Computer Troubleshooting Basics

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Computer Troubleshooting Basics
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Illegal Operations

• Memory conflicts (bad memory?)
• Dirty CD or corrupt files on a floppy
• Highly fragmented hard drive
• Corrupt files (Windows or another program)
• Virus or spyware
• New hardware (possible driver issue or setting
  conflict)

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Slow Computer

• Check free space on your hard drive
• Run scandisk (possibly corrupt files)
• Too many processes (possibly spyware) running in
  the background
• Computer overheating (check fans)
• Recently installed hardware, software or updates?

4
Program Not Responding

• Bugged software
• Conflicts between hardware or software
• Lack of system resources (memory, hard disk
  space, too many active programs)

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Computer Lock Up?

• No mouse control? Do you have keyboard control?
• You can check by pushing the caps lock or num
  lock keys on your keyboard and seeing if the
  corresponding lights respond.
• Have keyboard control, push CTRL-ALT-DELETE at
  the same time to access the task manager.
• End the program that is not responding in the
  task manager.
• Save anything you are working on and reboot the
  computer.
• No keyboard control? Hold the power button in
  for a few seconds.

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Use The Tools Available

• Check Disk or Scandisk
• Disk Cleanup
• Defragment Drive
• System Restore (Windows ME XP)

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Backup

• Keep the files you want to backup in a central
  location. I suggest My Documents. You can
  easily backup the My Documents folder using
  Windows Backup tool.
• Be aware that if you want to backup your entire
  system youll need a large capacity storage
  device.

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Common Spyware/Adware Symptoms

• Computer suddenly slow.
• Unknown icons in your windows system tray (the
  lower right corner)
• Modem lights blinking when you arent doing
  anything online.
• Pop up windows when you dont have any programs
  running.

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Help!?

• Sources for help Internet, computer
  enthusiasts, your software/computer vendor tech
  support, maybe a local computer repair company.
• Have as much information as you can ready when
  you find you need to call for technical support.
• Details about your computer.
• Description of your problem.