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There are many things that can cause problems and there's no possible way I can give in-depth advice on every possible computer problem along with its solution and as you can tell I've just scratched the surface. I also cannot be responsible for any repairs you try, there are just too many variables. While these suggestions are pretty basic, one mistake and you could cause irreparable damage. If you do not feel comfortable doing your own troubleshooting contact a competent computer repair technician.
I've recommended some things to do before any problems occur that will either help prevent problems or help when the inevitable occurs.

When a problem does occur, I hope this will give you a starting point to help diagnose the problem or if you do have to call tech support, you'll have already done the basic steps and have information on hand that may help solve the problem quicker.

1. Backup

2. BACKUP,

3. BACKUP !!. I can't stress this enough. If you have any data that is worth anything at all, back it up. Hard drives can fail in a heartbeat, with out any warning at all. Corrupt software or viruses can force you to do a reload, risking the loss of your data. It's not a matter of if it will happen, it's a matter of when it will happen.

4. Write down any and all information that you can regarding your computer. Include any phone numbers and Internet settings. This can help you later when problems occur. Open device manager, you'll see a list of devices that your computer uses. Write down any information you can relating to the devices such as manufacturer, make & model, settings, etc.. Keep this information along with any documentation you received with your computer in a safe, easily accessible spot.

5. Make sure you have all the drivers for these devices if at all possible. They may have come with computer or you may have to search the Internet, download them and save them on a disk or CD. The time to do this is while your system is working. I recommend storing the drivers in the same location as any documentation.

6. Create a Boot Disk for your computer. Test it to ensure that it works and will operate your CD-Rom. Tools such as Expand, FDISK, Format, Copy, Scandisk are useful additions that should be added to your boot disk.

7. Use an Anti-virus program and keep it current. New viruses come out every day and to be able to identify them the Anti-virus companies release an updated version of their virus definitions. Using an Anti-virus program with out current updates is limiting its ability to protect your system. In my opinion you get what you pay for. While a free Anti-virus program offers some protection and is better than nothing I recommend using a "brand name" Anti-virus program. The cost of the removal of even one virus and the risk to your data can be far more than the cost of an Anti-virus program. Also most e-mail virus alerts are hoaxes, before you go into a panic, spread the hoax or start deleting important system files go to an Anti-virus site to verify if the information is accurate.

8. Don't ignore your computer and expect it to run at peak performance forever. Computers do require maintenance. I recommend doing a full virus scan at the very least bi-weekly - if you have auto protect running and your e-mail gets scanned, otherwise I recommend weekly scans. Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter should be run about once a month, after removing unused files such as temp files and cached Internet files. At least yearly, more often if the computer is in a dusty environment, the computer should be cleaned (inside the case). The fans and cables checked and replaced if necessary. I also recommend a complete reload of the system about every two years, depending on the usage of the computer.

9. Use a high quality surge protector that will also protect your phone lines. The higher the Joules rating the better the protection. Most quality surge protectors also offer equipment insurance. Get the best quality surge protector you can find.

10. Your computer should be located in an area where there is adequate ventilation. Today's computers create a lot of heat. This heat has to be removed from inside the case to prevent damage to the CPU. Overheating can also cause unexplained freezes and lockups. If there is a change in the sound of your computer check the fans, they may be dirty or have quit working.

11. Use discretion when updating software. Unless you are having a problem with the version you are using, your adding a security fix or updating your Anti-Virus you may be creating more problems by updating. This is especially important if you're using an older computer and/or operating system. Don't add software just for the sake of adding software or because it's "free". Even uninstall never removes all traces of an installed program and most cases "free" software comes with a price, in many cases its "spyware" (Programs that monitor what you do and send that information out to a company, primarily used to gather information to target market you). If possible create a Restore Point before installing any software or updates.

1- Use common sense when doing diagnostics, i.e. don't expect to connect to the Internet if the power is out where you live. (Don't laugh…I've received several such calls from clients. Their logic was that if the phone worked they should be able to connect to the Internet. The fact that the computer wasn't able to run from a lack of electricity didn't seem to matter.)

2- Turn the computer off and unplug the power cable before plugging/unplugging any other cables or adding or removing any cards. Also make sure you're your grounded and free of any static charges

3- Try to determine, if at all possible, if the problem is obviously hardware or software related. For example if the printer prints, but it prints garbage, then in most likely hood its software related. If the printer won't even turn on or try to print odds are it's hardware related.

4- Write down any error information if an error window appears. Keep track of what you were doing when the error or problem occurred, what programs were open, etc.. This is particularly useful if the problem occurs sporadically.

5- Keep track of anything done to try to fix the problem. If you change any settings write them down, the original settings before any changes and the new changed ones you've tried. If you do have to contact tech support this information could save time and money.

Check the simple things first. Is it plugged in correctly, is there power, are the switches ON.

If the problem started just after the addition of a new piece of hardware or software remove/uninstall it. It may be faulty or incompatible with your computer.

Try to duplicate the problem in another program if possible (i.e. if you can't print in Word then try printing in notepad). If the problem occurs in only one program then it may be software related and most software problems are very difficult to solve. The easiest solution is to simply reinstall the offending program. Even Windows itself has a tendency to deteriorate over time, which is why I recommend a complete reload about every two years.

If the problem is with a peripheral device, (such as a monitor, printer, speakers, etc.) replace it with a known working device. This will help determine if the problem is with the peripheral device or your computer.

If the problem is with a card, plugged into the motherboard (i.e. Sound card), first check for resource conflicts and resolve them. If that fails to work or there are no conflicts, shutdown, remove the card, start in "Safe Mode", remove the drivers for it, then shutdown. Clean the contacts and reinstall the card, restart the computer and reload the drivers. If there is still a problem try replacing the card with a known good one.

If the computer runs without any problems for a certain amount of time, then starts acting up and this occurs every time you've shutdown the computer for a length of time then check your fans. Also check for adequate ventilation around the computer. Your system may be overheating.

Bad memory is known for causing a myriad of unexplainable problems. The PC will boot up in seemingly fine form. The BIOS examining the Ram at boot will verify that the Ram is OK yet there will by errors by the Ram that can corrupt files or lock up the system. Sometimes its as simple as removing the Ram, cleaning the contacts and reinstalling it.

For further information or inquires, contact The Computer Doctor by

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