How to Fix the IT Utility for XP

The IT Utility for Windows XP offers tools to aid computer users who have problems with sight, sound and touch. The Magnifier allows you to enlarge text by maneuvering your mouse; the Narrator sounds out typed words; the On-Screen Keyboard offers a way to type characters by pointing and clicking. Here is how to adjust your computer settings to meet your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

The Magnifier - For Bigger Text

1. 

   On the keyboard, press the Windows key and the letter "u" simultaneously to bring up the Utility Manager. (Note: The letter "u" must be typed in lower case.)

2. 

   Select "Magnifier" and click "Start."

3. 

   Click "OK" at the Microsoft Magnifier notification box.

4. 

   In the Magnifier Settings dialog box, select the magnifying level from 1 to 9 (with 9 being the highest) in the drop-down box. Then click the "Minimize" icon in the upper right corner of the dialog box.

5. To stop the magnification, "Maximize" the Magnifier Settings and click "Exit."

The Narrator - For Hearing Typed Words

1. Again, simultaneously press the Windows key and the letter "u" to bring up the Utility Manager. (Note: The letter "u" must be typed in lower case.)

2. 

   Select the "Narrator" and click "OK" at the Microsoft Narrator dialog box. To hear any text press "CTRL, SHIFT and the SPACEBAR" simultaneously.

3. Select "Start Automatically When Utility Manager Starts" and click "OK".

4. 

   Check at least one of the options in the Narrator dialog box.

5. 

   Click on "Voice" and adjust the "Speed, Volume and Pitch" from levels 1 to 9 (with 9 being the loudest) on the Voice Settings dialog box. Next, click "OK" to save your settings and then click "Exit" at the Microsoft Narrator dialog box.

6. To cancel the Narration, follow Step 1 in this section and select "Narrator" and click "Stop" and then "OK" to exit.

The On-Screen Keyboard - For Light Touch and Type

1. Simultaneously press the Windows key and the letter "u" to bring up the Utility Manager. (Note: The letter "u" must be typed in lower case.)

2. 

   Select "On-Screen Keyboard Is Not Running" and click "Start" and then "OK"

3. 

   Press any key by using the mouse and "Point and Click" to type letters represented on the keyboard display.

4. To cancel the On-Screen Keyboard, follow Step 1 in this section and select "On-Screen Keyboard". Click "Stop" and then "OK" to exit.

Tips & Warnings

• Even those who do not typically face challenges with sight, sound and voice, could find the IT Utility Manager's accessibility options useful during more strenuous times of the day.

References

• IT Utility Manager: Accessibility Options