TROUBLESHOOT YOUR COMPUTER AND FIX IT YOURSELF

written by Gina

Computer Problem should first be determined whether its Network problem, hardware problem, operating systems problem or problem with a particular program. If a computer user encounters unknown problem; there are initial steps to take which either helps to solve the problem or help to point them out. They are as follows:

1.     Rebooting – once your computer develops a problem you don’t know, the first thing is to restart your computer. After the restart, go back to see if the problem persists.

2.  Software Security – some problems you encounter may be caused by malware, also check if your computer is installed with antivirus software, if there is an anti virus; scan your computer hard disk thoroughly or install antivirus software if there is none.  You should also update to the latest AV software at least every month for the latest version either download online from the manufacturer site of your AV software or purchase to install directly to your computer.

3. Network problem – when working on network using either LAN, WAN, PAN, INTERNET etc. check your cable connections or network devices if they are properly connected. Also check your service provider network. Close and reopen the software platform you are working on.

HOW TO SOLVE BASIC COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Below are the things you need to do when your PC is not working properly;

When Computer does not Start – check out for the following;

if the power switch is on, if the power cable is plugged in properly into the power source and to the computer , if the power button is on. There is always an indicator LED to show when computer is on.

When monitor is not working – check out for the following; if the monitor’s power switch is turned on, if the monitor’s power cable is properly plugged into the power source, if the monitor cable is connected to the CPU, if the brightness and contrast controls are properly adjusted.

When the printer does not print – check out for the following; if the printer’s power switch is on, if the printer’s power cable is properly plugged into the power source, if the printer cable is connected to the cpu, if the printer’s model is selected in the device manager, if there is Toner in the printer cartridge, if the printer is not paused in the printer setting, if the printer tray is loaded with paper and well placed, then restart your computer and the printer.

When the mouse or keyboard are not responding – check out for the following; if the keyboard or the mouse is connected to the cpu, if they are usb mouse / keyboard, change to another port to determine if their present port is malfunctioning, check if the mouse is on a straight solid surface to enable the ball movement, check if the mouse ball is in good condition and restart your computer.

When the sound is not working – checkout for the following; if the speakers are powered on, if they are properly connected to the speaker port, if the volume control is not muted or on very low volume.

When other external devices are not working – check if they are properly connected to the CPU, then restart.

When the computer freezes – at this point whatever you click on does not respond and the entire program and platform on the screen is unresponsive. Press on your keyboard Ctrl-Alt-Delete buttons at the same time to close all unresponsive programs or press and hold the CPU power button until it shuts down, and then restart the computer.

When a saved file is missing on your hard drive – use the ‘FIND’ icon to search for the file. To do this; input a keyword or the name of the missing file.

When you try to open a document and an error message pops up saying

“application program not found’ – first, open the application program, and then open the file. If the application could not open successfully, it may have been corrupted and needs to be re-installed. Make sure to write down any error message you cannot understand to enable a software engineer begin repairs straightaway, without going through long process of troubleshooting.

When you have problem trying to Log In – checkout for the following; if you are correctly typing in your username and password, if the CAPS LOCK or NUM LOCK is on, then turn them off, clear the login boxes and start again.

After applying all these basic problem solving skills and the problem persists, please consult a computer engineer for advanced troubleshooting and repairs.