Index
Numbers
#1-TuffTEST, 168
3G, 432
4G, 432
32-bit CPU (central processing units), 58
64-bit CPU (central processing units), 58
220-701 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 524-535
questions, 503-523
220-702 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 558-570
questions, 537-557
802.11 wireless, 433
802.3ab standard, 408
802.3u standard, 408
802.3z standard, 408
A
AC (alternating current) outlets, 104
electrical safety, 482
regulating output, 107
testing, 105-108
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), 338
Acronis True Image, 290
actions, documenting (six-step troubleshooting process), 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
Add/Remove Snap-ins window, 208
addresses
IP addresses, 401
private addresses, 405
public addresses, 405
administrative privileges, 208
administrative shares, 470
administrative tools, 207-208
ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), 431
Advanced Boot Options menu, 266-267
adware, 460
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) buses, 31-33, 338
AMD, CPU (central processing units), 63-64
amperage (A), 104
AMR (audio/modem riser) buses, 32
answers (practice exams)
practice exam 1, 524-535
practice exam 2, 558-570
antimalware, 445
HDD (hard disk drives) maintenance, 141, 263
updates, 263
antistatic devices
ESD (electrostatic discharges), 485
antivirus software, 461-464
APIPA (automatic private IP addressing), 402
applications, 200
network connectivity, troubleshooting, 426-427
Windows applications
Command Prompt, 206
Computer, 203-204
Control Panel, 205
Network, 206
Windows Explorer, 204-205
Archive file attribute, 468
aspect ratio, 353
asymmetric key encryption, 476
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), 431
attrib command, 469
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)
power supplies, 116-117
audio
clusters, 34
laptop audio subsystems, 315-316
overview, 361
quality of, 364-365
sound cards, 361-364
speakers, installing, 363
authentication
biometrics, 456
BIOS security, 454-455
definition of, 444
logon process, 451-453
passwords
changing, 450
password policy, 450-451
strong passwords, 449
smart cards, 455
UAC (User Account Control), 453-454
usernames, 449
automatic private IP addressing (APIPA), 402
Automatic Updates, 461
AV (antivirus) software, 461-464
B
backups, 445. See also restore points
Backup Status and Configuration (Windows Vista), 260
HDD (hard disk drives)
Windows Vista, 260
Windows XP, 261
bar code readers, 373
Basic Rate ISDN (BRI), 432
batteries
disposal of, 487
laptops, 319
BIOS (Basic Input Output System), 39, 45
accessing, 40
configuring, 40-41
downloading, 43
flashing, 43-44
identifying version of, 43
passwords, resetting, 42
POST (power-on self-tests), 40
security, 454-455
Setup utility, 40-41
troubleshooting
memory errors, 99
motherboard-related issues, 50
blackouts, 110
blank paper (printers), troubleshooting, 393
Blu-Ray data storage, 154
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), 284-286
Boot Device Priority (BIOS boot order), BIOS configuration, 41
boot disks, 145
boot errors, 271-273
boot files, 236
boot sector viruses, 459
“BOOTMGR is missing” error message, 271
bootrec command, 297
bootstrapping
BIOS (Basic Input Output System), 39-40
POST (power-on self-tests), 40
botnets, 460
BRI (Basic Rate ISDN), 432
brownouts, 110
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), 99, 284-286
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)
motherboards, 36-37
power supplies, 118
buses. See also PC cards
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) buses, 31-33
AMR (audio/modem riser) buses, 32
CNR (Communications and Networking Riser) buses, 32
FSB (Front Side Buses), 28, 57
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) buses, 28-29, 42
memory buses, 28
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) buses, 29, 32
PCI Express x16 Interface, 28
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) buses, 31-33
SATA (Serial ATA) buses, 29
speed ratings, 28
C
cable
cable Internet, 431
interference
EMI (electromagnetic interference), 488
RFI radio frequency interference), 488
physical safety, 486
cable select drive configurations (PATA), 135
caches
CPU, 60-61
HDD (hard disk drives), 138
cameras
digital cameras, 373
web cameras, 373
CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency, RAM, 90
case fans, 65-66
cathode ray tube (CRT), 348
causes (problem identification process)
establishing theory of probable cause, 11
display issue example, 15-16
power issue example, 17
testing theory of probable cause, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 17
CD-ROMs
data storage, 149-150
installing
Windows Vista, 169
Windows XP, 186
CD-Rs, 150
CD-RWs, 150
CDs (Compact Discs), data storage, 149-150, 153
cellular connectivity, 432
Cellular WAN, 323
CF (CompactFlash) cards, 161
changes to computers, identifying (problem identification process), 11
cheat sheets (exam preparation), 497-498
chipsets, 29
ICH (I/O Controller Hubs), 26
bus connections, 28
IDE buses, 28-29
SATA buses, 29
IOH (Input/Output Hubs), 26
MCH (Memory Controller Hubs), 26, 80
video card chipsets, 342
chkdsk command, 293-294
Class A networks, 404
Class B networks, 404
Class C networks, 404
Class D networks, 404
Class E networks, 404
Classic mode, reverting to, 225
clean power, 107
cleanup programs, HDD (hard disk drives) maintenance, 140, 258-259
clear speaking, 490
clearing data, 445
clock rates, 56-57
CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductors), 39, 42
CNR (Communications and Networking Riser) buses, 32
coaxial cable, 419
color depth, 350-351
Command Prompt, 206, 221, 238-239, 270, 293
command-line interface, opening, 421
communication skills, developing, 490-492
compatibility
DRAM (dyanmic random-access memory), 98
power supplies, 116-117
printer installation, 385
Component Video, 340
compression, 468
CompTIA A+
220-701 practice exam
answers, 524-535
questions, 503-523
220-702 practice exam
answers, 558-570
questions, 537-557
post certification development, 501
Computer Management, starting/stopping services, 220
Computer window, 203-204
comsetup.log, 193
configuring
IPv4, 400-403
network adapters, 406-408
password policy, 450-451
printers, 386
managing print jobs, 387
managing printer permissions, 391
pooling printers, 390
print spooling options, 388-389
separator pages, 392
setting printer priority, 387-388
sharing printers, 391
XPS (XML Paper Specification) feature (Windows Vista), 390
video settings
color depth, 350-351
drivers, 349-350
Multiple Monitor (DualView), 356-357
OSD (on-screen display), 355-356
refresh rate, 354-355
resolution, 351-354
Windows
administrative tools, 207-208
boot files, 236
directory structure, 235
file systems, 244
formatting disks, 240-243
Indexing service, 237-238
MMC (Microsoft Management Console), 208
mounting disks, 244-245
overview, 197
partitioning disks, 240-243
power management, 222-223
RAID disks, 245-247
starting/stopping services, 220-221
user customizations, 225-226
user migration, 223-225
consummables, 380
continuity testers, 417
Control Panel, 205
convert command, 294
power supplies, 127
cooling systems
fans, 65-66
heat sinks, 64
liquid cooling systems, 66
power supplies, 127
TIM (thermal interface material), 65
copy command, 297
copying folders, 475
CPU (central processing units), 55, 67-68
32-bit CPU, 58
64-bit CPU, 58
AMD CPU, 63-64
caches, 60-61
clock rates, 56-57
cooling systems
fans, 65-66
heat sinks, 64
liquid cooling systems, 66
thermal compound (TIM), 65
function of, 56
HT (Hyper-Threading), 61
installing
ESD prevention, 69
LGA sockets, 70
motherboard preparation, 69
PGA sockets, 72
testing installations, 72-73
Intel CPU, 63-64
memory controller integration, 80
multi-core CPU, 61
power consumption, 62
RAM access, 80
sockets, 58-59
compatibility, 60
LGA sockets, 70
PGA sockets, 72
TDP (thermal design points), 62
troubleshooting, 74-76
CPU-Z, testing CPU installations, 73
CRT (cathode ray tube), 348
Ctrl+Alt+Del login functionality, 452
customers, listening to (professionalism), 490
customizing user environment, 225-226
D
data backups, 445
data removal, 445
data security
data security technologies, 444-446
data sensitivity, 446-447
security compliance, 447
threats, 444-445
data sensitivity, 446-447
data storage
Blu-Ray, 154
CD-ROMs, 149-150
CD-Rs, 150
CD-RWs, 150
CDs (Compact Discs), 149-150, 153
CF (CompactFlash) cards, 161
DVD (Digital Versatile Discs), 151-153
floppy disk drives, 143-145
HDD (hard disk drives)
antimalware, 141
backups, 260-261
caches, 138
cleanup programs, 140, 258-259
components of, 132
data transfer rates, 137
determining drive specifications, 137-138
installing, 139
latency, 138
manually deleting Internet files, 258
manually deleting temporary files, 258
NAS (Network Attached Storage), 143
PATA (Parallel ATA), 133-135
preventive maintenance, 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
restore points, 261
rotational speeds, 138
SATA (Serial ATA), 135-136, 140
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), 138-139
troubleshooting, 141-143
Ultra ATA hard drives, 139
magnetic storage media, 132-147
optical storage media, 149-155
SD (Secure Digital) cards, 159
SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) cards, 160
solid-state storage media, 156-162
tape drives, 145
USB flash drives, 156-158
data transfer rates, HDD (hard disk drives), 137
date/time, BIOS configuration, 41
DC (direct current), 104
DDR (Double Data Rate), 84-85
DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2), 86
DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3), 87
DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4), 88
Debugging Mode option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
defragging HDD (hard disk drives), 141, 259, 295
degaussing, 356
deleting
Internet files from HDD (hard disk drives), 258
temporary files from HDD (hard disk drives), 258
desktop, 198
destroying data, 446
Device Manager, 212-213, 276-279
dial-up connectivity, 430
digital cameras, 373
digital optical ports, 362
digital signatures, 214
digital subscriber line (DSL), 431
Digital Visual Interface (DVI), 340
direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), 433
Directory Services Restore Mode option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
directory structure for Windows Vista, 235
dirty power, 107
Disable automatic system on system failure option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
Disable driver signature enforcement option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
disabling
fast user switching, 451
visual effects, 225
Welcome screen, 451
Disk Cleanup program, HDD (hard disk drives), 140, 258-259
Disk Defragmenter, 259
disk images, installing
Windows Vista from, 170
Windows XP from, 187
Disk Management, 240-243
diskpart command, 295
disks
formatting, 240-243
mounting, 244-245
partitioning, 240-243
RAID, 245-247
displays
controls, 310-311
CRT, 348
LCD, 347-348
projectors, 348-349
disposal of hardware/equipment, safety, 487-488
distractions, avoiding (professionalism), 491
docking stations, 321
documentation
findings/solutions (six-step troubleshooting process), 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
motherboards
installing, 25-26
Technical Product Specification PDF, 27
MSDS (material safety data sheets), 487
reviewing (problem identification process), 11
double-sided memory modules, 90
Downlevel phase (Vista installation), 178
downloading
BIOS (Basic Input Output System), 43
updates, 461
Dr. Watson, 282
DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), 82
compatibility, 98
installing, 94-96
RDRAM (Rambus DRAM), 88
SDRAM (synchronous DRAM), 82-83
troubleshooting, 98-101
Driver Signing, 214
drwtsn32 command, 282
DSL (digital subscriber line), 431
DSSS (direct-sequence spread spectrum), 433
dual channel RAM (random access memory), 89
duplex settings, 407
DVD-ROMs, installing Windows Vista from, 169
DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), data storage, 151-153
DVI (Digital Visual Interface), 340
DxDiag, 214-215
dynamic IP addresses, 401
E
Easy Transfer, 224
ECC (Error Correction Code), RAM, 91
edit command, 296-297
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) chips, 39
EFS (Encrypting File System), 244, 476-478
electrical safety
AC outlets, 482
ESD (electrostatic discharge), 484-486
CRT monitors, 482-483
LCD monitors, 483
power supplies, 482
printers, 483
surge protectors, 484
UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), 484
EMI (electromagnetic interference), 488
Enable Boot Logging option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
Enable low-resolution video (640x480) option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
Encrypting File System (EFS), 244, 476-478
encryption, 445
asymmetric key encryption, 476
definition of, 475
in Windows, 476-478
symmetric key encryption, 476
wireless encryption, 437
ergonomics, 487
errors
boot errors, 271-273
error messages
“BOOTMGR is missing,” 271
“Invalid boot.ini,” 273
“NTDETECT failed,” 273
“NTLDR is missing,” 273
“The Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing required information,” 272
reporting, 286-287
stop errors, 284-286
ESD (electrostatic discharges), 18-19, 484-486
CPU installation, 69
DRAM installations, 95
troubleshooting, 50
Event Viewer, 280-282
220-701 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 524-535
questions, 503-523
220-702 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 558-570
questions, 537-557
post certification development, 501-502
preparing for
cheat sheets, 497-498
exam day tips/tricks, 498-500
exam preparation checklist, 495-497
expand command, 297
expansion buses, 338-339. See also PC cards
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), 31-33
AMR (audio/modem riser), 32
CNR (Communications and Networking Riser), 32
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), 29, 32
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), 31-33
expectations, setting/meeting (professionalism), 490
external clock speeds, 57
F
fans (cooling systems), 65-66, 124
FAST (Files and Settings Transfer) Wizard, 224
fast user switching, disabling, 451
FAT16, 244
FAT32, 244
FDISK/MBR command, 463
File Transfer Protocol (FTP), 413
files
boot files, 236
comsetup.log, 193
file systems, 244
hidden files, 469
indexing, 237-238
miglog.xml, 179
NetSetup.log, 193
PostGatherPnPList.log, 179
PreGatherPnPList.log, 179
security
definition of, 468
file attributes, 468
folder sharing, 469-475
hidden files, 469
setup.log, 192
setupapi.app.log, 179
setupapi.dev.log, 179
setupapi.log, 192
setuplog.txt, 192
Windows Vista installation log files, 179
Windows XP installation log files, 192
Winsat.log, 179
Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard, 224
findings, documenting (six-step troubleshooting process), 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
firewalls
updates, HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
FireWire, 371
FireWire (IEEE 1394a) ports, 33
FIXBOOT command, 298
/fixboot option (bootrec command), 297
/fixmbr option (bootrec command), 298
flash drives, 156-158
flashing BIOS (Basic Input Output System), 43-44, 455
Flickr, 354
floppy disk drives, 143-145
folders
copying, 475
moving, 475
sharing, 469-475
format command, 295
formatting
disks, 240-243
USB flash drives, 158
front panel ports, 34
FRU (field replaceable units), power supplies as, 482
FSB (Front Side Buses), 28, 57
FTP (File Transfer Protocol), 413
full-duplex, 407
function keys, 304-305
functionality, verifying (six-step troubleshooting process), 12-13
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
fuses (power supplies), troubleshooting, 124
G - H
garbage printouts, troubleshooting, 394
gateway addresses, 402
Ghost, 290
ghosted images (printers), troubleshooting, 394
GPF (general protection faults), troubleshooting, 100
GPU (graphics processor units), 310, 342
half-duplex, 407
hard drives. See HDD (hard disk drives)
hard faults (page faults), troubleshooting, 100
hardware
compatibility
Windows Vista, 168
Windows XP, 186
disposal of, 487-488
recycling, 487-488
requirements
Windows Vista, 167-168
Windows XP, 185
hash algorithms, 476
HD (high definition), 310
HDD (hard disk drives), 132
antimalware, 141
backups
Windows Vista, 260
Windows XP, 261
caches, 138
cleanup programs, 140, 258-259
components of, 132
data transfer rates, 137
installing, 139-140
Internet files, deleting manually, 258
laptop hard drives, 328-329
latency, 138
NAS (Network Attached Storage), 143
PATA (Parallel ATA), 133-135
preventive maintenance, 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
restore points, 261
rotational speeds, 138
SATA (Serial ATA), 135-136, 140
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), 138-139
specifications, determining, 137-138
temporary files, deleting manually, 258
troubleshooting, 141-143
Ultra ATA hard drives, installing, 139
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), 340
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 447
heat
heat sinks, 64
hot components, physical safety, 486
heavy items, physical safety, 486
hibernation, 222
hidden files, 468-469
high definition (HD), 310
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), 340
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), 447
hives (Registry), 227
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT Registery hive, 227
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG Registery hive, 227
HKEY_CURRENT_USER Registery hive, 227
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registery hive, 227
HKEY_USERS Registery hive, 227
hot components, physical safety, 486
hot docking, 322
hot swappable devices, removing, 216
HT (Hyper-Threading), 61
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), 413
hubs, 408
I
i.Link (IEEE 1394a) ports, 33
I/O (input/output) ports, 33
ICH (I/O Controller Hubs), 26-29
icons, 199
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) buses, 28-29, 42
identifying
changes to computers (problem identification process), 11
problems (six-step troubleshooting process), 10-11
display issue example, 15
power issue example, 17
IEEE 1394 ports, 371
IEEE 1394a (FireWire/i.Link) ports, 33
impact printers, 382
impedence, 104
Indexing service, 237-238
Infrared, 323
inheritance, permissions, 474
ink/toner cartridges
disposal of, 488
laser printers, 380
inkjet printers, 381
input devices (laptops), 372-373
function keys, 304-305
keyboards, 304-308
pointing devices, 309
stylus, 309
installing
CPU (central processing units)
ESD prevention, 69
LGA sockets, 70
motherboard preparation, 69
PGA sockets, 72
testing installations, 72-73
DRAM (dyanmic random-access memory), 94-96
floppy disk drives, 144
HDD (hard disk drives), 139-140
laptop memory, 330-331
power supplies, 122-123
printers, 385-386
snap-ins, 208
sockets
LGA sockets, 70
PGA sockets, 72
sound cards, 363-364
speakers, 363
video cards, 343-346
Windows Vista
installation methods, 169-170
partitions, creating, 174-175
step-by-step installation process, 171-173
Windows XP
installation methods, 186-188
step-by-step installation process, 188-191
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), 432
Intel, CPU (central processing units), 63-64
interference
EMI (electromagnetic interference), 488
RFI (radio frequency interference), 488
internal clock speeds, 57
Internet files, manually deleting from HDD (hard disk drives), 258
“Invalid boot.ini” error message, 273
inverter boards, 314-315
IOH (Input/Output Hubs), 26
IP addresses, configuring, 401
ipconfig command, 421-422
IPv4
Classes, 403-405
configuring, 400-403
IrDA wireless ports, 323
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), 432
J - K - L
jams (paper), troubleshooting, 392-393
jump drives, 156-158
keyboards, 373
function keys, 304-305
laptop keyboards, 304-308
KVM Switches, 373
LANs (local area networks), 410
laptops
audio subsystem, 315-316
communications, 322-323
components, 304
CPUs, 331-333
expansion devices, 320-322
function keys, 304-305
hard drives, 328-329
keyboards, 304-308
memory, 329-331
optical discs, 316
overview, 301-302
pointing devices, 309
ports, 303
power, 316-319
stylus, 309
system board, 331-333
video subsystem
display controls, 310-311
DualView, 312-313
GPU, 310
LCD, 310
resolutions, 310
troubleshooting, 314-315
laser printers, 378
advantages of, 380
electrical safety, 483
printing process, 379-380
toner cartridges, 380
Last Known Good Configuration option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
LCD (liquid crystal displays), 310, 314, 347-348, 483
LGA (Land Grid Array) sockets, 59, 70
lines/smearing (printers), troubleshooting, 393
liquid cooling systems, 66
listening to customers (professionalism), 490
lithium batteries, 318-319
BIOS password resets, 42
CMOS, 39
local area networks (LANs), 410
Local Group Policy Editor, 451
local printers, 383
log files
Windows Vista installation log files, 179
Windows XP installation log files, 192
logic, using while troubleshooting, 19
logon process, security, 451-453
loose connections, troubleshooting, 306
Love Bug virus, 458
low on virtual memory errors, troubleshooting, 100
lumens, 348
M
macro viruses, 459
magnetic storage media, 146-147
floppy disk drives, 143-145
HDD (hard disk drives), 132
antimalware, 141
backups, 260-261
caches, 138
cleanup programs, 140, 258-259
components of, 132
data transfer rates, 137
determining drive specifications, 137-138
installing, 139
latency, 138
manually deleting Internet files, 258
manually deleting temporary files, 258
NAS (Network Attached Storage), 143
PATA (Parallel ATA), 133-135
preventive maintenance, 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
restore points, 261
rotational speeds, 138
SATA (Serial ATA), 135-136, 140
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), 138-139
troubleshooting, 141-143
Ultra ATA hard drives, 139
tape drives, 145
maintenance, HDD (hard disk drives), 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
malware, 444
definition of, 458
trojan horses, 460
viruses, 458-464
worms, 459
managing
devices with
Device Manager, 212-213
Driver Signing, 214
DxDiag, 214-215
System Information Tool, 214
power, 222-223
printers
print jobs, 387
printer permissions, 391
master drive configurations (PATA), 134
mATX (microATX) motherboards, 36-37
MCH (Memory Controller Hubs), 26
laptop memory, 329-331
low on virtual memory errors, troubleshooting, 100
memory buses, 28
memory controllers, 80
out of memory errors, troubleshooting, 100, 393
RAM (random-access memory), 79, 92-93
CPU access to, 80
DDR, 84-85
DDR2, 86
DDR3, 87
DDR4, 88
double-sided memory modules, 90
DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), 82, 94-101
dual channel RAM, 89
ECC (Error Correction Code), 91
memory latency, 90
nonparity, 90-91
parity, 90
RDRAM, 88
SDRAM, 82-83
single channel RAM, 88-89
single-sided memory modules, 90
SRAM (static random-access memory), 81-82
volatile RAM, 81
ROM (read-only memory), 82
USB flash drives, 158
video card memory, 342
microATX (Advanced Technology Extended)
motherboards, 36-37
power supplies, 118
microphones, 373
microprocessors. See CPU (central processing units)
Microsoft Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (MS-CHAP), 478
Microsoft Management Console (MMC), 208
Microsoft System Configuration Utility. See Msconfig
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), 373
miglog.xml, 179
migrating user data, 223-225
MMC (Microsoft Management Console), 208
modems, 323
monitors
CRT monitors, 482-483
electrical safety, 482-483
LCD monitors, 310, 314, 347-348, 483
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) motherboards, 24, 35-37
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) motherboards, 36-37
buses. See also PC cards
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), 31-33
AMR (audio/modem riser), 32
CNR (Communications and Networking Riser), 32
DSB (Front Side Buses), 28
expansion buses, 29-33
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics), 28-29, 42
memory buses, 28
parallel buses, 28-29
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), 29, 32
PCI Express x16 Interface, 28
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), 31-33
SATA (Serial ATA), 29
speed ratings, 28
chipsets, 29
ICH (I/O Controller Hubs), 26-28
IOH (Input/Output Hubs), 26
MCH (Memory Controller Hubs), 26, 80
clock speeds, 57
CPU
installation, 69
socket compatibility, 59-60
documentation
installations, 25-26
Technical Product Specification PDF, 27
DRAM installations, 95
front panel ports, 34
I/O (input/output) ports, 33
main components of, 24
microATX (mATX) motherboards, 36-37
NLX (New Low Profile Extended) motherboards, 36-37
troubleshooting, 47-52
mounting drives, 244-245
mouse devices, 373
moving folders, 475
MS-CHAP (Microsoft Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol), 478
MSDS (material safety data sheets), 487
multi-core CPU (central processing units), 61
multimeters
AC outlet tests, 106-108
testing power supplies, 126
multipartite viruses, 459
Multiple Monitor technology, 313, 356-357
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), 373
My Computer, 203-204
N
NAS (Network Attached Storage), 143
native resolution, 347
net command, 425-426
NetSetup.log, 193
netstat command, 424-425
network adapters, 406-408, 434-439
network installations
Windows Vista, 169
Windows XP, 187
network interface cards (NIC), 400
Network window, 206
networking
cables, 416-419
EMI (electromagnetic interference), 488
hubs, 408
IPv4
Classes, 403-405
configuring, 400-403
LANs (local area networks), 410
latency, 407
network adapters, 406-408
NIC (network interface cards), 400
overview, 399-400
ports, 411-414
printers, 383
proxy servers, 409
repeaters, 408
routers, 409
SOHO (small office home office) networks
802.11 wireless, 433
Bluetooth, 433-434
cable Internet, 431
cellular, 432
dial-up, 430
DSL (digital subscriber line), 431
ISDN, 432
overview, 430
port forwarding, 438
port triggering, 438
routers, 434-439
satellite connectivity, 431
wireless network adapters, 434-439
switches, 409
troubleshooting network connectivity with
applications, 426-427
ipconfig, 421-422
net, 425-426
netstat, 424-425
nslookup, 425
ping, 422-423
tracert, 423-424
VPNs (virtual private networks), 410
WANs (wide area networks), 410
WAPs (wireless access points), 409
NIC (network interface card), 400
NLX (New Low Profile Extended)
motherboards, 36-37
power supplies, 118
nodes, 405
nonparity, RAM, 90-91
northbridge. See MCH (Memory Controller Hubs)
nslookup command, 425
NTBackup (Windows XP), 261
“NTDETECT failed” error message, 273
“NTLDR is missing” error message, 273
O
OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), 433
ohms, 104
on-screen display (OSD), 355-356
Online configuration phase (Vista installation), 179
optical discs, 316
optical storage media, 155
Blu-Ray, 154
CD-ROMs, 149-150
CD-Rs, 150
CD-RWs, 150
DVD (Digital Versatile Discs), 151-153
OS (operating systems), optimizing with
Msconfig, 218-219
power management, 222-223
Task Manager, 216-218
virtual memory, 219-220
OSD (on-screen display), 355-356
out of memory errors, troubleshooting, 100, 393
outcomes, documenting (six-step troubleshooting process), 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
outlets (power). See also power, power strips
AC outlets, 105-108
electrical safety, 482
Outlook (MS), 426
overheating power supplies, 127
P
page faults (hard faults), troubleshooting, 100
page printers, 378
paper, troubleshooting
blank paper printing errors, 393
jams, 392-393
parallel buses
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics), 28-29, 42
SATA (Serial ATA), 29
parallel ports, 372
parity, RAM, 90
partitioning disks, 240-247
partitions, creating during Windows Vista installation, 174-175
passwords
BIOS, 42
changing, 450
password policy, 450-451
strong passwords, 449
PATA (Parallel ATA) hard drives, 133-135
patch testers, 417
PC Cards, 32. See also expansion buses
PC Check, 168
PC Diagnostic tools, 168
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) buses, 29, 32, 338
PCI Express x16 Interface, 28
PCIe (PCI Express), 338
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) buses, 31-33
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association), PC Cards, 32
percentage signs (%), 205
Performance tool, 282-284
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), 338
peripherals, 372-373
monitors
CRT monitors, 482-483
electrical safety, 482-483
LCD monitors, 310, 314, 347-348, 483
configuring, 386-392
consummables, 380
electrical safety, 483
impact printers, 382
ink/toner cartridges, 380, 488
inkjet printers, 381
installing, 385-386
local printers, 383
network printers, 383
page printers, 378
thermal printers, 382
troubleshooting, 392-397
permissions
inheritance and propagation, 474
NTFS permissions, 471
PGA (Pin Grid Array) sockets, 59, 72
physical safety
cable, 486
ergonomics, 487
heavy items, 486
hot components, 486
piezoelectric inkjet printers, 381
ping command, 422-423
pixel dimensions, 351
plans of action, establishing (six-step troubleshooting process), 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
pointing devices, 309
polymorphic viruses, 459
pooling printers, 390
POP3 (Post Office Protocol Version 3), 413
ports, 411-414
audio clusters, 34
definition of, 368
digital optical ports, 362
forwarding, 438
front panel ports, 34
I/O (input/output) ports, 33
IEEE 1394, 371
IEEE 1394a (FireWire/i.Link) ports, 33
laptop ports, 303
port replicators, 322
PS/2, 372
RJ45 LAN ports, 34
serial versus parallel, 372
Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format (S/PDIF), 362
triggering, 438
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, 33, 368-371
positive outlook, maintaining (professionalism), 490
POST (power-on self-tests), 40
Post Office Protocol Version 3 (POP3), 413
PostGatherPnPList.log, 179
AC (alternating current) outlets, 104
electrical safety, 482
regulating output, 107
testing, 105-108
amperage (A), 104
blackouts, 110
brownouts, 110
clean power, 107
consumption, CPU (central processing units), 62
DC (direct current), 104
dirty power, 107
impedence, 104
ohms, 104
power connectors, 119-120
power strips, 110-111
power supplies, 128-129
ATX form factor, 116-117
BTX form factor, 118
capacity requirements, 118-119
compatibility, 116-117
cooling, 127
electrical safety, 482
FRU (field replaceable units), 482
installing, 122-123
laptops, 316-319
microATX form factor, 118
NLX form factor, 118
overheating, 127
power connectors, 119-120
testing, 126
troubleshooting, 123-127
wattage (W), 118-119
sags, 110
spikes, 110
surge protectors, 110-112
troubleshooting, 17-19
UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), 112-113
practice exams
220-701 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 524-535
questions, 503-523
220-702 CompTIA A+ practice exam
answers, 558-570
questions, 537-557
PreGatherPnPList.log, 179
preparing for exams
cheat sheets, 497-498
exam day tips/tricks, 498-500
exam preparation checklist, 495-497
preventive maintenance
HDD (hard disk drives), 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
spyware, 464-466
viruses, 461-464
calibrating, 386
compatibility, 385
configuring, 386
managing print jobs, 387
managing printer permissions, 391
pooling printers, 390
print spooling options, 388-389
separator pages, 392
setting printer priority, 387-388
sharing printers, 391
XPS (XML Paper Specification) feature (Windows Vista), 390
consummables, 380
driver installation, 385
impact printers, 382
ink/toner cartridges, 380, 488
inkjet printers, 381
installing, 385-386
local printers, 383
network printers, 383
page printers, 378
prioritizing, 387-388
testing installations, 386
thermal printers, 382
troubleshooting, 392-397
private addresses, 405
probable cause (six-step troubleshooting process)
establishing theory of, 11
display issue example, 15-16
power issue example, 17
testing theory of, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 17
Problem Reports and Solutions, 282
problems, identifying (six-step troubleshooting process), 10-11
display issue example, 15
power issue example, 17
professionalism, 490-492
Program Compatibility Wizard, 231
program viruses, 459
projectors, 348-349
PROM (Programmable ROM) chips, 39
protocols
APIPA (automatic private IP addressing), 402
FTP (File Transfer Protocol), 413
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), 413
IPv4
Classes, 403-405
configuring, 400-403
POP3 (Post Office Protocol Version 3), 413
ports, 411-414
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), 413
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), 400
TELNET, 413
proxy servers, 409
PS/2 ports, 372
public addresses, 405
punctuality (professionalism), 490
purging data, 445
Q - R
quality of audio, 364-365
questioning users (problem identification process), 10
Quick Launch, 200
RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks), 245-247
RAM (random-access memory), 79, 91-93
CPU access to, 80
DDR (Double Data Rate), 84-85
DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2), 86
DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3), 87
DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4), 88
double-sided memory modules, 90
DRAM (dynamic random-access memory)
compatibility, 98
installing, 94-96
RDRAM, 88
SDRAM, 82-83
troubleshooting, 98-101
dual channel RAM, 89
ECC (Error Correction Code), 91
memory latency, 90
nonparity, 90-91
parity, 90
single channel RAM, 88-89
single-sided memory modules, 90
SRAM (static random-access memory), 81-82
volatile RAM, 81
RDRAM (Rambus DRAM), 88
Read-only file attribute, 468
/rebuildbcd option (bootrec command), 298
receptacle testers, AC outlet tests, 105
Recovery Command Prompts
copy, 297
edit, 296-297
expand, 297
recovery environment commands, 297-298
Recovery Console, 270-271
recovery discs, installing
Windows Vista from, 170
Windows XP from, 188
recovery environment commands, 297-298
recycling hardware/equipment, safety, 487-488
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID), 245-247
refresh rate, 354-355
regedit command, 226
regedt32 command, 226
Regional and Language Options, 226
Reliability and Performance Monitor, 282-284
Remote Assistance, 229
Remote Desktop, 229-230
removing
hot swappable devices, 216
snap-ins, 208
repair tools, 265
Advanced Boot Options menu, 266-267
Recovery Console, 270-271
WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), 268-270
repeaters, 408
replacing
inverter boards, 314-315
laptop keyboards, 306-308
reporting errors, 286-287
changing, 353
laptops, 310
native resolution, 347
table of, 352
resolving problems (six-step troubleshooting process), establishing plans of action, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
restoring Windows, 287. See also backups
restore points, 261
System Restore, 289-290
to an earlier condition, 289
Windows Vista complete PC backups, 288
Windows XP’s ASR backups, 288
results, documenting (six-step troubleshooting process), 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
reviewing documentation (problem identification process), 11
RFI (radio frequency interference), 488
RJ45 LAN ports, 34
ROM (read-only memory), 39, 82
rotational speeds, HDD (hard disk drives), 138
S
S-Video (Separate Video), 340
S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format) port, 362
Safe Mode with Command Prompt option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 266
Safe Mode with Networking option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 266
Safely Remove option, 216
safety, 489
disposal of hardware/equipment, 487-488
electrical safety
AC outlets, 482
CRT monitors, 482-483
ESD (electrostatic discharge), 484-486
LCD monitors, 483
power supplies, 482
printers, 483
surge protectors, 484
UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), 484
MSDS (material safety data sheets), 487
physical safety
cable, 486
ergonomics, 487
heavy items, 486
hot components, 486
recycling hardware/equipment, 487-488
sags (power), 110
sanitizing data, 445
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), 447
SATA (Serial ATA) buses, 29
SATA (Serial ATA) hard drives, 135-136, 140
satellite connectivity, 431
Scan Line Interleave (SLI), 346
/ScanOS option (bootrec command), 298
screen switching, 311
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) hard drives, 138-139
SD (Secure Digital) cards, 159
SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) cards, 160
SDRAM (synchronous DRAM), 82-83
SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), 431
Secure Shell (SSH), 413
security
administrative privileges, 208
authentication
biometrics, 456
BIOS security, 454-455
logon process, 451-453
passwords, 449-451
smart cards, 455
UAC (User Account Control), 453-454
usernames, 449
compliance, 447
data security
data security technologies, 444-446
data sensitivity, 446-447
security compliance, 447
threats, 444-445
encryption
asymmetric key encryption, 476
definition of, 475
in Windows, 476-478
symmetric key encryption, 476
wireless encryption, 437
file security
definition of, 468
file attributes, 468
folder sharing, 469-475
hidden files, 469
malware
definition of, 458
preventing and troubleshooting, 461-466
trojan horses, 460
viruses, 458-464
worms, 459
overview, 443
smart cards, 456
Separate Video (S-Video), 340
separator pages (printers), 392
serial ports, 372
service packs (SP), Windows updates, 252-253
services
Indexing services, 237-238
starting/stopping in
Command Prompt, 221
Computer Management, 220
setup.log, 192
setupapi.app.log, 179
setupapi.dev.log, 179
setupapi.log, 192
setuplog.txt, 192
SFC (System File Checker), 294
sharing
folders
overview, 469-470
permission inheritance and propagation, 474
Windows Vista, 473-474
Windows XP, 471-472
printers, 391
shielded twisted pair (STP), 418
Sidebar, 200
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards, 160
SIM (System Image Manager), 170
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), 413
single channel RAM (random access memory), 88-89
single drive configurations (PATA), 134
single-sided memory modules, 90
six-step troubleshooting process, 14, 290-291
display issue example, 15-16
documenting solutions, 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
establishing plans of action, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
establishing theory of probable cause, 11
display issue example, 15-16
power issue example, 17
identifying the problem, 10-11
display issue example, 15
power issue example, 17
power issue example, 17-18
testing theory of probable cause, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 17
verifying system functionality, 12-13
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
slave drive configurations (PATA), 135
Sleep mode, 223
SLI (Scan Line Interleave), 346
small office home office (SOHO) networks
802.11 wireless, 433
Bluetooth, 433-434
cable Internet, 431
cellular, 432
dial-up, 430
DSL (digital subscriber line), 431
ISDN, 432
overview, 430
port forwarding, 438
port triggering, 438
routers, 434-439
satellite connectivity, 431
wireless network adapters, 434-439
smart cards, 455-456
smearing/lines (printers), troubleshooting, 393
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), 413
snap-ins, adding/removing, 208
SO-DIMMs, laptop installations, 330-331
social engineering, 444
sockets
CPU sockets, 58-60
LGA (Land Grid Array) sockets, 59, 70
PGA (Pin Grid Array) sockets, 59, 72
SOHO (small office home office) networks
802.11 wireless, 433
Bluetooth, 433-434
cable Internet, 431
cellular, 432
dial-up, 430
DSL (digital subscriber line), 431
ISDN, 432
overview, 430
port forwarding, 438
port triggering, 438
routers, 434-439
satellite connectivity, 431
wireless network adapters, 434-439
solid-state storage media, 162
CF (CompactFlash) cards, 161
SD (Secure Digital) cards, 159
SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) cards, 160
USB flash drives, 156-158
solutions (six-step troubleshooting process)
documenting, 13
display issue example, 17
power issue example, 18
implementing, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format (S/PDIF) ports, 362
sound cards, 361-364
SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley), 447
SP (service packs), Windows updates, 252-253
speakers, installing, 363
speaking clearing, 490
spikes (power), 110
spooling (printers), 388-389
SRAM (static random-access memory), 81-82
SSH (Secure Shell), 413
standby, 222
Start menu, 200-203
Start Windows Normally option (Advanced Boot Options menu), 267
starting services in
Command Prompt, 221
Computer Management, 220
startup issues, troubleshooting, 17-19
Startup Repair option (Recovery Options), 270
Startup Restore option (Recovery Options), 270
static IP addresses, 401
status indicators, 406
stealth viruses, 459
Command Prompt, 221
Computer Management, 220
storing data
Blu-Ray, 154
CD-ROMs, 149-150
CD-Rs, 150
CD-RWs, 150
CF (CompactFlash) cards, 161
DVD (Digital Versatile Discs), 151-153
floppy disk drives, 143-145
HDD (hard disk drives)
antimalware, 141
backups, 260-261
caches, 138
cleanup programs, 140, 258-259
components of, 132
data transfer rates, 137
determining drive specifications, 137-138
installing, 139
latency, 138
manually deleting Internet files, 258
manually deleting temporary files, 258
NAS (Network Attached Storage), 143
PATA (Parallel ATA), 133-135
preventive maintenance, 140-141, 258-259, 262-264
restore points, 261
rotational speeds, 138
SATA (Serial ATA), 135-136, 140
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), 138-139
troubleshooting, 141-143
Ultra ATA hard drives, 139
magnetic storage media, 132-147
optical storage media, 149-155
SD (Secure Digital) cards, 159
SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) cards, 160
solid-state storage media, 156-162
tape drives, 145
USB flash drives, 156-158
STP (shielded twisted pair), 418
strong passwords, 449
stuck keys, troubleshooting, 306
stylus, 309
surge protectors, 110-112
electrical safety, 484
HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 262
switches, 409
symmetric key encryption, 476
Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL), 431
SYS command, 463
system boards, laptops, 331-333
system failure, 444
System file attribute, 468
System File Checker (SFC), 294
system functionality, verifying (six-step troubleshooting process), 12-13
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
System Image Manager (SIM), 170
System Information Tool, 214
System Recovery Options window, 269-270
system tools
Device Manager, 212-213
Driver Signing, 214
DxDiag, 214-215
Msconfig, 218-219
Program Compatibility Wizard, 231
Remote Assistance, 229
Remote Desktop, 229-230
Safely Remove option, 216
System Information Tool, 214
Task Manager, 216-218
virtual memory, 219-220
systray (System Tray), 200
T
tape drives, 145
Task Scheduler, 226
taskbar, 200-203
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), 400
TDP (thermal design points), 62
TDR (time-domain reflectometers), 418
Technical Product Specification PDF, 27
TELNET, 413
temporary files, manually deleting from HDD (hard disk drives), 258
testing
AC outlets, 105-108
CPU installations, 72-73
DRAM installations, 96
HDD (hard disk drive) installations, 140
power supplies, 126
printer installations, 386
theory of probable cause (six-step troubleshooting process), 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 17
twisted pair cable, 417-418
tests. See exams
“The Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing required information” error message, 272
theory of probable cause (six-step troubleshooting process)
establishing, 11
display issue example, 15-16
power issue example, 17
testing, 12
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 17
thermal printers, 381-382
thinking logically while troubleshooting, 19
threats, 444-445
throughput (data). See data transfer rates
TIM (thermal interface material), 65
time-domain reflectometers (TDR), 418
time/date, BIOS configuration, 41
toner/ink cartridges
disposal of, 488
laser printers, 380
touch pads, 309
touch screens, 373
tracert command, 423-424
TrackPoint, 309
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), 400
trojan horses, 460
troubleshooting, 20-21
BIOS (Basic Input Output Systems)
memory errors, 99
motherboard-related issues, 50
boot errors
Windows 2000 Boot Errors, 273
Windows Vista Boot Errors, 271-273
Windows XP Boot Errors, 273
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), 99
command-line tools
chkdsk, 293-294
Command Prompt, 293
convert, 294
defrag, 295
diskpart, 295
format, 295
SFC (System File Checker), 294
xcopy, 295
CPU (central processing units), 74-76
DRAM (dyanmic random-access memory), 98-101
error reporting, 286-287
ESD (electrostatic discharges), 18-19, 484-486
fans, 124
floppy disk drives, 144
fuses (power supplies), 124
GPF (general protection faults), 100
hard faults (page faults), 100
HDD (hard disk drives), 141-143
laptops
audio subsystem, 315-316
communications, 322-323
CPUs, 331-333
expansion devices, 320-322
hard drives, 328-329
keyboards, 306-308
memory, 329-331
optical discs, 316
power, 316-319
system board, 331-333
video issues, 314-315
low on virtual memory errors, 100
motherboards, 47-52
network connectivity
applications, 426-427
ipconfig, 421-422
net, 425-426
netstat, 424-425
nslookup, 425
ping, 422-423
tracert, 423-424
out of memory errors, 100
page faults (hard faults), 100
paper jams, 392-393
power issues, 17-19
power supplies, 123-127
printers, 392-397
recovery Command Prompts
copy, 297
edit, 296-297
expand, 297
recovery environment commands, 297-298
repair tools, 265
Advanced Boot Options menu, 266-267
Recovery Console, 270-271
WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), 268-270
restoring Windows, 287
System Restore, 289-290
to an earlier condition, 289
Windows Vista complete PC backup, 288
Windows XP’s ASR backup, 288
six-step troubleshooting process, 14, 290-291
display issue example, 15-16
documenting solutions, 13, 17-18
establishing plans of action, 12, 16-18
establishing theory of probable cause, 11, 15-17
identifying the problem, 10-11, 15-17
power issue example, 17-18
testing theory of probable cause, 12, 16-17
verifying system functionality, 12-13, 16-18
spyware, 464-466
startup issues, 17-19
thinking logically, 19
USB flash drives, 158
user error, 19
video cards, 343-346
viruses, 461-464
Windows tools
Device Manager, 276-279
Dr. Watson, 282
Event Viewer, 280-282
Msconfig, 284
Problem Reports and Solutions, 282
Reliability and Performance Monitor, 282-284
Windows Vista installation, 178-181
Windows XP installation, 192-193
TV tuner cards, 346
twisted pair cables, 416
U
UAC (User Account Control), 453-454
Ultra ATA hard drives, installing, 139
unauthorized access, 444
Universal Serial Bus (USB), 368-371
unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, 416
updates
antimalware, HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
downloading, 461
firewalls, HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
Windows, 256-257
HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
SP (service packs), 252-253
Windows Update, 254-255
upgrading to
Windows Vista, 176-178
Windows XP, 191
UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), 112-113
electrical safety, 484
HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 262
USB (Universal Serial Buses), 368-371
USB ports, 33
USB flash drives, 156-158
users
customizing user environment, 225-226
ergonomics, 487
errors, troubleshooting, 19
logon process, security, 451-453
migrating user data, 223-225
passwords
changing, 450
password policy, 450-451
strong passwords, 449
questioning (problem identification process), 10
state, 224
UAC (User Account Control), 453-454
user awareness, 446
usernames, 449
USMT (User State Migration Tool), 224
UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables, 416
V
verifying
system functionality (six-step troubleshooting process), 12-13
display issue example, 16
power issue example, 18
Windows Vista installation, 178-181
Windows XP installation, 192-193
versions of
Windows Vista, 166-167
Windows XP, 184-185
vertical refresh rate, 354-355
VGA (Video Graphics Array), 340
video subsytems
laptop video subsystems
display controls, 310-311
DualView, 312-313
GPU, 310
LCD, 310
resolutions, 310
troubleshooting, 314-315
overview, 337
video cards
chipsets, 342
connector types, 340-341
expansion busses, 338-339
GPU, 342
installing, 343-346
memory, 342
SLI and TV tuner/capture cards, 346-347
troubleshooting, 343-346
video displays
CRT, 348
LCD, 347-348
projectors, 348-349
video settings
color depth, 350-351
drivers, 349-350
Multiple Monitor (DualView), 356-357
OSD (on-screen display), 355-356
refresh rate, 354-355
resolution, 351-354
virtual private networks (VPNs), 410
viruses
definition of, 458
preventing and troubleshooting, 461-464
types of viruses, 458-459
Vista
Backup Status and Configuration, 260
boot errors, 271-273
boot files, 236
Compatibility Center, 168, 176
directory structure, 235
folder sharing, 473-474
hardware compatibility, 168
Indexing service, 237-238
installing
installation methods, 169-170
partitions, 174-175
step-by-step installation process, 171-173
troubleshooting, 178-181
verifying, 178-181
Windows Preinstallation Environment phase, 179
Windows Welcome phase, 179
Logo’d Products List, 168, 176
minimum requirements, 167-168
restoring
restore points, 261
to an earlier condition, 289
Windows Vista complete PC backup, 288
upgrading to, 176-178
versions, 166-167
Windows Welcome phase (Vista installation), 179
XPS (XML Paper Specification) feature, 390
visual effects, disabling, 225
volatile RAM (random access memory), 81
VPNs (virtual private networks), 410
W
WANs (wide area networks), 410
WAPs (wireless access points), 409
web cameras, 373
Welcome Center, configuring, 203
Welcome screen, disabling, 451
Widescreen Extended Graphics Array (WXGA), 310
Widescreen Super Extended Graphics Array Plus (WSXGA+), 310
Windows
applications
Command Prompt, 206
Computer, 203-204
Control Panel, 205
Network, 206
Windows Explorer, 204-205
components
application windows, 200
desktop, 198
icons, 199
Quick Launch, 200
Sidebar, 200
Start menu, 200-203
System Tray, 200
taskbar, 200-203
Welcome Center, 203
Windows Aero, 203
configuration
administrative tools, 207-208
boot files, 236
directory structure, 235
file systems, 244
formatting disks, 240-243
Indexing service, 237-238
MMC (Microsoft Management Console), 208
mounting disks, 244-245
overview, 197
partitioning disks, 240-243
power management, 222-223
RAID disks, 245-247
starting/stopping services, 220-221
user customizations, 225-226
user migration, 223-225
CPU, testing installations, 72
encryption, 476-478
HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
updates, 263
system tools
Device Manager, 212-213, 276-279
Dr. Watson, 282
Driver Signing, 214
DxDiag, 214-215
Event Viewer, 280-282
Problem Reports and Solutions, 282
Program Compatibility Wizard, 231
Registry, 226-228
Reliability and Performance Monitor, 282-284
Remote Assistance, 229
Remote Desktop, 229-230
Safely Remove option, 216
System Information Tool, 214
Task Manager, 216-218
virtual memory, 219-220
updates, 256-257
HDD (hard disk drive) maintenance, 263
SP (service packs), 252-253
Windows Update, 254-255
Windows Aero, configuring, 203
Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing required information” error message, “The, 272
Windows Complete PC Restore option (Recovery Options), 270
Windows Easy Transfer, 224
Windows Explorer, 204-205
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool (Recovery Options), 270
Windows Preinstallation Environment phase (Vista installation), 179
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), 268-270
Windows Security dialog box, 451
Windows System Image Manager (SIM), 170
Windows System Information tool, 168, 186
Windows Update, 254-255
Windows Vista
Backup Status and Configuration, 260
boot errors, 271-273
boot files, 236
Compatibility Center, 168, 176
directory structure, 235
folder sharing, 473-474
hardware compatibility, 168
Indexing service, 237-238
installing
installation methods, 169-170
partitions, 174-175
step-by-step installation process, 171-173
troubleshooting, 178-181
verifying, 178-181
Windows Preinstallation Environment phase, 179
Windows Welcome phase, 179
Logo’d Products List, 168, 176
minimum requirements, 167-168
restoring
restore points, 261
to an earlier condition, 289
Windows Vista complete PC backup, 288
upgrading to, 176-178
versions, 166-167
Windows Welcome phase (Vista installation), 179
XPS (XML Paper Specification) feature, 390
Windows XP
boot errors, 273
boot files, 236
folder sharing, 471-472
hardware compatibility, 186
Indexing service, 237-238
installing
installation methods, 186-188
step-by-step installation process, 188-191
troubleshooting, 192-193
verifying, 192-193
Logo’d Products List, 186, 191
minimum requirements, 185
NTBackup, 261
restoring
ASR backups, 288
restore points, 261
System Restore, 289-290
to an earlier condition, 289
upgrading to, 191
versions, 184-185
WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), 268-270
Winsat.log, 179
wireless access points (WAPs), 409
wireless network adapters, 434-439
wizards
FAST (Files and Settings Transfer) Wizard, 224
Program Compatibility Wizard, 231
worms, 459
WSXGA+ (Widescreen Super Extended Graphics Array Plus), 310
WXGA (Widescreen Extended Graphics Array), 310
X
xcopy command, 295
XP
boot errors, 273
boot files, 236
folder sharing, 471-472
hardware compatibility, 186
Indexing service, 237-238
installing
installation methods, 186-188
step-by-step installation process, 188-191
troubleshooting, 192-193
verifying, 192-193
Logo’d Products List, 186, 191
minimum requirements, 185
NTBackup, 261
restoring
ASR backups, 288
restore points, 261
System Restore, 289-290
to an earlier condition, 289
upgrading to, 191
versions, 184-185
XPS (XML Paper Specification) feature (Windows Vista), 390
Y - Z
zombies, 460