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Fix Windows Machines

Tips for Fixing Windows Machines

 

Programs to use... 

  • CheckDisk
  • CCleaner
  • Auslogics Disk Defragmentor
  • Microsoft / Windows Updates
  • Secunia Online Scan
  • FileHippo Update
  • Belarc Advisor
  • Microsoft Fix-It Center
    • fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com
    • support.microsoft.com/fixit
  • Windows Updates Downloader
  • Disk Cleanup
  • Windows Restore Points
  • AVG Antivirus
  • AVG AntiRootkit  -- http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Rootkit-Free/3000-8022_4-10662685.html
  • Panda Cloud
  • Windows Defender
  • Spybot Search and Destroy
  • Driver updaters (use with caution):
    • www.devicedoctor.com
    • www.drivermax.com
  • Start -> Run -> msconfig
  • Check for anything in "Add/Remove Programs" that should be removed
  • Windows System File Checker:  right-click on c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe, Run as Administrator, then:   sfc /scannow
    • http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833
  • netsh winsock reset  (for Firewall-related stuff)
  • If some Windows "service" isn't running, then Start->Run-> services.msc
  • May want to get Product Key (see WinKeyFinder or Magic Jellybean) before doing anything that might lead to re-installation of the OS or other software.   Also good info to present to client for future use.
  • Boot the Windows install CD/DVD, then you have three options:  "R" for Recovery Console (even though it says "Repair"), or "R" (chosen after skipping Recovery Console and after accepting License Agreement) to Repair an existing installation, or re-install over an existing installation.
    • The Repair option may not be available.  See http://michaelstevenstech.com/repair_install_warning.htm or do a Google search.
    • If you Repair, you will need the password to the Administrator account.  If you have Administrator privileges but don't have the Admin password, then boot into Windows and change the Admin password on the command line:   net user Administrator [new password]
    • Repair just drops you to a DOS-like command line, with DOS-like commands available to you.
    • If you reinstall over an existing partition, Windows will warn you that you will  lose you settings and accounts, possibly including your My Documents folder.

 

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