If you are using windows XP, you can turn on the chinese at Region setting. then configure the methord like "ping ying". Hope it helps.
elasticplastic
Win XP
Go to Control Panel > Regional and Language Options > Languages Tab > Check "Install Files for East Asian Languages" > Click "Details" > Click "Add" > Input Language: Chinese (PRC) > Keyboard Layout: Chinese (Simplified) Microsoft Pinyin IME 3.0
Done.
To switch between input languages, press Alt + Shift. Or press the small icon at the lower right hand side of your screen that says "EN" or "CH".