We recommend that you first run a virus scan and then
do a spyware scan. If you can afford it then you should buy an anti virus
program like Norton.
For spyware you can download the free programs like
spybot and adaware. Just do a Google search to locate these programs.
If your computer still seems to be having problems
after you run these scans then you can start looking at software next when
pc troubleshooting.
First stop and think if you have loaded any software
and then started having problems. If this is the case then you may need to
remove any newly loaded software.
At this point in pc troubleshooting, if you have
windows xp then you can try and do a system restore to see if that fixes any
of the problems you are having.
In xp just choose start the accessories, then system
tools. Here you will find the system restore feature.
If you did load some software and then had problems
then you may need to still uninstall the program and then try running system
restore.
Make sure you also clean out your hard drive. Clean
things like cookies and your temporary internet folder. You can do this for
internet explorer from the tools menu and then choose options.
If you are still having problems once you have done
this then the next step for pc troubleshooting will be to look at hardware.
Things like memory and video cards can and do go bad
from time to time, you need to check these also when pc troubleshooting.
If you do not know much about computer repair then you
may need to take your computer in to a pc repair shop to diagnose any
hardware problems.
Computers do need to be cleaned out every year of
dust, this is important to pc troubleshooting.
Dust can harm your computer and cause it to run slow.
If you have never done any computer cleaning then buy a can of air, unplug
your pc and take of the cover and clear it out with the air duster.
Sometimes this can be all that is needed. When doing
this make sure you get all the dust that has accumulated on top of the cpu.
Many people do not realize how much dust does collect
in the homes.
Computers can and do go bad from time to time which can
make pc troubleshooting a real pain.
However, just take it slow and one step at a time.
Again first start with running a few scans for viruses
and spyware and then move on to software and hardware when pc
troubleshooting.
