Some operating system accessories are optional and others are only installed if you are running a specific version of Windows. For example, the Backup utility is installed with Windows XP Professional but not with Windows XP Home Edition. Also, updates to accessories may have been released after the OS. You will want to download the latest version to take advantage of new features.

The following article will outline how to install OS accessories including:

• DirectX

• Backup (XP Home Edition)
• Media Player

DirectX
If you plan to use your computer to play games and watch videos, you will want to download and install the latest version of DirectX. DirectX is a technology that enables higher performance in graphics and sound. It has become a standard for developers of multimedia applications. With DirectX installed, those multimedia applications have access to advanced features.

You can determine the version of DirectX currently installed on your computer using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Open the Run command, type dxdiag, and click OK. The System tab will identify the version of DirectX.

If you obtained the latest version of DirectX before installing Windows XP, you can manually install it.

The following steps outline how to install DirectX 9.0c on Windows XP.

1. Locate and double click the directx_9c_redist.exe file.

2. Click Yes to accept the End-User License Agreement.
3. Type in or browse to the location where you want to extract the files. Click OK.
4. On your computer, locate and double click dxsetup.exe.
5. Click I accept the agreement. Click Next.
6. Click Next to begin the installation of DirectX.
7. Click Finish.

If you did not obtain the latest version of DirectX when performing the pre-installation tasks, you can download it from Microsoft’s Web site. When the File Download box appears, click Open and following the instructions.

Backup (XP Home)
If you have ever lost data due to computer problems, you can probably appreciate the value of performing a regular back up. Windows XP Professional includes a back up utility that you can use to backup and restore your system. However, this utility is not included with the default installation of Windows XP Home and you will not find it as an optional component within the Add or Remove Programs applet.

Rest assured though, you don’t need to run out and buy a third party back up program. Even if you are using Windows XP Home edition, you can still install the Backup utility using the steps below.

1. On the Windows XP Home CD, locate and open the Valueadd\MSFT\NTBackup folder.

2. Double click the file called Ntbackup.msi. This will launch the installation of the program.
3. Once the wizard is complete, click Finish.

The Backup utility will be accessible from the All Programs| Accessories| System Tools menu off of the Start Menu.

Media Player
Windows Medial Play is an application that allows you to play CDs and DVDs, create your own CDs, listen to radio stations around the world (over your Internet connection), organize your music and video files, and burn your digital media files to CD. For those people who do not want to purchase third party software, it provides a convenient way to manage your multimedia content.

Once you’ve downloaded the latest version of Windows Media Player you can install the software as outlined below.

1. Locate and double click MPSetup.exe.

2. Click I Accept to accept the End-User License Agreement.
3. The installation of Windows Media Player automatically begins.
4. Click Next to continue.
5. From the Select your Privacy Options screen, select your preferred options. Click Next.
6. From the Customize the Installation Options screen, use the File Types tab to configure which file types will default to Windows Media Player. Click Next.
7. Click Finish.
8. Windows Media Player will now be available from the All Programs menu.