Problem Steps Recorder in Windows 7

     A lot of people are probably unaware of this feature in Windows 7.  Essentially this allows you to record what you are doing on your computer and output your actions to a file.  There could be many uses for this feature.  Listed are but a few.

1. You could log the exact steps taken before an error of some kind occurs.  The person reviewing the file can then see all the steps plus the error screen itself.
2. You could create some basic training instructions since the recorder will document everything that you do on the screen.

     To start PSR (Problem Steps Recorder) simply click on the start button and in the search dialogue box type psr and hit enter.  It really is that simple.  This will open a bar that looks like this.

     Click "Start Record" and you are on your way.  This does not create a literal video recording but rather a document containing screenshots of  mouse clicks as well as descriptions of actions taken. This will keep logging your actions until you click "Stop Record".  At this point a Save As screen will pop up which will give you the opportunity to choose where you want to save the file in addition to allowing you to name the file.  I usually save these to my desktop and give them a name that describes what I just recorded.  This will save a zipped file to the location that you specify.  When you open the zipped file you can see screenshots as well as descriptions of what action was taken in each screenshot.  You could then attach the file to an email if you wish to have someone review your steps either for troubleshooting or training as mentioned above.  Please check out my small video tutorial on PSR below.

Windows 7: Problem Steps Recorder Video

     Please leave a comment with your questions or suggestions.