Microsoft® Windows 7 In Depth
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Copyright © 2010 by Que Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-4199-8
ISBN-10: 0-7897-4199-7
Associate Publisher
Greg Wiegand
Acquisitions Editor
Rick Kughen
Development Editor
Rick Kughen
Managing Editor
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Senior Project Editor
Tonya Simpson
Copy Editor
Bill McManus
Indexer
Brad Herriman
Proofreader
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Technical Editor
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Publishing Coordinator
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Book Designer
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Compositor
Bronkella Publishing, LLC
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Cowart, Robert.
Microsoft Windows 7 in depth / Robert Cowart and Brian Knittel. — 1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-0-7897-4199-8
1. Microsoft Windows (Computer file) 2. Operating systems (Computers) I.
Knittel, Brian. II. Title.
QA76.76.O63C68336 2009
005.4’46 — dc22
2009030029
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: September 2009
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Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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Dedication
In memory of my mother, Geraldine, for teaching me that the devil is in the details. —Bob
To my mother and father, for their encouragement. —Brian
Contents at a Glance
I Getting Started with Windows 7
2 Installing and Upgrading Windows 7
4 Using the Windows 7 Interface
5 Managing Files and Searching
7 Gadgets and Other Supplied Accessories
12 Sound Recorder, DVD Maker, and Other Multimedia Tools
15 Email and Newsgroups with Windows Live Mail
16 Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection
18 Mix and Match with Old Windows and Macs
19 Connecting Your Network to the Internet
21 Troubleshooting Your Network
22 Windows Management and Maintenance
23 Tweaking and Customizing Windows
25 Troubleshooting and Repairing Problems
26 Keeping Windows and Other Software Up to Date
27 Installing and Replacing Hardware
29 Command-Line and Automation Tools
30 Protecting Windows from Viruses and Spyware
31 Protecting Your Data from Loss and Theft
32 Protecting Your Network from Hackers and Snoops
33 Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Spam
36 Meetings, Conferencing, and Collaboration
A Using Virtualization on Windows 7
Contents
I Getting Started with Windows 7
Improved Web Browsing with IE 8
System Management and Stability
New, Improved Applications and Services
Differences Among Windows 7 Versions
Windows 7 on the Corporate Network
2 Installing and Upgrading Windows 7
General Considerations for Windows 7
Windows 7 Hardware Requirements
Option 1: Using What You’ve Got: Ensuring Compatibility via the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Option 2: Choosing a Windows 7 Ready PC
Option 3: Upgrading Your Computer
Performing a New Installation of Windows 7
Upgrading Older Versions of Windows to Windows 7
Upgrading One Version of Windows 7 to Another
Taking the Virtual Machine Approach
Editing Windows 7 Boot Menu Entries
The First Things to Do After Starting Windows 7
A Quick Tour of Windows 7’s Important Features
Before You Forget Your Password
Transferring Information from Your Old Computer
Where’s My Stuff?: The User Profile Structure
Compatibility and Virtualization
After You Forget Your Password
Accessing the Real Administrator Account
Configuring a Default User Profile
4 Using the Windows 7 User Interface
Logging On from the Welcome Screen
Using Windows 7—The User Experience
Properties and the Right-Click
The Taskbar, the Start Menu, and Other Tools
Dealing with a Crashed Application or Operating System
5 Managing Files and Searching
What’s New in Windows Explorer
How WebView Gives Windows 7 a Browser Look and Feel
Buttons, Breadcrumbs, Toolbars, and More
Breadcrumbs in the Computer Window
Breadcrumbs in Windows Explorer
Customizing File and Folder Views
Remove Elements From a Library
Changing Search and Indexing Settings
Installing and Configuring a Printer
What to Do If Your Printer Isn’t Listed
Changing a Printer’s Properties
Printing from Your Applications
Printing from DOS Applications
Working with the Printer Queue
Deleting a File from the Queue
Canceling All Pending Print Jobs on a Given Printer
Pausing, Resuming, and Restarting the Printing Process
7 Gadgets and Other Supplied Accessories
Adding a Gadget More Than Once
Exploring the Other Accessories
Media Types Compatible with WMP
Getting Around in Windows Media Player 12
Playing Audio and Video in WMP 12
Getting Music and Video on Your Computer
Ripping Songs from CDs onto Your Computer
Adding Items from Your Computer to Your Library
Taking Your Music and Video on the Go
Syncing Files to Your Portable Media Player
Sharing Media Throughout Your Home
Windows Media Center—What’s the Hubbub?
What’s New in Windows 7 Media Center?
Is Windows Media Center Based on Home or Business Versions?
Can I Upgrade My Non-WMC PC to a WMC PC?
Playing DVDs and Other Video Files
Viewing TV Shows on Your HDTV or Projector
Broadcasting TV Shows to Your TV or Projector
Setting Parental Control Ratings
Image Manipulation in Windows 7
What’s Built in to Windows 7 for Photographs?
Importing Files into the Windows Pictures Library from a Media Source
Organizing Photos and Movies in Windows Pictures Library
Working with Scanners and Cameras
Using Windows Pictures Library with a Scanner
Using Windows Pictures Library with a Digital Camera
Manipulating Pictures in Windows Media Player
Sharing Your Photos with Others Electronically
Burning Your Pictures to CD or DVD
Writing Photos to CD Using Windows Explorer
Making CDs and DVDs from Windows Media Player
Introducing Windows Fax and Scan
Preparations for Using Windows Fax and Scan
Configuring Fax-Receiving Options
Creating a Customized Cover Page
Sending Faxes from Windows Fax and Scan
Printing Received Faxes Automatically
Scanning Documents with Windows Fax and Scan
Scanning and Faxing Slides and Transparencies
12 Sound Recorder, DVD Maker, and Other Multimedia Tools
Installing a Modem for Dial-Up Service
Configuring a Dial-Up Internet Connection
Creating a New Dial-Up Connection
Adjusting Dial-Up Connection Properties
Making and Ending a Dial-Up Connection
Hanging Up a Dial-Up Connection
Installing a Network Adapter for Broadband Service
Installing Filters for DSL Service
Configuring a High-Speed Connection
Configuring a PPPoE Broadband Connection
Setting Up Dynamic IP Addressing (DHCP)
Changing the Default Connection
Managing Multiple Internet Connections
What’s New in Internet Explorer 8?
Internet Explorer 8 Quick Tour
Browsing with Enhanced Privacy and Security
Adding Sites to Your Favorites
Using Multimedia Browsing and Downloading
Protecting Against Bad Downloaded Programs
Protecting Against “Drive-By” Downloads of IE Add-Ons
Customizing the Browser and Setting Internet Options
Setting Default Mail, News, and HTML Editor Programs
Setting Security and Privacy Preferences
Blocking Pop-Ups and Pop-Unders
Controlling Objectionable Content
15 Email and Newsgroups with Windows Live Mail
Getting Windows Live Essentials
Reading and Processing Incoming Messages
Sending and Receiving Attachments
Guarding Yourself Against Email Viruses
Using the Windows Live Mail Contacts
Adding, Editing, and Removing Entries
Setting Up a Newsgroup Account in Windows Live Mail
Downloading the Newsgroup List
Finding and Reading Newsgroups
Reading and Posting Messages to a Newsgroup
16 Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection
It’s Great When It Works, but...
Identifying Software Configuration Problems
Troubleshooting a Dial-Up Connection
Troubleshooting a Cable or DSL Modem Connection
Troubleshooting a LAN Connection
Identifying Network Hardware Problems
Identifying Modem Hardware Problems
Identifying Modem Connectivity Problems
Troubleshooting Internet Problems with Windows TCP/IP Utilities
Choosing a Network and Cabling System
1000Mbps Ethernet (Gigabit Ethernet)
Phoneline and Powerline Networking
802.11g and 802.11n Wireless Networking
Additional Networking Functions
Providing Internet Connectivity
Installing Multiple Network Adapters
Wireless Network Setup Choices
Setting Up a New Wireless Network
Joining an Existing Wireless Network
Configuring a Peer-to-Peer Network
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol
Choosing Your Network Location
Setting Your Computer Identification
Alternatives to Using a Homegroup
Joining a Windows Domain Network
18 Mix and Match with Old Windows and Macs
Networking with Other Operating Systems
Internetworking with Windows Vista, XP, and 2000
Setting TCP/IP as the Default Network Protocol
Installing the LLDP Responder for Windows XP
Password Protection and Simple File Sharing
Using Windows Vista and XP with a Homegroup
Internetworking with Windows 95, 98, and Me
Internetworking with UNIX and Linux
Subsystem for UNIX-Based Applications
Internetworking with Macintosh
Installing Optional Network Components
19 Connecting Your Network to the Internet
It’s a Great Time to Connect Your LAN to the Internet
NAT and Internet Connection Sharing
Special Notes for Wireless Networking
Special Notes for Cable Service
Scheme A—Windows Internet Connection Sharing with a Dial-Up Connection
Scheme B—Windows Internet Connection Sharing with a Broadband Connection
Scheme C—Connection Sharing Router with a Broadband Connection
Scheme D—Cable Internet with Multiple Computers
Scheme E—Routed Service Using a Router
Enabling Access with Internet Connection Sharing
Enabling Access with a Sharing Router
Using Shared Folders in Windows 7
Browsing a Network’s Computers
Viewing a Shared Folder Directly Using Its UNC Path
Searching for Files or Folders
File Permissions and Networking
Using Printers over the Internet with IPP
Using Other Network-Connected Printers
Backing Up Your Computer over the Network
Adding a Network Folder to a Library
Sharing and Using an Entire Drive
Understanding the UNC Naming Convention
Mapping a Drive to a Subfolder
Sharing the Public Profile Folder
Changing the Location of the Spool Directory
Monitoring Use of Your Shared Folders
Managing Network Resources Using the Command Line
21 Troubleshooting Your Network
The Network and Sharing Center
Checking Network Configuration
Diagnosing File and Printer Sharing Problems
22 Windows Management and Maintenance
Performance Information and Tools
System Tools Folder in Start Menu
23 Tweaking and Customizing Windows
Administrator Tools Not Showing Up
Cascading Elements from the Start Menu
Windows 7 File and Storage Systems
Assigning Drive Letters and Joining Volumes
Windows 7 Disk Maintenance Tools
Detecting and Repairing Disk Errors
Compression: How It Works, How to Use It
Take the Mental Approach First
25 Troubleshooting and Repairing Problems
Easy Repair Options at Boot Time
Restoring Your System to an Earlier Time
Using Regedit to Repair a System That Won’t Start
Using Problem Reports and Solutions
Black Magic of Troubleshooting
Recovering Data from the System Recovery Options Menu
26 Keeping Windows 7 and Other Software Up to Date
Windows Update Applet and Functions
Viewing and Changing Installed Updates
Using Device Manager to Update Drivers
Basic Service Pack Information
Installing and Removing Software
Installation via Downloaded Program
Compatibility Issues in 64-Bit Version
Other Program Compatibility Issues
Side-by-Side Installs and Virtual Registries
27 Installing and Replacing Hardware
Providing Drivers for Hardware Not in the List
Installing and Using Multiple Monitors
Installing and Configuring a UPS
Testing Your UPS Configuration
How Do Upgrades Affect a Windows 7 License?
Upgrading Hardware in the Same Box and Complying with EULA
Upgrading and Optimizing Your Computer
Keep an Eye on Hardware Compatibility
Optimizing Your Computer for Windows 7
Registry Redirection and Reflection
Backing Up and Restoring the Registry
Editing Registry Entries for Another User
Editing Registry Entries for Another Windows Installation
Registry Privileges and Policies
29 Command-Line and Automation Tools
The Windows 7 Command Prompt Environment
Running Commands with Elevated Privileges
Learning About Command-Line Programs
Cutting and Pasting in the Command Prompt Window
Setting the PATH Environment Variable
Editing Advanced Settings for a DOS Application
Customizing autoexec.nt and config.nt
Issues with DOSKEY and ANSI.SYS
30 Protecting Windows from Viruses and Spyware
Malicious Software: Ignorance Is Not Bliss
Antimalware Strategy: Defense in Depth
Choosing and Installing an Antivirus Client
Windows Defender for Spyware Protection
Personal Firewalls: A Layer of Protection from Worms
Automatic Updates: Remove the Side Doors
Internet Explorer 8 Malware Protection
31 Protecting Your Data from Loss and Theft
The All New Backup and Restore
Improvements in the Backup and Restore Features in Windows 7
File and Folder Backups Versus System Images
Creating a File and Folder Backup
Working with Removable Media During Backups
How Backups Created with Windows Backup Are Stored
Restoring Data from a File and Folder Backup
Restoring the Current User’s Data
Performing an Advanced Restore
Creating a System Image (Complete PC Backup)
WBADMIN Command-Line System Backup and Restore
Using Disk Management with System Images
Rules for Using Encrypted Files
Protecting and Recovering Encrypted Files
Disk Organization for Data Safety
Encrypting the Drive with BitLocker
BitLocker Drive Encryption Recovery
How BitLocker Protects Your Information
Differences Between BitLocker and EFS Encryption
Recovering Previous Versions of a File
Assigning Permissions to Groups
Security Policy Configuration Options
32 Protecting Your Network from Hackers and Snoops
Who Would Be Interested in My Computer?
Preparation: Network Security Basics
Firewalls and NAT (Connection-Sharing) Devices
Using NAT or Internet Connection Sharing
Add-On Firewall Products for Windows
Configure Passwords and File Sharing
Set Up Restrictive Access Controls
Testing, Logging, and Monitoring
Disaster Planning: Preparation for Recovery After an Attack
Make a Baseline Backup Before You Go Online
Make Frequent Backups When You’re Online
Write and Test Server Restore Procedures
Write and Maintain Documentation
Specific Configuration Steps for Windows 7
If You Have a Standalone Windows 7 Computer
Tightening Local Security Policy
Enabling and Disabling Windows Firewall
Allow a Program or Feature Through Windows Firewall
Change Notification Settings, Turn Windows Firewall On or Off
33 Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Spam
Phishing (Fishing) for Information
Live Phish: A Real-World Example
More Help from Internet Explorer
Take Action Against Email Abuse
Wireless Networking in Windows 7
Managing Wireless Network Connections
Switching Between Wireless Networks
Prioritizing Wireless Network Connections
Copying Wireless Profiles to Other Computers
Windows Unplugged: Mobile and Remote Computing
Getting the Most Out of Your Battery
Setting Up a VPN or Dial-Up Networking Connection
Setting a VPN or Dial-Up Connection’s Properties
Managing Dial-Up Connections from Multiple Locations
Establishing a VPN or Dial-Up Connection
Using Remote Network Resources
Monitoring and Ending a VPN or Dial-Up Connection
Advanced Routing for Remote Networks
Incoming VPN and Dial-Up Access
Setting Up VPN and Dial-Up Access
Enabling Incoming VPN Connections with NAT
Disabling Incoming Connections
Identifying Files and Folders for Offline Use
Managing and Encrypting Offline Files
Making Your Shared Folders Available for Offline Use by Others
36 Meetings, Conferencing, and Collaboration
Windows 7 Plays Well with Others
Making Presentations with a Mobile Computer
Adjusting Presentation Settings
Connecting to Network Projectors
Responding to an Assistance Request
Working with Remote Assistance
Setting Up Access to Your Own Computer
Enabling Remote Desktop Access to Your Computer
Connecting to Other Computers with Remote Desktop
Third-Party Remote Control Tools
What Does a Windows 7 Tablet PC Have That Regular PCs Don’t?
What’s New in Tablet Windows 7?
Using Your Tablet PC—Differences and Similarities of Functions
Input Methods Using the Input Panel
Writing Methods Using the Input Panel
Specific Handwriting Recognition Errors
Teach the Recognizer Your Style
Tweaking Your Tablet PC Settings
A Using Virtualization on Windows 7
Installing Microsoft Virtual PC
Installing Applications into the XP VM
About the Contributing Authors
Eric Butow has authored or co-authored 14 books, most recently User Interface Design for Mere Mortals, How to Succeed in Business Using LinkedIn, File Virtualization for Dummies, and the upcoming Blogging to Drive Business to be published by Que Publishing. He is also the CEO of Butow Communications Group (BCG), a Web design and online marketing firm based in Roseville, California. When Eric isn’t working he enjoys time with friends and visiting family in California’s Gold Country.
Greg Dickinson lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and has 10 years experience with computer networking. He works for one of the top 30 banks in the country, packaging and distributing software packages and updates to the bank’s 6,000 desktops. When not wrestling with the intricacies of enterprise networks, Greg likes to spend his time recording training videos and singing in a barbershop chorus.
Justin Korelc lives in San Marcos, Texas, and began his computing experience on the DOS command line more than 15 years ago. Justin now writes about his computing experiences as a full-time freelance writer of numerous articles, whitepapers, and co-author of books including home entertainment, security, and networking topics.
Tyler Regas lives in Mission Viejo, California, with his wife and daughter. He is a 20-year technology professional, consultant, enterprise operations manager, the occasional pundit and author, and a rabid blogger, and has an inordinate love of small, electronic devices.
Mark Edward Soper is a technical writer, trainer, and consultant. He is the president of Select Systems & Associates, Inc. Mark blogs at ww.maximumpc.com. He also writes for Maximum PC magazine and is the author of many books, most recently The Shot Doctor: The Amateur’s Guide to Taking Great Digital Photos and Easy Windows 7.
Ed Tittel lives in Round Rock, Texas, and has been working with and around computers for 30 years. A veteran of such companies as Burroughs, Schlumberger, Novell, and Tivoli Systems, Ed now works as a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed to more than 100 computer books and writes regularly for Tom’s Hardware, InformIT.com, and other websites. When he’s not writing, Ed likes to shoot pool, cook, play with his boy, Gregory, and hang on to his lovely wife, Dina.
Acknowledgments
This book, as much as the product it covers, is the product of a team effort. We couldn’t have produced this without the great team at Que, the assistance of contributing writers, the patience and support of our friends, and so...
We feel privileged to be part of the consistently professional Que family. Producing these highly technical, state-of-the art books requires a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and once again the staff at Que did an amazing job. Executive Editor Rick Kughen has provided unflagging, cheerful support and guidance through our four SE Using volumes and now this In Depth title. Rick and our copy editor, Bill McManus, pored over every word on every page and offered invaluable direction and tuning. This is a much better book than it could have been without them.
We’d like to acknowledge the efforts of our technical editor, Mark Reddin. We also would like to thank the editorial, indexing, layout, art, proofing, and other production staff at Que—Tonya Simpson, Brad Herriman, Sheri Cain, and Tricia Bronkella. You did a marvelous job.
We’d like to thank Ed Tittel, Justin Korelc, Greg Dickinson, Mark Soper, Tyler Regas, and Eric Butow for their contributions: Your efforts made this a better book and let it get to press on time (more or less!). You were a great writing team to work with. No book could make it to market without the real-world personal relationships developed between booksellers on the one hand, and the sales and marketing personnel back at the publishers. We’ve had the opportunity to meet sales and marketing folks in the computer publishing world and know what a difficult job selling and keeping up with the thousands of computer titles can be. Thanks to all of you for your pivotal role in helping us pay our mortgages!
Finally, we should acknowledge those who made it possible for us to get through the many months of writing. Bob first offers many thanks to John Prendergast, Dr. Steven Feig, Dr. Julie Griffith, and Dr. Christine Green for keeping him ticking. Second, thanks to agent Carole McClendon of Waterside Productions for representing me in contractual matters. And finally, as always, thanks to friends and family who, even though used to seeing me disappear for months on end, let me back in the fold when it’s over, especially Diane Zaremba, Kathy Geisler, Heidi Page, Kirsten Spalding, and Michael Callahan.
Brian adds thanks to Dave, Frank, Todd, Bubba, and Lucy.
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