Set Default Wallpaper on Windows XP

This is an old one, but I wanted to get it online as a reminder...

Now this can be done via GPO...but to avoid locking the Wallpaper down, this quick registry hack will set the first wallpaper for any new logons...while allowing the flexibility for the user to make a change whenever they see fit...

1. Enable 'Show Hidden Files'

2. Regedit

3. Highlight HKEY_USERS, File->Load Hive

 - Navigate/Open "C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\NTUSER.DAT"

 - Name it DefUser (or whatever)

4. Add the absolute path of the wallpaper to key:

HKEY_USERS\DefUser\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper

5. File-->Unload Hive

6. Disable 'Show Hidden Files'

Reminders in Outlook Not Popping Up

When Reminders in Outlook (2007/2010) do not properly display the Reminders Window Popup, below is a series of troubleshooting steps to attempt a repair.

I worked with a user having this issue...and while these steps did not work for me, the Hotfix below did.  So I thought I would outline all troubleshooting steps I came across to hopefully help someone else out...


1. Check the 'Show Reminders' Setting is enabled:

    2007:  Tools -> Options -> Other -> Advanced Options -> Reminder Options
    2010:  File Tab -> Options -> Advanced -> Reminders

    2007: Ensure "Display the reminder" is checked.
    2010: Ensure "Show Reminders" is checked.

2. Attempt to re-apply the 'Show Reminders' Setting:
   
    2007:  Tools -> Options -> Other -> Advanced Options -> Reminder Options
    2010:  File Tab -> Options -> Advanced -> Reminders

    Uncheck 'Show Reminders'...Press OK, (OK again for 2007), then close Outlook.
    Open Outlook, Check 'Show Reminders'...Press OK, (OK again for 2007), then close.  
    Open Outlook again and test...

3. If using reminders from the calendar on Exchange, ensure mail is delivered to the Exchange inbox (and not the inbox from a PST file).
    
    2007: Tools -> Account Settings 
    2010: File Tab -> Account Settings

4. Start Outlook with "/cleanreminders" switch:

    Start -> Run, type "outlook.exe /cleanreminders", then test...

5. Try with "/cleanfreebusy" switch:

    Start -> Run, type "outlook.exe /cleanfreebusy", then test...

6. Try with "/resetfolders" switch:

    Start -> Run, type "outlook.exe /resetfolders", then test...

7. If all the above fail, use MFCMapi.exe to delete the Reminders Folder...and recreate with /resetfolders switch:

    Ensure Outlook is closed
    Download MFCMapi.exe for your version of Office (i.e. x86 or x64), and run
    Click "Session" -> "Logon and Display Store Table" -> Select the profile -> OK
    Double-Click the Exchange Account -> "Expand Root Container"
    Right-Click "Reminders" in the Left Pane, Delete (Check box for 'Hard Delete')
    Start Outlook with /resetfolders switch (as seen in step 6 above), and test...

8. If the issue still is apparent (as with my case), the last resort was to enable logging and contact Microsoft Support.

NOTE:  Once logging is enabled, the "logcalb#" files which contain the Reminders info are encrypted and can only be viewed from Microsoft Support...(I searched everywhere and could not find a tool to read these files).

    2007:  Tools -> Options -> Other -> Advanced Options
    2010:  File Tab -> Options -> Advanced -> Other

    Check (Enable) the "Enable troubleshooting logging" 

    Click OK (OK again for 2007), Restart Outlook.
    
    * Ensure to disable logging when resolved as it will continue to generate LARGE files...

9. (SOLVED) In my case, once I opened the call with Microsoft, they had me run this Hotfix which finally solved my issue:   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2553028



Reference:    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/286166
                      http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2553028