Fix your PC Checklist
Did you know that 80% of the computer operating problems can be resolved simply by restarting the system? Microsoft Windows (versions older than XP in particular) have stability problems that increase as the time lengthens since the last system restart.
A primary source of computer operating problems is the lack of adequate protection from things that can damage your PC. The threats are: Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojans, Hacker or Cracker programs, and spyware and other programs installed on your computer (usually without your knowledge). Computers don't come with decent protection, so we recommend you follow our Handy Setup Checklist when you get a new computer. But since you are here, it's likely too late for an initial setup. Regardless, you should go and purchase at least 3 protection programs, and install them on your computer. They will initially scan for and remove threats.
Another source of operating problems is the installation of software nilly-willy. Since software vendors are all different companies, they can (more than sometimes) write the code for their software that conflicts with the code for another software vendor's product(s). This is most prevalent with low-cost or 'free' software. If a particular program on your computer is no longer working correctly, try re-installing the software. Of course, that may stop another program from working, and if so, you'll have to choose which one you want and uninstall the other.
Recently, the incidence of spyware, adware, malware, sneakware and the like have dramatically risen, so your computer likely has some of this junk. Use a good antispyware program like Webroot's Spy Sweeper, or Pest Patrol to clean up your system and provide ongoing protection. You can also go with some quick, free programs like Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware SE Personal, but you have to be able to download them from the internet.
Problem Diagnosis Tree
Computer Operation Problems
Computer Startup or Shutdown Problems
Hardware Installation Problems
Software Installation Problems
Calling a Service Technician
When you call a service technician (either your computer manufacturer, a 3rd party support technician like Geeks on Call, or a software vendor like Microsoft, Adobe, etc.), you will have to provide some information to allow them to begin to diagnose the problem. Here are some sample questions which you need to have the answers to BEFORE you call:
- What is your computer brand and model number, Serial Number, your name and contact info?
- Are you running Windows XP and have you obtained all the updates (short of SP2)?
- Do you have a current and up-to-date antivirus program running and have you scanned with a 3rd party tool (say, the free scan at www.antivirus.com) to make sure your primary program isn't compromised?
- Have you installed an antispyware program and scanned for and
removed any spyware, adware, etc. that it found? (say Spybot S&D at
www.safernetworking.org or Ad-aware SE Personal at www.lavasoftusa.com)? - Do you have protection from hackers (like a software firewall such as Zone Alarm, and/or a hardware firewall such as a Netgear ProSafe Router/Firewall)?
- What are you experiencing, what is happening on the screen, what were you doing just before the problem occurred, what can you do now with the computer (what works)?
Remember, the technician cannot see your screen, or what you do, and is relying on what you say, so please be as specific as possible.
If the technician asks you to do something, please be extremely patient, and only do exactly what he or she says. If the technician says to use the right mouse button, use that one, because if you use the left mouse button something other than what the technician expects will happen.