Level: Beginner
Moderator: Eli, the computer guy
Date created: May 17, 2010
Duration of lesson: 62 minutes
Sense

Computer repair
requirements

Familiarity with the Windows operating system
Purpose of the lesson

In this course, students learn how to use the tools built into the Windows operating system to troubleshoot and resolve common problems.
Topics covered

Safe Mode and System Restore
Task Manager
Hard drive maintenance
Startup services
Computer Management Console
Class notes

introduction
The tools built into Windows are invaluable for troubleshooting and are free.
Safe Mode and System Restore
System Restore can be used to return a computer's configuration to an earlier restore point.
Restore points are created automatically
System Restore changes programs but not documents/videos etc.
Safe Mode starts your computer with as few services as possible, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as editing and deleting files.
To enter Safe Mode, continuously press the F8 key while the computer is booting.
Task Manager
To determine the amount of RAM in the computer and the processor type, right-click on /"My Computer/" and select PROPERTIES
To access Task Manager: Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, and then select TASK MANAGER
On the Applications tab, you can see which applications are open and close them.
The Processes tab shows you all the individual processes and how many resources they are using. From here you can kill processes.
The Performance tab shows how much CPU and RAM are being used.
Hard disk storage
RIGHT-click the drive and select PROPERTIES.
Disk Cleanup deletes temporary files and empties the Recycle Bin
For your computer to function properly, you need 10% free space on your hard disk
Startup services
With MSConfig you can disable programs and services that start when the computer
To use MSCONFIG, simply open the START menu and then type MSCONFIG in the /"Run/" bar.
The registry contains software and services that start when the computer boots up. To get rid of them completely, delete the registry keys.
To use Registry Editor, open the Start menu and then type REGDIT in the Run bar.
Delete keys in both:
I. HKEY_CURRENT_USER//Software//Microsoft//Windows//CurrentVersion//Run
ii. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE//SOFTWARE//Microsoft//Windows//CurrentVersion//Run
Leave keys for antivirus software and printer software
The startup folder contains applications that start when the computer starts
Go to START-ALL PROGRAMS and then right-click on the STARTUP folder. Delete any links or applications listed there
Computer management
To open Computer Management, right-click on /"My Computer/" and select MANAGE
The Event Viewer is used for system log files
Local users and groups allow you to change passwords, create users, and change user group membership
Device Manager shows you how the operating system sees the hardware. It shows you if there is a device driver problem or if some part of the hardware is disabled.
Disk Management shows you the partitions and drives in your computer. You can create and delete partitions, change drive letters, and format disks.
Services shows you all the services on the computer. Services can be started automatically, manually or disabled.
Final thoughts…
CCleaner and Defraggler are good additional tools for maintaining your PC.

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