How to Use the Dell Product Support Site to Maintain your Dell PC

The following article provides information about how to maintain your Dell PC using the Dell Support Site.

Table of Contents:

1. Why would you use the Dell Support site to Maintain your Dell PC?
2. Install SupportAssist for automated updates
3. Keep your Windows operating system up to date
4. Install and maintain security software
5. Create a system restore point for your computer
6. Keep your drivers up to date

Why would you use the Dell Support site to Maintain your Dell PC?

The most common reason is preventative maintenance. You maintain your PC to keep it running as well as it possibly can and to minimize your chances of a fault developing.

While you cannot rule out mechanical parts failing, you can minimize your downtime and prevent situations that lead to problems. The Dell Product Support Site has several tools and links that are gathered into one central location. These tools help to maintain your Dell computer and work best when you add your service tag to tailor the options available to you. By doing this you can also review both the Support and Diagnostic history for your system. We also recommend creating a Dell Account for your system or systems to manage all your products in one place.

For an introduction to the tools and capabilities of Dell's Product Support site, watch the following video:

(Getting started with Dell online support, English Only, 04:12)

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Install SupportAssist for automated updates

SupportAssist (previously called My Dell or Dell Support Center) provides automated technical support which makes solving and preventing problems easy. This application gives you access to everything you need to maintain your device including:

• Advice and alerts to let you know about issues before they happen and tools to fix issues if they arise
• Flexible, automated backup and recovery through Dell Backup and Recovery to ensure that your important documents, pictures and media files remain safe
• Save time and reduce hassle with easy access to Dell support, warranty information, and services

Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating system: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
• Processor: 1.33 GHz
• Memory: 512 MB
• Hard disk space: 512 MB
• Display: 1024X768 screen resolution, 16-bit mode
• Connectivity: Internet access required
• Administrator rights

To install this tool, visit our dedicated Dell webpage for SupportAssist.

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Keep your Windows operating system up to date

To help keep your PC safer and running smoothly, be sure to enable Windows Update. Get the latest security and important updates from Microsoft automatically.

To set up Windows Update, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, then select Settings, and Update & Security.

2. If automatic updating is already turned on, Windows Update in Control Panel opens and shows your update status.

3. If automatic updating is not turned on, you are guided through the steps to do so.

Note: It is recommended that you use automatic updating—but if you choose not to, be sure to check for updates at least once a week.

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Install and maintain security software

This takes you to an online knowledgebase support article, "Protect your Computer or Remove Virus, Spyware or Other Malware in Microsoft Windows." 

The article deals with:

• What is Malware and How Do I Know if My Computer Is Infected?
• Determine if Security Software is on Your Dell Computer and Get Support
• Register Your Dell Factory Installed Security Software
• Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
• Ensure Your Microsoft Security Features Are Enabled
• Install the Latest Anti-Malware Software to Protect Your Computer

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Create a system restore point for your computer

System Restore is a Microsoft Windows tool that is designed to protect and repair the computer software. System Restore takes a snapshot of some system files and the Windows registry and saves them as "Restore Points." When an install failure or data corruption occurs, System Restore can return a system to working condition without reinstalling the operating system. It repairs the Windows environment by reverting to the files and settings that were saved in the restore point.

The article How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows takes you through the process of manually creating a restore point.  

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Keep your drivers up to date

This link takes you to the Drivers & Downloads section of the Product Support page.  Please see our Drivers Help and Support page for detailed information on how to use the driver's site and maintenance information. 

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