PC Troubleshooting – One Weird Keyboard Problem

One Weird Keyboard Problem – Troubleshooting

By John R Smith

Three days ago, after Tom adjusted some keyboard settings, he met a weird problem: the “NUM” light was in green all the time, but he was unable to input any key on the screen, this problem went on after he restarted his computer. Then he turned to me.

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Three of the Most Common Computer Problems

3 of the Most Common Computer Problems
…and What to Do About Them

With computers being such an integral part of our day-to-day lives, it’s little surprise that computer problems can quickly turn our worlds upside down.  Having a computer that won’t turn on, one that’s unbelievably slow or one that is acting plain weird can be a frustrating yet all-too-common experience. Thankfully, with a little effort on your part and access to an expert computer support team, the most common computer problems can be resolved quickly and efficiently.

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Computer Maintenance Fast Fixes – How to Stop Computer Problems in Your Office Before They Start

Review: Support.com Online Tech Support Service

Support.com – “Instant Technology Relief for Computer Problems”

Format: Technical Support Service
Delivery: Remote Connection and Phone
Publisher: SupportSoft
Order now for: $19.99*/mos**

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Review: Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 2

Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 2: Home & Small Office Networking

Author: Rich Pryor
Format: PDF
Pages: 60+
Delivery: Download only
Publisher: Hana Bound LLC
Publication Date: 2009
Order now for: Part of 3 Volume Package: $37.00**

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Review: Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 1

Computer Secrets Unleashed! Volume 1: PC Tips and Tricks

Author: Rich Pryor
Format: PDF
Pages: 30+
Delivery: Download only
Publisher: Hana Bound LLC
Publication Date: 2009
Order now for: 3 Volume Package: $37.00**
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Ten Fast Fixes for “Slow Computers” that really work

One the most dreaded questions a PC tech hears is, “How do I fix my slow PC?” You start to explain various fixes but then the client shakes his head and says, “No…I’m not doing all that…what software do I buy?” Read the rest of this entry »

Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 8: Test, Test And Then Test Some More

Before you close the case and throw away the receipt, power up and test everything!

Ok, you have reinstalled or replaced the defective part. Now you should test it. And test it and test it. Turn your machine on and off several times. Testing keeps down the frustration levels.

Go online and poke about for a while. Open the word processor and write a letter. This is the time to run any diagnostic programs you may have. Make certain things are running smoothly before you put the case back on and put the whole thing back under your desk.

Don’t lose your mind if something is still flaky. Just go back to step 2 – go take a break! Simply walk away, clear your head and start over. Start with the simple and obvious.

Did I tell you how frustrating it was when after having spent over an hour working to replace my modem; I accidentally loosened the power cable on the monitor?

So, I when I got everything repaired and turned on the computer all I got was a “BLANK SCREEN” followed by a major hissy fit until I figured out what was wrong. Trust me when I say to test, test and retest.

Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 7: Reinstall, Reconfigure or Replace

The only three things you ever have to do to repair any computer…

Now that you have a good idea of which part has gone bad, you may begin the decision-making process of whether or not to reinstall/reconfigure your software (and any accompanying device driver software) or to replace a failing hardware component.

But before you do you need to understand that computer problems especially hardware failures come in two flavors:

1) It never really worked…

The “It has never worked” problem most often crops up when installing new hardware or software in older computers. Or you try installing non-standard components (putting your very old parts or very cheap parts into a new machine). Or you attempt to put your brother’s copy of Windows XP on a PC that originally came with Windows 95. Hmm… When you mix “cutting edge” technology with an older, slower operating system or device drivers, you often create a troublesome “it has never worked” problem as a result.

For example, some older BIOS/motherboards simply can’t handle the huge 100+ gigabyte hard drives available today. Putting one of these babies in your ancient computer would be like trying to put a V-8 Hemi motor inside a Mini Cooper.

Interesting but not very practical (and yes I saw the “You Tube” video.)

Your best bet is to simply remove the offending component or software and reinstall it with something compatible. You may also have to uninstall or reconfigure any device driver software that works with this part. Double check your system requirements to make sure the part will work with your operating system and your machine. Or, bite the bullet and get a completely new system.

2) It stopped working…

The “it has stopped working” issue can occur through ordinary wear-and-tear, a change in an industry standard or software. For example, when my local telephone company upgraded their services, overnight my old modem couldn’t “connect” to anything!

I had to buy a new modem just to get back online. I reinstalled the driver software which bought me another six months but in the end I had to get a “new” modem when my old one was still working.

Or “it has stopped working” can also be a result of a “glitch” or a “bug” from new software patches, updates or upgrades…

“A computer glitch is the failure of a system, usually containing a computing device, to complete its functions or to perform them properly”.

“A software bug (or just “bug”) is an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer program that prevents it from behaving as intended (e.g., producing an incorrect result). Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors made by people in either a program’s source code or its design…”

According to computer folklore the first “bug” was an actual dead moth trapped inside the Mark II (an early room-size mainframe computer) in 1945, which crashed the entire machine.

Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 6: Learn how to troubleshoot

Okay, you’ve checked the simple stuff and now you know for sure something is “bad broke”. Here’s what to do to next. There are two ways of diagnosing computer problems:

METHOD #1 – TROUBLESHOOTING TO THE “BAREBONES”

This method, while not the quickest way to identify defective hardware parts is the most basic and the most foolproof.

A “Barebones” is a computer that has been stripped down to the minimum items needed to boot up (power supply unit, memory, video card and motherboard + CPU). No, you really don’t need the metal/plastic computer case. I have run a barebones computer setup sitting on a cardboard box!

METHOD #2 – TROUBLESHOOTING WITH FLOWCHARTS

With this method, you can just follow the diagrams and let them lead you to the correct answer. This method is very quick, very straightforward and requires the least amount of time messing around in the computer case.

It also one of the only ways a home computer user can analyze a defective laptop! Flowcharts can also be used determine software problems as well.

You can download a free special report that details both the “barebones” and flowchart methods here