Over the years of working with computers I have noticed many common problems that people seem to confront me with. I decided to put the top 10 questions I have been asked here, so that you may learn something from them and save yourself some money! First, I would like to say a couple of things: 1. Computers consist of parts (hardware) and instructions (software), you need both to operate, and each and every one part/instruction can be replaced. 2. When you are looking for the cause of your problem ALWAYS start at the physical part of the problem.
1. We have spy-ware on my computer!
2. How do I remove the spyware on my computer? I have tried Anti-spyware software but it doesn't seem to work." Be aware that spyware is a type of software that runs in the background, manipulating information on your computer.
Always double check to see what you are downloading / installing and what that software "includes". Manual removal is possible but can become very difficult since spyware likes to edit many syst a) Try to get a hold of some good anti-spyware software em registry keys that are hard to isolate and change.
b) Update the definitions on your anti-spyware software (Some spyware might even try to block definition updates, making it more difficult to remove)
3. c) If after you have ran the programs and problems persists then you need to get into safe mode, since the spyware is running in current system processes that cannot be repaired while the processes are on. To get into safe mode, restart your computer, and tap F8, until a selection menu comes up. d) If problems still persist and you want to go ahead and go with a manual removal procedure, you must obtain information on which files have to be removed with the specific spyware your computer is infected with.
4. There are many websites that will give you information on how to remove specific spyware if you google the spyware name (my personal favorite is http://www.pchell.com/) Websites such as pc hell will give you step by step instructions on how to remove spyware manually.
e) If all else fails and you feel like you're about to pull the hair out of your head, reformat your hard drive. (just remember that everything will be GONE including your files and software so remember to back them up!) Here is a good website that walks you through formatting your drive with windows XP(Vista is kind of similar)
http://www.ehow.com/how_6026_format-hard-drive.html
2. I think I might have a Virus on my computer.
5. Before you go out and buy elaborate virus removal software, know that spyware can mimic a virus and you should go through the steps in question 1 before proceeding to virus removal. Also, know that even if the virus has taken over your pc, it has control only over your hard drive which can be formatted or replaced at the worst case, so don't go out and start shopping for new computers.
b) My personal favorite option J - Reformat the Hard Drive. Once again, make sure you have backed up all of the files you need on some sort of media (CD, DVD, another Hard Drive, Flash Drive etc...)
4. Computer running slow.
Some of the common causes of a slow computer:
1. You downloaded one of your favorite programs and it came with spyware. Follow steps in question one to remove spyware.
6. 2. You installed software on your computer but you are sure you have no spyware. Chances are you have too many processes running in the background (more than your processor and or memory can handle) Upgrade to more memory.
3. Hard Drive is short on space. Make more space or upgrade to a larger Hard Drive.
4. You are infected with a virus. Remove the virus as instructed above.
5. Your computer is overheating (an unlikely cause)
5. Computer does not start.
1) Make sure the cords are all plugged in and functioning. Test them with some other equipment, make sure your power strip is on (if you have one).
2) Check to see that the power switch on the back of your computer is in the ON position. If you have a surge protector, reset it and try again.
7. 3) If you confirm that all connections are good, all switches are on and nothing happens STILL, check your power supply fan to see if it is dusty. Blow out the dust and try again. Chances are the power supply has overheated or gave out for other reasons. (You can buy replacement power supplies in stores or online and they are not all that hard to replace if you follow directions in your manual. You can also search around to learn how to replace a power supply.
3) If the monitor is on and the computer is on but the screen displays "non-system disk error" or "disk error" check to see if you left a disk in your A: Drive.
4) Computer tells you, you are missing some files? Operating system might have been corrupted which can be fixed if you boot from a windows CD and run the repair diagnostic.
5) If you are running a laptop make sure your battery is fully charged or use the power adapter to boot up.
8. 1. Your CPU temperature might be one of the causes for your computer to restart. If the CPU gets too hot, the computer is told to automatically shut down or restart.
9. 2. Memory failure and DUST often cause problems. Have you ever checked out inside of your computer? Maybe its time that you do! Dust can prevent memory from functioning properly with your motherboard. Try dusting out inside of your computer, unplugging memory and once everything is cleaned out plugging it back in. If the problems persist, then you might have memory failure.
3. Check the settings in the "startup and recovery" options. Sometimes if the "Automatically Restart" setting is checked, the computer will reboot after a system error has occurred. To check The specific, go to > Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance> System > Advanced > Settings, and uncheck "Automatically Restart".
4. If you have installed any new hardware or software, you should try removing it to see if the problems go away. Try updating all drivers to solve any incompatibility issues.
5. Run your anti-virus software to check for any unwanted spyware.
10. 6. Your system files might be corrupt. Try running the repair utility on your windows installation disk. Or... you can go to command prompt by clicking on Start > Run > type "cmd" (or "command" in win98) press enter. When the command prompt shows up, type "chkdsk/r" to locate repair/recovery any bad sectors.
11. Your homepage has been hijacked! Spyware of all sorts will do The specific! If you have downloaded something or even clicked on some link on a page, it could have installed spyware on your computer. Run the latest updates on Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy, chances are they will remove it and get you back up and going
8. My computer is making noises
The specific could be a number of things including your case fans, power supply fans, cpu fans, a wire touching a spinning fan, a hard drive going out and crying out for help! However, some sounds that are part of your properly functioning system can be mistaken for unfriendly ones. CD-ROMS, hard drives and fast spinning fans can seem to make the machine loud, but they could just be doing their job. Whatever the cause is, you want to check it out immediately after shutting down your computer.
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Computer Learning a-z
Sunday, December 2, 2007
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