• Troubleshooting tools native to Windows are less likely to cause corruption.tools image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
  
  There is an abundance of troubleshooting tools that work with Windows Vista and most of them claim to be the best. With varying degrees of efficiency and special features, some programs do work better than others. Try some of the tools included with Vista before dishing out a fee for commercial programs that might not work as well.
  
  

Check Disk

• The error-checking utility that comes with Windows Vista will scan the file system for errors and fix them automatically. Also included is the option to scan for bad sectors and attempt recovery. This scan takes much longer but is helpful when there's suspected physical damage to the drive. Right-click on the C Drive (in My Computer) and then left-click on "Properties" to find this tool.
  
  

Disk Defragmenter

• The built-in defragmenter is helpful for troubleshooting issues related to slow response/access times. This affects many things stored on the drive, including application and video slowdowns. Use the defragmenter often during basic maintenance to keep the drive organized. The defragmentation tool is found in the same manner as the error checking utility.
  
  

Msconfig

• Msconfig.exe opens up the System Configuration window. Type "run" in the Start button search area, and then "msconfig." Press Enter. The available tabs include Boot, Services, Startup, Tools and General. In the General tab, reduce the items that load during startup by choosing either diagnostic startup or selective startup. This will disable a large number of items at once. The operating system list appears under Boot, where you can make basic changes such as adjusting the timeout period. Enable/disable services that run in the Services tab. The Startup tab provides the option of individually disabling startup items with a checklist. Tools displays a full list of Windows troubleshooting tools accessed by clicking "Launch."
  
  

System File Checker

• Programs sometimes will alter the original Windows files during installation. Conflicts can arise if the improper versions of these files remain on your system. These files are replaced during a repair or reinstallation of the operating system, but the System File Checker can eliminate this need. Type "cmd" in the Start menu search box. Move the mouse pointer up to where it says "cmd.exe," right-click and select "Run as Administrator." This will open a command prompt where you will type: "sfc /scannow." The system file checker will begin comparing your system files to the originals and replace them as necessary.