Explore the features: Built-in diagnostics

Built-in diagnostics

This feature is included in the following editions of Windows Vista:

	Home Basic
	Home Premium
	Business
	Ultimate

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Windows Vista contains built-in diagnostics—collections of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and resolution logic—to resolve external problems that affect the way Windows Vista behaves. The framework that supports these diagnostics, called Windows Diagnostic Infrastructure, provides a number of diagnostic scenarios—including Network Diagnostics and troubleshooting—to address some of the most common and costly problems facing PC users.

Resource Exhaustion Prevention.

Built-in diagnostic scenarios in Windows Vista include the following:

• Disk Diagnostics. The built-in Disk Diagnostics in Windows Vista detects impending disk failures and guides you through data backup, disk replacement, and data restoration procedures. When Windows Vista detects a potential disk failure, it warns you of the problem and guides you through the backup and recovery process to minimize the likelihood of data loss.

• Memory Diagnostics. Memory Diagnostics in Windows Vista works with Microsoft Online Crash Analysis to detect crashes that might be caused by failing memory. It provides guided support and prompts you to schedule a memory test the next time you restart the computer.

• Network Diagnostics and troubleshooting. The Windows Network Diagnostics tool in Windows Vista helps you identify the top potential issues preventing network connectivity—and it automatically takes appropriate steps toward correcting them. If a computer on the network loses Internet connectivity, you can graphically see which connection is down and then use Network Diagnostics to help determine the cause of the problem and find possible solutions. For more information, see Network Diagnostics and Troubleshooting.

• Resource Exhaustion Prevention. Resource Exhaustion Prevention warns you when critical resources are low—before a hang or crash occurs. It also identifies which processes are consuming the largest amount of a given resource and helps you reclaim that resource. And when Windows Vista issues a resource exhaustion warning, it logs events in the event log that include detailed data useful for subsequent analysis.

All built-in diagnostic scenarios record events in the event log. The log provides a record of problems that the built-in diagnostics have automatically repaired and also provides information for IT professionals to help them solve problems that can't be resolved automatically.