Built-in Troubleshooting Packs
Windows 7 includes built-in troubleshooting packs to deal with common problems such as problems that are related to printers, displays, sound, networking, system performance, and hardware compatibility. Microsoft designed these troubleshooting packs to correlate to the top ten categories of Microsoft support calls.
In addition to built-in troubleshooting packs, Windows 7 can download new packs as new issues are identified through the Windows Online Troubleshooting Service (WOTS). This ensures that customers always have updated tools to find and fix the most current types of problems. WOTS is a free service in Windows 7, and it can be controlled within an enterprise by using Group Policy settings.
Users can run built-in troubleshooting packs from any of the following locations:
Related topics in Help
The Windows 7 Action Center in the notification area
The Troubleshooting Control Panel
In addition, some applications or Windows components can run the appropriate troubleshooting pack automatically. For example, if sound is not working, the user can right-click the volume control in the notification area. This presents the option to launch the Audio troubleshooting pack.
The following table lists the troubleshooting packs that are included in Windows 7 or that are currently available by using the Windows Online Troubleshooting Service (WOTS).
Windows 7 Troubleshooting Packs
Aero |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent your computer from displaying Aero animations and effects. |
Playing Audio |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent your computer from playing sound. |
Recording Audio |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent your computer from recording sound. |
Printer |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent you from using a printer. |
Performance |
Adjust settings in Windows that can help improve overall speed and performance. |
System maintenance |
Clean up unused files and shortcuts and perform other maintenance tasks. |
Power |
Adjust power settings to improve battery life and reduce power consumption. |
HomeGroup |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent you from viewing computer files or shared files in a HomeGroup. |
Hardware and devices |
Troubleshoot problems with hardware and devices. |
Internet Explorer® performance |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent you from browsing the Web with Internet Explorer. |
Internet Explorer safety |
Adjust settings to improve browser safety in Internet Explorer. |
Windows Media® Player Library |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent music and movies from being shown in the Windows Media Player Library. |
Windows Media Player settings |
Reset Windows Media player back to default settings. |
Windows Media Player DVD |
Troubleshoot problems that prevent playing a DVD in Windows Media Player. |
Connection to a workplace by using DirectAccess |
Connect to your workplace network over the Internet. |
Shared folders |
Access shared files and folders on other computers |
Incoming connections |
Allow other computers to connect to your computer. |
Network adapter |
Troubleshoot Ethernet, wireless, or other network adapters. |
Internet connections |
Connect to the Internet or to a particular Web site. |
Program compatibility |
Troubleshoot a program that doesn't work in this version of Windows. |
Search and indexing |
Troubleshoot problems finding items with Windows Search. |
Windows Update |
Troubleshoot problems that are preventing Windows Update from working correctly. |