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Common Computer Problems and Solutions

This document provides tips for troubleshooting common computer problems. It outlines steps to check hardware issues like the POST screen at startup or device drivers. It also recommends checking software issues such as newly installed programs or malware. Finally, it suggests monitoring system resources like CPU and RAM usage and running diagnostics in safe mode.

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velinarexangelo
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112 views21 pages

Common Computer Problems and Solutions

This document provides tips for troubleshooting common computer problems. It outlines steps to check hardware issues like the POST screen at startup or device drivers. It also recommends checking software issues such as newly installed programs or malware. Finally, it suggests monitoring system resources like CPU and RAM usage and running diagnostics in safe mode.

Uploaded by

velinarexangelo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMMON COMPUTER

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS


1. Check the POST - POST stands for
Power On Self-Test. This is generally the
first or second thing that appears on a
computer after turning on the power. This
appears before the operating system
begins to load.
The POST will display any problems found
with hardware that makes the computer
unable to boot, POST may also display
problems with hardware that allows the
computer to boot, but not operate at its
full capacity during operation.
2. Notice the load time of the OS
(operating system) - A longer than
usual load time may indicate errors in the
hard drive.
3. Notice any graphics problems
once the OS has loaded - Reduced
graphics may indicate driver failures
or hardware failures with graphic
cards.
4. Perform an auditory test - An
auditory test is an unorthodox, but still
effective way of judging how a computer
is working.
With the computer on and running, play
any decent length audio file (usually above
30 sec). If the audio is choppy or slow, it
usually means that the processor is
working at an elevated level, or there is
not enough RAM to run all programs
loading.
5. Check any newly installed
hardware - Many operating systems,
especially Windows, can conflict with new
drivers. The driver may be badly written,
or it may conflict with another process.
Windows will usually notify you about
devices that are causing a problem or have
a problem.
To check this, use the Device Manager,
this can be accessed by entering the
Control Panel, clicking the System icon,
clicking the Hardware tab, and clicking on
Device Manager. Use this to check and
arrange the properties of hardware.
6. Check any newly installed software -
Software may require more resources than
the system can provide. Chances are that if
a problem begins after software starts, the
software is causing it. If the problem
appears directly upon startup, it may be
caused by software that starts
automatically on boot.
7. Check RAM and CPU consumption - A
common problem is a choppy or sluggish
system. If a system is choppy, it is good
practice to see if a program is consuming
more resources than the computer can
provide.
An easy way to check this is to use the Task
Manager, right click on the taskbar select
Task Manager, and click the Processes tab.
The CPU column contains a number that
indicates the percentage of CPU the process
is consuming. The Memory Usage column
indicates how much memory a process
consumes.
8. Listen to the computer - if the hard
drive is scratching or making loud noises,
shut off the computer and have a
professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen
to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed
when the CPU is working hard and can tell
you when the computer is working beyond
its capacity.
9. Run a virus and malware scan -
Performance problems can be caused by
malware on the computer. Running a virus
scan can unearth any problems. Use a
commonly updated virus scanner.
10. Check for the problem in safe mode
- To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly
during POST (this works on most systems).
If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a
fair bet that the operating system itself is to
blame.
COMMON TROUBLE
SHOOTING FOR COMPUTER
UNITS
1. Double check the power connections.
2. Voltage Regulator and power supply
could cause power failure in the
computer unit.
3. Check the power cords and cable
connectors in your computer unit.
4. Unseated card. Loose cards could
cause malfunction.
5. Check the boot sequence
configuration in the advance tab of BIOS
(Basic Input/Output Unit) setup.
DIAGNOSING NETWORK
CONNECTION
Things to look for if a PC is
connected to the internet or network
1. First check the cable connecting to
the network card into the network
hub.
2. Check the back of the computer to
see if the network card light is on
3. Check the network cable (use cable
tester)
4. Check the network HUB (use multi-
tester)

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