Microsoft has released a beta version of free software it says is able to diagnose and repair computer problems automatically.
According to Microsoft, the Fix It suite contains "tools that help solve the issues you have now and prevent new ones".
The utility keeps a close eye on your PC, looking out for problems, and it's up to you whether you want it to repair issues automatically, or ask for permission first. The software can also be set up to report issues back to Microsoft automatically.
The Fix It beta, which is available now as a free download, is designed primarily for home users, though it could prove useful for small businesses too. It continues an approach to troubleshooting that may already be familiar to many Microsoft users.
The company's online support pages often have Fix It buttons to repair a problem with a single click once you've diagnosed it. Internet Explorer has a similar range of troubleshooting tools, as does Windows 7.
The Fix It software combines many aspects of both across a far wider range of topics. It does require dedicated software to be installed directly with Microsoft pointing out that one of the primary victims of PC problems is invariably internet access.
The local installation can be supported by an online profile, which Microsoft says will maximise Fix It's effectiveness.
On installation, the software begins by scanning the hardware configuration and software found on the PC, and building a profile to help it decide exactly which of the 27 different troubleshooting tools are most relevant.
Microsoft claims Fix It can tackle in excess of 300 different problems in 24 languages, while it also keeps an eye out for updates and fixes made available online. Usefully for small businesses, a single account can be set up to monitor multiple PCs.
Fix It does require users to be running at least Windows XP Service Pack 3, with Windows Server also supported. It's not known yet when a final version of the software will be seen.
