How to Check Computers for Problems
If your computer has been having problems such as freezing, operating at extremely slow speeds or possibly even shutting down at random times you'll probably want to troubleshoot those issues in the easiest ways possible. There are several quick ways that users can diagnose computer issues for Microsoft Windows devices.
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Instructions
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Launching Chkdsk For Windows XP
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Click the "Windows Start Button" and then right click on "My Computer" and choose "Explore."
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Right click on the drive you want to check and then click on "Properties."
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Click on the "Tools" tab in the Properties windows and then click "Check Now" under "Error-checking."
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Click both options that pop up with the "checking disk" dialog box and press start to begin the chkdsk sequence. The window shown here will be displayed if the program has properly launched.
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Allow the Chkdsk application to run to completion. If any errors are found the program will tell you if the errors could be fixed and if any bad sectors still exist on your hard drive. If there are many errors that can not be fixed, it may be a sign of a failing hard drive that needs to be replaced.
Launching Chkdsk For Windows Vista
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Click on the "Start Button" and then click on "Computer."
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Right click on the hard drive you want to check and then click "Properties."
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Choose the "Tools" tab and then under the "Error Checking" option choose "Check Now."
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Check the "Automatically fix file system errors" to have the disk fix itself as bad sectors and other errors are found. You can also tell the system to auto fix "File errors" which will allow the program to not only fix physical hard drive errors but also software-related problems.
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Click "Start" and wait for the program to run to completion. If any errors can not be fixed and they are of a physical nature your hard drive may need to be replaced.
Run spyware/malware scanning software
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Download a spyware/malware scanning and removal program. We recommend using the free program Ad-Aware which can be downloaded via the Lavasoft website (See Resources).
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Install your new Ad-Aware download by clicking on the .exe file. Follow the on-screen directions by clicking "Next" through each step until the process completes. Using the "Default" chosen steps is perfect for first-time users.
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Launch Ad-Aware once the installation process has completed. You will see the option on the left hand side to "Update" the software. Click on that option and the program will retrieve the newest spyware definitions. This updates your software to fight even the newest spyware applications.
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Click on the "Scan" option and for a first-time scan use the "Full System Scan" option. This option will scan your entire computer including the registry for any known malicious spyware or malware. Use the "Simple Scan" in the future.
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Wait for the Ad-Aware scan to complete. This can take a few minutes all the way up to a few hours depending on the size of your computer's hard drive and the amount of information saved on that drive. Choose the option to delete all infections that have occurred. If your computer was running slow due to spyware, you should notice a considerable increase in computer speeds. Restart your computer to ensure that all files are updated to their maximum potential.
Fix computer problems using virus scan
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Download an antivirus program. We recommend the free AVG program (see Resources).
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Click on the AVG install file and choose the "Default" settings for the installation.
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Chose the "Update" option when the first run selection wizard begins to walk you through the first run steps. If this option does not appear you can also find the "update" option by simply right clicking on the AVG icon located in the bottom-right part of your Windows Taskbar.
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Perform a full system scan. Allow AVG to fix any viruses that it finds. In some cases viruses will require some form of manual removal. For manual needs you can visit the AVG Manual Removal website for step by step directions. These directions are provided in different steps dependent upon the virus in question.
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Restart your computer and check if the slow processing times, freezing and shutdowns have resolved themselves.
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Tips & Warnings
The steps listed above offer basic PC troubleshooting tips for software and hardware issues. If you are still experiencing issues after using the steps listed above we highly recommend that you contact your computers manufacturer for more support.
