Microsoft® Windows® XP Inside Out, 2nd Edition

Book description

Take your Windows XP knowledge to the next level! Designed for advanced home and office users, this thoroughly updated second edition delivers in-depth information on core and advanced Windows XP topics, including all-new coverage of Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Media Series 9, and Windows Movie Maker 2. The award-winning Inside Out format makes it easy to find the timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds you needand it features new Reality Check sidebars, which offer the straight scoop on popular wisdom about Windows XP.

Table of contents

  1. Microsoft® Windows® XP Inside Out, Second Edition
  2. A Note Regarding Supplemental Files
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Ten Best Tips
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. We'd Like to Hear from You!
  7. About the CD
    1. What's on the CD
    2. Using the CD
    3. System Requirements
    4. Support Information
  8. Conventions and Features Used in This Book
    1. Text Conventions
    2. Design Conventions
  9. About the Authors
  10. 1. Setup and Startup
    1. 1. What's New in Windows XP
      1. Windows XP at a Glance
      2. What's New? What's Changed?
    2. 2. Installing and Configuring Windows XP
      1. Avoiding Compatibility Problems
      2. Preparing to Install Windows XP
      3. Setting Up Windows XP
        1. Performing a Clean Install
        2. Upgrading a Previous Windows Version
        3. Installing Windows XP on a Computer with Other Operating Systems
          1. Avoiding Dual-Boot Disasters
          2. Removing an Operating System from a Dual-Boot System
        4. Controlling Setup with Switches
      4. Activating Windows XP
      5. Automated Setup Options
        1. Installing the Deployment Tools
        2. Using Answer Files for Automated Installation
          1. Creating an Answer File
          2. Customizing an Answer File
          3. Using an Answer File During Setup
        3. Using Disk Imaging
      6. Moving Windows Settings and Files
        1. Transferring Files and Settings Between Computers
        2. Saving Files and Settings to a Folder or Drive
        3. Choosing Files and Settings to Transfer
          1. Settings Only
          2. Files Only
          3. Both Files And Settings
          4. Customizing the List of Saved Files and Settings
        4. Restoring Files and Settings on Your New Computer
      7. Accessibility Options
      8. Adding and Removing Windows Components
      9. Selecting a Web Browser and Other Middleware Components
      10. Configuring System Restore Options
      11. Configuring Startup Options
        1. Customizing Multiboot Menus
        2. Modifying Boot.ini
          1. Adding the Recovery Console
    3. 3. Help and Support Options
      1. Using the Help And Support Center
        1. Searching for Help Topics
        2. Using the Help Index
        3. Customizing the Help And Support Center
        4. Sharing Help Files
      2. Connecting to Another PC with Remote Assistance
        1. How Remote Assistance Works
        2. Sending a Remote Assistance Invitation
        3. Initiating a Remote Assistance Session as the Expert
        4. Working in a Remote Assistance Session
        5. Maintaining Security
        6. Improving Remote Assistance Performance
      3. Other Support Resources
      4. Contacting Microsoft Support
    4. 4. Installing, Uninstalling, and Managing Programs
      1. How User Rights Affect Program Setup Options
      2. Installing Programs
        1. Installing 32-Bit Windows Programs
        2. Installing and Running 16-Bit Windows Programs
        3. Installing and Configuring MS-DOS Programs
        4. Making a Program Available to All Users
      3. Forcing Older Programs to Run Properly
      4. Managing Installed Programs
      5. Uninstalling Programs
      6. Managing Program Shortcuts
      7. Running a Program as Another User
    5. 5. Setting Up and Troubleshooting Hardware
      1. A Crash Course in Device Drivers
        1. Are Signed Drivers Safer?
        2. Will Drivers Written for Other Windows Versions Work with Windows XP?
      2. Setting Up a New Device
        1. Managing the Plug and Play Process
        2. Configuring Non–Plug and Play Devices
      3. Finding Information About an Installed Driver
        1. Viewing Device and Driver Details
        2. Troubleshooting Hidden and Unknown Devices
        3. Adjusting Advanced Settings
        4. Viewing and Changing Resource Assignments
      4. Managing Installed Drivers
        1. Updating a Device Driver
        2. Rolling Back to a Previous Driver Version
        3. Uninstalling a Driver
      5. Enabling and Disabling Specific Devices
      6. Decoding Hardware Errors
  11. 2. Keeping Your System Secure
    1. 6. Security Essentials
      1. Windows Security Issues
        1. Security Threats
        2. Basic Prevention
        3. What's New in Service Pack 2
      2. Monitoring Windows XP Security
      3. Blocking Intruders with Windows Firewall
        1. Enabling or Disabling Windows Firewall
          1. Preventing All Incoming Traffic
          2. Disabling Windows Firewall for Individual Connections
        2. Allowing Connections Through the Firewall
          1. Working with Exceptions
          2. Creating an Exception for a Program
          3. Opening a Port
          4. Creating Exceptions for a Server
        3. Enabling Ping and Other Diagnostic Commands
        4. Logging Firewall Activity
        5. Controlling Windows Firewall with Group Policy
        6. Using the Netsh Command to Manage Windows Firewall
          1. Alternatives to Windows Firewall
      4. Keeping Your System Secure with Windows Update
        1. Using Windows Update Manually
        2. Automating Your Updates
        3. Downloading Update Files for Multiple Computers
        4. Disabling Windows Update
      5. Blocking Viruses and Worms with an Antivirus Program
        1. Finding an Antivirus Program
        2. Using an Antivirus Program
        3. Learning More About Viruses and Virus Protection
      6. Advanced Security Tools and Techniques
        1. Identifying Vulnerabilities with Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
        2. Keeping Up with Security News
    2. 7. Managing User Accounts, Passwords, and Logons
      1. Introducing Windows XP Security
        1. Permissions and Rights
        2. User Accounts
        3. Account Types
        4. User Profiles
        5. Simple File Sharing vs. Windows 2000–Style Sharing
      2. Working with User Accounts
        1. Creating a New User Account
        2. Changing Account Settings
        3. Deleting an Account
      3. Controlling How Users Log On
        1. Using the Welcome Screen
        2. Bypassing the Logon Screen
        3. Configuring Fast User Switching
      4. Logging Off or Locking Your Computer
      5. What Happened to the Administrator Account?
        1. Logging On as Administrator
        2. Securing the Administrator Account
      6. Advanced Account Setup Options
        1. Using the Local Users And Groups Snap-In
        2. Using the Net User and Net Localgroup Commands
        3. Net User
        4. Net Localgroup
        5. Working with Domain Accounts
      7. Setting Logon Passwords
        1. Creating a Secure Password
        2. Setting a Password
        3. Tightening Password Security
        4. Recovering from a Lost Password
      8. Setting Up Windows XP on a Shared Computer
    3. 8. Securing Files and Folders
      1. How Setup Decisions Dictate Your Security Options
        1. NTFS vs. FAT32
        2. Simple File Sharing vs. Advanced Permissions
        3. Default Locations for Shared Files
      2. Keeping Your Own Files Private
      3. Controlling Access with NTFS Permissions
        1. Applying Advanced Security Settings
          1. Working with Built-in Users and Groups
          2. Applying Permissions to Subfolders Through Inheritance
          3. Testing the Effect of Permissions
          4. Using Special Permissions
          5. Setting Permissions from a Command Prompt
        2. Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
      4. Troubleshooting Permission Problems
    4. 9. Securing Your Internet Connection
      1. What's New in Service Pack 2
      2. Setting Up Your Internet Connection
      3. Protecting Your System from Unsafe and Unwanted Software
        1. Downloading Executable Files
        2. Dealing with Automatic Downloads
        3. Controlling ActiveX Downloads
        4. Controlling Scripts
        5. To Trust or Not to Trust?
        6. Managing ActiveX and Java Controls
        7. Managing Browser Add-ons
      4. Defining Security Zones for Web Sites
        1. Adding Sites to a Zone
        2. Changing a Zone's Security Settings
      5. Blocking Objectionable Content
        1. Blocking Unrated Sites
        2. Turning Off Blocking
      6. Using E-Mail Safely
        1. Guarding Against Hazardous E-Mail Attachments
        2. Guarding Against Rogue HTML Content
        3. Defending Yourself Against Spam
      7. Protecting Your Privacy
        1. Guarding Passwords and Other Sensitive Data
        2. Clearing Your History
      8. Finding Additional Security Resources
  12. 3. Customizing Windows
    1. 10. Tuning Up System Performance
      1. Detecting Common Performance Bottlenecks
      2. Monitoring Memory Usage
      3. Avoiding CPU Overload
      4. Making the Most of Virtual Memory
      5. Managing Programs and Processes
        1. Configuring Programs That Run Automatically
        2. Using Policies to Control Startup Applications
          1. Run These Programs At User Logon
          2. Do Not Process The Run Once List
          3. Do Not Process The Legacy Run List
        3. Controlling Services at Startup
      6. Advanced System Performance Measurement
        1. Monitoring Current and Recent Information with System Monitor
        2. Adding Counters
        3. Changing the Chart's Display Characteristics
          1. Changing the Vertical Axis Scale
          2. Changing a Counter's Scaling Factor
          3. Changing Colors, Fonts, and Titles
          4. Emphasizing a Particular Line
          5. Changing the Sampling Interval
        4. Saving and Reusing System Monitor Settings
      7. Advanced System Tweaks
    2. 11. Tweaking the Windows XP Interface
      1. A Road Map to the Windows XP User Interface
      2. Making It Easy to Start Your Favorite Programs
        1. Setting the Appearance of the Start Menu
        2. Controlling the Content of the Start Menu
          1. Adding an Item to the Menu
          2. Deleting an Item from the Menu
          3. Moving or Copying a Menu Item
          4. Sorting Menu Items
          5. Renaming a Menu Item
          6. Managing the Most Frequently Used Programs List
        3. Using Personalized Menus
        4. Using Policies to Restrict Start Menu Contents
        5. Using the Quick Launch Bar and Other Desktop Toolbars
          1. Installing and Removing Toolbars
          2. Sizing and Positioning Toolbars
          3. Customizing Toolbars
          4. Creating a New Toolbar
      3. Making It Easy to Open Your Favorite Documents
        1. Working with Recently Opened Documents
          1. Removing Items from the My Recent Documents Menu
          2. Removing the My Recent Documents Menu
        2. Customizing the Start Menu with Shortcuts to Other Folders
      4. Managing Desktop Clutter
        1. Controlling Desktop Icons
        2. Making Desktop Icons Easier to See
        3. Changing the Background
        4. Displaying Web Content on Your Desktop
          1. Moving and Sizing Web Content
          2. Updating Web Content
          3. Removing Web Content from Your Desktop
      5. Changing Colors, Fonts, and Visual Effects
        1. Modifying the Predefined Color Schemes
        2. Installing Additional Themes
        3. Skinning Windows XP
        4. Customizing Visual Effects for Better Performance
      6. Customizing the Taskbar
        1. Changing the Taskbar's Size and Appearance
        2. Making More Room on the Taskbar
        3. Getting the Taskbar Out of Your Way
      7. Removing Unneeded Icons from the Notification Area
      8. Streamlining Control Panel
      9. Customizing Windows XP with Tweak UI
    3. 12. Advanced Internet Explorer Options
      1. Choosing a Default Web Browser and Java Virtual Machine
      2. Customizing the Internet Explorer User Interface
        1. Repositioning Toolbars
        2. Tailoring the Standard Buttons Toolbar
        3. Customizing the Links Toolbar
      3. Configuring Internet Explorer to Work with Other Programs
      4. Using (or Refusing) AutoComplete
        1. Clearing the AutoComplete History
        2. Using Inline AutoComplete
      5. Managing Your Favorites
        1. Adding an Item to Your Favorites List
          1. Using the Ctrl+D Keyboard Shortcut
          2. Dragging the Current Page to the Favorites Bar
          3. Using the Add To Favorites Command
        2. Editing Favorites
          1. Assigning a Keyboard Shortcut
          2. Making a Favorite Available Offline
        3. Organizing Favorites
        4. Importing, Exporting, and Sharing Your Favorites
        5. Using Third-Party Favorites (Bookmark) Managers
      6. Blocking Pop-Ups
        1. Setting the Filter Level
          1. Creating a Custom Filter Level
        2. Allowing Pop-Ups from Specific Sites
        3. Configuring Notification Options
        4. Allowing Pop-up Blocker to Work in the Local Intranet or Trusted Sites Zone
      7. Managing Cookies
        1. Viewing a Site's Privacy Report
        2. Overriding Your Privacy Setting for Particular Web Sites
        3. Dispensing with Automatic Cookie Handling
        4. Backing Up Your Cookies
      8. Searching the Internet
        1. Using Search Companion
          1. Forwarding Your Query to Other Search Engines
          2. Changing the Default Search Engine
        2. Using Classic Internet Search
          1. Changing Search Assistant's Default Providers
          2. Using a Single Search Provider
        3. Searching from the Address Bar
      9. Managing the Web Cache
        1. Changing the Size of the Cache
        2. Moving the Cache
        3. Controlling How Internet Explorer Uses the Cache
        4. Emptying the Cache Automatically
      10. Using Internet Explorer as an FTP Client
    4. 13. Managing User Profiles
      1. Introducing User Profiles
        1. Location and Content of User Profiles
        2. Types of Profiles
        3. Common Profiles
      2. Working with User Profiles
        1. Removing a User Profile
        2. Copying a User Profile
        3. Assigning a Profile
        4. Moving Folders from the Standard Profile Locations
      3. Using Roaming User Profiles
        1. Setting Up the Shared Folder for Roaming Profiles
        2. Setting Up User Accounts
        3. Creating the Profile
    5. 14. Configuring Shutdown and Power Management Options
      1. How Does Your Computer Manage Power?
        1. Configuring Your Computer's BIOS
      2. Conserving Power on All Computers—Even Desktops!
        1. Using Standby to Reduce Power Use
        2. Shutting Down Your Computer
        3. Hibernating for Maximum Power Savings
        4. Waking Up Your Computer
        5. Using Power Schemes
      3. Conserving Power on Portable Computers
        1. Displaying a Power Status Indicator
      4. Protecting Your Data During a Power Outage
        1. Configuring a UPS
      5. ACPI vs. APM
        1. Determining Whether Your System Is ACPI-Compliant
        2. Upgrading to ACPI Support
        3. Enabling APM Power Management
      6. Administering Power Options from the Command Prompt
    6. 15. Automating Windows XP
      1. Scheduling Tasks to Run Automatically
        1. Running a Program at a Scheduled Time
        2. Monitoring Scheduled Tasks
        3. Advanced Scheduling Options
        4. Restricting the Task Scheduler with Policies
        5. Scheduling Tasks with the Schtasks Command
        6. Downloading Web Pages at a Scheduled Time
          1. Adding a Page to Your Offline Web Pages List
          2. Changing Offline Web Page Settings
      2. Automating Command Sequences with Batch Programs
        1. Using Batch Commands
        2. Getting More Information About Command-Line Tools
        3. Creating a Simple Batch Program
        4. Using Advanced Techniques
          1. Backing Up the Removable Storage Database
          2. Cleaning Out the Recent Documents List
          3. Alphabetizing Your Favorites Menu and Your Start Menu
      3. Automating Tasks with Windows Script Host
        1. Finding Scripting Resources
        2. Choosing a Scripting Language
        3. Using the Script File Format
        4. Debugging Scripts
          1. Using Other Debugger Windows
          2. Stepping Through Scripts
        5. Introducing Objects
          1. Using the FileSystemObject
        6. Example Scripts
          1. Enabling or Disabling Windows Firewall
          2. Keeping a Journal
  13. 4. Storage and File Management
    1. 16. Windows Explorer for Experts
      1. Choosing Between Common Tasks and Classic Folders
        1. Toggling Between Folder Views
        2. Using the Details Section of the Task Pane
      2. Customizing the Toolbars
      3. Displaying the Status Bar
      4. Using Explorer Bars
        1. Using the Search Bar
        2. Using the Favorites Bar
        3. Using the Media Bar
        4. Using the History Bar
        5. Using the Folders Bar
      5. Choosing View Options
        1. Making All Folders Use the Same View
        2. Changing Views in Common Dialog Boxes
          1. Customizing the Common Dialog Boxes with Group Policy
          2. Customizing the Common Dialog Boxes with Tweak UI
        3. Customizing Details View
      6. Sorting and Grouping Icons
      7. Choosing a Folder Template
      8. Putting Pictures on Folder Icon
      9. Choosing Advanced Folder Options
        1. Automatically Search for Network Folders and Printers
        2. Display File Size Information in Folder Tips
        3. Display Simple Folder View in Explorer's Folders List
        4. Display the Contents of System Folders
        5. Display the Full Path in the Address Bar and Title Bar
        6. Do Not Cache Thumbnails
        7. Hidden Files and Folders
        8. Hide Extensions for Known File Types
        9. Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)
        10. Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process
        11. Managing Pairs of Web Pages and Folders
        12. Remember Each Folder's View Settings
        13. Restore Previous Folder Windows at Logon
        14. Show Control Panel in My Computer
        15. Show Encrypted or Compressed NTFS Files in Color
        16. Show Pop-Up Descriptions for Folder and Desktop Items
        17. Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)
      10. Using Cascading Folder Menus
      11. Working with File Types and File Associations
        1. Changing the Default Action for a File Type
        2. Changing the Application Associated with a File Type
        3. Changing a File Type's Icon
        4. Making the Extension of a Particular File Type Visible
        5. Specifying Download Behavior
        6. Customizing a File Type's Shortcut Menu
          1. Adding a Shortcut Menu Command
          2. Changing a Shortcut Menu Command
          3. Removing a Shortcut Menu Command
        7. Customizing Shortcut Menus by Editing the Registry
          1. How Shortcut Menu Information Is Recorded in the Registry
          2. Creating a Per-Computer Shortcut Menu Command
          3. Creating a Per-User Shortcut-Menu Command
          4. Adding a Command to an Extended Shortcut Menu
          5. Including Environment Variables in Command Strings
          6. Customizing the Shortcut Menu for All Files of a "Perceived" File Type
          7. Customizing the Shortcut Menu of Unregistered File Types
          8. Customizing the Shortcut Menu of All File Types
          9. Customizing the Shortcut Menus of System Objects
          10. Editing the Registry to Remove a Shortcut Menu Command
      12. Using Windows Explorer's Command-Line Syntax
      13. Using GUIDs to Open Shell Folders in Windows Explorer
    2. 17. Managing and Finding Files
      1. Seven Principles of Effective File Management
      2. Using Tools for File Management
        1. Manipulating Files with the Folders Bar
        2. Inspecting and Setting File Properties
        3. Using Details View to See and Compare Properties of Many Files
        4. Creating and Customizing Document Shortcuts
        5. Protecting Files with the Read-Only Attribute
        6. Maximizing Storage Space with NTFS Compression and Compressed (Zipped) Folders
          1. Implementing NTFS Compression
          2. Using Zipped Folders
        7. Copying Files to CDs
        8. Using and Configuring the Recycle Bin
          1. Changing the Amount of Space Allocated to the Recycle Bin
          2. Disabling the Recycle Bin
          3. Suppressing Confirmation Prompts
          4. Restoring Files and Folders
          5. Purging the Recycle Bin
      3. Locating Files with Search Companion
        1. Specifying a Search Type
          1. Searching for Digital Media
          2. Searching for Documents
          3. Searching for All Files and Folders
          4. Searching for Network Files
          5. Refining a Search
        2. Overriding Defaults
        3. Saving and Reusing Search Criteria
      4. Using Indexing Service and Query Language
        1. Security and Indexing Service
        2. Limitations of Indexing Service
        3. Activating Indexing Service
      5. Submitting Index Queries
        1. Phrase and Free-Text Query Expressions
        2. Restrictions on Content Queries
        3. Working with Properties
        4. The EQUALS and CONTAINS Operators
        5. Relational Operators
        6. Date and Time Expressions
        7. Boolean Operators
        8. Order of Operator Precedence
        9. Pattern-Matching Queries
          1. Queries That Use MS-DOS-Style Wildcard Characters
          2. Queries That Use UNIX-Style Regular Expressions
          3. Queries That Look for Alternative Word Forms
      6. Administering Indexing Service
        1. An Overview of the Indexing Process
        2. Indexing Files with Unknown Extensions
        3. Supplying an Alias for a Folder Name
        4. Stopping, Pausing, and Restarting
        5. Changing the Folders Included in a Catalog
        6. Excluding Specific Files on NTFS Disks
        7. Manually Rescanning a Folder
        8. Adjusting Indexing Service's Performance Parameters
    3. 18. Managing Disks and Drives
      1. Hard Disk Management 101
      2. NTFS or FAT32: Which Disk Format Should You Choose?
      3. Converting a FAT32 Disk to NTFS
      4. Basic and Dynamic Disks
      5. Working with Partitions, Volumes, and Disks
        1. Creating Partitions from Free Disk Space
          1. Creating Partitions on a Basic Disk
          2. Creating a Simple Volume on a Dynamic Disk
          3. Combining Volumes from Dynamic Disks
        2. Creating Logical Drives
        3. Formatting a Partition, Volume, or Logical Drive
        4. Assigning or Changing a Volume Label
        5. Deleting a Partition, Volume, or Logical Drive
        6. Assigning and Changing Drive Letters or Drive Paths
        7. Checking Properties and Status of a Disk or Partition
      6. Setting Quotas for Disk Space Use
        1. Enabling Disk Quotas
        2. Managing Disk Quotas
      7. Setting AutoPlay Options for Removable Drives
      8. Working with Writable and Rewritable CD Drives
  14. 5. Mastering Digital Media
    1. 19. Using and Customizing Windows Media Player
      1. What's New in Windows Media Player
      2. Controlling File Type Associations
        1. Changing the Default Application for Individual File Extensions
        2. Changing the AutoPlay Behavior of a CD or DVD Drive
        3. Managing Multiple Media Players
      3. Customizing Audio and Video Playback
        1. Varying Playback Speed
        2. Adding Surround Sound Support
        3. Using the Graphic Equalizer and SRS WOW Effects
        4. Tweaking Video Performance
        5. Optimizing Streaming Media Playback
      4. Customizing the Player's Appearance
        1. Toggling the Menu Bar
        2. Working with the Enhancements Pane
        3. Toggling the Playlist Display
        4. Toggling the Taskbar
        5. Using Visualizations
        6. Using Skins
        7. Adding Skins and Visualizations
        8. Changing the Player's Color
        9. Using the Mini Player Toolbar
      5. Extending the Player's Capabilities
        1. Adding and Updating Codecs
        2. Installing and Configuring Plug-ins
      6. Playing Audio CDs
        1. Viewing Media Information and Album Art
      7. Security and Privacy Issues
        1. Configuring Security Options
        2. Configuring Privacy Options
      8. Watching DVD Movies
      9. Understanding and Protecting Your Digital Rights
        1. Backing Up Your Licenses
        2. Restoring Your Licenses
    2. 20. Managing a Digital Music Collection
      1. Configuring Windows Media Player to Copy Music from CDs
        1. Deciding Whether to Use Copy Protection
        2. Choosing an Audio Format and Bit Rate
        3. Deciding How to Name Your Files and Where to Store Them
      2. Ripping Audio Tracks from CD to Hard Disk
        1. Editing Track Information Before You Copy
        2. What to Do If Windows Media Doesn't Recognize Your Disc
          1. Adding Album and Track Information Before You Rip
          2. Editing Album and Track Information After You Rip
          3. Renaming Ripped Files
      3. Managing Your Media Library
        1. Adding Items to Your Media Library
          1. Adding Items Automatically
          2. Using Search to Add Items
          3. Adding Items When They Are Played
          4. Adding Specific Files or URLs
        2. Editing Metadata Tags in the Media Library
        3. Rating Tracks in Your Music Collection
        4. Adding Lyrics and Other Details
        5. Searching for Items in Your Media Library
        6. Working with Your Media Library in Windows Explorer
        7. Deleting Items from Your Media Library
      4. Working with Playlists
        1. Creating a Custom Playlist
        2. Saving Searches as Auto Playlists
        3. Exporting and Importing Playlists
      5. Burning Custom CDs
      6. Copying to a Portable Device
    3. 21. Organizing and Editing Images
      1. Setting Up a Scanner or Digital Camera
      2. Saving and Editing Images
      3. Choosing the Right File Format
      4. Compressing and Shrinking Image Files
        1. Shrinking Images for E-Mail
        2. Optimizing Image Files for the Web
        3. Compressing Image Files
      5. Creating an HTML Slide Show
      6. Printing Digital Photos
      7. Managing Images in Windows Explorer
        1. Customizing Folders for Images
        2. Viewing and Annotating Image Files
    4. 22. Using Windows Movie Maker
      1. What You Need to Use Windows Movie Maker
      2. Introducing Windows Movie Maker
      3. The Process of Making a Movie
      4. Gathering and Managing Source Materials
        1. Capturing from Videotape
          1. Previewing During the Capture
          2. Letting Windows Movie Maker Create Clips Automatically
        2. Capturing Live Video
        3. Importing Media Files into Windows Movie Maker
        4. Working with Clips
          1. Previewing Clips
          2. Splitting Clips
          3. Joining Clips
          4. Creating New Clips
          5. Taking Still Pictures from Captured Video
          6. Working with Collections Folders
          7. Backing Up the Collections Database
          8. Repairing Damaged Links
      5. Assembling Your Project on the Storyboard and Timeline
        1. Trimming Clips
        2. Using Still Images
        3. Using Video Transitions
        4. Using Video Effects
        5. Working with Sound
          1. Adding Music or Other Background Sound
          2. Fading In and Out of Sound Clips
          3. Adding Narration
          4. Adjusting Volume Levels
          5. Changing the Balance of Sound Between the Audio and Audio/Music Tracks
          6. Trimming and Moving Clips on the Audio/Music Track
        6. Creating Titles and Credits
        7. Using AutoMovie to Generate Movies Automatically
      6. Rendering Your Project into a Movie
        1. Rendering to a Disk File
        2. Rendering to a Recordable CD
        3. Rendering to an E-Mail Attachment
        4. Rendering to the Web
        5. Rendering to a DV Camera
      7. Resources for Further Learning
  15. 6. Networking
    1. 23. Setting Up a Small Network
      1. What You Can and Can't Do with a Small Network
      2. Hardware, Cabling, and Connections
        1. Installing and Configuring Network Adapters
        2. Making Connections: Cables and Hubs
      3. Setting Up a Wireless Network
        1. Your Wireless Security Options
        2. Connecting to a Wireless Network
        3. Managing Wireless Network Connections
        4. Configuring a New Wireless Network
      4. Configuring a Default Network Connection
      5. Using the Network Setup Wizard
      6. Adjusting Network Settings
        1. Installing and Configuring Protocols
        2. Configuring Workgroup Settings
        3. Setting IP Addresses
      7. Sharing an Internet Connection
    2. 24. Tweaking and Troubleshooting a Small Network
      1. Troubleshooting TCP/IP Problems
        1. Checking for Connection Problems
        2. Diagnosing IP Address Problems
        3. Repairing Your TCP/IP Configuration
        4. Resolving DNS Issues
      2. Fixing Problems with My Network Places
      3. Network Troubleshooting Tools
      4. Fine-Tuning Network Performance
      5. Advanced Networking Components
      6. Bridging Two Networks
    3. 25. Managing Shared Folders and Printers
      1. Introducing Windows XP Sharing and Security Models
      2. Sharing a Folder over a Network
        1. Enabling File Sharing
        2. Using the Guest Account for Simple Sharing
        3. Restricting Access to Network Shares
          1. Preparing for Classic Security: Setting Up User Accounts
          2. Sharing a Folder Using Classic Security
          3. Assigning Permissions to a Shared Folder
      3. Managing Shared Folders
        1. Viewing and Changing Share Properties
        2. Understanding Administrative Shares
        3. Creating a New Share Using the Shared Folders Snap-In
        4. Removing a Share Using the Shared Folders Snap-In
        5. Viewing and Disconnecting Sessions
        6. Viewing and Closing Files
        7. Warning Other Users
      4. Accessing Shared Folders
        1. Adding a Network Place
        2. Using Network Places with Applications
        3. Gaining Access to Shared Folders on Another Computer
          1. Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional with Simple File Sharing Enabled
          2. Windows XP Professional with Simple File Sharing Disabled or Windows 2000
          3. Windows 98 or Windows Me
        4. Working with Mapped Network Folders
          1. Mapping a Network Folder to a Drive Letter
          2. Unmapping a Mapped Network Folder
      5. Sharing a Printer
        1. Using a Network-Interface Printer
        2. Setting Permissions on Shared Printers
        3. Setting Hours of Availability and Other Options
        4. Using Separator Pages
        5. Setting Up a Printer for Non–Windows XP Clients
        6. Setting Server Properties
      6. Command-Line Utilities for Managing Shared Resources
        1. Net Share
          1. Viewing Share Information
          2. Adding or Modifying a Share
          3. Deleting a User Share
        2. Net Use
          1. Viewing Connections
          2. Adding a Mapped Network Drive
          3. Disconnecting a Mapped Drive
        3. Net Session
          1. Viewing Session Information
          2. Disconnecting a Session
        4. Net File
        5. Net Statistics
    4. 26. Remote Access Options
      1. Setting Up a Remote Desktop Connection to Another Computer
        1. What You Need to Use Remote Desktop
        2. Setting Up the Remote Computer
        3. Setting Up the Client Computer
        4. Configuring a Web Server for Use with Remote Desktop Web Connection
      2. Using Remote Desktop Connection
        1. Connecting to a Remote Desktop
        2. Connecting from a Web Browser
        3. Working with Different Screen Resolutions
        4. Accessing Local Resources
        5. Using the Keyboard with Remote Desktop Connection
        6. Configuring Performance Options
        7. Saving a Remote Desktop Configuration
        8. Disconnecting a Remote Session
  16. 7. Using E-mail, Fax, and Messaging
    1. 27. Using and Customizing Outlook Express
      1. Getting Started with Outlook Express
        1. Setting Up Accounts
          1. Creating a Mail Account
          2. Creating a News Account
          3. Creating a Directory Service Account
          4. Editing Account Information
        2. Customizing the Look of Outlook Express
          1. Previewing Messages
          2. Navigating Folders
          3. Displaying Contacts
        3. Setting Basic Options
          1. Checking for Mail at Regular Intervals
          2. Minimizing Connect Time with Dial-Up Accounts
          3. Controlling the Format of Outbound Messages
          4. Making Outlook Express the Default Mail and News Handler
          5. Setting Security Options
      2. Managing Identities
      3. Managing Contacts
        1. Organizing Contacts in Folders
        2. Adding Individual Contacts and Distribution Lists
        3. Adding Contacts Who Have Multiple E-Mail Addresses
        4. Adding Contacts from E-Mail Messages
        5. Exchanging Electronic Business Cards (vCards)
        6. Importing and Exporting Contacts
          1. Importing Address Book Data
          2. Importing Data from Other Programs
          3. Exporting the Address Book to a .wab File
          4. Exporting the Address Book to a .csv File
        7. Printing Your Address Book
        8. Backing Up Your Address Book
      4. Sending Mail
        1. Addressing the Message
        2. Composing the Message
          1. Choosing a Font
          2. Working Directly with HTML Code
          3. Using Stationery
          4. Inserting Hyperlinks
          5. Inserting Your Signature
        3. Adding Attachments
        4. Setting a Priority Level
        5. Requesting a Receipt
      5. Reading and Organizing Mail
        1. Viewing and Saving Attachments
        2. Watching, Ignoring, and Flagging Messages
        3. Using Views to Hide Particular Kinds of Messages
        4. Using Rules to Organize Messages
          1. Creating a New Rule
          2. Sending an Automatic Reply
          3. Using Negative Criteria
          4. Using Multiple Criteria
          5. Creating a Rule from a Selected Message
        5. Blocking Obnoxious Mail
        6. Searching for Messages
        7. Saving Messages Outside Outlook Express
      6. Blocking Dangerous Attachments
      7. Using Hotmail and Other Server-Based Systems
      8. Using Newsgroups
        1. Marking Headers Offline for Later Download
          1. Setting Synchronization Options
          2. Selecting Headers While Offline
          3. Using Rules to Mark Newsgroup Posts for Download
        2. Downloading New Messages Only
        3. Saving Messages Before They're Deleted from the Server
      9. Maintaining Outlook Express
        1. Relocating Your Message Store to Simplify Backup
        2. Archiving Old Messages
        3. Moving Your Outlook Express Files to a New Computer
    2. 28. Sending and Receiving Faxes
      1. Installing Fax
      2. Upgrading an Earlier Windows Fax Component
      3. Configuring Fax
        1. Providing Information About Yourself
        2. Selecting a Fax Device and Configuring Send and Receive Settings
        3. Specifying Your Transmitting Station Identifier (TSID)
        4. Specifying Your Called Subscriber Identification (CSID)
        5. Routing Received Faxes to a Printer or Folder
        6. Choosing Paper Size, Image Quality, and Orientation
        7. Setting Retry Characteristics and Discount Hours
        8. Making Other Device-Specific Settings
        9. Setting Tracking Preferences
        10. Specifying the Locations of Fax Console's Inbox and Sent Items Folders
      4. Faxing a Document or Cover Page
        1. Faxing a Cover Page Only
        2. Faxing from Microsoft Outlook
          1. Addressing Faxes in Outlook
          2. Overriding the Cover Page Default in Outlook
        3. Managing the Outbox Queue
        4. Archiving Sent Faxes
      5. Receiving Faxes
        1. Reading Received Faxes
        2. Archiving Received Faxes
      6. Creating Personal Cover Pages
        1. Selecting, Sizing, and Moving Objects
        2. Aligning Objects
        3. Spacing Objects Evenly
        4. Centering Objects on the Page
        5. Changing the Z-Order of Stacked Objects
        6. Adding Fixed Text
        7. Inserting Fields, Images, and Graphics
        8. Previewing and Saving
      7. Managing Security
    3. 29. Communicating Over the Internet
      1. Introducing Windows Messenger
        1. What You Need to Use Windows Messenger
        2. Punching Through a Firewall
      2. Setting Startup Options
        1. Using Group Policy to Disable Windows Messenger
        2. Disabling Windows Messenger in Windows XP Home Edition
      3. Starting Windows Messenger
      4. Placing or Receiving a Call
        1. Working with Your List of Contacts
        2. Preserving Your Online Privacy
          1. Protecting Your Identity
          2. Protecting Your E-mail Address
          3. Protecting Your Phone Numbers
          4. Blocking Other Users
          5. Finding Out Who's Watching You
          6. Hiding Your Online Status
        3. Adding Other Participants to a Conversation
        4. Saving an Online Session as a File
        5. Making Audio Connections
        6. Using Your Webcam to Make Video Calls
      5. Sending and Receiving Files
      6. Using Windows Messenger for Online Meetings
        1. Using Whiteboard
        2. Collaborating on a Document over the Network
  17. 8. System Maintenance and Recovery
    1. 30. Performing Routine Maintenance
      1. Checking Disks for Errors
      2. Defragmenting Disks for Better Performance
        1. Using Disk Defragmenter
        2. Running Disk Defragmenter Using a Command Line
      3. Managing Disk Space
        1. Cleaning Up with Disk Cleanup
        2. Using NTFS File Compression
      4. Smart Backup Strategies
        1. Using the Windows XP Backup Program
        2. Creating an Automatic System Recovery Backup
        3. Backing Up with Partition Imaging
        4. Other Backup Options
    2. 31. Monitoring System Activities with Event Viewer
      1. Types of Events
      2. Keeping Track of Computer Events
      3. Examining Event Details
        1. Searching for an Event
        2. Filtering the Log Display
      4. Working with Log Files
        1. Setting Log File Size and Longevity
        2. Archiving and Clearing Log Files
        3. Displaying an Archived Log File
        4. Exporting Log File Information
        5. Backing Up Log Files
      5. Using Third-Party Tools to Monitor Events
    3. 32. Recovering After a Computer Crash
      1. After a Computer Crash: Assessing the Damage
      2. Using and Configuring Windows Error Reporting
        1. Windows Error Reporting and System Crashes
        2. Configuring Windows Error Reporting
        3. What Happened to Dr. Watson?
      3. Using Advanced Startup Options
        1. Using Safe Mode
        2. Restoring the Last Known Good Configuration
        3. Other Startup Options
      4. Undoing Configuration Mistakes with System Restore
        1. What System Restore Does and Does Not Monitor
        2. When System Restore Creates Restore Points
        3. Using System Restore
        4. System Restore Dos and Don'ts
      5. Making Repairs from the Recovery Console
        1. Recovery Console Restrictions
        2. Using Recovery Console Commands
        3. Repairing Damaged Boot Files
        4. Enabling and Disabling Services and Drivers
      6. Repairing and Reinstalling Windows
    4. 33. Troubleshooting Windows Errors
      1. Decoding STOP Errors
      2. How to Read a STOP Error
      3. General Advice for Dealing with STOP Errors
      4. How to Troubleshoot Specific STOP Errors
        1. STOP 0x0000000A or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
        2. STOP 0x0000001E or KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
        3. STOP 0x00000024 or NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM
        4. STOP 0x0000002E or DATA_BUS_ERROR
        5. STOP 0x0000003F or NO_MORE_SYSTEM_PTES
        6. STOP 0x00000050 or PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
        7. STOP 0x00000077 or KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR
        8. STOP 0x00000079 or MISMATCHED_HAL
        9. STOP 0x0000007A or KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR
        10. STOP 0x0000007B or INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
        11. STOP 0x0000007F or UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP
        12. STOP 0x0000009F or DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
        13. STOP 0x000000C2 or BAD_POOL_CALLER
        14. STOP 0x000000D1 or DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
        15. STOP 0x000000D8 or DRIVER_USED_EXCESSIVE_PTES
        16. STOP 0x000000EA or THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER
        17. STOP 0x000000ED or UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
        18. STOP 0x000000F2 or HARDWARE_INTERRUPT_STORM
        19. STOP 0xC000021A or STATUS_SYSTEM_PROCESS_TERMINATED
        20. STOP 0xC0000221 or STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCH
      5. Customizing How Windows Handles STOP Errors
    5. 34. Editing the Registry
      1. Understanding the Structure of the Registry
        1. Registry Data Types
      2. Avoiding Registry Mishaps
        1. Backing Up Before You Edit
        2. Using System Restore to Save the Registry's State
        3. Backing Up and Restoring the System State
      3. Browsing and Editing with Registry Editor
        1. Changing Data
        2. Adding or Deleting Keys
        3. Adding or Deleting Values
      4. Monitoring Registry Changes
      5. Using .Reg Files to Automate Registry Changes
        1. Identifying the Elements of a .Reg File
        2. Using a .Reg File to Delete Registry Data
        3. Merging a .Reg File into the Registry
      6. Working with a Remote Computer's Registry
      7. Changing Registry Key Permissions
      8. Editing the Registry from the Command Line
  18. 9. Appendixes
    1. A. Windows Versions at a Glance: Professional, Home Edition, and More
    2. B. Working with the Command Prompt
      1. Starting and Ending a Command Prompt Session
        1. Starting Command Prompt at a Particular Folder
        2. Starting Command Prompt and Running a Command
        3. Using AutoRun to Execute Commands When Command Prompt Starts
      2. Using Commands
        1. Starting Programs
        2. Using Command Extensions
        3. Using File-Name and Folder-Name Completion
        4. Using Cmd's Command-Line Syntax
        5. Editing the Command Line
        6. Using Wildcards
        7. Using Command Symbols
          1. The Redirection Symbols
          2. Redirecting Input and Output
          3. The Pipe Symbol
          4. The Command Combination Symbols
          5. The Escape Symbol
        8. Pausing or Canceling Commands
        9. Simplifying Command Entry with Doskey Macros
      3. Using Environment Variables
        1. Viewing Environment Variables
        2. Modifying Environment Variables
      4. Customizing Command Prompt Windows
        1. Setting the Window Size and Position
          1. Setting the Window Size and Position Visually
        2. Selecting a Font
        3. Setting Colors
        4. Setting Other Options
    3. C. Using and Customizing Microsoft Management Console
      1. Running MMC Consoles
        1. Running a User-Mode Console in Author Mode
        2. Running a Console and Specifying a Target Computer
      2. Using MMC Consoles
      3. Creating Your Own MMC Consoles
        1. Running MMC with No Snap-In
        2. Displaying the Console Tree
        3. Adding Folders to the Console Tree
        4. Adding Snap-Ins and Extensions
        5. Adding ActiveX Controls and Internet Links
        6. Adding Taskpad Views
        7. Manipulating Windows
        8. Controlling Other Visual Elements
        9. Using the Favorites Menu
        10. Naming Your Console
        11. Choosing Between MMC's Three User Modes
        12. Imposing Further Restrictions
        13. Saving a Console
    4. D. Managing Services
      1. Using the Services Snap-In
        1. Starting and Stopping Services
        2. Configuring Services
          1. Setting Startup Options
          2. Specifying Recovery Actions
          3. Viewing Dependencies
        3. Determining a Service's Name
        4. Recommended Startup Settings for Services
      2. Managing Services from a Command Prompt
    5. E. Viewing System Information
      1. Finding Basic Information About Your Computer
      2. Finding Information in the Help And Support Center
      3. Digging Deeper with Dedicated System Information Tools
        1. Finding and Decoding Information in System Information
        2. Exporting System Information
        3. Viewing System Information History
        4. Using System Information to Open Other Diagnostic Tools
    6. F. Group Policy
      1. Starting Group Policy
      2. Understanding the Local Group Policy Object
        1. How Group Policy Works
        2. Types of Settings
      3. Making Settings
  19. G. Index to Troubleshooting Topics
  20. Index
  21. About the Authors
  22. Copyright

Product information

  • Title: Microsoft® Windows® XP Inside Out, 2nd Edition
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2004
  • Publisher(s): Microsoft Press
  • ISBN: 9780735620445