Microsoft'll fix it for you: Automated 'fix it' buttons solving PC problems

Microsoft says that rather than struggle to fix their own PC problems, computer owners have shown they'd rather just click a "Fix it" button and let the computer take care of itself.

Since about January, Microsoft has been adding the automated fixes for an array of PC problems for which there is a single known fix. In the past six months, it has added more than 300 "Fix its" to automate the steps needed to solve problems, change settings and even protect against viruses.

Recently, Microsoft used the approach to help people defend against a serious unpatched flaw.

Lori Brownell, Microsoft's general manager of product quality and online support, said in a February interview: "If we know what those 15 steps are, why shouldn't we just script it."

The effort is working, Microsoft said this week, noting that more than seven million people have used the automated fixes and in 95 per cent of cases, the "Fix it" button completely solved the issue.

Microsoft said the fixes are now available in 23 languages and have shown up in the company's advertising. There's even a "Fix it" page on Facebook and a feed on Twitter.

Original article: Microsoft says automated 'Fix it' is working from CNET News.com