Computers will stop working for various reasons, and usually at very inopportune times. The usual action, in most offices is to call the IT person. He will come in, usually turn the computer off, wait a minute or two. More times than not, the computer will then work as it should.
However, there are instances where the computer will stop working properly, and the repair process can be relatively easy. Some repairs require a little more daring than others, but none of the following are beyond the ability of the average person who knows the major parts of the computer and some of the internal workings.
Thus here are the ten of the problems you might run into and the solutions for each.
1. The computer will not start.
It the start of the day, you push the start button on the computer, and nothing happens. There are several possibilities. First, check to make sure the computer is plugged in the proper electrical outlet. It could have been knocked lose by the cleaning crew. If plugged into a power strip, make sure the power button is in the own position.
2. The computer will not start, and all cables have been checked.
First, you check the power cable from the back of the computer and make sure it securely plugged in and has not been damaged. That is an unlikely, but could happen. The next step is a little more drastic.
The power supply inside the computer may not be working. Some companies may have a spare, but most will not. You would need to change that out. It is not really hard. Unplug the power cable. Remove the access panel, find the power supply, and unplug the internal cable connected to it.
Remove the holding screws or clamp. Replace with new power supply. Plug in the internal cable. Put the cover back on, plug in the power cable to the back of the computer and press the start button. If the computer does not start, there is a bigger problem that needs the attention of a trained person.
3. The computer will not talk to the company network.
Often rebooting the computer will solve this problem. If that doesn’t fix it, check to see if other people are having similar problems. If they are, you just have to wait until the network is back up. If the problem is only your computer, then you will have to check with the network technician to make certain all the settings are correct. This can be handled over the telephone.
4. The CD driver or combination CD/DVD drive is not working.
These things break down and have to be replaced. Again, turn the computer off. Remove the access panel. Locate the faulty drive. It will have a large data cable attached to it and a smaller power cable. Assuming you have the extra drivers in stock, the whole process should take no more than 15 minutes. You insert the new drive, using whatever method that the computer utilizes to hold the drive in place, reattach the cables, replace the access panel, and you should be ready to go.
5. Your computer is not handling data as fast as you like.
This could be a problem with the hard drive, but it probably because you do not have enough ram. Usually, extra ram is not kept on site. You have to convince your boss that you need more.
It is best to consult the computer manufacturer to determine how much ram your machine can handle. Convince your boss you need it and purchase it over the phone. You should have it in a couple of days. Unplug all the cables from the computer. Lay it on its side and locate the ram. Normally, there are four slots. All four slots may not be filled. There are usually small leavers on each end of the four slots. You lift them up to remove the existing ram. Once the old ram has been pushed up, just take it out. Then put the new ram in place. There will be slots on the ram that need to match up slots where the old ram was located.
After placing the new ram in position, you need to use both hands, one on each end, to push the ram into the slot. The two levers on the ends will then move into position. You need to do this for every slot you are going to use for the new ram. Replace the access cover, plug all the cables in and see how fast it boots up and to test it, download a picture from the Internet to judge the speed.
6. The time on your computer clock is 20 minutes slow.
This is not an immediately serious problem, but it can cause problems if the computer starts dating incorrectly the papers you. This problem may show up in older computers. The solution is not hard, but just a little involved. If possible, contact the computer manufacturer and order the battery that was used in your computer. You might need the serial number, which could be anywhere on the computer. The company representative can find it. The battery will resemble the type of batteries used in watches.
Once the replacement arrives, you go through the same steps of unplugging the computer, removing the access panel and laying the computer on its side. The battery is usually silver in color and will be on the motherboard. However, it could be anywhere on the motherboard.
Usually, they are easy to find. If you cannot find it, call the manufacturer. They can direct you. You need a thin blade to pop the battery out. A nail file will work, as will a small pocket knife. Do not try to use a pair of scissors. The battery is thin and usually has a lip or small notch on the top side. Find the lip or notch and use your blade to pop it out. Place the new battery in the same place and push it into position with your thumb.
7. You get warnings on your screen that your computer has been attacked by a virus that will destroy all your data.
You are told that your only chance is to purchase the virus software identified below for $29.95, and your computer will be restored. It is a hoax. Viruses do not warn you to know they are approaching. Some companies will sell software that will install what appears to be a virus and then remove it for you.
Do not do it. Save your work. Turn your computer off. Disconnect the cable that goes to the data port in the back of the computer. Go have a cup of coffee. Come back, plug in the cable and turn on your computer. The alleged virus should be gone. If not, depending how your office is set up, you can use the legitimate anti-virus software on your computer and inform the IT person to have him confirm what you are about to do.
Furthermore, you will have similar problems with ad ware and pop-up ads. Most browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Bing, Yahoo and others have various settings to block such things. Block everything. You will not be missing anything.
8. Maintain your computer.
This is not really a repair, but it can lead to one. There are several tools in Windows and the most legitimate anti-virus software that will search your hard drive for questionable code or the present of some type of virus. You should run these checks frequently and report any findings to the appropriate person in your office, so he or she can make everybody aware.
9. Be careful what you save on your office computer.
Use your computer for business purposes only. A perfectly harmless letter written on your lunch hour can end up on the company computer server and soon most everyone can see it, comment on it and pass it around, if the letter is interesting. Your office computer is for office work and not personal correspondence, bill paying or other similar activities.
10. Suddenly, your computer is acting sluggish, and you are getting strange messages, and you do not know why.
Chances are you are using one of the countless social media sites. Even though they are Internet sites, they leave short links of code on your computer. There is a solution, and this solution should be used frequently for many reasons.
Use Windows software to restore your computer to a prior configuration without affecting anything you created in Word, Excel, Open Office, Photoshop, etc. In Windows 7, it is in the index you get when you click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen. Look for maintenance and then back up.
Most people do not do this, but pick a day of the week when your computer is running well, go to the backup and restore program and mark the date on the provided calendar. Then if your computer acts strangely, and you suspect malware, a virus or something else, you can go to the restore program, and it will return your computer to the configuration that previously existed by using the day you had marked.
If everything is now working properly, go back to the program and pick a new date—such as the day, you use the program to fix the problem. Make this a weekly habit. Set a designated restore day. Do not set one day and expect it to work six months later. It will not. There will have been too many Windows updates, programs installed and uninstalled and event the most legitimate programs that the old restore date will not recognize. If there is a major update of your system, set a new restore date. It can be a life saver or at least a job saver in the future.