The basics

If you’re encountering a different kind of obstacle – your new device won’t appear on your desktop, an application you added won’t run, or your computer is refusing to start up – here are a couple of preliminary steps:

1. Before adding any major hardware or software to your system, make sure you’ve recently backed-up as a safeguard. By using the automatic backup functions, you can schedule regular upkeep for maximum convenience.
2. Write down the contact information for Microsoft Customer Service and Support, should you need to consult an expert. Take a second to print the below instructions as well, and keep them handy as you walk through the troubleshooting process.
3. Many issues can be resolved by simply checking to be sure that all of your plugs are connected properly. After you are sure of that, try restarting(“rebooting”) your system. Turn your computer off, and then back on a few seconds later. If the problem continues, follow the steps below.

Locating the problem

Ask yourself if the problem is related to hardware, software, or the operating system (such as Windows XP or Windows Vista). Below are some common indicators that can help you decide which is the right answer.

If you’re uncertain, don’t worry. Just start at the top by determining if your software is working, using the Software section that follows. If the issue persists, proceed to the Hardware trouble section and then to the system failure section.

You can also find really helpful information at Microsoft Help and Support. If you’d like to search by individual program, try the Product Solution Center. Or check the columns and blogs found on the Windows Community Web site, where you can find helpful input from experts and fellow computer users.

The lists on the right side of this page may also help you narrow down the type of trouble you are experiencing.

Software errors

If programs refuse to install, won’t appear on your desktop, can’t seem to run without freezing-up, don’t load at a decent speed or function properly, or Internet access is unavailable, here’s how to troubleshoot:

General issues

1. Confirm that your PC meets the software’s minimum system requirements. If it doesn’t, you’ll be unable to run the program without upgrading your computer’s hardware. Note that PCs which barely meet or just slightly exceed these minimums may run the software more slowly and can be less reliable. Windows Vista users can reference the Windows Experience Index to quickly gauge their PC’s general capabilities.
2. Check for compatability with Windows Vista.
3. Close open programs and windows that you’re not currently using. These can eat up system memory and processing power, slowing your PC or preventing additional software from running. Try running the program again.
4. Check available hard drive space. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of your hard drive’s total storage allotment should be left free to ensure optimum system performance, prevent crashes, and keep Windows running at top speed. To free more space, use Disk Cleanup in Vista or XP Check for program updates and information on frequently encountered issues at the software manufacturer’s Web site. For Microsoft products, you can also load windows update or visit the Microsoft Download Center. If you install an update, reboot and attempt to run the program again.
5. Uninstall or delete unwanted programs to cut down on clutter and remove any drain on your system’s resources.
6. Disable programs you don’t use to to prevent them from automatically loading when Windows starts. Reboot and try the program again.
7. Defragment your hard drive in Windows Vista or XP to improve performance.
8. Scan for viruses and spyware. Windows Defender and Windows Live OneCare can help detect and prevent threats, along with preventing annoying pop-up notices and unauthorized home network intrusions. You can scan your PC for free.
9. Reboot your computer and try loading the program again. If it still won’t load or work correctly, you may need to uninstall the software and then reinstall it from scratch and reboot again.
10. Consult Microsoft Help and Support and the Windows Community. If live assistance is required, first contact the software manufacturer’s customer support department. For additional assistance, try Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

Internet Connectivity

Whether you have a modem or a home network, answers to common Internet access and online networking problems can be found at Microsoft Help and Support. Quick references include:

• Dropped signals
• Finding wireless networks
• Internet connection problems
• Network connection issues
• Slow speeds
• Using Internet Explorer

Hardware trouble

Should equipment fail to turn on, be recognized by your system, or function properly, follow these steps to address some of the most common hardware issues:

1. Determine that equipment has been assembled correctly, by consulting your product manual or referencing the manufacturer’s Web site.
2. Confirm that your device is securely plugged in and receiving power. For equipment that relies on an A/C (wall outlet plug) power adapter, you can double-check that the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in another device and observing if it starts up or begins charging.
3. Check to see whether equipment is properly connected to your PC by making sure all cables are securely plugged into the correct ports.
4. Verify that hardware is turned on.
5. Look for error messages displayed on either the equipment itself (commonly found on a small LCD screen) or on your desktop. Solutions for many of these can be found in your product manual or by checking this comprehensive database.
6. Install or reinstall drivers for the device. Windows automatically searches for drivers when new devices are connected and notifies you of any available updates. It may be necessary to manually install them yourself, if these files are contained directly on the device, on a CD/DVD sold with the equipment, or on the manufacturer’s Web site. To activate setup, just double-click on the driver installation program. You may need advice, if the installation program fails to run.
7. Confirm that you’re using the latest drivers for your hardware. Manufacturers routinely issue patches to correct errors and inconsistencies that users encounter. To do so, simply use Windows Update, visit the Microsoft Download Center, or check the Download or Support section of the manufacturer’s Web site.
8. Reboot your system and test the device again.
9. Consult Microsoft Help and Support, the Windows Community, or the manufacturer’s Web site for assistance. The following resources also offer solutions to common problems with popular devices, including:
   • Audio and sound cards
   • CD or DVD drives
   • Digital cameras
   • Speech recognition
   • Keyboards
   • Mice
   • Monitors and video cards
   • Network adapters
   • Printers
   • Recordable media
   • Scanners
   • TV tuners
   • USB devices
   • Webcams
10. If all else fails, contact the hardware manufacturer’s customer support department. You can also try your computer manufacturer’s customer support group or Microsoft Customer Service and Support for additional assistance.

System failure

Can’t get your PC to start up or shut down? Is Windows stalling out, randomly turning your computer off, or rebooting without warning? Follow these step-by-step instructions to restore system health.

1. Confirm that your PC is plugged into an electrical outlet and receiving power. If so, reboot and see whether the problem persists.
2. Try restoring your system.
   • To do so for Windows Vista, see here.
   • Windows XP users can click this link instead.
3. Check to see if you have a memory problem.
4. Scan your hard drive for errors.
5. Look for driver problems.
6. Try advanced boot options and working in safe mode.
7. Did you just install a new hardware device or driver before Windows stopped working? Determine the cause and address the problem.
8. Repair your PC using the Startup Repair function.
9. Reinstall Windows.
10. If troubles remain, consult Microsoft Help and Support or the Windows Community. If you still need help, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

Hard drive failure

In a worst-case scenario, system failure may be caused by a damaged or corrupted hard drive. There are many warning signs that may indicate this problem:

• Your system won’t boot.
• No operating system is detected.
• The computer hangs during startup.
• Your PC is making strange noises.

If you are concerned about the safety of your files, try the following options before paying to send it to a data recovery specialist:

• Resurrect your hard drive.
• Retrieve files using a boot CD.
• Employ free system recovery tools.

Create a preventive maintenance plan for your computer

When people notice their computer’s performance slowing, the most common reason is the hard disk. Your computer’s hard disk is a non-removable area that holds all the information available from your computer. Over time, hard disks begin to lose their ability to store data efficiently.

The Windows operating system provides three great tools to help keep your hard drive humming smoothly. These tools are Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, and Check Disk. Find more information about using these tools to optimize your PC.

Ideally, you should run these tools on the following schedule.

Of course, who has the time (or the desire) to keep up with this schedule? The best solution is to let Windows do all of the work.

The Windows Scheduler Task Wizard allows you to set up and automate these tasks, so you never have to worry about them again.

Clean up your hard disk (weekly)

Your computer amasses temporary files over time. These files can come from any number of sources—the Web being one of the largest offenders. After a while, these temporary files will slow down your computer.

About every week, you should run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to clear your PC of these temporary files.

To set up Disk Cleanup to run automatically:

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double-click Scheduled Tasks.
3. Double-click Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard appears, as shown in Figure 1. Click Next.
     
4. You’ll find a list of applications within the Scheduled Task Wizard. Scroll down this list until you find Disk Cleanup. Click on Disk Wizard to highlight it, as shown in Figure 2. Click Next.
5. Select a frequency for the Disk Cleanup to run. Running this task weekly is suggested, as shown in Figure 3. Click Next.
6. Select the best day and time of the week for the Disk Cleanup to run. Pick a time when you know you won’t be using your computer, as shown in Figure 4. Click Next.
    
7. Enter your user name and password (the one you use when you need to log on to your computer). Click Next.
    Congratulations! You’ve successfully scheduled your Disk Cleanup to run, as confirmed by the page shown in Figure 6. Your PC will now automatically run Disk Cleanup on the date and time you scheduled—even if you’re logged off your computer.

   Click Finish to have Windows automate this task.

     

Rearrange your fragmented files (monthly)

Whenever a file becomes too large to store in a single location on your hard disk, your computer breaks that file into parts (or fragments). Don’t worry, though. Your computer keeps track of all these fragments, piecing them together whenever the file is accessed.

However, as fragmented files accumulate on your hard disk, your computer becomes gradually slower. This is because your computer has to go through all these fragmented files in order to piece the correct parts together again.

While there’s nothing you can do to prevent the fragmentation of files, Windows does have a utility (Disk Fragmenter) to help deal with this situation. Disk Fragmenter rearranges fragmented files, resulting in increased free space on your hard disk and quicker performance from your PC.

About every month, you should run the Windows Disk Defragmenter utility.

To set up Disk Defragmenter to run automatically:

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double-click Scheduled Tasks.
3. Double-click Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard appears. Click Next.
4. Disk Fragmenter isn’t available within the scroll-down list. You’ll need to select it manually. Click Browse. Then, navigate to windows\system32\defrag.exe. Select defrag.exe and click Open, as shown in Figure 7.

    

5. The Scheduled Task Wizard asks you to define the frequency for defrag.exe to run. Monthly is suggested. Click Next.
6. You’re then asked to select the time and day you wish this task to start. Pick a time you won’t likely be using your computer.

   If you selected a Monthly time frame, you’re able to define what months and what day of the month this task should run. Keep all months selected, and pick a day of the month that works for you, as shown in Figure 8.

7. Select a start time that differs from your other scheduled tasks. That way, you won’t have multiple tasks starting at exactly the same time. Click Next.
    Enter your user name and password (the one you use when you need to log on to your computer). Click Next.
8. The next dialog box in the wizard states that you’ve successfully scheduled Disk Fragmenter to run on the time frame you’ve defined. Click Finish to have Windows automate this task.

Check your hard disk for errors (weekly)

Whenever some program you’re using crashes, your computer may create errors on your hard disk. These errors will eventually slow your computer to a crawl.

The good news is that Windows includes a Check Disk program. Check Disk corrects these types of errors from your hard disk—resulting in better PC performance.

About every week, you should run the Check Disk utility.

To set up Check Disk to run automatically:

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double-click Scheduled Tasks.
3. Double-click Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard appears. Click Next.
4. Check Disk isn’t available within the scroll-down list. You’ll need to select it manually. Click Browse. Then, navigate to windows\system32\chkdsk.exe. Select chkdsk.exe and click Open, as shown in Figure 9.
    
5. The Scheduled Task Wizard prompts you to define the frequency for chkdsk.exe to run. Select Weekly and click Next.
6. You’re then asked to select the time and day you wish this task to start. Select a time you won’t likely be using your computer. Make sure this start time differs from your other scheduled tasks. Avoid having your tasks start at the same time.
7. Enter your user name and password (the one you use when you need to log on to your computer). Disk Fragmenter will run as if you started it. Click Next.
8. A wizard page appears, stating that you’ve successfully scheduled Check Disk to run on the time frame you’ve defined. Click Finish to have Windows automate this task.

Let Windows do all the work
These automated tasks—while they seem simple enough—are the foundation on which your computer’s performance rests. Lucky for us, Windows can completely handle these tasks. You never have to worry about them. You just set up your maintenance tasks once, automate them, and let Windows take care of the rest.