Computer Hardware Problems And Solutions

There are so many computer errors existing today but I have to cover only the most common computer problems. Some computer problems might need a specialist, some don’t. You don’t have to be an expert on this. Better to know them before it will evade you PC.

1. Computer Virus - terminology used to indicate a software or programs that creates conditions which makes your PC slow, displaying irritating pop-ups, disconnects your internet connection or the worst part, PC crashes. The best solution here is to download an anti-malware or anti-virus programs. There are lots of free anti-virus or anti-malware available on the internet. There are also trial versions which allow you to use the software for a limited time.            

2. Performance Issue - it comes in many ways, either your hard drive is full, registry errors, a computer virus, low RAM, unwanted programs running, etc. My best solution here are: defrag your hard drive, fix registry errors, optimize your RAM, remove unwanted and useless programs, and do several tweaks to boost its performance.

3. Computer Upgrade - if you happen to have an old computer and you want to upgrade it, go ahead. You can add new and faster peripherals without purchasing a new one. Just make sure that the components are compatible with your motherboard to make it work. 

4. Problems with hardware - in regards with this, it's better to see a qualified person to fix this for you. Hardware problems like motherboard errors, blue screen of death, Window errors, crashing, and etc. Those errors are hard to fix and does requires an expert.

Various computer errors can be prevented before it shows up. You can find a detailed computer hardware problems and solutions on my blog site. Computer crashes are unexpected, it can happen anytime, maybe today or tomorrow.            

There are so many computer problems arising today, as computer becomes so powerful, so as errors. Computer hardware problems and solutions are also available to troubleshoot first your computer before bringing it to the repair station or calling in your techo.

Software Problems

Certainly , one of the most common computer problem is the software errors. If you have tons of software running during start-up and one or two of these software commit errors it could give your PC a hard time loading. The best way to prevent this is to delete software that makes errors when computer starts to load.   

Slow Running Computer

Have you noticed that whenever your computer boots up, it appears to take much longer time to start up and it responds like a turtle tied to an anchor? Can you relate to this? Most people think that troubleshooting a computer is very complicated, but in fact a far less complicated than a car. Yet a lot of individuals are scared of them that lead to confusion.   

This is not an ideal scenario; you can learn how to do simple things like what to do when you boot up Windows and suddenly it crashes. You have to think that this error sometimes cause by a virus, a spyware or the registry that was being disarrayed.  having a virus scanner, a spyware detector and a registry fixing tool can help prevent this unpleasant errors.

Common Computer Problems That Can Be Fixed

Almost every person who owns a PC has experienced these problems. Have you ever thought what to do whenever this problem occur? You have many options: you could get some help with the repairman who cost for about $70-$90 per hour; sell your PC; or try to do some research and learning tips and tricks on computer hardware problems and solutions, fix it yourself and save some money.      

The Restore Wizard

Did you know that you can back up, restore files and settings of your computer? Windows archives important data that will protect it from accidental loss. Just click Start, All programs, Accessories, System tools.

Another cause of PC problems is the registry file. After some time, registry does mess up and needs re-organizing. 

You can also download a registry repair tool that scans any registry errors, gives you a full detailed report and prompts if you want them to fix the issues found and bring the performance of your PC back like brand new. And also always backup your system before using any registry tool.    

Viruses, Malwares, Trojans Prevention

Many computer users ignore updating their anti-virus software for at least once a week or twice a month. Up-to-date anti-virus increase the security and detection of a new computer viruses or Trojans that were not detected from the past through virus signatures.  Without these, it could slow down your computer up to the point where it won’t work.

Top 10 Most Common Computer Problems

1. The Computer Won’t Start

A computer that suddenly shuts off or has difficulty starting up could have a failing power supply. Check that the computer is plugged into the power point properly and, if that doesn’t work, test the power point with another working device to confirm whether or not there is adequate power.

2. The Screen is Blank

If the computer is on but the screen is blank, there may be an issue with the connection between the computer and the screen. First, check to see if the monitor is plugged into a power point and that the connection between the monitor and computer hard drive is secure. If the problem is on a laptop, then you may need to get a professional to fix it as some of the internal wires may be worn.

3. Abnormally Functioning Operating System or Software

If the operating system or other software is either unresponsive or is acting up, then try restarting your computer and run a virus scan. To avoid having this happen, install reliable anti-virus software.

4. Windows Won’t Boot

If you are having troubles booting Windows, then you may have to reinstall it with the Windows recovery disk.

5. The Screen is Frozen

When you computer freezes, you may have no other option than to reboot and risk losing any unsaved work. Freezes can be a sign of insufficient ram, registry conflicts, corrupt or missing files, or spyware. Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then restart it and get to work cleaning up the system so that it doesn’t freeze again.

6. Computer is Slow

If your computer is slower than normal, you can often fix the problem simply by cleaning the hard disk of unwanted files. You can also install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware tools, and schedule regular registry scans. External hard drives are great storage solutions for overtaxed CPU’s, and will help your computer run faster.

7. Strange Noises

A lot of noise coming from your computer is generally a sign of either hardware malfunction or a noisy fan. Hard drives often make noise just before they fail, so you may want to back up information just in case, and fans are very easy to replace.

8. Slow Internet

To improve your Internet browser performance, you need to clear cookies and Internet temporary files frequently. In the Windows search bar, type ‘%temp%’ and hit enter to open the temporary files folder.

9. Overheating

If a computer case lacks a sufficient cooling system, then the computer’s components may start to generate excess heat during operation. To avoid your computer burning itself out, turn it off and let it rest if it’s getting hot. Additionally, you can check the fan to make sure it’s working properly.

10. Dropped Internet Connections

Dropped Internet connections can be very frustrating. Often the problem is simple and may be caused by a bad cable or phone line, which is easy to fix. More serious problems include viruses, a bad network card or modem, or a problem with the driver.

General Hardware Troubleshooting Tips

Regardless of the problem there are a few steps that must be taken whenever troubleshooting a hardware problem. These may seem rather insulting to most people, but one must never forget to do them; if they are not done you might very well waste allot of time and possibly create a new problem from fiddling around in your computer chasing down a phantom. Here are some quick steps:

1. Power Cords - Make sure that all of the power cords are firmly in place on all of the devices that could possibly be causing or attributing to the symptoms you are experiencing (i.e. If nothing shows up on the monitor make sure that the cords are attached to both the monitor and the computer itself). Then trace the cords back to the wall and make sure that the other end of the cord is attached to a power outlet or surge protector.
2. Outlet Power - It is not uncommon to blow a fuse; if the outlet in question is not receiving power than you should not expect any of the devices connected to the computer to receive power. You can test this simply by looking at the device and seeing if any LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are lit. If there are no LEDs lit, try pluggin in a device that you know works into the outlet, such as a clock or radio.
3. Power Button - This step goes hand-in-hand with the last step. Many people don't think to check for this because many computer devices stay on all of the time (i.e. monitors, printers, power supplies), and as such do not check the power button. Also, some devices have two power switches on them, and both must be in the "on" position in order for the device to work (i.e. there is a power button both on the front, and on the back of most computers).
4. Communication Connections - Once you've settled that the power to your devices is fine, the next step is to make sure that the device has all of the connections needed for it to communicate. This step consists of making sure that these cables are firmly connected at each end, and that they are connected at the correct port/interface. Do not forget to check internal connections; if your computer has been bumped it is possible for some connections inside to pop loose.
5. Device Configuration - This steps provides both hardware and software configuration. There may be jumpers or switches on the hardware that need to be configured. If these accidentally got moved or switched the device would fail to work properly. Also, most hardware ships with configuration software (i.e. Wireless cards); make sure that the software configurations are compatible with what you are trying to accomplish.
6. Follow Instructions - Computers are not evasive when they report errors; all too often we just do not understand them, or are confused by the amount of information that is given. Many times there are suggestions on how to fix a problem accompanied with an error message. Simply follow the steps the message suggests; even if the suggestion seems to be ridiculous follow it so that you can discard it as a possibility.
7. Windows Recognition - If you go into the Control Panel, open the System dialog, click on the Hardware tab, and then open the Device Manager, you will see a tree-like structure of all of the hardware that is attached to your computer. Look under the appropriate category (Monitors, Graphic Adapters, etc.) and click on the item/items that you are having problems with then click on properties. The dialog that opens will inform you if the operating system is having any know troubles with the device.
8. Update Drivers - If possible, try connecting to the internet and going to the manufacture's web site to download the latest drivers for your hardware (this requires that you now the model specifications of your hardware). Often conflicts can arise when you install new hardware and software; although these are unanticipated, once found the developer will fix the problem and post updated drivers.
9. Refresh Device Manager/Reinstall Device - This step falls into the "I don't care what the problem is, I just want it fixed" category. Open the device manager again and delete the devices that are not working properly. You will probably be prompted to restart your computer, if not restart it manually. When the computer restarts the hardware you deleted will be detected again and be reinstalled with the default configurations. If you cannot find the device in the device manager try to uninstall all software that came with it and reinstall using the disks that were provided.

Specific Hardware Problems

Dead CMOS Battery

On an older PC, it is normal for the CMOS battery to fail at some point in time. They usually last for many years, with over five years being the norm, at least on older machines. On a new motherboard, this sort of problem is usually a sign of a defect, although, you shouldn't worry about it if it appears only the very first time the board is powered up or after you replace the battery. Often, a dying battery will first manifest itself intermittently. Sometimes, you will boot with no problem. At other times, you will see an error indicating that the system doesn't match the configuration or you will see that the Date and Time settings on your computer are wrong. When the battery fails entirely, these errors will either come up every time you reboot, or your BIOS may report an error number with a message stating that the battery is dead. The solution is replacing the battery -- for detailed instructions for replacing the battery see the Replacing Hardware page.

Blank Monitor

This is a very common problem, and most of the time, it has a very easy fix. Follow the below steps:

1. Power - Verify that the monitor has power and the power cord is firmly attached. Detailed instructions for accomplishing this task can be found above.
2. Video Cable - Double check that the video cable is connected to the computer. If the cable has become loose you may need to push it back in and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
3. Brightness & Contrast - Check the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor; It might have gotten bumped or changed accidentally. It may sound stupid, but this was one of the most common causes for people bringing their monitor in for repair when my friend work at a computer store. Most monitors have a button on them to reset all of the settings -- try pushing that.
4. Swap Parts - If possible, try swapping with another monitor that is known to work and vice-versa. If your monitor works on another computer, than the problem, most likely lies with your video card and/or motherboard. If your computer works with another monitor it might be time to invest in a new monitor.
5. Push In Video Card - Open up your machine and firmly push down on your video card so that you are sure that it is making contact with all of the contacts in the slot. If you computer was jumped and the screw that holds it down was not tight enough it could have come loose.

If none of the above fixed your problem you may need to do more research on your problem are use one of the strategies listed earlier.

Dead Hard Drive

Hopefully, the only time you will have encountered this problem is after you have installed a new IDE device, because other than being misconfigured, otherwise, your data is most-likely lost.

Error on Boot

One of the most common error messages comes when you're trying to boot up your computer. If you get a message when you try to boot up your system:

1. Make sure that your connections are secure.
2. Check to find and then remove any floppy disks from drives.
3. Start up again.

Error messages are usually pretty self-explanatory but if you encounter one that you don't understand, check the troubleshooting section of the owner's manual or software guide.