Quick Reference

1. Getting Started with Windows Vista

To activate Windows manually, page 8

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
2.	In the System window, in the Windows activation area, click Activate Windows now. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Windows Activation dialog box, click Activate Windows online now. Then after Windows verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine, click Close.

To automatically download and install critical updates, page 14

1.	In Control Panel, click Security, and then click Windows Update.
2.	In the left pane, click the Change settings task. Then select the Install updates automatically option, if it is not already selected.
3.	In the second Install new updates list, select a time at which your computer will usually be on and online. If you want more control over the update process but still want automatic updates, select the Download updates but let me choose whether to install them option.
4.	With the Include recommended updates and Use Microsoft Update check boxes selected, click OK. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To install available Windows updates, page 14

1.	In Control Panel, click Security, and then click Windows Update.
2.	If updates are available, click the View available updates task in the update status box. Then in the list of available updates, select the check box for any update you want to install.
3.	Click Install. In the User Account Control box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To log on to a user account while another is active, page 17

1.	On the Start menu, click the Shut Down Options button, and then click Switch User.
2.	On the Welcome screen, click the user account you want to log on to, and enter the password if one is required.

To lock your computer, page 19

On the Start menu, click the Lock button.

To unlock your computer, page 19

If your account is password protected, on the Welcome screen, enter your password in the Password box, and then press . Otherwise, click your user account picture.

To put your computer into Sleep mode, page 19

On the Start menu, click the Sleep button.

To wake your computer from Sleep mode, page 19

Depending on your specific hardware, press or press your computer's power button to wake your computer.

To log off from Windows, page 20

1.	On the Start menu, click the Shut Down Options button, and then click Log Off.
2.	If you don't have any unsaved work, click Log off now to complete the process and display the Welcome screen. Otherwise, click Cancel to return to your computing session; then save and close open files, shut down running programs, and click Log Off in the Shut Down Options list to complete the process.

To shut down your computer, page 20

If you've already logged off from your computer, in the lower-right corner of the Welcome screen, click the Shut Down button.
If you haven't yet logged off, on the Start menu, click the Shut Down Options button, and then in the Shut Down Options list, click Shut Down.

To open the Ease Of Access Center, page 23

In Control Panel, click Ease of Access, and then click Ease of Access Center.

2. Working Efficiently in Windows Vista

To change the number of recently opened programs displayed on the Start menu, page 33

1.	Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.
2.	On the Start Menu tab of the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, with the Start menu option selected, click Customize.
3.	In the Start menu size area of the Customize Start Menu dialog box, type or select the number of programs you want displayed, and then click OK.
4.	In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, click OK.

To start a program from the Start menu, page 35

1.	On the Start menu, click All Programs.
2.	In the All Programs list, click a program name, or click a folder containing a program you want to open, and then click the program name.

To add a shortcut to the pinned programs area of the Start menu, page 38

Right-click a program icon in the All Programs list of the Start menu, or in Windows Explorer, and then click Pin to Start Menu.
Drag a program icon from the recently opened programs area or All Programs list of the Start menu to the pinned programs area.
Drag a program icon from Windows Explorer to the Start button, and then when the Start menu opens, to the pinned programs area.

To remove a shortcut from the pinned programs area of the Start menu, page 39

In the pinned programs area, right-click the program icon, and then click Unpin from Start Menu.

To browse the folder structure of your computer, page 43

1.	In the Navigation pane, display the Folders list.
2.	Click the arrow beside a folder name or double-click the folder name to show its list of subfolders; or in the Address bar, click the arrow to the right of the folder name to display its list of subfolders, and then click the folder name you want in the list.

To resize a window, page 44

In an open window, click the Maximize or Restore Down button in the upper-right corner of the window.
In a non-maximized window, point to the window's frame. When the pointer changes to a double-headed arrow, drag the frame to the size you want.

To hide a window, page 44

In an open window, click the Minimize button in the upper-right corner of the window.

To close a window, page 45

Click the Close button in an open window, or if the window is hidden, click the window's taskbar button, and then click Close.

To switch between multiple windows, page 49

On the Quick Launch toolbar, click the Switch between windows button, and then click the window you want to display.

To minimize all open windows, page 50

On the Quick Launch toolbar, click the Show desktop button.

To view a group of windows at the same time, page 50

Right-click the taskbar button for a group of programs, and then click Show Windows Stacked.

To lock or unlock the taskbar, page 51

Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, and then click Lock the Taskbar.

To resize the taskbar, page 51

Point to the top of the taskbar. When the pointer changes to a double-headed arrow, drag the border up or down until it's the size you want.

To modify what appears on the taskbar, page 51

1.	Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, and then click Properties.
2.	In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box, select the options you want on each tab, and then click OK.

To create a desktop shortcut, page 54

1.	Right-click an open area of the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
2.	In the Create Shortcut wizard, type in the location of the item; or click Browse, navigate to and click the program you want, and then click OK.
3.	In the Create Shortcut wizard, click Next.
4.	In the Type a name for this shortcut box, type a name, and then click Finish.

To rearrange items on the desktop, page 57

Drag a shortcut on your desktop to the location you want it to appear.
Right-click an empty area of the desktop, point to View, and then click Auto Arrange.

To delete an item from the desktop, page 58

Right-click the shortcut, click Delete, and then in the confirmation message box, click Yes.

3. Working with Folders and Files

To display the contents of folders, drives, and storage devices accessible to your computer, page 64

Point to All Programs on the Start menu, click Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer to display the contents of your Documents folder.
Right-click a folder and then click Explore.
Click a folder link on the Start menu to open that folder. For example, click Computer or Network to display an overview of all the hard disk drives and storage devices accessible to your computer.

To navigate recent files in Windows Explorer, page 68

Click the Back button or Forward button to display the contents of folders you have already viewed in the Content pane.
Click the Recent Pages button to see a list of folders you have viewed so that you can select the one you want to display.

To add a folder to the Favorite Links list, page 66

In the Contents pane of Windows Explorer, drag the folder you want to add to the list.

To map a drive, page 69

1.	On the Start menu, click Computer.
2.	On the toolbar above the Content pane, click Map network drive. Then in the Map Network Drive window, specify the letter by which you want to identify this drive.
3.	Click Browse, navigate to the drive or folder you want to map, and then click OK to return to the Map Network Drive window with the path entered in the Folder box.
4.	If you want to connect to this location only until the end of the current Windows session, clear the Reconnect at logon check box. Then click Finish.

To disconnect from a mapped drive or folder, page 69

In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive or folder, and then click Disconnect.

To display or hide panes in Windows Explorer, page 71

On the Organize menu, point to Layout, and then in the list, click the pane you want to change.

To change the view of folders or files, page 72

On the Windows Explorer toolbar, click the Views button to cycle through the four most common views; or, click the Views arrow, and then select the view you want by dragging the slider.

To change the sort order in a Windows Explorer list view, page 74

Click the heading that you want to sort by. Click it again to reverse the sort order.

To delete a column in a Windows Explorer list view, page 74

Right-click a column heading, and then in the attributes list, click the attribute you want to add.

To change the properties of a file, page 78

Display the folder containing the file in Windows Explorer. Click the file, and then modify its properties in the Details pane.

To remove properties from a file, page 79

1.	Select a file in Windows Explorer, and then on the Organize menu, click Remove Properties.
2.	In the Remove Properties dialog box, select the properties you want to remove.

To create a folder from Windows Explorer, page 82

1.	On the Organize menu, click New Folder.
2.	With the New Folder file name highlighted, type the name you want for the folder, and then press .

To compress a file, page 85

In Windows Explorer, right-click the file you want to compress, point to Send To, and then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.

To delete multiple files, page 86

1.	In Windows Explorer, click the first file you want to delete, hold down the key, and then click the other file(s) you want to delete; or to select a range of files, click the first file, hold down the key, and then click the last file.
2.	Press the key. Then in the Delete Multiple Items message box, click Yes.

To permanently delete items from the Recycle Bin, page 86

Open the Recycle Bin, verify that you do not want to retain any items, and then on the toolbar, click Empty the Recycle Bin. In the Delete Multiple Items message box, click Yes to permanently delete all items.
On the desktop or in the Folders list, right-click the Recycle Bin, and then click Empty Recycle Bin to delete all items without first reviewing them.
Open the Recycle Bin, select specific items you want to permanently delete, press , and then in the Delete File message box, click Yes.

To restore files from the Recycle Bin, page 86

Open the Recycle Bin, do not select any items, and then on the toolbar, click Restore all items to return all deleted items to their previous locations.
Open the Recycle Bin, select specific items you want to restore, and then on the toolbar, click Restore this item to return selected items to their previous locations.

To copy files to other folders, page 88

In Windows Explorer, click the file you want to copy, and on the Organize menu, click Copy. Then display the folder you want to copy the file to, and on the Organize menu, click Paste.
Using the secondary mouse button, drag the file to its new location. Then when you release the mouse button, click Copy Here.
Hold down the key, and then drag the copy to its new location, releasing first the mouse button and then the key.

To search for items on your computer and on the Internet, page 91

Click the Start button, and then in the Start Search box, type what you want to search for. To use the Internet for your search, at the bottom of the Start menu, click the Search the Internet link.
On the Start menu, click Search. Then in the Search box, type what you want to search for. To use advanced criteria to help focus your search, click the Advanced Search arrow, and fill in any extra information you want.

4. Personalizing Windows Vista

To switch between themes, page 98

1.	In Control Panel, click Appearance and Personalization.
2.	Under Personalization, click the Change the theme task.
3.	Click the Theme arrow, and then in the list, click the theme you want to use. Then click OK.

To adjust the refresh rate and the color depth of your monitor, page 103

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Adjust screen resolution task.
2.	In the Display Settings dialog box, click Advanced Settings.
3.	In the Advanced Settings dialog box, click the Monitor tab. In the Monitor Settings area, click the Screen refresh rate arrow to display a list of valid refresh rates for the selected monitor.
4.	Select a screen refresh rate of at least 10 Hertz, preferably 70 or over. Then click OK. If your computer system includes multiple monitors on the same graphics adapter or multiple enabled graphics adapters, select the other monitors in turn, click Advanced Settings, confirm the available graphics memory, select an appropriate refresh rate, and click OK.
5.	In the Display Settings dialog box, click the Colors arrow to display the available color qualities. Set the color quality to at least 32 bit. Then click OK.

To change the color scheme, page 105

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Change the color scheme task.
2.	In the Appearance Settings dialog box, in the Color scheme list, click the color scheme you want. Then click OK.

To enable window transparency, page 107

1.	Apply the Windows Aero color scheme.
2.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Change the color scheme task.
3.	On the Window Color and Appearance page, select the Enable transparency check box. Then click OK.

To change the desktop background to a Windows Vista picture, page 109

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Change desktop background task.
2.	In the Picture Location list, click Windows Wallpapers.
3.	In the Windows Wallpapers gallery, click the thumbnail of the picture you want. Then click OK.

To change the desktop background to your own picture, page 110

1.	Save the picture you want to use to your Pictures folder.
2.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Change desktop background task.
3.	In the Picture Location list, click Pictures.
4.	Click the thumbnail of the picture you want. Then click OK.

To change the desktop background color, page 111

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Change desktop background task.
2.	In the Picture Location list, click Solid Colors.
3.	In the Solid Colors gallery, click the color you want. Then click OK.

To use your photos as a screen saver, page 113

1.	In Control Panel, click Appearance and Personalization. Then under Personalization, click the Change screen saver task.
2.	In the Screen Saver Settings dialog box, click the Screen saver arrow, and then in the list, click Photos. Then click Settings.
3.	In the Photos Screen Saver Settings dialog box, to the right of Use pictures and videos from, click Browse.
4.	In the Browse For Folder dialog box, browse to the folder that has the photos you want to use, and then click OK. Adjust the slide show speed if you want, and then click Save.

To change the system time, page 116

1.	Right-click in the notification area at the right end of the status bar, and then click Adjust Date/Time.
2.	In the Date and Time dialog box, click Change date and time. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	Drag the mouse pointer over the hour, minutes, or AM/PM setting displayed in the digital clock to select it, and then type or select (by clicking the arrows) the time you want.
4.	Click OK in each of the open dialog boxes.

To connect to an Internet time server for an automatic update, page 114

1.	Right-click in the notification area at the right end of the status bar, and then click Adjust Date/Time.
2.	In the Date and Time dialog box, click the Internet Time tab, and then click Change settings. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Internet Time Settings dialog box, with the Synchronize with an Internet time server check box selected, click the Server arrow. In the list, click the server you want to use, and then click Update now.

To view the computer name, page 119

On the Start menu, click Computer. The computer name appears in the lower-left corner of the Computer window.

To change the computer name, page 119

1.	On the Start menu, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
2.	In the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings area of the System window, click Change settings. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	On the Computer Name tab of the System Properties dialog box, click Change, and replace the existing computer name with the name you want. Then click OK.

To change the name of the link to your Computer folder, page 120

On the Start menu, right-click Computer, click Rename, type the name you want to appear, and then press .

5. Installing and Configuring Devices

To change your screen resolution, page 127

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Adjust screen resolution task.
2.	In the Display Settings dialog box, drag the Resolution slider to the setting you want, and then click Apply.
3.	In the Display Settings message box that appears, click Yes.

To configure your computer to display your Windows desktop across two monitors, page 130

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Adjust screen resolution task.
2.	In the preview area, click Monitor 2, select the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box, and then click Apply.
3.	In the Display Settings message box that appears, click Yes.

To change the primary monitor, page 131

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Adjust screen resolution task.
2.	In the preview area, click the monitor you want as the primary.
3.	Select the This is my main monitor check box, and then click Apply.
4.	In the Display Settings message box that appears, click Yes.

To adjust the relationship of the displays to each other, page 131

1.	In Control Panel, under Appearance and Personalization, click the Adjust screen resolution task.
2.	In the preview area of the Display Settings dialog box, drag Monitor 2 to the location you want it to be in relationship to Monitor 1.

To change the way the mouse buttons work, page 133

1.	In Control Panel, under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse.
2.	On the Buttons tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box, in the Button configuration section, select the Switch primary and secondary buttons check box to change the default primary button from left to right.
3.	In the Double-click speed area, drag the slider to the speed you want. Then click OK.

To change how the mouse pointer looks and works, page 134

1.	In Control Panel, under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse.
2.	On the Pointers tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box, in the Scheme list, click one of the 21 available system schemes to change the pointer set.
3.	In the Customize list, click any pointer, and then click Browse. Then in the Browse dialog box displaying the contents of your Cursors folder, double-click any cursor to replace the selected pointer.
4.	Click the Pointer Options tab, and set the pointer speed, movement, and visibility options. Then click OK.

To change how the mouse wheel works, page 135

1.	In Control Panel, under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse.
2.	On the Wheel tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box, in the Vertical Scrolling area, select either the The following number of lines at a time option (and then type or click the arrow keys to set the number of lines you want to scroll) or the One screen at a time option to control how much of the screen scrolls as you turn the mouse wheel.
3.	If your mouse supports horizontal scrolling, in the Tilt the wheel to scroll the following number of characters at a time box, enter the number of characters you want to scroll horizontally when you tilt the mouse wheel left or right. Then click OK.

To configure your computer to enter keystrokes as though you are typing on a different-language keyboard, page 137

1.	In Control Panel, click Clock, Language, and Region, and then under Regional and Language Options, click the Change keyboards or other input methods task.
2.	In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, on the Keyboards and Languages tab, click Change keyboards.
3.	In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, in the Default input language list, click the language you want. Or, to accept input from a language-specific keyboard not in the list, click Add in the Installed services area.
4.	In the Add Input Language dialog box, in the list of languages, click the Expand button to the left of the language keyboard you want, and then click the Expand button to the left of Keyboard.
5.	In the Keyboard list, select the language's check box, and then click OK in the Add Input Language dialog box.
6.	In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, click OK.
7.	On the Language Bar, click the input language button. Then in the input language list, click your chosen language.

To remove a different-language keyboard, page 141

1.	In Control Panel, click Clock, Language, and Region, and then under Regional and Language Options, click the Change keyboards or other input methods task.
2.	In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, on the Keyboards and Languages tab, click Change keyboards.
3.	In the Installed services area, click the keyboard you want to remove, and then click Remove.

To change the screen orientation of your Tablet PC, page 142

1.	In Control Panel, tap Mobile PC, and then tap Tablet PC Settings.
2.	On the Display tab of the Tablet PC Settings dialog box, in the Orientation list, tap the orientation you want. Then click Apply.

To set the pen equivalents of various mouse actions, page 143

1.	In Control Panel, tap Mobile PC, and then tap Tablet PC Settings.
2.	Tap the Other tab, and then tap the Go to Pen and Input Devices link.
3.	On the Pen Options tab of the Pen and Input Devices dialog box, select the options you want.

To change the position of the Input Panel, page 147

1.	Tap the Input Panel tab.
2.	On the Input Panel, tap Tools, and then in the list, tap the option you want.

To install a local printer and test the installation by printing a test page, page 148

1.	Connect the printer to the appropriate port on your computer.
2.	Connect the printer to a power outlet, and then if necessary, turn it on.
3.	If Windows Vista does not recognize the printer, skip to Step 5. Otherwise, click the alert to display the progress of the printer installation.
4.	After Windows Vista declares the printer ready to use, close the Driver Software Installation window. If the installation does not complete successfully, continue with Step 5.
5.	Open Control Panel, and under Hardware and Sound, click Printer.
6.	On the toolbar of the Printers window, click Add a printer.
7.	On the Add Printer wizard's first page, click Add a local printer.
8.	On the Choose a printer port page, select the port to which your printer is connected from the Use an existing port list, and then click Next.
9.	If you have an installation CD for your printer, insert it in the appropriate drive, click Have Disk, and then follow the instructions on the screen to install your printer. Otherwise, in the Manufacturer list, click the brand name of your printer.
10.	In the Printers list, click the model of your printer (which you can usually find printed on the top or front of the printer). Then click Next. (If the Printers list doesn't include your specific model, select a model with a similar name, or download the necessary drivers from the printer manufacturer's Web site, return to the Install the Printer Driver page, and click Have Disk to install the printer manually.)
11.	On the Type a printer name page, change the printer name if you want, or accept the default name. If you want Windows and any programs you install, such as Microsoft Office Word, to print to this printer when you click the Print button, select the Set as the default printer check box. Then click Next.
12.	On the wizard's confirmation page, click Print a test page.
13.	In the confirmation message box, click Close. Then in the Add Printer wizard, click Finish.

To change your default printer, page 151

1.	In Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then click Printers.
2.	In the Printers window, double-click the printer you want to set as the default. Then on the Printer menu of the printer's management window, click Set as Default Printer.

To share a printer, page 152

1.	In Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then click Printers.
2.	In the Printers window, right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Sharing.
3.	In the Properties dialog box, click Change sharing options. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
4.	On the Sharing tab, select the Share this printer check box. Then in the Share name box, type a simple name for the printer (or leave the default).
5.	In the Properties dialog box, click OK.

To connect to a network printer, page 154

1.	In Control Panel, under Hardware and Sound, click Printer.
2.	On the toolbar of the Printers window, click Add a printer.
3.	On the Add Printer wizard's first page, click Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
4.	On the Select a printer page, click the printer you want to connect to, and then click Next.
5.	In the Printers message box, click Install driver. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
6.	On the Type a printer name page, change the printer name if you want, or accept the default name. If you want Windows and any programs you install, such as Word, to print to this printer when you click the Print button, select the Set as the default printer check box. Then click Next.
7.	In the Add Printer wizard, click Finish.

To connect speakers to your Windows Vista computer, and adjust the audio output levels, page 157

1.	Remove the speakers from their packaging, if you have not already done so. If you are using an alternate audio configuration, such as a headset microphone, connect the input and output cables appropriately, and then skip to Step 6.
2.	Link the two speakers by using the connector cable.
3.	Position the speakers to the left and right of your monitor to provide stereo sound quality.
4.	Connect the speakers to a power outlet by using the AC adapter cord.
5.	Plug the speakers into the speaker jack on the computer by using the connector cable.
6.	Open Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then click Sound.
7.	In the Sound dialog box, click each of the tabs, and explore the options available. Then on the Playback tab, click your speakers, and click Configure.
8.	On the Choose your configuration page of the Speaker Setup wizard, select the appropriate audio channel, and then click Test. Try testing each of the configurations to hear the different options. Finally, select the channel you want, and then click Next.
9.	If the Select full-range speakers page appears, click Next to complete the configuration, and then on the Configuration complete page, click Finish.

To connect a microphone to your Windows Vista computer, and adjust the audio input levels, page 160

1.	Remove the microphone from its packaging, if you have not already done so. If you are using a USB microphone, ensure that you are logged in as an administrator before connecting the microphone to the USB port.
2.	Plug the microphone connector cable into the audio input jack on your computer, or into a USB port, depending on the connection type.
3.	Open Control Panel, and then click Ease of Access.
4.	In the Ease of Access window, under Speech Recognition Options, click Set up a microphone.
5.	In the Microphone Setup wizard, select the option for the type of microphone you are using, and then click Next.
6.	On the Set up your microphone page, read the instructions, and then click Next.
7.	On the Adjust the microphone volume page, read the microphone test paragraph aloud in your normal speaking voice.
8.	When you finish reading the paragraph, click Next. Then click Finish to complete the wizard.

6. Safely and Efficiently Accessing the Internet

To connect to the Internet through a broadband or dial-up connection, page 168

1.	In Control Panel, click Network and Internet.
2.	Under Network and Sharing Center, click the Connect to a network task.
3.	At the bottom of the page in the Connect to a network wizard, click the Set up a connection or network link.
4.	On the Choose a connection option page, click Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
5.	On the How do you want to connect page, click either Broadband or Dial-up, and then click Next.
6.	Enter the requested connection information, and then click Connect to close the window and create the connection.

To start Internet Explorer, page 171

On the Start menu, click Internet.
If Internet Explorer is not your default browser, point to All Programs on the Start menu, and then click Internet Explorer.

To open Web sites, page 171

In Internet Explorer, click once in the Address box, type the address of the Web site you want to visit, and then click the Go button or press .

To open a recently visited Web site, page 171

1.	Click the Start button, and in the Start Search box, type http://.
2.	In the results shown on the Start menu, click the site you want to open.

To return to a previous Web page, page 173

In Internet Explorer, to the left of the Address box, click the Back or Forward button; or, to the right of the Back and Forward buttons, click the Recent Pages button, and then in the list, click the page you want to go to.

To change tabbed browsing settings, page 174

1.	On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2.	In the General tab of the Internet Options dialog box, in the Tabs area, click Settings.
3.	In the Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box, review the types of changes you can make, and change any settings that you want. Then click OK in each open dialog box.

To modify Pop-up Blocker settings, page 177

On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, point to Pop-up Blocker, and then click Pop-up Blocker Settings.

To turn off Pop-up Blocker, page 177

On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, point to Pop-up Blocker, and then click Turn off Pop-up Blocker. Then in the Pop-up Blocker message box requesting confirmation, click Yes.

To change your home page, page 178

1.	In Internet Explorer, display the Web page you want to set as your home page.
2.	On the Command bar, click the Home arrow, and then in the list, click Add or Change Home Page.
3.	In the Add or Change Home Page dialog box, select the Use this webpage as your only home page option, and then click Yes.

To add a second home page, page 179

1.	In Internet Explorer, display the Web page you want to set as your second home page.
2.	In the Home list, click Add or Change Home Page. Then in the dialog box, select the Add this webpage to your home page tabs option, and click Yes.

To display your home page, page 179

On the Internet Explorer Command bar, click the Home button.

To set a blank home page, page 179

In Internet Explorer, in the Home list, point to Remove, and click Remove All. Then in the Delete Home Page dialog box, click Yes.

To change the size of the text on Web pages that don't specify text size, page 180

On the Internet Explorer Page menu, point to Text Size, and then click the size you want: Smallest, Smaller, Medium (the default), Larger, or Largest.

To change the text and background colors used on Web pages without color specifications, page 180

1.	On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2.	On the General tab of the Internet Options dialog box, in the Appearance area, click Colors.
3.	In the Colors dialog box, clear the Use Windows colors check box.
4.	Click the Text, Background, Visited, or Unvisited color button, select the color you want to use for that feature, and then click OK in each open dialog box.

To override the default color and font options on Web sites, page 180

1.	On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2.	On the General tab of the Internet Options dialog box, in the Appearance area, click Accessibility.
3.	In the Formatting area of the Accessibility dialog box, select the Ignore colors specified on webpages check box and the Ignore font sizes specified on webpages check box. Then click OK.

To search the Web, page 183

In the Internet Explorer Live Search box at the right end of the Navigation bar, type a plain-text query, and then click the Search button.

To add search providers to the Search Options list, page 183

At the right end of the Internet Explorer Live Search box, click the Search Options arrow. Then in the Search Options list, click Find More Providers.

To add a page to your Favorites list, page 183

1.	In Internet Explorer, display the page you want to add. On the toolbar, click the Add to Favorites button, and then in the list, click Add to Favorites.
2.	In the Add a Favorite dialog box, click Add to make the current page available from your Favorites list.

To view your Web browsing history, page 184

1.	To the left of the page tabs, click the Favorites Center button.
2.	In the Favorites Center, click the History arrow, and then click the sort order you want.

To display the Favorites Center as a pane, page 184

1.	On the Internet Explorer toolbar, click the Favorites Center button.
2.	In the upper-right corner of the Favorites Center, click the Pin the Favorites Center button.

To preview a Web page before printing, page 185

In Internet Explorer, display a Web page you want to print. Then on the Command bar, click the Print arrow, and click Print Preview.

To print a Web page, page 187

1.	On the Internet Explorer Command bar, click the Print button.
2.	Select the printer you want to use, and then click Print.

To send a Web page in an e-mail message, page 188

1.	On the Internet Explorer Page menu, click Send Page by E-mail. Then in the Internet Explorer Security message box that appears, click Allow.
2.	Address the e-mail message, and then send it.

To send a link to a Web page in an e-mail message, page 189

On the Internet Explorer Page menu, click Send Link by E-mail. Then address the e-mail and send it.

To configure the Content Advisor settings, page 194

1.	On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then in the Internet Options dialog box, click the Content tab.
2.	In the Content Advisor area, click Enable. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Select a category list of the Content Advisor dialog box, click each category and then adjust the slider to the restriction level you want.
4.	Then click the Approved Sites tab, and add any sites you want to this list.
5.	Click the General tab, and set the options you want.
6.	In the Supervisor password area, click Create password.
7.	In the Create Supervisor Password dialog box, type a password in the Password and Confirm password boxes, and click OK. Then click OK in the message box confirming that the password was successfully created.
8.	In the Content Advisor dialog box, click OK. Then click OK in the message box confirming that Content Advisor has been enabled, and close the open dialog box.

To display a Web page that Content Advisor has blocked, page 195

In the Content Advisor window that opens when you attempt to view a blocked Web page, select the Always allow this website to be viewed option, type the password in the Password box if necessary, and then click OK.

To disable Content Advisor, page 198

1.	On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options, display the Content tab, and then click Disable.
2.	If necessary, in the Supervisor Password Required message box, type the password in the Password box, and then click OK. If a message box appears, notifying you that Content Advisor has been turned off, click OK. Then close the Internet Options dialog box.

7. Working with Programs

To uninstall a program, page 205

1.	In Control Panel, under Programs, click the Uninstall a program task.
2.	On the Programs and Features page, select the program you want to remove.
3.	On the toolbar, click Uninstall. Then in the message box asking you to confirm that you want to proceed, click Yes. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password and click OK.
4.	If a message box informs you that you need to restart your computer to finish the uninstall process, click Yes to restart your computer now, or click No to complete the uninstall process when you next start or restart your computer.

To start a program automatically, page 207

1.	On the Start menu, point to All Programs, right-click Startup, and then click Explore All Users.
2.	In the Folders list, display the contents of the folder containing the program you want.
3.	If necessary, scroll the Navigation pane until the Startup folder is visible.
4.	In the Content pane, hold down the right mouse button, and drag the program to the Startup folder in the Navigation pane, releasing the mouse button when you see the Move to Startup ScreenTip.
5.	On the context menu, click Copy Here. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To change the default program for a file type, page 211

1.	In Windows Explorer, right-click the file for which you want to change the associated program, point to Open With, and then click Choose Default Program.
2.	In the Open With dialog box, under Recommended Programs, click the program you want to use, or click Browse and then navigate to the program you want to use.
3.	Select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box, and then click OK.

To change the default middleware settings, page 212

1.	On the Start menu, click Default Programs.
2.	Click the Set program access and computer defaults task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Set Program Access and Computer Defaults dialog box, select the Microsoft Windows, Non-Microsoft, or Custom option, make any necessary changes, and then click OK.

To add a Games link to the Start menu, page 220

1.	Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.
2.	On the Start Menu tab of the Properties dialog box, click Customize.
3.	Scroll the list in the Customize Start Menu dialog box, and under Games, select the Display as a link option. Then click OK in each of the open dialog boxes.

To display Windows Sidebar, page 223

On the Start menu, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Windows Sidebar.

To change the appearance of the Sidebar clock, page 224

1.	On Sidebar, point to the Clock gadget, and then click the Options button.
2.	In the preview area, click the Next button until the clock face you want is displayed.
3.	In the Clock name box, type a name for the clock. Then select the Show the second hand check box if you want to, and click OK.

To view current news headlines, page 225

1.	On Sidebar, in the Feed Headlines gadget, click the View Headlines link.
2.	Click any headline that interests you. To view an entire article, click the headline at the top of the synopsis window.

To add a gadget to Windows Sidebar, page 225

1.	On the Sidebar control at the top of Sidebar, click the Add button (labeled with a plus sign).
2.	Drag the gadget you want to add from the Gadgets window to Sidebar. Then close the Gadgets window.

To detach or reattach a gadget on Windows Sidebar, page 227

On Sidebar, right-click the gadget you want to detach or reattach, and then click Detach from Sidebar or Attach to Sidebar.

To change the Windows Sidebar properties, page 228

1.	Right-click an empty area of Sidebar, and then click Properties.
2.	Change any properties you want, click Apply, and then click OK.

8. Making Connections

To join your computer to a new workgroup, page 233

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
2.	In the System window, under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	On the Computer Name tab of the System Properties dialog box, to the right of To use a wizard to join a domain or workgroup, click Network ID.
4.	On the first page of the Join a Domain or Workgroup wizard, with the This computer is part of a business network option selected, click Next.
5.	Select the My company uses a network without a domain option, and then click Next.
6.	In the Workgroup box, type a name to describe your workgroup. Then click Next.
7.	On the wizard's final page, click Finish. Then in the System Properties dialog box, click OK.
8.	Close any open files and quit any running programs. Then in the message box, click Restart Now.

To create a VPN connection over the Internet, page 236

1.	Display Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet.
2.	In the Network and Internet window, under Network and Sharing Center, click the Connect to a network task, and then at the bottom of the Connect to a network window, click the Set up a connection or network task.
3.	In the Connect to a network wizard, scroll to the end of the Choose a connection option list, click Connect to a workplace, and then click Next.
4.	On the How do you want to connect page, click Use my Internet connection (VPN).
5.	On the Type the Internet Address to connect to page, in the Internet address box, type the remote access server's host name or IP address, and in the Destination name box, type a name for the connection.
6.	Specify whether you want to make the connection available to other users of your computer or keep it to yourself, and then click Next.
7.	On the Type your user name and password page, enter your network credentials, click Connect, and then in the Connect to a workplace wizard, click Close.
8.	If the Set Network Location window appears, click Work. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To set up an ad hoc network, page 240

1.	On the Start menu, click Connect To.
2.	In the Connect to a network window, click the Set up a connection or network task.
3.	On the Choose a connection option page, click Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network, click Next, and then, after reading the information on the page, click Next again.
4.	Provide a network name, select whether the network is open or requires authentication, provide a security phrase if necessary, and then click Next.

To disconnect from an ad hoc network, page 240

1.	On the Start menu, click Connect To.
2.	In the Connect to a Network window, click the ad hoc network, and then click Disconnect.

To connect a computer to a domain, page 241

1.	Connect your computer to your corporate network, either physically or through a VPN connection.
2.	Display Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
3.	In the System window, under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
4.	In the System Properties dialog box, click Network ID.
5.	In the Join a Domain or Workgroup wizard, with the This computer is part of a business network option selected, click Next.
6.	With the My company uses a network with a domain option selected, click Next.
7.	Make sure you have all the necessary information, click Next, and then enter your user name, password, and domain name.
8.	Click Next, and then in the message box, click Yes.
9.	If you want to enable your user account, click Next. Otherwise, select the Do not add a domain user account option, and then click Next.
10.	Unless you are the domain's network administrator, accept the default Standard Account option, click Next, and then click Finish.
11.	In the System Properties dialog box, click OK. Then close any open files, quit any running programs, and in the message box, click Restart Now.
12.	When your computer restarts, press to display the Welcome screen. Then type your password, and press to log on to the domain.

To set up your computer so that it can be accessed via Remote Desktop, and then connect to it from another computer, page 245

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then under System, click the Allow remote access task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the System Properties dialog box, under Remote Desktop, to allow Remote Desktop connections from any other Windows computer, select the Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop check box. To restrict connections to computers running Windows Vista, select the Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication check box.
3.	If your computer is set up to go to sleep after a specific period of non-use, a Remote Desktop message box advises you that you won't be able to connect through Remote Desktop while the computer is in sleep mode. Click OK to close the message box.
4.	In the System Properties dialog box, click OK.
5.	From another computer on the network, on the Start menu, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
6.	If the multi-tabbed dialog box area is not displayed, click Options.
7.	On the General tab of the Computer box, type the name of the remote computer you want to access, and then click Connect.
8.	In the Windows Security dialog box, enter your computer or domain credentials and, if you will be connecting to the remote computer from this computer on a regular basis, select the Remember my credentials check box. Then click OK.

To store a network password, page 249

1.	In Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety, and then click User Accounts.
2.	In the Tasks list, click Manage your network passwords.
3.	In the Stored User Names and Passwords dialog box, click Add.
4.	In the Stored Credential Properties dialog box, enter the server, Web site, or program for which you want to store credentials in the Log on to box.
5.	In the User name box and Password box, enter your credentials for the server or Web site.
6.	Under Credential type, select the type of entity for which you are storing credentials. Then click OK.

To share a folder on your computer with everyone else on your network, page 251

1.	In Windows Explorer, display the folder you want to share. Then on the toolbar, click Share.
2.	On the first page of the File Sharing wizard, click the arrow to the right of the empty box, click the option you want, and then click Add.
3.	Click Share. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
4.	After the folder is shared, click Done.

To customize permissions for a shared folder, page 253

1.	Right-click the shared folder, and then click Properties.
2.	On the Sharing tab of the Properties dialog box, click Advanced Sharing. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Advanced Sharing dialog box, select the Share this folder check box, and then click Permissions.
4.	In the Permissions dialog box, with Everyone selected, click Remove. Then click Add.
5.	In the Select Users or Groups dialog box, enter the Windows user account names or domain user account names of the people you want to have access to the shared folder, and then close the four open dialog boxes.

9. Working with Digital Media

To display a photo in Photo Gallery and then add the folder in which the photo is stored to the gallery, page 257

1.	In Windows Explorer, browse to the folder in which the photo is stored. Then in the Content pane, double-click the image.
2.	In Windows Photo Gallery, apply any changes you want, and then click Add Folder to Gallery.

To sort and filter files in the Photo Gallery window, page 259

1.	In Windows Photo Gallery, navigate to the folder in which the files are stored.
2.	In the Navigation pane, click Tag, Date Taken, or Rating.

To add a tag to a file, page 260

1.	In Windows Photo Gallery, navigate to the file you want to add a tag to.
2.	In the Info pane, click Add Tags. Then in the box that appears, type the tag you want to apply.

To change the Windows Media Player skin, page 267

1.	In Windows Media Player, right-click a blank area of the bar at the top of the window or the Player controls area, and then click Show Classic Menus.
2.	On the View menu, click Skin Chooser. For a broader selection, click More Skins. Scroll the list of skins, and follow the directions to download those you like; when you've finished downloading them, close the browser window.
3.	In the Skin Chooser window, click the skin you want. Then click Apply Skin.

To burn a folder of picture files from Windows Explorer, page 272

1.	In Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder containing the files you want to burn to CD or DVD. Select either the entire folder or individual files, and then on the toolbar, click Burn.
2.	Insert a blank CD or DVD in the drive. Then in the Burn a Disc dialog box, enter a name in the Disc title box.
3.	If you don't intend to burn more data to the disc or want to ensure that the disc is compatible with older operating systems and with CD or DVD players, click the Show formatting options button, and in the expanded Burn a Disc dialog box, select the Mastered option.
4.	Click Next.

To burn music tracks to disc from Windows Media Player, page 274

1.	Display Windows Media Player in full mode.
2.	Click the Burn tab. Then drag the album, play list, or tracks you want to burn into the Burn List area of the List pane.
3.	At the bottom of the List pane, click Start Burn. When prompted, insert a writeable CD or DVD into your computer's disc burner.

To use Windows Photo Gallery to share your media files with other people on your network, page 275

1.	On the Windows Photo Gallery toolbar, click the File button, and then click Share With Devices.
2.	Under Sharing settings in the Media Sharing dialog box, select the Share my media check box, and then click OK. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the expanded dialog box, click Settings.
4.	If you want, in the Share media as box in the Media Sharing Default Settings dialog box, change the name of the collection of media files you are sharing.
5.	Select or clear the check boxes under Media types, Star ratings, and Parental ratings to include only the specific media files you want to share. Then click OK in each of the open dialog boxes.

10. Managing Computer Security

To create a new user account, page 284

1.	In Control Panel, under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Add or remove user accounts task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Manage Accounts window, click the Create a new account task. In the New account name box, type a name for your account. Select the Administrator option, and then click Create Account.

To change an account type, page 285

1.	In Control Panel, under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Add or remove user accounts task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Manage Accounts window, on the Choose the account you would like to change page, click the account you want to change, and then click the Change the account type task.
3.	On the Choose a new account type for page, select the option you want, and then click Change Account Type.

To create a password for an account, page 286

1.	In Control Panel, under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Add or remove user accounts task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	Click the account for which you want to create a password, and on the Make changes to account page, click the Create a password task.
3.	On the Create a password for account page, in the New password box, type the password you want, and then press to move to the next field. In the Confirm new password box, retype your password, and in the Type a password hint box, type something that will help you remember your password.
4.	Click Create password to save the password.

To delete an account, page 287

1.	In Control Panel, under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Add or remove user accounts task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	Click the account you want to delete, and on the Make changes to account page, click the Delete the account task.
3.	Choose whether to keep the content of selected personal folders. If you decide to delete files, click Delete Files. Then on the confirmation page, click Delete Account.

To change a user account picture, page 288

1.	In Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety.
2.	Under User Accounts, click the Change your account picture task.
3.	In the Change Your Picture window, click any picture that you like, and then click Change Picture; or, click Browse for more pictures, navigate to the picture you want to use, and click the picture.

To create a password reset disk, page 290

1.	Insert a USB flash drive or floppy disk in your computer.
2.	In Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety, and then click User Accounts.
3.	In the Tasks list, click the Create a password reset disk task.
4.	On the Welcome page of the Forgotten Password wizard, click Next.
5.	On the Create a Password Reset Disk page, select the USB flash drive or floppy disk drive you want to use, and then click Next.
6.	On the Current User Account Password page, enter the password you use to log on to Windows Vista, and then click Next. When the Progress bar displays 100% complete, click Next. Then click Finish.

To adjust parental controls for another user on your computer, page 291

1.	Display Control Panel, and under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Set up parental controls for any user task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Parental Controls window, click the user for whom you want to set up parental controls.
3.	In the User Controls window, under Parental Controls, select the On, enforce current settings option.
4.	Under Windows Settings, adjust the parental controls as you want, and then click OK.

To view an activity report for a user account that has parental controls applied, page 293

1.	Display Control Panel, and under User Accounts and Family Safety, click the Set up parental controls for any user task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Parental Controls window, click the user for whom you want to view an activity report.
3.	In the User Controls window, with the On, collect information about computer usage option selected under Activity Reporting, click View activity reports.

To change Windows Firewall setting options, page 296

1.	In Control Panel, click Security, and then under Security Center, click the Check firewall status task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	Select the On option or the Off option. If you select On and will be connecting to a less-secure network, select the Block all incoming connections check box.
3.	Click the Exceptions tab. Then in the Program or port list, select the programs or ports you want Windows Firewall to allow unlimited access.
4.	Click the Advanced tab, and select each individual network connection you want protected by Windows Firewall. Then click OK.

To change Windows Defender setting options, page 300

1.	On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Defender. Then on the Windows Defender toolbar, click Tools.
2.	On the Tools and Settings page, set any options you want. Then in the Settings area, click Options. On the Options page, apply any settings you want.
3.	In the Automatic scanning area, set the frequency and time for automatic scans to occur, select whether to perform a quick scan or full-system scan at that time, and click Save. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To check the security status of your computer, page 301

Display Control Panel, and then under Security, click the Check this computer's security status task. Make sure that all four settings are set to On. If any are not, click the corresponding Find a program button to locate and install the missing security application.

To set Internet Explorer security settings, page 304

1.	In Control Panel, click Security, and then under Internet Options, click the Change security settings task.
2.	In the Internet Properties dialog box, click Default level or slide the control to the level you want.
3.	If you want to customize the security options, click Custom level to display the Security Settings dialog box for the currently selected Internet zone. Make any changes you want, and then click OK. In the Warning message box prompting you to confirm your changes, click Yes.
4.	In the Select a zone area, click Restricted sites. Then click Sites.
5.	In the Add this website to the zone box of the Restricted sites dialog box, type any sites you want to add, and click Add. Then close the Restricted sites dialog box, and click OK in the Internet Properties dialog box.

11. Optimizing Your Computer System

To adjust visual effects, page 314

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Performance Information and Tools.
2.	In the Tasks list, click the Adjust visual effects task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Performance Options dialog box, select the options you want, and then click OK.

To adjust power settings, page 316

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Performance Information and Tools.
2.	In the Tasks list, click the Adjust power settings task.
3.	In the Power Options window, under the High Performance option, click Change plan settings, and in the Edit Plan Settings window, change any settings you want.
4.	Click Change advanced power settings, and in the Power Options dialog box, change any settings you want.

To turn Windows features on and off, page 318

1.	In Control Panel, click Programs, and then under Programs and Features, click the Turn Windows features on or off task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Windows Features dialog box, select the check box for any feature you want to install, or clear the check box for any feature you want to remove, and then click OK.

To view your temporary Internet files and associated settings, page 320

1.	In Control Panel, click Security, and then under Internet Options, click the Delete browsing history and cookies task.
2.	On the General tab of the Internet Properties dialog box, in the Browsing history area, click Settings. Then in the Temporary Internet Files and History Settings dialog box, click View files or View objects.

To run the Disk Cleanup utility, page 322

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then under Administrative Tools, click the Free up disk space task.
2.	In the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box, click the option you want. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, select the check boxes of all the categories you want to delete, and click OK. Then click Delete Files to confirm that you want to delete the selected categories of files.

To schedule Disk Cleanup, page 325

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then under Administrative Tools, click the Schedule tasks task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Actions pane, click Create Basic Task.
3.	In the Name box of the Create Basic Task wizard, type a name for the task, and in the Description box, type a description. Then click Next.
4.	On the Trigger page, select the frequency or condition that will cause the task to start, and then click Next.
5.	If you selected the Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or When a specific event is logged option, enter the parameters associated with that option, and then click Next.
6.	On the Action page, with the Start a program option selected, click Next.
7.	On the Start a Program page, click Browse. Locate and select the program you want to schedule, and click Open. Then click Next.
8.	On the Summary page, click Finish to create the new task and add it to your Windows schedule.

To schedule and then run Disk Defragmenter, page 327

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then under Administrative Tools, click the Defragment your hard drive task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click Modify schedule.
3.	In the Disk Defragmenter: Modify Schedule dialog box, click the How often, What day, and/or What time arrows, and in the respective lists, select the options you want. Then click OK.
4.	Click Defragment now.
5.	When the defragmentation process is complete, click OK to close the Disk Defragmenter window.

12. Identifying and Solving Problems

To open Windows Help And Support and enable Windows Online Help and Support, page 333

1.	On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
2.	In the Windows Help and Support window, at the right end of the toolbar, click Options, and then in the list, click Settings.
3.	In the Help Settings dialog box, ensure that the Include Windows Online Help and Support check box is selected. Then click OK.

To browse Windows Help And Support, page 334

In the Windows Help and Support window, on the toolbar, click the Browse Help button, and then click any topic you wish to explore.

To search Windows Help And Support, page 335

1.	In the Windows Help and Support window, type the topic you want to search for in the Search Help box, and then click the Search Help button.
2.	Click any topic link that interests you. Move between visited topics by using the Back and Forward buttons.

To display the Problem Reports And Solutions window, page 336

In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Problem Reports and Solutions.

To turn off automatic reporting, page 336

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Problem Reports and Solutions.
2.	In the Tasks list, click the Change settings task.
3.	On the Choose how to check for solutions to computer problems page, select the Ask me to check if a problem occurs option, and then click OK.

To manually submit problem reports, page 336

In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, click Problem Reports and Solutions, and then click the Check for new solutions task.

To locate Windows Vista newsgroups, page 337

On the Start menu, click Help and Support. Then in the Windows Help and Support window, under Ask someone, click Windows communities.

To request remote assistance, page 339

1.	On the Start menu, point to All Programs, click Maintenance, and then click Windows Remote Assistance.
2.	On the Windows Remote Assistance page, click Invite someone you trust to help you.
3.	If you have configured Windows Mail, Outlook, or another e-mail program on your Windows Vista computer, click Use e-mail to send an invitation, enter and confirm the password you want your remote assistant to use, and click Next; then skip to Step 6. Otherwise, click Save this invitation as a file.
4.	In the Password box, type a string of six or more characters you want your remote assistant to enter in order to gain access to your computer. Then click Finish.
5.	Start or switch to your e-mail program, and send the remote assistance invitation file to the person you want to assist you. Then contact him or her separately with the remote assistance password.
6.	After the invitation is accepted, click Yes to allow your remote assistant to view your screen and chat with you.
7.	In the Windows Remote Assistance window, on the toolbar, click the Chat button, and in the box at the bottom of the window, tell your remote assistant to take control of your computer.
8.	When you receive a message asking if you would like to share control of your computer, click Yes.
9.	When you decide that you no longer want to share control of your computer, on the toolbar, click the Stop sharing button.
10.	When you finish the Remote Assistance session, click the Disconnect button.

To display the Remote Assistance settings, page 343

In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance. Then under System, click the Allow remote access task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.

To completely disable Remote Assistance, page 343

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance. Then under System, click the Allow remote access task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Remote Assistance area of the System Properties dialog box, clear the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer check box, and then click OK.

To limit Remote Assistance access, page 343

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance. Then under System, click the Allow remote access task. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
2.	In the Remote Assistance area of the System Properties dialog box, click Advanced.
3.	In the Remote Assistance Settings dialog box, set the access level, invitation duration, and access type as you want, and then click OK.

To back up a document to a removable storage device and schedule future backups, page 345

1.	Log on to your computer as an administrator.
2.	Display Control Panel, and then under System and Maintenance, click Back up your computer.
3.	In the Backup and Restore Center, under Back up files or your entire computer, click Back up files. Then in the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
4.	Select the hard disk or other location where you want to save the backup, and then click Next.
5.	In the Back Up Files wizard, select the categories you want to back up, and then click Next.
6.	Adjust the How often, What day, and What time settings to the way you want them by clicking each one in turn and selecting from the list.
7.	If you are backing up to a CD or DVD, insert a blank disk into your CD or DVD drive, and then click Save settings and start backup.

To restore files from a backup, page 349

1.	In the Backup and Restore Center, under Restore files or your entire computer, click Restore files.
2.	Select the restore option you want, and then click Next.
3.	Click Add files. Navigate to the location of the file you want to restore, double-click its file name, and then click Next.
4.	Select the options you want, and then click Start restore.
5.	When Windows reports that the file has been successfully restored, click Finish, and close the Backup and Restore Center.

To create a manual restore point, page 352

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
2.	In the Tasks list on the left side of the System window, click System protection. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password and click OK.
3.	In the System Properties dialog box, click Create, and then in the System Protection box, type a name for the restore point.
4.	In the System Protection box, click Create.
5.	After Windows Vista creates the restore point, click OK in the System Protection box.

To restore your computer to a restore point, page 354

1.	In Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
2.	In the Tasks list, click System protection. In the User Account Control dialog box, if you are logged on as an administrator, click Continue. Otherwise, enter an administrator password, and click OK.
3.	In the System Properties dialog box, click System Restore.
4.	Select the Choose a different restore point option, and then click Next.
5.	On the Choose a restore point page, click the restore point you want, and then click Next.
6.	When asked to confirm your selected restore point, click Finish.

To transfer your files to another computer, page 355

1.	Log on to your computer as an administrator.
2.	On the Start menu, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Windows Easy Transfer. Then in the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
3.	Follow the instructions in the Windows Easy Transfer wizard to specify the transfer media or method, the information you want to transfer, and the password for recovering that information.
4.	If you are transferring files and settings via removable media, start Windows Easy Transfer on the second computer, and then click Continue transfer in progress.
5.	Provide the information requested by the wizard. When prompted to do so, insert the transfer disk into the second computer, select the destination drive, enter the password, and then follow the wizard's instructions to complete the transfer.