I.T. Tech person’s usual go-to methods
Command Console Tools
1st – Start/search->command/command prompt-> ‘ sfc /scannow ‘
sfc /scannow2nd Start/search->command/command prompt-> ‘ DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth ‘
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth– Make sure Net Framework , Java , & Directx are up to date –
SFC scan, or System File Checker scan
The SFC scan, also known as the System File Checker scan, is a Windows utility designed to identify issues with system files. This built-in tool can be utilized to repair missing or corrupt system files.
To initiate an SFC scan, it is necessary to open a Command Prompt window as an administrator and enter the following command: sfc /scannow. The scan will take several minutes to complete, and upon completion, one of three messages will be displayed: “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations,” “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and repaired them,” or “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.” The first message indicates that no repair is necessary, while the second message indicates that the SFC scan has successfully repaired the corrupt files. The third message indicates that the SFC scan was unable to repair the corrupt files.
sfc /scannowAn SFC scan can be performed if a computer is experiencing issues such as Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, system crashes, malfunctioning programs, or missing or corrupted system files. Additionally, an SFC scan can be used as a preventative measure to maintain optimal computer performance.
It is important to note that the SFC scan may not replace all corrupt or missing system files. If the scan is unable to repair a corrupt file, it may be necessary to reinstall the file. Furthermore, the SFC scan should be performed from a clean boot state, which involves starting the computer with only essential drivers and services loaded. This can be achieved by accessing the “System Configuration” app via the Start menu, selecting the “Boot” tab, and choosing the “Safe boot” option under “Boot options.” Once the SFC scan is complete, the computer can be restarted in normal mode.
DISM, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line tool that is utilized by IT professionals to service Windows images. It is capable of installing, uninstalling, configuring, and updating Windows features, packages, drivers, and international settings in a Windows image. Additionally, DISM can be used to mount and obtain information about Windows image (.wim) files, Full-flash utility (FFU) files, or virtual hard disks (VHD). To Initiate enter the following into the command prompt – ‘ DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth ‘
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthDISM is a potent tool that can be employed to manage Windows images in various ways. Common tasks that IT technicians use DISM for include servicing Windows images before deployment, repairing corrupt Windows images, adding or removing features from Windows images, updating drivers in Windows images, configuring international settings in Windows images, and creating custom Windows images.
DISM is a complex tool with a wide range of capabilities. IT technicians who wish to learn more about DISM can find documentation and tutorials on the Microsoft website.
The benefits of using DISM include its powerful capabilities in managing Windows images, availability in both command-line and PowerShell versions, free usage, and support from Microsoft. However, some limitations of using DISM include its difficulty in learning how to use, slowness in managing large images, and lack of user-friendliness compared to other image management tools.
Overall, DISM is a powerful tool that IT professionals can utilize to manage Windows images. It is a valuable tool for IT professionals who need to deploy, repair, or customize Windows images.
MSConfig, or System Configuration Utility
Start/search -> run – msconfig
I haven’t had to mess with this on my new pc but on older pc’s I’ve seen a performance increase by disabling every service except windows, & enable the few you want. On a good gaming pc assuming everything behaves; could see a bunch of unwanted services are already ‘stopped’.
The System Configuration Utility, commonly known as MSConfig, is a system utility integrated into the Windows operating system that enables users to configure the startup process of their computer. With MSConfig, users can disable or enable startup programs, services, and drivers, as well as modify the boot options for their computer.
MSConfig is a valuable tool for resolving startup issues. In the event of startup problems, users can utilize MSConfig to disable startup programs and services to determine if this resolves the issue. Additionally, users can modify the boot options for their computer to initiate Safe Mode or a diagnostic mode.
To access MSConfig, users can press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box and type “msconfig” before pressing Enter. MSConfig comprises four tabs, namely General, Boot, Services, and Startup, each of which serves a distinct purpose.
The General tab allows users to select the startup type for their computer, with the default being Normal. The Boot tab enables users to modify the boot options for their computer, including Safe Mode, diagnostic mode, or a customized mode. The Services tab permits users to disable or enable Windows services, with disabled services not starting during the boot process. Finally, the Startup tab allows users to disable or enable startup programs, with disabled programs not initiating during the boot process.
Once users have made the desired changes in MSConfig, they can click on the Apply button and subsequently the OK button. The computer will then restart with the changes implemented.
MSConfig offers users a range of capabilities, including disabling startup programs that slow down the computer, enabling or disabling problematic Windows services, modifying boot options to initiate Safe Mode or a diagnostic mode, and troubleshooting startup problems. As such, MSConfig is a powerful tool that can be utilized to configure the startup process of a computer and resolve startup issues.
Additionally, you may configure startup programs via start/search -> startup
ctrl + alt + del
– For those unaware and not as savy – note – in newer pc I noticed the above msconfig services thing is handled via here, you may see a message in msconfig directing you to go here.
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Del is utilized in Microsoft Windows to execute a range of tasks, which include:
- Closing a frozen application: In the event that an application is unresponsive, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del will initiate the Task Manager, from which the application can be forced to close.
- Restarting your computer: If your computer is unresponsive, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del will open a menu that provides the option to restart your computer.
- Logging off: If you wish to log off from your computer, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del will open a menu that enables you to do so.
- Switching users: If you desire to switch users on your computer, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del will open a menu that allows you to do so.
In Windows 95 and subsequent versions, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del also brings up the Security dialog box, which permits you to lock your computer, change your password, or shut down or restart your computer.
The Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut is a legacy from the early days of personal computing. In the early 1980s, when IBM introduced the PC, there was no way for users to force a frozen application to close. To address this issue, IBM developed the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut.
The Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut is a potent tool that can be utilized to troubleshoot and resolve problems with your computer. However, it is crucial to use it judiciously. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del excessively can lead to issues with your computer.
The disparity between Ctrl Alt Del and Alt F4 is that Ctrl Alt Del is a system-level shortcut that can be used to close a frozen application or restart your computer, while Alt F4 is an application-level shortcut that can be used to close the current window or application.
Defrag & Optimize Drives
Start/search – Defrag
Defragmentation is the process of rearranging the files on your hard drive so that they are stored in contiguous blocks. This can help to improve the performance of your hard drive because it takes less time for the drive to read and write files that are stored together.
The Windows operating system features a built-in tool known as Defragment and Optimize Drives, which is designed to defragment and optimize computer drives. To access this tool, users can enter “defrag” in the Windows search bar and select the Defragment and Optimize Drives application.
Upon opening the Defragment and Optimize Drives tool, users will be presented with a comprehensive list of all the drives installed on their computer. To defragment a drive, users can select the desired drive and click the Optimize button, which will initiate the defragmentation process.
In addition to defragmentation, the tool also offers an optimization feature that checks the health of the drive and optimizes its performance. It is recommended that users defragment their hard drives regularly, particularly if they use them frequently. Similarly, periodic optimization is advised, especially if users are experiencing performance issues.
Defragmenting and optimizing hard drives can yield several benefits, including improved computer performance, reduced file fragmentation, and extended hard drive lifespan. By making it faster to read and write files, defragmentation and optimization can enhance computer performance. Additionally, reducing file fragmentation can prevent performance slowdowns, while minimizing wear and tear on the hard drive can extend its lifespan.
For users experiencing performance problems with their computers, defragmenting and optimizing their hard drives can be an effective solution.
Disk Cleanup
Start/search -> disc cleanup
Simple. Quickly clean up garbage files, gain more space. I’ve safely cleaned up system files as well thru there no issues. It’s not uncommon to still find some old files that were never deleted in programs & programs64 ; etc, sometimes must go on that hunt.
CC Cleaner
Health check & more thorough clean up. – Takes care of cleaning the registry. Never knew a better software. Often cleaning the registry resolves issues. Use caution if you proceed with using it. Recommend saving it on a usb before cleaning first; suspecting a factory reset error on newer pc because of it tho my past 4 pc’s I didn’t see a problem. If anything only a few games had to be re-downloaded, so you don’t want to do it often.
Device Manager
Start/search -> device / device manager
Sometimes when something isn’t working right it’s the driver. Go here to browse the designated driver you suspect is giving you trouble, check it for updates / update it , sometimes that doesn’t do it and you need to remove/uninstall the driver entirely and reinstall. – Maybe there’s a system update or bios firmware update. Check start/search -> update, & your computer processor’s resource directory.
Wise Game Booster
I had to find an alternative to Razor Cortex after seeing issues with it on several computers and this works perfectly. Pretty basic/lite, all I need. Razor cortex seems to have a lot of issues, and constantly runs on the cpu ; I don’t need that. Atleast Razor Synapse works with mouse & pad calibration etc. Update — Now not sure if I like it 100%, seems like Razor cortex really only ended stuff that shouldn’t be running & situated game settings but if you have that all crisp already… why have it.
Prevent EOSoverlay from running on GPU
Find it running in services under task manager – right click – open file location – rename 2 things .bak at the end. ihewfoihwefioHFOQJWD I forget the name of the files. I’ll come back to this.
BIOS & CMOS
If pressing F10 opens a boot menu, your setup key is likely F2
~ Another way to factory reset or tweak things. Pressing F10 or F2 upon booting up you’ll be brought to a menu ~
BIOS and CMOS are two terms that are often confused with each other, but they actually have different meanings.
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a firmware that is stored on a chip on the motherboard of your computer. The BIOS is responsible for initializing the hardware on your computer and loading the operating system.
CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. It is a type of memory chip that is used to store the BIOS settings, such as the boot order, the time and date, and the system configuration. The CMOS is powered by a small battery, so the settings are retained even when the computer is turned off.
In a nutshell, BIOS is the software that allows your computer to boot up and run, while CMOS is the memory chip that stores the BIOS settings.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between BIOS and CMOS:
| Feature | BIOS | CMOS |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Basic Input/Output System | Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor |
| Function | Initializes the hardware on your computer and loads the operating system | Stores the BIOS settings |
| Location | Chip on the motherboard | Chip on the motherboard |
| Power source | None | Small battery |
Factory Reset & System Image Restore/Restore Point
Start/search -> reset / or restore , newer pc keyword it may be under instead is file
When all else fails factory reset always brought my computers back to like I just bought it, a fresh clean slate / or a more recent restore/save point.
If PC runs into a reset error, which is what I’m experiencing now for the 1st time ever only a few days of owning a new Starforge, if I’m correct and I hope I am because anxiety, manually installing Windows should fix it, I don’t know what else can be done if you’ve done everything else.
Anxiety of what if the PC is simply ‘bricked’ , I can’t believe how often I recently skimmed and saw that term thrown around. I like knowing I can factory reset my new system even if it’s not necessary. Warranty terms gives anxiety, if for whatever reason I can’t factory reset no matter what, and I’m not that worried about getting technical with trying to fix it right now, it’d be the worst if they said sorry there’s nothing we can do, warranty doesn’t cover this. Seeing how terms specifically word things in a way that I can see them saying nope sorry, but also same time I can see how they screwed up their terms because there’s clearly no instructions or basic little note/guide, and I disagree that it’s an absolute true plug and play ready to go thing as advertised.