Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you change the Vista Shutdown button from Sleep to actually shut down?

A:

1. Let’s just change the default setting so you don’t have to change it manually every time you turn off the computer:
2. In Control Panel look for the “System and Maintenance” group.  Select “Power Options.” In the list of “Preferred plans,” click on the “Change plan settings” link.
3. In the “Change Plan Settings” dialog box which appears, click on the “Change advanced power settings” link.
4. In the dialog box which appears, expand the “Power buttons and lid” branch, and then expand the “Start menu power button” and in the drop-down list of options that appears, select “Shut down.”
5. Click on the [Apply] button, then click on the [OK] button. Close the remaining windows to exit the control panel applet.
6. Now next time you select Shutdown in the Start menu, the default action for the Sutdown dialog box will actually be Shutdown.

Q: What version of DirectX does Windows XP ship with?

A: Windows XP ships with DirectX 8.1, which improves pixel shade's among other things.

Q: What is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions?

A: The 64-bit versions will only work on Intel Itanium, the EMT, or the AMD 64 based hardware or the Pentium 4 EMT. The 32-bit versions will work on all x86 compatible hardware (such a Pentium III, 4, etc).

Q: What is the difference between Home and Profession editions?

A: The features of Windows XP Home and Pro are very similar. Most home users have no need to the Professional version. Windows XP Pro has support for multiple processors and an encrypted file system. There are also a few other differences.

Q: What are the minimum requirements for Windows XP?

A: Here’s exactly what Microsoft says:

PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended

128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)

1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.*

Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor

CD-ROM or DVD drive

Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

You can check out more information on Windows XP requirements here for Home or here for Pro.

Q: How do I Keep XP up to date?

A: It is a good idea to keep your system up to date with the latest security updates!

Click Start | Help and Support. Under “Pick a task,” click Keep your computer up–to–date with Windows Update.

Click Click Scan for updates

Click Yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers.

This will keep your system automatically updated with the latest security updates!

Note: You can also open Windows update by opening Windows Internet Explorer and clicking on Tools | Windows Update OR by clicking on Start | All Programs | Windows Update

Q: Will most of my programs from Windows 9* work in Windows XP?

A: Most programs that work on Windows 95/98/Me and NT will work on versions of Windows XP. There will be problems running older DOS programs (if they will run at all).

Q: If I am a games player, should I go for Windows 2000 or Windows XP?

A: Definitely go for Windows XP for the simple reason that it is designed for both the business & consumer thus is more adept at games playing.

Q: How do I find my IP address?

A: Here are a few ways to find your IP address:

If the Network Connection icon is in the System tray, right click it, select Status. Then click the Support tab.

Open a Command Prompt window and type IPCONFIG /ALL

For your Internet address, you can visit http://www.whatismyip.com

Q: How do I Burn a CD in XP?

A: Windows XP comes with software to make copying to a CD-RW drive easy!

Be sure that you have a Recordable CD in your CD writer

Highlight the files that you want to burn to your CD

Right-click and select Send To | CD-RW Drive (D:) (or whatever your Recordable CD Drive is called.

Note: It is always a good idea to view the CD contents afterwards to verify that the data was copied correctly!

Note: Be sure that you have enough space to store the temporary files that are created during the burning process.

Q: What does the Windows Logo Key do?

A: The Windows key does more than just open the start menu.

Tapping the Windows Logo Key Once Opens the start menu

Holding down the Windows Key and tapping:

D - minimizes the open windows. (Doing it again re-opens all the windows)

E - opens Windows Explorer

F - opens the File Search window

R - opens the Run window.

U - opens the utility manager

Break - opens the System Properties window.

F1 - opens the Help & Support Center window.

Q: How do I stop getting that annoying pop up in IE about a Script Debugger Error?

A: If you go to sites and have had this annoying screen pop up asking if you wish to debug the website, you can turn it off. This isn't directly associated with Windows XP, but rather Internet Explorer.

From Internet Explorer, Click Tools | Internet Options... | Advanced

Locate Disable script Debugging and put a check mark in front of it.

Q What other Resources are available?

A: How-To Articles By Microsoft

Microsoft has their own set of How-To Articles for Windows XP which is the next place you might look for more tips and tricks!

For Windows XP Pro:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp

For Windows XP Home:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/howto/default.asp