Microsoft® Windows® XP Inside Out, Deluxe Edition

Author Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson Pages 1488 Disk 1 Companion CD(s) Level Int/Adv Published 10/16/2002 ISBN 9780735618053 ISBN-10 0-7356-1805-4 Price(USD) $59.99 To see this book's discounted price, select a reseller below.	More Information About the Book Table of Contents Sample Chapter Index Related Series Related Books About the Author Support: Book & CD Rate this book

Table of Contents

Dedication	iii
Acknowledgments	xxxiii
We'd Like to Hear from You!	xxxv
About the CD	xxxvii
Conventions and Features Used in This Book	xxxix
PART 1  SETUP, STARTUP, TUNE-UP	1
CHAPTER 1  Introducing Windows XP	3
What's New in Windows XP	4
Increased Reliability and Security	6
Fresh Visual Design	8
Improved Usability for Everyday Tasks	9
Internet Enhancements	12
Integrated Tools for Working with Digital Media	13
Digital Music	13
Digital Pictures	14
Digital Video	16
Network Smarts	17
What's New in Service Pack 1	18
CHAPTER 2  Installing and Configuring Windows XP	23
Avoiding Compatibility Problems	23
Preparing to Install Windows XP	26
Setting Up Windows XP	27
Performing a Clean Install	29
Upgrading a Previous Windows Version	32
Installing Windows XP on a Computer with Other Operating Systems	33
Controlling Setup with Switches	37
Activating Windows XP	38
Automated Setup Options	41
Installing the Deployment Tools	42
Using Answer Files for Automated Installation	43
Using Disk Imaging	48
Moving Windows Settings and Files	51
Transferring Files and Settings Between Computers	54
Saving Files and Settings to a Folder or Drive	55
Choosing Files and Settings to Transfer	57
Restoring Files and Settings on Your New Computer	63
Service Packs, Patches, and Windows Update	64
Using Windows Update Manually	65
Automating Your Updates	66
Downloading the Update Files for Multiple Computers	68
Disabling Windows Update	69
Accessibility Options	71
Adding and Removing Windows Components	73
Selecting a Web Browser and Other Middleware Components	76
Configuring System Restore Options	78
Configuring Startup Options	82
Customizing Multiboot Menus	82
Modifying Boot.ini	85
Adding the Recovery Console	87
CHAPTER 3  Controlling Access to Your Computer	89
Introducing Windows XP Security	90
Permissions and Rights	91
User Accounts	92
Account Types	94
User Profiles	97
Simple File Sharing vs. Windows 2000-Style Sharing	98
Working with User Accounts	100
Creating a New User Account	102
Changing Account Settings	103
Deleting an Account	105
Controlling How Users Log On	107
Using the Welcome Screen	110
Bypassing the Logon Screen	113
Configuring Fast User Switching	114
Logging Off or Locking Your Computer	116
What Happened to the Administrator Account?	117
Logging On as Administrator	118
Making Administrator the Only Administrative Account	118
Securing the Administrator Account	119
Advanced Account Setup Options	120
Using the Local Users And Groups Snap-In	123
Using the Net User and Net Localgroup Commands	125
Setting Logon Passwords	128
Creating a Secure Password	129
Setting a Password	130
Tightening Password Security	132
Recovering from a Lost Password	134
Setting Up Windows XP on a Shared Computer	137
CHAPTER 4  Help and Support Options	141
Using the Help And Support Center	142
Searching for Help Topics	145
Using the Help Index	147
Customizing the Help And Support Center	149
Sharing Help Files	151
Connecting to Another PC with Remote Assistance	154
How Remote Assistance Works	155
Sending a Remote Assistance Invitation	158
Initiating a Remote Assistance Session as the Expert	160
Working in a Remote Assistance Session	163
Maintaining Security	165
Improving Remote Assistance Performance	167
Other Support Resources	168
Contacting Microsoft Support	168
CHAPTER 5  Installing, Uninstalling, and Managing Programs	171
How User Rights Affect Program Setup Options	171
Installing Programs	175
Installing 32-Bit Windows Programs	177
Installing and Running 16-Bit Windows Programs	178
Installing and Configuring MS-DOS Programs	180
Making a Program Available to All Users	183
Forcing Older Programs to Run Properly	183
Managing Installed Programs	185
Uninstalling Programs	186
Managing Program Shortcuts	187
Running a Program as Another User	188
CHAPTER 6  Setting Up and Troubleshooting Hardware	191
A Crash Course in Device Drivers	191
Are Signed Drivers Safer?	193
Will Drivers Written for Other Windows Versions Work with Windows XP?	197
Setting Up a New Device	197
Managing the Plug and Play Process	198
Configuring Non-Plug and Play Devices	201
Finding Information About an Installed Driver	204
Viewing Device and Driver Details	205
Adjusting Advanced Settings	209
Viewing and Changing Resource Assignments	212
Managing Installed Drivers	215
Updating a Device Driver	215
Rolling Back to a Previous Driver Version	216
Uninstalling a Driver	216
Enabling and Disabling Specific Devices	219
Decoding Hardware Errors	221
CHAPTER 7  Tuning Up System Performance	227
Detecting Common Performance Bottlenecks	228
Monitoring Memory Usage	231
Avoiding CPU Overload	237
Making the Most of Virtual Memory	238
Managing Programs and Processes	241
Configuring Programs That Run Automatically	245
Using Policies to Control Startup Applications	251
Controlling Services at Startup	252
Advanced System Performance Measurement	253
Using the Performance Console	254
Advanced System Tweaks	260
PART 2  CUSTOMIZING WINDOWS XP	263
CHAPTER 8  Tweaking the Windows XP Interface	265
A Road Map to the Windows XP User Interface	266
Making It Easy to Start Your Favorite Programs	267
Setting the Appearance of the Start Menu	268
Controlling the Content of the Start Menu	271
Using Personalized Menus	280
Using the Quick Launch Bar and Other Desktop Toolbars	281
Making It Easy to Open Your Favorite Documents	286
Working with Recently Opened Documents	288
Customizing the Start Menu with Shortcuts to Other Folders	290
Managing Desktop Clutter	293
Controlling Desktop Icons	293
Making Desktop Icons Easier to See	297
Changing the Background	299
Displaying Web Content on Your Desktop	301
Changing Colors, Fonts, and Visual Effects	308
Modifying the Predefined Color Schemes	310
Installing Additional Themes	312
Skinning Windows XP	314
Customizing Visual Effects for Better Performance	316
Customizing the Taskbar	317
Changing the Taskbar's Size and Appearance	317
Making More Room on the Taskbar	318
Getting the Taskbar Out of Your Way	320
Removing Unneeded Icons from the Notification Area	320
Streamlining Control Panel	321
Customizing Windows XP with Tweak UI	327
CHAPTER 9  Configuring Shutdown and Power Management Options	329
How Does Your Computer Manage Power?	330
Configuring Your Computer's BIOS	331
Conserving Power on All Computers—Even Desktops!	331
Using Standby to Reduce Power Use	333
Shutting Down Your Computer	337
Hibernating for Maximum Power Savings	338
Waking Up Your Computer	341
Using Power Schemes	343
Conserving Power on Portable Computers	344
Displaying a Power Status Indicator	345
Protecting Your Data During a Power Outage	345
Configuring a UPS	346
ACPI vs. APM	348
Determining Whether Your System Is ACPI-Compliant	350
Upgrading to ACPI Support	351
Enabling APM Power Management	352
CHAPTER 10  Automating Windows XP	355
Scheduling Tasks to Run Automatically	356
Running a Program at a Scheduled Time	356
Monitoring Scheduled Tasks	359
Advanced Scheduling Options	360
Restricting the Task Scheduler with Policies	362
Scheduling Tasks with the Schtasks Command	363
Downloading Web Pages at a Scheduled Time	365
Automating Command Sequences with Batch Programs	369
Using Batch Commands	370
Creating a Simple Batch Program	374
Using Advanced Techniques	377
Automating Tasks with Windows Script Host	390
Finding Scripting Resources	390
Choosing a Scripting Language	393
Using the Script File Format	394
Debugging Scripts	396
Introducing Objects	399
Example Scripts	403
PART 3  MANAGING FILES	409
CHAPTER 11  Windows Explorer for Experts	411
Choosing Between Common Tasks and Classic Folders	411
Toggling Between Folder Views	413
Using the Details Section of the Task Pane	414
Customizing the Toolbars	414
Displaying the Status Bar	416
Using Explorer Bars	417
Using the Search Bar	418
Using the Favorites Bar	418
Using the Media Bar	419
Using the History Bar	419
Using the Folders Bar	421
Choosing View Options	422
Making All Folders Use the Same View	423
Changing Views in Common Dialog Boxes	424
Customizing Details View	427
Sorting and Grouping Icons	428
Choosing a Folder Template	430
Putting Pictures on Folder Icons	432
Choosing Advanced Folder Options	432
Automatically Search for Network Folders and Printers	433
Display File Size Information in Folder Tips	433
Display Simple Folder View in Explorer's Folders List	434
Display the Contents of System Folders	434
Display the Full Path in the Address Bar and Title Bar	434
Do Not Cache Thumbnails	435
Hidden Files and Folders	435
Hide Extensions for Known File Types	435
Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)	436
Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process	436
Managing Pairs of Web Pages and Folders	437
Remember Each Folder's View Settings	437
Restore Previous Folder Windows at Logon	437
Show Control Panel in My Computer	438
Show Encrypted or Compressed NTFS Files in Color	438
Show Pop-Up Descriptions for Folder and Desktop Items	438
Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)	439
Using Cascading Folder Menus	439
Working with File Types and File Associations	440
Changing the Default Action for a File Type	441
Changing the Application Associated with a File Type	442
Changing a File Type's Icon	443
Making the Extension of a Particular File Type Visible	444
Specifying Download Behavior	444
Editing a File Type's Shortcut Menu	445
Using Windows Explorer's Command-Line Syntax	447
Using GUIDs to Open Shell Folders in Windows Explorer	449
CHAPTER 12  Managing and Finding Files	451
Seven Principles of Effective File Management	451
Using Tools for File Management	454
Manipulating Files with the Folders Bar	454
Inspecting and Setting File Properties	455
Using Details View to See and Compare Properties of Many Files	458
Creating and Customizing Document Shortcuts	458
Protecting Files with the Read-Only Attribute	459
Maximizing Storage Space with NTFS Compression and Compressed (Zipped) Folders	460
Copying Files to CDs	467
Using and Configuring the Recycle Bin	471
Locating Files with Search Companion	474
Specifying a Search Type	475
Overriding Defaults	479
Refining a Search	480
Saving and Reusing Search Criteria	480
Using Indexing Service and Query Language	480
Security and Indexing Service	481
Limitations of Indexing Service	481
Activating Indexing Service	482
Submitting Queries	483
Phrase and Free-Text Query Expressions	483
Restrictions on Content Queries	484
Working with Properties	484
The EQUALS and CONTAINS Operators	486
Relational Operators	487
Date and Time Expressions	487
Boolean Operators	488
Order of Operator Precedence	489
Pattern-Matching Queries	489
Administering Indexing Service	490
An Overview of the Indexing Process	491
Indexing Files with Unknown Extensions	491
Supplying an Alias for a Folder Name	492
Stopping, Pausing, and Restarting	493
Changing the Folders Included in a Catalog	493
Excluding Specific Files on NTFS Disks	494
Manually Rescanning a Folder	494
Adjusting Indexing Service's Performance Parameters	494
CHAPTER 13  Securing Files and Folders	497
How Setup Decisions Dictate Your Security Options	498
NTFS vs. FAT32	499
Simple File Sharing vs. Advanced Permissions	499
Default Locations for Shared Files	503
Keeping Your Own Files Private	504
Controlling Access with NTFS Permissions	507
Applying Advanced Security Settings	509
Taking Ownership of Files and Folders	526
Troubleshooting Permission Problems	528
CHAPTER 14  Encrypting Confidential Information	531
Encrypting Folders and Files	533
Decrypting Folders and Files	539
Allowing Others to Use Your Encrypted Files	540
Using the Cipher Command	541
Creating a Data Recovery Agent	542
Generating a Recovery Agent Certificate	543
Designating Data Recovery Agents	543
Removing the Private Key	545
Backing Up Your Certificates	546
Backing Up the Recovery Agent Certificate	547
Exporting a Personal Encryption Certificate	548
Importing a Personal Encryption Certificate	549
Creating a New Personal Encryption Certificate	551
Recovering Encrypted Files and Folders	551
Disabling or Reenabling EFS	552
Best Practices for Safe Encryption	553
CHAPTER 15  Working with Offline Files and Folders	555
Setting Up Your System to Use Offline Files	556
Choosing Setup Options	557
Making Files and Folders Available Offline	559
Working Offline	560
Setting Caching Options on the Server	561
Using Automatic Caching Of Documents	563
Using Automatic Caching Of Programs	563
Turning Off Caching for a Specific Share	563
How Windows Synchronizes Your Files	563
Synchronizing on Demand, on Idle, or on Schedule	565
Managing the Cache	566
Increasing or Decreasing the Maximum Cache Size	567
Deleting Files from the Cache	567
Synchronizing Files with Briefcase	568
Getting Status Information About Briefcase Files	569
Synchronizing Files	570
Separating a Briefcase File from Its Sync Copy	570
PART 4  MASTERING DIGITAL MEDIA	571
CHAPTER 16  Customizing Windows Media Player	573
Controlling File Type Associations	576
Changing the Default Application for Individual File Extensions	577
Changing the AutoPlay Behavior for a CD or DVD Drive	578
Understanding and Protecting Your Digital Rights	579
Backing Up Your Licenses	580
Restoring Your Licenses	581
Configuring Windows Media Player to Copy Music from CDs	582
Deciding Whether to Use Copy Protection	582
Choosing a Bit Rate for Your WMA Files	583
Deciding How to Name Your Files and Where to Store Them	585
Customizing Windows Media Player's Appearance	588
Toggling the Menu Bar	589
Toggling Shuffle Mode	589
Toggling the Graphic Equalizer and Other Settings	590
Toggling the Playlist Display	590
Toggling the Taskbar	591
Using Visualizations	591
Using Skins	592
Extending Windows Media Player's Capabilities	593
Adding Skins and Visualizations	594
CHAPTER 17  Using Windows Media Player	597
Playing Audio CDs	597
Viewing Media Information and Album Art	600
Using the Graphic Equalizer and SRS WOW Effects	601
Copying Audio Tracks from CD to Hard Disk	602
Editing Track Information Before You Copy	604
What to Do If Windows Media Doesn't Recognize Your Disc	605
Managing Your Media Library	609
Adding Items to Your Media Library	610
Searching for Items in Your Media Library	612
Working with Playlists	612
Editing Metadata Tags in the Media Library	616
Adding Lyrics to Songs	618
Working with Your Media Library in Windows Explorer	620
Deleting Items from Your Media Library	622
Burning Custom CDs	622
Copying to a Portable Device	625
Listening to Radio Stations	626
Using Presets	627
Finding Stations in Your Web Browser	628
Watching DVD Movies	629
Using DVD Controls	629
Using Subtitles, Closed Captions, and Other Features	630
Watching Movies Full Screen	630
CHAPTER 18  Organizing and Editing Images	631
Setting Up a Scanner or Digital Camera	632
Saving and Editing Images	634
Choosing the Right File Format	638
Compressing and Shrinking Image Files	639
Shrinking Images for E-Mail	640
Optimizing Image Files for the Web	641
Compressing Image Files	642
Creating an HTML Slide Show	644
Printing Digital Photos	645
Managing Images in Windows Explorer	650
Customizing Folders for Images	653
Viewing and Annotating Image Files	654
PART 5  USING E-MAIL, FAX, AND MESSAGING	657
CHAPTER 19  Using and Customizing Outlook Express	659
Getting Started with Outlook Express	660
Setting Up Accounts	660
Customizing the Look of Outlook Express	665
Setting Basic Options	668
Managing Identities	671
Managing Contacts	673
Organizing Contacts in Folders	674
Adding Individual Contacts and Distribution Lists	675
Adding Contacts Who Have Multiple E-Mail Addresses	676
Adding Contacts from E-Mail Messages	677
Exchanging Electronic Business Cards (vCards)	678
Importing and Exporting Contacts	679
Printing Your Address Book	681
Backing Up Your Address Book	681
Sending Mail	682
Addressing the Message	682
Formatting the Message	683
Adding Attachments	685
Setting a Priority Level	686
Requesting a Receipt	686
Reading and Organizing Mail	686
Viewing and Saving Attachments	687
Watching, Ignoring, and Flagging Messages	687
Using Views to Hide Particular Kinds of Messages	688
Using Rules to Organize Messages	689
Blocking Obnoxious Mail	692
Searching for Messages	693
Saving Messages Outside Outlook Express	694
Blocking Dangerous Attachments	694
Using Hotmail and Other Server-Based Systems	696
Using Newsgroups	697
Marking Headers Offline for Later Download	698
Downloading New Messages Only	700
Saving Messages Before They're Deleted from the Server	700
Maintaining Outlook Express	700
Relocating Your Message Store to Simplify Backup	702
Archiving Old Messages	703
Moving Your Outlook Express Files to a New Computer	704

Last Updated: October 3, 2002

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