Microsoft's FixIt (
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) 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.
