Microsoft has launched “Fix It” software that keeps an eye on a PC and automatically repairs common faults.
The software basically adds the automatic diagnostics system in Windows 7 to older versions of Microsoft’s operating system.
The software, currently available as a trial or beta version, is intended for users of Windows XP and Vista.
The package also tries to anticipate how security updates will affect a PC before they are installed.
Bug watch
Once installed, the software gets updates about known issues with Windows or any connected devices, and regularly checks to see if a host machine has fallen victim. Once fixes become available it will tell users they are ready or attempt to apply them.
The software has onboard fixes for about 300 of the most widely encountered problems that stop Windows working as it should.
The software also maintains a list of the hardware and software on a machine so if the automatic fix does not solve a problem, it will be able to help users supply detailed information to Microsoft’s support staff about what has gone wrong.
Those signing up and downloading the Fix It software can use it on several different machines.
The free software can be downloaded from Microsoft’s support pages. Windows XP users wanting to use it must have Service Pack 3 for the operating system installed.
The Fix It service began in late 2008, when Microsoft began using the logo to highlight automatic fixes on its support pages that dealt with very common problems.
Anyone clicking on the logo kicked off a download that tried to fix that problem automatically.
Microsoft, like many other software firms, has built a vast database of faults and problems as technology built into Windows reports back about crashes and other bugs that machines encounter. – BBC News Tech.
We think this isn’t exactly going to be life changing and you should continue to look at your tradional computer support avenues
Q: HPCS, please help! I’ve got no desktop shortcuts or start menu visible on my Windows XP computer at home. I’ve tried pressing the windows button on the keyboard, but still it doesn’t appear. Please, please, please can you help fix this!
Julie, Essex
A: Julie, thankfully there should be a simple resolution for this. Following the steps outlined below, should result in your desktop and start menu being visible and working correctly once more.
- Download the following file and save it to your C:\ Drive: NoDesktop.reg
- On your keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, select ‘Task Manager’
- Click ‘File’ -> Click ‘New Task (Run…)
- Type C:\
- Press OK
- Double click on the NoDesktop.reg file you saved above
- Select Yes to any prompts
- Restart your computer
- Your issue should now be resolved, with all shortcuts and the start menu visible once again.
We have tested this and it has worked on the occasions we have experienced the issue Julie raised above.
*Be careful when modifying the Registry. We offer this advice as-is, with no kind of guarentee or responsibility. Do this at your own risk.*
In Windows Vista, all of Windows’ essential programs are loaded through something called “Windows Services.” This means that most of the startup items you see in Vista are completely optional and can be turned off. However, a good rule of thumb is to disable only those programs that you recognize and don’t need to have running all the time. When in doubt, leave it on. Read more
It is often to, where possible, let Windows install drivers for your hardware automatically. You should try to avoid manually updating a driver unless Windows is unable to find a driver for one of your device. If you wish to manually update/install a driver, here’s how:
You must have access to the driver for your device; in most cases, this comes on a CD provided by the device manufacturer, or is downloaded via their support website
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform the following procedure.
- Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- In Device Manager, locate the device you want to update, and then double-click the device name.
- Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver and follow the instructions.
- Your device should now have successfully installed, if not, contact the device manufacturer for assistance.
How to change your Windows 7/ Vista Screen saver
- Open Screen Saver Settings by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Screen Saver.
- Under Screen saver, in the drop-down list, click the screen saver you want to use.
- Click Preview to see what your chosen screen saver will look like.
- Click OK.
Screen savers can help protect your monitor from damage by displaying a constantly moving display when your computer is idle. If you leave a static image on your screen for too long, the image may burn itself to the monitor, thus affecting image quality.
Here is a guide on how to setup and configure your screensaver in Windows XP.
- Right-click your desktop, and then click Properties.
- In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Screen Saver tab.
- Click the Screen saver drop-down box, and then click a screen saver.
- Click the Preview button to see how the screen saver will appear on your monitor. Read more
Windows 7 users are now able to run software on on their system, within a compatibility mode. All that is required is for the user to download the appropriate version of the Windows XP Mode software [download link], which enables Windows 7 PCs run software within an XP compatibility mode.
Microsoft suggest that Windows 7 is compatible with Windows Vista; meaning that any software which you have worked on in vista, will work on Windows 7. However, many users were refrained from ‘upgrading’ to Vista due to reports of compatibility issues with their Windows XP software. To assist with this, Microsoft has released a virtualisation engine intoWindows 7 to enable XP applications to continue to run seamlessly. Read more