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Q: I run windows XP and download lots of photos on the internet.  I don’t use My Documents, nor the standard folders as my working directory because I like to keep my data files on a drive separate from my operating system and programs.  I’ve been trying to follow the instructions of how to change the default folder where photos are saved from XP Help and Support, but I can’t seem to get where I need to be.  I have been able to change the default of My Documents to my second drive, and I don’t want My Pictures to go into that either.  Help me change the default save folder for downloaded photos please.

– Paul K.
Destin,FL

 A: Windows has a number of “special” folders designed for task-specific work, such as storing photos, or music.  These are called Shell Folders, and the information that controls where they physically reside is stored in the system’s registry.  I DO NOT recommend that any novice user go poking around in the registry! It is quite easy to cripple your computer accidentally while doing so.  Fortunately, Microsoft has provided a suite of “extras” for use with Windows that just happens to include the feature you’re looking for.

 The suite is called “PowerToys for Windows XP” and is available for download here: http://tinyurl.com/2meyw.  The feature you’re looking for is in the TweakUI PowerToy.  Once you’ve downloaded and installed it, go to My Computer>Special Folders, select the shell folder, and change the location.  The contents may then be moved from the old to the new location via Windows Explorer.

Q: When I turn on my computer I receive a message that says “Application failed to initialize: 0x800106ba.  A problem caused Windows Defender Service to stop.”  I delete it and continue using the computer with no apparent operating problem.  I clicked on the “Update Windows” message and an error box appears with instructions on activating Windows Defender, but I couldn’t complete the instructions.  Could you give me a step by step instruction on fixing this prob?

– Ralph R.
Fort Walton Beach,FL

 A: Ralph, I’m guessing here, but it appears that you are running a possibly expired beta version of Windows Defender.  Upgrading is free, and it should fix your problem.  Unfortunately, even the beta versions of WD are purposely designed to be difficult to uninstall.  Here’s the “step by step” you asked for:

1. Go to http://tinyurl.com/45×45
2. Scroll down and click on “Download the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility package now.”
3. Save it to your desktop (or anywhere you wish).
4. When the download completes, run it.
5. A window will pop up.  Scroll down and highlight the “Windows Defender” line.
6. Click the “Remove” button, then click the “Exit” button.
7. Go to http://tinyurl.com/47cus to download and install the latest version.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Ever wonder about that little key on your keyboard that has the Windows logo on it?  We Geeks call that the Win-Key, or “Winkey”.  Try pressing it once.  It pops up your Start menu!  It works in combination with other keys too.  For example, one power-user shortcut I use all the time is Winkey+E to open Windows Explorer.  It’s a great time saver.  Others are Winkey+R to launch a “Run” window, Winkey+L to quickly lock your computer, Winkey+F to launch a Search window, and Winkey+M to minimize all open windows.