Let’s Troubleshoot

Let’s Troubleshoot

Have you ever thought that you can repair your computer yourself? Just give it a thought on your mind and you can be able to troubleshoot any problems in your computer because you always have got one thing that is able to solve all the problems: GOOGLE isn’t it?

I am not a Professional; I do the same as you people do. But when I have one problem in my PC, I am curious to find other problems. Because of this curiosity, I thought why not learn about troubleshooting. So, I learnt some basic hardware troubleshooting that I would like to share with you all.

Do you know that most of the problems in the computers can be fixed by disassembling and assembling them? These types of problems are basically due to loose plugging and cabling. Just don’t hesitate to open your PC cause you might be spending a lot of money on simple problems and issues. I have given a small list of problems in your computer just check it out:

1.       First, check whether you have plugged the cable properly or not. Then also think about the voltage problem in the PC. Next thing you can do is check the computer fan and SMPS (switched-mode power supply) if it doesn’t work try replacing it.

2.       If there is no display on the screen but CPU is working, then the problem might be with the VGA (Video Graphics Array) cable, VGA adapter or the monitor try to unplug and plug the cable or change it. If the monitor is not opening, then it might be the monitor problem else it might be the other problem. Also check the monitor settings this might sometime make you feel like it’s a big hardware problem.

3.       The computer starts but reboots randomly this might be caused because of several problems but just try to troubleshoot in a process and you will be able to find the actual fault. Check whether the computer passes the memory test or not, if not, check the RAM and the RAM slots, try replacing the slots. You may also use eraser to clean your RAM.

4.       The computer starts and passes the memory test but has a problem in loading the OS then it might be a software problem. Also you can solve the problems like missing NTLDR or any kind of system file try replacing the file with your OS CD or try reinstalling the OS. If you are unable to install the OS then the problem might be with your hard disk, try replacing the hard disk cable and also check whether the hard disk works in another PC or not if it works the problem is with the motherboard’s hard disk slot. Try repairing your hard disk using disk repairing CD or replace it.

5.       The computer opens but it is slow or freezes. The main defect in this problem is due to software. Just try to use several process to remove virus or malwares, also use utilities to defrag registry, hard disk etc and check them properly if not try reinstalling the OS. If the problem persists, try checking hard disk, CPU and RAM.

6.       The computer overheats. The problem is usually occurring due to the CPU.  Try to check the heat sink paste on the CPU if less clean then put new paste else check other parts like RAM, video cards and try replacing them.

These might be a simpler problem in your PC which you can easily troubleshoot. But Safety is the most important thing before you touch any electric objects. Don’t be clever enough to open parts while you are plugged in and please keep patience while working them or you might create double problems.

By: Navaraj Subedi