I'd like some help getting started automating some of the repetitive
mouse clicks and keystrokes that I use in Windows 2000.

Task #1: Open a DOS box and run ipconfig.exe
- I normally go START - RUN - CMD and then type ipconfig.  
- If I create a shortcut to C:\WINNT\system32\ipconfig.exe, it runs,
but the DOS box closes after ipconfig runs and I don't see the
results.
- How do I setup a batch file or script that will open the DOS box,
run ipconfig, and stay open so I can see the result and leave me at a
DOS prompt?

Task #2: Changing the refresh rate on my monitor
- When I put my notebook computer into a port replicator, I need to
change the refresh rate in my Display Control Panel.
- Manual steps: Right-click on desktop - Properties - Settings -
Advanced - Monitor - Refresh Frequency: select 85Hz from the drop-down
box - OK - YES - OK.
- How do I do all of these steps with just one click?

Thanks!

Hi there headless!

#1

All you need to do is to make a shortcut which contains the following
command: "cmd /k ipconfig" (without the quotes). This will run
ipconfig, and then leave the DOS window open and ready for commands.

#2

Way back in the past, in Windows 3.0 and 3.1, this feature was built
in. Now you need an extra piece of software to do this! You need a
program which can record "macros" - you do it once, it remembers how
to do it again. There are a number out there, so it might pay to look
around and see what's available. My personal experience is with Aldo's
Macro Recorder (the first in the list below) but you may find another
one more useful. Try these!

Aldo's Macro Recorder: http://www.aldostools.com/macro.html
MacroToolbar:          http://www.pitrinec.com/toolbarpro.htm
MacroExpress:          http://www.macros.com/macexpdo.htm

These three came from the Software Automation category at:

http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/Shareware/Windows/Utilities/Automation/?il=1

You may also wish to browse:

http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/Shareware/Windows/Utilities/Mouse_and_Keyboard/?tc=1

I hope this answers your question. If anything is unclear, then please
don't hesitate to request clarification before rating this answer.

Thanks, and good luck!

--seizer-ga

Search strategy: searched for "windows macro recorders"

For changing the refresh rate, I can recommend a program called
MultiRes from EnTech Taiwan (http://www.entechtaiwan.com/). It can
take resolution, color depth and refresh rate and more as parameters.
I have three icons on my desktop to change monitor settings with a
double-click.