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Microsoft's FixIt (http://support.microsoft.com/fixit#tab2 (http://support.microsoft.com/fixit#tab2)) solutions generally work well, but sometimes they just take way too long to run -- especially on Vista and Windows 7. Some of them also require a little more interaction than I'd prefer: I know where the registry key is to fix that stupid bug where DVD drives disappear from My Computer, I just want a point-and-click way to do it!
Fortunately, The Windows Club (http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-fix-windows-7-vista-problems-with-fixwin-utility (http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-fix-windows-7-vista-problems-with-fixwin-utility)) has a nice portable app which provides much of the same functionality as FixIt.
FixWin is a tiny download which packs loads of helpful registry fixes for Vista and Windows 7. Everything from a disabled Task Manager or RegEdit to replacing missing shortcuts and fixing that CD problem I mentioned above. FixWin can also tackle a handful of Windows Media Player glitches such as messed up file associations, sync problems, and messed-up libraries. In total, the 173KB program contains 50 fixes.
As with any one-click fix program, it's a good idea to create a system restore point prior to making any changes. FixWin's developer has thoughtfully included a button on the app's main tab to make things easy on us.
FixWin is available for download from The Windows Club
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http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-fix-windows-7-vista-problems-with-fixwin-utility
scroll down about halfway and look for the glowy arrow pointing at a hard drive.
Need a program like this for Windows XP? Check out XP Quick Fix Plus!
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/fix-common-windows-xp-errors-with-portable-xp-quick-fix-plus/
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