Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

MCDST Core Exams: (Two Required)
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully support end-users and to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams. Elective exams are not required. The following table lists Official Microsoft Learning Products courses and Microsoft Press books that are designed to help you prepare for these exams. See individual exam preparation guides for exam availability.
The MCDST credential will not retire with the release of Windows Vista certifications; it will continue to be supported by Microsoft and valued by employers and decision makers who use Microsoft Windows XP.
Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
ReTrain for IT's 70-271 course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to resolve end-user incident requests by configuring and troubleshooting the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.  When you pass the Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn core credit toward the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP certification.
Learning segments:
Installing a Windows Desktop Operating System 
Perform and troubleshoot an attended installation of a Windows XP operating system
Answer end-user questions related to performing an attended installation of a Windows XP operating system
Troubleshoot and complete installations in which an installation does not start
Troubleshoot and complete installations in which an installation fails to complete
Perform post installation configuration
Perform and troubleshoot an unattended installation of a Windows desktop operating system
Answer end-user questions related to performing an unattended installation of a Windows XP operating system
Configure a PC to boot to a network device and start installation of a Windows XP operating system
Perform an installation by using unattended installation files
Upgrade from a previous version of Windows
Answer end-user questions related to upgrading from a previous version of Windows
Verify hardware compatibility for upgrade
Verify application compatibility for upgrade
Migrate user state data from an existing PC to a new PC
Install a second instance of an operating system on a computer
Managing and Troubleshooting Access to Resources 
Monitor, manage, and troubleshoot access to files and folders
Answer end-user questions related to managing and troubleshooting access to files and folders
Monitor, manage, and troubleshoot NTFS file permissions
Manage and troubleshoot simple file sharing
Manage and troubleshoot file encryption
Manage and troubleshoot access to shared folders
Answer end-user questions related to managing and troubleshooting access to shared folders
Create shared folders
Configure access permission for shared folders on NTFS partitions
Troubleshoot and interpret Access Denied messages
Connect to local and network print devices
Answer end-user questions related to printing locally
Configure and manage local printing
Answer end-user questions related to network-based printing
Connect to and manage printing to a network-based printer
Manage and troubleshoot access to and synchronization of offline files.
Answer end-user questions related to configuring and synchronizing offline files
Configure and troubleshoot offline files
Configure and troubleshoot offline file synchronization
Configuring and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers 
Configure and troubleshoot storage devices
Answer end-user questions related to configuring hard disks and partitions or volumes
Manage and troubleshoot disk partitioning
Answer end-user questions related to optical drives such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, and DVD-R
Configure and troubleshoot removable storage devices such as pen drives, flash drives, and memory cards
Configure and troubleshoot display devices
Answer end-user questions related to configuring desktop display settings
Configure display devices and display settings
Troubleshoot display device settings
Configure and troubleshoot Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
Answer end-user questions related to configuring ACPI settings
Configure and troubleshoot operating system power settings
Configure and troubleshoot system standby and hibernate settings
Configure and troubleshoot I/O devices
Answer end-user questions related to configuring I/O devices
Configure and troubleshoot device settings
Configure and troubleshoot device drivers for I/O devices
Configure and troubleshoot hardware profiles
Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop and User Environments 
Configure the user environment
Answer end-user questions related to configuring the desktop and user environment
Configure and troubleshoot task and toolbar settings
Configure and troubleshoot accessibility options
Configure and troubleshoot pointing device settings
Configure and troubleshoot fast-use switching
Configure support for multiple languages or multiple locations
Answer end-user questions related to regional settings
Configure and troubleshoot regional settings
Answer end-user questions related to language settings
Configure and troubleshoot language settings
Troubleshoot security settings and local security policy
Answer end-user questions related to security settings
Identify end-user issues caused by local security policies such as Local Security Settings and Security
Configuration and Analysis
Identify end-user issues caused by network security policies such as Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) and Group Policy
Configure and troubleshoot local user and group accounts
Answer end-user questions related to user accounts
Configure and troubleshoot local user accounts
Answer end-user questions related to local group accounts.
Configure and troubleshoot local group accounts
Troubleshoot system startup and user logon problems
Answer end-user questions related to system startup issues
Troubleshoot system startup problems
Answer end-user questions related to user logon issues
Troubleshoot local user logon issues
Troubleshoot domain user logon issues
Monitor and analyze system performance
Answer end-user questions related to system performance
Use Help and Support to view and troubleshoot system performance
Use Task Manager to view and troubleshoot system performance
Use the Performance tool to capture system performance information
Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services 
Troubleshoot TCP/IP. Tools include ARP; the Repair utility; connection properties; and the ping, ipconfig, pathping, and nslookup commands
Answer end-user questions related to configuring TCP/IP settings
Configure and troubleshoot manual TCP/IP configuration.
Configure and troubleshoot automated TCP/IP address configuration
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) settings such as enable and disable
Troubleshoot name resolution issues
Configure and troubleshoot host name resolution issues on a client computer
Configure and troubleshoot NetBIOS name resolution issues on a client computer
Configure and troubleshoot remote connections
Configure and troubleshoot a remote dial up connection
Configure and troubleshoot a remote connection across the Internet
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Explorer
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Explorer connections properties
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Explorer security properties.
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Explorer general properties
Configure and troubleshoot end-user systems by using remote connectivity tools
Use Remote Desktop to configure and troubleshoot an end user's desktop
Use Remote Assistance to configure and troubleshoot an end user's desktop

Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
ReTrain for IT's 70-272 course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to resolve end-user incident requests by configuring and troubleshooting the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.  When you pass the Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn core credit toward the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP certification.
Learning segments:
Configuring and Troubleshooting Applications 
Configure and troubleshoot Office applications
Answer end-user questions related to configuring Office applications
Set application compatibility settings
Troubleshoot application installation problems
Configure and troubleshoot e-mail account settings
Configure and troubleshoot Internet Explorer
Configure and troubleshoot Outlook Express
Answer end-user questions related to configuring Outlook Express
Configure and troubleshoot newsreader account settings
Configure and troubleshoot e-mail account settings
Configure the operating system to support applications
Answer end-user questions related to configuring the operating system to support an application
Configure and troubleshoot file system access and file permission problems on multiboot computers
Configure access to applications on multi user computers
Configure and troubleshoot application access on a multiple user client computer
Resolving Issues Related to Usability 
Resolve issues related to Office application support features
Resolve issues related to Internet Explorer support features
Resolve issues related to Outlook Express features
Resolve issues related to operating system features
Resolving Issues Related to Application Customization 
Resolve issues related to customizing an Office application
Answer end-user questions related to customizing Office applications
Customize toolbars
Configure proofing tools
Manage Outlook data, including configuring, importing, and exporting data, and repairing corrupted data Personalize Office features
Resolve issues related to customizing Internet Explorer
Resolve issues related to customizing Outlook Express
Resolve issues related to customizing the operating system to support applications
Answer end-user questions related to customizing the operating system to support an application Customize the Start menu and taskbar
Customize regional settings
Customize fonts
Customize folder settings
Configuring and Troubleshooting Connectivity for Applications 
Identify and troubleshoot name resolution problems
Identify and troubleshoot network adapter configuration problems
Identify and troubleshoot LAN and Routing and Remote Access configuration problems
Identify and troubleshoot network connectivity problems caused by the firewall configuration
Identify and troubleshoot problems with locally attached devices
Configuring Application Security 
Identify and troubleshoot problems related to security permissions
Answer end-user questions related to application security settings
Troubleshoot access to local resources
Troubleshoot access to network resources
Troubleshoot insufficient user permissions and rights
Identify and respond to security incidents
Answer end-user questions related to security incidents
Identify a virus attack
Apply critical updates
Manage application security settings
COURSE DESIGN & FEATURES

Self Paced CBT
Instructional Design Principles
Instructor-Led Training
Full motion video
Navigation and Controls
Practice Tests and Exam Simulators
Hands-on Lab Simulation
Digital Video/Audio Presentations
Multimedia Presentations
Realistic Simulations
Vendor Approved Curriculum
Self Paced CBT
Our Computer Based Training is divided into courses, which are divided into units. Each unit consists of a well-defined set of learning objectives, a series of interactions that teach the stated objectives, and a means for evaluating whether the learning objectives have been met.
Instructional Design Principles
Our courses are based on sound principles from research in instructional design, adult learning, and information processing. We believe that for training to be effective, the learner must view the training as meaningful and relevant. The learner must be engaged as an active participant.
Instructor-Led Training
This combines both the convenience and affordability of computer-based training with the effectiveness of a traditional classroom setting. The instructors featured in our multi-media CD's are not only certified in their area of expertise, but also have years of real world experience and are subject matter experts in their fields.   Our courses feature video modules of our instructors teaching the information directly to you.   This creates a personal learning experience and simulates the benefits of classroom learning- without leaving the comfort of your home.
Full motion video
Each class is presented in full motion video allowing you to see the steps, hear the explanations, and perform the tasks which includes our interactive hands-on training simulations, students will learn from real-world scenarios taught by our expert instructor.
Navigation and Controls
Our self-paced elearning courseware is designed to give you the freedom to proceed through each training class at your own pace.  Courses are arranged in sections, with navigation and controls that allow you to fast forward, skip, go back, stop, restart, and control the pace of your training.  You can stop at any time and easily find where you left off in your training.
Practice Tests and Exam Simulators
We incorporate practice tests and certification exam simulators into all of our courseware.  The flexibility of our practice tests and exam simulators allow you to apply your knowledge and test what you have learned, ensuring you have the skills and confidence needed to pass your exams - the first time.
Hands-on Lab Simulation
Our courseware includes instructor-led demonstrations and hands-on lab exercises that allow you to practice what you learn in a fully functional, simulated environment.  You will learn how to implement what you have learned to build skills for your chosen area of study and to pass your exams.
Our training system employs the next generation learning curriculum. Our courses include hands-on lab exercises that allow you to practice what you learn in a fully functional, simulated environment. You'll learn how to implement and utilize your knowledge to build the skills you need for your chosen area of study and to pass your exams.  Hands-on Lab Simulation is a crucial component of your IT training. Practice make perfect. Step-by-step hands-on labs with detail instructions are included to reinforce all key concepts. When you complete a topic, choose the Lab Simulation button to select the associated hands-on lab exercises. Labs allow you to reinforce concepts by performing the tasks you've just learned.
Digital Video/Audio Presentations
Our courses are developed using the latest in digital video/audio technology. Setting the standard for IT training, our courses provide you something no one else can - next generation, interactive, and effective training solutions. Do not accept any training unless it meets the high standards we offer - you deserve the best training there is!
Multimedia Presentations
Incorporating PowerPoint, Flash animations, charts, graphs, graphics and other relevant course material enhances the user experience of our computer based training modules.  The use of multimedia reinforces key learning material and creates a more stimulating user experience.
Realistic Simulations
So you can see how the application really works. All Courses also include pre and post-test which identifies individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to take only the units you haven't mastered and test how well you've mastered the completed Module.
Vendor Approved Curriculum
ReTrain for IT’s  Computer-Based-Training modules have been designed in partnership with Microsoft, CompTIA and the EC Council and incorporate the official approved curriculum, guaranteeing you receive the appropriate information and training needed to get you certified.
Testing Centres
Prometric Test Centres
Prometric offers the most extensive, professional and secure testing network in the world where tests are delivered in over 160 countries in over 7,500 locations.
Prometric Authorized Professional Testing Centres: A network of over 4,000 testing centres that mostly deliver exams that lead to certifications for many of the IT industry’s leading companies such as Microsoft, CompTia, Apple, HP, Oracle and many others.
Find a Prometric Test Centre  (Testing for 3Com, Adobe, APC, Apple, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, CTI, CTP, HP, IBM, intel, Linux, Lotus, Macromedia, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, Sun, Symantec, XML &