What
are XP powerToys
PowerToys
are additional programs that developers work on after
the product has been released to manufacturing, but
before the next project has begun. These toys add fun
and functionality to the Windows experience.
We've
taken great care to ensure that PowerToys operate as
they should. But please note that these programs are
not part of Windows and are not supported by Microsoft.
For this reason, Microsoft Technical Support is unable
to answer questions about PowerToys
The
PowerToys are installed into the directory you specify
during setup. Typically this is the system32 directory.
To
uninstall the PowerToys, Open the control Panel. Launch
the Add/Remove Programs control panel applet. Find the
PowerToys for Windows XP entry, and choose Modify/Remove.
From here you can remove specific toys or all of them.
Faster
User Switcher
Note: You cannot use this toy if fast user switching
is not enabled.
What
it is: With Fast User Switching enabled on Windows XP,
this PowerToy allows you to switch users without having
to use the logon screen.
Special requirements: This PowerToy requires a Windows
key on your keyboard.
How to use: Press the Windows key then the Q key to
activate; release and press Q to switch to a different
user tile, then release both Q and Windows key to switch
to that user.
Shell Player
What it is: This PowerToy plays MP3 files and WMA files
from the taskbar.
How to use: Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars,
then click "Audio Player." If the taskbar
is locked and you want to resize the player, you will
have to unlock it. This will allow you to access the
play list editor and view all the buttons.
Task Switcher
What it is: Replaces the existing Alt + Tab application
switching mechanism of Windows XP. It provides a thumbnail
preview of windows in the task list and is compliant
with the new Windows XP visual style.
How to use: (NOTE: You must log off and then log on
again for the changes to take effect). Use just as you
do the existing Alt + Tab mechanism by pressing the
Alt key and the Tab key to activate. While holding down
the Alt key, press the Tab key to cycle through running
applications. To move backwards, press Shift + Alt +
Tab. Release all keys when the desired application is
highlighted.
Open Command Window Here
What it is: This PowerToy adds an "Open Command
Window Here" context menu option on file system
folders. This gives users a quick way to open a command
window (cmd.exe) pointing at a selected folder in the
Explorer UI.
How to use: After installation, right click on the folder
you would like to have a quick launch command window
for.
Tweak
UI
What it is: Provides access to system settings that
are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface.
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories,
TweakUI for Windows XP.
PowerToy
Calc
What it is: Graphing calculator
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories,
PowerToy Calc
Bulk
Resize for Photos
What it is: Allows you to make a new, resized copy of
your selected pictures in the same folder they are currently
located in. You can opt to resize one or many pictures
(as a batch).
How to use: Right click any image(s) and select Resize
Pictures in the context menu.
ISO
Image Burner
What it is: Allows you to burn an ISO Image using a
CD-ROM burner that is compatible with Windows XP
How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories,
ISO Burner
Slide Show Generator
What it is: Generate a slideshow when burning a CD
How to use: Add only images to a CD-ROM using Windows
XP Explorer, then Write these files to disk. A new task
is presented in the wizard for generating the autorun
for the slideshow.
Virtual
Desktop Manager
What it is: Manage up to 4 desktops from the Windows
Shell Taskbar.
How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars,
then click "Desktop Manager." If the taskbar
is locked and you want to resize the manager, you will
have to unlock it.
Background
Wallpaper switcher
What it is: Allows you to switch the background image
periodically.
How to use: Access this PowerToy by right clicking the
desktop, click properties. It has added a new tab that
will allow you to specify the interval as well as the
directory to obtain the images from.
Taskbar
Magnifier
What it is: Allows you to magnify part of the screen
from the taskbar.
How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars,
then click "Taskbar Magnifier." If the taskbar
is locked and you want to resize the magnifier, you
will have to unlock it.
Slide
Show Wizard
What it is: This wizard helps you create a slide show
of your digital pictures. When you're done, you can
put your slide show on the Web so that your family and
friends can view it.
How to use: Launch the Wizard from the Start Menu under
All ProgramsPowertoys for Windows XPSlide Show Wizard.
Follow the steps of the wizard to select and arrange
your pictures, choose from a few simple options, and
then save a Web-ready HTML slide show to a folder.
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