Where to get XP documentation?

I agree. I would not expect to buy a Boeing 747, and be able to read the handy-dandy instruction guide for it in a few hours, (or
even days). It's a little silly to expect instantaneous understanding of any complex system. Windows XP, like so many powerful
things, is a subject for long study before you should expect to grasp even the fundamentals.

--

Mark L. Ferguson (NOT an MS-MVP)
FAQ for MS Antispyware version 1.0.509
http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/FAQ_MSantispy.htm
marfers notes for windows xp http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/chatNotes.htm
..
"Colin Barnhorst" wrote in message ...
The "downloadable manual" consists of a knowledgebase that exceeded 250,000 articles a year ago. That would be about 150 copies
of Windows XP Inside and Out. The knowledgebase is accessed by the Help and Support Center, along with the locally installed help
articles. I realize that the knowledgebase covers far more than XP, but it gives an idea of the scale of the OS and what has been
documented about it.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"frogspawn" wrote in message ...
Which raises the question, why no downloadable manual? The cost per copy to
Microsoft would be negligible, and the manual could be updated incrementally
as needed. This is how mobile phone manuals are done, and so much the
better: it's harder to "lose" a website than a physical booklet.

"Woody" wrote in message
...
what do you expect for $300 , consider your self lucky you even got a cd .
if they gave you a manual , they'd have to give everyone manuals . where
would it end ;-P

frogspawn wrote:
I have to disagree. The entire Dummies series of books is useless,
inexpert crap written by committee.

The inexpert part is exactly what makes it good for morons. It talks
down to their level.

Perhaps you were attempting to
suggest that Joe is a dummy,

Perhaps? I didn't think any reasonable person would have any doubt, so
I have to wonder whether you are a reasonable person.

an opinion to which you are entitled,
despite the lack of evidence to suport it.

A careful reading of Joe's posts shows that he raises a legitimate
issue.

"I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in the search
box, and clicked on "documenation on the web". That web page says: "to
download the latest documentation..., go to Windows Update at link".
When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that says: "to
download the new version of software and begin using Windows Update,
please click Install Now". I do not see anything there that is specific
to downloading documentation. Since I have a centrally-managed system, I
am relunctant to select Install Now. But okay, I took the plunge and
clicked on Install Now. After some downloading and file copying (gulp!),
that takes me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install." - from the OP.

"I am a computer professional with 34 years of experience designing
operating systems. I am used to printable reference manuals that tell
you all the nitty-gritty -- something to read in the bathroom :-)." - in
reply to Jupiter

The moron has "34 years of experience designing operating systems" yet
is a total wuss install the Windows Update files, and doesn't know how
to find any documentation for WinXP.

I'd love to know what OSs he has had a part in designing it, so I know
to stay far away from it.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

wrote:

I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

Windows XP Resource Kit online version:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d.../reskit/en-us/

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of XP. There
should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

OK, he sounds obtuse in his post, but the basic situation regarding Windows
documentation remains true and applicable to, basically, everyone. If you
like solving mysteries, you will *love* Windows.

"kurttrail" wrote in message
...
frogspawn wrote:
I have to disagree. The entire Dummies series of books is useless,
inexpert crap written by committee.

The inexpert part is exactly what makes it good for morons. It talks
down to their level.

Perhaps you were attempting to
suggest that Joe is a dummy,

Perhaps? I didn't think any reasonable person would have any doubt, so
I have to wonder whether you are a reasonable person.

an opinion to which you are entitled,
despite the lack of evidence to suport it.

A careful reading of Joe's posts shows that he raises a legitimate
issue.

"I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in the search
box, and clicked on "documenation on the web". That web page says: "to
download the latest documentation..., go to Windows Update at link".
When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that says: "to
download the new version of software and begin using Windows Update,
please click Install Now". I do not see anything there that is specific
to downloading documentation. Since I have a centrally-managed system, I
am relunctant to select Install Now. But okay, I took the plunge and
clicked on Install Now. After some downloading and file copying (gulp!),
that takes me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install." - from the OP.

"I am a computer professional with 34 years of experience designing
operating systems. I am used to printable reference manuals that tell
you all the nitty-gritty -- something to read in the bathroom :-)." - in
reply to Jupiter

The moron has "34 years of experience designing operating systems" yet
is a total wuss install the Windows Update files, and doesn't know how
to find any documentation for WinXP.

I'd love to know what OSs he has had a part in designing it, so I know
to stay far away from it.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of XP. There
should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

Ah good so you got one then :-)

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"frogspawn" wrote in message
...
Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of XP.
There
should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

im searching for manuals too,prefer ones that i can download on to pc and
read through them on here ,as then i could step by step go through them ,and
wotk with them and pc at same time
kelly

"Harry Ohrn" wrote:

Ah good so you got one then :-)

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"frogspawn" wrote in message
...
Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of XP.
There
should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

It boggles the mind to think of the savings in time and effort if this were
to come to pass. Fortunately, this dilemma is not likely to arise anytime
soon. ;-}

"kelly" wrote in message
...
im searching for manuals too,prefer ones that i can download on to pc and
read through them on here ,as then i could step by step go through them
,and
wotk with them and pc at same time
kelly

"Harry Ohrn" wrote:

Ah good so you got one then :-)

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"frogspawn" wrote in message
...
Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of XP.
There
should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

I think others have already mentioned it - Windows XP Inside and Out is an
excellent book and great resource to have. Makes for some pretty good
reading, plus a copy is included on CD that you can install on your pc.

I have referenced it numerous times, and between reading these forums and
that book, have learned a lot of the ins and outs of Windows XP.

No, it is not a free download, but in my opinion, well worth the cost.


Don Burnette



kelly wrote:
im searching for manuals too,prefer ones that i can download on to pc
and read through them on here ,as then i could step by step go
through them ,and wotk with them and pc at same time
kelly

"Harry Ohrn" wrote:

Ah good so you got one then :-)

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"frogspawn" wrote in message
...
Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of
XP. There should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

I checked on Amazon, and the paperback version can be had, either new or
used, for just under US $30.

"Don Burnette" wrote in message
...
I think others have already mentioned it - Windows XP Inside and Out is an
excellent book and great resource to have. Makes for some pretty good
reading, plus a copy is included on CD that you can install on your pc.

I have referenced it numerous times, and between reading these forums and
that book, have learned a lot of the ins and outs of Windows XP.

No, it is not a free download, but in my opinion, well worth the cost.


Don Burnette



kelly wrote:
im searching for manuals too,prefer ones that i can download on to pc
and read through them on here ,as then i could step by step go
through them ,and wotk with them and pc at same time
kelly

"Harry Ohrn" wrote:

Ah good so you got one then :-)

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"frogspawn" wrote in message
...
Mine weighs about 5 grams.

"Harry Ohrn" wrote in message
...
Consult the documentation that came with your Retail version of
XP. There should be a guide/manual in the box.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a new XP system. Actually, it was installed by my
company's IT folks, and they cleverly tell us little about
how to use and maintain the system :-(.

Where can I get XP documentation?

Specifically, what I call a User's Manual ("how to use") and
a Reference Manual (more detailed; includes admin info and
perhaps some more technical insight).

I went to www.microsoft.com, entered "xp documentation" in
the search box, and clicked on "documenation on the web".

That web page says: "to download the latest documentation
..., go to Windows Update at link".

When I click on the link, that takes me to a web page that
says: "to download the new version of software and begin
using Windows Update, please click Install Now".

I do not see anything there that is specific to downloading
documentation.

Since I have a centrally-managed system, I am relunctant to
select Install Now.

But okay, I took the plunge and clicked on Install Now.
After some downloading and file copying (gulp!), that takes
me to a web page that offers Express Install and Custom
Install.

I still do not see anything there that is specific to
downloading documentation.

Help!

In microsoft.public.windowsxp.general frogspawn wrote:
I checked on Amazon, and the paperback version can be had, either new or
used, for just under US $30.

it is now in the 2nd edition; look for the 1st edition at a steep
discount, less than $10 should be expected. Also, the 1st edition's
ebook is a big .CHM file (cut/paste/print allowed), better than the 2nd's
cumbersome, read-only .PDF, IMHO.