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Computer Basics: Troubleshooting

This document provides tips and solutions for common computer troubleshooting problems. It begins with general troubleshooting techniques like writing down steps, checking for error messages, and restarting computers. Specific problems covered include computers not powering on, applications running slowly or freezing, slow overall performance, frozen computers, non-functioning mice/keyboards, no sound, and blank screens. For each problem, multiple potential solutions are provided to methodically test and eliminate issues through the process of elimination.

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83 views8 pages

Computer Basics: Troubleshooting

This document provides tips and solutions for common computer troubleshooting problems. It begins with general troubleshooting techniques like writing down steps, checking for error messages, and restarting computers. Specific problems covered include computers not powering on, applications running slowly or freezing, slow overall performance, frozen computers, non-functioning mice/keyboards, no sound, and blank screens. For each problem, multiple potential solutions are provided to methodically test and eliminate issues through the process of elimination.

Uploaded by

Ser Crz Jy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Basics

Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

Troubleshooting
Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank? What if you can't seem to close an
application—or can't hear any sound from your speakers? Whenever you have a problem
with your computer, don't panic! There are many basic troubleshooting techniques you
can use to fix issues like this. In this lesson, we'll show you some simple things to try
when troubleshooting, as well as how to solve common problems you may encounter.

General tips to keep in mind


There are many different things that could cause a problem with your computer. No
matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and
error—in some cases, you may need to use several different approaches before you can
find a solution; other problems may be easy to fix. We recommend starting by using the
following tips.

● Write down your steps: Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write
down each step you take. This way, you'll be able to remember exactly what you've done
and can avoid repeating the same mistakes. If you end up asking other people for help, it
will be much easier if they know exactly what you've tried already.
● Take notes about error messages: If your computer gives you an error message, be sure
to write down as much information as possible. You may be able to use this information
later to find out if other people are having the same error.
● Always check the cables: If you're having trouble with a specific piece of
computer hardware, such as your monitor or keyboard, an easy first step is to check all
related cables to make sure they're properly connected.
● Restart the computer: When all else fails, one of the best things to try is to restart the
computer. This can solve a lot of basic issues you may experience with your computer.

Using the process of elimination


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If you're having an issue with your computer, you may be able to find out what's wrong
using the process of elimination. This means you'll make a list of things that could be
causing the problem and then test them out one by one to eliminate them. Once you've
identified the source of your computer issue, it will be easier to find a solution.

Scenario:
Leonardo is trying to print out invitations for his son's birthday party, but his printer
won't print. He has some ideas about what could be causing this, so he goes through
them one by one to see if he can eliminate any possible causes.

First, Leonardo checks his printer to see that it's turned on and plugged into his surge
protector. He sees that it is, so that's not the issue. Next, he checks to make sure his
printer's ink cartridge still has ink and that there is paper loaded in the paper tray. In
both cases, things look good, so he knows the issue has nothing to do with ink or paper.

Now Leonardo wants to make sure his printer and computer are communicating
correctly. If he had recently downloaded an update to his operating system, it might
interfere with his printer. But he knows there haven't been any updates since last week
and his printer was working yesterday, so he'll have to look elsewhere. Leonardo checks
the printer's USB cord and finds that it's not plugged in. He must have unplugged it when
he plugged his phone into the computer earlier. Once Leonardo plugs in the printer's USB
cord, his printer starts to print. It looks like his printer issue is solved.

This is just one example of an issue you might encounter while using a computer. On the
following pages of this lesson, we'll go over other common computer problems and some
ways to solve them.

Simple solutions to common problems


Most of the time, problems can be fixed using simple troubleshooting techniques,
like closing and reopening the program. It's important to try these simple solutions
before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can try
other troubleshooting techniques.

Problem: Power button will not start computer


● Solution 1: If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm
that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.

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● Solution 2: If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To check your
outlet, you can plug in another electrical device, such as a lamp or cellphone, and see if
it receives electricity properly.
● Solution 3: If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on.
You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can
also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it is on.

● Solution 4: If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC
adapter into the wall, and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you
may need to wait a few minutes and try again.

Problem: An application is running slowly


● Solution 1: Close and reopen the application.
● Solution 2: Update the application. To do this, click the Help menu and look for an option
to check for Updates. If you don't find this option, another idea is to run an online search
for application updates.

Problem: An application is frozen


Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen. When this happens, you won't
be able to close the window or click any buttons within the application.

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● Solution 1: Force quit the application. On a PC, you can press (and
hold) Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard to open
the Task Manager. On a Mac, press and hold Command+Option+Esc. You can then select
the unresponsive application and click End task (or Force Quit on a Mac) to close it.

● Solution 2: Restart the computer. If you are unable to force quit an


application, restarting your computer will close all open apps.

Problem: All programs on the computer run slowly


● Solution 1: Run your virus scanner. You may have malware running in the background
that is slowing things down.
● Solution 2: Your computer may be running out of hard drive space. Try deleting any files
or programs you don't need.
● Solution 3: If you're using a PC, you can run Disk Defragmenter (called Optimize
Drives in Windows 8). Doing so will make sure all pieces of each file or program are
stored close together in your computer, so the computer will be able to access them
more quickly. In most versions of Windows, the Disk Defragmenter can be found in
the Start menu. In Windows 8, you can find it by typing defragment from the Start
screen.

Problem: The computer is frozen

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Sometimes your computer may become completely unresponsive, or frozen. When this
happens, you won't be able to click anywhere on the screen, open or close applications,
or access shut-down options.

● Solution 1 (Windows only): Restart Windows Explorer. To do this, press and


hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. Next, locate and
select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab and click Restart. If you're using
Windows 8, you may need to click More Details at the bottom of the window to see the
Processes tab.

● Solution 2 (Mac only): Restart Finder. To do this, press and


hold Command+Option+Esc on your keyboard to open the Force Quit
Applications dialog box. Next, locate and select Finder, then click Relaunch.

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● Solution 3: Press and hold the Power button. The Power button is usually located on the
front or side of the computer, typically indicated by

the power symbol  . Press and hold the Power button


for 5-10 seconds to force the computer to shut down.
● Solution 4: If the computer still won't shut down, you can unplug the power cable from
the electrical outlet. If you're using a laptop, you may be able to remove the battery to
force the computer to turn off. Note: This solution should be your last resort after trying
the other suggestions above.

Problem: The mouse or keyboard has stopped working


● Solution 1: If you're using a wired mouse or keyboard, make sure it's correctly plugged
into the computer.
● Solution 2: If you're using a wireless mouse or keyboard, make sure it's turned on and
that its batteries are charged.

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Problem: The sound isn't working
● Solution 1: Check the volume level. Click the audio button in the top-right or bottom-
right corner of the screen to make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is up.
● Solution 2: Check the audio player controls. Many audio and video players will have their
own separate audio controls. Make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is
turned up in the player.

● Solution 3: Check the cables. Make sure external speakers are plugged in, turned on, and
connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer has color-
coded ports, the audio output port will usually be green.
● Solution 4: Connect headphones to the computer, and see if you can hear sound from
the headphones.

Problem: The screen is blank


● Solution 1: The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or press any key on the
keyboard to wake it.
● Solution 2: Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
● Solution 3: Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on.
● Solution 4: If you're using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is properly connected
to the computer tower and the monitor.

Solving more difficult problems


If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask someone else
for help. Try searching the Web for the problem you're having because other users may
have had similar problems. Also, if you have a friend or family member who knows a lot
about computers, they may be able to help you.

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Keep in mind that most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take
some time to find them. For difficult problems, a more drastic solution may be required,
such as reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling programs, or reinstalling your operating
system. If you're not a computer expert, it's possible that you could make the situation
worse, so it's best to consult a professional if you believe a drastic solution is needed.

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