Windows operating systems are generally robust, but over time, you may encounter slowdowns, errors, or system instability due to software conflicts, corrupted files, or leftover junk. Knowing how to use system repair tools—both native to Windows and third-party utilities—can help restore your PC’s performance and reliability. This guide offers practical, step-by-step instructions for intermediate users, covering basic and advanced solutions for clean up and repair.
Why Should You Use System Repair Tools?
System repair tools can fix common problems like slow boot times, application crashes, and corrupted files. Regular maintenance not only resolves issues but can prevent them, extending your PC’s life and improving your user experience.
What Are the Essential Built-in Windows Repair Tools?
Windows includes several tools to address system problems. Here’s how to use them effectively:
1. System File Checker (SFC)
SFC scans for and repairs missing or corrupted system files.
Step-by-Step:
1. Press Win+S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to finish. If issues are found, SFC will attempt repairs automatically.
4. Reboot your PC to complete the process.
Example: If your Windows apps start crashing or showing strange errors, SFC is a reliable first check.
2. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
DISM can fix deeper component store corruption that SFC can’t handle.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Allow the process to finish, which may take some time.
4. Afterward, run SFC again for a thorough repair.
When to Use: If SFC reports errors it cannot fix, DISM is your next line of defense.
3. Windows Startup Repair
If your PC fails to boot correctly, Startup Repair can often fix boot issues.
Step-by-Step:
1. Hold Shift and restart your computer via the Start menu.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
3. Choose your Windows account and enter your password.
4. Follow the prompts to finish the repair.
Common Use: This is useful if you see a blue or black screen at startup with error messages.
How Can You Use Glary Utilities for System Repair and Cleanup?
While Windows tools are powerful, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities offer a more user-friendly and comprehensive approach, combining many maintenance tools into one package.
Key Features for Clean Up & Repair:
– 1-Click Maintenance: Cleans junk files, repairs registry errors, and optimizes startup items.
– Disk Repair: Finds and repairs disk errors.
– Registry Repair: Cleans and fixes errors in your Windows registry.
– Shortcuts Fixer: Repairs broken shortcuts.
– Startup Manager: Optimizes boot time by managing startup programs.
Real-World Example: If your PC is slow, and you suspect leftover files, registry bloat, or unnecessary startup entries, Glary Utilities can scan and fix these issues in minutes.
Step-by-Step: Using Glary Utilities for System Repair
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch the application and select 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Check all available options: Registry Cleaner, Shortcuts Fixer, Spyware Remover, Disk Repair, Temporary Files Cleaner, and Startup Manager.
4. Click Scan for Issues. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Click Repair Problems to fix all detected issues automatically.
6. For targeted repairs, use the Advanced Tools tab for in-depth management (e.g., Disk Repair or Registry Repair for more control).
How Do You Tackle Advanced Problems with System Restore and Reset?
If regular repairs fail, you may need to use more drastic solutions:
Using System Restore
System Restore rolls your system files and settings back to a previous state without affecting personal files.
Step-by-Step:
1. Press Win+S, type Create a restore point, and select it.
2. Under System Protection, click System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point from before the problem appeared.
4. Follow the wizard to restore your system.
Resetting Windows
This reinstalls Windows while giving you the option to keep or remove personal files.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
3. Choose to Keep my files or Remove everything.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.
When to Use: Only use these options if repairs and cleanups have not resolved your issues.
Should You Schedule Regular Cleanups?
Absolutely. Setting up a maintenance routine is essential for preventing problems. Use Glary Utilities’ scheduling feature to automate regular scans and repairs, keeping your system healthy without manual effort.
Final Thoughts
Intermediate Windows users can handle most system repair tasks using a combination of built-in tools and comprehensive third-party utilities like Glary Utilities. By following these step-by-step strategies—from basic scans to advanced resets—you can keep your PC running smoothly, efficiently, and free of frustrating errors. Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable Windows experience.