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Tweaking Windows 98

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Windows Report Tool

If you need technical support with a Windows problem, Microsoft's engineer will require as much information as possible about your system. Most users don't know what is needed, and everyone would find it tedious to assemble the information manually. And so Microsoft has automated the report process as far as possible, thus giving you the best chance of a quick and effective solution.

Windows Report Tool prompts you to type in details of your problem. It will also collect system information and configuration and log files. Everything is packaged up in a single report file that can be submitted to Microsoft. Third-party software developers may also ask you to generate reports, to help them identify problems with application software.

Technical support is only available to registered users, so don't skip registration when you install Windows 98. If you do, it could be a problem when you're desperate for a quick answer!

Windows Report Tool presents this dialog (edited for width):

The steps you should follow to generate a report are:

  1. Briefly describe the problem and include the exact title and text of any error messages you see.
  2. Describe what you expected to happen as well as what actually occurred.
  3. Enter a detailed list of the steps the engineer should follow to duplicate the problem.
  4. Select Collected Information on the Options menu. Under Files To Copy, select or clear the check boxes next to each filename to create a list of files you want submitted with the report:

If you need to submit a file not listed, click on Add and use the browse box to choose it. Click OK. If you are unsure which files are required, submit them all or call the support line first.

  1. Check that your contact details are correct under Options, User Information.
  2. Submit your report by one of the following methods:
  3. Save it to disk from File, Save, or click Next in the main dialog box. A .CAB file will be produced containing everything you said and selected. This can then be mailed or e-mailed.
  4. Print it from File, Print for subsequent mail/e-mail/fax. This just prints basic system information and a list of selected files, but not the contents of the files themselves. In some cases this will be sufficient – be guided by the support technician.
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