How To Locate a Troubleshooting Site For Windows 7

Introduction

PC sales and purchases have increased over the years as more and more people have use for a computer in their lives. It's a no brainer that the modern business professional needs a computer to compete in today's market, but even small mom and pop businesses are embracing and implementing technologies that increase efficiency and drive sales. Students all over the world are using computers to receive world-class education on all levels, including primary, secondary and post-secondary levels. And of course the average household user is getting far more mileage from a modern PC than users in years past, such as those people who are video game enthusiasts and music lovers. The point here is that there are literally unlimited uses for a computer, which means that are that number of problems that can occur with a computer system.

The usual course of action when something goes wrong with a PC is to begin troubleshooting the cause and attempting to implement a remedy -- and it can be as easy as it was just made to sound. The biggest hurdle for many PC users who encounter problems is finding out where to get the instructions and the updated software that can fix the issue in the first place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1

Use the Troubleshooter utilities to find a site that offers troubleshooting help. These utilities became prominent in the Windows 7 operating system, and are included with the original purchase of a PC. However, Microsoft has offered downloadable troubleshooting utilities for previous versions, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista.

The easiest way to access the troubleshooters in Windows 7 is to click on the Start button. Type "Troubleshooting" in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Press Enter to open the Troubleshooting window. Browse through the different types of troubleshooters and pick the category that might solve your specific issue.

Before, during and even after you run the troubleshooter, the utility may offer a hyperlink to a site that can offer additional troubleshooting help.

Step 2

Navigate to the Compatibility Center Web page in the Microsoft.com domain to find a site that offers troubleshooting help:

• Windows Vista Compatibility Center site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-vista/
• Windows 7 Compatibility Center site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx

If you are able to find your software program or hardware device in Microsoft's compatibility database, you might also find a Support link that takes you to a site that offers troubleshooting.

Step 3

Use the Event Viewer utility to find a site that offers troubleshooting help. This feature automatically runs in the background of the Windows operating system, recording activities, including errors and problems. You can access the "Event Log" to find a specific error that needs troubleshooting. Most logs will display a link that sends you to an external site that offers additional information.

Step 4

Use the Windows Update service to find a site that offers troubleshooting help. Before you actually install the updates, click on updates that attempt to fix a problem that might be related to the troubles experienced on your PC. For example, if your printer has stopped working and you run the Windows Update service, you might see a recommended optional update to download and install updated printer drivers. Almost always, this utility has a link to an external site that offers additional troubleshooting information.

 

Step 5

Navigate directly to a third-party software develper's or hardware manufacturer's Support sites to get troubleshooting help. For example, if you have an HP, Dell or Toshiba laptop, navigate to those companies' websites to find troubleshooting information.

Tips

• Use the System Restore feature in Windows to undo any troubleshooting procedures that did not solve the problem or made your system worst off.

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