Your screen reader software may not function if you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 by using OOBE (873153)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

SYMPTOMS

If you install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 by using Out of Box Experience (OOBE), your screen reader software may not function.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because OOBE does not let you start other software until you have completed the OOBE Setup program. Screen readers that run as a service may function. However, the following screen readers will not function until you have completed the OOBE Setup program:
  • Screen readers that start when Windows XP starts
  • Screen readers that start when you use a keyboard shortcut

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the Windows XP Narrator program. To use Narrator, you must open Utility Manager. To open Utility Manager, follow these steps.

Note Narrator is not available in all languages. Only the English version of Windows XP supports Narrator.
  1. To open Utility Manager, press the Windows logo key+U.

    After a brief delay, Narrator starts.
  2. Click OK.
  3. Minimize the Narrator dialog box.
  4. Click OK to close Utility Manager.

STATUS

This problem occurs because the OOBE Setup program has a design limitation.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

306902 How To configure and use text-to-speech in Windows XP

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbwinxpsp2rel kbConsumer kbtshoot kbinfo kbsetup kbnofix kbBug kbprb KB873153 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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