Working for MS on a help desk I have realised that several problem crop up more than others. I have provided the title to several knowledge based articles and their link.
This is for Windows (typically XP), Outlook Express, and Internet Explorer
How to Troubleshoot 16-Bit Windows Programs in Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314495
This is usually caused by spyware the above will fix the problem not the spyware.
Troubleshooting MS-DOS-based programs in Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314106 "Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881 Your CD-RW drive is not recognized as a rewritable drive in Windows XP Service Pack 2 or in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883523 How to Troubleshoot Basic TCP/IP Problems http://support.microsoft.com/kb/169790 Cannot Open E-Mail Attachments in Outlook Express After You Install SP1 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329570 Hyperlinks in an e-mail message do not work in Outlook 2000 or in Outlook 2002 and Outlook express 6 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/257464 How to back up and recover Outlook Express data http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670 HOW TO: Install Backup from the CD-ROM in Windows XP Home Edition http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302894
These are just a few of the more common.
There are thousands of articles at the support site:
http://support.microsoft.om
There are 2 main ways this site is searched best.
1. By inputing the error code into the search box, and not choosing a specific product. Error codes starting with 0x are the best, eg. 0x0000000
2. By changing to advanced search and choosing the exact program or OS you are trying to troubleshoot. It has everything from windows 2.10 through to Money 2005.
Be advised though, It will pretty much only stick to what you chose. If you are using Word 2000 in Windows XP, choose Windows XP it will NOT come up with errors in word, unless it has to do with an interaction with XP.
If people have any specific requests for posted links let me know and I will add them above, or create an Office post for office apps.
General Windows / Office Information
The differences between OEM and Retail apart from price.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
This license is only to be sold with an intergral piece of hardware, not including peripherials (eg mouse and keyboard).
This license is not transferrable to another computer once installed, and the license is tied to the motherboard, so when that is replaced you need another copy.
It can be run on only 1 computer at any time.
Only the OEM who sold you the hardware and software bundle does the technical support - Not MS.
The warranty is up to the manufacturer, and is for the hardware only.
Retail or FPP (Full Package Product):
This can be bought seperate from any hardware.
This license allows you to transfer it to another computer, it can even be sold with the license and COA to another person.
You are typically allowed to run it on only 1 computer at a time - per license (except for Office 2003 which is 1 desktop and 1 portable (eg laptop or tablet), and, Office 2003 student and teachers which is 3 computers).
There is no software warranty, only that it works.
Finding Information regarding your computer and hardware
Version of windows - including Service pack.
Click 'Start' -> Click 'Run' -> Type 'winver' -> Click 'Ok'
or
Right Click 'My Computer' -> Click 'Properties'
Also within the 'System properties' if you:
Click on the 'Hardware' tab at the top -> Click 'Device Manager'
you can view the different hardware on your computer.
When viewing this if you Right Click on any of the different hardware componens then Click 'Properties', you can also from the popup windows view the hardware manufacturer, and update the drivers.
To find you version of any MS application:
Open the application you wish to find out about.
Click 'Help' at the top of the screen. In the menu that drops down (Drop down box) Click 'About xxxxx' - where xxxxx is the name of your program.
This will give you all of the details regarding the program; year, version, and any updates the program has.