The Simple Things Can Make Life Easier

itsbroke · 22-02-2009, 02:51

Hi All,

I thought it might be interesting to start a thread where its a bit like back to basics when troubleshooting PC Problems. I will add a few of my own and please note these are simply what have worked best for me in the past, not always correct (as nothing always is) but have served well over the years.

1. No two computers are the same, even identical models can have different motherboard revisions or firmware revisions so troubleshooting any issue on identical PC Models should not be considered 100% accurate.

2. No Display on the monitor. Before you start messing around in the PC innards or swapping out monitors, try pressing the caps lock key on your keyboard. If it lights up and then offf when you press it, your computer has completed post, so likely a slack cable or possilby faulty monitor.

If you do not get any activity by pressing the caps lock key, then ensure you check out the motherboard manual to ensure the system will boot if only one memory bank is populated (you might need two). If you smell anything like burning or notice damage on the motherboard use caution, something caused that, could be a power spike and it has even been known for faulty PSU's to actually destroy motherboards, memory and processors, (Some people I have known have had this happen!). Once you have verified there are no nasty smells or marks on the baord then it could still be the video card but unlikely. Ensure the fan on the power supply is spinning, if it does not then disconnect all periperheral devices including hard drive, CD Roms etc. If the PSU still does not spin after that, then disconnect the motherboard connectors, failure to spin at this point indicates a faulty PSU. If the PSU is spinning then try the steps below:

a. Ensure all memory chips are secure and locked on the motherbaord.
b. Fill only bank one with memory, still no boot, change to another piece of memory and again only insert in bank one. (as above check whether motherboard will post with only bank one populated).
c. Still doesnt work, remove all other devices by unplugging the cables such as hard drive, cd rom and any other perihperals.
d. Still nothing try another video card
e. If that fails you are looking at in all probability the motherboard or processor, although it could still be the power supply in some cases (allthough unlikely).

3. If you want to check out what version of windows you have, service pack etc quickly, click start-run and then type 'winver' in the box.

4. If you cant get internet explorer to run through the desktop ICONS or it is missing from the start menu, going to start-run and then typing in 'iexplore.exe' in the run box should get you there (if it is still working).

5. The above also works for Windows explorer only type 'explorer.exe' in the run box. For control panel type 'control' in the run box.

6. If you are using a wireless connection and are getting slow speeds, well this might sound dumb, but check you PC is connecting to the right network. I have seen some wireless cards connecting to an 'unsecured' router with a poor signal, thus causing this problem. If your network selection is correct ensure that all PC's on the network are not running any fileshare programs such as bittorent, limewire etc. These will slow down your connection and will often run in the background. This is a common situation with multiple users within a home.

7. If you are still getting slow speeds but are convinced your networked PC's are free from file sharing then do yourself a favour and connect one PC only directly to the modem (reboot both PC and router). I know the temptation is to get straight on to your ISP and it might take 15 mins or so to move a PC directly to the modem but it could save you a lot of time and aggrovation! If the PC works find directly connected them adopt a logical approach, put the router back on line and connect one PC at a time until you find the problem system. Once you have done so perform netstat to establish open connections and so forth, spyware scans, checking of firewall etc. If the system still runs slow on a direct connection, grab the phone and talk to your ISP.

I will add more later, and please ladies and gents feel free to add and remember these steps are simply things that I have personally found to help aid troubleshooting proceedures. They are not always 100% correct and steps could be added or removed depending on indivdual circumstances or opinion.