5199 - Installing, Configuring, Maintaining and Troubleshooting Windows Vista

Summary

Introduction
Audience
At Course Completion
Prerequisites
Course Materials and Software
Course Outline

Introduction

 This five-day accelerated instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Vista desktops.  Students will learn how to successfully configure mobile computers and applications, as well as the configuration of the IT Pro tools and productivity applications that ship with Windows Vista.

Six area students will focus on include: maintenance and optimization tools, media applications, productivity applications, notebook computers, mobile devices, and Tablet PCs.  Students will leave this course with the knowledge and skills to successfully maintain and troubleshoot Windows Vista computers.   It will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify technical problems that can occur in an organization's client computers.

 By the end of the course, the student will have installed and configured a Windows Vista desktop that is secure, on the network, and ready for browsing and will be able to monitor and maintain Windows Vista computers.

 Audience

 The primary audience for this course is IT Professionals wishing to become technology specialists. A Windows Vista technology specialist is defined as a technology specialist interested in learning about, assessing skills, using reference products, or taking exams to prove his or her knowledge/skills/experience related to Microsoft’s Windows Vista technologies. Technology specialists:

• Value and may be working toward an extensive, deep technical knowledge in a particular technology.
• Are interested in learning about Windows Vista technologies in greater detail.
• Want to learn or test that they know and can apply existing concepts, practices, procedures, policies, and guidelines.
• Work in roles where most questions have clear right and wrong answers.
• Focus primarily on the "how to" associated with Windows Vista technologies.
• On the job, work from functional specifications, defined polices/conventions/standards, and documented operational procedures received from superiors.
 

As working professionals, students must quickly resolve support issues by combining technical expertise with problem solving and decision making skills and a deep understanding of their business and technical environments. They must consider all variables, justify resolutions with a logical troubleshooting approach, and relate tradeoffs to business and technical requirements and constraints.

Students will have used Microsoft Windows XP-SP2 and may have experience with Windows server operating systems. Their jobs require them to stay knowledgeable and skilled about new versions and updates of technology in the business environment.

 At Course Completion

 After completing this course, students will be able to:

 • Install Windows Vista.
• Upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate Edition.
• Configure post-installation system settings.
• Configure basic networking.
• Configure advanced networking.
• Configure user account security.
• Configure network security.
• Configure Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0.

• Maintain and optimize Windows Vista systems.
• Configure Windows Vista Media Applications.
• Configure Windows Vista Productivity Applications

• Plan and apply a troubleshooting methodology for an organization.
• Describe how the Windows Vista platform helps address troubleshooting requirements for important technical areas.
• Identify the most appropriate method to troubleshoot Windows Vista computers.
• Identify Windows Vista tools that can be used to help in the troubleshooting process.
• Identify important maintenance tools that will be used as part of IT operations for their organizations.
• Describe how monitoring and optimization tools in Windows Vista can be used to assist in troubleshooting and keeping computers performing optimally.
 

 Prerequisites

 This course assumes students have these skills:

 • Familiarity with computer hardware and devices, such as the ability to look into device manager and look for unsupported devices.
• Basic TCP/IP knowledge, such as knowing why you need to have a valid IP address.
• Basic Microsoft Windows® and Active Directory® knowledge, such as knowledge about domain user accounts, domain vs. local user accounts, user profiles, and group membership.
• Experience with mapping network file shares, such as being familiar with UNC paths and mapping local resources to server/share.
• Experience with running commands from a command window, such as the DOS command prompt.
• Experience with reviewing BIOS settings.
• Experience supporting previous versions of the Windows operating system.
• Familiarity with an IT helpdesk ticketing system.
• Experience researching online and local knowledge bases.
• Experience running commands from a command window, such as the DOS command prompt.
• Familiarity with computer hardware and devices, such as the ability to use Windows device manager and look for unsupported devices.
• Basic TCP/IP knowledge, such as knowing why you need to have a valid IP address.
• Basic Windows and Active Directory knowledge, such as knowledge about domain user accounts, domain vs. local user accounts, user profiles, and group membership.
• Fundamentals of applications, such as how a client communicates with the server in client/server applications.
• Experience reviewing logs, such as understanding chronology, sequential order, severity, etc.

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 Course Materials and Software

 The student kit includes a comprehensive workbook and other necessary materials for this clinic.

Course Outline

 Module 1: Installing Windows Vista

This module describes the new features of the Windows Vista operating system and then explains how to perform a clean installation. This module also explains how to install and configure Windows Vista device drivers.

Lessons

• Introduction to Windows Vista
• Performing a Clean Installation of Windows Vista
• Installing and Configuring Windows Vista Device Drivers

Lab: Installing Windows Vista

• Verifying Hardware Requirements
• Installing Windows Vista from DVD
• Managing Device Drivers

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Windows Vista operating system.
• Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.
• Install and configure Windows Vista device drivers.

Module 2: Upgrading and Migrating to Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

This module explains how to upgrade and migrate to Windows Vista Ultimate edition from previous versions of Windows and from other Windows Vista editions.

Lessons

• Upgrading and Migrating to Windows Vista from a Previous Version of Windows
• Upgrading Between Windows Vista Editions

Lab: Upgrading and Migrating to Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

• Running USMT to Scan a User’s Settings
• Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista Ultimate
• Upgrading from Windows Vista Business to Windows Vista Ultimate
• Running USMT to Load a User’s Settings

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Upgrade or migrate to Windows Vista from a previous version of Microsoft Windows.
• Upgrade or migrate between Windows Vista editions.

Module 3: Configuring Post-Installation System Settings

This module explains how to configure the Windows Aero Experience and the Accessibility features of Windows Vista. This module also explains how to configure Parental Controls.

Lessons

• Configuring the Windows Aero Experience
• Configuring Accessibility Features
• Configuring Parental Controls

Lab: Configuring Post-Installation Options

• Configuring Aero
• Configuring Accessibility Features

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure the Windows Aero experience.
• Configure the accessibility features of the Windows Vista operating system.
• Configure Windows Vista Parental Controls.


Module 4: Sharing Files by Using Windows Vista

This module explains how to use Windows Vista to share files with others and also describes how to manage the various file types that Windows Vista supports.

Lessons

• Sharing Data with Others
• Managing Windows Vista Files

Lab: Sharing Files by Using Windows Vista

• Sharing Data with Others
• Managing Files

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Share data with others.
• Manage Windows Vista files.

Module 5: Configuring Advanced Networking

This module explains how to connect Windows Vista to a network, and also explains how to configure and troubleshooting the Remote Access features of Windows Vista.

Lessons

• Configuring Network Connectivity
• Configuring Remote Access

Lab: Configuring Advanced Networking

• Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
• Configuring Remote Access
• Troubleshooting Remote Access Connections

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure network connectivity.
• Configure Remote Access.

Module 6: Configuring User Account Security

This module explains how to configure and troubleshoot User Account Control in Windows Vista.

Lessons

• Configuring User Account Control
• Troubleshooting User Account Control

Lab: Configuring User Account Security

• Requesting an Application to Run Elevated One Time
• Making an Application to Always Run Elevated
• Configuring User Account Control Panel

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure Windows Vista User Account Control.
• Troubleshoot User Account Control.


Module 7: Configuring Network Security

This module explains how to configure the Windows Defender and Windows Firewall applications in Windows Vista.

Lessons

• Configuring Windows Defender in Windows Vista
• Configuring Windows Firewall Settings

Lab: Configuring Network Security

• Configuring Windows Defender
• Configuring Windows Firewall

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure Windows Defender in Windows Vista.
• Configure the Windows Firewall settings in Windows Vista.


Module 8: Configuring Internet Explorer 7.0

This module explains how to configure the Internet Explorer 7.0 options and explains how to configure the dynamic security settings.

Lessons

• Configuring Internet Explorer 7.0
• Configuring Dynamic Security for Internet Explorer 7.0

Lab: Configuring Internet Explorer 7.0

• Customizing Internet Explorer 7.0
• Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Security Settings

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure Internet Explorer 7.0.
• Configure dynamic security for Internet Explorer 7.0.
 

Module 9: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows Vista Systems

This module explains how to use the performance tools and diagnostics tools to maintain and optimize Windows Vista systems. This module also explains how to configure Windows Update.

Lessons

• Maintaining Performance by Using Windows Vista Performance Tools
• Optimizing Windows by Using Windows Vista Diagnostics Tools
• Configuring Windows Update

Lab: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows Vista

• Monitoring General System Activity by Using Resource Overview
• Viewing System Stability by Using Reliability Monitor
• Configuring Windows Update

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Maintain performance by using Windows Vista performance tools.
• Optimize reliability by using Windows Vista diagnostic tools.
• Configure Microsoft Windows Update.

Module10: Configuring Windows Vista Media Applications

This module explains how to configure the Microsoft Windows Media Player and the Windows Media Center.

Lessons

• Configuring Windows Media Player for Windows Vista
• Configuring Windows Media Center

Lab: Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows Vista Media Applications

• Configuring Windows Media Center
• Configuring Windows Media Player
• Troubleshooting Windows Media Player

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 for Windows Vista.
• Configure Microsoft Windows Media Center.

Module 11: Configuring Windows Vista Productivity Applications

This module explains how to configure the productivity tools included with every edition of Windows Vista.

Lessons

• Configuring Windows Sidebar
• Configuring Windows Mail
• Configuring Windows Meeting Space
• Configuring Windows Calendar
• Configuring Windows Fax and Scan

Lab : Configuring Windows Vista Productivity Applications

• Setting Up Windows Vista Productivity Applications
• Configuring Windows Mail
• Configuring Windows Sidebar

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Use and configure Windows Sidebar.
• Use and configure Windows Mail.
• Use and configure Windows Meeting Space.
• Use and configure Windows Calendar.
• Use and configure Windows Fax and Scan.

Module 12: Configuring Mobile Computers

This module explains how to configure the settings in Windows Vista specifically for mobile computers, and also explains how to configure power management.

Lessons

• Configuring Mobile Computer Settings
• Configuring Mobile Devices
• Configuring Power Options

Lab: Configuring Mobile Computers

• Configuring a Sync Partnership for a Mobile Device
• Configuring Power Options

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure mobile computer settings.
• Configure mobile devices.
• Configure power options.

Module 13: Configuring Tablet PC Settings

This module explains how to configure the options in Windows Vista specifically for a Tablet PC.

Lessons

• Configuring Windows Vista Tablet PC Settings
• Configuring Pen and Input Devices

Lab: Configuring a Windows Vista Tablet PC

• Configuring the Tablet PC Settings
• Configuring Pen and Input Devices


After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure Windows Vista Tablet PC settings.
• Configure Pen and Input Devices.

Module 14: Networking Mobile Computers

This module explains how to configure wireless networking and how to use Windows Vista tools to use offline files.

Lessons

• Networking Without Wires
• Connecting to a Wireless Network
• Working with Offline Files

Lab : Networking Mobile Computers

• Configuring a Wireless Network
• Troubleshooting a Wireless Network
• Using Offline Files

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Configure networks without wires.
• Configure a connection to a wireless network.
• Configure Offline Files.
 

Module 15: A Troubleshooting Methodology

This module explains what a troubleshooting methodology is, its role in an enterprise, and how it can be used to improve the support function within an organization.

Lessons

• Overview of a Troubleshooting Methodology
• Overview of Troubleshooting Stages
• Troubleshooting Component Areas

Lab: Preparing for Remote Troubleshooting

• Obtaining Information Remotely from Windows Vista
• Using the System Information Tool Remotely

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify the users of the troubleshooting methodology.
• Identify the most important troubleshooting component areas.
• Determine which issues directly affect the troubleshooting process.

Module 16: Troubleshooting Operating Systems

This module explains how to identify and troubleshoot issues that affect the operating system's ability to boot and the services that it is running.

Lessons

• Overview of the Windows Vista Startup Process
• Troubleshooting the Windows Vista Startup Process with Windows RE
• Troubleshooting Operating System Services

Lab: Troubleshooting the Operating System

• Gathering System Information and Developing a Plan of Action
• Implementing the Proposed Plan of Action
• Clean-Booting Windows Vista

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify the available recovery options in Windows Vista.
• Determine the capabilities of each recovery option.
• Troubleshoot operating system services.


Module 17: Troubleshooting Hardware

This module explains how to troubleshoot hardware-related problems and how to use Windows Vista tools to troubleshoot device problems.

Lessons

• Overview of Troubleshooting Hardware
• Dealing with Physical Failures
• Dealing with Device Driver Failures
• Troubleshooting Printing in Windows Vista
• Troubleshooting Microsoft BitLocker Protected Computers

Lab : Troubleshooting Hardware

• Gathering Customer Information and Developing a Plan of Action
• Resolving Printing Problems
• Checking for Signed Device Drivers

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify basic types of hardware-related troubleshooting problems.
• Determine which problems are related to hardware failures.
• Determine which problems are caused by device drivers.
• Identify recovery options for computers that are protected by BitLocker.

Module 18: Troubleshooting Networks

This module explains how to identify the most likely cause of network problems in a number of given network scenarios.

Lessons

• Determining Network Settings
• Troubleshooting Network Connections

Lab : Troubleshooting Networks

• Gathering Customer Information
• Gathering Relevant Computer Information
• Resolving the Problem

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Obtain information to help in network troubleshooting.
• Explain how you can use the Network Diagnostics Framework to troubleshoot network problems.
• Identify solutions to common network problems.

Module 19: Troubleshooting Security Issues

After completing this module, students will be able to troubleshoot issues that are caused by security-related configurations, such as User Account Control (UAC) and Windows Firewall.

Lessons

• Overview of User Account Control
• Troubleshooting User Account Control
• Implementing Windows Firewall
• Implementing Windows Defender

Lab : Troubleshooting Security Related Issues

• Gathering Customer and System Information and Developing a Plan of Action
• Implementing a Plan of Action
• Additional Security Checks

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Explain the User Account Control architecture.
• Apply best practices for working with User Account Control.
• Troubleshoot User Account Control-related problems.
• Troubleshoot issues related to Windows Firewall.
• Configure Windows Firewall by using Group Policy.
• Troubleshoot issues related to Windows Defender.
• Configure Windows Defender.

Module 20: Troubleshooting Applications

After completing this module, students will be able to troubleshoot problems that are caused by some applications which are not compatible with Windows Vista.

Lessons

• Windows Application Troubleshooting
• Web Application Troubleshooting

Lab : Troubleshooting Applications

• Analyzing Collected Information and Identifying Probable Causes of a Web Application Problem
• Implementing a Plan of Action

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Troubleshoot Windows application problems.
• Troubleshooting Web application problems.

Module 21: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows Vista

After completing this module, students will be able to identify tools that can be used to maintain a healthy operating system and optimize its performance.

Lessons

• Maintaining Windows Vista
• Optimizing Windows Vista Performance
• Monitoring Windows Vista

Lab : Maintaining and Optimizing Windows Vista

• Analyzing Collected Information and Identifying Probable Causes of a Computer Performance Problem
• Implementing a Plan of Action
• View and Interpret Reports in Performance Monitor

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Identify Windows Vista maintenance tasks.
• Identify Windows Vista optimization tools.
• Explain the Windows Vista monitoring process.