Change location of " Program Files"

Change the default location where software will be installed and where the ?common files? will be stored. These are normally found in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files\Common Files\.

Both can be on independent volumes. This can be useful if you?re running out of space on the C: drive.Also this will stop any harm to your Operating system due to these softwares.

Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows \CurrentVersion

Specify the String Value of CommonFilesDir &/or ProgramFilesDir to the path of the new directories. From now on all new software that is installed will refer to this key to identify where the common files and program files should be stored by default. Nothing will happen to your exisiting files/softwares. Now you rae free from the burden of pressing ?browse? and selecting the desired location.





This is for win xp. You need to restart the computer for the change/effect to take place. Be doubly sure that the path is correct and the key doesn't exist before you think of create it. Back up your registry before you do it(click here)

Disable Search Assistant

The XP search assistant is annoying. Not only does it have a weird number of counter-intuitive search options, it also connects to the Microsoft site without the user?s permission.

Navigate to:

HKEY_CUURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

Set the String value for Use Search Asst to ?no?(without quotes). The default is ?yes?.



This hack will Disable The Search Assistant. Just open Regedit(START>>RUN>>Type REGEDIT)





This is for win xp. You need to restart the computer for the change/effect to take place. Be doubly sure that the path is correct and the key doesn't exist before you create theit. Back up your registry before you do it(click here)