Fix XP Power Toys are missing!

Some Windows XP Power Toys released in a previous version are no longer in the present version. Usually, these were items with which some users reported having problems (though in some cases I’m not aware of any reported problems). While it is prudent to assume that these were pulled from the current set for good cause — due to some problem — it is also true that many computers had no problems with these. This post provide further information and windows operating system support tips for fix Windows XP power toys missing Error.

Before installing new versions of the XP Power Toys, you have to uninstall the old ones. If you already have one or more of the following items installed and you uninstall it, you will not find a replacement version in the current Power Toys release, so you will not be able to reinstall it unless you have the original install files saved somewhere. You have to make your own decision whether or not to continue running these utilities that Microsoft pulled from circulation — I’m just giving you information about the situation (and personally declining to uninstall the withdrawn Background Switcher!).

Background Switcher - (New, December 2001. Withdrawn January 2002.) This one allows your desktop background to periodically change. After you install it, go to Desktop Properties (right-click on an empty part of the desktop) and click on the new Slide Show tab. Select the folder holding the images you want to use, choose whether they should be rotated randomly or sequentially, and pick how often you want them to change.

Faster User Switcher - (Withdrawn April 2002.) “With Fast User Switching enabled on Windows XP, this PowerToy allows you to switch users without having to use the logon screen.” To enable it once it’s installed, see Control Panel | User Accounts | Change the way users log on or off | Use Fast User Switching. You then can use Win+Q to toggle between users. (The Win+L function remains available also and, frankly, I prefer it.) To learn about restrictions to this function, search under “Fast User Switching” in Help & Support.

ISO Image Burner - (New, December 2001. Withdrawn January 2002.) As mentioned above, I’m not the one to ask about this; but a lot of people have been waiting for this one! Burn ISO images to a CD-ROM burner. Since this one has been withdrawn, a very popular recommendation is Alex Feinman’s ISO recorder, available here .

Shell Media Player - (New, December 2001. Withdrawn January 2002.) Play music from the desktop taskbar. After executing the install file, right click your desktop taskbar, click on Toolbars, and click Audio Player. You should see four buttons, one green and three blue. If you do not see these, then you need to resize the Audio Player portion of the taskbar. (You may need to unlock the taskbar to do this: Right-click on it to get this option.) Click the up-pointing button, load your playlist, and you’re off!