Environment variables in Windows 7, as well as in any other system of this family, are unfamiliar to most users. However, sometimes even during an upgrade, the system may refuse to install some kind of update only because the environment variables are set incorrectly. And not every user knows what it is at all.
Environment variables in Windows 7 - what is it?
To begin with, we denote the very concept of variable media. In mathematical terms, this is a means of accessing some temporary files without specifying an absolute path when the TMP or TEMP folders are hidden from the user's eyes.
In principle, you can find them quite simply if you enable the display of hidden objects in the view menu.
But you can do without it. The task paths will be considered a little later (environment variables, path Windows 7), but for now let's look at using the main operator.
Using the primary operator
When accessing some functions of the system or even when searching in the same "Explorer", you can not specify absolute paths to files or folders. Environment variables in Windows 7 or any other system are designed to use the percent sign. It is precisely that tool that allows you to circumvent restrictions when the hidden files and folders are turned off or use the so-called generalized search. The example below shows that it is produced by any user name.
In this case, you can simply set the path, for example,% Username%, and the system will display all the files and folders that have this name, even hidden ones. As already clear, you do not need to specify a drive.
Incorrect Windows 7 Update environment variables
But the biggest trouble is the installation of updates, in which in some cases failures occur. Here the problem lies in the fact that temporary files simply cannot be saved on the hard drive. Of course, folders are configured by default, but overflowing them can lead to unpredictable consequences.
To get started, you should completely clear the disk cache and browser, and then use the disk cleaning tool that is available on the system itself. Access to it can be obtained through the disk properties, where the corresponding button is selected in the menu.
To configure the environment variables themselves, access is via the computer properties menu , where the tab for additional parameters is selected. Bottom left there is a button to go to the settings of environment variables.
By the way, if you install the same JAVA SDK, the system will not automatically accept the space reserved for temporary objects, so in the settings you will have to manually configure the path by specifying the appropriate folder.
How to restore parameters?
Restoring environment variables in Windows 7 is easy. For that matter, there is nothing easier than using the system rollback (either from the “Control Panel” or from the boot menu, called by the F8 key at system startup, where the last working configuration is selected).
But you can also change the parameters manually by opening the properties of the specified environment with the button for changing parameters, after which you just need to specify the desired path to the directory (for example, C: \ Temp). This works for both the TEMP folder and the TMP directory.
Instead of an afterword
As you can see, environment variables in Windows 7 or in any other system can be set up quite simply. However, you need to clearly understand what they are used for. Of course, the ordinary user is unlikely to be engaged in changing such parameters, but for those who use additional platforms, you just can not do without it, especially since some software products involve manual configuration, as is the case with any SDK.
In addition, if errors occur with updating the system, you can use some additional tools. Many experts recommend installing some kind of fixers like Microsoft Fix It! or something similar. By the way, it is a utility from Microsoft that allows you to get rid of many problems, including even problems with network connections.
And we are no longer talking about professional optimizer programs that can fix any errors automatically and without user intervention in the process itself. But among them one should choose exactly what is needed. For example, recovery is best done using iObit software products, and troubleshooting is best done using CCleaner.
Nevertheless, editing access paths to temporary folders in any case will have to be done only in manual mode, especially if, for some reason, software failures occurred due to the fault of the system. For these components, sometimes even system recovery does not help. And then you will have to remove the service packs, which, in fact, can cause errors of this kind. And here the SET command was not specifically considered, which allows you to control some parameters, since most users simply do not need it.