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  • How to use the Microsoft Debugging Tool to troubleshoot Stop Errors (Blue Screen) in windows

    • Dell Recommended Video - Dell has created an online tutorial on how to use the Windows Debugger tool to troubleshoot specific blue screen errors. 
      Click here to view the Windows Debugger tutorial! - NOTE: English Only 

      The Windows Debugger is one of the primary tools used by Microsoft software developers and support staff to analyze and resolve errors that result in memory dumps, and it's available for you. 

      The Windows Debugger is a powerful tool with many useful applications, but for this article, we are only interested in its ability to analyze memory dump files generated by blue screen errors to determine the cause of the error. 
      Before you can use the tool, keep in mind the following:
      • The Windows Debugger is not a native Windows tool. You must download and install the application (15 MB) from the Microsoft web site. Administrator access is required to install the tool.
      • The Debugger requires some minor customization before use.
      • The Debugger can take anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes to fully analyze a memory dump.


      To use the tool, follow these steps:

      1      Download and install the Windows Debugger from the Microsoft Web Site .

      Note: 
       
      If you use Google to search for "windows debugger," the first link returned will be the Windows Debugger home page.      		 






      2      Once installation completes click , click  All Programs, click  Debugging Tools for Windows, then click  WinDbg to open the debugger. 

      3      Configure the symbol path used by the debugger to turn addresses in the memory dump file into meaningful location names: expand the File menu, select Symbol File Path, type "SRV*c:\debug_symbols*http://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols" in the dialog box then click OK.

      4      Open a minidump file: expand the File menu, select Open Crash Dump, select the desired dump file and click Open.

      Note: 
       
      The system usually stores minidump files in either: C:\WINNT\Minidump\ or C:\Windows\Minidump\. The files will be named miniMMDDYY-NN.dmp, where MM is the month, DD is the day, and YY is the year in which the dump file was created. NNis the sequence the dump files were created in if multiple dumps were generated on the same day (the first crash dump on a given day will be numbered 01, the second 02, etc.).      		 






      5      The debugger will open the dump file and give a brief description of what caused the system to crash. (Figure 2)

      Note: 
       
      The first time you use the Debugger to open and dump file on a system, it will take a few minutes to download symbol information in the background before it returns any information.      		 


      Figure 2: Windows Debugger 
       Suggested command for the Debugger's command line
       Stop code from the blue screen (1000007F is the same as 0x7F)
       What Windows thinks caused the crash (atapi.sys in this example, you'll sometimes see things like memory_corruption






      6      When it returns this preliminary analysis, the Debugger tells you how to dig deeper. Type "!analyze -v" in the command line (kd>) field at the bottom of the window and press the Enter key to have the WinDbg perform a detailed analysis of the file.

      Note: 
       
      The results will be lengthy, and you may have to scroll vertically within the Debugger's window to locate all the pertinent information.      		 


      Figure 3: Analyze the Results
       A detailed explanation of the stop code (in the example, you can see that the kernel encountered an EXCEPTION_DOUBLE_FAULT (8), or an error while trying to process an error)


      Figure 4: Further Analysis of the Results
       The bug check code (notice in the example it includes the number 8, indicating the double fault)
       The number of times the system has crashed with this exact error (typically 1)
       The bucket in which Windows has categorized the crash
       The stack trace at the time the system crashed, with the most recently called procedure on top (you can see in the example the system crashed while processing a request from the IDE controller)


      Figure 5: Additional Analysis
       The name of the module the system was in when it crashed. On an actual system, the module name is a link you can click to receive some useful information about the module, who created it, how old it is, etc









    • View More: Dell How to use the Microsoft Debugging Tool to troubleshoot Stop Errors (Blue Screen) in windows
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    • View Answer at http://support.euro.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/entvideos/windebug_tool
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  • Remote Desktop Connection: frequently asked questions

  • Windows Anytime Upgrade

  • Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2

  • stop programs that start running at startup

  • Share a printer

    • Sharing a printer requires a few steps. First, on the computer that the printer is plugged in to, follow these steps.

      To turn on file and printer sharing

      1. Open Advanced sharing settings by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clickingControl Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, and then, in the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.

      2. Click the chevron Picture of the chevron icon to expand the current network profile.

      3. If printer sharing is off, under File and printer sharing, select Turn on file and printer sharing, and then click Save changes. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

      Now you need to share the printer itself.

      To share your printer

      1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.

      2. Right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Printer properties.

      3. Click the Sharing tab, and select the Share this printer check box.

      Other people on your network can now connect to this printer. All they need to do is add a network printer (your printer) to their computers.

      To add a network printer

      1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.

      2. Click Add a printer.

      3. Click Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer, click the shared printer, clickNext, and follow the instructions on the screen.

      For more information about sharing, see File sharing essentials.

      To watch another video, see Picture of a Play button‌ Video: Sharing a printer at home.

    • View More: Hardware and drivers Share a printer
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    • View Answer at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Share-a-printer
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  • Install a USB device

    • USB (universal serial bus) connections are typically used to plug devices such as mice, keyboards, scanners, printers, webcams, digital cameras, mobile phones, and external hard disks into your computer. You'll recognize a USB connection by the symbol usually displayed on the connector.

      Illustration of the USB connection symbolSymbol of the USB connection

      Many devices need to have a USB cable plugged into them before they can be plugged into a USB port on your computer. Other USB devices, such as older mice and keyboards, have a USB cable permanently attached to them. And some USB devices, such as USB flash drives, have an integrated USB connector that allows them to be plugged directly into a USB port on your computer without a cable.

      USB devices are among the easiest devices to connect to your computer. The first time you connect a device that plugs into a USB port, Windows automatically identifies the device and installs a driver for that device. Drivers allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Without a driver, a USB device that you connect to your computer—for example, a mouse or a webcam—won't work properly.

      Before installing a device

      Check the instructions that came with the device to see if you need to install a driver before connecting the device. Although Windows usually does this automatically when you connect a new device, some devices require that you install drivers manually. In those cases, the device manufacturer includes a software disc and instructions on installing the driver before plugging in the device.

      If your USB device came with software from the manufacturer, check to see if it's compatible with this version of Windows. If it's not compatible, or doesn't say which versions of Windows it's designed for, try plugging the device in first to see if Windowscan find a compatible driver.

      If the instructions that came with your device contradict the information in this topic, follow those instructions.

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      Plugging in and turning on a device

      To install any USB device, just plug it in to your computer. Some USB devices have power switches you should turn on before connecting them. If your device uses a power cord, connect the device to a power source. Then, turn it on before connecting it.

      Next, decide which USB port to connect your device to. If your computer has USB ports on the front, consider using one of those if you plan to frequently connect and disconnect the device. (You can use any port the next time you plug in the device.)

      Illustration of a typical USB cable and portA typical USB cable and port

      Plug the device into the USB port. If Windows can find and install the device driver automatically, you'll be notified that the device is ready to use. Otherwise, you'll be prompted to insert a disc containing the driver.

      Picture of a notification message saying that a device has been installedWindows will notify you when it finishes successfully installing a device.

      After installation is complete, check the information that came with your device to see if you need to install any additional software.

      Occasionally, a USB device isn't recognized by Windows and doesn't come with a disc containing a driver. In that case, you can try to find a device driver online. Start by checking the website of the device manufacturer—you can often download drivers from the "Support" section of such sites. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.

      To watch a video, see Picture of a Play button‌ Video: Connect devices to your computer.
      Tips

      Tips

      • Make sure the device is getting enough power. If a device doesn't work properly when connected to a USB hub, try connecting it directly to one of your computer's USB ports. Some ports on a USB hub, monitor, or other device that's plugged into your computer might not provide enough power to support your device.

        Smaller devices, such as USB flash drives and mice—and devices with their own power cords, such as printers—typically work properly when connected to an unpowered USB hub. Some devices that use more power, such as USB-powered scanners and web cameras, require a hub that has its own power cord to function properly.

      • Make sure the device is plugged in to the correct USB port.Devices that transfer large amounts of information, such as external hard disks, scanners, and video cameras, function best when connected to high-speed USB 2.0 ports. Some older computers might include only USB 1.x ports, or a mix of USB 1.x and 2.0 ports. If your device requires a high-speed port to function properly, check the information that came with your computer to make sure that the port you're using supports USB 2.0. If your computer includes only USB 1.xports, you can add USB 2.0 ports by installing a USB 2.0 card inside your computer.

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      Disconnecting a device

      Most USB devices can be removed and unplugged. When unplugging storage devices, such as USB flash drives, make sure that the computer has finished saving any information to the device before removing it. If the device has an activity light, wait for a few seconds after the light has finished flashing before unplugging it.

      If you see the Safely Remove Hardware icon Picture of the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area on the right side of the taskbar, you can use this as an indication that devices have finished all operations in progress and are ready to be removed. Click the icon and you'll see a list of devices. Click the device that you want to remove. Windows will display a notification telling you it's safe to remove the device.
      Note

      Note

      You can also safely remove devices from the Computer folder. Click theStart button Picture of the Start button, click Computer, right-click the device you want to remove, and then click Eject.

    • View More: Hardware and drivers Install a USB device
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    • View Answer at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Install-a-USB-device
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  • Install a printer

    • The most common way to install a printer is to connect it directly to your computer. This is known as a local printer.

      If your printer is a universal serial bus (USB) model, Windows should automatically detect it and begin installation when you plug it in.

      If you're installing a wireless printer that connects to your computer over a wireless network (Wi‑Fi), you can use the Add a device wizard to install the printer. For instructions, see Connect to Bluetooth and other wireless or network devices.

      If it's an older model that connects using the serial or parallel port, you might have to install it manually.

      To install (add) a local printer

      1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.

      2. Click Add a printer.

      3. In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a local printer.

      4. On the Choose a printer port page, make sure that the Use an existing portbutton and the recommended printer port are selected, and then click Next.

      5. On the Install the printer driver page, select the printer manufacturer and model, and then click Next.

        • If your printer isn't listed, click Windows Update, and then wait whileWindows checks for additional drivers.

        • If none are available and you have the installation CD, click Have Disk, and then browse to the folder where the printer driver is located. (For additional help, consult the printer manual.)

      6. Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish.

      Tips

      Tips


    • View More: Hardware and drivers Install a printer
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    • View Answer at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Install-a-printer
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  • What to do when a device isn't installed properly

    • When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows automatically tries to install it for you and will notify you if a driver for the device can't be found. There are several things you can try if this happens:

      Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet and automatic updating is turned on

      Your computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows to be able to search online for a device driver. To see if your computer is connected to the Internet, open your web browser and try accessing a website. If you're temporarily disconnected, such as when you're traveling with a laptop, wait until you're online again, and then try reinstalling your device.

      Windows can't check for the latest drivers unless automatic updating is turned on. Most people turn on automatic updating the first time they use Windows, but if you're not sure you did, you should check to make sure it's turned on. Be sure to select the option to include recommended updates, or Windows will install important updates only. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability, but recommended updates might include drivers for some of your devices. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off and Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware.

      When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows automatically tries to install it for you and will notify you if a driver for the device can't be found. There are several things you can try if this happens:

      Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet and automatic updating is turned on

      Your computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows to be able to search online for a device driver. To see if your computer is connected to the Internet, open your web browser and try accessing a website. If you're temporarily disconnected, such as when you're traveling with a laptop, wait until you're online again, and then try reinstalling your device.

      Windows can't check for the latest drivers unless automatic updating is turned on. Most people turn on automatic updating the first time they use Windows, but if you're not sure you did, you should check to make sure it's turned on. Be sure to select the option to include recommended updates, or Windows will install important updates only. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability, but recommended updates might include drivers for some of your devices. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off and Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware.

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      Manually check for drivers using Windows Update

      If you didn't have automatic updating turned on, or you weren't connected to the Internet when you connected a new device to your computer, you should check to see if Windowscan now find a driver for your device. Even if your computer is always connected to the Internet, you should still check Windows Updates for optional updates if some of your hardware isn't working properly. Optional updates often contain new driver updates.Windows Update does not install optional updates automatically, but it will notify you when it finds some and let you choose whether to install them.

      To check Windows Update for drivers

      1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button. In the search box, typeUpdate, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.

      2. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.

      3. If there are any available updates, click the link in the box under Windows Updateto see more information about each update. Each type of update might include drivers.

      4. On the Select the updates you want to install page, look for updates for your hardware devices, select the check box for each driver that you want to install, and then click OK. There might not be any driver updates available.

      5. On the Windows Update page, click Install updates Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation..

        Notes

        Notes

        • Windows Update tells you if an update is important, recommended, or optional. For more information, see Understanding Windows automatic updating.

        • Some updates require you to restart your computer.

        • Windows Update will tell you if the updates were successfully installed.

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      Install software for the device

      If Windows Update can't find a driver for your device, go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center website, which lists thousands of devices, and has direct links to driver downloads. Also, try checking the manufacturer's website for a driver or other software for the device. If your device came with a disc, that disc might contain software needed to make your device work properly, but first check the manufacturer's website for the latest software and drivers.

      If you don't find any new software or drivers for your device on the manufacturer's website, try inserting the disc that came with the device, and then follow the instructions for installing the software.

      Note

      Note

      Many drivers come with software that installs the driver for you (often called a self-installing package), but you might have to install some drivers manually as well. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.

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      Manually add older hardware that doesn't support Plug and Play

      If you have an older piece of hardware or a device that doesn't support Plug and Play,Windows won't automatically recognize it when you connect the hardware or device to your computer. You can try to manually add it to your computer using the Add Hardware Wizard.

      Note

      Note

      The Add Hardware Wizard is recommended only for advanced users.

      Follow these steps:

      1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button. In the search box, type run, and then, in the list of results, click Run.

      2. In the Run dialog box, type hdwwiz, and then click OK.

      3. Follow the instructions in the wizard, and then click Next.

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      Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

      If your computer is having problems with a recently installed device or other hardware, try using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common issues and makes sure that any new device or hardware attached to your computer was installed correctly.

      Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then clickTroubleshooting. Under Hardware and Sound, click Configure a device.‌ Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

      Note

      Note

      To make sure you have the most up-to-date troubleshooters from theWindows Online Troubleshooting Service, your computer should be connected to the Internet. For more information, see Troubleshooting in Windows.

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      If your device still doesn't work properly after trying these suggestions, a driver might not be available for your device. In this case, try contacting the device manufacturer.

      >

    • View More: Hardware and drivers What to do when a device isn't installed properly
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    • View Answer at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/What-to-do-when-a-device-isnt-installed-properly
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  • Install, view, and manage your devices and printers

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