Problem Steps Recorder (PSR)

Problem Steps Recorder is a combination keylogger, screen capture, and annotation tool for Windows.

Problem Steps Recorder is sometimes referred to as PSR.

Problem Steps Recorder is a troubleshooting and assistance tool used to record actions taken by a user on a computer. Once recorded, the information can be sent to whatever person or group is assisting in the troubleshooting.

Important: Problem Steps Recorder is a program that must be manually started and stopped by you. PSR does not run in the background and does not collect or send information to anyone automatically.

Problem Steps Recorder can be accessed most easily by executing the following command from the Start Menu search box:

psr

Problem Steps Recorder is not available as a shortcut in the Start Menu.

See How To Use Problem Steps Recorder for detailed instructions or you can read a quick overview of how PSR works below:

Problem Steps Recorder records lots of information very useful to someone troubleshooting a problem including every mouse click and keyboard action.

PSR creates a screenshot of each action, describes each action in plain English, notes the exact date and time the action took place, and even allows the recorder to add comments at any time during the recording.

The names, locations, and versions of all programs accessed during the recording is also included.

Once a PSR recording is complete, you can send the created file to the individual or group helping to solve whatever problem is occurring.

Problem Steps Recorder is only available in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. There is no equivalent Microsoft provided program available for Windows Vista, Windows XP, or other Microsoft operating systems prior to Windows 7.

Note: The recording made by PSR is in MHTML format which is viewable in Internet Explorer 5 and later in any Windows operating system.