Tips From Tech Support - Solving Computer Problems

With tens of thousands of possible errors and a myriad of computer configurations and conflicts, it is impossible for one individual to have the answer to all possible computer problems. This is where research and basic troubleshooting skills come in handy.

Technical troubleshooting tips: review recent changes

Computer errors may seem random, but they are usually triggered by Something. That something could involve:

• A recent installation (or uninstall) of software or hardware, a recent operating system
• A recent update of the system, software or device
• Virus or spyware infection
• Damage caused by an unexpected shutdown or computer failure
• A lack of system resources such as memory, bandwidth, or processing power

The above are some of the most common triggers, so it is a good idea to look at recent computer activity. By doing this, you can better isolate the problem.

Technical troubleshooting tips: isolate the problem

For example, if you recently installed a new program, it is quite possible that the new program will affect computer performance or interfere with operations. The installation could have gone wrong and made changes to the computer registry that now trigger errors.

Likewise, if your computer seems to freeze frequently, examining the circumstances that led to the crashes can lead you to the cause. For example, if the computer constantly crashes every time you run a resource-intensive program, it is likely that your computer's resources are being pushed to the brink. This may indicate a need for more memory or a nearly full hard drive.

Technical troubleshooting tips: find the problem

Understanding the potential cause and the nature of the error provides you with a starting point for finding its solution. If you have isolated the issue for a specific program or device, go to the product developer and search their knowledge base and support sections for answers. If the computer error generates an actual error message and code, copy and paste this information into a search engine or Microsoft.com search bar (if it is a Microsoft Windows. ) The Microsoft Knowledge Base is a great place to find information about specific Microsoft. errors - and it often has automatic fixes available. General search results could lead you to a wild goose chase, so watch out for the results. While forums often lead to solutions, they can also be filled with speculation, irrelevant information and questionable advice. Look for authoritative sites whenever possible.

Finally, remember to leave the search for another day and try restarting your computer. Sometimes that's all you need, especially if your computer hasn't been turned off for a long time. If that doesn't work, try a System Restore (Start> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> System Restore) if it's available. This brings your computer back to an earlier state in time, often fixing your computer error in the process.