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Computers

 

A Free Beginner’s Guide for Learning about the Personal Computer and Associated Systems

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Doctrina Nam Laurus

(Learning for Success)

Troubleshooting Personal Computers - 1

Introduction

Troubleshooting computer systems is a topic so huge that it is totally impractical to comprehensively document the possibilities. The intent here is to provide a few basics for you to help yourself and guidelines for how to obtain any help that you may need to resolve a computer system problem.

Although they are often related, hardware and software problems are discussed separately.

Hardware

Most hardware problems will be immediately evident because one or more components will probably not be functioning.

Basic Checks

The basics are:

• Physically checking all the cable and power connections to ensure they are fitted correctly and in good repair. A connector that is slightly out of its port may not be visually obvious.
• Restart the PC - there could have been a hardware / software conflict or driver failure during the last start that will be cleared by a restart.

One or both of the above two options will solve many of the most common reasons for a hardware failure. If these options don’t solve the problem, depending on your level of knowledge, you may need assistance to work through the following options until the problem is resolved.

In the workplace, if the above two options don’t resolve the problem refer it to your IT Support people. Do not experiment further unless you are operating within workplace policy and your knowledge.

Advanced Checks

The actions required includes, but are not limited to:

• Verifying that the hardware settings (configuration) are correct and haven’t changed. There are some settings that can be changed by system processes. It need not be caused by another user, although this is always a possibility.
• Verifying that the hardware driver is enabled and is the latest version. Updated driver’s can be downloaded and automatically installed by using the appropriate Windows function.
• Verifying that a conflict has not developed preventing the hardware from functioning. These details can be displayed.
• Verifying that the port in the PC used by the hardware item has not developed a fault. The easiest way to check this is plug the hardware item into another port and check its function.
• Verifying that a software setting/s are not causing the problem. This type of problem can be difficult to identify as it involves checking anything that could have changed and anything else that could possibly cause the problem.
• Using diagnostic software to try and identify the problem. This can have mixed results or not tell you something that you don’t already know. This software can be downloaded and usually needs to be purchased. The down side is that you may never need it again.
• Contacting the hardware vendor / supplier regarding known problems and resolutions. Although the hardware item may not be faulty, they may know what could be causing the problem.
• The possibliity that the hardware item has developed a fault, in which case it will require a repair or typically a replacement will have to be purchased.

 

Blue Screens

If your PC displays a Blue Screen, write down any of the displayed information regarding the possible causes and any resolution recommendations.

Typically, the cause will be an isolated conflict that is resolved by restarting the PC.

If the blue screens continue to occur,  the problem must be investigated because the fault and / or conflict requires external assistance, i.e. resetting the PC functions by restarting is not resolving the problem.

Blue screens can have numerous causes, some of which are:

• Memory conflict
• Driver conflict
• Software conflict
• Hardware conflict
• Corrupt software
• Hardware failure
• Virus infection
• A combination of one or more of the above

 

Again, depending on your level of knowledge, you may need assistance to work through the possibilities until the problem is resolved.

In the workplace, if your PC displays a Blue Screen, immediately call IT Support leaving the blue screen for the support person to see.

 

Continue to the next page for information on software problems.