Problem: Windows is slow or not working properly

Solutions: Do the following in order and only do the next step if the previous step does not fix the problem.

1. Reboot the computer.

2. Check to make certain that the hard drive has at least 10% free space. If not, delete some files to clear up space.

3. Check the hard drive and dragment it if necessary.

4. Run the virus scan to clean out any viruses.

5. Click the Windows Start button and go to the Control Panel to Programs and Features. Check to make certain that no new programs have been added unintentially. If so, uninstall them.

6. At the start menu type "run" then "cmd" to get a DOS prompt. At the DOS prompt enter "DIR" and check to see that no new directories have been added to the root drive directory which do not belong. If so, make certain they don't below and then delete them.

7. At the start menu, enter "msconfig". Uncheck any startup programs that are not needed.

8. At the start menu type "run" then "cmd" to get a DOS prompt. At the DOS prompt enter "SFC" and run the System File Checker to check and/or repair all Windows system files.

9. Do a system restore to a previous known good operating point.

10. Back up all personal files and reinstall Windows.

11. Reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows.

Problem: Windows freezes

Solution: Hold the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys down all at the same time. If this works, go to the task manager and then to the applications tab. Then stop the program which is frozen. If this doesn't work, reboot the computer.

Problem: Printer has stopped working

Solution: Delete and reinstall the printer.

Problem: computer game or software not loading because of a error

Solution: Check the software load disk to see if it is scratched. Read the error pop-up to see if it is about the problem itself. Check for updates and check to see if you did something wrong in the installation process. Redo the installation process a few times to check if that works. Uninstall the program. Right click on the installation program and click on "Troubleshoot Compatibility". Follow the directions to install and run the program under selected compatiability settings.

Problem: A program that ran before has stopped running

Solution: check for updates and reinstall the program. Uninstall the program. Right click on the installation program and click on "Troubleshoot Compatibility". Follow the directions to install and run the program under selected compatiability settings.

Problem: An email or instant message is received saying that a virus has been detected on my computer and saying to click a link to fix it.

Solution: Do not click the link. It is a malicious message. Delete the message or email.

Problem: An offer is received in a email to troubleshoot and improve performance of Windows.

Solution: Do not accept any offers received via email. Only use Microsoft approved or self researched and selected tools for troubleshooting and improving Windows.

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