Windows Vista - Using Windows Narrator

Ease of Access Center has replaced Accessibility Options in the ‘Control Panel’.

Open Ease of Access Center press ‘Windows’ logo key + ‘U’ or click Start button ‘Control Panel’ + ‘Ease of Access’ + ‘Ease of Access Center’

Click to start ‘Narrator’ under Quick access to common tools or press ‘Alt’ + ‘N’.

Fig 1

To start Narrator when starting Windows, click to select or ‘Tab’ to ‘Use a computer without a display’ under Explore all settings.

Click on or press ‘Alt’ + ‘U’ to ‘Turn on Narrator’ under Hear text read aloud, see Fig 2.

Fig 2

Click on or press ‘Alt’ + ‘S’ to Save.

Once you turn on Narrator you are able to select what Narrator will read aloud, see Fig 3.

Click to select or press:

Alt + K to select Echo User’s Keystrokes, if you want text to be read aloud as you type.

Alt + M to select Announce System Messages, if you want to have system messages read aloud.

Alt + N to select Announce Scroll Notifications, if you want to hear screen scrolls.

Alt + Z to select Start Narrator Minimized, if you want the settings box minimized at start up.

Fig 3

Note: If this does not work it could be because your computer settings cannot be changed due to local IT policies - contact your local IT support for further help.

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