Setting Up QTP

Installation

Have a connection to the internet

During installation, the program tries to download the Microsoft Script Debugger
    (You can also get it here)

Updates

when you run the the application, it should check for updates
    You can force a check with <Alt>HC (Menu, Help, Check for Updates)

For QTP V9.5 the current updates are:
    QTP_00539.exe
    QTP_00547.exe

Download and install them.
    Do this separately so you have copies of the files.

Options

Go to the Options dialog box (<Alt>TO)

On the General Tab:

Click the 'Restore Layout' button to ensure a standard layout (<Alt>R)

Turn OFF the following checkboxes:
    Display Add-in Manager on start-up (<Alt>D)
    Display Start Page on startup (<Alt>I)
    Check for software updates on start-up (<Alt>C)

View Options

Go into the View Options dialog box (<Alt>TN)

On the Fonts and Colors Tab

Select a mono-spaced font (like Courier New)
    (Proportional fonts for scripts are an abomination)

For a more detailed discussion on fonts, go here

Desktop

Your life will be spent here, maximise the code you can see:

    Set the main test pane to 'Expert View'
    Close the Data Table view (<Alt>VA)
    Close the Active screen (<Alt>VS)
    Close the Test Flow screen (<Alt>VF)
    Close the Resources screen (<Alt>VR)
    Open the Debug screen (<Alt>VD)

You can always reset the layout with Options, General, Restore Layout (<Alt>TO <Alt>R)