To determine "what just happened?" review the event log, Windows' list of recent events, errors, and problems. It may not solve the problem, but it will lead you in the right direction.
- [Narrator] To discover what's happening…or has happened in your computer,…you can review the Windows Event Log.…The Event Log is a chronical of the computer's activities.…It may reveal the source of trouble,…confirm your suspicions, or point you in the right direction…when you just don't know what the heck is going on.…To peruse those event, run the Event Viewer program.…Tap the Windows key and type Event Space Viewer…and there it is.…Choose the program from the top of the list.…
The Event Viewer window is organized…in a hierarchical structure,…shown on the left side of the window.…The center pane shows details.…The right pane lists actions.…I recommend that you maximize the window as shown here…to take in all the information.…Choose a log file to view.…For example, if you just experienced something odd…or if the computer has experienced something odd.…Say a program has crashed…or you saw an error message about the PC's hardware,…you choose the System Log.…Open Windows logs, and choose System.…
It may take a few moments…
Author
Dan Gookin
Released
11/19/2018- Diagnosing the causes of PC issues
- Troubleshooting hardware and software
- Performing startup and system restore steps
- Accessing the Task Manager
- Using the Registry Editor
- Fixing Windows
- Checking and freeing storage
- Fixing common printer issues
- Troubleshooting audio
- Restoring network connectivity
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
-
Introduction
-
What you should know1m 3s
-
1. PC Trouble
-
Getting help on the Internet3m 42s
-
Trying a quick fix2m 45s
-
2. Startup and Shutdown Issues
-
3. Problems and Solutions: Windows
-
Starting in Safe Mode3m 59s
-
Using System Restore3m 26s
-
Accessing the Task Manager5m 44s
-
Reviewing events3m 46s
-
Fixing Windows2m 47s
-
-
4. Problems and Solutions: Mass Storage
-
Checking storage3m 36s
-
Freeing storage4m 36s
-
-
5. Problems and Solutions: Printer
-
Checking printer status3m 43s
-
Updating the printer driver2m 56s
-
6. Problems and Solutions: Monitors and Graphics
-
Troubleshooting the monitor3m 54s
-
-
7. Problems and Solutions: Peripherals
-
Working with USB connections4m 39s
-
Troubleshooting audio3m 7s
-
-
8. Problems and Solutions: Networking
-
Checking network software2m 49s
-
Checking network hardware4m 55s
-
-
Conclusion
-
Next steps41s
-
Take notes with your new membership!
Type in the entry box, then click Enter to save your note.
Press on any video thumbnail to jump immediately to the timecode shown.
Notes are saved with you account but can also be exported as plain text, MS Word, PDF, Google Doc, or Evernote.
Share this video
Embed this video
Video: Reviewing events