Comprehensive guide on troubleshooting tools and techniques for Windows Server 2022, structured into the categories you listed. I’ve included practical details so you can use them effectively.
1. Diagnostic Utilities and Logs
These
tools help identify the root cause of performance or system issues.
a. Event Viewer
- Purpose: Tracks system, application, and security events.
- Usage:
- Run eventvwr.msc
- Key logs:
- System: Hardware issues, driver
failures, system errors.
- Application: Software crashes or
warnings.
- Security: Failed logons or suspicious
activities.
- Tips:
- Filter by Error or Warning
level.
- Use Custom Views to
focus on frequent issues.
b. Task Manager
- Purpose: Quick snapshot of resource usage.
- Usage:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc
- Tabs to monitor:
- Processes: CPU, memory, disk usage per
app.
- Performance: CPU, memory, disk, network
graphs.
- Startup: Disable unnecessary startup
programs.
c. Command-Line Tools
- Common commands:
- sfc /scannow → Check and repair system files.
- chkdsk /f /r → Scan and fix disk errors.
- tasklist → List running processes.
- netstat -an → Check active network connections.
- ping, tracert → Test network connectivity.
- PowerShell Get-Process → Detailed process information.
2. Remote Troubleshooting Tools
Remote
access allows IT admins to troubleshoot without being physically present.
a. TeamViewer / AnyDesk
- Purpose: Remote desktop access.
- Usage:
- Connect to remote Windows
Server or workstation.
- View and control desktop for
troubleshooting apps or services.
- Pros: Easy for non-technical users; supports file transfer.
- Cons: Requires stable internet; security configuration
needed.
b. PowerShell Remoting
- Purpose: Command-line remote administration.
- Usage:
- Enable remoting: Enable-PSRemoting -Force
- Connect remotely: Enter-PSSession -ComputerName SERVER01
- Run scripts or commands for
diagnostics.
- Pros: Lightweight, scriptable, supports automation.
- Cons: Requires proper network and firewall configuration.
3. System Monitoring and Performance Analysis
Monitoring
tools help identify bottlenecks over time.
a. Resource Monitor (resmon)
- Real-time CPU, memory, disk,
and network analysis.
- Identify processes causing
spikes.
b. Performance Monitor (perfmon)
- Track detailed metrics over
time.
- Set up Data Collector Sets
for long-term monitoring.
- Key counters:
- CPU → % Processor Time
- Memory → Available MBytes
- Disk → Avg. Disk Queue Length
- Network → Bytes Total/sec
c. Windows Admin Center
- Centralized GUI for monitoring
multiple servers.
- View resource usage, updates,
and role performance.
d. Sysinternals Suite
- Tools like:
- Process Explorer → Advanced process inspection.
- ProcMon → Real-time system activity logging.
- RAMMap → Detailed memory usage.
4. Automating Troubleshooting Tasks with Scripts
Automation
reduces repetitive work and ensures consistent monitoring.
a. PowerShell Scripts
- Examples:
- Check CPU usage:
o Get-Process
| Sort-Object CPU -Descending | Select-Object -First 10
- Monitor disk space:
o Get-PSDrive
-PSProvider FileSystem
- Collect Event Logs:
o Get-EventLog
-LogName System -EntryType Error -Newest 50
b. Scheduled Tasks
- Automate scripts to run at
intervals.
- Example: Daily disk health
check or memory usage report.
c. Alerts & Reporting
- Scripts can send emails
or log files when thresholds are exceeded.
- Integrates with monitoring
tools for proactive troubleshooting.
Summary
Table
|
Category |
Tools / Techniques |
Purpose |
|
Diagnostic
Utilities |
Event
Viewer, Task Manager, Command-line |
Identify
errors, monitor resources, check system health |
|
Remote
Troubleshooting |
TeamViewer,
AnyDesk, PowerShell Remoting |
Access
remote servers for diagnostics and fixes |
|
System
Monitoring |
PerfMon,
Resource Monitor, Sysinternals, Admin Center |
Track
performance, identify bottlenecks, analyze trends |
|
Automation |
PowerShell
scripts, Scheduled Tasks, Alerts |
Reduce
repetitive tasks, proactive monitoring, automated reports |
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