Selected Windows XP Troubleshooting Guide: Compiled By: Jason M. Cohen

1
Selected Windows XP
Troubleshooting Guide
Compiled by: Jason M. Cohen
To locate lost files:
Check these locations to locate lost files:
The My Documents folder
Click Start, and then click My Documents.

The default save location of the program you used to open or create the
file
1. Open the program.
2. On the File menu, click Save As.
This opens the program's default save location where the file was likely
saved.
Perform a search
Click Start, click Search, and then do one of the following:

o To search for a document, click Documents (Word, Excel, etc.).
o To search for another file type, click Other files or folders.
For more information, click Related Topics.

The Documents and Settings\user name folder
1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. Double-click the hard disk icon to display the contents of the root directory.
For example, C:\ or D:\.
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3. Double-click the Documents and Settings folder, and then double-click
the folder that corresponds to your user name.
Depending on how Windows was installed on your computer, the
Documents and Settings folder may not be present.
The systemroot\Windows\system32 folder
3. Double-click the systemroot1 folder, and then double-click system32.
4. In the systemroot\system32 folder, double-click the file or folder you want
to open.
The root directory
The folders of the program you used to open or create the file
systemroot
The path and folder name where the Windows system files are located. Typically,
this is C:\Windows, although you can designate a different drive or folder when
you install Windows. You can use the value %systemroot% to replace the actual
location of the folder that contains the Window system files. To identify your
systemroot folder, click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%, and then click
OK.
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3. Double-click the Program Files folder, and then double-click the file or
folder you want to open.
For example, if you created a document in Microsoft Word, the file may
have been saved in one of the folders associated with Microsoft Word.
Related Topics
Diagnosing game controller issues

If a game port controller does not install properly, you can use Device Manager
or the Hardware troubleshooter to troubleshoot the problem.
If the controller appears in Device Manager2, right-click the controller
name and click Properties. Problems and suggested actions are
displayed in Device Status. For more information, click Related Topics.
You can also use the Hardware troubleshooter to diagnose and solve
problems with hardware devices such as game controllers. Start the
Hardware troubleshooter.
Related Topics
Device Manager
An administrative tool that you can use to manage the devices on your computer.
Using Device Manager, you can view and change device properties, update
device drivers, configure device settings, and uninstall devices.
See also: device, uninstall
Fixing a printing problem

If you encounter difficulty printing, you can pursue a solution in a variety of ways.
To find out more about a method, click it.
Use the Printing Troubleshooter
The Printing Troubleshooter asks you a series of questions to help narrow the
possibilities that could be causing your printing problem. It then suggests a
solution.
Step-by-step procedure
Get assistance on the Internet
Microsoft Product Support Services offers extensive assistance in solving printing
problems. You can search for a printing solution, check for answers to frequently
asked questions, and download printer drivers.
Step-by-step procedure
Consult the printer manufacturer
Ultimately, the manufacturer of your printer is the best authority for solving
printing problems. Consult the documentation that came with your printer for
possible solutions.
If you cannot solve the problem, contact the manufacturer directly. The
documentation likely has a support number you can call, or a Web site address.
Many printers also have this information located somewhere on the printer,
usually on the back or underside. You might also locate the manufacturer on the
Web by using an Internet search site.
Related Topics
Windows File Protection

In versions of Windows prior to Windows 2000, installing software in addition to
the operating system might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link
libraries (.dll files) and executable files (.exe files). When system files are
overwritten, system performance becomes unpredictable, programs behave
erratically, and the operating system fails.
In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, Windows File Protection prevents the
replacement of protected system files such as .sys, .dll, .ocx, .ttf, .fon, and .exe
files. Windows File Protection runs in the background and protects all files
installed by the Windows Setup program.
Windows File Protection detects attempts by other programs to replace or move
a protected system file. Windows File Protection checks the file's digital signature
to determine if the new file is the correct Microsoft version. If the file is not the
correct version, Windows File Protection either replaces the file from the backup
stored in the Dllcache folder or from the Windows CD. If Windows File Protection
cannot locate the appropriate file, it prompts you for the location. Windows File
Protection also writes an event to the event log, noting the file replacement
attempt.
By default, Windows File Protection is always enabled and allows Windows
digitally signed files to replace existing files. Currently, signed files are distributed
through:
Windows Service Packs

Hotfix distributions
Operating system upgrades
Windows Update
Windows Device Manager/Class Installer
Related Topics
Accessing System Restore

You must be a member of the administrator group on your computer to access
the System Restore Wizard or change System Restore settings.
If you are an administrator and you cannot access System Restore Wizard or
view System Restore settings, your domain administrator might have turned off
System Restore by using system Group Policy. Contact your domain
administrator for more information.
There are three methods that you can use to access System Restore
functionality.
You can access the System Restore Wizard through the Start menu. To
access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, point to All Programs,
point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System
Restore.
You can access System Restore through Control Panel. To open the
System Restore Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click
Performance and Maintenance. Under See Also, click System Restore.
You can access System Restore through Help and Support Center. To
access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, and then click Help and
Support. Click Performance and Maintenance, click Using System
Restore to undo changes, and then click Run the System Restore
Wizard.
For more information about System Restore, see System Restore overview.
Disk Space Issues
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In order to install and run, System Restore requires at least 200 MB of available
space on your hard disk (or on the partition where your operating system folder is
located). If you do not have sufficient space available when the operating system
is installed, System Restore is installed, but it is not activated. System Restore
cannot be turned on until you make at least 200 MB of disk space available.
When System Restore runs low on disk space, the monitoring of all drives is
suspended. All drives are displayed as suspended in System Restore Status in
Systems Properties in Control Panel. When System Restore is suspended, you
cannot run the System Restore Wizard. If you attempt to run the wizard, a dialog
box is displayed to inform you that System Restore is suspended. System
Restore automatically resumes monitoring when a minimum of 200 MB of disk
space become available.
To make more disk space available, do one of the following:
Open Disk Cleanup. You can use Disk Cleanup to remove unneeded files.
Open Add or Remove Programs. You can use Add or Remove Programs
to remove programs or operating system components that you no longer
use.
Notes
To open Disk Cleanup, click Start, point to All Programs, point to

Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
To open Add or Remove Programs, click Start, click Control Panel, and
then click Add or Remove Programs.
For more information, see To change System Restore settings.
Understanding System Restore

System Restore performs the following tasks:
Restores your computer to a previous state

System Restore automatically tracks changes to your computer at all times and
at specific intervals by creating restore points before changes occur. Restore
points are stored states of your computer.
You can also manually create restore points to record your computer state and
settings before you make changes to your computer. This allows you to restore
the computer to a previous state, by choosing a restore point on a date or time
prior to when you made the change.
For example, if you accidentally delete monitored program files (such as files that
have the .exe or .dll file name extensions), or monitored program files become
corrupted, you can restore your computer to a state that existed before those
changes occurred.
By default, System Restore monitors and restores all partitions and drives on
your computer. It also monitors all installations of applications or drivers that
users perform through delivery mechanisms such as CD-ROM, floppy disk,
Systems Management Server (SMS), or IntelliMirror.
In some rare instances, during the restoration process System Restore restores
a folder that has the same name as an existing folder. To avoid writing over the
existing file, System Restore renames the folder by adding a numeric suffix to the
name.
Restores your computer without losing your personal files
System Restore does not cause you to lose your personal files or password.
Items like documents, e-mail messages, browsing history, and the last specified
password are saved when you revert to an earlier state with System Restore.
System Restore protects your personal files by not restoring any files in the My
Documents folder. It also does not restore any files that use common data file
name extensions, such as .doc or .xls. If you're not sure whether your personal
files use common data file name extensions, and you do not want the data files
to be affected by System Restore, save them in the My Documents folder.
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If a program was installed after the restore point that you are restoring to was
created, the program might be uninstalled as part of the restoration process.
Data files that are created with the program are not lost. However, in order to
open the files again, you must reinstall the associated program.
Stores one to three weeks of past restore points
The actual number of saved restore points depends on how much activity there
has been on your computer, the size of your hard disk (or the partition that
contains your Windows XP Professional folder), and how much disk space has
been allocated on your computer to store System Restore information. See To
change System Restore settings.
Locates dates associated with restore points
When you run System Restore, a calendar is displayed to help you find dates
associated with restore points. If you don't use your computer every day, some
days might not have any restore points. If you use your computer frequently, you
might have restore points almost every day, and some days might have several
restore points.
Ensures that all restorations are reversible
If you do not like the state of your computer after your restore it, you can undo
the restoration or select another restore point. All successful restorations are
reversible. All failed restorations are automatically reversed by System Restore.
Provides several types of restore points
The list below describes each type of restore point and how System Restore
works with each type.
Initial System checkpoints
This restore point is created the first time you start your computer after you
upgrade it to Windows XP Professional or when you first start a new computer.
Selecting this restore point reverts Windows XP Professional and programs to
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the state they were in at that time. All files with data file name extensions (such
as .doc, .htm, .xls, etc.) and all files in the My Documents folder are not restored.
If System Restore must remove all old restore points to make room for new
changes, a new restore point is created and restore points creation resumes from
that time.
System checkpoints
System Restore creates restore points on a regular basis even if you have not
made any changes to the system. System Restore automatically creates these
restore points:
every 24 hours of calendar time

or
every 24 hours your computer is turned on
If your computer is turned off for more than 24 hours, System Restore creates a
restore point the next time you start the computer. The computer must be idle for
a few minutes before System Restore creates a scheduled restore point.
Selecting a scheduled restore point restores Windows XP Professional and
programs to the state they were in at that time. Any files with data file name
extensions (such as .doc, .htm, .xls, etc.) and all files in the My Documents folder
are not restored.
Program name installation restore points
When you install a program by using the latest installers such as InstallShield
and Windows XP Professional Installer, System Restore creates a restore point.
Use these restore points to track changes made to your system or to restore your
computer to the state it was in before you installed the program.
Selecting this restore point removes installed files and registry settings, and
restores programs and system files that were altered by the installation. Any files
with data file name extensions (such as .doc, .htm, .xls, etc.) and all files in the
My Documents folder are not restored.
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To revert the changes made by a program that does not use one of the specified
installers, select the most recent restore point before the program was installed.
Windows XP Professional automatic update restore points
If you use Windows XP Professional automatic updates to receive downloaded
updates, System Restore creates a restore point before installing the updating
software. If items are downloaded, but not installed, a restore point is not
created. A restore point is created only when the components start to install. Use
these points to track changes you made to your system or if these updates might
conflict with other products on your computer.
Manually created restore points
You can manually create your own restore points in the System Restore Wizard.
When a created restore point is listed in the Select a restore point screen, it
includes the name you gave it and is prefaced with the day, date and time it was
created. You can create a restore point when you like the way your computer is
functioning or before you make changes on your computer, like installing
programs, that might make your computer function differently.
Restore operation restore points
Each time you perform a restoration, it is a change made to your computer.
System Restore creates restore operation restore points to track the change and
the restoration. You can select these restore operation restore points in the
Select a restore point screen in the System Restore Wizard to undo the
restoration.
Unsigned device driver restore points
System Restore immediately creates a restore point if it detects that you are
installing a driver to your computer that has not been signed or certified by
Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). If the installation of the driver makes
undesirable changes to your computer, you can select these restore points in the
Select a restore point screen in the System Restore Wizard to undo the changes
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and restore your computer to the state that existed before you installed the
driver.
Microsoft Backup utility recovery restore points
When you perform a recovery using the Backup utility, System Restore
immediately creates a restore point before the process starts. If the recovery puts
your computer in an undesirable state, you can select these restore points in the
Select a restore point screen in the System Restore Wizard to undo the changes
and restore your computer to the state that existed before you performed the
recovery.
Notes
If you restore to a restore point before a program was installed, that

program does not work after restoration. If you want to use the program
again, you must reinstall it.
System Restore does not replace the process of uninstalling a program.
To completely remove the files installed by a program, you must remove
the program using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel or the
program's own uninstall program. To open Add or Remove Programs,
click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove
Programs.
System Restore does not monitor or restore contents of redirected folders
or any settings associated with roaming user profiles.
System Restore monitors and restores only the partitions and drives that it
is configured to monitor, not partitions or drives that are redirected or
excluded from System Restore monitoring.
If you have encrypted program files (such as files that have the .exe or .dll
file name extensions), you can ensure that they can never be restored to a
decrypted state. To do this, turn off System Restore before you encrypt
your files or folders, and then turn System Restore on again after the files
or folders are encrypted. Or, if you have already encrypted the files or
folders, turn System Restore off and on again. When you turn off System
Restore, you delete all restore points. The restore points that are created
after System Restore is turned on again will not include times when the
files were decrypted. Typically, you only encrypt data files, which are not
affected by System Restore.
Antivirus utilities can affect whether your system can be restored to a
previous point. If a restore point contains an infected file because the
utility is not set to clean the file within the restore point, or if an infected file
has been removed from a restore point by an antivirus utility because it
could not be cleaned, System Restore will not recover the computer to this
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partial or infected state. If System Restore could not restore your
computer to a previous state, and you suspect that one or more restore
points contain infected files or have had infected files removed by the
antivirus utility, you can remove all restore points from the System Restore
archive by turning off System Restore and then turning it back on.
For more information about System Restore, see System Restore overview. For
information about using the System Restore Wizard, see Using the System
Restore Wizard.
For more information about Encrypting File System, see Encrypting File System.
Using Windows Update

You might need to be logged on as an administrator or a member of the
Administrators group in order to perform some tasks.
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you keep your
computer up to date. Microsoft offers important updates, which include security
and other critical updates, to help protect your computer against new viruses and
other security threats that can spread over the Internet or a network. Other
updates contain enhancements such as upgrades and tools that can help your
computer run more smoothly. Windows Update scans your computer and
provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the software
and hardware on your computer.
To find available updates
1. Open Windows Update in Help and Support Center.
2. On the Windows Update home page, click Scan for Available Updates.
Notes
To open Windows Update, click Start, click All Programs, and then click
Windows Update.
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The first time you go to the Windows Update Web site, click Yes when
prompted to install any required software or controls.
To use Windows Update, you need to establish a connection to the
Internet.
For more information, click Related Topics.
Related Topics
Automatic Updates overview

With Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks for updates that can help
protect your computer against the latest viruses and other security threats. These
high-priority updates are available through the Windows Update Web site and
include security updates, critical updates, or service packs.
When you turn on Automatic Updates, you don't have to search for updates
online or worry that critical fixes might be missing. Windows automatically
downloads and installs them for you, using a schedule that you determine. If you
prefer to download and install updates yourself, you can also set up Automatic
Updates to notify you whenever any high-priority updates become available.
Related Topics

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1

Click Start, and then click My Documents.

Click Start, click Search, and then do one of the following:

For more information, click Related Topics.

Diagnosing game controller issues

Fixing a printing problem

Windows File Protection

Windows Service Packs

Accessing System Restore

Disk Space Issues

To open Disk Cleanup, click Start, point to All Programs, point to

For more information, see To change System Restore settings.

Understanding System Restore

Restores your computer to a previous state

every 24 hours of calendar time

every 24 hours your computer is turned on

If you restore to a restore point before a program was installed, that

Using Windows Update

Automatic Updates overview

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