Fixing problems
Got a problem? We can help
Computers go wrong from time to time. Fortunately, these errors are often only minor annoyances that can be quickly and easily fixed using the built in tools found in Windows 7. We'll guide you through a few of them below to help you get out of a pickle should you find something gone awry.
System Restore
A great starting point for any problems you have. System Restore is always working in the background creating restore points once a day, and also when you install new software, Windows Updates and drivers. You can roll back to an older restore point to return your computer to the state it was in at that time (your files will not be affected by System Restore).
Warning: Windows will restart during System Restore so make sure you have saved any work before you begin.
- Click the Start button and type System Restore in to the search box. Select it from the list to open.
- Click 'Next' at the welcome screen and you'll see a list of restore points to choose from. In most cases you'll use the most current restore point from the list and then click 'Next'.
- You'll see a final confirmation screen which gives a summary of what is going to happen. Click 'Finish' and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will restart and begin the restore process.
Affected Programs
Windows 7 introduces a new feature into System Restore – Affected Programs. Before you run System Restore you can use this handy function see which programs and drivers will be deleted, and also which ones will be put back by the restore.
Click the 'Scan for affected programs' button to run the scan.
Reliability Monitor
If your computer is not performing as expected, or crashes a lot you can use the Reliability Monitor to get a better idea of what is happening. It will show you a graph of your computer's stability over time, along with any critical events marked with a red circle.
If you see any of these click 'Check for solutions to all problems' at the bottom of the screen. This will send information back to Microsoft®. If there is a solution available you will be told how to download a fix. If there is no solution available it's worth checking back regularly as Microsoft updates their information constantly.
To access click the Start button and type Reliability into the search box, then choose 'View reliability history' in the results list.
Troubleshooting
Another tool new to Windows 7 is the Troubleshooting Control Panel. This contains a list of troubleshooting wizards that guide you through fixing common problems. These are updated regularly to ensure you have the latest fix information.
- Click the Start button and type Troubleshoot in the search box, then choose 'Troubleshooting' from the search results. You'll see a list of common troubleshooters under the headings of 'Programs', 'Hardware and Sound' and more.
- Click a title, for example, 'Hardware and Sound' and the latest troubleshooters will be downloaded and displayed on the screen. Choose one that matches your problem and you will be guided through potential repair steps.
