Preventing Problems

I have never believed that having to re-install and re-configure an OS is a true recovery method. It's more of a start-over-from-scratch method. There are some system failures which require such far reaching procedures, but in many cases you can prevent them. The most successful preventative measure is backing up. In fact, the only insurance you have from one moment to the next that your system and your data will even be accessible is a backup. Backups should be performed automatically and frequently. But just backing up is not enough; you must also verify that your backups are working properly and periodically walk through the process of restoring your system in the event of a failure.

Backups are the key to a long life of your data. In fact, most of the repair capabilities of Windows XP are based around backups. Many repair functions don't correct problems directly; instead they restore saved functioning files over problematic ones. This includes the Last Known Good Configuration, many functions within Recovery Console, and the System Restore capability (discussed later in this chapter). But all of these restore or repair functions focus on the OS, not on your data. Only a backup you configure and execute will protect your data.

Flip back to Chapter 29, "Managing the Hard Disk," for more details about backups.

Backups are not the only preventative measures you should take. You should also regularly check your system's performance. This process was discussed in Chapter 25, "Maintaining and Optimizing System Performance."

It is also a good idea to use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). A UPS conditions the power being fed to the computer and can provide several minutes of power in the event of a blackout. A UPS will prolong the life of your computer by protecting its sensitive components from electric fluctuations.

Regularly check the Event Viewer for device, driver, and service problems. Problems of this nature usually appear in the System log. They are usually indicated by a yellow triangle or a red stop sign as the event detail's icon. If you see problems related to key components of the system, you need to investigate the situation and resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the event details do not always provide enough information. You'll need to use the Help and Support Center, the Microsoft online knowledge base (support.microsoft.com), or Microsoft technical support over the phone to decipher what cryptic information is presented. In many cases, the Windows XP troubleshooter will provide a workable solution. Otherwise, you should consult the vendor's Web site for updated drivers and troubleshooting instructions.

NOTE

The Event Viewer is discussed in Chapter 27, "System Utilities." The hardware troubleshooter (both through the Add Hardware applet and the Device Manager) is discussed in Chapter 24, "Configuration via Control Panel Applets."

You should also endeavor to regularly perform drive maintenance on your system. Maintaining healthy drives reduces the number of drive and file system related problems. Drive maintenance involves the following:

• Manually removing old data files, either via deletion or backup

• Use Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary files

• Use Error-checking to verify the volume is supporting its file system properly

• Use Defragmenter to consolidate files and aggregate free space

NOTE

These drive tools are discussed in Chapter 29, "Managing the Hard Disk."