How to Fix Errors for Free

An error message should be investigated and rectified.

Numerous error messages can be a worrying blight on your computer system. As well as simply being an inconvenience they could also be indicative of problems with your machine--so they're not something to be ignored. It is possible to troubleshoot persistent error messages and to do so without spending any money.

Instructions

1. Run the Disk Cleanup utility on your machine. This can be found by clicking the "Start" menu, clicking on "Programs" and then clicking "System Tools." Launch "Disk Cleanup." It will automatically calculate how much space it can free up on your system by deleting or repositioning files and programs on your system. This process could also alleviate problems which cause errors.

2. Launch the "Disk Defragmenter." Like the Disk Cleanup utility it can be found by navigating to the "System Tools" folder and clicking on "Disk Defragmenter." This program effectively looks for files and processes which are cluttering your system or causing problems and deletes or relocates them. This is another excellent way to get rid of errors.

3. Download and run a free anti-spyware program such as Stopzilla, Spware Doctor or Spybot (see Resources.) Despite being free, these programs will carry out a thorough scan on your drive and report any malicious files which could be causing errors. Delete any files the program flags as dangerous.

4. Take note of the specific error message and run it through the "Help" program on your computer and search online for information relating to the specific error.

References

• Smart Computing: Windows XP Network & Online Error Messages
• Business Objects: Error Message Guide
• Microsoft at Work: 5 ways to speed up your PC

Resources

• PC Tools: Thanks for choosing Spyware Doctor 2011!
• Spybot Search and Destroy: Downloads
• Stopzilla