Attach the microphone to the XLR cable, then connect the 1/8 adapter to the end of the 1/4 microphone cable. Plug the cable into the "Microphone" slot on the PC sound card. Power on the microphone, if it's supplied with one.
Click the "Start" button on the PC main screen. Click "All Programs" then "Accessories" and "Entertainment". Select the "Sound Recorder" then click "Edit" at the top of the window. Select "Audio Properties" from the drop down menu then click the "Volume" tab under "Sound Recording."
Click to check the "Microphone" box from the list of options then power on the PC speakers. Speak into the microphone as you move the "Volume" slider under the "Microphone" box. Set the volume to the level of your choice then click the "Ok" tab at the bottom of the window.
Press "Record" on the "Sound Recorder" then speak into the microphone, press the "Stop" button when you're done recording. Press the "Play" button to hear the recording back. Troubleshoot the "Sound Recording" options by clicking "Edit" then "Audio Properties" and "Sound Recording" from the top menu. Click the "Advance" option located under the "Microphone" box.
Click to check the "Bass Boost" box if your recording is to low or uncheck the "Bass Boost" box if your recording is too high or distorted. Press the "Record" button again and speak into the microphone, press the "Stop" button when you're finished.
Save the recording by clicking "File" then "Save" from the top menu or exit out of the "Sound Recorder" by clicking the "X" on the top right hand window.