Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management needed? What are color profiles? What is a color space? When should I change the color management settings? Where do I go to change my computer's color management settings? How do I add a color profile for one of my devices? Why would a device have more than one color profile? How do I choose a color profile to associate with a device? What can I do after I associate one or more color profiles with a device? How do I change the default color settings for a specific device for all users on the computer? What is WCS? Why do the color management settings include entries for both WCS and ICC profiles? I see a setting for "default rendering intent" on the Advanced Tab in Color Management. What is rendering intent and should I ever change its default setting?View the contents of a device or folder before syncing
Before you sync, it's often helpful to check the contents of the mobile device, network folder, or computer you plan to sync with to see what files are there and how recent they are. Sync Center makes this easy by allowing you to check the contents of any sync partnership.Sync Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sync Center. What is sync? What is Sync Center? What devices can I sync with Sync Center? How do I disable or turn off Sync Center? How do I create a sync partnership in Sync Center? How do I end a sync partnership in Sync Center? Why doesn't Sync Center work with my Windows Mobile 6 device? How does Sync Center know which version of a file to keep? What is a sync conflict? What's the difference between one-way and two-way sync?Turn User Account Control on or off
User Account Control (UAC) can help you prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. It works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights, such as installing software or changing settings that affect other users. We don't recommend turning User Account Control off. If you do turn it off, you should turn it back on as soon as possible.Turn Windows features on or off
Some programs and features that are included with Windows, such as Internet Information Services, must be turned on before you can use them. Certain other features are turned on by default, but you can turn them off if you don't use them. In earlier versions of Windows, to turn a feature off you had to uninstall it completely from your computer. In this version of Windows, the features remain stored on your hard disk, so you can turn them back on if you want to. Turning off a feature does not uninstall the feature, and it does not reduce the amount of hard disk space used by Windows features. Send or receive a file using an infrared connection
You can use an infrared connection to send a document, folder, or picture from one device to another. For example, you can send a document from a computer with infrared capabilities to a handheld device with infrared capabilities.Set up a Bluetooth enabled device
To set up a Bluetooth enabled device, you need to do three things:Troubleshooting problems while in safe mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. My computer started in safe mode automatically, and I don't know what the problem might be. I installed a new program and now Windows doesn't work. I installed a new device, video card, or other piece of hardware and now Windows doesn't work. I can't connect to the Internet. None of these suggestions have worked. What else can I try?Tips for fixing common sound problems
Here are some solutions for getting proper sound from your computer. These solutions can also help if you don't hear any sounds from your computer or from a sound device connected to your computer, such as a microphone or speakers. I can't hear sound from my computer. Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted. I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it. I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it. I'm having trouble installing my sound card and wonder if it is compatible with Windows Vista. I'm having trouble getting a portable music player, microphone, or other audio device to work with my computer. I've tried all the solutions here and still can't get my sound to work properly.InPrivate: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about InPrivate. What is InPrivate Browsing? How do I turn on InPrivate Browsing? What is InPrivate Filtering? How do I turn InPrivate Filtering on and off? How do I manually choose content to block or allow?Start your computer in safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly, or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.Help Keep Your Computer Safe Using Windows Firewall
What Is a Firewall? Do I Really Need a Firewall? How Do I Turn on the Firewall in Windows XP? Why Would I Consider a Third-Party Firewall? Can I Use More than One Software Firewall on My System? Should I Use Windows Firewall when My Network Already Has a Hardware Firewall? What Programs Are Affected by Firewalls? How Do I Open the Firewall for a Program? Does the Firewall Work with Internet Games? I've Added a Program to the Exceptions List, but It's Still Not Communicating Properly. What Should I Do? Is Opening Firewall Ports Risky? How Do I Turn Off Windows Firewall Security Alerts?Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To learn more about the types of updates that Microsoft publishes, see this Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft Help and Support website.Update drivers
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without the correct driver, the hardware or device that you want to use will not work properly.

Using memory in your storage device to speed up your computer
Windows ReadyBoost can use storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. When you insert a device with this capability, the AutoPlay dialog will offer you the option to speed up your system using Windows ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can then choose how much memory to use for this purpose. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to use all of the memory on your storage device to speed up your computer.Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared once: the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. In the past, I held down SHIFT to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? The "Always do this" check box does not appear for mixed-content media. Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?Set up a device to sync in Windows Media Player
You can use Windows Media Player to copy music, videos, and pictures from your Player library to a portable device, such as a compatible MP3 player. This process is called synchronization or syncing. There are two methods for syncing items to a device: automatically or manually. When you connect a device to your computer for the first time, Windows Media Player selects the sync method that works best for your device, depending on the device's storage capacity and the size of your Player library. After your device is set up the first time, you can choose a different sync method if you want.Device Manager errors
Device Manager helps you determine which hardware devices are installed on your computer, and whether or not they are working properly. If one of your devices is not working properly, an error icon will appear next to the name of the device. If Device Manager cannot identify the device, it will label it an unknown device.Why won't my computer turn on or off quickly?
If you notice that your computer seems to shut down slowly (or not at all), start up slowly, or refuse to enter power-saving modes, it might be due to a program or device driver interfering with Windows power settings. You can use Performance Information and Tools to try to detect these programs or device drivers.Install a USB device
The first time you connect a device that plugs into a universal serial bus (USB) port, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After a driver is installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.Sync with a device
The most common way to sync a mobile phone, portable music player, or other mobile device with your computer is to install and use the sync software that many manufacturers include with their device. You can also sync files using Sync Center if you have a mobile device that supports this feature of Windows. However, Sync Center is designed primarily to sync files with a server on your network rather than with a device.Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with Bluetooth enabled devices. My computer doesn't recognize my Bluetooth enabled device. The device and my computer can't communicate. The connection to my device is slow or intermittent. My Bluetooth enabled keyboard or mouse doesn't work. I don't remember the passkey for my Bluetooth enabled device. I can't connect to my computer from my Bluetooth enabled device. My Bluetooth enabled device won't sync with my computer. I'm having problems with my Bluetooth enabled adapter. Who should I contact for assistance?Turn Direct Memory Access (DMA) on or off
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. Direct memory access (DMA) is usually turned on by default for devices such as hard disks and CD or DVD drives that support DMA. However, you might need to turn on DMA manually if the device was improperly installed or if a system error occurred.Troubleshoot sync problems
Here are solutions to some common sync problems. How should I resolve sync conflicts? How can I fix sync errors? What should I do about sync warnings? Why isn't the mobile device I want to sync with listed in Sync Center? Why can't I sync my Windows Mobile device by using ActiveSync? Why doesn't my device appear in Sync Center even after I install the software that came with it? Why can't I see my device in Sync Center even though I've previously set it up to sync? Why do sync options differ so much from one sync partnership to the next? Why did Sync Center delete a file during sync? Why didn't Sync Center sync all of the files it was supposed to sync? What if my computer or mobile device runs out of space before sync is complete?Open Device Manager
Using Device Manager, you can view the device drivers installed on your computer, update drivers for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Sync manually in Windows Media Player
If your device syncs manually, you must create a list of files and playlists that you want to sync each time you want to make changes to the files on your device, and you must manually remove files from your device. You can also shuffle songs on your device. This is useful if you want Windows Media Player to select a random list of songs from the Player library to sync to your device.Windows Media Player sync: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sync in Windows Media Player. What is sync? What devices can I sync to? What kinds of files can I sync? How do I know which files will sync to my device with automatic sync? I downloaded a file to my device. Can I copy the file to the Player library? Will changes I made to a file on my device appear in the Player library? How many devices can I sync to? What happens if I delete files from my library or from the device? Can I stop the Player from starting sync when I connect my device? Can I stop the Player from filling up my device entirely? Why are some files converted before sync?What if my device syncs with another Windows Media Player library?
If you connect a device to your computer that already syncs with a different Windows Media Player library, you can choose to sync to the current library temporarily, or you can choose to switch the device to sync to the current library permanently. If you choose to sync temporarily only, certain Player features are not available. For example, any changes to the media information on the device will not be copied to the file in the library. Also, the library that has the permanent sync partnership with the device will not be able to remove any files added in the current session, and you must manually remove the files.How do I stop a file from synchronizing to a device in Windows Media Player?
If your device syncs automatically with Windows Media Player and you want to exclude a particular file from synchronizing to the device, you can choose to skip the file. You have several options for skipping files:Back up the registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account. Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space on chips that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk. Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. Tips for solving problems with USB devices
Here are solutions to some common problems with universal serial bus (USB) devices, including installation problems. My USB device is not working. I get a message that a "Hi-speed USB device is plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub." How can I tell if my computer has a USB 2.0 port? My USB 2.0 ports don't appear to be working. I get a "Bandwidth Exceeded" message. When I plug in a device, AutoPlay automatically opens a program I don't want to use.What is Device Manager?
Using Device Manager, you can determine which devices are installed on your computer, update driver software for your devices, check to see if hardware is working properly, and modify hardware settings.Formatting disks and drives
Hard disks, which are the primary storage devices on your computer, need to be formatted before you can use them. Formatting a disk means configuring the disk with a file system so that Windows can store information on the disk. Hard disks in new computers running Windows are already formatted. If you purchase an additional hard disk to expand the storage of your computer, you might need to format it. Change the Recycle Bin settings
You can change the settings of the Recycle Bin to suit the way you work. For example, if you rarely empty the Recycle Bin because you want to avoid discarding files you might someday want to recover, you can increase the maximum storage size of the Recycle Bin. You can also turn off the delete confirmation dialog box that appears every time you send files to the Recycle Bin, or even choose not to move files to the Recycle Bin and instead immediately remove them from your computer when you delete them.Change sync settings
Some sync partnerships have settings specific to them that you can adjust using Sync Center. When you sync with a mobile device, for example, the settings might be designed to fit the characteristics of that particular device.AutoPlay: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about AutoPlay. I set a default action for a device or type of media but now I don't like that action. How do I change it? How can I stop AutoPlay from asking me what program I want to use? How can I make sure I'm asked each time for the action I want to choose? How can I run or install a program from a device or disc? Why does AutoPlay behave differently when my media program is open? What is an enhanced audio CD or an enhanced DVD movie? What does "software and games" include? What would keep a device from appearing under "Devices" in AutoPlay? Why can't I override AutoPlay by pressing the SHIFT key as I could in Windows XP?Finding drivers
What to do when your hardware won't work with Windows Vista I find few things in life more aggravating than when I buy an expensive video card, scanner, or other hardware device, plug it into my computer, and nothing happens. No drivers are automatically installed, the device doesn't function, nothing. Windows Vista is designed to help take away that aggravation.Explanation of the error codes that are generated by Device Manager
This article lists error codes that may be reported by Device Manager, and provides possible resolutions. To view error codes, follow these steps:Restore a driver to its previous version
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. You might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version if you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver.Color management settings: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about color management. What is color management? Why is color management need