subject: Steps to Solve Computer Problems [print this page] STEP 1: STEP 1:
MONITOR THE POST:
The power-on-self-test (POST) tests the computer whether all the hardware are working properly or not! POST make sure that it meets the necessary system requirements. If the POST is passed the computer will have a beep. The POST will display any problems found with hardware that makes the computer unable to boot, POST may also display problems with hardware that allow the computer to boot, but not operate at its full capacity during operation.
STEP 2:
LOADING TIME OF OPERATING SYSTEM:
This is very important step. Notice the loading time of Operating system. It should take around 4 to 5 sec (though 15 to 20 sec is manageable). If the load time exceeds this then it shows that there is a problem in Hardware.
STEP 3:
ONCE THE OS HAS LOADED CHECK FOR GRAPHICS PROBLEM:
Blank screen or reduced graphics may indicate driver or hardware failures with graphic cards. Please check for graphic cards.
STEP 4:
PERFORM AN AUDITORY TEST:
An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still effective way of judging how hard 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. Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test.
STEP 5:
CHECK THE PROBLEM WITH ANY NEWLY INSTALLED HARDWARE:
Operating systems, like 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.
STEP 6:
CHECK FOR NEWLY INSTALLED SOFTWARE:
The software creates problems if the computer does not provide sufficient resources. It usually happens at the start of the software. If the problem arises at the start of computer then it shows that the problem is with the Booting software.
STEP 7:
RAM AND CPU CONSUMPTION:
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 is consuming.
STEP 8:
CHECK FOR SCRATCHING OR LOUD NOISES:
Listen for the scratching or loud sounds in the computer. Shut off the computer and check for the problem in Hard Drive. Listen to the CPU fan. If the fan runs too fast, it shows that the CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the CPU is working beyond the capacity.
STEP 9:
RUN VIRUS SCAN:
Run virus scan with commonly used virus scanners, like, Norton Antivirus. Performance of the computer can be greatly affected the software with viruses. So check for viruses!
STEP 10:
PROBLEM IN SAFE MODE:
Lastly, check the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, Press F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it shows the problem in operating system.
