Identify a Hardware Problem in WINDOWS VISTA

In this section I will show you how you can identify a hardware problem.

-Memory:

Normally, Vista monitors your installed memory and will notify you when an error occurs. However, for the purpose of troubleshooting it is a good idea to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool manually to rule out a possible memory issue. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> Administrative Tools>> Memory Diagnostic Tool. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.
2. Select the option titled: "You can restart your computer and run the tool immediately".

Once the tool has completed the diagnostic process, you will know whether your problem is memory related or not.

-Hard Disk (CHKDSK):

In most cases, problems that develop on a hard disk are from either corrupt system files or physical errors. To identify a possible hard disk problem, you will need to scan your drive for errors. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Computer
2. Right click the hard disk that you would like to test.
3. Select Properties
4. Select the Tools tab
5. Click the Check Now button under Error-Checking. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.

• Select the option: "Automatically fix file system errors"
• Select the option: "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors". Selecting this option will perform a thorough scan of your selected hard disk and attempt to fix any physical errors on the drive. Depending on the size of your hard disk, this could take quite some time to complete. For best results, avoid using your computer system during this process.

6. Click Start

-Devices:

If you have recently installed a new device on your computer. It is possible that the driver for your device is not compatible with Windows Vista. In most cases, downloading an updated driver from the manufactures web site will solve this problem. If you cannot find an updated driver for your device, try removing the device from your system and see if Vista now boots correctly.

<>Software:

Software that was designed to run in Windows XP will usually run fine in Windows Vista. However, some of the older programs will run poorly or not at all. You can try running the Compatibility Wizard to run the program or use the programs Compatibility tab. For more information click the link below:

I can't get a program to install on Vista

If you still cannot get your software to run in the Vista environment, it may be time to find a suitable replacement or if it is that important a program to your business, you still have options:

• Dual-boot Vista and the older version of Windows that has ran that program.
• Keep an older system that will run that program