Give Windows Vista a Tune-up Today! ™
The Optimize Vista Tuner Guide provides
step by step, easy to follow directions to fine tune those little annoyances
within Vista.
Resolve BitLocker & TPM errors,
product key issues, customize desktop icons, encryption changes, hiding files
and scanning the hard drive for errors is just a few of the things you can
accomplish with our free Optimize Vista Tuner Guide.
Everything is designed for the
novice computer user.
Lesson: OVTG 101 - Which
version of Windows Vista you are running?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
This
information is located in the Welcome Center and it is really easy to find:
»»
Click on the Start Button to open the Welcome Center
»»
Click on the Control Panel
»»
Click on System and Maintenance
»»
Click on Welcome Center
With the Windows Vista
Welcome Center, you will find which version of Windows Vista you have
installed, plus lots of other useful information about your system.
Lesson: OVTG 102 -
I can't find my product key.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
Look for your product key on your computer or on the installation
disc holder inside the Windows package. If you still can't find your product
key, you might have to buy a new one.
The product key sticker looks like this:
Note: Product key is a sequence of 25
letters and numbers. During Windows installation, you must enter the product key
to activate Windows.
Lesson: OVTG 103
The product key says it is invalid.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
You mistyped your product key.
»»
The key you typed does not match the key assigned to your copy of
Windows.
First, check your product key and retype it.
If you're sure that you typed it correctly and your product key is still not
valid, you will need to buy a new product key.
Lesson: OVTG 104
My product key is in use on another computer, now what!
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
You cannot use Windows on more computers than the Microsoft
Software License Terms allow. Usually the license terms allow one copy of
Windows to be used on each computer. To use the same copy of Windows on another
computer, you must uninstall Windows on the first computer before installing it
on the second one. You will need to activate Windows again as part of installing
it on the second computer. During installation, enter the product key that came
with your copy of Windows. If automatic activation fails, follow the screens
that walk you through activating Windows by phone. You will have 30 days to
activate your copy of Windows.
Lesson: OVTG 105
I don't have a product key.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
You will need to buy a valid product key to activate Windows. If
you have not purchased a valid product key and successfully activated Windows
within 30-days after installation, Windows will stop working. If this happens,
you won't be able to create new files or save changes to existing ones. You can
regain full use of your computer by activating your copy of Windows.
Lesson: OVTG 106
I lost the file encryption key, now what?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
If you try to open an encrypted file and you get a message that
access has been denied, your encryption key might be corrupted or missing. In
this case, you must have a backup copy of your encryption key, or, if you're on
a domain, your network administrator must have a recovery certificate. You can
recover the encrypted files by restoring the encryption key with a backup copy,
or by using a recovery certificate. If you don't have a backup copy of the key
or a recovery certificate, you won't be able to access your files.
If you are connected to a domain, it is
possible that a network administrator can restore your key.
Lesson: OVTG 107
What is the Windows Certificate of Authenticity?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a special security label
that accompanies legally licensed Microsoft software to help prevent
counterfeiting. If you see the COA on a Microsoft software box, you know that
the software and other items inside, such as media and manuals, are genuine. If
your computer came with Windows already installed, look for the COA on the
outside of your computer. If you have a small device (with a length or width of
6 inches or less), the COA might be under the battery.
Lesson: OVTG 108
Is the COA my license?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
»»
No. The COA only shows that your software is genuine. The
Microsoft Software License Terms contain all the rights and limitations that
govern your use of the software. You must accept the license terms to use
Microsoft software.
Lesson: OVTG 109
Change the key you use to encrypt files and folders.
Applies to Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.
You might want to change your Encrypting
File System (EFS) key if:
»»
You have encrypted files on two computers that require two
different keys, but you want to use just one key.
»»
Your organization asks you to change keys regularly.
»»
You start using a smart card to encrypt your files.
An encryption key is always associated with
(or linked to) an encryption certificate. To change your key, you have to change
the certificate you use for encryption.
To select a different file encryption
certificate
1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start
button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User
Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a
network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.
2. In the left pane, click Manage your file
encryption certificates.
3. In the Encrypting File System wizard,
click Next. The wizard will display your file encryption certificate in the
Certificate details box.
4. Click the certificate you want to use,
and then click Next.
If you have more than one file encryption
certificate, and the one you want to use is not displayed, click Select
certificate, click the certificate you want to use, click OK, and then click
Next.
5. If the certificate is not backed up, you
should back it up now. Click Back up the certificate and key now, type or browse
to the location where you want to store the backup, type and confirm a password,
and then click Next. We recommend storing the backup on removable media such as
a disc or USB flash drive and protecting the backup with a strong password.
6. Select the check boxes for the folders
you want to update with the new encryption certificate, or select the I'll
update my encrypted files later check box, and then click Next.
To create a new encryption certificate
You'll need to know what type of encryption
certificate you need. Contact your network administrator for more information.
1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start
button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User
Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a
network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.
2. In the left pane, click Manage your file
encryption certificates.
3. In the Encrypting File System wizard,
click Next.
4. Click Create a new certificate, and then
click Next.
5. Select the type of certificate you want
to create, and then click Next.
To back up your encryption certificate
1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start
button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User
Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a
network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.
2. In the left pane, click Manage your file
encryption certificates.
3. In the Encrypting File System wizard,
click Next.
4. Click Use this certificate, and then
click Next.
If you need more details to identify the
certificate that is listed, click View certificate. If you want to choose a
different certificate, click Select certificate, and then click the certificate
you want to back up.
5. Click back up the certificate and key
now.
6. Type or navigate to the location where
you want to store the backup. We recommend that you store the backup on
removable media such as a disc or USB flash drive.
7. Type and then confirm a password for the
backup file, and then click Next. We recommend that you protect the backup file
with a strong password.
8. Select the I'll update my encrypted files
later check box, and then click Next.
To update your encrypted files with
the encryption certificate you have created or chosen
1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start
button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User
Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a
network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.
2. In the left pane, click Manage your file
encryption certificates.
3. In the Encrypting File System wizard,
click Next.
4. Click Use this certificate, and then
click Next.
If you need more details to identify the
certificate that is listed, click View certificate. If you want to choose a
different certificate, click Select certificate, and then click the certificate
you want to use.
5. If the certificate is already backed up,
click Back up the certificate and key later. Otherwise, follow the instructions
above to back up your encryption certificate before you use it to update your
encrypted files.
6. Select the check boxes for the folders
you want to update, and then click Next.
7. To see if your files were updated
successfully, click View log.
Lesson: OVTG 110
What is a BitLocker Drive Encryption startup key or PIN?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
When you use BitLocker Drive Encryption, you
need a BitLocker Drive Encryption startup key or personal identification number
(PIN) to start your computer.
BitLocker stores its own encryption and
decryption keys in a hardware device called the Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
security hardware, which is a special microchip in some newer computers that
supports advanced security features. The keys are not stored on the computer’s
hard disk. The TPM must be accessible by the basic input/output system (BIOS)
during startup. When you start your computer, BitLocker will get these keys from
the TPM automatically.
Note: Some of the following
BitLocker features and settings can be enabled by Group Policy settings.
If your computer was not manufactured with
TPM version 1.2 or higher, you can create a BitLocker startup key using a USB
flash drive to store the encryption keys and decryption keys. You will have to
insert the flash drive each time you start the computer.
In addition to the option of creating a
startup key, you have the option of creating a startup personal identification
number (PIN). You can create either the startup key or the startup PIN, but not
both. The startup PIN can be any number that you choose from 4 to 20 digits in
length. The PIN is stored on your computer. You will have to type the PIN each
time you start the computer.
You can only create a startup key or PIN
when you turn on BitLocker for the first time. After you create the startup key
or PIN, you can use the BitLocker Manage Keys feature to change the PIN. You can
also make additional copies of the startup key to use in case you lose the
original.
Lesson: OVTG 111
What is TPM and recovery password?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
TPM Ownership Password is a password that is
set up to associate the TPM chip with your computer. This is done automatically
by the BitLocker wizard, unless you have set it up ahead of time. You will only
need this password if your TPM chip was set up before you enable BitLocker.
The Recovery password is a user-readable 48
digit number that can be stored on a USB flash drive, in a folder on another
drive, or printed out. You will only need the Recovery password if you have a
problem with your computer (such as a defective power supply), or you move your
hard disk to another machine. When BitLocker saves the Recovery password to a
USB flash drive, it also saves a machine-readable version so you can just plug
in the drive rather than typing a long password. If the USB flash drive is not
available, you will have to type in the 48 digit password.
* If you create a backup for your startup
key or PIN, or you create a recovery password, make sure you store them on
separate removable media.
* Assistive technology software that runs on
Windows, such as screen reading software, cannot read BitLocker startup screens
because they are displayed during BIOS startup and before Windows runs. This
includes screens used when you type a PIN or recovery password, and any
BitLocker error messages.
Lesson: OVTG 112
How can I copy my BitLocker keys or change the startup PIN?
Applies to Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.
1. Open Bitlocker Drive Encryption by
clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel,
clicking Security, and then clicking Bitlocker Drive Encryption. Administrator
permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or
confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Click Manage keys, and then follow the
instructions.
Lesson: OVTG 113
How does the BitLocker Drive Encryption startup key provide a
higher level of protection?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption can
operate with or without a compatible Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
Important! By default, the
BitLocker setup wizard enables BitLocker and configures it to use the TPM
without a "startup key." You can use Group Policy to configure the setup wizard
to allow the use of a startup key.
When operating on a computer with a TPM,
BitLocker offers the ability to increase security by combining the use of the
TPM with a startup key. If you select to use a startup key in combination with a
TPM, part of the encryption key used to unlock the volume is stored and sealed
by the TPM, while another part of the encryption key is stored on a USB flash
drive. The USB flash drive with the required key information is called a startup
key. Both the information stored in the TPM and the startup key are required to
gain access to the BitLocker encrypted volume.
Important! On computers that
do not have a compatible TPM, all of the required cryptographic information is
stored in the startup key. This is a significant difference between using
BitLocker with a TPM and without a TPM.
The BitLocker setup wizard can be configured
to offer the option to create a startup key when encrypting the volume. If
BitLocker is enabled with this option, the TPM security hardware cannot release
the encryption keys when the computer starts up or resumes from hibernation
unless the startup key is inserted.
Because the startup key must be present at
each restart and when resuming from hibernation, you might not want to enable
the startup key in cases where human intervention is not possible for each
restart.
Note: You can configure
either a PIN or a startup key, but you cannot configure both.
Additional References
Windows BitLocker™ Drive
Encryption Step-by-Step Guide
Windows
Trusted Platform Module Services Step-by-Step Guide
Lesson: OVTG 114
Regain access to a computer locked by BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
BitLocker Drive Encryption will lock the
drive that Windows is installed on and require recovery in these situations:
• The computer is operational, but BitLocker
has detected a possible security risk during startup.
• The computer is operational, but the
BitLocker startup key or PIN is lost, or the startup key is damaged.
• The computer is not operational (for
example, a power supply problem), and you have transferred its hard disk to a
different computer.
To unlock the drive and regain access
to your files
• You will need the BitLocker recovery
password.
To unlock the drive Windows is on when
the original computer is operational
• When you start the computer, BitLocker
will interrupt startup and display a message informing you that the drive
Windows is installed on is locked. Locate your BitLocker recovery password, and
then follow the instructions on the screen.
To unlock the drive Windows is on
after transferring it to a different computer
1. Before removing the hard disk from the
inoperable computer, check the computer that will host the disk. The host
computer must be running Windows and have BitLocker available (even if BitLocker
has not been turned on).
2. Shut down both computers.
3. Remove the hard disk from the inoperable
computer and install it in the host computer.
4. Start the host computer and log on.
5. Open Bitlocker Drive Encryption by
clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel,
clicking Security, and then clicking Bitlocker Drive Encryption.
The transferred drive will be indicated in
the list of drives as a Locked Volume. Administrator permission required If you
are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or
provide confirmation.
6. Click the Unlock volume link, and then
follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: Some BitLocker
features and settings can be enabled by Group Policy settings.
Lesson: OVTG 115
Why you need a recovery password for BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
During computer startup, BitLocker Drive
Encryption could detect a condition that prevents it from unlocking the drive
Windows is installed on. For example, conditions might include disk errors, or a
change to the basic input/output system (BIOS) ,or changes to any startup files.
If one of these conditions occurs, you won't be able to log on and access your
protected files until you unlock the drive using your BitLocker recovery
password. If you try to start the hard disk in a different computer, you will
still need the BitLocker recovery password.
You should store the recovery password by
printing it, saving it as a data file on removable media , or in a folder. Store
the recovery password separate from your computer.
You can only create this recovery password
when you turn on BitLocker for the first time. After you create it, you can use
the BitLocker Manage Keys feature to make additional copies.
* If your computer is part of a domain,
domain policy might control which recovery password options are available.
* Assistive technology software that runs on
Windows, such as screen reading software, cannot read BitLocker startup screens
because they are displayed during BIOS startup and before Windows runs. This
includes screens used when you type a PIN or recovery password, and any
BitLocker error messages.
To copy your BitLocker recovery
password
1. Open Bitlocker Drive Encryption by
clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel,
clicking Security, and then clicking Bitlocker Drive Encryption. Administrator
permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or
confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Click Manage BitLocker Keys, and then
follow the instructions on the page.
Lesson: OVTG 116
Why BitLocker Drive Encryption might block your computer from
starting.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
If you use BitLocker Drive Encryption on a
computer that has the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security hardware (a special
microchip in some newer computers that supports advanced security features),
version 1.2 or higher, the TPM checks the system during startup for conditions
that could indicate a security risk. These conditions could include disk errors,
changes to the basic input/output system (BIOS) , changes to other startup
components, or evidence that the hard disk is being started in a different
computer.
If the TPM detects such a condition,
BitLocker will not unlock the drive with Windows installed on it and will enter
a recovery mode that requires the BitLocker recovery password to unlock it.
Note: It is very important
to create this recovery password when you turn on BitLocker for the first time;
otherwise, you could permanently lose access to your files.
If you use BitLocker on a computer that
doesn’t have the TPM version 1.2 or higher, BitLocker will not check for changes
to the startup environment. However, you will still need the recovery password
in case your BitLocker startup key doesn’t unlock the system drive Windows is
installed on.
* Some BitLocker features and settings can
be enabled by Group Policy settings.
* Assistive technology software that runs on
Windows, such as screen reading software, cannot read BitLocker startup screens
because they are displayed during BIOS startup and before Windows runs. This
includes screens used when you type a PIN or recovery password, and any
BitLocker error messages.
Lesson: OVTG 117
How to back up Encrypting File System (EFS) certificate.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
If you encrypt data on your computer, you
need a way to recover that data in case something happens to the encryption key.
If your encryption key is lost or damaged and you don't have a way to recover
your data, the data is lost. You will also lose data if you store your
encryption key on a smart card and the smart card is damaged or lost. To make
sure you can always access your encrypted data, you should back up your
encryption certificate and key. If more than one person uses your computer, or
if you use a smart card to encrypt files, you should create a file recovery
certificate.
To back up your EFS certificate
1. Open Certificate Manager by clicking the
Start button Picture of the Start button, typing certmgr.msc into the Search
box, and then pressing ENTER.
2. Click the arrow next to the Personal
folder to expand it.
3. Click Certificates.
4. Click the certificate that lists
Encrypting File System under Intended Purposes. (You might need to scroll to the
right to see this.)
If there is more than one EFS certificate,
you should back up all of them.
5. Click the Action menu, point to All
Tasks, and then click Export.
6. In the Export wizard, click Next, click
Yes, export the private key, and then click Next.
7. Click Personal Information Exchange, and
then click Next.
8. Type the password you want to use,
confirm it, and then click Next.
9. The export process will create a file to
store the certificate.
Enter a name for the file and the location
(include the whole path) or click Browse and navigate to the location, and then
enter the file name.
10. Click Finish.
Note: Store the backup copy
of your EFS certificate in a safe place.
Lesson: OVTG 118
Import or export certificates and private keys.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
You must be logged on as an administrator to
perform these steps. You can import a certificate so that you can use it on your
computer, or you can export a certificate so that you can use it on another
computer.
To import a certificate
Note: If someone sends you a
certificate, or you transfer a certificate from one computer to another, the
certificate must be imported before it can be used. The process of importing the
certificate places it in the correct certificate folder.
1. Open Certificate Manager by clicking the
Start button Picture of the Start button, typing certmgr.msc into the Search
box, and then pressing ENTER. Administrator permission required If you are
prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or
provide confirmation.
2. Click a folder, click the Action menu,
point to All Tasks, and then click Import.
3. Click Next, and then follow the
instructions.
Note: If you click Browse to
search for a certificate when using the Certificate Import Wizard, be aware that
the Open dialog box only displays X.509 certificates by default. If you want to
import another type of certificate, select the certificate type you want to
import in the Open dialog box.
To export a certificate
If you want to create a backup copy of the
certificate or use it on another computer, you must first export it. Exporting
the certificate puts it in a file that you can then transfer to another computer
or put in a safe place. We recommend that you export certificates to removable
media, such as a floppy disk or USB flash drive.
1. Open Certificate Manager by clicking the
Start button Picture of the Start button, typing certmgr.msc into the Search
box, and then pressing ENTER. Administrator permission required If you are
prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or
provide confirmation.
2. Right-click the certificate that you want
to export, point to All Tasks, and then click Export.
3. In the Certificate Export Wizard, click
Next.
4. If you're going to use this certificate
on another computer, click Yes, export the private key; otherwise, click No, do
not export the private key, and then click Next. (This option will appear only
if the private key is marked as exportable and you have access to the private
key.)
5. Select the format you want to use, and
then click Next.
Note: Choosing the format
you want to use depends on how you want to use the certificate. For a
certificate with a private key, use the Personal Information Exchange format. If
you want to move multiple certificates in one file from one computer to another,
use the Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard. If you need to use a certificate
on more than one operating system, use the DER encoded binary X.509 format.
6. If you chose to export the private key,
type the password you want to use to encrypt the key, confirm it, and then click
Next.
7. The export process creates a file to
store the certificate in. Enter a name for the file and the location (include
the entire path), or click Browse, navigate to the location, and then enter the
file name.
8. Click Finish.
Lesson: OVTG 119
Install more than one operating system on your computer (a
multiboot system).
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
When you install the new version of Windows,
you can keep an older version of Windows on your computer. This is often called
a multiboot or dual-boot configuration.
Before you begin: Make sure that your hard
disk has a separate partition for each operating system that you want to
install, or that your computer has multiple hard disks. Otherwise, you will
either have to reformat and repartition your hard disk or install the new
operating system on a separate hard disk. Also, make sure that the partition or
disk where you plan to install the new version of Windows is formatted with the
NTFS file system. To create and format a partition, see Create and format a hard
disk partition.
Note: Reformatting and
repartitioning your hard disk deletes all information on that disk. If you are
running a previous version of Windows and want to partition your hard disk
without reformatting it, use disk partitioning software, which is available from
various manufacturers. Some disk partitioning software allows you to keep your
information. If you’re already running the most recent version of Windows and
want to partition your hard disk, see Can I repartition my hard disk? Before
installing Windows, be sure to disable all antivirus software and back up your
files to an external hard disk, a CD or DVD, a USB flash drive, or a network
folder.
1. Turn on the computer running your current
edition of Windows, and then insert the installation disc into the computer's CD
or DVD drive.
2. On the Install Windows menu, click
Install now.
3. On the Get important updates for
installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a
successful installation and to help protect your computer against security
threats. You must be connected to the Internet to receive installation updates.
This page might not appear if your computer is not connected to the Internet.
4. On the Type your product key for
activation page, we strongly recommend that you type your 25-character product
key to help avoid problems during activation.
5. On the Please read the license terms
page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms.
6. On the Which type of installation do you
want? page, click Custom.
7. On the Where do you want to install
Windows page, select the partition or disk where you want to install the new
Windows operating system.
8. Click Next to begin the installation. You
might see a compatibility report.
* To set up a multiboot configuration on a
computer that does not yet have an operating system, partition the hard disk so
each operating system you want to install has a partition, and begin by
installing the oldest operating system first.
* Any programs and drivers that you want to
use must be installed on each operating system that you want to use them in.
Lesson: OVTG 120
How do I use the Windows Anytime Upgrade?
Applies to Home Basic, Home Premium and Business editions of Windows Vista.
What do I have to buy?
To upgrade to another edition of Windows
Vista, you must purchase the upgrade online. Windows Anytime Upgrade
automatically takes you to the website where you can purchase the upgrade. After
purchasing the upgrade, you're instructed to download software that prepares
your computer for the upgrade. The software takes a few minutes to download.
Why do I need the Windows Vista disc?
You install the upgraded edition of Windows
Vista from the Windows Vista disc.
All editions of Windows Vista are included
on the Windows Vista disc. The software that you download after you purchase the
upgrade includes a product key. This product key determines which edition of
Windows Vista that you can install from the disc.
How can I obtain a Windows Vista disc?
The Windows Vista disc may have come with
your computer when you purchased it, or you may have purchased the disc to
upgrade to Windows Vista. If you can’t find your disc, you can order a new one
from the same website where you purchase the upgrade. After you click Begin
upgrade process, Windows Anytime Upgrade automatically takes you to the website
where you can purchase the upgrade and order the disc.
Your new disc will be sent in the mail. You
are required to pay shipping and handling charges only.
How can I upgrade Windows Vista on a
computer other than the one that I use to buy the upgrade?
1. Purchase the upgrade.
2. Download the software file that prepares
your computer for the upgrade.
3. Save the software file, and then copy it
to the computer that you want to upgrade.
4. Install the software on the computer that
you want to upgrade, and follow the directions on the screen.
You will need the Windows Vista disc to
complete the upgrade.
You can use Windows Anytime Upgrade only on
a computer that's already running Windows Vista. You can’t use Windows Anytime
Upgrade to upgrade a computer that's running an earlier version of Windows.
When you buy an upgrade for a different
computer, you must indicate the edition of Windows Vista that you're currently
running on the computer that you want to upgrade, and you must also indicate the
edition of Windows Vista that you want to upgrade to.
How can I upgrade to a different
edition of Windows Vista on more than one computer?
You must purchase a new upgrade for each
computer on which you want to install a different edition of Windows Vista. You
can purchase only one upgrade at a time. You can use the same Windows Vista disc
to upgrade the operating system on each computer.
If a feature of an upgraded edition of
Windows Vista requires specific hardware, how can I find out whether my computer
has the hardware for that feature?
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is available
to determine whether you have the hardware that is necessary to use specific
features of a particular edition of Windows Vista. The Windows Vista Upgrade
Advisor is a program that you can download and run on your computer to find out
if it's ready for an upgrade. Your computer must be running Windows XP or
Windows Vista. This download is approximately 5 megabytes.
Note: Downloading this file
over a high-speed Internet connection may take just a few minutes. Downloading
this file over a modem or other slower Internet connection may take more time.
Lesson: OVTG 121
Change the font for On-Screen Keyboard keys.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
On-Screen Keyboard might be easier to use if
you change the font used to illustrate the keys on the screen. The fonts that
most people find easiest to see on the screen are Verdana and Arial.
1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the
Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-Screen Keyboard.
2. Click the Settings menu, and then click
Font.
3. In the Font box, select a font, and then
click OK.
Lesson: OVTG 122
Show, hide, or resize desktop icons.
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
The icons on the desktop give you quick
access to shortcuts. You can show them, or hide them if you prefer a clean
desktop. You can also resize them.
To show desktop icons
• Right-click the desktop, point to View,
and then click Show Desktop Icons.
A check mark will appear, indicating that
desktop icons are displayed on your desktop.
To hide desktop icons
•Right-click the desktop, point to View, and
then click Show Desktop Icons to clear the check mark.
Note: Hiding all of the
icons on your desktop doesn't delete them, it just hides them until you choose
to show them again.
To resize desktop icons
• Right-click the desktop, point to View,
and then click Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Classic Icons. (Classic icons are
the smallest size.)
You can also use the scroll wheel on your
mouse to resize desktop icons. On the desktop, press and hold CTRL while you
scroll the wheel to make icons larger or smaller.
Lesson: OVTG 123
How do I make hidden files visible?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
For better security, you can make all hidden files visible,
like in Windows XP.
1. Click
the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click
Appearance and Personalization.
3. Click
Folder Options.
4. Click
the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.
Note: You can always view
the Guided Help topics by using Windows Help and Support, located on your
computer. Simply click the Start button, click Help and Support, locate and open
the Guided Help topic you want, and then follow the instructions.
Lesson: OVTG 124
Can I check my Vista machine's hard disk for errors?
Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Yes. You can help solve some computer
problems and improve the performance of your computer by making sure that your
hard disk has no errors.
1. Open Computer by clicking the Start
button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Computer.
2. Right-click the hard disk drive that you
want to check, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Tools tab, and then, under
Error-checking, click Check Now. Administrator permission required If you are
prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or
provide confirmation.
To automatically repair problems with files
and folders that the scan detects, select Automatically fix file system errors.
Otherwise, the disk check will simply report problems but not fix them.
To perform a thorough disk check, select
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. This scan attempts to find and
repair physical errors on the hard disk itself, and it can take much longer to
complete.
To check for both file errors and physical
errors, select both Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors.
4. Click Start. Depending upon the size of
your hard disk, this may take several minutes. For best results, don't user your
computer for any other tasks while it's checking for errors.
Note: If you select
Automatically fix file system errors for a disk that is in use (for example, the
partition that contains Windows), you'll be prompted you to reschedule the disk
check for the next time you restart your computer.
For some more
fixes, visit our Tweak Guide.
