Solutions to Common Computer Problems

1. Solutions to Common Computer Problems New Orleans Personal Computer Club May 2010

2. Hardware Issues - Desktops • Unusual noises • Failing fans • Hard drive dying • Power supply dying or underpowered • Consumer-level machines usually have small supplies • Bad capacitors • Electrical issues

3. Hardware Issues – Desktops • Environmental issues • Dust • Pets • Food particles • Vermin • Usually through missing slot covers • Tobacco stains mixed with any of the above

4. Hardware Issues – Desktops • Preventative Maintenance • Use canned air periodically to dust out insides • Depending on environment, you might take want to take PC outside for its dusting • Use a good surge suppressor or better, an Uninterruptable Power Supply • Use power saving functions responsibly and turn off (or Standby) computers when not in use for more than a few hours

5. Hardware Issues – Laptops • Loose screen hinges • Power jack coming loose • Battery unable to hold a charge • Average lifespan of laptop batteries is about 3-4 years • Time span of charge usually will depreciate towards end of life • Third-party replacements are widely available for most models

6. Hardware Issues – Laptops • Environmental issues • Dust • Pets • Food particles • Accidental abuse • Cracked display most common

7. Hardware Issues – Laptops • Preventative Maintenance • Get a good carrying case or knapsack with adequate padding • Keep it away from environmental hazards • Pets • Short-tempered people

8. Windows OS issues • Blue Screens Of Death (BSOD) • Viruses, Spyware, Ad-ware (Malware) • Make sure security program’s definition/ pattern files are up-to-date • Beware of drive-by downloads! • Recommend ad-blocking extensions • Cryptic Error Messages • Plug error message into search engine; somebody else is likely to have experienced it and inquired about it • Application errors • Driver errors • Check manufacturer site for any possible updates

9. Windows OS issues • Performance (overall speed) issues • Many items/folders on Desktop, items in System Tray • Do NOT store any data files on the desktop! • MSCONFIG is diagnostic utility; do not check Selective Startup, disable individual items and leave it • RAM amount • Many hardware vendors will cheap out on this since RAM is expensive when new • When adding RAM, use fastest speed supported by PC’s motherboard; usually no or little price difference • Stick with name brands; don’t use generic/OEM compatible modules • XP needs 512mb, recommend about 1gig • Vista/7 needs 1gig, recommend about 2gigs or more

10. Windows OS issues • Performance issues • Clutter • Most new consumer machines are bundled with what can be termed as shovelware – can be uninstalled with enough effort • On Vista/7, turn Sidebar off • Windows accumulates a lot of files that are supposed to get automatically deleted but don’t • Fragmentation

11. Windows OS issues • Preventative Maintenance • Periodically run a cleaner utility such as CCleaner • Periodically defrag the hard drive(s) • Run virus scanner on some type of schedule • Install ONE antivirus program • Store data files somewhere under Documents or My Documents folder • Delete obsolete data • Uninstall trialware from system • Develop backup regimen

12. Windows OS issues • Preventative Maintenance • Resist the urge to install any new program or add-on that claims to make life easier • Limit programs running in the System Tray • Limit access to physical computer • If not possible, set up strong password on user account(s), and also on the Administrator account

13. Windows OS issues • Reinstallation, rebuild, Nuke & Pave • Do it only as a last resort • When properly maintained, Windows installations can run properly for many years • If your PC uses a recovery partition with the option for user-generated recovery media, DO IT! • If rebuild is needed, schedule a large amount of time for this task • Backup all data first • Have all install media at hand • A good Windows install can take at least 3 hours

14. Internet Service Provider Issues • Connectivity • Verify PC is getting IP address • If using wireless, try wired connection • Dell laptops automatically disable wired network port when on battery power! • If using a wireless or wired router, sometimes it is necessary to bypass it for effective troubleshooting

15. Internet Service Provider Issues • Connectivity – cable modem setups • If switching around equipment on cable modem, power cycle modem for at least *three minutes* • Cable modems require RG6 coaxial cable in order to maintain a steady connection (many older installations have RG-59, which is much thinner) • Many Motorola SURFBoard modems have a Standby button on top- never touch it!

16. Internet Service Provider Issues • Connectivity – DSL modem setups • Make absolutely sure filters are in place • Make sure DSL modem is NOT filtered! • Fax machines, answering devices all need to be filtered • Alarm systems with auto-dialers will likely need outside filter • When using routers with DSL modems, set modem to Bridged Ethernet, set router to PPPoE with UserID + Password

17. Internet Service Provider Issues • Slow speeds • When in doubt, check using a good testing site like www.speedtest.net • Check only on wired network connection; wireless and USB connections do not count! • Many cordless phones use 2.4ghz band • Check multiple times, and turn off unnecessary internet-using apps • Upgrade router firmware, if available

18. Internet Issues • Preventative maintenance • Do NOT click on any type of link on a web page that is an obvious advertisement • Resist signing up for “special offers” and other ploys to get your marketing information • Use strong passwords on sites that require a login ID • Use special characters when allowed • Use a browser other than Internet Explorer • Make sure wireless connection is locked down using encryption, at least WPA-level

19. Getting Outside Help • Sometimes it’s necessary; recognize your limits • Minimize outside distractions • Communicate clearly • Follow troubleshooting instructions, be able to read error messages that are showing • Treat the tech professionally • Answer all questions as best as possible

20. Getting Outside Help - ISPs • Problems such as passwords, mail client configurations, and power cycling do not require on-site trouble call visits • If the ISP has to send a tech for a trouble call and the problem is found to be anywhere in Customer Premise Equipment, the service call is billable to the customer • Exception: the customer is paying extra for insurance on services