Logging On to a Windows XP Domain-Connected Computer To log on to a Windows XP domain-connected computer
Start your computer.
Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
Enter your user account name in the User name box.
Enter your password in the Password box.
Click the domain you want to log on to in the Log on to box.
Click OK.
Logging On to a Windows XP Standalone or Workgroup-Connected Computer To log on to a Windows XP standalone or workgroup-connected computer
Start your computer.
Click your user account name or user account picture.
If your account is password-protected, enter your password in the Type your password box, and then click the arrow button.
Updating and Safeguarding Your Computer System To update and safeguard your computer system
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Help, and then click About Windows on the Help menu.
Click OK to close the About Windows message box, and then click Windows Update on the See Also menu in Control Panel.
Follow the procedure indicated on the Web site.
Logging Off of Windows XP To log off of Windows XP
Shutting Down a Windows XP Domain-Connected Computer To shut down a Windows XP domain-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Shut down.
In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Shut down, and then click OK.
Shutting Down a Windows XP Workgroup-Connected Computer To shut down a Windows XP workgroup-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Turn Off Computer.
In the Turn off computer dialog box, click Turn Off.
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop To minimize an open window
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop To maximize an open window
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop To restore an open window to its usual size
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop To close an open window
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop To display a window
Working with the Start Menu To open the Start menu
Working with the Start Menu To customize the Start menu
Right-click the blue stripe at the bottom of the Start menu, and click Properties on the shortcut menu.
Click Customize.
Working with the Start Menu To pin a program to the Start menu
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then to the selected program.
Right-click the program name, and click Pin to Start menu on the shortcut menu.
Working with the Start Menu To remove a program from the pinned programs area
Creating Shortcuts To display the Quick Launch toolbar
Creating Shortcuts To create a desktop shortcut to a file or folder
Creating Shortcuts To change the icon for a shortcut
Right-click the shortcut, and click Properties on the shortcut menu.
Click the Shortcut tab, and click Change Icon.
Select a new icon, and then click OK.
Creating Shortcuts To create a shortcut for a Web site
Right-click an open area of the desktop, point to New on the shortcut menu, and click Shortcut.
Type the URL of the Web site in the Type the location of the item box, and click Next.
Enter a name for the shortcut, and click Finish to close the dialog box.
Creating Shortcuts To copy or move a shortcut from the desktop to the Quick Launch toolbar
Right-click the desktop shortcut, and drag it to the Quick Launch toolbar.
Click Copy Here or Move Here on the shortcut menu.
Creating Shortcuts To lock or unlock the taskbar
Creating Shortcuts To delete a shortcut from the Quick Launch toolbar
Rearranging Your Desktop To have Windows XP arrange your desktop shortcuts
Cleaning Up Your Desktop To have Windows XP remove unused desktop shortcuts
Right-click an open area of the desktop, point to Arrange Icons By on the shortcut menu, click Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard, and click Next.
Select the desktop shortcuts you want to delete, click Next, and click Finish.
Cleaning Up Your Desktop To delete a shortcut, program, file, or folder from the desktop
Right-click the item you want to delete, and click Delete on the shortcut menu.
In the confirmation box, click Yes to delete the item.
Changing Your Computer’s Name To change your computer’s name
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click the Performance and Maintenance icon.
Click the See basic information about your computer task.
Click the Computer Name tab, and then click Change.
Type your new computer name in the Computer name box, and click OK.
If prompted, enter your user account name and password, and then click OK.
Restart your computer.
Working with User Accounts in a Domain To create a user account on a Windows XP domain-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
On the Advanced tab, click Advanced.
In the left pane of the Local Users and Groups window, click the Users folder.
On the Action menu, click New User.
Enter the user information, click Create, and then click Close.
Click the Close button to close the Local Users and Groups window, click OK to close the User Accounts dialog box, and then click the Close button to close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Domain To change the group to which a Windows XP domain-connected computer user account is assigned
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
In the Users for this computer list, click the user name, and click Properties.
On the Group Membership tab, click Other, and click the group name in the drop-down list.
Click OK to close the Properties dialog box, and then click OK to close the User Accounts dialog box.
Click the Close button to close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Domain To delete a user account on a Windows XP domain-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
In the Users for this computer list, click the user name, and click Remove.
When prompted to confirm the removal, click Yes.
Click OK to close the User Accounts dialog box.
Click the Close button to close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Workgroup To create a user account on a Windows XP workgroup-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click Create a new account.
Enter a name for the new account, and then click Next.
Specify the account type, and then click Create Account.
Click the Close button to close the User Accounts window, and then close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Workgroup To change a user account type on a Windows XP workgroup-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click the account that you want to change, and then click Change the account type.
On the Pick a new account type screen, click the new account type, and then click Change Account Type.
Click the Close button to close the User Accounts window, and then close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Workgroup To create a user account password on a Windows XP workgroup-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click the account you want to change, and then click Create a password.
Enter a password in the Type a new password box, and re-enter the password in the Type the new password again to confirm box.
Enter a password hint in the Type a word or phrase to use as a password hint box, and then click Create Password.
Click the Close button to close the User Accounts window, and then close the Control Panel window.
Working with User Accounts in a Workgroup To delete a user account from a Windows XP workgroup-connected computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
Click the account that you want to change, and then click Delete the account.
Specify whether you want to keep or delete any files the user has created, and then click Delete Account.
Click the Close button to close the User Accounts window, and then close the Control Panel window.
Switching Quickly Among Users To switch quickly among computer users
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then User Accounts.
Click Change the way users log on or off.
Select the User Fast User Switching check box, and click Apply Options.
Analyzing Your Computer’s Security To analyze your computer’s security
Log on to the Internet. In the Address box, type
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx, and then press ENTER.Click the download the English version of this program link.
Click Run, and click Next three times to move through the wizard.
On the Start Installation page, click Install.
When the installation is complete, click OK, and then Close.
Double-click the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer desktop shortcut, and click Scan a computer, and then Start scan.
Click Close when finished scanning.
Configuring Internet Security Zones To configure security zones
Log on to the Internet.
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
Click the Security tab.
Click the Custom Level button to display the Security Settings dialog box.
Make your customizations, and then click OK.
Configuring Internet Security Zones To block access to specific Web sites
Log on to the Internet.
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
Click the Restricted sites icon, and then click the Sites button.
In the Add this Web site to the zone box, type the name of the Web site you want to block, and then click the Add button.
Configuring Windows Firewall To examine your Windows Firewall settings
In the Control Panel window, click Security Center.
Click Windows Firewall.
Installing Speakers and a Microphone To install speakers
Remove the speakers from their packaging, if you have not already done so.
Link the two speakers using the connector cable.
Position the speakers to the left and right of your monitor to provide stereo sound quality.
Plug the speakers into a nearby power outlet using the AC adapter cord.
Plug the speakers into the speaker jack on the sound card at the back of the computer using the connector cable.
Installing Speakers and a Microphone To install a microphone
Remove the microphone from its packaging, if you have not already done so.
Plug the microphone connector cable into the audio input jack on the sound card on the back of your computer.
Installing Speakers and a Microphone To test a microphone and speakers
Click the Start button, and then on the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then click the Sounds and Audio Devices icon.
On the Voice tab, click Test hardware and then click Next.
Conduct the speaker text, adjust the Playback.
Click Next, and then Finish to end the test.
Installing a Local Printer To install a local Plug and Play printer
Installing a Local Printer To install a local printer with an installation CD-ROM or disk
Connect the printer to the appropriate port.
On the Start menu, click Printers and Faxes.
On the Printer Tasks menu, click Add a printer to open the Add Printer Wizard, and then click Next.
On the Local or Network Printer page, click Local printer attached to this computer.
Clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer check box, and then click Next.
On the Select a Printer Port page, confirm that your printer is connected to the recommended printer port, or click the correct port in the drop-down list, and click Next.
On the Install Printer Software page, insert the installation CD-ROM or floppy disk, click Have Disk, and follow the instructions on the screen.
When the installation is complete, click the Close button to close the Printers and Faxes window.
Installing a Local Printer To install a local printer without an installation CD-ROM or disk
Connect the printer to the appropriate port.
On the Start menu, click Printers and Faxes.
On the Printer Tasks menu, click Add a printer to open the Add Printer Wizard, and then click Next.
On the Local or Network Printer page, click Local printer attached to this computer.
Clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer check box, and then click Next.
On the Select a Printer Port page, confirm that your printer is connected to the recommended printer port, or click the correct port in the drop-down list, and click Next.
In the Manufacturer list on the Install Printer Software page, click the name of the manufacturer of your printer.
In the Printers list, select the model of your printer, and then click Next.
On the Name Your Printer page, type a name for your printer in the Printer name box, or accept the default name, and then click Next.
On the Print Test Page page, click Yes, and then click Next.
Click Finish to print the test page, and then click OK to close the confirmation dialog box and the Add Printer Wizard.
Click the Close button to close the Printers and Faxes window.
Installing a Network Printer To connect to a network printer
On the Start menu, click Printers and Faxes.
On the Printer Tasks menu, click Add a printer.
In the Add Printer Wizard, click Next.
On the Local or Network Printer page, select A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer, and then click Next.
On the Specify a Printer page, select Connect to this printer, type the computer name and printer name in the Name box, and click Next.
If prompted, enter a user account name and password, and then click OK.
If prompted, specify a default printer, and then click Next.
Click Finish to close the dialog box, and then click the Close button to close the Printers and Faxes window.
Configuring the Fax Service To configure a fax service
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
In the Printers and Other Hardware window, click the Printers and Faxes icon.
On the Printer Tasks menu, click Set up faxing.
When prompted to do so, insert the Windows XP installation CD into the CD-ROM drive, and click OK.
When the configuration process is complete, click the Close button.
Installing a Scanner or Camera To install a Plug and Play scanner or camera
Installing a Scanner or Camera To access a Plug and Play scanner or camera
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
In the Printers and Other Hardware window, click Scanners and Cameras.
Double-click the icon for your scanner or camera to open the Scanner and Camera Wizard.
Installing a Storage Device To install an external storage device
Installing a Storage Device To install an internal CD-RW drive
Turn off your computer, and disconnect the power cord.
Remove the computer’s cover, and install the internal device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace the cover, and reconnect the power cord.
Turn on your computer, and log on to Windows XP.
Burning Your Own CDs To burn your own CDs
Insert a blank CD in the CD-RW drive.
On the Start menu, click My Computer.
Browse to the folder containing the files you want to copy to CD, and click the Copy this folder task.
In the Copy Items dialog box, click the CD drive, and then click Copy.
On the CD Writing Tasks menu, click Write these files to CD.
Follow the CD Writing Wizard’s instructions to complete the process.
Installing a Software Program To install a software program from a folder on your hard drive
In Windows Explorer, browse to the folder from which you want to install the program.
Double-click the Setup file, and work through the installation process.
Installing a Software Program To uninstall a software program from your computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and click Add or Remove Programs.
In the Add or Remove Programs window, click the program you want to remove, and then click the Change/Remove button.
Accept the default uninstall options to remove the program from your computer.
Starting Programs Automatically To start a program automatically
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, right-click Startup, and then click Explore All Users on the shortcut menu.
Drag the program you want to start automatically into the Startup folder.
Using Multiple Monitors To configure your computer to display your Windows desktop on two monitors
Turn off your computer and remove the cover.
Insert the second video card into an available slot that matches the size of your video card, and then replace the cover.
Secure the video card to the cover with screws.
Plug the additional monitor into the second video out port.
Turn on your computer.
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window, click the Appearance and Themes category.
In the Appearance and Themes window, click the Display icon.
On the Settings tab, click the secondary monitor.
Select the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box, and then click OK.
Changing Your Default Middleware Applications To change your current default middleware
On the Start menu, click Set Program Access and Defaults.
Click the double chevrons to the right of the Custom option.
Change your default middleware applications, and then click OK.
Exploring Your Computer To start Windows Explorer in Folders view
Exploring Your Computer To start Windows Explorer in Tasks view
Viewing Files and Folders in Different Ways To change the way you view files and folders in Windows Explorer
Note To display or hide the Address toolbar
Right-click the taskbar, and click Lock the taskbar to deselect it.
On the taskbar shortcut menu, click Toolbars, and then click Address.
Note To view the properties of a file or folder
Creating, Editing, and Deleting Files and Folders To create a new folder
On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click Make a new folder.
With the default folder name selected, type the name of the folder, and then press ENTER.
Creating, Editing, and Deleting Files and Folders To create a new text document
Right-click in the right pane of Windows Explorer, and on the shortcut menu, point to New, and then click Text Document.
With the default file name selected, type the name of the folder, and then press ENTER.
Creating, Editing, and Deleting Files and Folders To create a new bitmap image
Right-click an empty area of the right pane, and on the shortcut menu, point to New, and then click Bitmap Image.
With the default file name selected, type the name of the folder, and then press ENTER.
Creating, Editing, and Deleting Files and Folders To create a compressed folder
Select the file(s) you want to include in the folder.
Right-click the selection, and on the shortcut menu, point to Send To, and then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
Working with Files and Folders on Multiple Computers To use briefcase
Right-click the desktop, point to New, and then click Briefcase.
Open the briefcase folder, and drag your files into it.
Move the briefcase folder to a floppy disk or other portable storage medium.
After you make changes, insert the disk containing the briefcase into your main computer, or reconnect your laptop computer to your main computer, and click Update All on the Briefcase menu to bring your files up to date.
Working with Files and Folders on Multiple Computers To make a copy of a folder
Select the folder. On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click Copy this folder.
In the Copy Items dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to insert the copy, and then click Copy.
Working with Files and Folders on Multiple Computers To rename a folder
Right-click the folder, and click Rename on the shortcut menu.
With the name selected, type the new name of the folder, and press ENTER.
Working with Files and Folders on Multiple Computers To make a copy of a file
Right-click the file, and click Copy on the shortcut menu. Then right-click an empty area of the right pane, and click Paste on the shortcut menu.- Select the original file, and on the Edit menu, click Copy. Then on the Edit menu, click Paste.
- Select the original file, press CTRL+C, and then press CTRL+V.
Working with Files and Folders on Multiple Computers To move a file
Select the file. On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click Move this file.
In the Move Items dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to move the file, and then click Move.
Finding Files To start the Search Companion
Changing the Look and Feel of Windows To switch between the Windows XP and Windows Classic themes
In the Control Panel window, click the Appearance and Themes icon.
Click the Change the computer’s theme task.
On the Themes tab of the Display Properties dialog box, click the down arrow to the right of the Themes box, and click Windows Classic in the drop-down list.
Click OK to close the dialog box and apply your settings.
Click the window’s Close button to return to the desktop.
Applying a Custom Desktop Background To apply a plain, colored desktop background
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Themes, and then click the Change the desktop background task.
Use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys to scroll through the list of available backgrounds.
In the Background box, click None.
Click the down arrow to the right of the Color box, and click a colored square in the drop-down list.
Click OK to apply your background selection and close the Display Properties dialog box.
Click the Close button to close the Appearance and Themes window.
Applying a Custom Desktop Background To apply a desktop background photograph
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Themes, and then click the Change the desktop background task.
Use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys to scroll through the list of available backgrounds.
In the Background box, click one of the available background photographs.
Click OK to apply your background selection and close the Display Properties dialog box.
Click the Close button to close the Appearance and Themes window.
Selecting a Screen Saver To create a custom photograph slideshow screen saver
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Themes, and then click the Choose a screen saver task.
Click the down arrow to the right of the Screen saver box.
In the drop-down list, click My Pictures Slideshow.
Click Browse.
Browse to the folder containing the pictures you want to display, and click OK.
Click OK to close the My Pictures Screen Saver Options dialog box, and then click Preview on the Screen Saver tab to see what your slideshow will look like as a screen saver.
Move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard to finish previewing the slideshow.
Click OK to close the dialog box and apply your settings.
Changing Specific Interface Elements To change your monitor settings
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Themes, and then click the Change the screen resolution task.
Point to the marker on the Screen resolution slider, hold down the mouse button, and drag the marker all the way to the right to maximum the resolution, or to the left to minimize the resolution.
Click Apply.
Click Yes if prompted to confirm your change.
Changing Your System’s Date and Time To manually reset your system time
Double-click the clock on the taskbar.
In the Date and Time Properties dialog box, drag the mouse pointer over the setting you want to change in the digital clock, and then use the spinner to the right of the clock to change the setting.
Click OK to close the dialog box and update your settings.
Changing Your Regional and Language Settings To change your regional settings
In the Control Panel window, click the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options icon.
Click the Regional and Language Options icon.
In the Standards and formats area, click the current country to open the dropdown list.
Click the regional setting you want to use.
In the Location area, click the current country to open the drop-down list, and click the country.
Click OK to close the Regional and Language Options dialog box, and then close the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options window.
Tip To change your language setting
In the Control Panel window, click the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options icon.
Click the Regional and Language Options icon.
Click the Languages tab.
In the Text services and input languages area, click Details.
Click Add.
Click the down arrow to the right of the Input language box, and click the language you want in the drop-down list.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
Click the down arrow to the right of the Default input language box, and click the language you want in the drop-down list.
Click Apply to apply your settings and activate the Language bar.
Review the Language bar settings, and then click Cancel to close the dialog box.
Click OK to close the Regional and Language Options dialog box, and then close the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options window.
Making Windows XP Easier to See and Use To access the accessibility options
Training Your Computer to Recognize Your Voice To configure the Windows XP speech recognition software
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
In the Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices window, click the Speech icon.
In the Recognition Profiles area, click New.
Walk through the steps indicated by the Profile Wizard, the Microphone Wizard, and the Voice Training Wizard.
Chapter 7 To connect to the Internet through a broadband or dial-up connection
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections.
In the Network and Internet Connections window, click the Set up or change your Internet connection task.
On the Connections tab of the Internet Properties dialog box, click Setup to open the New Connection Wizard, and then click Next.
On the Network Connection Type page, click Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
On the Getting Ready page, click Set up my connection manually, and then click Next to display the connection options.
If you are connecting using a modem and phone line, select the first option, and click Next. When prompted, provide the name and phone number of your ISP, your user account name, and your password.
If you are connecting using a password-protected broadband connection, select the second option, and click Next. When prompted, provide the name of your ISP, your user account name, and your password.
If you are connecting using a dedicated or constant broadband connection, select the third option, and click Next.
Click Finish, and then click the Close button to close the Network and Internet Connections window.
Accessing Your Computer Remotely To set up your computer so that it can be accessed using Remote Desktop
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click the System icon.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Remote tab.
In the Remote Desktop area, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box.
When the Remote Sessions message box appears, read the message, and then click OK to close it.
You are automatically authorized as a remote user of your own computer. If you want to authorize additional remote users, click Select Remote Users, add users in the Remote Desktop Users dialog box, and then click OK.
Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box, and then close the Performance and Maintenance window.
Accessing Your Computer Remotely To turn off Remote Desktop access on your computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click the System icon.
On the Remote tab, clear the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box.
Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box, and then close the Performance and Maintenance window.
Accessing Your Computer Remotely To access your computer from another Windows XP computer through Remote Desktop
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
Click Options to expand the dialog box if necessary.
Enter the connection information on the General tab.
Specify the display information on the Display tab.
Specify any other pertinent information, and then click Connect.
Sharing Drives and Folders To share a folder on your computer
On the Start menu, click My Documents.
Browse to the folder you want to share.
On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click Share this folder.
In the Sharing Properties dialog box, click Share this folder.
Click Permissions, make the appropriate changes, and click OK.
Click the Close button to close the window.
Sharing a Printer To share a local printer
On the Start menu, click Printers and Faxes.
In the right pane of the Printers and Faxes window, click the printer you want to share.
On the Printer Tasks menu, click Share this printer.
On the Sharing tab of the printer’s Properties dialog box, click Share this printer.
In the Share name box, type a simple name for the printer.
Click OK to close the dialog box, and then click the Close button to close the Printers and Faxes window.
Connecting to a Virtual Private Network To create a Virtual Private Network connection over the Internet
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections.
Click the Create a connection to the network at your workplace task.
On the Network Connection page, select the Virtual Private Network connection, and then click Next.
Type a name for your connection in the Company Name box, and click Next.
Type the remote access server’s host name or IP address in the box, and click Next to move to the Connection Availability page.
Specify whether you want to make the connection available to other users of your computer or keep it to yourself, and click Next.
Select the Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop check box, and then click Finish to create the connection.
Connecting to a Virtual Private Network To connect to a Virtual Private Network
Double-click the VPN icon on your desktop.
Enter your user account name and password.
Select the Save this user name and password for the following users check box, and make sure that the Me only option is selected.
Click Connect.
Connecting to a Virtual Private Network To close a Virtual Private Network connection
Chapter 8 To create a Passport account for a computer that is part of a network
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
On the Advanced tab of the User Accounts dialog box, click .NET Passport Wizard.
Follow the instructions in the .NET Passport Wizard.
When you are finished, click OK to close the User Accounts dialog box, and then click the Control Panel window’s Close button to close it.
Adding Contacts to Windows Messenger To exit Windows Messenger
Adding Contacts to Windows Messenger To add people to your Windows Messenger Contact list
Sign in to Windows Messenger.
Click Add a Contact.
Follow the instructions of the Add a Contact Wizard.
Sorting Contacts into Groups To create a group and add contacts to it
Sign in to Windows Messenger.
Click Add a Group.
Create a name for the group, and then drag a contact to the new group.
Sorting Contacts into Groups To send an instant message
Sign in to Windows Messenger.
Double-click the name of the contact you want to chat with.
Type your message in the input box, and click Send.
Sorting Contacts into Groups To add another person to an in-progress instant message
Sorting Contacts into Groups To leave an instant message conversation
Tip To disable emoticons in Windows Messenger
Changing Your Windows Messenger Status To change the length of inactive time that triggers the Away setting
Changing Your Windows Messenger Status To change your online status
Setting Up Outlook Express To start Outlook Express
Setting Up Outlook Express To configure Outlook Express to send and receive e-mail messages
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click Outlook Express.
Enter your name as you want it to appear to recipients of e-mail messages from you, and then click Next to display the wizard’s second page.
Enter the e-mail address you want to display to recipients of your messages, and click Next to display the third page.
Type the names of your incoming and outgoing mail servers in the boxes. Then select the type of server that handles your incoming mail from the drop-down box, and click Next.
Enter your e-mail account name and password.
Outlook Express prompts you to download the list of folders from your mail server. Click Yes. Double-click the folders you want to display, and click OK to download the selected folders to your computer.
Click the account name to display the synchronization options.
Select the check boxes of the folders you would like to synchronize, and then click Synchronize Account.
Connecting to Newsgroups Through Outlook Express To send e-mail messages
On the Start menu, click E-mail.
Click Outlook Express on the Folder bar to display a list of available folders.
Click the Inbox folder for your e-mail account.
On the toolbar, click the Create Mail button.
In the To box, type the e-mail address of the person to whom you want to send a message.
After you have written your message in the e-mail message form, on the message form’s toolbar, click the Send button.
Connecting to Newsgroups Through Outlook Express To reply to e-mail messages
Double-click the message to open it.
On the message window’s toolbar, click the Reply button.
After you have written your message in the e-mail message form, on the message form’s toolbar, click the Send button.
Connecting to Newsgroups Through Outlook Express To delete e-mail messages
Creating E-Mail Stationery To create e-mail stationery
On the Start menu, click E-mail.
On the toolbar, click the down arrow to the right of the Create Mail button, and click Select Stationery.
Click the Create New button.
Click Next to move to the wizard’s Background page.
Customize the look of your stationery as you like, clicking Next until you reach the wizard’s Complete page.
In the Name box, type a name for your stationery, and then click Finish.
Adding Contacts to Your Address Book To add a contact to the Address Book
Start Outlook Express.
On the toolbar, click Addresses.
On the Address Book’s toolbar, click New, and then click New Contact on the drop-down menu.
Enter the contact’s information in the form, and then click OK.
Adding Contacts to Your Address Book To create a group of contacts
Open the Address Book, click the New button, and then click New Group on the drop-down menu.
Enter a name for the new group, and click Select Members to add contacts to the group.
Adding Contacts to Your Address Book To add a new group member who does not yet exist in the address book
Open the Address Book, and double-click the existing group name.
On the Group tab of the group’s Properties dialog box, enter the new contact information in the Name and E-Mail text boxes.
Chapter 9 To open the Games menu
Using MSN Explorer To install MSN Explorer
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click MSN Explorer.
Follow the instructions given by the wizard.
Allowing and Restricting Objectionable Content To configure Content Advisor settings
On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Content tab.
Click the Enable button, adjust the slider in each category, and click OK.
In the Create Supervisor Password dialog box, enter a password and click OK.
Allowing and Restricting Objectionable Content To disable Content Advisor
On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Contents tab.
Click the Disable button, enter the supervisor password, and then click OK.
Introducing Windows Media Player To start Windows Media Player
Displaying Audio Visualizations To change the visual representation of a song in Windows Media Player
Start Windows Media Player, and on the taskbar, click Now Playing to display the current playlist.
Start a song from the music selector drop-down list.
Click the Select Now Playing options button, point to Visualizations, point to a category, and then click a visualization.
Watching DVD Movies To watch a DVD with Windows Media Player
Insert the DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
Start Windows Media Player.
Click Play DVD.
Making Movies To make a movie with Windows Media Player
Making Movies To change the Windows Media Player skin
Start Windows Media Player in full mode.
On the taskbar, click Skin Chooser.
Click the new skin, and then click Apply Skin.
Troubleshooting To play a CD with Windows Media Player
Insert a music CD into your CD-ROM drive.
If the Audio CD dialog box prompts you to select an action, click Play Audio CD using Windows Media Player, and then click OK.
Troubleshooting To copy a song track to your hard disk
On the taskbar, click Copy from CD.
Select the check boxes of the songs you want to copy and clear the check boxes of the songs you don’t want to copy.
Click Copy Music.
If the Copy Music Protection dialog box opens, giving you the option to turn off the automatic protection of your copied CD files, ensure that the Add copy protection to your music check box is selected, and then click Next.
Select Keep my current format settings, and then click Finish.
Troubleshooting To copy audio tracks from the Media Library to portable device
Open Windows Media Player.
On the taskbar, click Copy to CD or Device.
In the Items to Copy pane’s drop-down list, select the album or type of music from which you want to make your selection, and then clear the check boxes of any tracks you don’t want to copy.
In the Items on Device pane’s drop-down list, select the destination drive.
Click Copy.
Tip To locate and listen to a radio station over the Internet
Start Windows Media Player.
On the taskbar, click Radio Tuner.
In the Featured Stations list, select a station, and then click Play.
Creating a Music Playlist To create your own playlist
On the Start menu, click My Documents.
Browse to the location of the songs you copied to your hard disk.
Right-click a song, and click Add to Playlist on the shortcut menu.
Click New, type a name for the new playlist, and click OK.
Click Add to Media Library, and then click Add File or Playlist.
Sharing Digital Photos To publish photos from your hard disk on the Web
On the Start menu, click My Documents.
Browse to the location of the photo files on your hard disk.
On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click Publish this folder to the Web, and click Next.
On the wizard’s Change Your File Selection page, select or clear each file’s check box to indicate whether you want to publish it, and click Next.
Click MSN Groups, and then click Next.
On the Select where you want your files stored page, click Create a new MSN Group to share your files (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
Select the Shared option, and then click Next.
On the Create your new Group page, type a name for your MSN group, and enter your e-mail address. Read the code of conduct, select the Yes option, and click Next.
In the text box, describe the purpose of your new MSN group.
If you want to include your MSN group in the online Group Directory, select the Yes option; otherwise accept the default No option.
Choose a home page language from the drop-down list, and click Next.
Accept the default Yes option to add the URL to your Favorites list, and click Next.
If you want to change the names of either or both of the upload folders, click the Change button, click the Or create a new folder link, type a name for your new folder in the text box, and click the Done button twice to return to the upload folder page.
Click the Next button, resize your photo if you want, and then click Next.
On the last page of the wizard, make sure that the Open this site when I click Finish check box is selected, and then click the Finish button.
To look at the photos you uploaded, click Pictures on the menu at the left side of the screen.
Chapter 10 To automatically deliver important updates to your computer
On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Performance and Maintenance.
In the Performance and Maintenance window, click the System icon.
On the Automatic Updates tab of the System Properties dialog box, click Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
Click OK to close the dialog box and save your changes, and then click the Close button to close the Performance and Maintenance window.
Diagnosing System Problems To gather general, status, hardware, or software diagnostic information about your computer
On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
In the Help and Support Center, select the Automatic option.
Click the day and time to run the automatic updates, and then click OK.
Diagnosing System Problems To view general system information about your computer
On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
Click Use tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
Click My Computer Information.
When you are finished looking at the report, click the Close button to close the Help and Support Center.
Diagnosing System Problems To view the status of your system hardware and software
On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
Click Use tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
Click My Computer Information.
Click View the status of my system hardware and software.
Click Back, and then click Find information about the hardware installed on this computer.
Click Back, and the click View a list of Microsoft software installed on this computer.
When you are finished looking at the report, click the Close button to close the Help and Support Center.
Diagnosing System Problems To gather network diagnostic information about your computer
On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
In the Help and Support Center, click Use tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
On the Tools menu, click Network Diagnostics.
Click Set scanning options, select the options that interest you, and then click Scan your system.
When you are finished looking at the report, click the Close button to close the Help and Support Center.
Tip To run the Disk Cleanup utility on your computer
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
Select the check boxes of all the types of temporary files you want to delete, and then click OK.
Click Yes to confirm that you want to proceed with the deletion.
Troubleshooting To run the Disk Defragmenter utility on your computer
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the volume you want to defragment, and then click Analyze.
Click View Report to see information the program collected about the volume.
If defragmentation is recommended and you want to do it at this time, click Defragment. Otherwise, click Close to close the report window.
If you choose to defragment the volume, click Close to close the Disk Defragmenter dialog box when the defragmentation process is complete.
Helping Yourself To open the Help and Support Center
Contacting Product Support To open a new Online Assisted Support Incident report for Windows XP
On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
On the toolbar, click the Support button.
On the Support menu, click Get help from Microsoft.
Enter your Passport sign-in name and password, and click Sign In.
If prompted to do so, enter the requested information, select the I accept the License Agreement for the use of this site check box, and click Submit.
On the Microsoft Online Assisted Support page, click Ask a Microsoft Support Professional for help.
If the EULA is displayed, read it, and then click I Agree.
Select the option that identifies the computer with the problem, and click Next.
In the drop-down list, click the version of Windows XP that is installed on the computer, and then click Next.
Select the support option you want and then click Next.
Fill out and submit the incident form.
Asking for Help from Someone Else To request and receive Remote Assistance from another person
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and click Remote Assistance.
On the Remote Assistance page of the Help and Support Center, click Invite someone to help you.
Click the name of the person you are going to invite to help you; or type his or her e-mail address in the Type an e-mail address box, and then click Invite this person.
When the remote assistance invitation opens, type an explanatory message in the Message box, and then click Continue.
Specify the duration of your invitation.
If you want to use a password, enter the password in the Type password and Confirm password boxes, and then communicate that password to your Remote Assistance buddy.
When you are ready to send the invitation, click Send Invitation.
When the invitation is accepted, click Yes to allow your buddy to view your screen and to chat with you.
In the chat session, tell your buddy to take control of your computer.
When you receive a message asking if you would like to share control of your computer, click Yes.
Click Stop Control to regain exclusive control of your computer.
Click Disconnect to end the Remote Assistance session.
Enabling and Disabling Remote Assistance To enable or disable Remote Assistance
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click the System icon.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Remote tab, and then click the Advanced button.
In the Remote Assistance Settings dialog box, click the Allow this computer to be controlled remotely check box to enable Remote Assistance, or clear the check box to disable Remote Assistance.
Click OK to close the Remote Assistance Settings dialog box, and then click OK to close the System Properties dialog box and save your changes.
Enabling and Disabling Remote Assistance To back up files from your computer
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.
In the Backup and Restore Wizard, click Next.
On the Backup or Restore page, click Back up files and settings, and click Next.
On the What to Back Up page, select the Let me choose what to back up option, and then click Next.
On the Items to Back Up page, browse to the folder you want to back up. Select the check box preceding the folder, and then click Next.
On the Backup Type, Destination, and Name page, specify the backup destination and file name, and then click Next.
Click Finish to start the backup.
When the backup is complete, click Close.
Enabling and Disabling Remote Assistance To restore a backup file
On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.
In the Backup and Restore Wizard, click Next to begin the process of backing up your files.
On the Backup or Restore page, click Restore files and settings, browse to and select the backup file, click Next, and then click Finish.
Restoring Your Operating System To start the System Restore Wizard
- On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
- On the Start menu, click Help and Support, and then click Undo changes to your computer with System Restore.
- On the Start menu, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System Restore on the See Also menu.
Restoring Your Operating System To restore your computer system to a previous state
Close any open programs.
Start the System Restore Wizard.
Select the Restore my computer to an earlier time option, and then click Next.
On the Select a Restore Point page calendar, click a specific restoration checkpoint, click Next, and then click Next again.