FAQ: Creating a step-by-step problem description in Windows 7

Adlib Information Systems

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8-8-2012

Using the Problem Steps Recorder

If you think you’ve found a problem in the Adlib software, it might still be hard to describe the problem in detail and in such a way that it is clear to the AIS Helpdesk and can be reproduced, especially if you want to use e-mail to explain the circumstances under which the problem occurs.
However, Windows 7 offers a small tool named Problem Steps Recorder, that can help: if you use it, you won’t need to make any screenshots manually anymore or describe where you are clicking or what you are entering. The tool will do that for you by making sort of a recording of everything you do. The generated report can be e-mailed to the AIS Helpdesk. Create a recording as follows:

  1. Click the Windows Start button and open the Control panel. In the entry field in the top right, type “problem steps”. In the search result beneath it, click Record steps to reproduce a problem. The Problem Steps Recorder tool will open, just a toolbar really. You can close the Control panel now.

  1. Now close all programs that you don’t need to reproduce the problem. Usually this means only keeping your Adlib application and the Problem Steps Recorder open. In the Adlib application, proceed up to a point where everything still works as it should, but not too far away from the occurring problem.
  2. In the Problem Steps Recorder, click the Start Record button. Now execute all actions leading up to the problem calmly and without detours.
    At any moment you can add a remark to the current condition, if desired: click the Add comment button in the tool and drag the mouse pointer to mark the area of the screen to which the comment will apply. Then type the text for the comment in the Highlight Problem and Comment window and click OK.
  3. As soon as the problem becomes apparent in Adlib and you’ve made clear what the consequences are, click Stop Record in the tool. You’ll be asked to pick a location to store the generated recording. Choose a location which you can easily find in Windows Explorer again. The recording will be saved as an .mht file (which can be opened in a browser) in a .zip file.
  4. Now report the problem via e-mail to the AIS Helpdesk and add the .zip file as an attachment. You can also use the Problem Steps Recorder to send the e-mail: click the arrow pointing down (to the right in the toolbar) and click Send to e-mail recipient.

More help about the possibilities of the Problem Steps Recorder can be found in its Help which can be opened via the button with the question mark.

8-8-2012