Use this simple tool to fix any Windows annoyances quickly and without any fuss
FixWin is a simple tool for troubleshooting your Windows installation. Using the tool you can fix more than fifty Windows problems and annoyances that might be caused by malicious malware. Anti-malware scanners can help you remove these harmful programs but that in itself will not always undo the changes to Windows caused by these nasty malware, such as hiding the context menu, or disabling the registry editor.
With FixWin, you can repair these unwanted modifications to Windows. The tool lists all its fixes and their symptoms across several categories. Every problem has a ‘Fix’ button that you can click to apply the suggested solution. Remember that FixWin isn't a diagnostic tool and doesn't actually look inside your PC and uncover problems. You have to know you have a problem, and then use this program to fix it. Let’s get started.
1 Download and use
The latest edition of the program, FixWin 2.0, is designed to resolve issues with Windows 8.1. You’ll find it on your cover disc. Save the program files to your hard disk and double-click on the executable file to launch the app. FixWin is a portable tool hence there is no setup process. This allows you to copy the executable file to any USB drive and run the program on any Windows PC.
2 Fix System Files
The Welcome screen of the program advises you to first run the System File Checker utility by clicking the button labelled as such. This utility is designed to detect and fix any corrupted Windows system files and help the program assess your PC and detect possible errors on the drive. Note, this may take some time to complete depending on the size of your disk.
3 Create a System Restore point
Once the System File Checker utility has scanned your system, you should create a restore point by clicking on the button. You can continue using the program without a restore point, but it isn’t recommended. Since the FixWin solutions are modifying the Windows registry, a restore point will help revert any changes if the fix introduces unwanted stability issues.
4 Fix File Explorer
You can now start resolving your PC issues. Click on the File Explorer link in the left-hand bar to view all the fixes related to the Windows Explorer. The fixes listed can help restore the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop and the Folder Options settings under the Control Panel. You can also fix the infamous ‘Class not registered’ error encountered when launching apps, from under this section.
5 Restore internet connectivity
Now switch to the Internet & Connectivity section to fix any issues related to network connectivity. Here you can get rid of any runtime errors thrown by IE. You can also reset IE and the Windows Firewall to their default configuration if they’ve been modified accidentally or by another program. There’s also an option to optimise IE for concurrently downloading multiple files.
6 Fix Windows Store
The Windows Store is an essential component to the Windows 8 experience. If you have issues downloading or purchasing apps from here, head to the Modern UI section in FixWin. This section lists fixes under two tabs. The Windows Store tab resolves issues related to the store. You can clear and reset the store’s cache as well as apply fixes to common error messages.
7 Fix system tools
Some malware can disable access to Windows tools. FixWin can restore access to these tools and help you take charge of your PC. The System Tools section lists fixes around the Task Manager, Registry Editor, Command Prompt, Windows Defender, System Restore, Windows Action Center and more. This section helps restore access to these tools or reset them to the default configuration.
8 Miscellaneous fixes
Fixes that can’t be classified under the other sections mentioned above are listed under the Additional Fixes section. Here you can enable the hibernate feature if it’s missing from the Shutdown menu. You can also fix and rebuild the icons cache if the icons aren’t rendering properly, and restore Aero features. This section also helps you prevent Windows Media Player from crashing.
9 Revert changes
In the off chance a fix destabilises your PC, you can restore your computer to its previous state by reverting all the changes made since the previous restore point. Launch Control Panel and head to System and Security > System. Click on System Protection and click the System Restore button in the window that pops open to launch the System Restore wizard.
10 Restore system
The wizard will show you a list of restore points. The last system restore point will automatically be selected. If this isn't the one created by FixWin, toggle the 'Choose a different restore point' option to list the available restore points. Select the restore point that was created by FixWin and click on ‘Finish’. This will exit the wizard, restart Windows and begin the restoration process.