Helpdesk -
43
must be up-to-date. Please refer to the
Security
chapter (page 32) to learn more about keeping your
computer safe.
✓
Update your system files using
Windows Update
Windows Update is a catalogue of items such as drivers, security fixes, critical updates, the latest Help files,
and Internet products that you can download to keep your computer running smoothly and up-to-date.
1. Click on ‘Start’
> All Programs > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and Yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers.
✓
Did you install new hardware?
When you install a new hardware device, Windows usually detects it automatically and copies the appro-
priate files (drivers) to your computer to make it work. This process modifies the system files and can
sometimes generate conflicts within Windows.
Device Manager
1. Open the
Device Manager
(‘Start’
> Control Panel > Device Man-
ager). This allows you to view the status of your hardware devices.
2. If you see any “!” or “?” signs in front of a device name, going back to a
previous version of that driver may help. Right-click on your device and
select Properties.
3. Click on the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
✓
Go back to previous restore point with
System Restore
.
System Restore
monitors the changes to your computer and automatically creates restore points to revert
to a previous time if necessary. It can undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings and
performance, while saving your personal data files (such as documents, browsing history, drawings,
favourites, or e-mails). Please see page 42 for more details.
✓
Perform a non-destructive recovery.
Launch the Packard Bell Recovery Program in
Smart Restore
. Click on ‘Start’
> All Programs > Packard
Bell - Security & Support > Smart Restore.
If your computer cannot display the Windows desktop, restart your computer, press the [F11] key upon
start-up when the Packard Bell logo appears to start the Recovery Program.
5. T
HE
S
CREEN
D
ISPLAYS
A
PPLICATIONS
,
BUT
T
HEY
C
RASH
OR
R
UN
E
RRATICALLY
When your programs run erratically, there are good chances that your operating system may not be func-
tioning correctly. Please also check the recommendations on the previous case (page 42) if the steps below
do not help solve your problem.