Learning Resources
Windows configuration
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.
System Configuration Utility (Msconfig.exe) automates the routine troubleshooting steps that Microsoft Product Support Services technicians use when diagnosing Windows configuration issues. You can use this tool to modify the system configuration through a process of elimination with check boxes, reducing the risk of typing errors.
You can use System Restore to undo harmful changes to your computer. To open System Restore from System Configuration Utility, on the General tab, click Launch System Restore. For more information, click Related Topics.
To create a clean environment for troubleshooting
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.
|
1. |
On the General tab, click Diagnostic startup - load basic devices and services only, click OK, and then click Restart to restart your computer. |
|
2. |
After Windows starts, determine whether the symptoms are still present. |
Desktop settings in Windows XP
My computer icon - Displays all the disk drives and properties settings
Recycle Bin - Where deleted files are stored until complete erased
Windows explorer - Windows XP user interface
Right Click Start>Explore
Start>Programs>Accessories>Windows Explorer
The desktop is a virtual desk upon which of all your programs and utilities will run.
Display properties
Right click desktop > Properties
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display
Themes - Allows user to set background
Desktop - Use to select a picture or document to display on desktop
Screen saver - Allow you to setup a screen saver on your desktop
Appearance - Use to collect color scheme for your desktop
Settings - Use to set color depth, resolution and monitor configuration settings
System Properties
Right Click My Computer>Properties
Start>Settings>Control Panel>System
General - Contains information about OS version, service packs, updates, User information, license,
serial number, CPU and memory
Computer Name- Contains how to setup a network in Windows XP environment
Hardware - Contains information about Add/Hardware, Driver Signing, Device Manager and Hardware profiles (useful with laptops)
Advanced - Contains information about advance settings such as setting up environment variables, start and shutdown features, virtual memory and user profiles
System Restore - allows XP to restore system
Automatic Updates - allows XP to download updates from Microsoft website
Remote - allows user to connect to a computer by remote access
Device Manager - A graphical view of all the hardware installed in your computer