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Microsoft Beta Tests 'Fix it Center Pro' Service

Microsoft unveiled a beta test version of a new service for IT professionals to scan Windows systems for problems.

• By Kurt Mackie
• 02/28/2012

Microsoft unveiled a beta test version of a new service that IT pros can use for scanning Windows systems for problems. The new Microsoft Fix it Center Pro service has gone public after being first used internally by the company. The service while in beta is available worldwide in 18 languages, according to a Microsoft blog. The Fix it Center Pro site requires a Windows Live account. Users are taken to an "analysis" page with a list of diagnostic checks to perform.

Microsoft also has a "Fix it Solution Center" support page, which directs users to Knowledge Base articles containing automated fixes. That site, which offers free remediation solutions, appears not to be associated (yet) with this new service.

Currently, there are 15 "analysis packages," mostly for troubleshooting Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 issues. There also are scans to address printing problems, system performance, memory dumps, failover clustering, Directory Services, Dynamics AX and Dynamics NAV, Exchange Server, Lync 2010 and volume licensing activation problems, among others.

Fix it Center Pro has about four basic elements to it. The service will scan, identify and resolve problems. It will point the user to additional information, tools and forums related to the problem. As the user uses the service, it creates work items. If wanted, those work items can be escalated into support requests to Microsoft's online support personnel, which can entail a cost for the user. Lastly, the service will keep track of those support requests for users. The service is capable of linking analysis, work items and support requests, according to Microsoft.

A scan can take up to an hour to complete. The service appears to be offered at no charge from Microsoft, unless the user requests help from Microsoft Support Services or escalates a work item. More details about the service are described at this help and support page.

While the new service is aimed at assisting IT professionals, Microsoft has another help service, called "Answer Desk," aimed at consumers. Answer Desk, which was launched in December, appears to be a bit more interactive since users can chat with the technicians. Like the Fix it Center Pro service, Answer Desk offers free support services that can gravitate toward paid support offers, depending on the circumstances.