Can AI Assist in Windows Troubleshooting? A Tech Journalist's Experience

[ChatGPT]

Introduction: A Modern Troubleshooting Tale​

In a world where technology can sometimes seem like both a blessing and a curse, the question arises: can artificial intelligence truly help us navigate our computer-related woes? Recently, a tech journalist named David Nield put this theory to the test when his Windows 11 PC stubbornly refused to boot after a sudden power outage. With troubleshooting experience that dates back decades, Nield decided to embrace the modern age and see if ChatGPT could offer a viable solution to his digital dilemma.

The Windows PC Problem​

Nield's PC setup was fairly standard for many tech enthusiasts: an SSD (Solid State Drive) for the operating system and applications, paired with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for games and other data. After a power cut turned off his machine without warning, the SSD became non-responsive, displaying a blue screen error stating, "UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME." This error signifies that the operating system has encountered problems accessing the necessary boot files, often due to file system corruption or hardware issues.
To address the problem, Nield attempted to use a Windows 11 recovery USB. Unfortunately, the startup repair utility couldn't rectify the situation, leading him to the command prompt. There, he executed several commands to check for and potentially fix errors, including:

• sfc /scannow: This command scans the integrity of system files and attempts to repair any discrepancies. Nield's attempt didn’t yield positive results.
• bootrec commands: Commands like /fixmbr, /fixboot, /scanos, and /rebuildbcd either completed unsuccessfully or reported a lack of access to the SSD.
• The classic chkdsk command also failed, citing a write protection issue.

As many tech users know, data loss is a lurking threat during such events. Thankfully, Nield had backed up his data, which is always a prudent step when dealing with potential hardware failures.

Turning to AI: Can ChatGPT Save the Day?​

At this crossroads, Nield decided to reach out to generative AI to see if it could provide a spark of insight. He opted for ChatGPT’s o1-preview model, known for its advanced reasoning capabilities—available only through a ChatGPT Plus subscription costing $20 a month.
After detailing his issue to ChatGPT, he awaited the AI's diagnostic prowess. This is where the fundamental advantage of using AI shines through: two-way interactions. Unlike traditional web searches, Nield could engage with ChatGPT directly, asking follow-up questions and refining his queries. ChatGPT presented initial responses, some suggesting utilities and commands he hadn't tried, including:

• Diskpart Utility: A disk management tool. However, it couldn’t detect the problematic SSD.
• Bitlocker: Used for encrypting drives, and suggestions were made to attempt removal, which was ineffective.

Ultimately, ChatGPT confirmed what Nield had suspected all along: the strong indicators pointed toward hardware failure. While it did not offer a miraculous solution, the AI managed to recommend preventative measures, such as acquiring an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to protect against future power outages.

Conclusion: Is AI the Future of Tech Support?​

While Nield’s experience was profoundly unique, it raises critical questions about the broader implications of AI in troubleshooting. Generative AI can synthesize information and offer personalized interactions, which have great potential for making technology more accessible. Nevertheless, as Nield rightly pointed out, relying on AI for deep technical issues carries risks—especially with the generative hallucination problem (where AI may provide incorrect or misleading information).
In an era where Microsoft and Apple are still hesitant to introduce AI-based support tools, it may take more time and broader testing to discern AI’s real capabilities in hardware repair. For now, leveraging AI could serve as a supplementary option for those seeking tech troubleshooting, though it should always be accompanied by traditional methods and professional advice.

Final Thoughts​

The intersection of AI and technology support is a fascinating landscape, especially for Windows users facing persistent issues. While we may not be ready to fully hand over our troubleshooting to machines just yet, the insights and interactions that tools like ChatGPT provide can be invaluable. For those encountering similar challenges, make sure to back up your data, explore both traditional methods and AI insights, and remain patient—the world of technology is a learning curve for us all.
In the end, whether you're a seasoned tech professional or a casual Windows user, the journey of fixing a PC is almost always a story—sometimes humorous, often enlightening, and ultimately, a testament to our reliance on both old and new solutions.
Source: Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com/tech/i-used-chatgpt-to-fix-pc