We all have that one go-to-guy for Windows Help, but do we really think about what is the best solution for Windows Help? Are we sure that we cannot handle the issues ourself, or maybe even fix it with a really cost effective cheap solution?
Windows help is often achieved via self help methods. Here is the How-to Guide on Windows Help, and how you can get great results by doing all the work yourself.
1) Decide a great way to phrase your problem, in a way that others before you have phrased it. A good way to do this is type the problem you have in 1 word at a time, and wait for Google Instant to fill in your results (see image 1)
Windows Help Google Search
By moving 1 word at a time, you will end up phrasing the question similar to how most other people phrased it. The end result will bring you some high quality relevant results on how to find the issue you are looking for in Google. A quick look at the top 10 results will tell you which website is the best catch for the source of Windows Help. Keep in mind that there is a recent movement in Google in which people attempt to change the results. This may lead to an irrelevant results, here and there; don’t be discouraged. Just refine your search, and remember to allow Google Instant to catch up with you!
Once you find the solution, depending on the website itself, you will simply have to follow the instructions. What I like to do is keep a history of every step I take, in order to roll them back later, should I come across the need. A great way to keep a history is to open a new tab for each new Google search that you are going to be doing. For example:
Search #1: Blue screen error # 0000B00
Results #1: How to fix error # 0000B003aN
Search #2: How to fix error # 0000B003aHtm
Results #2: Here is how to fix error # 0000B003aHtm in 5 easy steps.
Although result #2 seems to be a much better find, you may have trouble understanding the steps, and since you protected each result with a new tab (ctrl+t on most web browsers) you can always retrace your steps and see where you were. See fig 2:
Fig 2.
Tabbed Browsing
Sometimes finding Windows Help through forums and message board and websites can lead you on a wild goose chase, ending up in nothing solved, and a bunch of time wasted. In this case, it may make sense to post your exact problem on a forum or website that offers free advise (such as howtowindows.com) and see if you can get somebody to take the time to help you troubleshoot. A lot of the solution relies in how you phrase your question to Google, and how good results Google can return to you.
Somebody who is very experienced with Google may have a much easier time finding the solution than you, only because he knows exactly what to type and exactly what syntax Google can understand the best.
That being said, Windows Help is best used when self administered 