Computer

Troubleshooting
Basics
Illegal Operations
 Memory conflicts (bad memory?)
 Dirty CD or corrupt files on a floppy
 Highly fragmented hard drive
 Corrupt files (Windows or another
program)
 Virus or spyware
 New hardware (possible driver issue
or setting conflict)
Slow Computer

 Check free space on your hard drive

 Run scandisk (possibly corrupt files)

 Too many processes (possibly

spyware) running in the background
 Computer overheating (check fans)

 Recently installed hardware, software

or updates?
Program Not Responding

 Bugged software
 Conflicts between hardware or
software
 Lack of system resources (memory,
hard disk space, too many active
programs)
 Computer Lock Up?
 No mouse control? Do you have keyboard control?
 You can check by pushing the caps lock or num lock
keys on your keyboard and seeing if the
corresponding lights respond.
 Have keyboard control, push CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the
same time to access the task manager.
 End the program that is “not responding” in the task
manager.
 Save anything you are working on and reboot the
computer.
 No keyboard control? Hold the power button in for a few
seconds.
Use The Tools Available

 Check Disk or Scandisk

 Disk Cleanup

 Defragment Drive

 System Restore (Windows ME & XP)

Backup

 Keep the files you want to backup in a

central location. I suggest My
Documents. You can easily backup
the My Documents folder using
Windows Backup tool.
 Be aware that if you want to backup
your entire system you’ll need a large
capacity storage device.
Common Spyware/Adware
Symptoms
 Computer suddenly slow.
 Unknown icons in your windows
system tray (the lower right corner)
 Modem lights blinking when you aren’t
doing anything online.
 Pop up windows when you don’t have
any programs running.
Help!?
 Sources for help: Internet, computer
enthusiasts, your software/computer
vendor tech support, maybe a local
computer repair company.
 Have as much information as you can
ready when you find you need to call
for technical support.
 Details about your computer.
 Description of your problem.