When the toolkit launches, you'll see a plain-looking menu. The default option is to start up UBCD4Win. In most cases, that's what you'll want - just hit Enter to proceed. There are several other options, however. One of the most useful is to load Memtest86+. As the name suggests, this tests your PC's memory. If your PC suffers from random crashes or restarts, faulty memory could well be the cause. If Memtest86+ reports any errors, it's a fair bet that at least one of the memory modules inside the case need replacing.

When booting into UBCD4Win itself, you'll see a familiar Windows XP desktop. If you intend to use the internet, click Yes when asked if you want network support. Otherwise, click No. After that, simply use Windows as you would normally. Some programs can be accessed via icons down the left-hand side of the display. Others are accessed by clicking the Start button and pointing to Programs.

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Key programs are the anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. Use these to scan your PC's hard disk (usually labelled C and rid it of nasties. Other programs of prime interest are those that can fix Windows start-up troubles. You'll find these under Disk Tools (from the main Programs menu). Test Disk, MbrFix, and MBRWizard can be particularly useful.

If you're unsure what a given program does, enter its name in Google (perhaps from within UBCD4Win) and visit the maker's website. You'll find lots of help at the UBCD4Win forum, too more you explore the toolkit, the more you'll be amazed. There's not much it can't do. And good luck in solving any future computing woes.