The idots( mainly me ) guide to fixing computer problem
Having computer any kind of computer problem can and will make any happy campter
turn sad. Therefore here is a few links that i hope can help solve some of those
problems. Geared toward windows users.
Computer problems generally fall in to these catagories:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Other
?. If all else Fails
First eliminate any hardware problems. A peice of mind when talking to the
technical support when dealing with other problems. Open the System icon in
the Control Pannel, then click on Device Manager and Performance. Critical problems
are listed in the Performance tab like a resource trying to be occupied by 2
devices.
Missing drivers or the hardware missing will be highlighted in the
Device Manger with and exclimation point. If you know a hardware is installed
but driver is missing, jot this task down on your "to do" list; or
install the driver and Prey that this will solve your problems. If the hardware is missing and will never be placed back in to the computer,
then remove the driver (if unsure, call a friend and ask them or leave it there.
If you have a lot of time and the problem is not important, The following can be done.
Backup all the files that are important to you so they'd be safe on a floppies
(ie. 5.25" and 3.5" floppy disk, zip, superdisk, etc). Check to see
if it is a hardware problem.
Try to find out in which situation does this occur and what is causing the
problem. If you just installed a brand new peice of software on your computer.
Restart the computer and prey that the problem will go away. Now is a good time
to look at the user manual and readme files (located in the directory or of
the software). Skim throught it and see if there is a section that hint any
known problems with other products that are on your computer (ie. video cards
and network cards or software). Then follow the instructions exactly as stated.
Uninstall it from the system and reboot. Install the software, shutdown the
computer and wait a few minutes and start the computer while cross your fingers
for good luck.
Electricty :Buy a UPS - Uninteruptiable Power Supply with line conditioner
to stop micro-power spikes. Do not place the UPS sideways unless the user manual
say so ( cuz some batteries can leak acid ). Something that filters communications
lines also helps ( cuz lightning can fry your computer by comming in from telephone
and cable lines ), this could be built into the UPS or a moderate priced power
strip.
Heat : If the computer has room install a case fan or slot fan at the
minimum. If your hard drive recomends a hard drive fan, get it. If running a
computer on a hot day, removing the computer case will help the microprocessor
a little cooler. An over heated computer can operate a little funny and in some
cases fry the microporcessor or computer shut down. Note: If you smell something
burnning, by all means shut down the computer, ( a fire may be looming inside,
but that rarely happens ) by all means turn off the computer. If still under
warranty, call them or wait a few hours so it can cool off, then turn on the
ocmputer. Next take off the computer case and look every where for anything
that is not normally dark brown or black. Take it out and find shove it into
another computer and see if it works. If not sure, test all the compents one
by one. Find the bad seed, trash it and get a new one.
Cables : Cables should not be placed in places where it can be tortured
when exposed. Torture include stepping, continous bending at a point, heavy
pressure, constant exposure to water or fire unless it is rated to handle these
situations. The cable can be rendered useless or can cause fire if electrical.
Social : Don't like the keyboard, mouse or monitor, then replace them. while at it replace the chair and computer desk. Want to have 2 persons using 1 computer; or 1 person with one monitor, mouse, and keboard using 2 computers....companies have product for you.
If all else fails call tech support ( if toll free and spend hours on hold ) or call your computer nerd. If you have lots of time to kill and patient. Get on the manufactures website and find the answers; read the FAQ on the product, drop an E-mail (normal response time is 3 to 5 business days), look for a latest downloads relating to the product, enter their electronic mailing list, register the product and if possible enter the discussion group. If still have time write a letter on paper and mail it. ( and save the trees ). If just happen to have all the software programs on hand, download the latest patches / drivers and backup some files, then boot from a boot disk format hard drive and install windows and all the stuff you can't live without.