Hanging or freezing is a common thing that happens to everyone. One minute you are happily working on your computer, playing a game, writing a document, working hard on a program --- or whatever it is that keeps you glued on to your computer, and next thing you know, it stops working. Freeze locking is something that happens to every PC and when this happens, you get a computer repair technique that will work wonders. It is not exactly amusing to have your computing constantly rebooting on its own. While in the middle of something very important, you need to be able to rely on a system that will deliver as you hoped it would without crashing. Just imagine the amount of work that you risk losing every time that happens; it would really be damaging! Therefore, here are some easy-to-follow techniques on how to deal with freeze locking, in case it happens to you anytime soon:
a. Check your new installations
Retrace your steps. Did the freeze lock start after your installed something new into your system? If so, try to uninstall it and see if the problem persists.
b. Run your antivirus program and see if anything will be detected
As a computer owner, one of the first things you do is to install an antivirus program that will protect your system for any threat that may come. After some occasions of freeze locking, check if your system is updated and then run the virus scan and see if the program will detect anything.
c. Run your spyware removal tool
If after the virus-scan you find nothing wrong with your system, then you might want to consider running your spyware removal tool. If you are not dealing with a virus, there might be an adware or spyware present in your system, so check out for its existence efficiently.
d. Monitor your hard drive space
If no virus of malware has been detected, then you might be running out on hard drive space. Check dive C: and check if you have more than 20% remaining. If you have less than 20%, you may want to consider creating more space by compressing your files and deleting unnecessary files.
e. Check your system for any signs of overheating
Overheating can be caused by the following: dust build-up, malfunctioning fans or other cooling problems. You can make sure than the power supply fan, as well as the CPU fan are running properly. Also check for dust build-up within your system and vacuum to clean it.
f. Check your hard disk
Check your hard disk from time to time. Defrag, clean disk and perform all the other functions that will improve how your system works.
g. Check the memory
Some system failures could be caused by memory failures. You can run a Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for this and should you find any memory discrepancies, you can try to re-seat the RAM or replace the defective RAM altogether.
h. Check your other hardware components
Sometimes you may also be dealing with a malfunction in any of your other hardware components. A computer repair specialist will deal best with this problem, so find one who can help you with this.
i. Update windows and drivers
Also, there are times when you may experience free locks because of outdated operating systems and drivers, so make sure to always update your system so it can keep up with your needs.
Kamis, 18 Agustus 2011
Computer Repair 101: Fixing Bad Sectors on Your Hard Drive
Quick Computer Repair For Your LCD Monitors
A computer user can encounter a number of problems and when the problem involves the LCD monitor, then you can relax a little bit because problems with a computer monitor is not really something worth panicking for. Computer repair for faulty LCD monitors can be achieved easily and you can even do this by yourself. The monitors that people use nowadays are more advanced. The bulky monitors have become outdated and todayÕs technology now make use of this certain technology called, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). They are prettier compared to older models, but when some problem arises; here are some effective troubleshooting methods that you can follow. Being equipped with the following will be truly beneficial for you one of these days:
Check The Power Supply
Many problems look bigger at first glance. So if you think that your LCD monitor is not functioning properly, before doing anything drastic, make sure first that that system is plugged properly. Check if the power cord is connected properly to the system, and you can even try removing all of the cords to make sure that they are installed properly. Dismantle and reconnect every component to the CPU and then, make sure that all of them are plugged to a power outlet. If this is done properly and nothing seems to be working still, then you are most likely dealing with something else. Sometimes a monitor will be seen turning on, but the display will appear to be obscured or disturbed. In this situation you can be dealing with a cable problem, so you might want to consider replacing this cord.
Check The Operating System
If the power and the cable is not issue, then you can be dealing with a problem related to your operating system. Check the plugs and hit the CPU ÒonÓ button, while watching the entire system boot. If the system loads properly, but the monitor is still not turning on, then the monitor itself is having a problem. Sometimes you could also be dealing with problems with the display settings and when faced with this situation you will need to check the setting and probably reinstall the monitor drivers again. You may also want to check the video card or try to use another LCD monitor for a while to see if your system will work fine with a different unit. If it does, then you are probably having driver issues; but if your problem persists with the replacement monitor, then you may need to replace the video card in the CPU.
Monitor Other Problems
Here are some other problems that may make cause trouble in your LCD monitors:
* There might be dead pixels that will only show black or white colors. If your screen appears like this, then you may be having dead pixels.
* You may also be having low resolution problems. Try to adjust the resolution settings if the text and pictures are not displayed properly.
If done properly, you can successfully cheap and effective computer repair for your system. However, if you are finding it really difficult, do not try to be a hero and know when to ask for help.
Very Simple Ways to Do Your Own Computer Repair
Did you know that you could avoid having that expensive computer repair if you only know how to do simple things to your computer? As some experts say the salvation of your computer is always in your hand, this means that you can always do something so that you would not have to hire someone to do the repair for you. So in order to have your own self repair, just follow these simple maintenance tips.
1. Have the habit of defragging your computer memory. With overtime and regular use of our computers, most of our files and folders that are kept in our computerÕs memory can become fragmented. Since some of the memoryÕs spaces are caught between these files and folders, your computer will experience processing problems. Defragging will arrange your files into proper order and set everything for smoother operation.
2. Deleting unwanted installed program. Most of the times installed programs regardless if they are new or previously installed can slow down your PC if they are already crowding inside your Windows registry. When you open your computer, some of these programs will automatically run because these are programmed that way. With so many programs operating on the background and clogging up your system, this will definitely slow down your computer operation. Check your installed programs for unnecessary files and programs and delete them manually.
3. Always upgrade your memory. If your processor or memory is already obsolete then anything you do about your computer will not speed up your system. If you cannot afford to buy a new PC then go for the upgrading. You can always get your moneyÕs worth as you put extra RAM into your memory.
4. Always clean your Windows registry. This is the part of your computer where you store your information about anything. Anything that you do with your computer takes up its operation into the registry so the registry is more like the nerve center of your PC. Problems happen here when you uninstall a program or delete a folder and then some remains still stay in the registry. When the registry is already full, every operation will take up lots of memory to your computer and what you got is a slow computer.
What is alarming with regards to errors in your registry is that when the already clogged up registry can become infected with malware. When this happens, the condition of your Windows registry will be greatly compromised and this may even affect your operating system. If you happen to lose any part of your operating system, your computer will function abnormally. Try to develop a habit of using scanning tools and windows registry cleaner to maintain the health of your computer and avoid expensive computer repair.
Sometimes by just doing these simple trouble shooting and precautions, people can be able to repair their slow computer and have long lasting and functional computers. Just treat your computer as a very significant tool because actually these are the most functional equipment in our world today.
Must Have Proper Internet Habits to Avoid Computer Repair
With the introduction of the Internet, so much have changed for the better because we can now have access to almost anything and data transfer has never been easier. However, though the Internet has revolutionized everything in our lives it has also become the feeding ground for spyware, malware, adware and viruses that can bring about threats to our personal security. Long ago, there were only few simple viruses on the web that do not pose threats to our computers but today, our network has almost turned into breeding grounds for cyber criminals that release variety of infections and turning our computers into zombies, figuratively speaking.
The latest of these grave infections are the Trojans, which can literally destroy our hard disks, as well as the spyware and adware that can cause our computers to stack up on programs that can download by themselves and making our computers to head out for expensive computer repair. This is why in this day of great depression we have to be very careful not to rely on websites that offer free downloads and freebies. To protect ourselves from being a victim of Internet scams we must avoid web pages that have questionable origin and do not post their website address. In this manner we do not only protect our security but also our precious computers from getting damaged by unsolicited crime. Here are the most common ways on how not to be a victim while using the Internet.
1.) Emails are now part of our everyday lives and this is how we can effectively communicate with people. But do you know that through emails the spread of spyware became easier? Yahoo and GoogleÕs email do now have effective filtering system but sometimes if we do not properly set our emails to filter out spam mails from unknown sources, our emails could be the source of infection for our computers. The best advice is if you do not know the sender of the email, do not open it and delete the email immediately.
2.) Downloading software, movies, mp3s, games, and torrents from websites that do not have proper monitoring services should be avoided. For criminals, websites that offer these freebies are their favorite hangouts. They attach the infections into these freebies so that when you allow the program to settle in your hard disk the infections can work clandestinely inside your computer. The purpose of the criminals is to steal vital information from you which they can use to break into your bank account, SSS account and some of your confidential account and then steal money from you. Adware on the other hand can clog up your windows registry so that pop-up ads appear. Your hard disk can crash when too many programs will invade your system.
As an advice, do not visit websites especially porn sites and game sites that have questionable locations and background. Most developed countries in the world today are not implementing strict guidelines when it comes to hosting websites and these websites are becoming nuisance to many people. If you happen to be browsing along and find some interesting offers, do not click the link immediately but better check the name that is on the link page on Google. If you will be very careful with your browsing, your computer can stay away from computer damage and computer repair because the Internet is the primary source of computer infection and damage. Always have an effective antivirus and firewall ready in your system and always update your antivirus protection.
Do-It-Yourself Computer Repair to Enhance That Slow Computer
Are you already frustrated with your slow computer? Is using your anti-virus program cannot solve this problem? Well, donÕt lose hope because there are still things you can do to avoid the dreaded expensive computer repair and still enjoy the good performance of your computer again. Here are the DIY tips that were provided by the experts themselves to help you deal with slow computer.
1. Cleaning your desktop. If you are the type of computer owner who have the habit of cluttering up your desktop with files and shortcuts of software then expect a slow running computer. Cluttered desktop can make your CPU to run in slow motion because every time you start up your windows, large amounts of memory will be used in trying to handle files and programs that are on your desktop.
To clean and organize your desktop you have to put all your files inside the ÒMy DocumentsÓ folder and then go there whenever you want them. You can also make many folders inside the ÔMy DocumentsÕ folders so that your files will be more organized. In doing this you will have more operating memory to speed up your operating system.
2. Scan and Fix your hard drive and Windows System files. Your windows system is composed of groups of programs that are working together once you run your computer. Your word processors, internet browsing and email services are being handled by the system program files so when these program files are attacked by viruses and become corrupted, this can cause your computer to crawl on its operation. Make it a habit to scan your whole system even once in a week so that you will know when you need to fix your hard drive. If you have diagnostic tools with you, you can also easily pinpoint errors wherever they are.
If your computer still runs slowly after doing these procedures, consider that there maybe other serious problem that is causing your slow system. Sometimes the culprit is an error in your Windows registry. You do not have to call computer repair though with your registry problem. You can download programs that can fix your windows registry and you can download some free trials or registry cleaner to know if your registry is really going bad. However, if you are not satisfied with the registry samples that are being offered because of their limited capabilities you can always purchase the complete package.
Slow computers are usually the result of too many programs that are being kept in your registry so you must delete some of these programs that are deemed unnecessary. You can do these by going to Control Panel and then to Add/Remove button and delete the program from there. After doing this check again the Windows registry and see if some remnants of the deleted programs still remained. If they are still there, you can manually delete these remnants but make sure you will be deleting the files or folders that need to be deleted or otherwise you will be compromising your whole computer system if you accidentally delete files that are part of the operating system.
Resetting Your Computer to Factory Settings
The Most Convenient Way to Avoid Computer Repair
Many people are asking about how to reset their computers to their original settings so that they can avoid computer repair. Actually resetting the computer so that the computer would go back to its original state is very easy although you need more time for the process to complete. This topic will tackle more about why you need to reset your computer settings and how this procedure can make you avoid the costly computer repair.
Here are some of the main reasons for the reset:
1. If there are persistent viruses that are staying in your system and cannot be eliminated even with the most expensive antivirus computer program then resetting your computer to default settings can clean the whole drive and eliminating along the viruses that are hiding there.
2. If your computer is going too slow and it is not running according to your expectations then you can enhance its performance by restoring or resetting your computer into its original state.
3. If ever you are planning to sell your computer, you may also want to reset it to its factory settings so that the buyer can have it with a clean disk space. Your information will also become safer as you will be handing your computer to other person.
Now when resetting your computer, you can simply do it manually. However, this task is more demanding. If you want the easy way then you have to use the CD that came with the computer when you bought it from your vendor.
1. Create a backup with all your important data by burning them on a DVD disk or keeping them on your flash disk. Take note that once resetting has started all the information including the programs you have installed will be eliminated and cannot be restored.
2. Put the CD into the CD drive to begin resetting your computer. Your computer may automatically read the CD and you will be asked if you want to restore the factory settings of your computer.
3. Just click ÔyesÕ and then wait as your computer will reconfigure its system till it restore itself to its original settings. This process can last for few hours so be patient and always check your screen if there are messages or errors. If errors occur you better consult your vendor again for this issue.
Now, if you want to reset your computer manually, that is also possible. For those who have lost their CDs this is the most appropriate way. Here is the simplest way to do it.
1. Create backups for all your files and do what was previously mentioned.
2. Restart the system by pressing F1 many times as the computer is booting up. You can do this when blank screen appears after pressing the start button of your computer. This mode will allow you to go to the settings and to the menu.
3. Once you are in the menu, you can see an option there if you want to reset your computer to its factory settings so choose that option by clicking ÔyesÕ.
4. Resetting manually can also last for few hours so do monitor your screen also while the resetting process is going on.
Some of the latest PCs and laptops today come with reset factory settings button so that users can avoid the expensive task of undergoing computer repair. Once your computer is completely reset, you also have eliminated the programs and errors that are causing problems to your computer and your computer will be like new again.
Computer Repair and Maintenance Your Best Self Help Tips to Avoid Expensive Repairs
As you are using your computer and browsing away from website to website, suddenly it freezes. Then as an inherent instinct you picked up the phone and called a computer repair technician. This behavior is just normal as we know computers are prone to crashes and malfunctions and sometimes without warning they could give up on you. But did you know that a large number of computer problems including computer stalling can be prevented by just doing some simple steps? Here are the five simple things you can do so that you would not need to call the help of an expert as often and avoid unnecessary cost.
1. Rebooting your computer. According to surveys conducted to computer companies, more than half of the calls they get regarding the clientsÕ computer problems can be solved by simply rebooting the computer system. This is because with rebooting, the programs that have been running simultaneously can have smoother pace to run again. With many programs running at the same time, the computer tends to hang and freezes. Another thing is restarting the printer that is connected to the computer. Because printers have their own programs to run and while the computer system is running too many programs, the printerÕs program cannot get through thus the computerÕs operating system will also become stalled.
2. Updating your software. If you are constantly updating your software then your computer is far from having internal problems. You can also improve the performance of your computer and can fix software viruses easily with updated software. Just make sure you always have the latest patches of the antivirus software you are using. For Microsoft Windows and Office, Windows Update is the most appropriate website.
3. Keeping your computer always clean. We are talking the physical cleaning here we have to regularly do to our computers. Dirt and dust can easily build up on our computerÕs fans and motherboards and this can reduce the ability of the computer to cool itself and function properly. With an overheated hardware, failures may result. You can clean these areas regularly using compressed air or a dry soft paintbrush so that you can avoid spending money on computer repair.
4. Always check you connections. When you lost the use of your keyboard and your monitor suddenly died or even when your browsing suddenly freezes then better check all your cableÕs connection. To know if your devices are properly connected, you can shut the machine down and unplug the cables of all your devices. Reconnect everything again and power on.
5. Backing up your data. You must always have a regular plan in backing up your data especially if you are keeping critical data. There are many ways how data can get lost. You may have accidentally erased it, corrupted the data themselves or lost because of computer viruses. We are talking not only files here but also important program files which you need to run your computer smoothly. If you do not know how to have a solid plan to keep in keeping your back up, consult an expert so that you will have enough knowledge in safeguarding your precious information against the disasters not only from the computer errors but from natural disasters such as floods and fires.
Now, if you can keep this 5 simple maintenance tips and follow them religiously, you can have a smooth running computer and you can avoid costly computer repair that is not actually necessary.