COMMON COMPUTER PROBLEMS:

• Power Problems
• BootUp Problems
• System Crashes
• System Freezes

Power Problems:

Sometimes "dead" is not really dead; first thing is to clarify the term "dead". A "dead computer" to a computer professional means no lights, no beeps, no display, no fan. If this is the case, there are two reasons: the computer is not receiving power or the computer is receiving power but cannot use it. To eliminate the most obvious, check power outlets, power strips, and power cords. A volt meter would be ideal but when a meter is unavailable, use a lamp. Plug it into the same outlet the computer uses and flip the switch. If the lamp works, then replace the power cord; if that doesn't work, the most likely suspect is going to be the power supply. For further assistance send us an email.

The computer's fan turns, the normal bootup beep is heard, the front panel and keyboard LEDs turn green but the screen stays black. In this case, the computer is booting, the problem is a display problem. Is the monitor's front panel LED on? If not, check the monitor's power cord; if yes, is it green or amber? If amber, the video signal is not reaching the monitor, check the video cable; if green, check the brightness level, it may have been changed mistakenly. If all checks out, then the most likely suspect is the monitor's video or power board. It's time to shop for a new LCD monitor.

The most common problem is your battery has discharged or has become defective. Always test notebooks on AC power, never with battery power. Remove the battery and plug in the AC adapter, if nothing happens, see if the Power LED on the notebook is green. A green light means the notebook is getting power but can't turn on. The next, and last step before seeking professional help, is to open the memory door (consult your user manual on how to accomplish this task) and remove the memory module(s), then re-insert them. Notebooks will die without RAM memory, kind of mimicking loss of power. For more info send us an email.

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Bootup Problems:

Long annoying beeps indicate a memory module is defective, incompatible, or installed incorrectly. On a new installation or upgrade, verify that the new modules are compatible (see your user's guide or visit the manufacturers website). I highly recommend Crucial memory to buy or verify type of memory. On a previously working computer, it may be necessary to swap out or remove modules to narrow down the culprit. Enlist the help of a knowledgeable friend or hire a computer professional to troubleshoot it for you. Need advice? Send us an email.

It generally means trouble, but before you hit the "panic" button, make sure you're not forcing the computer to boot from an external device or floppy diskette- then panic. The most common cause is a defective hard drive or you've inadvertently damaged the system boot files. The quick solution is to bootup on a system CD (Windows Installation CD) and repair the file system. However, if the hard drive is defective, then it will be a matter recovering your important files, replacing the hard drive, and reinstalling the Operating System. Contact a computer professional for advice on how to proceed, especially if there are critical files at stake.

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System Crashes:

Hit the "Reset" button and once back on, if possible, and as quickly as you can make a backup of your critical files; don't waste time backing up programs like MS Word, for example, just the Word files you've written or Quicken files, whatever is most important to you. Do not just keep using it without taking precautions. The most likely problem is the hard drive is near death or portions of it are defective. Once you have a backup, then click on "My Computer", then right-click on the hard drive, from the menu select "Properties", then select "Tools" tab, and click on "Error Checking". If you have a utility like Norton Utilites, run Norton Disk Doctor, on a Mac run Disk Warrior if you have it. If you're computer-phobic, seek technical support from a friend or professional. Need advice? Send us an email.

This is a problem related to temperature. By the way, this is very relevant to notebook computers since they have so little room to dissipate heat, it is extremely important to provide adequate ventilation to allow it to cool the microprocessor. A desktop has more "air space" but a defective CPU cooling fan or golfball sized lint balls will raise the CPU temperature beyond safe levels. The CPUs only recourse is to turn itself off. The quick solution is to clean the inside and inspect the fan (read your user's guide for proper instructions). With the computer off, open up the case and vacuum out the lint balls, pay special attention to the vent grills. Once clean and lint free, connect the power cord to the computer, with the cover off, and turn it on momentarily. Observe the CPU fan. Is it turning? If not, or too slowly, or noisely, pull the power cord and replace the fan. Order fans or cases from Dealsonic.

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System Freezes:

This is a common problem but the solution is anything but common. A component has stopped responding somewhere during the boot sequence and is causing Windows to freeze. It commonly happens when an incompatible or defective device is installed. These are easy to pinpoint and solve; remove the device, reboot the computer and press F8 before Windows starts, then select "Last Known Good Configuration"; it will use the last good configuration file (a configuration without the device that caused the lockup). Programs can also inadvertantly corrupt the configuration file. To find the culprit, the process is similar, press F8 but select "Safe Mode" to force Windows into a "bare minimum configuration". If Windows works, then it will be a matter of removing programs or patches recently installed. Use caution when removing programs, if you're not comfortable, seek out technical support from a professional or a knowledgeable friend to assist. Need help? Send us an email.

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