The screen capture utility built into Vista didn’t make it into all versions of the OS.  Here’s how to turn on if you have it how to upgrade if you don’t have it. 

After I wrote Vista’s Snipping Tool, I noticed when I reinstalled my computer and went to go use the Snipping Tool, it wasn’t there! On another note, If you have Windows Vista Basic, you do not have the snipping tool.  Vista Basic is basically Windows XP with a pretty face, It didn’t even come with Windows aero! and many other features that are featured in other versions of vista.  So if you have Vista Basic, just upgrade to Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate (Vista Ultimate is the one I use).  If you want to do more comparison, check out Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows.

So as long as you don’t have Vista Basic, you already have the Snipping Tool. (Choose Start, All Programs, Accessories, Snipping Tool) If you don’t see it there, it may not be activated.  Which was my problem and I figured out how to activate the Snipping Tool.  Go to Control Panel and Open Programs and Features (You will or may have to click Programs first).  In the task pane on the left click Turn Windows features on or off.  If Necessary click Continue when prompted by UAC (User Account Control).

Once you have the screen above visible, you may have to wait a few seconds for it load.  Scroll through the lists of features, check the box next to Tablet PC Optional Components, and click OK.  Turning on these features gives you not only the Snipping Tool, but also the Tablet PC input panel, Windows Journal and other stylus-related features.