All Windows troubleshooting tools (part 2)

1. Last Known Good Configuration: it can be accessed by pressing F8 key at boot up and selecting it from Advanced Boot Options. It's useful when Windows won't start normally because it reverts the system to the state it was before a problem with Windows settings, drivers or applications occurred.

2. Memory Diagnostics (mdsched. exe): performs a memory test.

3. Network and Sharing Center: accessed from taskbar or Control Panel, manages network connections and security.

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4. Performance Monitor: displays information about performance helpful to identify bottlenecks. In Windows Vista it can be found within Reliability And Performance Monitor window.

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5. Programs and Features: located in Control Panel, allows to install, uninstall, repair or update software or drivers causing problems. Windows Vista calls it Add/Remove Programs.

6. Registry Editor (regedit.exe): allows to access and modify Windows registry.

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7. Reliability Monitor: shows past problems with a computer by using a graph. It can be opened in Windows 7 through Action Center, while under Vista is located in Reliability and Performance Monitor window.

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8. Runas (runas.exe): allows to run a program by using different user accounts having different permission levels (administrator or ordinary account).

 9. Safe Mode: accessed by pressing F8 key of Windows boot up, is used to troubleshoot Windows boot problems or errors. Safe Mode loads only a minimum configuration necessary to access Windows desktop, allowing to solve a problem with drivers, display settings, corrupted applications or malware.

10. SC (SC.exe): by using this command you can stop or start a service that runs in background.

 

 11. Services (services.msc): GUI version of SC

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Stick around for the final part of this post!

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