Troubleshoot your Windows problems

There is an art to troubleshooting: it's not necessarily what you know, but how you know it. In other words, it's no good knowing that problem A is fixed by solution B if you can't then apply the knowledge in fixing problem C. Troubleshooting involves identifying symptoms - error messages, random crashes at certain points, erratic behaviour - and then using the correct tools to process those symptoms to locate the cause of your problem and - ultimately - the cure.

   There's nothing satisfying about having a problem and paying good money to getting it fixed - sure the problem may have gone (for now), but you know nothing about it and probably won't know what to do should it come around again. Repairing PCs in this way is similar to getting your car fixed - can you trust the engineer to fix your problem and charge you appropriately for it, or will they spin some vague story as justification for performing unnecessary surgery that ultimately costs you big bucks?

   For every reputable, professional organisation who go to great lengths to offer a good, fair service (our very own Caroline Lyons is one such person), it seems there's a cowboy who'll do anything to make as much money as they can from you, and don't get us started on premium-rate phone lines! We're pretty sure you've had enough, so now it's time to take control of the situation.

What you'll learn

The techniques you're about to learn will help you narrow down the problem and hopefully find the fix at the same time. Even if a solution isn't forthcoming you'll be able to approach a professional armed with knowledge that not only helps them come to a diagnosis, but also helps you make sure your problem is treated appropriately.

   When it comes to diagnosing and fixing problems, start with Windows' own tools. Windows XP in particular has an array of impressive reporting utilities that upload crash reports (anonymously, of course) to Microsoft. If a solution is known, you'll be given the chance to implement it without having to get your hands dirty.

   You'll also discover how to make use of other built-in resources, like the Help and Support Center (which includes access to various troubleshooters), Device Manager and the System Configuration Utility. If they can't fix your problem, then you can at least get more information about the error, which you can take with you on to the next step.
 

Go online

The vast majority of problems aren't new, which means somebody somewhere has experienced them too. With a bit of luck, that problem has been solved and the fix is somewhere online. The trick is finding it.

   Searching the Web can be an unnecessarily time-consuming task, so it pays to know where to start looking and - if the usual suspects fail to yield suitable results - how to use search engines to help you track down a solution. We'll reveal all the tips and tricks you need to use the Web effectively in your quest, plus remind you of how you can tap into PC Answers' vast library of answered questions from past issues using its Web site or - better still - the giant Q&A database on the magazine's cover disc.

   It helps if you have access to the Internet - click here to discover how to create a user-friendly recovery disc with access to the Internet. By the way, the time to do this is while your PC is still working, so even if you're not currently afflicted, build your rescue disc now.

   If you're still unable to find a fix for your problem then we'll reveal further avenues of help - discover how to get a more knowledgeable friend to sit at your PC, even if they live hundreds of miles away. Find out how to utilise chat forums and newsgroups to search for - or request - help, and learn how to couch your questions in such a way as to give you the best chance of getting help in return.

   If all this fails - and your product allows it - we'll show you how to contact Microsoft to take advantage of up to two free support incidents. Whether you want help via the phone, email or a real-time chat session online, we'll show you what you need to do.
 

Fix hardware problems

The techniques over the page concentrate largely on software- or Windows-based problems, but they can also be applied to your hardware too. The key thing with hardware is knowing if the problem is with the hardware itself - in which case it will need replacing - or whether it's a driver problem or some other Windows-related issue. Three key tools that can help test and diagnose hardware problems are HD Health (click here for a tutorial), Memtest86 (click here) and Motherboard Monitor (click here for the software) - note that Motherboard Monitor hasn't been updated for two years, so won't work with newer systems, but check any CDs that came with your motherboard or PC (or the manufacturer's Web site) for an equivalent tool - 9xx-based Intel boards have the Intel Desktop Utilities for example - get it here.

   Are you ready to learn the secrets of the professionals and potentially save large sums of money in fix-it fees? Turn the page, and prepare to start solving your PC's problems.