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
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.