Basic Computer Troubleshooting

Fix 4 Basic Computer Problems
In this article I have covered some basic troubleshooting which even newbies can even fix computer problems easily.

#1. The computer locks up and/or is acting weird?

1. If the computer is frozen and will not respond to any commands, it may be necessary to press Ctrl + Alt + Del (all three keys at the same time) to bring up the Task Manager. Select any program that says “Not responding” and click the End Task button. Repeat until all tasks are ended. If this does not work, turn the computer off, wait several seconds, turn the computer back on, and let the computer run the Scandisk.

2. First of all Reboot it. A majority of problems that occur while you are using your computer can be fixed by rebooting. Applications sometimes don’t release memory like they should when they are finished. The end result is your computer locks up or acts really weird. When you reboot, memory registers are cleared and most everything is reset. This fixes a lot of problems.

#2. The keyboard doesn’t work?

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del (all three keys at the same time) to bring up the Task List. Select any program that says “Not responding” and click the End Task button. Repeat until all tasks are ended. Check periodically to see if the keyboard will work.

2. Check to make sure the keyboard is still properly connected to the computer. If the keyboard has been disconnected, you may have to reboot your computer.

#3. Computer Always Boots in Safemode

1. Click on Start–>Programs–>Accessories–>System Tools–>Scandisk.
2. Place a check on “Automatically fix errors”.
3. When Scandisk finishes, reboot your computer to see if this fixed the problem.
4. If the computer still boots up in the Safe Mode, click on Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Defragmenter. If you receive the message “You don’t need to defragment this drive now”, continue with the process anyway.
5. When Disk Defragmenter is finished, reboot your computer to see if this fixed the problem.
6. If the computer still starts up in safe mode, you need to contact a computer technician.

#4. The printer doesn’t work?

If the printer will not print at all, you need to determine if the printer itself will not work or if it is not receiving a print message from the computer.

1. Many models have a built-in self test option which allows you to print a test page by holding down the feed button for a few seconds. The power button will begin to flash and a test page will print. If the printer self test fails, your problem is with the printer itself rather than the printer cable or computer. Should this occur, you should contact a technician.
2. If the printer self test prints, the next step is to have Windows print a test page. Click on Start, Settings, Printers, and right click on the icon of the printer with the problem. Select properties and press the Print Test Page button. If the test page fails to print, make sure the printer cable is firmly seated in both the computer and the printer. You should also check the ends of the printer cable to make sure that none of the prongs are bent. If the test print fails, or if the print consists of nonsense characters or a few characters printed over many pages, you need to uninstall then reinstall the drivers for your printer.

Paper feed problems and jams can often be resolved by using paper which conforms with the specifications provided by the printer manufacturer. On ink jet printers, the rubber rolls which pick up each sheet can sometimes become coated with paper residue which decreases the friction. Cleaning off the residue can sometimes solve paper feed problems.