The ComDoc FAQ's

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These FAQ's are obtained from the most asked questions we receive from our help form.

Not Starting	General	Video	Sound	Modem

	Not Starting
Q -	When I turned on my computer, nothing happened. Both the monitor and the CPU plug into a surge protector. The light on the monitor came on, the light on the CPU didn't. I checked the CPU's power cord to make sure it was plugged in correctly, then I tried a different outlet on the surge protector, still no change.
A -	First try another power cord. If that fails to work you should have the computer checked. The fault could be with the power supply or there may be a problem with the Motherboard or one of the cards.
Q -	My computer goes to the Windows splash screen but won't go any further. I've shut the computer off waited, then tried restarting. Same thing happens.
A -	Try to restart in "Safe Mode". If it starts then most likely one of the cards or drivers. If it fails to start then it could be lost/corrupt files, a bad Hard Drive, or virus related.

	General
Q -	My <insert device> (printer, scanner, sound card) won't work.
A -	When a device fails to operate correctly, in most cases reloading the correct driver will solve the problem. This is assuming, depending on the device, that the card is in or the device is connected correctly, and that the system is virus and spy/ad ware free. First check Device Manager to ensure that there are no conflicts and that the device is enabled. Uninstall then reinstall the driver and retry the device. If that fails then perhaps there is a problem, if possible replace it with a known working one to test.
Q -	My computer runs really slow, how can I speed it up?
A -	There is no one "quick fix" for a slow computer. But here are something’s to consider that may help you. First off there is no substitute for a fast CPU and Motherboard, lots of RAM and a fast Hard Drive with plenty of room. Ensure that all your system setting are correct for your hardware, you should have at least 64 Meg. of RAM minimum (128 Meg. would be better) and at the very least about 200 Meg. free hard drive space for Win98/98SE/Me. For XP I recommend 256 Meg. RAM as minimum. Maintain your computer. At least yearly have it cleaned and have the fans checked. Fans are very important. If the computer runs properly at start-up, then tends to start locking or hanging up after a period of time then it may be an over-heating problems and if not looked after can destroy the computer. Remove un-needed programs, and clean out the Temp and Cache files. Scandisk and Defrag regularly (about once every month or two depending on the system usage). Always run a current, up to date, anti-virus and anti-spam programs. Scan your system to verify that it is clean. A virus or spy-ware can really slow down a system and/or cause other damage. A high percentage of programs, when installed, are set up to load or run when windows starts. This takes up system resources, slowing the computer down considerably. When the resources get to low the computer will freeze. Most of these programs are not required to run all the time. Turn these off or remove them. Windows, itself, tends to get "bulky" over time. I recommend a complete, full, re-install at least once every two years (yearly would be better). Ensure that you have a working current backup of all your important data, all the required drivers for your computer, legal copies of the programs you need to re-install and write down any important information required. Then FDISK, Format the Hard Drive and re-load.
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A -

	Video
Q -	When my computer starts it only goes so far and then the screen goes black, with weird colour blocks.
A -	A bad memory chip on the video card most likely causes this. Replace the video card with a known good card to test.
Q -	Nothing shows up on my screen when I turn my computer on.
A -	Check all connections and ensure that computer is actually starting. If it is then the problem is either the monitor or the video card. Replace the monitor to determine which part is at fault.
Q -	Everything starts Ok until just after the splash screen, then the monitor goes black with a flashing cursor on the top left corner.
A -	Restart in safe mode, change the video driver to a generic SVGA, then restart. Then reload the correct video driver

	Sound
Q -	My sound suddenly stopped working.
A -	Check all connections. Make sure the power to the speakers is on and working. Check the computer settings - is the volume up and not muted. Check the speakers using a different sound source or check the sound card using different speakers, the will help determine which part is at fault. If it's the speakers, replace or repair them. If it's the sound card, check the device manager for problems such as conflicts - resolve if necessary. Reload the drivers. If that fails to solve the problem try a different sound card.
Q -	I moved my computer and now I don't have any sound.
A -	Check your connections. You have, most likely, plugged them into the wrong jack.

	Modem
Q -	I receive a No Dialtone error when I try to connect to the Internet.
A -	Verify that Windows "sees" the modem and that the correct drivers are installed. Check the cable. Ensure that the connections are tight and correct. Perhaps try a different cable. Try a phone in the wall jack to check for a dail tone. If you have extra features from the phone company these may change the tone to one not recognized as a dial tone. If everything is correct but you still receive a No Dialtone error or you can dial but not connect the modem may have taken a power surge, try a different modem.

If You still require help go to our help form

For further information or inquires, contact The Computer Doctor by

Phone:	(519) 599-1101
Fax:	(519) 599-5753
E-mail:	comdoc @ thecomdoc.com
Snail Mail:	P.O. Box 238 Clarksburg, Ontario Canada N0H-1J0