How do I write on a document with Windows XP?

Question

I am learning how to use my p.c. and am having trouble. I can open a document, but can't write any text. I keep getting a box telling me to close dialog box. What is that? Also, does Windows XP come with word pad and word processing or are they something I need to buy and install?

Answer 1

Windows by itself should have WordPad, which is a VERY limited word processing. Anything better, you have to buy or download (such as Open Office!)

Answer 2

It depends on what came prepackaged with your system. Many PCs come pre-installed with MS Word, but others such as Dell computers usually come pre-installed with the Word Perfect word processor.

Click on "start" at the bottom of the screen, then when the menu comes up click on "search." In "All or part of the file name" first look for "Word" and if that doesn't come up with any results repeat the above steps and look for "Word Perfect".

If neither of those searches produce any results look on your computer for something called "Works" - this is a reference to Microsoft Works, a program suite which includes a basic word processor which would allow you to create very basic documents.

Answer 3

Windows XP is just an operating sysytem....something that tells your computer how to behave itself basically (what to do and where to go with it). You need a word processing program like Microsoft Works or Word (or any of the hundred other ones out there). Your computer probably came with one, most do. You need one of those programs loaded and running on your hard drive in order to open or write a document. Without one of them, your computer will not understand what to do with just a piece of paper with letters on it. Hope that helps.