You've already got enough trouble in your life, you don't need a
problem computer.
But rather than taking an ax to your computer, let's try to fix it.
The following procedures generally apply to all Windows 95/98/Me/Win
NT/2000/XP computers. When a solution only applies to a specific version
of Windows, we will try to note this in the answer.
Before you start researching your specific problem in the following
pages, please take a minute to review the following information:
A couple of quick InfoHQ Axioms on Computer Problems:
1. Most crashing problems are caused by software
errors. If you computer operated normally for awhile, and then started
crashing, chances are good you have a software problem.
2. You have a pretty good chance of having a
hardware problem if:
a. Your computer is in a bad environment (excess
heat/moisture or is near other electronic components that cause magnetic
interference e.g. unshielded stereo speakers, machinery, older TVs,
etc.)
b. You unplug and plug accessories into your computer
without first shutting off the power to your computer. This has a high
likelihood of causing a short to your system as you could be charged
with static electrically.
c. You have been working inside your computer.
Chances are something is connected wrong or you inadvertently knocked
a cable loose.
d. You do not use surge protectors or UPS to protect
your computer from unusual electrical events e.g. storms, power surges,
outages etc.
Note: While it is possible for a hardware error to
cause software errors, it is very unusual for software problems to cause
unrepairable hardware problems.
A few quick cautions before we continue:
1. Our Advice * If you are unsure on how to perform
the procedures in this article, we suggest you enlist a competent friend
or find a reliable computer repair shop.
We suggest you read all the articles in this section that seem related
to your problem. Many different ideas and solutions are presented in
each topic.
We do not assume any liability for what you do, or not do, as a result
of articles on this page.*
2. * Caution: Working
Inside Your Computer* Many of the procedures described below
if not performed correctly, can cause additional problems or short your
computer.
All power should be turned off prior to opening a computer's case, to
avoid the possibility of electrical shock hazards.
You should be grounded whenever you are working inside a computer or
you may short out your motherboard or other computer components. Grounding
is ideally accomplished with a grounding wrist strap or a less preferred
method is to touch your metal computer case before touching anything
inside the case.
This article resulted from the many questions we have
received from our readers. Find your computer's condition in the Index
on the next page and click on it to begin fixing your problem.
On to the
Computer Problem Help Index >>
