Windows XP
Windows XP basic troubleshooting checklist
- Quick PC health check
- If Windows will start
- If Windows won’t start
- Use Last Known Good Configuration
- Boot in Safe Mode and run System Restore
- Boot in Safe Mode and run System File Checker
How to start Windows XP in last know good configuration
- Start the computer and press the F8 key repeatedly.
- Use the up-arrow key to select: Last Known Good Configuration
- Press: Enter
- Select your desired operating system and press Enter.
- Windows XP will start.
How to run the System File Checker in Windows XP
- Click: Start
- Click: Run
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Click: OK
- Wait for the process to complete.
How to find Microsoft Fixit
Note: Microsoft Fix it has been renamed Microsoft Easy fix. Open https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2970908/how-to-use-microsoft-easy-fix-solutions and follow the instructions.
Read MoreHow to use Windows XP Troubleshooters
- Click: Start
- Click: Help and Support
- Click: Fixing a problem
- Select a category at the left and follow the instructions.
How to fix a program in Windows XP
- This procedure only works for some programs. We will use Adobe Reader as an example.
- Click: Start
- Click: Control Panel
- a. Click: Add or Remove Programs (if Control Panel is set to Category View)
b. Click: Add or Remove Programs (if Control Panel is set to Classic View) - Select the program that is not working.
- Click: Change
- Select the Repair option.
- Click: Next
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Click: Finish
- Click the red X to close Add or Remove Programs.
How to check Device Manager and event logs in Windows XP
- Click: Start
- Right-click: My Computer
- Click: Manage
- Click: Device Manager
- Notice any errors on the devices list.
- Click: Event Viewer
- Double-click: System
- Notice any errors on the event list.
How to fix common problems in Windows XP
How to fix a network connection in Windows XP
- Click: Start
- Click: Control Panel
- a. Click: Network and Internet Connections (if Control Panel is set to Category View)
b. Click: Network Connections (if Control Panel is set to Category View)
c. Double-click: Network Connections (if Control Panel is set to Classic View) - Right-click the network connection showing as: Connected
- Click: Repair
- Click: Close
- Right-click the network connection showing as: Connected
- Click: Disable
- Right-click the same network connection
- Click: Enable
- Run the Network Connection Wizard