Microsoft Aims to Simplify Troubleshooting with Fix it

Last month, I published an article called “10 Things Linux Does Better than Windows” which took a look at just what the title suggests. Number five on the list was “troubleshooting”, and I based that choice off of the numerous headaches I’ve experienced in the past when trying to fix an OS-specific issue within Windows. All too often, the help file doesn’t help at all, so you’re left to sit there and remain frustrated.

It seems as though that even Microsoft recognizes that its own internal help system isn’t doing enough good, because I stumbled on an application last week that aims to deliver real help when it’s needed. Called “Fix it”, the program monitors computer issues similar to how Windows Vista/7 do, but it’s smarter about how it does it, and delivers more useful information about the real problem.

I installed Fix it onto a fresh copy of Windows 7 through VMware, and after running it for the first time, I had two troubleshooters ready for my perusal. The first potential problem it lists is Internet Explorer crashing, and its recommendation is to figure out which add-ons are causing issues, and then disable them. The second troubleshooter is also related to IE, focusing on video stability.

If a problem isn’t found by Fix it for some reason, you can also view a generic list that gives a variety of choices between different Windows functions. The first one in the list is for Aero, where it may not be properly running. I manually disabled Aero, and used this function, and it enabled it for me, which is what you’d expect. If you didn’t have a GPU capable of handling Aero, then I’d assume that it would tell you so, as it does scan your drivers to make sure everything matches up.

Though still officially in beta, after taking a look through I have to say that this is exactly what Windows needs, and I’m surprised that something exactly like this wasn’t developed long ago. Judging by the program today, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this kind of tool become an integrated feature with future Windows versions, as it really does help simplify issues someone may run into, especially those who don’t eat, live and breath computers like most of us.

Fix it Center finds and fixes many common PC and device problems automatically. It also helps prevent new problems by proactively checking for known issues and installing updates. Fix it Center helps to consolidate the many steps of diagnosing and repairing a problem into an automated tool that does the work for you.