The Microsoft test 70-271 measures an individual’s ability to support users and troubleshoot a Microsoft Windows XP operating system in any network environment. The 70-271 test makes a basic assumption that you already have a strong background of experience with Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003, and/or Windows 2000 Server products and their applicable terminology. Before taking the 70-271 test, you should practice the following:

  1. Install Windows XP Professional on a computer.
  2. Test and configure various TCP/IP configurations by using several command line utilities, and troubleshoot TCP/IP using the PING, TRACERT, and PATHPING commands.

  3. Configure Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) component.
  4. Configure privacy and security features in Internet Explorer.
  5. Configure automatic updates, apply and manage critical updates, and run Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) on your computer.
  6. Run Program Compatibility Wizard and set program compatibility manually.
  7. Customize taskbar, Start menu, regional, font, and folder settings.
  8. Configure privacy settings, Content Advisor, AutoComplete, LAN, and security zone settings in Internet Explorer.
  9. Understand, create, configure, and manage profiles.
  10. Compress and encrypt files and folders, and manage encrypted resources in large networks.
  11. Perform and troubleshoot attended and unattended installation of Windows XP.
  12. Install local and network printers, troubleshoot issues with printers and print jobs, and troubleshoot storage devices.
  13. Troubleshoot name resolution problems using several command line utilities.
  14. Configure and troubleshoot NTFS and share permissions, configure auditing of files, folders, printers, and application security settings.
  15. Install, manage, configure, and troubleshoot the hardware on a Windows XP computer.
  16. Configure and troubleshoot I/O devices.
  17. Configure, manage, and troubleshoot hard disks.
  18. Troubleshoot removable media.
  19. Use and troubleshoot remote access tools.