Chapter 21. How to Deal with a Finicky PC

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Common causes for common problems

• Basic troubleshooting tips

• Using Windows troubleshooting utilities

• Turning back time with System Restore

• Managing the system Registry

• Upgrading for bug fixes

It doesn't matter how expensive your computer is, or how diligent you are. Computer problems happen.

Some of these problems are nothing more than minor annoyances. (You lose a few hour's worth of work on a Word document.) Some are major catastrophes. (You lose your entire hard disk.) All of them have to be dealt with, one way or another.

Dealing with a computer problem is a matter of understanding what could have gone wrong, and then working logically through a step-by-step process to pinpoint the most probable cause. After you know what caused your problem, it's easy enough (in most instances) to fix what is wrong.

Consider this chapter a primer on basic troubleshooting techniques. Follow these general instructions, and you'll be back up and running in no time!