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Questions for DIY Troubleshooting (1)
Sad fact before we start. Most problems are actually caused by the user. Oh yes they are.
1. Is it an once only problem? If so, don't worry about it. Computers do that sometimes.
2. Can you make the problem happen again? - Restart the computer and see if the problem is still there. If so, you've got useful information for a technician.
3. Does the problem ever happen when you start the computer in Safe Mode? If so, it's probably a hardware problem. To get into Safe Mode in Win 95 or Win XP hold F8 while the computer re-starts. For ME or Win 98 hold the Ctl key during re-start.
4. Have you done a scan for viruses with UP TO DATE virus definitions?
5. Have you done a scan for spyware with UP TO DATE definitions?
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DIY Troubleshooting (2)
6. If you get an error message have you written it down? Exactly? You may be able to find the solution by searching the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
7. Have you scanned your hard drive? - Run ScanDisk or ChkDsk.
8. Is it random? - (happens irrespective of what programs you're using). If so, it's probably a hardware problem.
9. When did the problem begin? What changes in software or hardware were made to the computer or operating system immediately before the problem began? Can you undo that change to get rid of the problem?
10. Have you tried searching for forums or support sites on the web?
If these questions don't lead to an answer, you probably need to run some diagnostic software or pay to get the problem fixed. Phone us for help on 041 COMPUTE.
- How do I get rid of spam?
Try mailwasher. It's free. There is also a premium version called mailwasherpro which costs US$37. It's peanuts if you're having to deal with lots of spam.
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I might have a virus
So, running a virus check program is the way to find out if you have a virus. But here's the thing lots of people don't get: An anti-virus program is PRACTICALLY USELESS if you don't update it at least once a week. In fact, the current Netsky virus has launched two new variants every five days so daily would be better.
- Checking RAM
Too many programs running at the same time can slow your computer. If you've got an old computer you probably don't have enough RAM (short term memory). In this case you may be able to improve things without having to upgrade your computer. Check with Computer Mechanics. Lots of programs load things into memory but you mightn't really need them. If you hold down Ctrl-Alt-Del keys and then choose the Processes tab you'll see what's using up RAM (CPU cycles). You can highlight a program you don't need and click End Process to stop it. Things like RealJukebox from Real Media are candidates for removal. If one of the programs is using 99% of the CPU, that's the problem. Don't close anything unless you know what program it controls.
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Checking hard disk space
Make sure you can see the desktop
Double click on the My Computer icon
You should be able to see a heading that says "hard disk drives" or similar
Right click on the hard disk; it's probably called "C" or "local disk C" then when the menu comes up, left click on the word "properties". If the Free Space is smaller than a tenth of the used space, that's your problem. Delete as many programs and files as is necessary to get the Free Space up to at least a tenth and you should be in better shape. To remove programs, click START, then Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs. Left click on the program and click the Remove button.
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I'm getting an error message
The best thing to do is to write down word for word what the error message says and then type that into the Google search engine in quotation marks. You might also need to type in the name of the program that's giving you grief, for example "internet explorer" just to pick a completely random example. Then look for the solution to your problem on the web. If that doesn't help or the instructions are confusing, call Computer Mechanics. Did that sound like advertising?
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My computer is erratic
Erratic is bad. If you have a problem within one problem program it's probably just a bug with that program. If your computer is consistently freezing, shutting down or blue-screening and re-starting you should think about having it looked at.
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My computer is getting slower
If it is, you may have a full hard disk (refer to 'Checking hard disk space' in this section)
You may be running too many programs at the one time (refer to 'Checking RAM' in this section)
You might have a virus (Refer to 'I might have a virus in this section')
You could have lots of spyware (more info).
If you can't solve the problem from the above info you might consider calling Computer Mechanics to have a look at the problem on site.
- Spyware
Spyware is the name given to a whole lot of different programs that you didn't knowingly install but run on your computer. They are mostly tracking programs which identify which web sites you visit and pass that information back to the writer of the program. That information can then be sold to other companies. But it gets worse. Some companies then use the information they collect to bombard you with pop-up ads or "hijack" your web browser so that ads appear where they normally wouldn't.
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