Troubleshooting
Common Computer Problems
Troubleshooting is the process of
figuring out how to solve a computer problem. Even with the most updated
software and hardware, occasionally computers can malfunction.
In order to solve a problem, you must
figure out which part of the system is malfunctioning. You will need to check
each component of the computer, unless it is obvious where the problem is
coming from. Isolating the problem will help you solve the problem quickly.
Knowing how to solve these problems with a shortcut perhaps using only a few
keys on the keyboard can save time and effort.
Backing up your important computer
files to another source will ensure that if your problem cannot be corrected,
you will still have a safe copy of your information.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
1.
Close open
programs and windows you are not currently using.
2.
Make sure all of
your cords are connected properly.
3.
Try
to repeat the sequence of commands you performed before the problem occurred.
See if this causes the same response by your computer.
4.
Press
the F1 key to access the Help window. You can search for a solution to your
problem once the Help window appears.
5.
If there is an
error message, record the full message for future reference.
6.
Restart
your computer to see if it clears the problem. To restart your computer, open
the start window and select the Restart button instead of the Log Off button.
7.
If
restarting the computer does not clear the problem, shut down the computer and
then start it back up again.
8.
If
the issue is still not resolved, check the common technology issues below or
call your system administrator.
Common Technology Issues
Below we describe some of the most
commonly encountered technology issues. Click on the issue to get more
information on possible solutions to correct the problem.
Common Solutions for Technology Issues
Issue:
The printer is not working.
·
Check if the
printer is turned on. If not, turn it on and try again.
·
Check if the
printer has paper. If not, put paper in the paper tray and try printing again.
·
Check
if the printer has a paper jam. If so, remove the paper, close the printer, and
try printing again.
·
Ensure that all
printer cables are properly connected.
·
Turn off the
printer and turn on again.
·
Check
to see if a new printer driver is needed. Do this by going to the manufacturer’s
website to search for your printer model and checking for any updated driver.
Seek assistance from your system administrator before installing any drivers.
Issue:
The computer is frozen. A program is not responding.
·
Push
the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. Then, start the Task Manager,
highlight the program’s name, and hit the End Task button.
·
Perform
a hard reboot by simply pressing the on/off button to turn off the computer
manually. This action should only be done as a last resort if you have an
unresponsive program or critical error. This process could cause data loss or
corruption.
·
Once the computer
is responding again, run a virus check.
Issue:
The keyboard is not working.
·
Make sure the
keyboard is connected to the computer. If not, connect it to the computer.
·
If you are using
a wireless keyboard, try changing the batteries.
·
If
one of the keys on your keyboard gets stuck, turn the computer off and clean
with a damp cloth.
·
Use the mouse to
restart the computer.
Issue:
New hardware or software is working incorrectly.
·
Verify your
computer meets the requirements of the program or utility.
·
Uninstall and
install the program.
·
There
could be a conflict with another installed program and you should contact your
system administrator.
Issue:
The mouse is not working correctly.
·
Check if the
mouse is securely plugged into the computer. If not, plug it in completely.
·
Check to see if
the cord has been damaged. If so, the mouse may need replacing.
·
If
you are using a cordless mouse, try pushing the connection button on the
underside of the mouse to reestablish a connection.
·
Clean the mouse,
especially on the bottom.
Issue:
The computer is slow.
·
Restart your
computer.
·
Verify
that there is at least 200-500 MB of free hard drive space. To do so, select
Start and click on My Computer or Computer. Then highlight the local C drive by
clicking on it once. Select the Properties button at the top left-hand corner
of the window; this will display a window showing how much free and used space
you have. If you need to recapture space:
-
Empty your recycle bin by right-clicking on the Recycle Bin
icon (usually on the desktop), then
selecting Empty Recycle Bin.
-
Check your mail files. Remove any large
attachments and delete unused mail.
-
Images and videos
take up a lot of space, so consider moving those to an external drive.
-
Remove temporary files from the Internet. To do so:
o
Click Start
button | My Computer or Computer.
o
Click Open
Control Panel at the top of the window.
o
Click Network |
Internet |Internet Options.
o
Select the
General tab and click Delete under Browsing History.
-
Perform a disk cleanup. To do so:
o
Click Start
button | My Computer or Computer.
o
Highlight the
local C drive by clicking on it once.
o
Select the
properties button at the top left of the window.
o
Go to the General
tab and select Disk Cleanup.
o
Once
the Disk Cleanup finishes running, click on Clean up System Files; this will
delete any unnecessary system-related files from your local disk.
-
Information
in computer files changes often, resulting in gaps or spaces within the file.
This takes up more space on the computer and can cause the computer to slow
down. To reclaim these gaps in space, run disk
defrag. To do so:
o
Click start | My
Computer or Computer.
o
Highlight the
local C drive by clicking on it once.
o
Select the properties
button at the top left of the window.
o
Go to the Tools
tab and select Run Defragmentation.
·
Old
or unused programs that aren’t being used may still have components running
behind the scenes when you start your computer, which can slow down the system.
You can prevent these programs from running when you start your computer by
removing unused shortcuts and turning off unused program services.
-
Remove unused
shortcuts from Windows startup
o
Click Start
button | Select All Programs | Click Startup
o
Right-click the
shortcuts that you do not use and click delete
-
Disable unused
program services
o
Click Start
button | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services
o
For
each program/service that you are certain
that you do not need, click on the Service to highlight it, click the Stop link
to stop the service from running, then double-click the service, choose Startup
Type of Disabled, and click OK.
·
Run a virus scan
to remove potential viruses that can slow down your computer.
Issue:
The browser’s homepage suddenly changed.
·
This
is a common symptom that a virus or browser hijacker may have infected the
computer.
·
Try re-setting
the home page to the default:
o
In Internet
Explorer:
§ On the Tools menu, click Internet
Options.
§ Click the General tab.
§ In the Address box, type the Web
address you want for your home page.
§ Click OK.
o
In Mozilla
Foxfire:
§ Open the web site you want to set as
your home page.
§ Click the icon to the left of the web
address and drag it to the Home button.
§ Click Yes.
·
If
the home page still reverts back to the “new” page, do an Internet search using
keywords that include the name of the “new” homepage and the word “virus.” If
there is a virus, this search may reveal more information on the virus and how
it can be safely removed.
·
Run a virus scan.
