Microsoft debuts 'fix it' program

BBC Monday, 19 April 2010

Microsoft has launched "Fix It" software that keeps an eye on a PC and automatically repairs common faults.


The software basically adds the automatic diagnostics system in Windows 7 to older versions of Microsoft's operating system.

The software, currently available as a trial or beta version, is intended for users of Windows XP and Vista.

The package also tries to anticipate how security updates will affect a PC before they are installed.

Bug watch

Once installed, the software gets updates about known issues with Windows or any connected devices, and regularly checks to see if a host machine has fallen victim. Once fixes become available it will tell users they are ready or attempt to apply them.

The software has onboard fixes for about 300 of the most widely encountered problems that stop Windows working as it should.

The software also maintains a list of the hardware and software on a machine so if the automatic fix does not solve a problem, it will be able to help users supply detailed information to Microsoft's support staff about what has gone wrong.

Those signing up and downloading the Fix It software can use it on several different machines.

The free software can be downloaded from Microsoft's support pages. Windows XP users wanting to use it must have Service Pack 3 for the operating system installed.

Read More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8629331.stm

Or could the "common faults" include use of a browser other than Internet Explorer, and so on?

and its operating system before deciding how many trouble-shooters they would offer. I guess you wouldn't want one about Aero if you're running XP, for example.

software that are not properly registered, perhaps?