i have downloded acala DVD Ripper with no problem.but when i want to convert amovie DVD in any formet its not work properly.Acala can chag the formet but only audio not video.plz suggest what should i do.

D.K.KAUSHIK

#81 - Bubby -- Thanks for the tip. Found a "fix" and it seems to be doing better now. Hope it keeps up, if not, see you in forums!

Re: this software--I have seen a lot of these tweaks before, but not all in one place like this and in many cases not as easily performed (e.g.) without having to jump through hoops of registry or the like. I don't know that I would pay a lot for it, but for free I like it. Just a couple of questions--why only 5 http sessions choice (Network) if am on broadband?--and can they add way to make all users able to see and use all programs or to contrary restrict them from some?

> From BuBBy: Precisely. I don’t like “cookies”. I want a pony.

> Who are you?

etc etc etc

Just wanted to say thanks for the entertainment lurking in the explanations, Bubby. You make the brain slog easier, and do Australia proud! :)

I installed the program, registered and opened it, however now I do not understand how to tweak anything and the help file is useless. I would like to move the temp internet files to another location, as another user on this forum did...how do I do it?

I have ashampoo and it has tweaking with a button that does it for me, but here I am completely lost.

Please help.

For changing the Windows default save to folders. Thanks Buddy for the info. The Magic Tweaks Help file seems to consist of "No topics found".
Also a previous comment refered to getting rid of the login screen in Win 2000. I know its possible because mine boots without it, but I
know not how. Would definatly recomend this as being a good tweak, for a tweaking program to have.

I do not have much know how on tweaking, will this MagicTweak restore my Task Manager Control-Alt-Delete and other missing, also my Run in the Start Menue bottom left green corner of Windows XP?

I take it back.. After downloading and going over the program-I see it's not some high powerd,hightech, get into your system, "Be afraid of" Program. In fact it really seems to do little more then change the face of things or hide icons ,menues and such. Not at all what I was picturing it would be. Don't get me wrong-If you like to spend time changing all thoes little things,then I think this will really serve the purpose. It's friendly and easy for that purpose. So thats my take in a nut shell- Unless it does a bunch of things that I am not figuring out or something. If so, Please fill me in -Otherwise,I'll keep it but Really don't see much use for it as yet.

Works fine on XP and Vista
Have adjusted a few parameters with ease, thanks !
It's MUCH easier than fumbling aroung with rtegedit.

Just wondering what that the 'Options' password could be ? :)

From BuBBy: Password Protect changing the settings. Prevent someone changing stuff back by using Magic Tweak.

It's not very strong protection, because someone could use a different program to change the registry settings instead. It might deter a casual 'snoop' or 'child' from changing your settings, though.

What I would like to see is a program that lets one change the
Windows default save to folders. While this can be manually overridden
each time, the reality is, I don't want to jump through hoops.
My operating system is on C:\ and my data is saved to D:\
Whenever some software program screws up my Windows, I reboot into
Acronis True Image, restore a recent save to c:\, and all my data on D:\ is still there.
This is something that goes beyond a cosmetic tweak, and actually
makes Windows more functional, at least for me and some others.

From BuBBy: Install the program and look at the "System Folders" section. Simple.

I find it to be less of a "tweaking" tool and more of a security tool if you have multiple users or a business and you want an easy way to hide or lock down certain areas from the user and you're not an IT person. Lots of things you can turn off so users can't access. Like making sure a user can't change the location of the My Documents folder, or hiding the Network or IE icon or hiding certain menus.

Very good if that's what you're looking for. Since I'm the only one on my computer, it's not something I really need. Thanks anyway.

From BuBBy: In a business, it isn't really much of a security tool, because tools such as MagicTweak are freely available, and even a semi-determined user with basic expertise can run one of these programs and "un-tweak" your security. I've heard school children (Aged 10-12) boasting how they have completely removed all protection from their school computers, simply because their teachers assumed this type of tweaking or a few registry settings would make a PC secure. It only works when the target knows less or is less curious than yourself. If I was bored, I'd probably grab a stopwatch and take the challenge as a bit of fun :P

I'm just wondering ( Not to sound stupid ) What is all this "Tweaking" and is it Really necessary ? As Far as Computers go-I know enough to get buy-I can add memory ( Like Most people can) I can check a hard drive and clean out bugs, Change my sounds, set up a password in my system setup-So that no one else can mess around and do a few other basic things. Is that what you call "Tweaking" ? If not I'm pretty lost on this one. Anyone who can help with this would be much apprecieated. A comment from Bubby at the bottom of my post would even make my day :) I"m going to download this and check it out-Even if I don't have a clue-- lol

From BuBBy: Tweaking goes beyond what you described - but it is similar. There are many settings that you cannot change except by editing the registry. Other settings are scattered everywhere and some you have to go through maybe a dozen screens, and nested options to get to them. Programs like Magic Tweak lets you get to some of the "less risky" (ie. you won't destroy your PC) settings all from the one screen. So firstly you don't have to deal with editing the registry (which can be complicated and dangerous for an inexperienced user) - and all of the pages have friendly descriptions and they are grouped together by function (in most cases).

A Safe and fairly trivial option to "play with" is the "OEM Info" section where some computer stores might put their name and contact details - and maybe a company logo. You can see the effect of these changes by going to "Control Panel" -> "System Properties" (or hold down the windows key, while you press the Pause-Break key)

This is really good software. I especially love how I can hide things on the start menu that I already have icons for on the desktop in order to make the start menu less crowded. Lets you customize lots of other things on windows far faster than what you could manually, and access to many features you otherwise might not even be able to find at all. Highly recommended :-)

In light of comments above, I would advise unchecking the box in Options to automatically check for updates. Updating this will void our free registration.

Easy download and install

In my opinion not worth the retail price.

Simple and clean interface
Good for basic users
I was disapointed with the lack of tweaks provided.

I would suggest it a good tool for beginners.

I will most likely uninstall it, as it is to simple for my use.

A breeze to set up. Overall, a good basic program to have, however, as previous posts have mentioned, expensive for what you get and I like and use Powertoys Tweak UI at no cost. Thanks GAOTD and Efreesky.
P.S. My very first download, I enjoy reading all the comments and try to ignore the grizzles and moans !

#78--I usually try to set connections to max possible (10 in XP), so I raised Opera and lowered Firefox (if I remember) from 24 -- anyone know why they put such a high number that only a server could use? Anyway, I keep having to reboot every day or so due to connection problems with my browsers (including IE also)--what's up with that? Strange error messages like cannot renew IP address if try repair. If this rings any bells with anybody, I would appreciate some info. Thanks to everybody for keeping discussions less divisive today.

From BuBBy: Your problem is really unrelated to this software. It sounds like you may have a problem with your Winsock/2 layer.If you want some more help with this - please post in the forums, and I will try to walk you through this.

Not a bad proggy! Installs eady on XP Pro. Arranged my system to MY specs the way I want. Runs fine. Buying Bubby an Australian pony!

From BuBBy: Are you Santa Claus?

@78

Opera sets a default of 8 http connections.
Look at your preferences- advanced tab.
No problems with Opera 9.25

There is a problem with the network tweak, setting it to allow 5 HTTP connections at a time. It BREAKS the web browser Opera bad. It totally trashes the websites.
So do NOT use this function if you use Opera.

What I do miss in this program are the boot and shutdown tweaks.
But it does contain a lot of other useful tweaks.

From BuBBy: Are there any tweaks in particular that you miss? If the developer knows that people want certain ones added - then it may happen.

@66 Dr Olaimi

if you follow this link to the microsoft website you will be able to clearly see that registration (in opposed to activation) is optional.

I quote the information at the link:
Registration
What This Feature Does:
Product registration involves the provision of personally identifiable information, such as an e-mail address, to Microsoft for the purpose of receiving information about product updates and special offers.

Information Collected, Processed or Transmitted:
If you choose to register the software, you will be asked to provide personal information such as your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Use of Information:
Microsoft will use your registration information to send you additional information about product updates and special offers. All registration information is protected using a variety of security technologies. Your information is not loaned or sold to other parties, and it will not be shared with partners without your consent.

Choice/Control:
Registration is optional.

Important Information
Additional technical details for disabling the Registration URL are available through the use of Group Policy are under Local Computer Policy \ Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ System \ Internet Communication Management \ Internet Communication Settings.

By the way, I have read the entire EULA and didn't find any refference to registration.

From BuBBy: It's ok. I think Dr Olaimi, just needed someone to talk to. But thanks anyway. :)

Registration is a no brainer, "WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS READ THE DIRECTIONS (readme?)"

BuBBy:
(I found the best way to avoid writing poor documentation, is to avoid writing documentation - but my failing memory brought that to an end).

Truly Masterful and Pricessless! For everything else there's M*st*rC*rd!

An ultra basic app. Good for beginning users.

#70 & #59

Thanks for correcting me about the Group Policy Editor. As a Microsoft Volume License customer, I've never used any of the "Home" SKUs of XP or Vista. I guess Microsoft assumes that "Home" users do not like a custom desktop, which is unfortunate. BUT, with that new knowledge, I'll give this a 7/10...just because!

Uncheck the check for updates box in this software. runs good on my computer and gets rid of those stupid , ugly balloon popups .Great software today . Bubby's comments are more useful than the comments by the people! I like that. I also like the comments on the free ware when the links are there to compare. Thank You GOTD

#55--just like group policies are not available in XP Home, either.

#4--some who can do manual regedit like to use GUI program interface or at least an applet or script to reduce errors & resulting problems

Bubby--Thank you for being such a straight shooter in your responses.

#52--you're right about trojans; ZoneAlarm Security Suite saved me.

Very nice!
BTW, who is Bubby?
:)

From BuBBy: who are you? :)

foolofgrace

When you are presented the save location use the "Save" button and browse to the location of your choice. I agree that at times MS may not give you that opportunity.

Can this program fix incorrect hard drive partition letterings in the registry for Windows 2000?

From BuBBy: Don't think so. Read This.

#40 + BuBBy ...

Unfortunately you are wrong Mr. BuBBy!

In reality Microsoft will not allow any updates to any installed Windows that is not certified to be Genuine! and your software would actually would allow any unauthenticated (alternatively pirated!) installation of Windows under the general rule of "if it is authentic then 1 to 5 seconds authentication would not hurt any legitimate user"!

Please, correct me if I am wrong! because it took me only 3 seconds to find it in Microsoft EULA!

p.s. don't worry I am not affiliated with Microsoft nor a law firm!

From BuBBy: I'm not worried. I can tell you are not affiliated with Microsoft nor a law firm (it is fairly obvious).

As requested, I am correcting you. What you say is (almost) correct about Product ACTIVATION. (Some licenses of Windows do not require ACTIVATION from Microsoft - XP VLK for example) It is not correct to say that "unauthenticated" (unactivated?) licenses are pirated.
Product ACTIVATION and Product REGISTRATION have very different procedures and purposes (and spelling).
REGISTRATION is optional. ACTIVATION is not always required.
Magic Tweak lets you bypass optional Windows Registration. (useful only on a new build - otherwise you have probably already been through it)

And another tip - Nobody reads EULAs. They are full of spoilers that ruin the suprise, once you get it installed. Somebody should make EULAs fun, with a multiple choice quiz at the end, to see if you understood - and a bonus prize if you get them all right.

#58 autologon at sysinternals.com

Installed the program but scared to use because no help information (neither from F1 or the website) and I don't know about the registry.

This feels more like a parental control or workstation restriction management software than a tweak software. Most of the tweaks have to do with disabling a user's abilities to do certain things, and hiding menu items from people. And the interface is (optionally) password-protected. This doesn't feel like a power toy at all, it's more like a restriction agent.

And as that, it seems OK. For "tweaks", meh. Personally, I'll pass. Thanks.

From BuBBy: There are always two sides to a coin. Some people may see "hiding menus from some people". To another user it might be "removing menu options they never use, so there is more room for other things they do use".

One use in removing a lot of "unnecessary options" is not only to stop the kids from breaking the desktop - but providing a minimalistic and streamlined interface, to strip windows down to just what you need - the bare essentials (as it were). Some power users like to have a desktop like (I imagine) the flight console of the space shuttle, others prefer the appearance of a blank sheet - customized for the purpose to do exactly what they want and nothing extra.

tried to understand-i m to lasy-revo uninstaller-i m happy again

Great one... ty GAOTD!

Good giveaway but more help with what some settings might do,and finally got rid of pop up -you have to many programs in start menu-Hurrah,thaks GOTD and Efreesky Software.

As a Vista Home Premium user, it's nice to find utilities like this, since they're still fairly rare. Thanks GOTD and Efreesky!

Another tweaker, which has a free basic version, is TweakVI from TotalIdea.

To #55 - If you like using gpedit.msc, you won't want to upgrade (or downgrade, depending on your opinion of Vista) to either of the Vista Home versions since, annoyingly, it's unavailable in them.

I have win 2000 pro and would like to get rid of the log on window at start up.

Would this program allow that and allow me to boot directly to the desk top?

Any help would be appreciated on how to do this,

Ron

I have FINALLY gotten the darn IE temp files off my C: drive and onto my scratch/temp drive. This alone is worth getting Magic Tweak.

Yipes! I installed this and have a problem. I submitted a ticket & emailsd support, but in case anyone here can help (or Bubby is watching)...

Greetings! I installed MagicTweak (from GiveAwayOfTheDay). I tweaked a few settings, and then MOST of my programs in the "All Programs" list disappeared from my All Programs list (Start menu). I tried restoring the backup settings that had been created. Every file it asked me about replacing was exactly the same time & date as the one that was saved in the backup, so I answered "no" to each. However, it finished asking me about any files, and the Start programs list was still hosed. I thought maybe I should have replied "Yes" to the replaces, even though the date/time stamps were identical. So I went back to the Restore function, and clicked Restore again. this time it didn't ask me anything about the individual files, and just said "Settings Restored". The Programs list is TILL hosed. What do I need to do here?

Thanks!

Scott <

Verdict -> 5/10

Pros: Easy install and uninstall, nice interface, quick access to basic configuration settings, backs up configuration before making changes, didn't seem to break anything like some previous tweaking programs did, runs on Win9x (if anyone is still using these)

Cons: Feature-set is *much* too limited to be worth $39.95

Bubby may try to correct me indicating that it is free today, but the fact is that the developer needs to know this program does not have enough "meat" to be worth that much money on any other day. In my opinion, this utility has an actual retail value of no more than $19.95.

While MagicTweak does put a few (did I stress the word *few* well enough?) useful configuration options into one place, you are still going to need to TweakUI if you want to change some more advanced settings. However, if you aren't afraid to learn a little bit about Windows and are running windows 2000 or later, just go to your Start Menu, select Run and type "gpedit.msc". This will allow you to customize nearly everything the two of these programs mentioned about will...and more. Unfortunately, you cant change your icons using the Group Policy Editor...but hey, aren't the default icons pretty enough for most people? :-)

Thank GAOTD nice software and definitely even a few tweaks that help me as I spent nearly 16 hrs a day on my pc has tremendous value.

Oh..Thank Bubby for your comments, and you always have a way of flipping the light switch on as far as the comments go. Many commentors obviously subscribe to the school of "I may not always be right but I am never in doubt mentality", and in the real world can be dangerous to the pc world. :-) Thanks guys.

One other thing Thank to BuBBY for your moderation. It is nice to see somebody from down under being able to speak the "Kings English" so well. You have a good day mate.

As a computer repair tech. I see alot of systems that somebody had attempted to Tweak the system using "regedit" and failed to backup their system. My service charges a good some to bench it. And do a system repair install. I have downloaded the giveaway for today. And changed some folders and found that I like this real well. For you beginers I recommend that you let "regedit" alone.#45 Keith if you have over 7 gig of registry files. I would invest in a HD ceaning and defrag cleaner.And stay away from the porn sites they like to include trogans and other malware without you knowing about it.Oterwise I would most recommend this software.I downloaded to two nodes (Computers) one running 98 and other XP pro.

one of the most powerful twieking tool. the most interesting tool is the ability to restrict the usb pen drive to get access to your pc without your permissions.. nice. thanks.
tapash india.

One word: Advanced System Optimizer (.) Specialized for all windows especially VISTA it goes above and beyond all tweaks tested to date, and the interface GUI is superb. tabout the trial and buying it as well, i know i have and glad i did.

I was told that Bill Gates once said that he would NEVER create a perfect Windows program because he wasn't stupid enough to put himself out of business. What programs like TweakUI or this one do is take the imperfect Windows program that Bill Gates created and allow me to do a little adjusting here and a little changing there so that it's more like the 'perfect' Windows program that I want. Some of the tweaks deal with the way Windows looks, some deal with the way it works, this program presents those tweaks in such a way that even a newbie can understand and handle them, and can reverse them if they don't like what they get after they make the change. Simple.
Thanks GAOTD.

Downloaded, installed and registered with no problems.

The software is a nice little set of basic tweak utilities.

I've read a few comments about this not being for the novice user.
I would tend to disagree with that assessment.

The user interface is pretty straightforward.

of course.. you "NEED to know" what it is you're changing, but a little online research will explain each aspect of your system before you make any changes....

Idiots however should steer clear of this software!
( on second thought, they should steer clear of anything computer related lol )

all in all a nice package of tweak utilities for those who want to make "basic" changes to their operating system appearance and basic functionalities.


Thanks for the offer.

Thanks guys, installed easily and works great on Vista. You do have to uncheck the automatic update box which is found under the Options button at the top of the program. Thanks BuBBy for the advise- #33.