Windows 7: Articles

Windows 7’s Control Panel contains a number of troubleshooting programs that can automatically fix some common problems you may be having with your computer.

You may be having trouble with:

• Networking
• Hardware and devices
• Using the web
• Program compatibility

While Windows 7 has many Troubleshooters that can save you time and effort, remember they aren’t designed to fix every problem. They should be your first port of call when attempting to resolve a problem.

Rather than go directly to the Control Panel for assistance to find that troubleshooter, here’s a quicker way to find one.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. In the Search box, type troubleshooting.

3. At the top of the Search box you will see an entry labeled Troubleshooting.

4. Next, press the Enter key.
5. The Troubleshooting computer problems window opens.

6. Check out the blue type entries. Each deals with a specific problem.

Intervention by the User Account Control (UAC)
Some blue type entries have a shield . This indicates that Windows 7’s User Account Control may intervene.

This security device requires you consider what you are about to do.

As a security measure it defaults to Cancel. Ignore this and click the Continue button.

(For more information on how to handle the User Account Control see my article next month.)

When the User Account Control clicks in, it blanks out your screen displaying a similar picture to this!

Trying a Troubleshooter
Let’s try one out.

1. In System and Security, click Check for performance issues.

2. This opens the Performance troubleshooter.

3. Click the Next button.

4. Windows downloads the Troubleshooter.

5. The troubleshooter begins checking problems.
6. Click the Next button to continue.

7. When the Troubleshooter finishes the report indicates problem solved or refers you to other sources of help.
8. Click the Close button to finish.

Do not hesitate to use Windows 7’s Troubleshooters to sort and solve problems. They can save you lots of angst and frustration.

Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows related errors