Troubleshooting and Self Help
Troubleshooting Common PC problems
A computer that won't start is frustrating, but the problem is often easy to fix. The steps you take to troubleshoot the problem depend on your symptoms.
You log on by clicking your user accounts, but then you can't open any programs
After you click your user account or type your password, immediately press the Shift key and hold it until your desktop and taskbar are visible. Holding down the Shift key stops programs from loading automatically, and it is probably one of these programs that is causing your problem. Once you are able to log on successfully, you can change the programs that run automatically and remove the program that is causing the problem. Also try to use the task manager(control+alt+delete) to determine cpu usage for your apps and services. Otherwise use safemode to boot and check for issues.
Desktop fails to load on startup
If your desktop fails to load at startup enter task manager and select the Applications Tab next use the New Task Button to select a new task. When prompted type in explorer and select okay, this will launch windows explorer manually.
Your computer displays the Windows logo, but fails before you can log on
Sometimes Windows begins to load but then stops responding during the startup process. In most cases, the problem is a new piece of hardware, a new program, or a corrupted system file. Try to start your computer and follow each step below. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during startup.
1. Restart your computer. Immediately after the screen goes blank for the first time, press the F8 key repeatedly. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If the menu does not appear, restart your computer and try again. Use the cursor keys on your keyboard (your mouse will not work) to select Last Known Good Configuration, and then press Enter. Windows attempts to start.
2. If you have recently installed new hardware, shut down your computer and disconnect the hardware. Restart Windows and troubleshoot your hardware to get it working properly.
3. Restart your computer and press F8 again. This time, choose Safe Mode and press Enter. Windows attempts to start in Safe Mode, which does not automatically start programs and hardware, and displays very primitive graphics. If Windows starts successfully in Safe Mode, you can remove any programs or updates you have recently installed. Then, restart your computer normally.
You see "Non-system disk or disk error," or a similar message
The "Non-system disk or disk error" message means that your computer could not find Windows. Follow the steps below and try starting your computer after each step. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during the startup process.
1. Your computer might be trying to load Windows from removable media and mass storage devices rather than from the hard disk inside your computer. Remove any floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, digital cameras, and memory cards.
2. A portion of the hard drive may be corrupted. You might be able to fix the problem by performing a repair installation of Windows or rebuilding the MBR(Master Boot Record).
3. Your hard disk may have failed, If your hard disk failed you will need to have it replaced. After you have replaced your hard disk, you should restore your files from a backup.
Your computer stops immediately after you turn it on or displays nothing on your monitor
If your computer displays an error message within a few seconds of starting, you probably have a hardware configuration problem. If you see the Windows logo, you need to troubleshoot startup problems. If you see a "Non-system disk or disk error" message, you need to troubleshoot disk errors. If you don't even see the startup screen, you likely have a hardware problem. Follow these steps to troubleshoot a hardware problem that prevents your computer from starting to load Windows. After each step, restart your computer and attempt to load Windows. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail to load.
To troubleshoot hardware problems:
If your computer beeps when you start it but does not display anything on your monitor:
1. Disconnect and reconnect your monitor from your computer. You May also switch to on board video if available and you are using a video card. If you receive video through on board connection then the video card or relevant drivers are at fault.
2. When possible, connect your monitor to a different computer to make sure that your monitor is working properly. Most all Monitors include self test features to identify any display issues.
Other Hardware Errors:
1. If you receive an error message indicating that a keyboard is not present or other keyboard errors, turn off your computer reconnect your keyboard. trying another usb port will often fix this problem. If the problem continues, replace your keyboard.
2. Remove all hardware accessories from your computer except your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. If your computer starts successfully, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and add one hardware accessory. Then, restart your computer. If your computer fails to start, the hardware accessory you most recently added is causing a problem. Remove the hardware and contact the hardware vendor for support. You can reconnect other hardware accessories.
3. You may have a loose connector. Turn off your computer, first remove all connectors from the outside of your computer and then carefully push the connectors back in. Look for stray wires, bent pins, and loosely fitting connectors.
4. If comfortable opening your computer's case, shut down your computer, unplug the power cable, and open your computer’s case. Remove and reconnect all cables. Remove and reconnect all cards inside your computer, including your computer’s memory chips. Reassemble your computer before attempting to start it again.
Your computer does not turn on
you press the power button and no lights appear, and there are no beeps or other sounds—you should:
1. Verify that your computer's power cord is connected. Most Motherboards will also have a power lamp on the board indicating that the power supply is on and functioning.
2. Unplug computer and connect a different electrical device (such as a lamp, a fan, or a radio) into the same electrical outlet. If the device does not work, the problem is the electrical outlet, not the computer.
You need to perform a repair installation of Windows
Performing a repair installation of Windows can fix many serious start up problems. While you should not lose any of your important documents, you might lose settings, and you will need to reinstall many updates.
1. Before performing a repair installation of Windows, you should have both your Windows CD and your product key available.
2. To perform a repair installation of Windows when prompted, press R to enter recovery console and Windows will attempt to repair Windows by reinstalling important Windows components. Later versions of windows may have different repair options.
3. If prompted Insert your Windows CD into your computer and continue with the recovery process. Follow instructions as they are generated
4. Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM. Windows will continue with repairs as necessary.
Additional Self Help Options:
Check the POST
POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before the operating system begins to load. 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. You may need to change the bios settings in order to see the full post at boot time.
Notice the load time of the OS (operating system)
A longer than usual load time may indicate seek errors (or other errors) in the hard drive.
Look For Graphics Issues
Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.
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 secs). 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. Another issue associated with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA allows for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.
Check any newly installed hardware
Many operating systems, especially 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.
Check any newly installed software
Software may require more resources than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.
Check RAM and CPU consumption
A common problem is a choppy or sluggish system. If a system is choppy 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 Mem Usage column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.
Listen to the computer
If the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its capacity.
Run a virus and malware scan
Performance problems can be caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus scanner and a commonly updated malware scanner.
Check for the problem in safe mode
As a last ditch effort, check the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating system itself is to blame.
If Further assistance is needed use the 727Customz free PC Forum!!!!
http://www.727customz.info/727customz-pc-forum.html
You log on by clicking your user accounts, but then you can't open any programs
After you click your user account or type your password, immediately press the Shift key and hold it until your desktop and taskbar are visible. Holding down the Shift key stops programs from loading automatically, and it is probably one of these programs that is causing your problem. Once you are able to log on successfully, you can change the programs that run automatically and remove the program that is causing the problem. Also try to use the task manager(control+alt+delete) to determine cpu usage for your apps and services. Otherwise use safemode to boot and check for issues.
Desktop fails to load on startup
If your desktop fails to load at startup enter task manager and select the Applications Tab next use the New Task Button to select a new task. When prompted type in explorer and select okay, this will launch windows explorer manually.
Your computer displays the Windows logo, but fails before you can log on
Sometimes Windows begins to load but then stops responding during the startup process. In most cases, the problem is a new piece of hardware, a new program, or a corrupted system file. Try to start your computer and follow each step below. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during startup.
1. Restart your computer. Immediately after the screen goes blank for the first time, press the F8 key repeatedly. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If the menu does not appear, restart your computer and try again. Use the cursor keys on your keyboard (your mouse will not work) to select Last Known Good Configuration, and then press Enter. Windows attempts to start.
2. If you have recently installed new hardware, shut down your computer and disconnect the hardware. Restart Windows and troubleshoot your hardware to get it working properly.
3. Restart your computer and press F8 again. This time, choose Safe Mode and press Enter. Windows attempts to start in Safe Mode, which does not automatically start programs and hardware, and displays very primitive graphics. If Windows starts successfully in Safe Mode, you can remove any programs or updates you have recently installed. Then, restart your computer normally.
You see "Non-system disk or disk error," or a similar message
The "Non-system disk or disk error" message means that your computer could not find Windows. Follow the steps below and try starting your computer after each step. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during the startup process.
1. Your computer might be trying to load Windows from removable media and mass storage devices rather than from the hard disk inside your computer. Remove any floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, digital cameras, and memory cards.
2. A portion of the hard drive may be corrupted. You might be able to fix the problem by performing a repair installation of Windows or rebuilding the MBR(Master Boot Record).
3. Your hard disk may have failed, If your hard disk failed you will need to have it replaced. After you have replaced your hard disk, you should restore your files from a backup.
Your computer stops immediately after you turn it on or displays nothing on your monitor
If your computer displays an error message within a few seconds of starting, you probably have a hardware configuration problem. If you see the Windows logo, you need to troubleshoot startup problems. If you see a "Non-system disk or disk error" message, you need to troubleshoot disk errors. If you don't even see the startup screen, you likely have a hardware problem. Follow these steps to troubleshoot a hardware problem that prevents your computer from starting to load Windows. After each step, restart your computer and attempt to load Windows. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail to load.
To troubleshoot hardware problems:
If your computer beeps when you start it but does not display anything on your monitor:
1. Disconnect and reconnect your monitor from your computer. You May also switch to on board video if available and you are using a video card. If you receive video through on board connection then the video card or relevant drivers are at fault.
2. When possible, connect your monitor to a different computer to make sure that your monitor is working properly. Most all Monitors include self test features to identify any display issues.
Other Hardware Errors:
1. If you receive an error message indicating that a keyboard is not present or other keyboard errors, turn off your computer reconnect your keyboard. trying another usb port will often fix this problem. If the problem continues, replace your keyboard.
2. Remove all hardware accessories from your computer except your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. If your computer starts successfully, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and add one hardware accessory. Then, restart your computer. If your computer fails to start, the hardware accessory you most recently added is causing a problem. Remove the hardware and contact the hardware vendor for support. You can reconnect other hardware accessories.
3. You may have a loose connector. Turn off your computer, first remove all connectors from the outside of your computer and then carefully push the connectors back in. Look for stray wires, bent pins, and loosely fitting connectors.
4. If comfortable opening your computer's case, shut down your computer, unplug the power cable, and open your computer’s case. Remove and reconnect all cables. Remove and reconnect all cards inside your computer, including your computer’s memory chips. Reassemble your computer before attempting to start it again.
Your computer does not turn on
you press the power button and no lights appear, and there are no beeps or other sounds—you should:
1. Verify that your computer's power cord is connected. Most Motherboards will also have a power lamp on the board indicating that the power supply is on and functioning.
2. Unplug computer and connect a different electrical device (such as a lamp, a fan, or a radio) into the same electrical outlet. If the device does not work, the problem is the electrical outlet, not the computer.
You need to perform a repair installation of Windows
Performing a repair installation of Windows can fix many serious start up problems. While you should not lose any of your important documents, you might lose settings, and you will need to reinstall many updates.
1. Before performing a repair installation of Windows, you should have both your Windows CD and your product key available.
2. To perform a repair installation of Windows when prompted, press R to enter recovery console and Windows will attempt to repair Windows by reinstalling important Windows components. Later versions of windows may have different repair options.
3. If prompted Insert your Windows CD into your computer and continue with the recovery process. Follow instructions as they are generated
4. Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM. Windows will continue with repairs as necessary.
Additional Self Help Options:
Check the POST
POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before the operating system begins to load. 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. You may need to change the bios settings in order to see the full post at boot time.
Notice the load time of the OS (operating system)
A longer than usual load time may indicate seek errors (or other errors) in the hard drive.
Look For Graphics Issues
Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.
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 secs). 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. Another issue associated with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA allows for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.
Check any newly installed hardware
Many operating systems, especially 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.
Check any newly installed software
Software may require more resources than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.
Check RAM and CPU consumption
A common problem is a choppy or sluggish system. If a system is choppy 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 Mem Usage column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.
Listen to the computer
If the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its capacity.
Run a virus and malware scan
Performance problems can be caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus scanner and a commonly updated malware scanner.
Check for the problem in safe mode
As a last ditch effort, check the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating system itself is to blame.
If Further assistance is needed use the 727Customz free PC Forum!!!!
http://www.727customz.info/727customz-pc-forum.html
