Check for a software conflict
Step1
If an older program suddenly stops working properly after you install a new program, try reinstalling the older program, which may have had some of its files overwritten by the new one.
Step2
If your computer crashes after you install a new program, when both it and an older program are running, check with the publishers of the programs to see if there are updates that address the conflict.
Step3
If you've installed a new program and start getting crashes that don't seem to be related to running any other program, try uninstalling the new program. (See
How to Remove a Windows Program.) If crashes continue, reinstall the operating system.
Check for a hardware conflict
Step1
If your computer starts crashing after you add a new piece of hardware, remove the hardware and uninstall whatever software you installed with it. (See
How to Remove a Windows Program.)
Step2
If removing the hardware solves the problem, contact the manufacturer or visit its Web site to see if there's a later driver version that fixes the problem.
Step3
If removing the hardware doesn't solve the problem, it's possible that some Windows files were changed when you installed the drivers, which are the files that enable a particular piece of hardware. You'll need to reinstall Windows.
Check for overheating
Step1
Take note of seemingly random computer crashes. If they tend to occur after the computer has been running for a while, they could be the result of overheating. As computers get faster, they have a tendency to run hotter.
Step2
Check to make sure the vents in the computer case aren't blocked and there's good air circulation around the computer.
Step3
If your computer has a fan, remove the computer case with a screwdriver, then turn on the computer briefly to see if the fan is turning. If it isn't, you'll need to replace it or the power supply.
Step4
If the inside of the computer case looks like Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, clean things up by turning off the computer and using a can of compressed air (available at electronics stores) to blow dust off of circuit boards, chips, the fan and anything else that looks dirty. Vacuums and dust rags are a bad idea, however, because they can build up static charges and zap your chips.
Check for a virus
Step1
If you have virus-protection software, make sure it has been updated recently. New viruses appear daily.
Step2
If you don't have virus-protection software, invest in a program that can scan and clean your hard drive.
Comments
docsharp76 said
on 6/4/2008 Great blog with lots of useful information and excellent commentary! Thanks for sharing.
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Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I had a problem where the boards had basically unseated themselves due to the screws being too short.
The computer gave various indications of problems, but after much trial and error, the boards were checked and found to have unseated themselves enough to cause the intermittent problems. Errors included not recognizing the printer and shutting down for no apparent reason.