I have been programming in C++ for about 5 months. I have only been making console applications and I would like to start learning Windows programming. I have been reading Charles Petzoid's Programming Windows 5th edition, but I've been looking for an online tutorial too.
- or reading Charles Petzoid's Programming Windows 5th edition
alot of these online tutorials will not give you a good explanation of how stuff works and why to use them. I think you are on a right track. If you are having a hard time understanding a concept I suggest you learn a little bit more on c++ or learn about the Win32 API naming conventions, hungarian notation, new datatypes, structures, etc.
As Hertz pointed out, the MSDN link above offers great help.
Unlike in basic and standard C\C++ the theories which Windows Offers are as important as Write Code.
MSDN offers brilliant theory with Code usage.
If you are not strong in basic C\C++, learn the basics again or attempt few problems which are littered across the Internet.
Normally, I have a tendency to create unique ways to perform the same operation using different layout , functions and etc. Do the same it will gradually push you up.