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Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Your PC
This is a basic troubleshooting guide compiled by Computer Team Service Manager Dave Belville to help you check your system for common problems before you call us or bring your computer in. You may want to print out this page and keep it handy for any future problems - when your computer is down, getting online can often be a problem. Following this guide will help you correct many problems yourself.
Always make sure your data is properly backed up before you attempt any repairs on your PC!
1. Don't Overlook the Obvious.
Is everything plugged in properly? Don't just look at the cables, push them in and make sure they are completely seated. Make sure you check each cord, including the monitor. Make sure the power cord is plugged in to the surge suppressor, the surge suppressor is plugged into the wall.Don't have a surge suppressor? That could be the reason your computer isn't working. Call us and we'll explain why you need one of these - a low-cost item that could end up saving you a lot!Check that the surge suppressor and computer switches are both in the "on" position. If it still won't power up, plug a lamp into the surge suppressor and wall outlets to make sure they both are getting power.
2. Shut It Down.
Shut your computer off and wait one minute before restarting. Sometimes that is all that is needed to restore a finicky, misbehaving machine to normal.3. Virus Check.
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and all of those updates have been applied. Each of the major antivirus manufacturers usually release updates at least once a week. Download and apply these updates as they are released. This will ensure that your software is always "aware" of the newest virus threats, that's important since every month dozens - if not hundreds - of new viruses are found. Older software may pick up a newer version of an old virus but the newest, unseen viruses can sneak by and infect your machine.After you are sure your antivirus software is updated, do a full scan of your system to see if a virus is the cause of your trouble. Up to date antivirus programs should take care of most viruses.
If your antivirus program will not run or install, it may be damaged by a virus. Some of the newer viruses are smart enough to disable out-of-date antivirus software. If you can't get it to run, you may need to bring your PC in for virus removal/repair by one of our service technicians.
4. Find the Culprit.
If only one program is misbehaving, try reinstalling that one program from the original installation disc. Doing this is usually safe, but it is still a good idea to at least back up your important data, if not all of it.5. Check for a Dial Tone.
If you use a dial-up Internet connection and cannot connect, be sure to check your phone line. Using an extra phone, plug it into the phone jack on your modem. You should hear a dial tone. If your modem does not have a phone jack, unplug the phone cord from the modem and plug it into your phone. Again, you should hear a dial tone - signifying that your phone line is working properly. If you do not hear a dial tone, there is a lot of static, or there is a loud "hum," have your phone lines checked by the phone company.6. Your Biggest Fan.
Are your computer's air passages plugged? Are the fans running? If you cannot feel any air blowing out from the back of your computer or you can see the fan is not turning, your computer could be overheating. Signs that your computer may be getting too warm include: crashes, errors, and component failure.7. The New Kid in Town.
Did your problem start right after you installed a new program or device (a scanner, digital camera, printer, etc.)? If so, try removing the program or device.To remove a program click on Start>Settings>Control Panel> and select "Add/Remove Programs." Select the program you wish to remove from your computer, then click the "Add/Remove" button. When removal is complete, you may get a message telling you to restart your computer. If you don't get such a message, it is still a good idea to restart anyway.To remove a device from Windows 95/98/ME click on Start>Settings>Control Panels and select "System." In the "System Properties" window, click on the "Device Manager" tab. Find the device you would like to remove and highlight it. Click on the "Remove" button at the bottom of the window. If you get a message telling you to restart the computer, click "no" or "Cancel." Go back to the Control Panel window, and click on "Add/Remove Programs." Check to see if the device you are removing has installed any supporting programs. if so, select the program(s) and click the "Remove" button. When you have removed the program(s), shut your computer down and unplug it. Physically remove the device, put any covers back on, plug your PC back in, and turn it on.