Need more accurate computer diagnostic tools to find and fix problems

<dougalco> wrote in message news:******@communitybridge2.codeplex.com.hardware...

. . . Time to switch to MAC... or Linux.*

Good luck with that :-) How well do their diagnostics work? Oh. . . wait. . .

Car diagnostics aren't always all that great either. A code may be set, but the explanation isn't always/seldom is the exact thing it says is wrong. Some are very simple, but not the majority.

If you want to make a fortune, start writing your own diagnostics program. As soon as it will solve all the problems that can crop up on a PC, sell it to Microsoft/Apple/Linux, sit back on your own private island, and enjoy yourself :-) I wish you the best!

SC Tom

Oh great! A discussion! You are right, I could make a fortune. I will work on that, but likely by the time we get all the solutions, there will be something better. Unfortunately, this does not answer the question, and who do YOU work for? Microsoft SEEMS to be going in this direction. I did see a beta test of some tools. Of course, there is always that great resource, the Internet...

You're right, the internet is a great tool, and a lot of pertinent information can be found, but it's like diagnostics- not every hit is good, IYKWIM :-)

I don't work for anybody; I'm retired. When I was working, I did everything from assembly line worker to retail manager to IS/IT. None of it was for Microsoft. If it had been, I would probably have a larger retirement fund than I have now. From looking at the news, I should have bought those Apple shares way back when. . .

SC Tom

Type Device Manager in the Search box above the Start button and press ENTER. Are there any yellow question marks in Device Manager? If yes what is the Device Error code.

To see Hidden Devices (Non Plug and Play Drivers) you need to select View, Show Hidden Devices. It is necessary to do this every time you open Device Manager if you need to see them.

A further complication can be Ghosted Devices –installed but not connected!

http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2005/04/29/display-hidden-devices-in-device-manager-xp/

Select Start, Control Panel. Action Center, Click on the Arrow down to the right of Maintenance and then on View reliability history. In the graph you will see red orbs, Click on one and it gives details and to the right is another link saying View technical details. Can you copy and paste the description in a further message. Repeating reports are more relevant than one off problems. Here are some notes about Event Viewer Reports which may help. When you have a lot of errors you need to concentrate on system errors and warnings, even if it is applications that are giving you grief. Sorting system problems first can make resolving application problems easier. Note the time the computer is last booted and deal with those at the beginning of the boot first. Correcting the earlier errors can resolve later ones.

1. Normally when an error occurs on your computer looking in Event Viewer should be your starting point for finding a solution. Most system related errors are logged and getting an exact copy of the relevant report is important. Unfortunately understanding the reports is not easy and most computer users need help with their interpretation. I have more to say later on interpretation.
2. Event Viewer comprises three main Windows logs. These are Application, Security and System. For troubleshooting purposes System is by far the most important.
3. To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window select Windows Logs and System. Place the cursor on System, right click and select Filter Current Log. Check the box before Error and click on OK and you see only Error reports. Click on the Date and Time Column Header to sort. You may need to click a second time to see the latest Report at the top.
4. A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double click on the error you want to copy. Click on the Copy button on the General tab to place a copy on your Clipboard and close Event Viewer. Now start your message and paste into the body of the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from Event Viewer.
5. There are three types of Report, being Information, Warning and Error reports. In most situations it is Error Reports that offer the best information but occasionally Warning Reports provide useful clues.
6. All reports have date and time stamps and when troubleshooting it is important to concentrate on more recent reports. Study reports since the point when the computer was last booted and then check whether a similar report appeared in the previous session. If errors do not repeat investigation as to why they occurred is wasted effort.
7. Within individual reports the more important information is Event ID and Source as these help when looking for help on the internet. The description is equally important and copying the exact text for use as the search criteria greatly helps getting better results when using Google. Do not paraphrase descriptions when asking others for help.

I think that, in your present situation, a re-install would be the best way out of your mess. You may still have some infection in there and your system is in tatters.

You can install your other software as you need it, not so much of a sojourn as trying to installl everything in one sitting.

It will also allow you to monitor hardware and performance as you go..

Re diags.. a Jeep I6 4.0 Litre is what it is, as is a GM L7. There is no standard PC, especially if ti has been running for a while. There are as many permutations as the odds of winning the lottery.