Microsoft adds repair shop to Windows (Beta)

[Corrine]

Reminder: It is not advisable to run beta software on a production computer.

Microsoft is testing a new "Fix it Center"--an online and PC-based tool for helping users solve their Windows technical problems.

While a fair amount of diagnostics are built into Windows 7, the free Fix it Center aims to expand on these and also bring similar capabilities to Windows XP and Windows Vista.

The service, which went into beta on Thursday, consists of both a Windows download and an online service.

"Fix it Center finds and fixes many common PC and device problems automatically," Microsoft said on its Web site. "It also helps prevent new problems by proactively checking for known issues and installing updates. Fix it Center helps to consolidate the many steps of diagnosing and repairing a problem into an automated tool that does the work for you."

Complete report at Microsoft adds repair shop to Windows | Beyond Binary - CNET News

 

[Win7User512]

Should be interesting to see how well it works, and ultimately how useful. Thanks for the info!

 

[blackroseMD1]

Just downloaded it and installing it now. It'll be interesting to see how well it works. If it's anywhere as good at what it does as MSE is with virus detection, then MS will have another winner on it's hands.

 

[johnwillyums]

Thanks for the info Corrine. I'm tempted to try the beta but also a bit nervous about doing so in case it screws things up

 

[johnwillyums]

You're obviously a braver man than me Brian. Give us a report when you've had a play with it, John

 

[Corrine]

Based on the excellent results with Fix it, I am very excited about the Fix it Center.

Note: Instead of the c|net download link in the quoted article, I prefer direct download from Microsoft, available from the "Try it Now" button at Microsoft Fix it Center Online .

 

[not so gray matter]

If this software includes features such as sfc /scannow, disk check, system restore and repair install then this forum might slow down a bit.

 

[Corrine]

I installed it on Windows Vista & Windows 7. The software selected different modules for the two computers, most likely because Windows 7 already has a good built-in troubleshooting program.

On Windows Vista, I decided to run the Speed and Performance troubleshooter. All power options passed (green check) but there was a suggestion to improve performance by removing programs from startup. One of the items listed is my antivirus software. Feedback provided.

Definitely Beta.

 

[blackroseMD1]

Yeah, I've tried to run a couple of them so far, and I get a window that pops up that says "Downloading troubleshooter" and then just stays there for an hour. The only ones I've gotten to work so far are the Aero and Network ones.

 

[fseal]

Had to tell what it does from the website. In fact that's one of the sparsest MS websites I've ever seen even for a beta.

But given the insane number of esoteric ways that third party software breaks things (Especially AV software), as well as all the hardware issues, bad ram, mistimed ram, incompatible ram, overheating here, there, everywhere, underpowered PSUs etc. I'm a bit skeptical that this think can really solve much.

As an example, my step father was complaining to me last weekend that when he prints on his printer it prints out three blank pages then the page he wants. I haven't been over to look at it yet but... what could that be? Anything. How could this program fix it? 99% of the time I bet it can't, at least not with the variance of the types of problems we get on this forum.

It'll be an automated version of an offshore tech support script reader "Install the latest drivers... disable unneeded applications... empty your trash...", has your computer stopped crashing? No.......

 

[Zen00]

Tried it out, it doesn't really do anything interesting that anyone with a little tech knowledge doesn't know to do already.

 

[whs]

I installed it on Windows Vista & Windows 7. The software selected different modules for the two computers, most likely because Windows 7 already has a good built-in troubleshooting program.

On Windows Vista, I decided to run the Speed and Performance troubleshooter. All power options passed (green check) but there was a suggestion to improve performance by removing programs from startup. One of the items listed is my antivirus software. Feedback provided.

Definitely Beta.

But seriously, those Fix It people seem to be a very dynamic group and on top of things. I remember last year when they started and invited people on several forums for input. Very nice initiative which shows that not all is lost.

 

[whs]

Tried it out, it doesn't really do anything interesting that anyone with a little tech knowledge doesn't know to do already.

That may be true for us bunch of Gurus, but put yourself into the shoes of the average user.

 

[CarlTR6]

I downloaded it and starting installing it. It had two modules - both relating to IE8. Since I don't use IE8, I aborted the installation. But I like the concept and I am willing to try it. I wonder if the modules are assigned randomly?

 

[DocBrown]

I thought SevenForums was the Windows7 Fix-It_Center

 

[CarlTR6]

It is, it is!

 

[Win7User512]

+1 for DocBrown.

 

[karlsnooks]

MS FixItCenter -- any comments?

Good People (and others),

Has anyone experience with Microsoft Fix it Center Online

 

[hubris]

Going through for first run. May the gods be with me..lol

online download/ install. painless.

will be back.

 

[karlsnooks]

hubris,
I'm looking forward to hearing the evaluation.
karl