How to use Generator

I'm certainly no generator expert, but I seem to recall reading that nothing should be plugged in until after the generator is started. This is assuming the writer's generator is not built in.

Forgive my ignorance, but do I understand this correctly? In order to use the generator on this rig, you must connect the shore power cable to the generator before turning on the generator? In my rig, I just turn on the gen and I get power inside. No plugging in any cable. Did I misunderstand?

I'm going to assume that your Winnie is similar to ours, and doesn't have a transfer switch. You have the choice of plugging your shore cable either into a shore connection at a CG, or you can plug it into the generator outlet in the cable compartment.
The fact that you have power to the microwave, but not the other outlets, makes it sound as if the problem is either a breaker, or maybe the GFI outlet in the bathroom. They may have wired the microwave outlet separately from the other circuits because of the load.

Do you have power to the outlets when you are plugged into shore power?

Does the A/C work?

I'd check the GFI in the bathroom, and see if it's tripped.
Then, you may want to figure out why it tripped??? But sometimes, they just wear down, and trip a bit too easily....and should be replaced.
Keep in mind, Winnebago, like most places, is looking to save money, so they buy the least expensive parts they can, and your GFI outlet may be one of those cost cutters.:(

Good Luck:)

SOME generators have TWO circuit breakes ON the
generator...........reset (open, then close) them.

Yes, everything should work just like being plugged in. You may a transfer switch that is not working properly or a problem with your generator. Others may have more specific information for you.

http://www.winnebagoind.com/resources/manuals/pdfs/Operator2005/05Aspect.pdf

If it is not working after following procedures in the manual, perhaps some breakers have tripped or the transfer switch is faulty?