Introduction
Windows errors can disrupt your workflow, slow down your PC, or even prevent important programs from running. Many users believe fixing these errors requires professional help or expensive tools, but that’s not always the case. In this guide, we’ll explore reliable methods for identifying and fixing common Windows errors using free software. We’ll pay special attention to cleanup and repair tools, with practical steps for both beginners and advanced users.
What Causes Windows Errors?
Before jumping into solutions, let’s briefly understand why Windows errors happen:
– Registry issues due to uninstalled or corrupted software
– Accumulation of junk files and temporary data
– Outdated or faulty drivers
– Malware or unwanted programs
– System file corruption
With the right free tools and clear steps, you can address these problems and restore your system’s health.
Section 1: Fixing Windows Errors – Where to Start (For Beginners)
How to Use Windows Troubleshooters
Windows comes with built-in troubleshooters for common issues (network, sound, Windows Update, etc.).
Step-by-step:
1. Open the Start menu and type Troubleshoot settings.
2. Select Troubleshoot settings.
3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
4. Find the category related to your issue (e.g., Internet Connections, Windows Update).
5. Click Run next to the chosen troubleshooter.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
How to Clean Up Disk Space and Temporary Files
Junk files can cause errors and slowdowns. You can use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup, but for a more thorough job, try Glary Utilities, a free and user-friendly cleanup tool.
Using Disk Cleanup:
1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
2. Select the drive (usually C:) and click OK.
3. Tick the files you want to remove and click OK.
Using Glary Utilities (recommended for deeper cleaning):
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch the program and click on 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Review the checked options (e.g., Registry Cleaner, Shortcuts Fixer, Temporary Files Cleaner) and click Scan for Issues.
4. Once the scan completes, click Repair Problems to clean up your system.
How to Repair Common Registry Errors
Registry problems can lead to stubborn errors. Glary Utilities includes a Registry Cleaner that safely scans and repairs registry issues:
1. Open Glary Utilities.
2. Select the Advanced Tools tab.
3. Click Registry Cleaner.
4. Press Scan Now, review detected issues, and press Repair.
Section 2: Advanced Error Fixing Methods (For Power Users)
How to Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files cause persistent errors. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair them:
Running SFC:
1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to finish and follow any repair instructions.
Running DISM:
If SFC can’t fix everything, try DISM:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Let the process complete, then reboot.
How to Use Glary Utilities for Deep Repair
Glary Utilities offers advanced modules for experienced users:
– Registry Defrag: Optimizes registry structure for improved performance
– Startup Manager: Allows you to disable or delay startup items that could cause errors
– Disk Repair: Scans and fixes disk errors
Example: Using Disk Repair in Glary Utilities
1. Go to Advanced Tools.
2. Select Check Disk.
3. Choose the drive and click Check Now.
4. Follow prompts to fix detected errors (a restart may be required).
How to Uninstall Problematic Programs
Sometimes a specific app causes errors. You can use Glary Utilities’ Uninstall Manager for a more complete removal than Windows’ default:
1. In Glary Utilities, open Advanced Tools.
2. Click Uninstall Manager.
3. Select the troublesome program and click Uninstall.
Section 3: Real-World Examples
Example 1: Resolving “DLL Not Found” Errors
1. Run Glary Utilities’ Registry Cleaner to fix broken DLL references.
2. Use SFC as described above to restore missing system files.
Example 2: Fixing Slow Startup and Error Messages
1. Clean up startup items using Glary Utilities’ Startup Manager.
2. Run Disk Cleanup or Glary’s 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Restart your PC and check if errors persist.
Section 4: Preventing Future Windows Errors
– Regularly use Glary Utilities’ 1-Click Maintenance to clean and optimize your PC.
– Keep Windows and your drivers up to date.
– Avoid downloading software from unreliable sources.
– Set a regular schedule for running SFC or Disk Cleanup.
Conclusion
Windows errors aren’t as intimidating as they may seem. With free tools like Glary Utilities and built-in Windows utilities, you can identify and fix most common issues yourself. Whether you’re a beginner using one-click cleanup or an advanced user leveraging SFC and DISM, regular maintenance and timely repairs will keep your system running smoothly. Try integrating these steps into your routine for a faster, more reliable PC.