Troubleshooting Your Computer Problems
You finally finished the project your manager has hounded you about for weeks. You just added the finishing touches to your presentation. That’s perfect! Right as you’re saving it, the worst thing possible happens, your system crashes, closes programs or gives you the Blue Screen of Death. Whatever computer malfunction you encounter don’t get frantic! Before you smash your monitor, take a few breaths and follow the steps below to troubleshoot your computer.
Identify Potential Problems
First of all, look at what’s going wrong. What exactly is acting up? Just like human body health, different symptoms in your computer represent different problems.
Software Problems
If a problem starts right after you start your computer, you may have an issue with the computer software. Common signs of software problems include program malfunctions or unresponsiveness.
STEPS TO TAKE
Restart your computer. If the issue persists, check all newly installed software. If the problem began soon after you downloaded the new software or program, that may be your cause. Uninstall the program/software but keep in mind that you may lose any files associated with the program. If the issue begins immediately after starting the computer, the problem may be with software that starts automatically at launch. Check all such programs and, once you identify the troublesome one, stop it from automatically launching when your computer starts.
Hardware Problems
Hardware problems refer to the physical state of the computer and your Random Access Memory (RAM). If your system doesn’t power on, the keyboard doesn’t work or the screen’s colors seem off, all these indicate hardware problems.
STEPS TO TAKE
Check the RAM of your computer. If you’re using too much, your system will act sluggish. Decrease RAM usage by closing software/programs that start automatically.
Unless you are skilled in computer repairs, you will most likely need to let a professional computer technician handle the hardware problems. Some issues you can work around — such as screen discoloration — but others, like hard drive failure, you will have to have it replaced. Bear in mind that if your computer’s hard drive crashes, you will also lose your data/files. If you have important data stored on the hard drive you must hire a professional computer technician in order to recover your data.
Viruses/Spyware Problems
If some software/programs randomly start without you launching them, your computer may have a virus. Some other virus attack symptoms are slow-running computers and pop-up windows.
STEPS TO TAKE
Run reliable anti-virus software. If you do not have malware protection, you can download anti-virus software from online to keep the malicious software from taking over your computer. Usually running an anti-virus program will identify and remove the viruses. However, some advanced viruses can block you from downloading anti-virus software. In such a case, you could use another computer to download the software. Copy it onto an external hard drive, like a flash drive, then plug it into the computer’s USB port and run the program from there. If this doesn’t work, you should consult a professional computer technician.
These are some self To Do options in case of computer problems. But, in case of severe issues, you need to consult with a reputed Computer services provider in your local area. In Canada “Same Day Geek” is your best partner in dealing with all IT problems.
