Hardware and Troubleshooting Problems With Solutions For Technology Challenged Users
Mostly less technical computer users get frustrated or panicked by minor technical issues. Whereas, one can easily fix most of these issues with a few basic tips and guidelines but the user might not know this and get confused that he/she will make the situation even worse. So one just need to stay calm and concentrate on the symptoms he/she could observe. Try to find the Problem; try to notice what goes wrong.
Here are some common hardware problems and troubleshooting steps to help you identify and potentially fix the issue:
- Computer Won’t Power On:
- Check Power Supply: Make sure the computer is connected to a live socket. Try with another appliance to test the outlet that you think was the cause of the possibility.
- Power Button: Check that you are using the power on button on the tower (desktop) or the button located on the top left side of keyboard (laptops).
- Battery Check (Laptops): If it is a laptop, then look if the battery of the laptop has been charged or not. In case, unplug and reconnect it if possible, and skip the battery and plug the laptop directly.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): For desktops, turn on PSU switch located at the rear part of the computer. You may also need to change the PSU or it is a sign you should check for connection problems inside the computer case. Please place here the gap summary you wrote earlier to create the manuscript from the thesis statement down to where we have reached now.
- The Computer Turns On But Nothing Shows Up:
- Monitor and Cable Check: Make sure that the monitor is turned on and the display cable whether HDMI, VGA, or Display Port is properly connected to the computer as well as to the monitor.
- Graphics Card: If your system uses an additional graphics processor, insulate it properly into the slot of your processor. It is recommended to attempt to plug the display cable to the video output of the motherboard (for those computers with onboard graphics).
- RAM Check: This can be corrected most of the time by reseating the RAM sticks. Lift the case, take out the RAM sticks and put them back again.
- Test with External Monitor (Laptops): Perhaps unplugging the keyboard and mouse and then reconnecting them might help, though, that will not rule out the possibility of a monitor and Hardware and Troubleshooting Problems.
- Slow Performance or Lag:
- Storage Space: Check that you have plenty of free space in that primary drive especially to accommodate the free space in Quick’s. Lack of available disk space is a major source of slowness of a computer.
- RAM Usage: Overloaded RAM can be identified first by using the Task Manager if one uses Windows or Activity Monitor for Mac. Minimize unnecessary use of applications and if often you find the RAM is fully utilized, it may be time to invest on higher capacity RAM.
Hardware and Troubleshooting Problems
- Dust and Overheating: They increase dust buildup leading to overall heating of the device, thus creating a negative impact on performance by CPU throttling. Particles of dust must be cleared out with the help of compressed air from vents and fans.
- Background Programs: Repeating programs/ Start up programs or too many background processes are bad for any system. Starting tab on the Task Manager of Windows or system Preferences in Mac to manage the startup items.
- Non Functional USB or Peripheral Devices:
- Port Check: Check with other USB ports on the computer so that it can be establish if a particular port is defective.
- Device Check: Try it on another computer, test the device. If it doesn’t work there also, then it must be the device that is faulty.
- Driver Update: At other times of course, various USB or device drivers can help restore unresponsive peripherals if updated or reinstalled. Go and open the device manager and look for any updates that might be available for you then install them.
- Power Supply Issue: This is especially so if different USB devices are faulty; they may be drawing excessive current from the same port or there may be a problem with the power distribution circuitry supplying adequate power to all the ports.
- Computer Freezes or Crashes:
- Background Programs: Too many startup programs or background processes can slow down a system. Use Task Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) to manage startup
- Overheating: The most likely symptom of a system’s propensity for overheating is a regularity with which an associated computer crashes. Programs can be used to track the temperature(s) or personally feel that the system seems too warm. It is either time to dust or to improve upon the air circulation in the rooms.
- Driver Issues: Sometimes it could be due to corruptions and brought in relation with driver failure which indeed is true because faulty drivers cause crashes. Update through the Device Manager or download through the manufacturer’s website.
- Hardware Conflicts: Unplug any new connection you made in the computer and then try to see whether the problem is still there.
- Check RAM: It is a memory diagnostic tool to check out the problem in your RAM. Free storage on your primary drive. Running out of space can cause significant slowdowns.
- RAM Usage: Check for high RAM usage by opening the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac). Close unnecessary applications and consider upgrading your RAM if it’s consistently maxed out.
- Dust and Overheating: Dust buildup can cause overheating, which throttles performance. Clean out dust from vents and fans with compressed items.
- Strange Noises (Buzzing, Clicking):
Most people have at some time or the other experienced ringing, buzzing, clicking, or other strange noises when no sounds are being made.
- Fan Noise: Fan noise increases with time resulting to buildup of dust. Cleans all dust and make sure that the fan is mounted properly.
- Hard Drive Clicking: In this case, any clicking sound emanating from inside a hard drive is an indication that it is failing. Transfer all your data at once and change the drive right away.
- Loose Screws or Components: Look into the case for any screws or components that may be loose and causing things to vibrate. Tighten any loose parts. I agree with most of the aspects discussed by the author and below, I’ll highlight my views on the various elements highlighted by the author of this piece.
- No Internet Connection:
- Router and Modem: Some are to disconnect the router and modem and then reconnect it after like one minute or so. Make sure other devices may access the Internet besides the device on which the data shall be captured.
- Network Adapter Check: Check settings and settings of network adapter and make sure it is turned on.
- Driver Update: There is a case, which is easily solved through an update of the network adapter drivers on the Device Manager
A Blue Screen Error or the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a serious error that forces Windows to shut down and prevents hardware or data loss. They can be attributable to hardware malfunction, driver or system file malfunction. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot and fix a blue screen error:
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupt drivers are often the reason for the blue screen problem, especially with graphics, audio, and computer networks.To do this, enter Device Manager into the Windows search bar and look for the drivers.
- Uninstall Recent Software or Hardware:If the BSOD began after installing new software or hardware, uninstall or remove it.New software or hardwares often can trigger problems to the Windows that will cause a blue screen.
- Check for Windows Updates: The good thing about some of the BSOD errors is that the patches and updates, including security updates, can fix them.To do this, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and scan for updates.
- Use System Restore: System Restore can revert your system to an earlier point, the one before the BSOD started to appear.To do this navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection > System Restore and select the appropriate restore point.
- Boot in Safe Mode: The advantage of loading Windows with the default drivers and services is when you want to find out if an application that you installed, for instance, is causing a problem. To start the computer in Safe Mode, you need to restart your computer and then press the F8 key to get to the boot options menu. Choose “Safe Mode.”
