Frequently Asked Computer Questions
As a technician and computer trainer, I am constantly answering questions
about problems people have with their computers. The most commonly asked
questions are set out below and the answers given may shed a little light
on your particular problem. Ray Carlton, Manager, AARGENT
Why won’t my computer start?
A software problem may make Windows start very slowly or stop halfway
though booting up. [the "startup sequence" is called booting
up]
This type of problem usually indicates Operating System software or OS
[Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 & XP] is at the heart of the problem and
is generally easy to fix. The OS can be damaged to the point where it
won't start or responds slowly. Sometimes Windows can stall while starting
or closing down.
My Computer is running very slowly. Is it wearing
out?
No is the short answer. This problem occurs as a computer becomes older
as Windows is damaged in small ways and becomes over the years, unstable,
slow or both. Windows needs a certain amount of maintence to keep it running
smoothly. The hardware [the physical bits] tend to either work or not
work and the result of component failure is usually non functional status.
Most older machines spring back to life after a full system reload much
to the delight of the owner.
What is Windows??
Windows is Operating System software or OS [DOS Windows 3.1 95, 98, ME,
NT, 2000 & XP] written by Microsoft Corporation. Windows interprets
your instructions [mouse clicks and keyboard strokes] to a program. [eg:
word processing etc] Windows can be damaged to the point where it won't
start or responds slowly. Sometimes Windows can stall while loading or
closing down.
The Dead Computer
Many calls are for the classic dead computer syndrome. EG the user cannot
observe the normal screen after they switch on. You may be able to find
a few clues about your computer’s status by making some simple observations.
Tell tale signs as to how dead it is are as follows:
Can you see any lights on?
Observe the keyboard, case lights, floppy and CD-rom drives when turning
it on. If you see lights flashing, the problem may be with the video system
or monitor.
Dead computer checklist
Is the monitor turned
on?
Is the monitor connected
to power and computer?
Is the power switch
on?
Is the power board /
lead ok?
Is the monitor plug
securely inserted both ends
Check the reset button
on your AC power board.
No activity can be observed
If no activity is observed, a technician will need to check your system
out. It may not be that serious and a simple repair job may bring your
machine back to life. In some cases the computer may have been damaged
to varying degrees by a power surge and one or more major components may
need to be replaced.
Printer Problems
Most problems are caused by stale cartridges and blocked print heads.
Beware of bodgy refilled cartridges with claggy ink. Never leave your
printer on as heat in the print-head over time hardens the ink, causing
blockages. Cartridges have a shelf life and should not be left indefinitely
in a printer. Make sure you run a full colour page once a month to keep
the ink fresh at the print-heads.
Wrong Software
As computers get older, users tend to load software programs that are
written for more powerful later model machines. Installing a newer operating
system [Windows] than your computer was designed to run will definitely
slow the system down. eg upgrading from Windows 95 to Windows 98 or XP.
Installing the latest games and programs on older machines will often
have a similar effect. If you really need XP, buy a system unit that will
run it well.
In most cases not much is wrong at all and a few adjustments with software diagnostics in can usually sort out many problems such as:
Strange error messages Illegal operation errors Blue screen errors Internet slow or can’t
connect Printer not working Mouse freezing Computer running slowly Printer or scanner doesn’t
work etc etc It's a management issue
Windows requires a little careful management to run smoothly over several years of constant use. Every so often things get scrambled in windows and error messages and crashes begin to appear. Windows performance starts to degrade.
Computer hardware doesn't slow down like an old car as it gets older. A part will work perfectly or not at all. It is generally problems with the Operating System software [Windows95, 98, ME, 2000 or XP] that make your old computer run slower as the years go by. You will know what Windows is, if you read the previous column.
In many cases, the most cost effective solution is to have a technician rebuild Windows from the ground up. This generally results in the computer running as it did when new. kind of like replacing the smokey old engine in the family car with a newly rebuilt one. Make sure you use the Version of Windows Your computer was designed to run.
Data Transfer
When your computer undergoes a Windows rebuild it may be necesary to save your files. You can elect to have AARGENT store your files and reinstate them after the job is complete. Backup files as they are called, are scanned for viruses before restoring them to your disk. You may elect to have us reload your programmes, printer, scanner etc.
Please supply genuine software to ensure.
Have I damaged my Computer?
It is quite difficult for a user to damage a computer during normal use. I regularly see workstations that have been used daily for up to eight years by learners with no knowledge of computers whatsoever, and they still run fine.
There are however some do’s and don’t’s:
Do
Keep dust down to a minimum Clean regularly around
the computer while it is off Install an approved surge
protecting power board Keep your anti virus up
to date [see Internet
Safety Pack]Don’t
Subject it to physical
shock [don’t head butt the screen] Spray cleaners on it [clean
with a damp metho rag] Leave your monitor / printer
turned onError Messages - Read it - Write it down
Look carefully for clues as to what might be wrong. Write it down on a piece of paper. It may mean nothing to you but it will help a technician solve the problem quickly and save you cash. Keep a written diary of errors, dates and what you were doing at the time. This can be helpful in solving the cause of errors. Often, errors may appear after new software or hardware is installed.
Should I open the case??
People who have not undertaken formal training in electronics should NEVER OPEN THE CASE. Computers have 240 volts live in the case whether the machine is on or off. 240 volts will kill you. It is easy to destroy computer chips with the tiny static charge carried on our finger tips. Inside your computer is a place where only a trained technician should go.
Get the Most out of what you have
If you don't want to shell out the bucks for a new computer it is very likely that your old one, after a full operating system rebuid may still fullfill your requirements. You don't need a supercomputer to do wordprocessing, accounting, email etc.