Diagnosing issues on a Windows system can be crucial for maintaining performance and reliability. Windows provides several built-in tools that can help you identify and resolve system problems. In this article, we will explore various methods to perform diagnostics on a Windows machine, focusing on tools accessible via Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell.

Examples:

1. Using the System File Checker (SFC): The System File Checker is a utility that allows users to scan and restore corrupt system files.

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Execute the following command to scan and repair system files:

     sfc /scannow

   • This process may take some time. Once completed, it will provide a report of the findings and actions taken.

2. Running CHKDSK for Disk Errors: CHKDSK is a command that checks the integrity of disks and can fix logical file system errors.

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • To check and repair the C: drive, use:

     chkdsk C: /f

   • You may need to restart your computer for the tool to run if the drive is in use.

3. Using Performance Monitor: Performance Monitor is a tool that provides detailed information about hardware and system performance.

   • Open Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type perfmon, and press Enter.
   • Navigate through the various monitoring tools available, such as Data Collector Sets and Reports, to analyze performance metrics.

4. Checking Network Configuration with IPCONFIG: IPCONFIG is a command-line tool used to display and manage network connections.

   • Open Command Prompt.
   • Use the following command to view detailed network configuration:

     ipconfig /all

   • This will provide comprehensive information about your network interfaces and settings.

5. Using PowerShell for Advanced Diagnostics: PowerShell offers advanced diagnostic capabilities through various cmdlets.

   • Open PowerShell as an administrator.
   • To check for Windows updates, use:

     Get-WindowsUpdateLog

   • For detailed system information, execute:

     Get-ComputerInfo

These tools and commands are essential for diagnosing and troubleshooting common issues in a Windows environment. Regular use of these diagnostics can help maintain system health and performance.