One of the best parts of installing a new operating system is the stability that comes with a clean install. Windows 7 seems to be exceptionally stable, especially from my short trial of the OS, but like any complex computer operating system, there is a possibility of crashes. These can be a big deal to computer owners, as they can make it hard to work and could potentially cause data loss. However, there are a few things Windows 7 users can do to keep their systems working as well as possible.
Here are a few tips to reduce crashes, blue screens, and other major problems in Windows 7.
1. Set up automatic updates. Especially in the first few months of Windows 7, there will be some major updates as Microsoft fixes various bugs and tweaks elements of the user experience. Since updates are free, it makes good sense to install them all. Windows 7 will automatically prompt you to set up updates when it first installs. If you haven’t already done so, though, head to your control panel and make sure your OS is updating to the freshest, cleanest version every couple of nights, or even once a week. Updates can be installed late at night, so they won’t give you much trouble, and they’re certainly a good idea to keep your system from crashing.
2. Follow good computer maintenance habits. You should also set up disk defragmentation for about once a week. This keeps your hard drive running smoothly, and lessens the risk of a hard drive crash, which is of course very serious. Set up Scandisk, too, and it’s a good idea to invest in some sort of registry cleaner program to run more occasionally. Registry cleaners only need to run once every few months, but they’ll clean the Windows 7 registry file of bad entries and help you avoid crashes and bugs. Be sure to always shut down your Windows 7 computer safely, and if it does occasionally hang, don’t get frustrated and reboot it or immediately hit Ctrl Alt Del. A little bit of patience can be really helpful for your system’s health.
3. Watch what you install, and install completely every time. Window 7 is pretty secure, but it’s going to get some attacks from viruses and trojans. Don’t install any programs if you aren’t sure where they came from, or your computer will crash, your data will be at risk, and other problems will crop up. When you install new programs, be sure to follow the installation instructions completely. If you’re a little careful, your Windows 7 system will be more stable, and you won’t have to worry about constant crashes or lock ups.
Do you have any other tips to keep Windows 7 from crashing? Post in our comments section below.
