How to Fix Common PC Problems

Like any piece of equipment, a PC can undergo problems that may seem complicated at first glance but are often easy to fix. A person only needs to have a basic understanding of terms related to computers to correct small problems. Follow these steps to overcome minor PC malfunctions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Discover where the problem lies and what part of the PC is not working properly. The most common problems are related to the hardware and software. Sometimes it is a poorly installed driver or difficulty establishing an Internet connection. In many instances, a computer loses power or a program freezes right in the middle of your work.

2. Find out if the drivers are working properly by holding down the window key and pressing pause. Follow the prompts on the screen, select the hardware button and then click the device manager tab. This will help identify if there is a problem with the hardware and software. Any device highlighted with yellow mark indicates that the device is not working properly. A red mark shows that the device is disabled or removed.

3. Fix a device highlighted with a yellow mark by removing its existing driver. Right click and delete the device. Check the manufacturer's website for any related device updates. Download the new updates on your computer and proceed by installing the device.

4. Enable a device highlighted with a red cross by right clicking it. Restart the computer and test the device to confirm it is operational. If it still has problems, uninstall the device and use the driver CD to install it again.

5. Establish a lost Internet connection by clicking the start button followed by the control panel tab. For a wireless connection, open the network list and click your preferred network to reconnect. Use the setting options to alter the speed of your Internet connection.

6. Check the power cords. If the PC suddenly goes blank, inspect the power cord that supplies power to the CPU. Also check the cord connected to the monitor to make sure it is hooked tightly.

7. Correct a software freeze. Press Alt + F4 to close a program when the software freezes and you can't access any other pages. If this does not work, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to reboot the computer. When all else fails, hold down the power button on the CPU for a few seconds to turn off the computer. Wait one minute to restart the PC.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a professional if your PC fails to start or reboot.