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.*