14/08/2013
Troubleshooting Windows 7 Systems:
This list compiles useful Troubleshooting Steps for performance issues with Windows 7. It will show you how to access and interpret the logs, utilize built-in System resources to find solutions to problems, test hardware if indicated, use fixes which work most often.
While General Troubleshooting is useful for serious problems, when a Blue Screen occurs it is best to also post for analysis in our Crashes forum using this tool:
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 7 Forums.
When Windows 7 fails to boot then start with the steps given here: Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot - Windows 7 Forums
To find a location (e.g. Event Viewer, msconfig) type it in Start Search box.
1. Check for infection by installing Malwarebytes, update, run a Full Scan - in Safe Mode with Networking if necessary.
2. Many issues can be solved by running a free lightweight AV like Microsoft Security Essentials with the Windows 7 Firewall for best performance.
3. Establish a Clean Boot by unchecking everything in msconfig>Startup except AV: Startup Programs - Change. After reboot enter msconfig>Services, check the box to "Hide All MS Services," repeat above steps. Check back periodically that nothing has written itself in to either list, turn it off in its Program Preferences or Uninstall it. A program can wait to start until you click on it. Freeloaders slow startup, can be a drag on CPU/RAM, cause issues and spy on you. If you have a question about an item google to find out what it does.
4. Study the Event Viewer>Custom>Admin view for repeat errors to google text and ID # to find out how others have resolved them. Event Viewer - Open and Use in Windows 7
5. Check also the Performance log on Advanced Tools page accessed by clicking your WEI score link at Computer>Properties. Check for cued issues at top of Tools page, Generate A System Health Report.
Look for issues cued in Action Center in bottom-right System Tray.
6. Type "Solutions" in Start Search box to see if any have been cued for Problems reported or not. Always report problems when asked as Windows 7 is interactive this way.
7. Use Process Monitor for Application Failures, File System issues, Registry issues, Boot logging, Memory Stack issues, and misleading Error messages which is demonstrated in this Process Monitor Demo - YouTube. Type Resource Monitor in Start Search box to narrow down resource hogs.
8. Test your hardware by running memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes or overnight: RAM - Test with Memtest86+. The tutorial will show you how to test individual RAM sticks and slots. Check the slots for debris.
9. Next test the HD using maker's diagnostics/repair full CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities • HD Diagnostic. Then run a full Disk Check on all partitions, if necessary from System Recovery Options Command Line.
10. Check all cabling is securely connected and in good condition, try reinstalling suspect hardware, swap RAM sticks, unplug extra HD's, peripherals, CD/DVD drive to see if problems disappear. Unplug or remove any floppy drive.
11. Check temps for overheating by installing Speedfan. If running hot blow dust out of the case using canned air or clean out laptop dust, check all connections carefully avoiding static discharge to components by touching case first, upgrade or reseat RAM checking for debris in slot.
12. Check for any errors in Device Manager after Showing Hidden Drivers on View tab. Enable hardware auto-updating to make sure you're getting the latest drivers via optional Windows Updates, then check for Updates. Any missing drivers can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer or device model. Driver Install - Device Manager
13. Check for newer display driver, or roll back to the previous version or try another Windows 7 or Vista driver. Turn off or uninstall the accompanying software package. Driver Install - Device Manager
14. Some of these steps suggested for cleaning up a factory bloatware install might help. On weaker hardware you can improve performance by editing Visual Effects of Sliding, Fading, Animation, Dragging Intact and Selection Rectangle as shown in Optimize Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums.
15. Run SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker to repair any damaged or corrupt OS files. If it won't run in Windows 7 then try from DVD or System Repair Disk Command Line using SFC /SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot .
16. You can try System Restore to a point before the problem occurred, if necessary running it from disk System Recovery Options. If System Restore doesn't run make sure it is turned on for C: and if available apportion more disk space in System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage.
17. As a last resort before reinstall try a Repair Install which can fix most problems as it reinstalls the OS while keeping all programs, files and settings in place.
18. Consider a Clean Reinstall which is actually better than getting a new computer with today's bloated factory pre-installs. The steps given are Best Practices based on countless thousands of reinstalls helped with here and the same for both OEM and retail.
