osiris (32-bit)
* Armies of Exigo
* Atlantis II (32-bit)
* Atlantis III (32-bit)
* Atlantis IV Evolution (32-bit)
* Aura : Fate of the ages (32-bit)
* Armed and Dangerous
* Arx Fatalis
* Blade Runner (32-bit)
* Baldur's Gate (32bit) (Polish version, English should work well too)
* Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast (32bit) (Polish version, English should work well too)
* Battle for Middle-Earth 1 & 2
* Battlefield 2 & Special Forces (Run BF2.exe As Administrator.)
* Battlefield 2142(32bit)
* Battlefield 2142(64bit) - Same settings used on XP, crashes to desktop at every map change (after a certain period) due to low video card memory (256mb). Disable Aero or set texture settings lower.
* Black and White 2
* Blood II The Chosen (It rarely crashes, but this was happening under XP too.)
* Broken Sword: The Angel of Death
* Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
* Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
* Call of Duty & United Offensive
* Call of Duty 2 (run cod2mp_s.exe in XP SP2 compability mode; SP fine.)
* Call of Duty 2 upgraded to 1.3 works on Home Premium RTM no trouble (32 bit)
* Championship Manager 2007
* Civilization III (run as administrator, XP SP2 compatibility mode)
* Civilization IV (Vista 32/64-bit)
* Civ City Rome (32 bit)
* Cobra 11 - Nitro (StarForce protection vista-update required)
* Command & Conquer: Generals
* Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour (Run as admin)
* Commandos: Beyond The Call Of Duty
* Company of Heroes (32bit Home Premium) no problems generally.

(NB With NVIDIA 8800GTX/GTS GPUs the game crashes when loading Cherbourg level. Needs GPU driver update. 'Open issue' with 20/02/07 100.65 forceware drivers)

* Condemned - Criminal Origins
* Continuum
* Counter-Strike 1.6
* Counter-Strike Condition Zero
* Counter-Strike Source
* Crashday (With patch 1.1 + No Intro Fix)
* Cricket 07 (Australian version - works on both x86 & x64)
* Darwinia
* Day of Defeat
* Deal or No Deal
* Delta Force Black Hawk Down & Team Sabre
* Deus Ex
* Diablo I
* Diablo II - NOTE: For best results, set Compatibility Mode for application to Windows XP SP2 in the shortcut's properties and run as Administrator. This should allow all features of game to work properly, including LAN and Battle.Net play. If the game takes too long to start up, try disabling Aero Glass (or under compatability disable desktop composition).

* Doom 2(Doom95) (Requires DPlay.dll in the game's directory for doom95 to work properly)
* Doom 3 (Requires working OpenGL support)
* Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (Requires working OpenGL support)
* Doomsday 3D Engine v1.9.0 Beta 4
* Dracula 2 (32-bit) (Win 98 Compatibility Mode)
* Dreamfall : the longest journey (32-bit) : run after installation of Starforce Drivers. Install them form this page
* Driver (32bit)
* Duke Nukem 3D Atomic Edition with all Add-Ons (for Windows Edition; not original 16-bit MS-DOS) (This game works slowly with too low performance if you don't install the driver of your graphic card manually although Vista automatically recognizes and installs the drivers of your graphic card and DirectX.)

* Duke Nukem 3D High Resolution Pack (HRP) (also External Release (XTR)) v1.0
* Duke Nukem Manhattan Project
* Dungeon Keeper
* Dungeon Keeper 2 (32-Bit)
* EA Link for EA Games
* Elder Scrolls: Oblivion: Runs great on Vista with 1.1 patch
* Eve Online Fully working (32-bit)
* Evany : Crystal keys II (32-bit)
* Everquest
* Everquest II
* Far Cry (64-bit and 32-bit with v1.4 patch)
* Evidence - the last ritual
* F.E.A.R (32-Bit).Runs fine in XP SP2 Compatibility
* F1 2006 (Win 98/Me Compatibility Mode)
* FlatOut 2 (32 bit Home Premium)
* Flight Simulator 2004
* Flight Simulator X
* FBI: Hostage Rescue
* F.E.A.R
* FIFA 07
* FIFA Manager 2007
* Football Manager 2007
* Freedom Force vs. The Third Reich
* Freelancer
* Flatout 2 (European with Starforce update)
* Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
* Gothic 3 (Windows Vista wont allow 2 files to install in system folder(64 bit))
* Grand Prix 4
* Grand Theft Auto II
* Grand Theft Auto III
* Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
* Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
* Guild Wars: All 3 versions ( Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall )
* Gun
* GunBound WC
* GZDoom
* Half Life
* Half Life 2 & Half Life 2: Episode One
* Halo: Combat Evolved(need a patch windows will tell you about it)
* Halo: Custom Edition(needs a update tho download http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=3&fid=1884)
* Hitman: Blood Money
* Hitman: Contracts
* Hoyle Card games 2007 works great.
* Hoyle Board games 2007 works great.
* Hoyle Puzzle games 2007 works great.
* Hugo: The Evil Mirror
* In The Groove + Impact dancepad
* Jack the Reaper
* Jade Empire: Special Edition (x86 & x64)
* Jazz Jack Rabbit 2
* Little Fighter 2 (32 bit)
* KISS: Psycho Circus The Nightmare Child
* Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Legend
* Lego Star Wars II (64-bit)
* Lineage II: Chronicle 5 (32-bit) works well!
* LOCOMOTION by Chris Sawyer (64-bit)
* Max Payne 1.01
* Max Payne 2
* Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault Installed MOHAA Ver1.1 on 32-bit Ultimate, plays fine with no problems at all, multiplayer untested as yet.
* Klotski (and Microsoft Entertainment Pack 1991)
* Magic Ball 3
* Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (x86 and x64)
* Myst III : Exile (32-bit)
* Myst IV : Revelation (32-bit)
* Myst V : End of Ages (32-bit)
* Myth II Soulblighter v1.6 (32 and 64bit)
* MU Online (Ultra low FPS)
* Natural Selection 3.2 (Slight graphical errors may occur - game still fully functional) (32-bit)
* Need for Speed (32-bit)
* Need for Speed III: Hot pursuit
* Need for Speed Most Wanted
* Neverwinter Nights 2 (32-bit and 64-bit)
* Nexuiz
* NHL 06
* NHL 07
* Outrun 2006
* Paradise (from Benoit Sokal) (32-bit)
* Pariah (With 98/ME Compatibility mode)
* Pacific Warriors
* Phantasy Star Universe
* Prey (Requires working OpenGL support)
* Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
* Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (Starts Windows MCE upon exit?)
* Pro Evolution Soccer 6
* Psychonauts
* Quake 2
* Quake 3 Arena
* Quake 4 (v1.3) Works. Tested on Vista Enterprise 64-bit and Vista Ultimate 32-bit
* Race - The WTCC Game
* Ragnarok Online
* Rainbow Six: Lockdown
* Rainbow Six: Vegas
* Resident Evil 4 (Place d3dx9_30.dll in "/capcom/resident evil 4" folder, get it: http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?d3dx9_30) (32-bit)
* Return to mysterous Island
* Rise of Nations Gold (32 bit)
* RollerCoaster Tycoon [With the Loopy Landscape Add-On] (Vista 32-bit)
- Add the "Windows 95" compatibility mode for the file "rct.exe"
- Add the "Full control" right to "Everyone" for the folder of RCT and its subfolders.

* RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 [Original and all Add-Ons] (Vista 32-bit)
- Add the "Full control" right to "Everyone" for the folder of RCT2 and its subfolders.

* RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 [Original and all Add-Ons] (Vista 32-bit)
* Rome: Total War
* Savage (32-bit)
* Schizm : mysterious journey (CD) (32-bit)
* Scratches (32-bit) : Update of Starforce drivers NOT needed
* Second Sight
* SimCity 3000 Unlimited (32-bit)
* SimCity 4 and RushHour Expansion (Vista 64-bit)
* Splinter Cell
* Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
* Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
* Splinter Cell: Double Agent
* Star Wars Galaxies
* Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds and Clone Campaigns
* Star Wars Jedi Academy (32bit)
* Star Wars Jedi Outcast (32bit)
* Star Wars Battlefront 2 (32bit)
* Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2 (32 bit). Runs fine in XP SP2 Compatibility.
* Starcraft
* Steam (Build: Jan 15 2007, 10:37:59)
* Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery 1.0.8.0
* Super Mario Forever (After starting the game, the mouse cursor of Vista still appears on the screen. Ignore it.)
* SWAT 4 & The Stetchkov Syndicate (32-bit)
* Test Drive Unlimited (if there are problems run as administrator and/or in xp sp2 compatibility mode)
* The Amerzone (32-bit) (Win 98 Compatibility Mode)
* The Black Mirror (2nd edition, 2CD without Starforce) (32-bit)
* The longest journey (32-bit). Official patch here
* The Elderscrolls Oblivion (32-bit)
* The Sims 2 (32-bit/64-bit)(All expansions pack works!)
* The Movies (32-bit)
* The Simpsons - Hit & Run (32-bit)
* Titan Quest & Immortal Throne expansion (x32 & x64)
* Tomb Raider I, II; III; The Lost Artefact, Revelation, Chronicles, Angel of darkness : run with unofficials patchs. See this site.
* Tomb Raider Legend (32bit)
* Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
* Tony Hawk's American Wasteland(Vista 64-bit)
* Top Spin 2 (32 bit) Slow loading but work perfect
* Train Simulator (Microsoft) (Vista 32-bit)
* Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
* Unreal Tournament 1999 Game of the Year Edition
* Unreal Tournament 2004 - The text to speech engine switches from the game engine to the one supplied with Vista, if you don't get voice taunts from other players, check your control panel text to speech voice to make sure it works.

* URU : Ages beyond Myst with "The path to the Shell" extension (32-bit)
* Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines
* Warcraft 3 & also The Frozen Throne(With 98/ME Compatibility Mode)
* Warhammer Mark of Chaos
* Warhammer Dawn Of War 40k (32 Bit)
* World of Warcraft - May have issues with Graphics and Sound (Depending on Hardware Installed)
* Wolfenstein: Enemy territory 2.60b (Worked perfectly with Ultimate RTM, usin PNY Verto GeForce 6600GT, and nVidia 97.46 forceware for Vista)
* World Racing 2 (StarForce protection vista-update required)
* Worms 4: Mayhem
* Worms Armageddon with latest patch (32bit)
* Worms World Party
* X3 : Reunion
* X-Plane v7+ (32bit)
* Zdoom

Graphics/Design
--------------------------------
* AAA Logo 1.22
* Architectural Desktop 2007
* Adobe Creative Suite 2
* Adobe Illustrator 10
* Adobe Macromedia Studio 8
* Adobe PageMaker 7.01 - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop 5.0 - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop 5.5 - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop 6.0 - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop 7.0 - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop CS - 32bit
* Adobe Photoshop CS2 - (x86 and x64)
* Adobe Photoshop CS3 BETA
* Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 3.0 - 32-bit (DL and install the "EPS Parser" if you like)
* Ashampoo Photo Commander 5 (v5.10, 11/06/2006)
* AutoCAD 2008 32 and 64bit
* AutoCAD 2004
* Autodesk Maya 8.5 Unlimited, Install 32 bit version, run as WinXP SP2 compatability + Admin
* Bryce 5.5 By DAZ
* Bryce 6.0 By DAZ
* Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* Corel Graphics Suite X3
* CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 11 (Corel Corp. says that this version should not work under Windows XP SP2 but I have tryed it on Vista, works OK)
* Corel Graphics Suite 12 (100% Working)
* Deco-Con v3.0 - Imaging Software for Decorative Concrete
* Deco-Con Estimator v2 (after install, click "Product Updates" to install Vista patch)
* The GIMP
* Google Sketchup
* Google Earth 4.0.2416 (beta)Build Date Oct 31 2006
* GTK Radiant 1.4.x, 1.5.x (+latest q3map2)
* IconCool Studio 3.30 (build 70116)
* Irfanview v3.99
* Jasc AnimationShop 3
* Jasc PaintShop Pro 7
* Jasc PaintShop Pro 9 (Doesn't run with Aero - reverts to Windows Basic color scheme)
* Jasc PaintShop Pro 10 (ITS NOT MADE BY JASC ITS COREL)
* JOCR (Image Capture and Character Recognition) v1.0
* Lightwave 3D 9.0
* LabView 8.0
* LEGO Digital Designer 1.6
* Macromedia Fireworks 8
* Macromedia Freehand Macromedia Freehand 11.02
* Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
* Macromedia Flash 8
* Mediachance RealDraw Pro 4.0
* Matlab 7.1 R14
* Microangelo Toolset v6.03 (Icon editor. Works with Vista's new icon formats perfectly.)
* Microsoft Digital Image Suite 10
* Microsoft Picture It! 10
* Microsoft Cartoon Maker 1.0 (Chinese Simplified/Traditional)
* NetObjects Fusion 10
* Photo Impression 4
* Paint.NET 3.0 (32-bit)
* Quake4Edit
* RealWorld Icon Editor 2006.2 (32-bit and 64-bit (x64)) high-DPI aware
* Sierra Print Artist 8.0 (32-bit) - Be sure to set Print Artist to be run as an administrator in the compatibility options.
* SmartDraw 2007 (32-bit)
* SureThing 4.3
* SWiSHmax Build 2006.06.26 (32-bit)
* Ulead COOL 3D Studio 1.0 Full Version
* Ulead PhotoImpact 12
* Webshots Desktop 2.5
* Winamp Skin Maker 1.2
* Xara Xtreme Pro (The world fastest vector software!)

Internet Tools
-------------------------------
* AI RoboForm Roboform v6.8.4 (32-bit works fine, with 64-bit you must use 32-bit version of Internet Explorer)
* CFosSpeed (native 32 and 64 bits)
* FeedDemon 2.1 (32-bit)
* Forte Agent v4.2 build 1117
* Newsbin Pro 5.33 Build 7737 (32-bit)
* Newsleecher v3.8/v3.9b1 (64-bit)
* SawMill v7.2.8 (32-bit)

List and Note Managers
----------------------------------------
* Jot+Notes 3.4.2 (32-bit)
* ListPro 4.1 (32-bit)
* Notezilla 7.0 (32-bit)

Media Center Plugins
-------------------------------------
* Mobilewares Big Screen Weather
* Mobilewares Big Screen Photos

Messaging
-------------------------
* AIM 6.0.28.1 / Aim Classic 5.9 Had a few problems with 5.9. It didnt like to run sometimes. / AIM Lite 0.31
* A-Patch (MSN Messenger Tweaker) A-Patch for Windows Live Messenger Version: 1.3.0 RC1 (build 54) - Compatibility: Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0787, 8.0.0792, 8.0.0812, 8.1.0064, 8.1.0066, 8.1.0068, 8.1.0106, 8.1.0168 & 8.1.0178

* A-Patch (Live Mail Desktop Tweaker) A-Patch for Windows Live Mail Desktop Version: 0.1.5 Beta - Compatibility: Windows Live Mail Desktop
* Gaim 2.0.0beta6 (32-bit)
* Google Talk
* IBM/Lotus SameTime Connect v7.5 (32-bit)
* ICQ 5.1
* ICQ 6 Preview Version
* Messenger Plus Live 4.11
* mIRC
* Msn Messenger 7.5
* MySpaceIM
* MirandaIM 0.5 Unicode
* Paltalk Messenger 9.0 Build 177 (Shows Its stopped working on exit but works fine)
* QIP (Quiet Internet Pager)
* Skype (Disable Aero - Works with Aero on 32-bit Vista Ultimate)
* Teamspeak 2 RC2
* Tlen
* Tribal Voice PowWow v3.50 (32-bit/64-bit) - some UI elements in the Community chat window render strangely
* Trillian Pro 3.1
* Windows Live Messenger 8.1 (32-bit)
* X-Chat
* Xfire
* Yahoo Messenger

Network
------------------
* AccessDiver
* DynDNS Updater v3.1.0.15 (32bit) Works fine if installed as service.
* Ethereal 0.9.9.0 (32 bit)
* Hamachi 1.0.1.1, 1.0.1.5 (32-bit)
* Intel PROSet 11.2 (32-bit)
* Metrosharp XDNS 2007 (32 bit)
* Packet Tracer by Cisco Networks
* Putty
* Sam Spade v1.14 (32 bit)
* Shiva VPN Client
* WinPcap 3.1
* WinPcap 4.0
* Wireshark

Office Tools
-------------------------
* Adobe Acrobat 3D v7
* Acrobat Professional 7.0
* Adobe Acrobat Professional 8.0 (x86 only) - Problem with the activation scheme causing errors and the program to close immediately once opened.
* Adobe Acrobat Pro 8.0 (Creating PDF fails in IE7 in protected mode). Install as Admin.
* Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0
* Chaos Software Group Chaos Intellect 3
* Chaos Software Group Time & Chaos 7
* ClarisWorks 5.0 for Windows
* CutePdf 2.62 (32-bit)
* Foxit PDF Reader (Pro) 1.0 (32-bit)
* Foxit PDF Reader (Pro) 2.0 (32-bit)
* Hotcard Products Bizcard Finder (Silver). Application fine, driver for silver scanner won't install
* Moffsoft Calculator 2
* Microsoft Expression Web
* Microsoft Money 2005
* Microsoft Office 2000
* Microsoft Office 2003 SP2
* Microsoft Office 2007
* Microsoft Office XP (2002 SP3)
* Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006
* Microsoft Works
* OpenOffice.org 2.0.4 (32-bit)
* OpenOffice.org 2.1.0 (64- and 32-bit)
* R 2.4.1 (32-bit)
* ScanSoft (Nuance) OmniPage Pro 15
* ScanSoft (Nuance) PaperPort 11.0.6225.1
* ScanSoft PDF Converter Professional 4
* Stamps.Com Stamps.Com 6.0.4 (Build 1521)
* Sun StarOffice 8
* WordWeb WordWeb Pro 4.5 (32-bit)

Other
---------------------
* ASP Dictionary - in Slovenian (32bit)
* BOINC 5.8.8 (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* Desktop Sidebar v1.05 Build 116 (Beta version) - Tested on Vista Ultimate 32-bit
* Folding@Home 5.03 (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* Launchy - Works under Vista Business.
* Microsoft Student 2006 and 2007 - works great
* Motorola Mobile Phone Tools 4.0.3b - works great. under Vista x32
* MyCafeCup CyberCafes Billing Platinum V.2.232 (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* OpenAFS 1.5.14 - compatible with Vista
* Powerword Professional 2007 (32-bit, Chinese Simplified/Traditional)
* ASP Dictionary - in Slovenian (32bit)
* Serial Port Monitor - ver. 4.0 (32bit)
* StarDock ObjectDock 1.50 (32/64-bit, Installs as 32-bit under Vista x64)
* Tell me More (software to learn english)(32-bit)
* Widcomm Version 5.1.0.2700 (works perfectly fine in vista RTM (32-bit)
* WPE Pro 9.
* FAM File association manager 2.0

Password Managers
---------------------------------
* eWallet version 5.0 (32-bit)
* KeePass Password Safe 1.06 (32-bit)
* ZDNet's Password Pro 32 (encrypted password database)

PDA & GPS
-------------------------
* Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center - WMDC replaces ActiveSync
* Nokia PC Suite 6.82 (with Nokia Connectivity Cable Driver and PC Connectivity Solution; all Nokia mobile synchronization functions work)
* Palm Desktop 4.1.4E (Shipped with most Palm PDAs or downloaded from Palm)
* POIedit v4.5.1 (may need to be restarted once POI's have been sync'd with master servers. Use Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) for PDA sync with Windows Mobile 2003 & 2005)

Peer to Peer
-----------------------------
* Ares 1.9.5, 1.9.9, 2.0.5
* Azureus 2.5.00 or newer(32-bit)
* BitComet 0.77, 0.8x (32- and 64-bit)
* BitTornado
* DC++ v0.698
* DC++ RevConnect
* eDonkey2000 1.4.3 Lite
* eMule 0.47x with a lot of modes (32-bit)
* FrostWire 4.13.1.4 Beta (clone of LimeWire PRO and uses Java like it)
* iMesh 7.0 (32-bit)
* KCeasy 0.18 or better
* LDC++ 1.0 2a
* Limewire
* Limewire PRO
* LimeWire Acceleration Patch
* Lphant v 3.00 B5
* myTunes Redux
* Neo Mule 4.25 (32-bit)
* Orb MyCasting
* Pando -- ultima version
* Shareaza 2.2.3.0
* Soulseek 156c, 157 test 8
* Strong DC
* Thunder5 BT 5.6.0.280 Beta (Chinese Simplified/Traditional)
* uTorrent 1.6
* WASTE 1.5 beta 3, asks for admin access, works fine afterwards
* WinMX 3.54 (Beta 4)

Note for BitTorrent Clients: Due to Vista (Business, Enterprise, Ultimate) Previous Versions (AKA Shadow Copies) feature and BitTorrents hard drive write access, hard drive activity may increase drastically due to Vista noticing file changes and thus makes restore points at regular intervals.

Remote Control
---------------------------------
* 3am Labs LogMeIn
* Famatech Radmin 3.0 Remote Control (32bit)
* Orb MyCasting
* RealVNC - Closes connection, when UAC Warnings Appear.
* Symantec pcAnywhere 11.0.1 32 bit (Vista reports this as v12 - and states that there are known compatibility issues - Used the Remote Control and File Transfer sessions without experiencing any issues. OS is Vista as Remote, XP Home as Host)
* TeamViewer (32bit)

Screen Capture
-------------------------------
* Ashampoo Magical Snap (v1.10, 05/08/2006)
* Camtasia Studio Recorder 4
* HoverDesk HoverSnap v.08 beta
* Hyperionics Hypersnap (V6.13.02)
* MWSnap
* TechSmith Snagit 8 8.1

System applications
-----------------------------------------
* 2BrightSparks SyncBack v3.2.14.0 (32-bit) (minor problem first time running, had to kill the application and then re-run it)
* 8rdavcore - NOTE: Must be run as the Administrator
* A43 v2.49 (32-bit)
* Acer Launch Manager (laptop utility)
* Actual Window Manager v4.3
* Advanced WindowsCare PRO v2
* 2BrightSparks SyncBack SE v4.1.0.161 (added - See Minor Issues below)
* Acronis Disk Director 10.0.2160 (x86 & x64) - Important: turn off auto-hibernation under Vista's power settings before managing partitions; hibernation interruption during Disk Director processes may corrupt partitions and data.

* Acronis True Image 9 Server/Ent (Note: Incremental backups work if Vista's auto-defrag is disabled)
* Acronis True Image 9 Workstation (full backup only, incremental backup does not work)
* Acronis True Image 10 Home
* Ashampoo UnInstaller Platinum 2 (2.5, 08/29/2006) [5]
* Ashampoo WinOptimizer Suite 4
* Asus Probe 2.23.01
* AutoHotkey v1.0.45.04 and v1.0.46.00 (32/64-bit) (runs as 32-bit app under Vista x64)
* Belarc Advisor
* CPU-Z v1.38
* Dexpot v1.4 (32-bit)
* Final Recovery v2.1 (tested in 64bit only)
* FolderShare (32-bit)
* Fraps 2.8.1+
* Futuremark 3DMark05 1.3.0
* Futuremark 3DMark06 1.1.0
* Futuremark PCMark05 1.2.0
* GameXP 1.6 - NOTE: It shows "Windows XP 6.00.6000 Professional" in the operating system information line
* Genie-soft Genie Backup Manager 7
* Driver Genius Professional 2006 and 2007
* Indigo Rose AutoPlay Media Studio v6.0.4.0
* Lavalys Everest Ultimate Edition v3.50.761
* MarcSpruIT Consultancy AutoBackup 3.2 (32-bit)
* Microsoft (formerly Sysinternals) Autoruns v8.54 (32-bit) (must be run as the Administrator in order to delete entries from the registry)
* Microsoft (formerly Sysinternals) Process Explorer v10.21 (32-bit)
* Microsoft (formerly Sysinternals) Process Monitor v1.01 (32-bit)
* Paragon Partition Manager 8.5
* Paragon Drive Backup 8.5
* Piriform CCleaner v1.37.456
* RegCleaner Simple Registry cleaner with many useful functions.
* Reg Organizer 4.0
* Raxco DiskState v3.21 (runs as 32-bit app under Vista x64)
* RegSeeker 1.52 - NOTE: A few cleaning functions may not work and registry keys backed up before deletion cannot always be restored!
* Registry Workshop V 3.0.0
* SlickRun v3.9.4.1
* Restoration v3.2.1
* SpeedFan (32-bit only)
* Startup Organizer 2.8.275
* SIW - System Information for Windows v1.66
* System Mechanic 5.5 Professional
* Taskbar Shuffle v2.0 (32-bit)
* Total Commander v6.55 and v7.0 Beta 2 and 3 (32-bit)
* TreeSize Professional 3 and 4.1.1 [6]
* Unlocker v1.8.5 (32-bit)
* VisionWorks Solutions Inc. Vision Backup Home, Pro, Server, Server + MS SQL/Exchange.
* WinDirStat v1.1.2.79 (32-bit)
* Webroot Window Washer version 6.05
* Your Uninstaller! 2006

Video
----------------
* 1 Click DVD to DivX AVI
* Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0
* Adobe After Effects 7.0
* Adobe Premiere 2.0
* Adobe Premiere 5.0
* Pinnacle Studio 9.3. Does not work, please see comment in list of software that does not work.
* AllPlayer
* Amadis iPod PSP 3GP MP4 AVI Video Converter
* BS Player 2.11.940
* ConvertXtoDVD
* Cyberlink PowerDVD 6
* Cyberlink PowerDVD 7
* DVD Shrink 3.2
* DVDMaestro_v2.9.2915a (needs to be run as administrator - works, but Cinemaster playback drivers fail)
* Enosoft DV Processor
* Enosoft Enhanced DV Decoder
* Enosoft Friendly DV
* Fake Webcam
* FastStone Image Viewer 2.8
* GOM Media Player
* Intervideo WinDVD 8.0.6.101 (both Gold and Platinum versions)
* JetAudio 6
* KMPlayer 2.9.3.1214 (Installation version 32bit)[7]
* Logitech QuickCam Fushion ver 10.4.0, build 1401
* Magix Video Deluxe 2007 Plus
* Media Player Classic 6.4.9.0
* MPlayer
* Nokia Multimedia Player v6.82 (in Nokia PC Suite pack)
* Orb MyCasting
* Real Player
* Sony Vegas 7.0d
* Techsmith Camtasia Studio v4.0.0 (Full Program)- "Grate funtionality"
* Tivo Desktop 2.3a (Cannot see Tivo devices on the network)
* TMPGEnc-2.59.47.155-Plus(must be run as the Administrator)
* Total Video Converter
* TVUPlayer 2.3.0 (32-bit)
* Ulead DVD Movie Factory x86 & x64
* VDownloader 0.3 (also, extension of this program for Firefox)
* VirtualDub
* VirtualDubMod
* VirtualDub MPEG
* VLC media player 0.8.6a (x86 & x64)
* VSO ConvertXToDVD v2.1.4 Build 162
* WinAVI Video Converter V. 7.7
* Xilisoft Video Converter 3.1
* Zoom Player 5.0

Viewers
-------------------
* ACDSee Pro 8.1.99 Photo Manager (Non-Compatibility prompt when installing. Can ignore, works fine. If you update Vista, uninstall KB929427 and do not reinstall. It blocks ACDSee from installing.)
* Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0
* Adobe Flash Player 9.0.28
* Autosizer 1.61 Auto sizes Explorer and IE windows. Ex: Auto Maximize IE browser window.
* Damn NFO Viewer 2.10.0032 RC3
* Foxit PDF Reader (Pro) 1.0 (32-bit)
* Foxit PDF Reader (Pro) 2.0 (32-bit)
* IEIMAGE 3 IEImage 3 Shows full images of all thumbnailed pictures on a webpage in a new IE window.
* IrfanView v3.99 (Need to install as Administrator)
* Klipfolio 3.1
* Picasa

Virtual PC
--------------------
* eXPerience Linux 1.0 and 1.0 Beta 2
* Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 Vista as Host and Guest OS
* Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 - no support for Vista Guest OS
* Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 (need to install and run as Administrator, and install IIS manually)
* Parallels Workstation 2.2
* VMware Player v 1.0.3 (accept driver-warning during install / tested on Ultimate German)
* VMware Server v 1.0.1 (install/run as admin - mouse pointer doesn't point to correct locations if Font Size DPI has been resized away from the default of 96 DPI under Display preferences)
* VMware Virtual Infrastructure Client 2.0.1 (tested on Ultimate German)
* VMware Workstation 5.5.3
* VMware Workstation 6.0 Beta, Build 36983 (32/64 bit)

Voice Recognition
--------------------------------
* Dragon Naturally Speaking 9.5 Standard and Preferred (Free download for owners US_Only version)

Web Development
------------------------------
* Bradbury TopStyle Lite 2.1 - Installs fine as user but must be run as administrator or it will crash.
* CreamSoft Pajaczek NxG 5.6.1
* Macromedia Homesite 5 - Installs fine as user but must be run as administrator or it will crash.
* Macromedia Dreamweaver 8.0.2 - Installs fine as administrator and runs under user account with no problems.

Web Servers
-------------------------
* Apache HTTP Server (1.3.x, 2.0.x, 2.2.x)
* Abyss Web Server (version 2.4)
* Krasnal Serv (Apache 1.3.31 or 2.0.50, PHP, MySQL and more. Automatic installation. Everything works fine!)
* Purplenova
* WAMP Web-Developer Server Suite (Apache 2.2.23, PHP, MySQL, ASP, JSP, Perl, SSL)
* XAMMP Web-Developer Server Suite (Apache, MySQL, PHP + PEAR, Perl, mod_php, mod_perl, mod_ssl, OpenSSL, phpMyAdmin, Webalizer, Mercury Mail Transport System for Win32 and NetWare Systems v3.32, JpGraph, FileZilla FTP Server, mcrypt, eAccelerator, SQLite, and WEB-DAV + mod_auth_mysql. )




Has problems, but they can be solved / minor unsolved
===============================================
* Some of these programs may not have been tested in Windows XP compatibility mode - try it.

Academic
---------------------
* Maple 9 - Java 1.6 must be installed. Successfully installed using Windows 2000 compatibility mode. When selecting network install and choosing a location for user preferences try typing in the network path manually. Still need to test full functionally of software but so far it starts up. License must have TS_OK flag, all 9.5 and newer 9.0 licenses will have this.

* Maple 10 - Java 1.6 must be installed. Install must be in 2000 compatability mode. License must have TS_OK flag. Java maple sets theme to windows basic, classic maple works fine with Aero.

* Cadence Design Suite - Application functions but has trouble accessing files directories due to Vista's file protections.

Admin
-------------
* Advanced Security Level 5.3 -- Not all options work, must be run as administrator
* EventLog Explorer 2.1 need beta build 2.1.335 to work - download patch in support forum

Antivirus
-------------------
* Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic v7.03.00.15 -- update function must be manual started as Admin (C:/Program Files/AntiVit/preupd.exe)
* Spyware Terminator 1.8.3.951 -- Works but with problems. Common applications are often unrecognised. Real-Time Shield not fully functional. 'Driver Loading Error' appears. Version 1.9 promises Vista support but no date for its release has been given. See forums for latest.

Audio
-----------------
* Audition v2.0 (does not support Aero. Vista will drop to Basic Color Scheme when Audition 2 is running)
* Total Recorder works with two small problems: 1. Help doesn't work, and 2. Program doesn't work with other programs that can not run without using DirectSound. See link.

* Musicmatch - V10 - Works fine on Vista Business and Vista Ultimate. One setup was a fresh OS install with MM installed afterward. MM had to be re-installed using "recommmended settings", but after that it worked. The other install was an OS upgrade from XP Pro and MM was already on the system. MM fails trying to check for new versions online, but otherwise it works fine.

* Winamp v2.03 (in x32: config screens don't display correctly if Font Size DPI is set higher than the default setting)
* Winamp v5.32 (in x64: 5.1 Surround does not work, annoying Sonic Engine [PX.dll] message, DLL must be manually copied to progdir)

Backup
----------------------
* Second Copy v7.0.0.160 (64-bit) Progress Bar is completely black. Everything else works.
* SyncBackSE v4.1.1.0 32-bit. Minor issues with UAC and scheduling - workarounds available at their website FAQ's ( http://www.2brightsparks.com )

Bluetooth
---------------------
* BlueSoleil 2.3 VoIP Edition -- BSOD, Vista crashed at first start of program
* Motorola Bluetooth USB PC Adapter PC850 (Widcomm stack) -- Installs with many prompts, dongle works, devices connect...but upon reboot system hangs permanently after login or manifests various states of BSOD.
* Toshiba Bluetooth Stack -- lots of security prompts during installation. Couldn't get Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP) and ActiveSync over Bluetooth working.

CD/DVD Authoring
----------------------------------
* Ahead Nero 6.6.1.4 (32-bit) (installs if you ignore Vista warnings but also causes Explorer crashes when viewing directories that have video files in them, as well as file

shutdown unwanted services to make pc faster

Go to Start > Run and type services.msc and hit enter.

Scroll down and highlight the service you want to adjust, right-click on it and choose Properties.

Now click the stop button and select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar.

A useful tip is that instead of disabling something you are unsure of, set it to manual. When you restart your machine if that service has started then it is probably required by one of your components or software products. If it is still OFF then consider disabling it for greater protection.

Here’s the list of useless services:

Alerter - notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If this service is turned off, applications that use the NetAlertRaise or NetAlertRaiseEx APIs will be unable to notify a user or computer (by a Message Box from the Messenger service) that the administrative alert took place.
Recommendation: Disabled.

Application Layer Gateway Service - Provides support for 3rd party plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing/Internet Connection Firewall. Required if using Internet Connection Sharing/Internet Connection Firewall to connect to the internet.
Recommendation: Automatic if using ICS, Disabled if not.

Application Management - Used for Assign, Publish and Remove software services. If you can not modify your software installation of certain applications, put this service in to Automatic or Manual.
Recommendation: Disabled

Automatic Updates - Used to check up to see if there is any critical or otherwise updates available for download. It is very important that if you decide to disable this service, you check the Windows Update site often to ensure the latest patches are installed. Manual (and Automatic) update via Windows Update web site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running.
Recommends: Automatic if you do not wish to use Windows Update manually.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Used to transfer asynchronous data via http1.1 servers. According to Microsoft’s site, Windows Update uses this “feature.” It “continues” a download if you log off or shutdown the system (that is, when you log back in.) Manual update via Windows Update web site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running.
Recommendation: Disabled

ClipBook- enables the Clipbook Viewer to create and share “pages” of data to be viewed by remote computers.
Recommendation: Disabled

COM+ Event System - provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing (Component Object Model) COM components.
Recommendation: Disabled

COM+ System Application - provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing (Component Object Model) COM components.
Recommendation: Disabled

Computer Browser - maintains an up-to-date list of computers on your network, and supplies the list to programs that request it. The Computer Browser service is used by Windows-based computers that need to view network domains and resources. Not required unless you attach to a network of Windows computers.
Recommendation: Disabled

Cryptographic Services - Confirms signatures of Windows files. You may always get a dialog box complaining about uncertified drivers if this is disabled. Required for Windows Update to function in manual and automatic mode. Windows Media Player may also require this service to function.
Recommendation: Automatic

DHCP Client - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Client manages network configuration by registering and updating IP addresses and Domain Name Server (DNS) names. If you are only dialling up to ISP via modem, cable, etc. If you have a network card in your PC and attach out via a router or sharing device then this may be required. Set to manual if unsure then check on reboot if it has started. If not then disable.
Recommendation : Automatic if required. Disabled if not.

Distributed Link Tracking Client - maintains links between the NTFS file system files within a computer or across computers in a network domain.
Recommendation: Disabled

Distributed Transaction Coordinator - coordinates transactions that are distributed across multiple computer systems and/or resource managers, such as databases, message queues, file systems, or other transaction-protected resource managers.
Recommendation: Disabled

DNS Client - resolves and caches (Domain Name Server) DNS names. The DNS client service must be running on every computer that will perform DNS name resolution.
Recommendation: Disabled

Error Reporting Service - Allows error reporting for services and applications.
Recommendation: Disabled

Event Log -logs event messages issued by programs and Windows. Event Log reports contain information that can be useful in diagnosing problems.
Recommends: Automatic

Fax Service - enables you to send and receive faxes. Disabling this service will render the computer unable to send or receive faxes. Not used by most people.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Telephony - provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP-based voice connections on the local computer and through the LAN on servers that are also running the service. If you never use a dial-up modem on a PC but connect via a router then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic (if using Dial-Up Networking/Faxing/ or PC Phone Services) Disabled otherwise

FTP Publishing Service -Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro,provides (file transfer protocol) FTP connectivity and administration through the Internet Information Service (IIS) snap-in. Big security risk!
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Help and Support - Required for Microsofts online help documents.
Recommendation: Disabled.

Human Interface Device Access - If all your devices function then disable it. Seems new with no devices for it as yet.
Recommendation: Disabled.

IIS Admin - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Proallows administration of Internet Information Services (IIS). If this service is not running, you will not be able to run Web, FTP, NNTP, or SMTP sites, or configure IIS. See also World Wide Web Publishing Service. Not usually required unless you are running a local web server. If you are then make sure that if no external access is required that you firewall protect port 80 to only local traffic! Do not even consider running a public web server unless you are 100% sure of the implications - use an ISP server.
Recommendations: Leave not installed or Disabled unless you understand the implications.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - Used for the “drag and drop” CD burn capability. You will need this service to burn CD’s.If you still can not burn a CD with it on Manual, switch to Automatic and feel safe that it will only be used when “needed.”
Recommendation : Disabled if you do not burn CD’s otherwise set to Manual or Automatic.

Indexing Service - indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers and provides rapid access to files through a flexible querying language.
Recommendation: Disabled

Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing - provides network address translation (NAT), addressing and name resolution services for all computers on your home or small-office network through a dial-up or broadband connection. Not required unless you are sharing a dial-up connection with other PC’s on your network - not recommended! Far better to use a router or gateway firewall software for this purpose. Consider using a higher specification firewall like Kerio Winroute if sharing your connection.
Recommendation: Automatic if sharing connection, Disabled if not required.

IPSEC Services - manages IP security (IPsec) policy, starts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and coordinates IPsec policy settings with the IP security driver. Only leave on if you are using IPSec. Opens Port 500.
Recommendation: Disabled

Logical Disk Manager - watches Plug and Play events for new drives to be detected and passes volume and/or disk information to the Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service to be configured. If disabled, the Disk Management snap-in display will not change when disks are added or removed. Turn it on only if you add additional disks and then disable again.
Recommendation: Disabled

Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - watches Plug and Play events for new drives to be detected and passes volume and/or disk information to the Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service to be configured. If disabled, the Disk Management snap-in display will not change when disks are added or removed. Turn it on only if you add additional disks and then disable again.
Recommendation: Disabled

Message Queuing - A messaging infrastructure and development tool for creating distributed messaging applications for Windows. Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Most home users will never need this service.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Message Queuing Triggers - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Required only if you use Message Queuing service.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Messenger - sends and receives messages to or from users and computers, or those transmitted by administrators or by the Alerter service. Nothing to do with MSN Messenger
Recommendation: Disabled

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - Used in conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy Service. Microsoft Backup uses these services so you will need it if you use that. You will receive Event Log entry complaining about not having this service running if Disabled.
Recommendation: Disabled

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing - allows authorized users to remotely access your Windows desktop from another PC over a corporate intranet by using Microsoft NetMeeting®. Very dangerous - allows remote access to your PC. Only use if absolutely essential and if running effective firewall.
Recommendation: Disabled

Network Connections -manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both network and remote connections.
Recommendation: Automatic.

Network DDE - Useless service unless you use remote ClipBook.
Recommendation: Disabled

Network DDE DSDM - Useless service unless you use remote ClipBook.
Recommendation: Disabled

Network Location Awareness (NLA) - Required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing Service (server only.)
Recommendation: Disabled

NT LM Security Support Provider - enables users to log on to the network using the NTLM authentication protocol. If this service is stopped, users will be unable to log on to the domain and access services. NTLM is used mostly by Windows versions prior to Windows 2000.
Recommendation: Disabled

Performance Logs and Alerts - configures performance logs and alerts.
Recommendation: Disabled

Plug and Play - enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input.
Recommendation: Automatic

Portable Media Serial Number - Retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer.
Recommendation: Disabled

Print Spooler - queues and manages print jobs locally and remotely. If you don’t have a printer attached then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic if needed, Disabled otherwise.

Protected Storage - provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services processes or users.
Recommendation: Disabled

QoS RSVP - provides network signalling and local, traffic-control, set-up functionality for (Quality of Service) QoS-aware programs and control applets.
Recommendation: Disabled

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address. Disabling the service has no effect on the rest of the operating system. You will have to set up connections to remote computers manually. Whilst this process is convenient, unauthorised applications (such as Trojans) could bring up your network connection without your explicit request. Far better to manually dial.
Recommendation: Disabled.

Remote Access Connection Manager - creates a network connection.
Recommendation: Automatic if using Dial-Up Networking, otherwise Disable it.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. Could create a MAJOR security hole so disable it unless absolutely necessaty.
Recommendation: Disabled

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services. Absolutely essential.
Recommendation: Automatic.

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Manages the RPC name service database.
Recommendation: Disabled

Remote Registry Service - Not available on Windows XP Home. Allows remote registry manipulation. This service lets users connect to a remote registry and read and/or write keys to it-providing they have the required permissions. Hacker could use this to attack other PC’s.
Recommendation: Disabled

Removable Storage - manages removable media drives and libraries. This service maintains a catalogue of identifying information for removable media used by a system, including tapes, CDs, and so on.
Recommendation: Disabled

RIP Listener - Not installed by default.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Routing and Remote Access - offers routing services in local area and wide area network environments. Shouldn’t be required on a home PC.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Secondary Logon - allows you to run specific tools and programs with different permissions than your current logon provides.
Recommendation: Disabled

Security Accounts Manager -start-up of this service signals other services that the Security Accounts Manager subsystem is ready to accept requests.
Recommendation: Disabled unless needed.

Server - provides RPC support and file print and named pipe sharing over the network. The Server service allows the sharing of your local resources (such as disks and printers) so that other users on the network can access them. You should carefully consider the full implications of enabling this!
Recommendation: Disabled unless absolutely needed. Better still REMOVED.

Shell Hardware Detection - Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, some CD drives, etc. Set to Automatic if you are experiencing problems with laptop docking stations.
Recommendation: Disabled unless required.

Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Transports e-mail across the network.

If you are using the built-in mail server for receiving mail then leave on automatic. If not, as would be usual in a home environment, then disable.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Simple TCP/IP Services - Not installed by default, implements support for a number of IP protocols.
Recommendation : Leave not installed or Disabled

Smart Card - manages and controls access to a smart card inserted into a smart card reader attached to the computer. If not using a smart card reader then disable.
Recommendation: Disabled

Smart Card Helper - provides support for earlier smart card readers attached to the computer. As above.
Recommendation: Disabled

SNMP Service - allows incoming (Simple Network Management Protocol) SNMP requests to be serviced by the local computer.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

SNMP Trap Service - receives trap messages generated by local or remote SNMP agents and forwards the messages to SNMP management programs running on the computer.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

SSDP Discovery Service - Used to locate UPnP devices on your home network. Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons Disable this service. Please read the section in the guide on UPnP. Please note that even the FBI recommends disabling and preferably deinstalling this!!
Recommendation: Disabled for security reasons, better still removed totally as per the Steve Gibson instructions in the UPnP section.

System Event Notification - tracks system events such as Windows logon network and power events. Notifies COM+ Event System subscribers of these events. SENS is an AutoStarted service that depends on COM+ EventSystem service.
Recommendation: Disabled

System Restore Service - Creates system snap shots or restore points for returning to at a later time. Big resource overhead! Forget about it!
Recommendation: Disabled

Task Scheduler - enables a program to run at a designated time. Can be very dangerous. If you must run scheduled tasks then consider disabling all users other than administrator from running tasks. Can create major security problems and allow a hacker to comprimise your system by scheduling trojans to run.
Recommends: Disabled unless absolutely required

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service - enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. Only required if you need to share files with others.
Recommendation: Disabled

TCP/IP Printer Server - Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off of the WinXP CD. Used for setting up a local UNIX print server. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled

Telephony - provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP-based voice connections on the local computer and through the LAN on servers that are also running the service. If you never use a dial-up modem on a PC but connect via a router then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic (if using Dial-Up Networking/Faxing/ or PC Phone Services) Disabled otherwise

Telnet - Not available on Windows XP Home and for good reason!! allows a remote user to log on to the system and run console programs by using the command line. Very dangerous. .
Recommendation: Disabled, preferably deinstall

Terminal Services - provides a multisession environment that allows client devices to access a virtual Windows 2000 Professional desktop session and Windows-based programs running on the server. Big security risk!
Recommendation: Disabled, preferably deinstall

Themes - Used to display all those new XP themes and colors on your desktop. Lots of space needed.
Recommendation: Disabled

Uninterruptible Power Supply - manages communications with a UPS connected to the computer by a serial port.
Recommendation: Disabled

Universal Plug and Play Device Host - Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons Disable this service immediately.Please read the section in the guide on UPnP. Please note that even the FBI recommends disabling and preferably deinstalling this!!
Recommendation: Disabled for security reasons, better still removed totally as per the Steve Gibson instructions in the UPnP section.

Upload Manager - As with BITS, this service manages file transfers between clients and servers on the network. This service is NOT required for basic File and Print sharing.
Recommendation: Disabled

Volume Shadow Copy - Used in conjunction with the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Service. Microsoft Backup uses these services.
Recommendation: Disabled

WebClient - Disable this for security reasons.
Recommendation: Disabled

Windows Audio - This service is Required if you wish to hear any audio at all. If your computer does not have a sound card, Disable this service.
Recommendation: Automatic unless you do not have a sound card, then set it to Disabled.

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Used for some scanners and cameras. If, after Disabling this service, your scanner or camera fails to function properly, enable this service.
Recommendation: Disabled

Windows Installer - installs, repairs, or removes software according to instructions contained in .MSI files provided with the applications
Recommendation: Manual

Windows Management Instrumentation - provides system management information. WMI is an infrastructure for building management applications and instrumentation shipped as an integral part of the current generation of Microsoft operating systems.
Recommendation: Automatic

Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension - Not available on Windows XP Home. Tracks of all of the drivers that have registered WMI information to publish.
Recommendation: Manual

Windows Time - sets the computer clock. W32Time maintains date and time synchronization on all computers running on a Microsoft Windows network. NTP can be dangerous. Not worth the risk.
Recommendation: Disabled

Wireless Zero Configuration - Automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you do not have any wireless network devices in use, Disable this service.
Recommendation: Disabled

WMI Performance Adapter - Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers.
Recommendation: Disabled

Workstation - provides network connections and communications. If this service is turned off, no network connections can be made to remote computers using Microsoft Networks. Use if you require drive-mapping connections to other Windows PC’s.
Recommendation : Disabled, Automatic if required

World Wide Web Publishing Service - Not available on Windows XP Home. Provides HTTP services for applications on the Windows platform. Required if you are running a web server, but consider firewalling such a local web server so it is not visible to the world. Use an ISP web server for greatest security. Most commeon entry point for hackers!
Recommendation : Leave not installed or Disabled

Note: You may not see all of these services on your service manager. Disable the ones you have.

You can now enjoy having a faster and safer computer.

Cannot Access Regedit, How to Fix It?

Cannot Access Regedit, How to Fix It?
Many times when working on a computer that has been infected with a virus, trojan, or piece of spyware I find myself with my most important command, Regedit, the Windows Registry Editor being disabled. Virus creators like to disable the Registry Editor so it makes solving the problem and removing the issue difficult.

Sometimes administrators in IT departments may place restrictions on using the regedit command to keep employees from changes things on company computers, but viruses and other issues may also try to disable it.

Listed below you will find the different ways to enable regedit, the Registry Editor.


First we'll begin with the method that appears to work the best.

Method 1 - Enabling the Registry with VBScript

Doug Knox, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, has created a VBScript that enables or disables the Registry Editor based on the following location in the registry. Of course, since the registry editor is disabled, you can't change it manually, so Doug wrote a Visual Basic Script to accomplish the task.

HKey_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System\

Visit Doug's page and download Registry Tools VBScripthttp://www.dougknox.com/security/scr...c/regtools.htm to your desktop, double-click on it to run it, then reboot your computer and try to open the Registry Editor.

If this fix didn't solve your problem, try method two shown below.
Method 2: Use Symantec's tool to reset shell\open\command registry keys

Sometimes worms and trojans will make changes to the shell\open\command registry entries as part of their infections. This will cause the virus to run each time you try to run an .exe file such as the Registry Editor. In these cases, visit Symantec's website and download the UnHookExec.inf http://www.symantec.com/security_res...050614-0532-99 file to your desktop. Right-click on it and choose Install. Restart your computer and then try to open the Registry Editor.


Method 3: Rename Regedit.com to Regedit.exe
Some viruses and other malware will load a regedit.com file that is many times a zero byte dummy file. Because .com files have preference over .exe files when executed if you type REGEDIT in the run line, it will run the regedit.com instead of the real regedit.exe file.

Delete the regedit.com file if its a zero byte file to restore access to REGEDIT. In some cases, such as the W32.Navidad worm, you'll need to rename the REGEDIT file to get it to work.



Method 4: Windows XP Professional and Group Policy Editor

If you have Windows XP Professional and access to an administrative user account, you could change the registry editor options in the Group Policy Editor.
1. Click Start, Run
2. Type GPEDIT.MSC and Press Enter
3. Go to the following location
o User Configuration
o Administrative Templates
o System
4. In the Settings Window, find the option for "Prevent Access to Registry Editing Tools" and double-click on it to change.
5. Select Disabled or Not Configured and choose OK
6. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer
7. Try opening REGEDIT again
Although there are a few other ways, the above ways I have used with great success in re-enabling the REGEDIT command. If you are interested in more ways to reactive the REGEDIT command, you may want to visit a site called Killian's Guidehttp://www.geocities.com/kilian00720...ockreg.htm#1.2, that goes into more detail on a variety of ways to get the registry editor to work again

Test for Idiocy

 B elow are four (4) questions and a bonus question. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately . OK?
 
 
 Let's find out just how clever you really are....
 
 
 
 Ready? GO!!!
 
 
 
 First Question:
 
 Y ou are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?
 
 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are
 absolutel! y wrong! If you overtake the second person, you take his place, so you are second!
 
 Try not to screw up next time.
 Now answer the second question,
 but don't take as much time as you took for the first one, OK ?
 
 Second Question:
 If you overtake the last person, then you are...?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person?
 
 
 You're not very good at this, are you?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Third Question:
 V ery tricky arithmetic! Note: This must be done in your head only .
 Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it.
 
 
 
 Take 1000 and add 40 to it.. Now add another 1000 . Now add 30 .
 Add another 1000 . Now add 20. Now add another 1000
 Now add 10 . What is the total?
 
 
 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 Did you get 5000?
 
 The correct answer is actually 4100.
 
 
 
 If you don't believe it, check it with a calculator!
 Today is definitely not your day, is it?
 Maybe you'll get the last question right....
 ...Maybe.
 01/02/2007
 Anonymous
 Fourth Question:
 
 Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the ! name of the fifth daughter?
 
 
 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 Did you Answer Nunu?
 NO! Of course it isn't.
 Her name is Mary. Read the question again!
 
 
 
 Okay, now the bonus round:
 I may have sent this one before. I! 'm never sure.
 
 
 A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By
 imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully
 expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is
 done.
 
 
 Next, a blind man comes into the shop who wants to buy a pair of
 sunglasses; how does HE indicate what he wants?
 
 
 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 He just has to open his mouth and ask...
 It's really very simple.... Like you!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PASS TH IS ON TO FRUSTRATE THE
 SMART PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!
 DO U THINK U R SMART ENOUGH or JUST CLEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!