Windows troubleshooting tools
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
Windows troubleshooting tools
Windows provides numerous troubleshooting tools for system administrators and support personnel to use in diagnosing and fixing computer problems. Many of these tools are built into the operating system and can be opened from within Help and Support Center. Additional tools can be downloaded from the Windows CD.
Click the following options for information about some of the more commonly used tools.
Safe Mode
Device Manager
System Information
Performance tool
Registry Editor
Windows Update
Command-line tools
Network Monitor
Additional tools on the Windows CD
Safe Mode
If you are unable to start your computer, you might be able to start it in Safe Mode, which uses default settings and no network connection.
Device Manager
Use Device Manager to view and make changes to your hardware configuration.
System Information
Use System Information to view comprehensive information about your hardware, software, and system components.
Performance tool
The Windows Performance tool consists of two parts: System Monitor and Performance Logs and Alerts. System Monitor collects and views information on hardware usage and system-service activity. Performance Logs and Alerts records performance data and enables you to set system alerts.
Registry Editor
Configuration information for Windows is stored in a database called the registry. Most users do not need to change the registry because software installed on your computer will automatically make changes for you. Only experienced users should edit the registry directly using the Registry Editor.
Windows Update
Use Windows Update to get online, up-to-date information about product updates and known issues. Windows Update includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Command-line tools
Several command-line tools are useful for monitoring and configuring your computer or network.
Use Ipconfig to display TCP/IP network configuration values.
Use Nbtstat to display protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections.
Use Netsh overview to configure and monitor Windows using a command-line, scripting interface.
Use Nslookup to display information from domain name system (DNS) name servers.
Use Pathping to determine which routers or links are causing network problems.
Network Monitor
Use Network Monitor to diagnose and troubleshoot network problems.
Additional tools on the Windows CD
System administrators can download more than 40 tools from the Windows CD. You can use these tools to diagnose and solve problems on networks and individual computers.