Using Windows 7 Hardware Troubleshooting Tools : Troubleshooting with Windows 7 Troubleshooters (part 3) - Using Hardware Troubleshooters, Configuring Settings for Troubleshooters

3. Using Hardware Troubleshooters

Troubleshooters typically scan for errors and then give you an opportunity to fix any errors that are detected. The last page of the wizard provides a summary of the results found in the error scan.

Although troubleshooters typically detect configuration errors as opposed to hardware failures, you can still use the troubleshooter to help you determine whether a problem with a device is caused by problems with the physical hardware.

For example, if you are troubleshooting a Bluetooth device, the Hardware And Devices troubleshooter might reveal that the device needs to be enabled, as shown in Figure 9. This outcome would suggest that the problems you are experiencing with the device are related to software configuration, not to the hardware itself.

Figure 9. Troubleshooters can suggest fixes for problems discovered.

However, if a troubleshooter detects a problem but cannot provide any information about this problem (as shown in Figure 10), this outcome could suggest that the device itself is malfunctioning. In this case, you can use other diagnostics provided by the device manufacturer to further test the functionality of the physical device.

Figure 10. Unspecified errors require further troubleshooting.

4. Configuring Settings for Troubleshooters

Clicking the Change Settings option on the main window of the Troubleshooting item in Control Panel, as shown in Figure 11, opens the Change Troubleshooting Settings page.

Figure 11. Changing settings for troubleshooters

This Change Troubleshooting Settings page is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12. Configuring features for troubleshooters

The Change Troubleshooting Settings page allows you to modify three settings related to Troubleshooters.

• Windows Will Check For Routine Maintenance Issues And Remind You When The System Maintenance Troubleshooter Can Help Fix Problems

  By default, the routine checks are enabled (set to On). This setting is relevant for diagnosing hardware problems—specifically hard disk problems—because the System Maintenance troubleshooter can alert you to some problems detected with the physical disk.

• Allow Users To Browse For Troubleshooters Available From The Windows Online Troubleshooting Service

  By default, this setting is enabled. If your users do not see the list of available troubleshooters expanding over time, be sure to verify that this setting is enabled.

• Allow Troubleshooting To Begin Immediately When Started

  This setting affects only the Troubleshooting option in Devices And Printers; it simply determines whether this troubleshooter should skip the opening page of the wizard when this option is selected. By default, this setting is enabled.

Quick Check

• A mouse device doesn't seem to be working. What's the quickest way to run a troubleshooter on the mouse?

Quick Check Answer

• Use the Windows key (or Ctrl+Esc), the arrow keys, and the Enter key to open Devices And Printers from the Start Menu. In Devices And Printers, use the arrow keys to select the mouse device. Then use the Menu key (or Shift+F10) to open the shortcut menu for the mouse device. Use the arrow keys and Enter key to highlight and select Troubleshoot from the shortcut menu..