.....not even sfc and DISM which are designed for this (I think)....
While SFC and DISM are powerful tools, they aren't guaranteed to fix all system problems. They're specifically designed to handle problems with Windows system files. If a user has made a change to the system that is not specifically related to these system files, SFC and DISM may not be able to resolve the problem.
For example, if a user has deleted a critical system file, SFC can often replace it. Similarly, if a system file has been corrupted, SFC and DISM can often fix it. On the other hand, if the problem is due to a misconfiguration in a software application, or a change in the system settings outside of what SFC and DISM monitor, these tools may not be able to help.
Here are some scenarios where SFC and DISM can be particularly useful:
1. Windows system files are corrupted or have been changed. This can sometimes occur as a result of a virus or malware attack, or an issue with a Windows update.
2. Some Windows features aren't working correctly. Since these features often rely on system files, SFC or DISM can sometimes fix the issue.
3. Windows is experiencing blue screen or other stability issues. These can sometimes be caused by issues with system files.
On the other hand, these tools are less likely to be able to resolve problems such as:
1. Issues with third-party software or drivers. These aren't part of the core Windows system files, so SFC and DISM typically can't fix them.
2. User configuration mistakes outside of system files. If a user has made a change to the system that doesn't involve system files - for example, changing a setting in a software application - SFC and DISM won't be able to undo this.
As for third party tools:
It is often useful to use third-party tools to achieve enhanced functionality or customizations that may not be readily available within the OS itself. However, utilizing these tools can present risks, such as system instability, data loss, and potential security vulnerabilities.
System instability might occur if the modifications made by these tools are incompatible with your current setup, or if they conflict with other settings. Data loss can happen directly (if the modifications involve deleting files) or indirectly (through system instability causing difficulty in accessing your data). As for security vulnerabilities, third-party tools, especially those from unverified sources, might have exploitable weak points or could even contain malicious software.
Given these risks, it's crucial to backup your system before using third-party tools to modify settings. Backups act as a safety net, allowing you to restore your system to its state at the point of backup if anything goes awry.
I would recommend a ln baseline image, which is essentially a snapshot of a fully configured and functional system, can be incredibly useful. This image serves as a 'golden reference point' that you can fall back to whenever needed. It provides several advantages:
1. **Fast Recovery:** If your system encounters a problem, you can use the baseline image to quickly restore it to a known good state, without having to manually reinstall and configure everything.
2. **Consistency:** In a setting where you're managing multiple systems, a baseline image ensures every system starts from the same configuration, making management and troubleshooting much easier.
3. **Testing and Validation:** With a baseline image, you have a controlled environment for testing system changes or new software. You can revert to this baseline after each test, ensuring each test begins with the same system state.
Creating a baseline image for your system is highly recommended, particularly if you have a complex or customized setup. If you ever need to reinstall your operating system or duplicate your setup on another machine, having a baseline image can save you a significant amount of time and effort. Instead of manually reinstalling and reconfiguring everything, you can simply apply the baseline image to return to your desired state.
It's like a "model home" for your computer system – a fully furnished and operational setup that you can replicate whenever needed, making it a valuable resource for system management and recovery.
Kindly note, while I can share insights based on over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, it is ultimately up to each user to decide how they manage and configure their systems. Remember, each system and user requirement is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The practices I've described are general recommendations designed to promote system stability and security, but they should be tailored to fit individual needs and contexts.