Technology Tips
By Don Trauger – Kennett
Windows 10 Toolbox (Updated from Jan. 2017)
Windows 10 has a variety of “Fixit” tools to correct a multitude of different problems. Do you think Microsoft knew that Windows 10 might develop troubles along the way? Use of these tools might help to solve individual problems like a malfunctioning printer or a Windows update problem. Actually, Microsoft offers 24 of these “Fixit” tools to select depending on the problem you are trying to resolve.
Before you start using these tools reboot or restart the computer to clear the memory. This quick fix may even correct the problem. Just left click the 4 pane white Start icon, click the Power icon above the Start icon and click Restart.
To view or run any of these tools, left click the “Type here to search box”. If you don’t see a search box, right click a blank area on the Task Bar (it’s at the bottom of the screen) move to Cortana and click “Show search box”. Type the letters “co” (no quotes). In the upper portion of the pop-up window left click “Control Panel”. At the upper right of the control Panel window click the down arrow and choose “Large icons” in the “View by:” field. Next, click “Troubleshooting” and then click “View all” in the upper left part of the window.
The list will offer diagnostic/repair utilities to correct many system problems. Just pick the one that best fits your situation. When you open a tool click on “Advanced” and choose “Apply repairs automatically”. Click “Next” and follow any further screen prompts associated with the tool you are running. If you continue to experience the problem after a repair attempt you can always try System Restore. System Restore will attempt to repair more serious problems without requiring re-installation of the Windows system files. Your personal data will not be impacted. System Restore can be accessed from the Control Panel by clicking the System icon then left clicking “System protection” at the upper left. Under Protection settings the “C” drive must be on. Click the “System Restore” button and click “Next”. Select a restore point that would be appropriate before you had the problem. Click “Show more restore points” to see all your stored restore points. Click “Next” and follow the screen prompts.
If you don’t see any restore points then the preceding System Restore information will not apply, To turn on the restore point feature click the “Configure” button. Click “Turn on system protection” and set the “Disk Space Usage” slider to roughly 10 GB. Click OK in the System restore window if you made changes. Turning on System Restore at this point will not allow you to perform a system restore because there are no historical restore points. NOTE: System protection can get turned off during Microsoft’s updates and not turned back on.
Please come to the PC Club meetings. We’ll you how to run these utilities. Also, there will be time for your questions. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center.