Windows 7 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting PC problems can be frustrating, time consuming, and expensive, especially if IT staff have to “touch” the PC. Often, too little information is provided or the IT staff cannot reproduce the problem. Windows 7 will have two new tools to help with resolving PC problems:

Troubleshooting Packs built on a new Troubleshooting Platform (PowerShell scripts, PowerShell runtime, and troubleshooting wizards) can diagnose and repair some common PC problems without IT staff intervention. Troubleshooting can be initiated by a user from the Windows 7 Control Panel or the Action Center as well as by using Search from the Start menu; for example, if a user types “Aero” into the Start menu Search box, one of the top results will be the pack that finds and fixes problems with transparency and other visual effects. The scripts lead the user through a series of questions to narrow down the problem and then attempt to diagnose and fix the conditions causing the problem. The packs also attempt to address complex problems that may be caused by multiple conditions, such as audio problems caused by a disabled device, low volume settings, and/or unplugged speakers. Initially, Windows 7 will have 20 built-in Troubleshooting Packs to address conditions that are high on the list of problems reported to Microsoft support, including power efficiency, application compatibility, networking, and sound. Additional packs and updates will be added in the future.