Transcript ITS_5_OS Troubleshooting

OS Troubleshooting
Written by: Tim Keyser
Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010
OS Troubleshooting
The ability to troubleshoot an
operating system is important
since operating system issues can
render a computer unusable.
Utilities
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There are many utilities built into Microsoft
Windows that can be used to troubleshoot
issues with the operating system.
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CHKDSK can be run from a command
prompt or the search box and it used to
scan drives for errors. CHKDSK often
finds errors on drives and is able to
automatically fix them.
Utilities Continued
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In addition to running CHKDSK at a command
prompt, drives can also be scanned in Windows
Explorer using the Error Checking utility.
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Third party utilities are available for download
and purchase for operating systems.
Professional technicians often use these utilities
in addition to those included with the operating
system.
Disc Error Checking
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Open My Computer (Windows Explorer)
Alternate (Right) click on the drive letter
Click Properties
Click on the "Tools" tab
Click Check Now
Select Automatically fix file system errors and
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors
Click Start
Windows Installation Disc
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Modern versions of Windows include
troubleshooting utilities that can be run from the
installation disc.
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Windows XP provides the recovery console
which provides a command line interface from
which utilities can be run.
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Windows Vista and 7 have a “repair” option in
graphical user interface format that can be run
from the disc.
Repair VS Reinstall

An operating system repair allows the user to
run an installation that repairs any errors in the
operating system files. This option retains user
data and programs.
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A clean installation involves deleting the
previous operating system partition and does not
retain user data and programs.
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Either of these methods can be used when
repairing an operating system but be certain to
backup all user data before attempting repairs.
Understanding
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Be sure to familiarize yourself with
different utilities available operating
systems and the most common
troubleshooting techniques.