Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter teaches you how to resolve many of the most common end-user requests that involve basic operating system components as they relate to running applications. The components covered in this chapter include the taskbar, Start menu, regional settings, folder settings, and file association settings.

The chapter begins with the taskbar and Start menu and introduces the most common issues that you will see as a tier 1 desktop support technician (DST). Issues involving the taskbar usually revolve around missing icons, a locked or missing taskbar, or the automatic grouping of items. Common issues with the Start menu involve how to personalize it by adding or removing items, reordering items, or performing similar customizations.

You will also learn how to configure and troubleshoot various regional settings such as currency, date, and time; to configure input languages; and resolve language-related keyboard problems. Finally you will learn about folder settings and file associations and the most common end-user requests that are associated with these components. Common file and folder requests include changing how a folder opens and what is shown, viewing hidden or system files, and changing the way a particular program or file opens.

Before You Begin

Before you begin this chapter, you should have basic familiarity with the Windows XP interface. You should also have access to a computer running Windows XP on which you can experiment with changing various settings.