Sound cards: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about sound cards, sound processors, testing speakers, and general problems with sound. What is a sound card? What should I do if I can't hear sound coming from my computer? How do I turn a sound card on or off? How do I test my sound card? How do I test my speaker configuration? Can I upgrade the sound in my laptop?

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Tips for fixing common driver problems
When hardware that's installed in, or attached to, a computer doesn't work properly, it's often because of a driver problem. Hardware and devices require drivers to work properly with a computer. Here are solutions to some common driver problems. I just installed a new hardware device, and it's not working properly. I just installed new drivers for my hardware from Windows Update, and want to make sure I get future updates. My device used to work, but now it doesn't. I can't connect to the Internet to update my drivers.

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Open the Playing Audio troubleshooter
If your computer is having problems playing sound, try using the Playing Audio troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common problems with your volume settings, your sound card or driver, and your speakers or headphones.

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Open the Recording Audio troubleshooter
If your computer is having problems recording sound, try using the Recording Audio troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common issues, such as making sure that both a working sound card and a recording device are installed on your computer.

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Tips for solving problems with Internet Explorer
If you can open Internet Explorer but can't get to sites on the Internet, or you find that web browsing is very slow, you should first make sure that you have a good connection to the Internet. Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically find and fix some common problems with Internet Explorer.

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Solving common problems with Troubleshooters
This video shows you how to use troubleshooters to solve common computer problems.

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Solve common problems
Learn to solve some common problems of Windows 7.

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Change computer sounds
You can have your computer play a sound when certain events occur on your computer. (An event can be an action that you perform, such as logging on to your computer, or an action that your computer performs, such as alerting you when you receive new email.) Windows comes with several sound schemes (a collection of related sounds) for common events. Additionally, some desktop themes have their own sound schemes .

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Troubleshooting in Windows
Troubleshooting in Control Panel contains several troubleshooting programs that can automatically fix some common problems with your computer, such as problems with networking, hardware and devices, using the web, and program compatibility.

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Install or remove a sound card
Most new desktop computers come with a built-in sound card that you can replace. If your computer doesn't have a sound card installed or you want to upgrade the sound playback or recording capabilities of your computer, you can install a sound card.

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Play an audio or video file: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing audio or video files in Windows Media Player. What can I do about audio problems, such as popping, crackling, or sound that plays too fast or too slow? What can I do about video problems, such as lines appearing in the video, flickering or choppy video, and so on? Why does the Player display a visualization instead of the video (or display an error message) when I play a video file? How do I make Windows Media Player the default player for a file type? Why do I get an error when I try to play streams from certain servers? Why does Windows Media Player frequently become unresponsive or close unexpectedly? How do I prevent videos from automatically playing in full-screen mode?

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Solutions to common problems with logging on to Windows
Here are solutions to some common problems with logging on to Windows. I tried to log on, but I keep getting a message telling me that the user name or password is incorrect. My computer is part of a domain and I want to log on to a local user account, not my domain account. I can't use my fingerprint reader to log on to Windows.

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Windows installation problems: frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions about installing Windows. How do I upgrade my computer from Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 7? How do I get a product key? How do I make my computer start from the Windows installation disc, rather than the computer's hard disk? What can I try if I get a message saying there is a problem copying files? If I see a blue or black screen or a screen that doesn't change, is my installation broken? How do I install Windows 7 on a netbook? How do I fix a device, like a monitor, sound card, or printer, that doesn't work since I upgraded to Windows 7? Will my programs work with Windows 7? Can I try reinstalling Windows if my computer loses power during installation?

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Why can't I print?
Here are solutions to some common problems with printing. My printer doesn't print. I see an error message about "spooler" problems. I want to add a network printer, but it's not offered in the Add Printer wizard. I can't find a printer that I want to add in the Network folder.

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Troubleshoot problems with removing updates
Here are solutions to some common problems with removing updates. I want to remove an update but I don't know how. I think an update that I recently installed is causing a problem, but I'm not sure if I should remove it. I tried, but I can't remove an update. I remove an update but it gets automatically reinstalled. I keep getting offered an update from Windows that I don't want. I installed updates (or a driver update) and now one of my devices doesn't work. I want to see if I removed an update successfully.

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Why can't I connect using Remote Desktop Connection?
There are a few reasons you might not be able to connect. Here are some common problems and possible solutions.

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Troubleshoot problems with installing updates
Here are solutions to some common problems with installing updates. Is there an easy way to fix my problem? I tried to install updates but one or more didn't get installed. I keep being offered an update from Windows that I don't want or that I already removed. I hid an update and now I want to install it. I restored hidden updates but I cant find the one that I want to install. My computer was turned off during a scheduled update. I keep getting prompted to restart my computer to finish installing updates. I installed updates (or a driver update) and now one of my devices doesn't work. I tried these troubleshooting steps, but I still can't solve the problem. What should I do next?

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View Archived Messages about Computer Problems
The computer problems which are reported to Microsoft are archived by Windows 7 via its Action Center. The problems can be related to security of the system, abnormal termination of a program, system instability and so on.

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Tips for solving setup problems with Windows Media Center Extenders
If you see an error message while setting up your Extender, it might be because a firewall is blocking it, or because your Extender is not recognized on your network. Use the following information to determine why you are receiving an error and how you can fix the problem.

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Adjust the sound level on your computer
Most speakers have a volume control, but you can also control the overall level of sound on your computer using Windows. Watch this video to learn how to adjust the sound level on your computer.

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Troubleshooting Sound in Windows
If you are reading this article, I'm assuming your sound does not work anymore. There's a few steps that you can do and check if any of the steps below solve the issue, if not, your soundcard is probably broken and needs to be replaced. But first, let's move on to the steps you can do!

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Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions
Windows uses the index to perform very fast searches of the most common files on your computer. Here are answers to some common questions about the index. What files are indexed? How do I add or remove index locations? Can I pause the Windows search index? Can I index my entire computer so all searches are fast? Why aren't files from an indexed folder showing up in search results? How do I troubleshoot problems with search and indexing? What if I'm using Windows Server 2008 R2?

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Troubleshoot AutoPlay problems
Here are solutions to some common problems with AutoPlay. The AutoPlay options only appeared the first time I plugged in a device or inserted a disc. How can I find them again, so I can choose a different action? I set a default action, but the AutoPlay dialog box continues to appear. How can I turn off AutoPlay so it will stop asking me what program I want to use? How can I stop AutoPlay from automatically opening a program when I plug in a device or insert a disc? AutoPlay doesn't start when I insert a disc or plug in a device. Why don't I see the AutoPlay prompt for some types of media or devices? In the past, I held down Shift to prevent the AutoPlay dialog box from appearing. Why doesn't that work now? Why does it take so long for AutoPlay to discover the types of content on my storage device?

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Report handwriting recognition errors to Microsoft
By reporting errors, you can help identify common handwriting recognition problems and improve the accuracy of handwriting recognition in future versions of Windows.

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Open the Printer troubleshooter
If your computer is having problems printing, try using the Printer troubleshooter to fix the problem. It makes sure that a printer is connected to your computer, and it checks for common issues such as whether the printer has enough paper and toner to complete printing your document.

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Diagnosing memory problems on your computer
If Windows detects possible problems with your computer's memory, it will prompt you to run the Memory Diagnostics Tool.

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Diagnosing basic problems with DirectX
If you're having problems getting a game or movie to play properly, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool can help you pinpoint the source. DirectX is a suite of technologies used by many of the multimedia programs in Windows.

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Open the Aero troubleshooter
If your computer is having problems running the Aero desktop experience, which includes effects such as transparency, try using the Aero troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common compatibility issues with running Aero, such as your computer's color, theme, and power settings and your computer's video card.

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Tips for searching the Internet
The Internet contains a vast collection of information, but finding what you are looking for can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you search the web more effectively.

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Open networking troubleshooters
Troubleshooting connection problems can be a challenge because there are so many possible causes. If your computer is having problems connecting to the Internet, or to other computers on a network, try using one of the networking troubleshooters to fix the problem.

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Why is my Internet connection so slow?
No matter how fast your Internet connection is, there are times when things will slow down to a crawl. This article will help you sort out what kinds of things can go wrong, learn what you can do about them, and discover how to get the most from your Internet connection. Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically find and fix some common connection problems.

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Help with Windows 7 compatibility problems
If you're having trouble with programs or devices, we've got you covered. The information below will help you solve compatibility problems with step-by-step instructions.

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Playing DVDs in Windows Media Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing DVDs in Windows Media Center. Why isn't there sound when watching a DVD? Why is the video distorted when watching a DVD? Why won't a DVD play? Why is the movie information or cover art for my DVD wrong or missing? Why does a different program open every time I insert a DVD in my computer?

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Open 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.

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Using System Configuration
System Configuration is a tool that can help identify problems that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. You can start Windows with common services and startup programs turned off and then turn them back on, one at a time. If a problem doesn't occur when a service is turned off, but does occur when that service is turned on, then the service could be the cause of the problem.

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Open the System Maintenance troubleshooter
To perform common maintenance tasks in Windows, such as cleaning up unused files and shortcuts, try using the System Maintenance troubleshooter to automatically find and fix problems. For example, the System Maintenance troubleshooter looks for unused files and shortcuts that you can clean up or remove so that your computer can run faster.

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Playing music in Windows Media Center: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing music and other audio files in Windows Media Center. How do I make my music appear in Media Center? Why doesn't album information (such as cover art) display? Why isn't there sound? Why doesn't a music file play? How do I play an audio CD or DVD in Media Center? Is there a graphic equalizer in Media Center so I can fine-tune the way my music sounds?

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Understanding Windows automatic updating
Here are answers to some common questions about updating Windows automatically. Why update Windows automatically? How do I start updating Windows automatically? How much does it cost to update Windows automatically? How long does it take to download an update? How does Windows determine which updates my computer needs? Will I be notified if there's a problem and important updates have not been installed? I'm having problems installing updates, what can I do?

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Web Slices: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Web Slices. What is a Web Slice? How do I know when a Web Slice is available on a webpage? Can I have Internet Explorer make a sound when a Web Slice is available or updated? How do I add a Web Slice to the Favorites bar? How do I delete a Web Slice from the Favorites bar? I'm trying to add a Web Slice but it doesn't seem to work, what do I do? How do I turn off Web Slice buttons on a webpage?

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Why is my wireless signal strength so low?
If a wireless network has a low signal strength, the transfer of information across the network could be slow or you might not be able to access certain parts of the network. Here are solutions to some common problems with low wireless signal strength:

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