Apr 21, 2006 01:35 PM
Some folks have the luxury of packing their buggy PC off to a help desk. But if you like to get your hands dirty, consider this essential tweakage.
Here's how to set up logging for unexpected system shutdowns:
1. Open RegEdit and browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Reliability
2. Set the ShutDownReasonUI data value to 1. (If this string doesn't exist, create it and set the value to 1.)
3. Exit RegEdit and reboot your PC.
To examine the log you've created, open up the Event Viewer, which you'll find by selecting Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer. Click on the System subheading and you'll see a massive list of system events. Errors will be marked with a red X or a yellow exclamation mark. Double-click on the error and you'll see details that may help you unravel the mystery.
After you've set up system shutdown logging in the registry, use the Event Viewer to find out error details. Click image to enlarge and to see image gallery. |
Four Bonus Tips |
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We just couldn't resist throwing in a few more great XP tips. Consider these our honorable mentions:
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