General Tips in Fixing System Errors

You are likely to encounter error messages during Windows start up or shut down, during installation, uninstallation, or change of a program, or while running a specific function in a program.

To fix these errors, here is a list of troubleshooting steps that might be able to help you.

Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.

Starting Windows in Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting errors that prevent the operating system from starting normally.

1. Turn on or restart your PC.

2. If the computer is installed with a single operating system, press and hold the F8 key as the computer restarts or before Windows logo appears.

If the computer is installed with at least one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight Windows, and then press F8.

3. In Advance Boot Options, use the arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode option.

4. Press Enter.

Install updated anti-malware software.

It is possible that the error is related to a malware infection of the computer. Malicious intruders can infect, corrupt, or delete files.

To eliminate malware infection in your computer:

1. Download robust anti-malware software.

2. Update the database of malwares utilized by the software.

3. Perform a full scan for malware infection.

Get rid of Windows Registry problems.

The error can be related to problems in the Windows registry. Most programs used the registry to store their configuration settings. In some cases, when programs are uninstalled or changed, some registry entries are still recorded. The registry entries left results to invalid file references which can cause the error.

Manually editing the Windows registry to remove the invalid keys is not recommended unless you are an expert. Take note that when you have incorrectly edited your registry, your computer may stop working or create irreparable damage to your operating system.

1. Download, install, then run a legitimate registry cleaner.

2. Scan your registry for invalid entries.

3. Fix your registry.

Update device drivers.

It is possible that the error is caused by corrupt, outdated, or incompatible device drivers. However, finding the specific drivers or files for the related hardware is quite difficult and time-consuming.

It is highly recommended that all device drivers are always updated to prevent such errors. Consider having a driver update tool to automatically update all device drivers with the compatible version.

Updating the hardware drivers may not resolve the error, but it can boost your PC performance.

Run Windows System File Checker.

System File Checker can be used to scan and repair corrupted Windows system files.

1. Click Start.

2. In the search box, search for cmd.

3. Right-click Command Prompt, then click "Run as administrator".

4. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

5. Type the following command, and then hit "Enter":

"sfc /scannow"

6. It will scan and repair all problems to your system files.

Be patient because it may take a while. Do not close the Command Prompt until the verification is complete.

7. Follow the on-screen commands.

Run Check Disk Utility.

Repeated misuse of hard drive can develop errors in your PC.

To check if the hard drive is corrupted:

1. Click Start.

2. In the search box, search for cmd.

3. Right-click Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator.

4. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

5. Type the following command, and then hit ENTER:

"chkdsk /f"

6. It will scan and repair hard disk corruption.

7. Follow the on-screen commands.

Install all available Windows Updates.

Windows Update can help your PC get the latest security and important updates. All you have to do is to turn it on, and then it may fix the error as well as other related problems.

1. Click Start.

2. In the search box, search for "Windows Update".

3. In the programs list, click Windows Update.

4. Click the option you need under Important Updates.

5. Check the options you need under Recommend Updates.

6. Click OK.

Perform System Restore to Undo Recent System Changes.

You can use System Restore if you want to avoid stress and save time in troubleshooting problems in your computer. It is a feature to revert the computer's state, including system files, programs, registry, and system settings, to a previous point in time.

1. Click Start.

2. In the search box, search for "System Restore".

3. In the programs list, click System Restore.

4. If prompted, provide administrator password or confirmation.

5. Follow the steps in the wizard and choose a restore point.

6. Restore your computer.

To avoid system errors, keep your computer malware-free and constantly updated. Not doing so can result to problems that may require you to reinstall Windows or to new hardware.