How to Use Steps Recorder
The primary reason to use Steps Recorder is to document a process that leads to an error, which can then be shown to a tech expert for assistance. Here’s how to get started:
What to Do With Your New Steps Recorder File
The only thing left to do is get the file you saved to the person or group helping you out with your problem. The tool will make screenshots of what’s on your computer screen and include those in the recording you save and then send off for support. Unrelated open programs in the screenshots could be distracting. For example, if you’re seeing an error message when saving a new Microsoft Word document, you would want to make sure you’re ready to open Word, type a few words, navigate to the menu, save the document, and then, hopefully, see the error message pop up on the screen. In other words, you should be prepared to properly reproduce whatever problem you’re seeing so Steps Recorder can catch it in action. Another way to start recording is with the Alt + A hotkey, but this only works if the program is “active” (i.e., it was the last program you clicked on). Steps Recorder will now log information and take a screenshot every time you complete an action, like a mouse click, finger tap, program opening or closing, etc. If you need to pause the recording for some reason, select Pause Record. Use Resume Record to continue without fully stopping. Choose Save and then, in the File name text box, name the recording and select Save. Depending on who’s helping you (and what kind of problem you’re having right now), options for sending the Steps Recorder file might include:
Attaching it to an email and sending it to tech support, your computer expert friend, etc. Copying the file to a network share or flash drive. Attaching it to a forum post and asking for help. Uploading the file to a file sharing service and linking to it when asking for help online.
More Help With Steps Recorder
If you’re planning a complicated or lengthy recording (specifically, more than 25 clicks/taps or keyboard actions), consider increasing the number of screenshots it will capture. You can do this through the program’s settings. Choose Settings (it’s in the down arrow next to the question mark in some versions), and change Number of recent screen captures to store from the default of 25 to some number above what you think you might need.
