Despite Microsoft’s claim that all existing hardware and software would run smoothly under Windows 7, I found that there were a few problems. For example, my old laser printer, an HP LaserJet 1200 wouldn’t work at first despite trying to reinstall its driver. It was ironic that its driver worked smoothly in Windows Vista.

So what did I do? In researching Windows 7, I came across a new feature, Troubleshooters. This provided me with an answer to a nagging problem.

Windows 7’s new troubleshooting feature is located in the Action Centre. To access this feature do the following:

You can open the Troubleshooter in a number of different ways. The most common methods are described below.

• Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Action Centre > Troubleshoot common computer problems.
• Start > Search > Type: troubleshooter > Click Find and diagnose problems

We’ll use a second option.

1. Click the Start button.
2. In the search box, type troubleshooter.
3. Search opens.
4. It offers several suggestions. The top suggestion “Find and diagnose problems” will open the Troubleshooter feature.
   Note: Search’s other suggestions relate to more specific problems.
5. In the Troubleshooter window there are five specific areas, Programs, Hardware and Sound, Networking and Internet, Appearance and Personalisation and System and Security.
6. In the Troubleshooting window, try a blue writing suggestion as it may resolve your problem. Just click on the one you think fits.
7. In the lower section of this window is a small ticked box that enables Microsoft to update their troubleshooters via the Internet. It’s a good idea to accept this offer!

No Solutions so far!

If you cannot find a solution in the Troubleshooting window, described previously, here’s another way to find a solution.

This involves using Windows 7’s Help section.

To access Help do the following:

1. Click the Start button.
2. When the Start menu opens, select Help and Support.
3. When Help and Support opens, in the Search Help box, type troubleshooters.
4. Click the small magnifying glass at the right hand side of this box.
5. Help sets to work and finds specific problems requiring a Troubleshooter.
6. If you see a troubleshooters in Help’s list that fits your problem, click it and the specific Troubleshooter will open.

Trying a Troubleshooter

To give you an idea of how this feature works, let’s choose the Printer Troubleshooter in the list.

1. Click Open the Printer troubleshooter.
2. When the printer troubleshooter opens, read its suggestions carefully.
3. Click the lower suggestion, Click to open the Printer troubleshooter.
4. When the Printer troubleshooter opens, follow the instructions carefully. You may find this solves your worry.

By now you will have some inkling as to how to solve some of the common problems associated with hardware and applications.

Windows 7 offers its full support through its Troubleshooting Feature and through its Help and Support.

A final feature that may assist you is the Problem Steps Recorder. This feature allows you to document your problem and sends the information of to Microsoft for a solution. You can activate this tool quite easily. To find out more, open Help and Support, type Problem Steps Recorder and all will be explained to you.