How To Troubleshoot A PC

Put on Your Patience - Make sure you're wearing lots of patience. You can either try to fix your computer yourself or pay lots of money to have someone fix it for you. You may have to read this section a few times to get the gist of troubleshooting. Or you may never get it because it's just not in you. Please realize that a computer is a complex thing (and you will see that in this section). We've become as dependant on computers as we have cars and the hourly repair rate is comparable so don't balk at the price the computer tech charges. Try it yourself if you think you shouldn't pay that amount for their services. (And here you go.... Good luck)

The Possible Cure-all - Before you read the detailed troubleshooting steps below, you may be able to fix your software problem by going to Microsoft's website and doing a Windows Update and then an Office Update (if you have Office on your PC). You may have to do this a few times as some updates only load alone and other updates can be loaded all together. Don't be surprised if there are 20 or more updates for your computer. Oh, with some Windows and Office updates, you may be prompted to supply the original CDs that were used to load Windows. If you don't have them, you probably can't complete the updates. Many people don't have them because they inherited a PC or someone loaded it for them. Guess what? You're out of luck for the most part w/o these disks.

Update and Run your Anti-Virus Program - You should have an anti-viru program on your system and if you don't buy one now and install it. If you do have one, do an update (download the latest definitions) from the web and scan your system for a virus. YOU NEED TO HAVE AN ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM ON YOUR PC or else you're inviting trouble. Don't be cheap, get one and update it. A virus can wipe out your whole system and then you'll have to reload all your software. It will be costly and time consuming.
Narrow down the problem - Is it a software, hardware, application, or networking problem? Well how the heck do I tell? Actually most times it's a software problem (like updating the drivers).
What the heck are drivers? Drivers are files that tell your computer how to communicate with the hardware device (the modem, the sound card, etc).

Well how can I narrow down the problem if I don't know the difference between a software, application, hardware, or network problem? Here are some guidelines to help you: Software/application problem - you usually get an error message when you have a particular application open or multiple applications. Hardware error - the device won't work (the hard drive, sound card, modem...although these could also be software (driver) related too). Networking - you can't connect through your DSL/cable modem (this is usually a software / cofigration problem).

Even if you still don't know the exact problem, pay attention to when the problem happens (on bootup, on shutdown, when you're trying to open an application, when connecting to the internet, when many applications are open, etc).

Take Note of the Error Message - write down the error message(s), just don’t hit any key to make it go away. You’ll need to know the error message to look it up on the web.
Get the Model Number of the Part in Question: If you're having a hardware problem (i.e. with your modem, video, sound, or scsi card), in order to troubleshoot it, you'll need to know the exact make/model of it.

The foolproof method to obtaining the exact make/model is to shutdown your PC, take the cover off and look for the information on the device (or if you have this information in writting somewhere, all the better). Another way is to look for the device in Device Manager. Sometimes though the Device Manager has not recognized the correct device and is giving you false information. When in doubt, open the case.
Well how the heck do I find the Device Manager? Different operating systems hide the Device Manager in different locations. To find the Device Manager for Windows 2000 & XP, right click on My Computer, left click on Properties, go to the Hardware tab and click on Device Manager. (For Windows 98, right click on My Computer, left click on Properties, click on Device Manager.

How to Fix the Problem - Go to the web. The manufacturer’s web site will have a Support section that contains FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). There may also be a separate section for Downloads and Drivers (as shown in this screen shot of 3COM's Support Site). This is the best place to find a solution to your problem. The Web is the best place to troubleshoot the problem.

All Support sites are pretty much the same. In order to download the correct drivers for your system, the support site might have a pick down list for you to select your operating system and model number of the device (ie. modem) in question. You will also be asked a brief description of your problem (like "no dial tone", or "hangs up after 3 seconds").

After entering the required information about your problem, the site's database will search for a solution to your problem. A list of possible solutions will appear. Try to find the one that best describes your situation. Instructions will be provided to help you fix the problem. These instructions are written so anyone can follow them. I'll admit, sometimes the instructions are hard to follow. You may have to read them three times before you understand what they’re asking you to do. Perseverance will prevail. I highly recommend that you read through the instructions twice BEFORE attempting to make any changes.

If you can't fix the problem, or have messed up your system even more, you can always call tech support for help (i.e Dell, Compaq, Microsoft or just call a computer tech to come out to your house). Be prepared to wait on hold and possibly pay a hefty price.

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