- If your software is not running properly, or if you are not able to access the Internet, the problem could be that you are not connected to your home or business network. One of the easiest ways to check your network connectivity is to run a DOS command called IPCONFIG. The IPCONFIG command will show your computer's unique IP address, a unique number that identifies your computer on public and private networks. If everything is working properly, you will see a unique number when you type IPCONFIG and hit the "Enter" key. If there is a problem with the network adapter, you will see a message saying "media disconnected."
- Every time a problem occurs on your system, it will be recorded in the computer's Event Viewer. By using Event Viewer, you can diagnose common problems and find out which programs have been causing problems on your system. To open Event Viewer, click the "Start" button, choose "Run" from the menu and type EVENTVWR.
- One of the best features of WIndows XP is the ability to undo recent changes to your PC with the System Restore feature. If your PC was working perfectly yesterday, but refuses to start properly today, you can use the System Restore feature to take your PC back in time and bring it back to life. To access System Restore, tap the "F8" key as your PC starts, and choose "Safe Mode" from the menu. When your computer starts, you will see the option to enter System Restore.
- If you suspect that a piece of hardware is not working properly, Windows XP gives you a fast and easy way to check the status of all the hardware in your system. Simply right click on "My Computer," choose "Properties" from the menu, and navigate to the "Hardware" tab. From there, click on the "Device Manager" button to see a list of installed hardware. A yellow exclamation point or red X is an indication that the piece of hardware is not functioning properly.
- Task Manager is another powerful tool in the Windows XP troubleshooting arsenal. Task Manager allows you to see which programs are running or not responsive on your PC. When your PC freezes, you can use Task Manager to see which program is to blame, and you can shut that program down and allow the computer to start responding again. To invoke Task Manager, simply right click on an empty part of the toolbar and choose "Task Manager" from the menu. You can instantly see which programs are not responding and shut them down.
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