How to Fix Windows Software

All software can encounter problems and annoying errors. Windows is no exception. Many software problems are caused by a bad installation or missing and/or corrupted program files. Microsoft provides several options for repairing Windows.

Instructions

1. Visit the Microsoft Support website (see resource). Search for your software--XP, Vista, etc.--in the search box at the top of the screen. In the results displayed, click on the Solution Center of your software program. Follow the onscreen prompts here. Multiple options will be displayed on this page to help you find your error or problem.

2. Repair Windows. Insert your Windows installation disk into your disk drive. From the main menu, select "Repair." (If the menu doesn't open automatically, you may access it by double-clicking on your disk drive located in Start Menu > Computer). Once you press "Repair," Windows will search your software program files for errors and repair them if possible.

3. Uninstall Windows, if necessary. On occasion, Microsoft's repair function can't entirely fix problems. If you try repairing your software and are told it can't be fixed, you may need to re-install the program. But first you'll have to uninstall the existing version. From your Windows software installation disk's main menu, select the "Uninstall" option. From the next page, press "Uninstall" or "Completely remove." Windows will now uninstall your program. Once completed, you will probably be asked to restart your computer.

4. Reinstall Windows. After you restart your computer, open your software's main menu once more. Close out of any open programs on your computer and select "Install." Choose the program features you want to install and press "Continue." Select your directory and then click "Install." Your Windows software will now install to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Having programs running while installing your Windows software can corrupt your installation files. Close any open programs before re-installing.

References

• Support.microsoft.com - Repairing

Resources

• Support.microsoft.com