When your computer is acting up, it's helpful to know how to solve the problem yourself. That way, you don't have to take it to a computer repair shop for every problem that arises. There are a variety of things that can happen to your computer, but in most cases you can track down and fix the problem yourself.
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Method 1 of 6: General Fixes
Step 1. Shut down and restart your computer
This may seem like a simple piece of advice, but it could fix a lot of the problems you're having. Press the Power button or use the Shut Down command to safely shut down the computer. If the computer is not responding, press the Power button and do not release it for five seconds to force the computer to shut down.
Leave your computer for about thirty seconds before you turn it back on
Step 2. Try to find the cause of the problem you are having
Remember when the computer started having problems. Was there a new program installed, or a change to the hardware? Have any suspicious programs been downloaded, or installed in a package with other programs? Was there a blackout problem and now your computer is not working properly? Narrowing down the possible causes of the problem will make it much easier for you to determine what to do next.
Step 3. Check all the cables
A loose power cord can prevent your computer from turning on. A bad current protector can also be the source of the problem. Also, your keyboard or mouse may be detached from the socket. Your monitor cable could also be loose. Check all these connections, you just need a little time to do it anyway.
Step 4. Do a Google search for the problem you are experiencing
There are so many issues that your computer may be experiencing. Programs, operating system, hardware, or network settings could be problematic. While this article isn't likely to cover all the potential problems, at least it's possible that someone else has encountered the problem you're experiencing. Searching Google for a solution is often the quickest way to get your computer working again.
- Do a specific search. Type the name of your program and operating system. Look for the error message you get, as well as the code. Focus on keywords that describe your problem. Try to narrow down the search space to match your situation as much as possible.
- Focus on tech forums when browsing search results. You will often find the most comprehensive and useful guides and suggestions from these sites.
Step 5. Install all available updates
Updating programs, operating systems, and hardware drivers can help resolve the problem you're having. The update process varies depending on what you are trying to update.
- Click here for instructions on how to install updates on Windows.
- Look for instructions for tips on installing updates on your Mac.
- Click here to find out how to update hardware drivers. This is especially useful if you are experiencing screen or network display problems.
Method 2 of 6: Speed Up Slow Computer
Step 1. Avoid downloading all the programs that claim to speed up your computer
Almost all programs like this are scams or will become vehicles for adware programs. You can increase the speed of your computer yourself without the help of these programs.
Step 2. Close all programs that you are not using
The more programs running on your computer, the slower the process. Your operating system will usually also load some background programs when it starts working.
- On Windows, many programs that run as background programs will display their icon in the System Tray section. Right-click on these icons to close the program.
- Make sure you save all work before closing a program.
Step 3. Force close background or unresponsive programs
The only way to close these programs is to force a shutdown. There are several ways to do it:
- Windows - Press Alt+F4 to force close an active program. If Alt+F4 doesn't work, press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc to open a list of all running programs. Select the program you want to force close and click End task.
- Mac - Press Cmd+⌥ Opt+Esc to open a list of running programs. Select the program you want to force close and click Force Quit. You can also press Cmd+⌥ Opt+⇧ Shift+Esc for three seconds to force close an active program.
Step 4. Reduce the number of programs that load when the computer starts up
Many programs have a setting to run automatically when your operating system starts up. When this happens, the computer startup process can take up a lot of time. Removing programs you don't use from your load list while your computer is on will help reduce the time it takes your computer to be ready for use. It will also reduce the general load when you use the computer.
Learn tips about disabling programs that run when the computer is on
Step 5. Free up some space on your hard disk
To keep your operating system running efficiently, make sure that at least 15-20% of the total storage capacity on your hard disk is free. This allows the system to write temporary files so that it can operate more smoothly.
- One of the fastest ways to free up space is to sort the Downloads folder and delete anything you no longer need. This includes installer programs, downloaded music and videos, and large documents.
- Removing programs you no longer use can also free up a lot of space. This is especially effective with some video games, which can take up as much as 30 GB or more of space. To find out how to remove programs on Windows, click here and for Mac, click here.
- The Disk Cleanup tool in Windows will scan for files that you no longer use. This file, if deleted, can free up a lot of storage space. Learn how to use Disk Cleanup.
Step 6. Monitor the temperature of your computer
If the components on your computer overheat, their performance may slow down to prevent damage. Use free tools like SpeedFan to make sure your computer's hardware temperature is within the allowable range.
Click here for tips on monitoring computer temperature and lowering it if it gets too high
Step 7. Perform a virus and malware scan
Step 8. Turn off extra visual effects (in Windows Vista and Windows 7)
If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, the Aero desktop effect might slow down your computer. Disabling these effects is highly recommended for older computers, and can greatly improve performance.
Learn tips on how to disable Aero in Windows Vista and Windows 7
Step 9. Reinstall your operating system
Often times, the easiest way to speed up your computer is to wipe everything and start over. Reinstalling your operating system usually takes no more than an hour. This will completely erase all data on your hard drive, and will often make your computer operate as if it were in bad shape. See the articles below to learn details about reinstalling a specific OS:
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows Vista
- OS X
- Windows XP
- Ubuntu Linux
Method 3 of 6: Troubleshooting Network Problems
Step 1. Restart your computer
As with most computer problems, restarting your computer can help fix any network issues you're having. Make sure you save all open files before restarting your computer.
Step 2. Reset your network hardware
There is a high chance that a hardware reset could fix the problem. This is especially effective if previously the computer was running smoothly and now it is not.
- Locate the modem and router (if you have one) and unplug the power cord from the back of both devices.
- Wait at least thirty seconds, then plug the modem's power cable back in.
- Wait until the modem is fully powered on and connected. You may have to wait a minute or longer.
- Replug the power cable for the router once the modem is connected. You should be able to reconnect to the network once the router is fully powered on.
Step 3. Clear your DNS cache if some sites are not loading
There might be a problem with your DNS cache if certain sites won't load. The DNS cache stores the hostnames of the sites you visit. If this part of the cache is corrupted or not up to date, you may not be able to connect to certain sites.
Click here to find out how to clear the DNS cache on any computer. You only need a minute or two to do this
Step 4. Change the channel of your wireless network if you are in a crowded area
If you live in an apartment complex or dormitory, dozens of wireless networks may be detected. This causes interference and poor connection. Changing the channel of your wireless network can help with this.
Look for a guide on how to determine the best channel to connect to your network
Step 5. Contact your internet service provider
There may be a service problem or a hardware problem with your modem. Contact your internet service provider's technical services if you've tried resetting everything yourself but to no avail.
Method 4 of 6: Get Rid of Pop-Ups and Toolbars
Step 1. Remove all unknown programs
You may have accidentally installed adware along with other programs downloaded from the internet. The main symptom of having this program installed is a lot of pop-ups when you surf the internet, or your search results will be redirected. These steps will help remove most adware, although you may have to find a solution for the specific infection you are experiencing.
To find out how to remove programs on Windows, click here, and for Mac, click here. Remove any programs on the list that you don't remember installing, or that seem suspicious. Google the name if you're not sure
Step 2. Run an anti-adware scan
These programs are designed to find and remove adware from your computer. These programs operate differently than antivirus programs, and can detect many things that antivirus programs cannot. Download, install and run each of these programs to get rid of adware on your computer.
- AdwCleaner - general-changelog-team.fr/en/tools/15-adwcleaner
- Malwarebytes Antimalware - malwarebytes.org
- HitmanPro - surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro
Step 3. Reset internet browser
Most adware attacks internet browsers to install intruder toolbars, change home pages, and redirect search results. Resetting the browser will remove all programs installed on it.
- Look for instructions on resetting Internet Explorer.
- Click here to find out how to reset Chrome.
- Look for instructions on resetting Firefox.
- Look for instructions on resetting Safari.
Step 4. Look for guidance on the specific infection you are experiencing
The steps above are general adware removal steps, but many infections require a few extra steps, such as resetting the hosts file or correcting browser shortcuts. Search online for the specific type of infection you're dealing with (you can usually tell the name by looking at the search engine your search redirects to). wikiHow also has many articles created to deal with specific adware infections.
Method 5 of 6: Testing and Replacing Hardware
Step 1. Run an error check on your hard drive
Errors on this disk can cause the computer to slow down, corrupt files, or prevent you from loading programs/operating systems. Windows and Mac have tools that can find and correct several types of errors. If your hard disk is not working, you will need to replace it.
- Click here for tips on running the chkdsk function on Windows to find and fix disk errors.
- Look for tips on how to use Disk Utility on OS X.
- Click here for tips on installing a new hard drive.
Step 2. Test your computer's RAM (memory) for errors
If your computer doesn't start up properly or crashes frequently, there may be a problem with one or more of its memory modules. This memory module cannot be repaired if it is damaged. Fortunately, memory is one of the cheapest components in a computer and is easy to replace.
- Click here to learn how to run MemTest on Windows to look for errors in your computer's memory.
- To test the memory on a Mac, restart the computer and press D while the computer is running. This will start the testing process.
- Click here to find out how to replace a faulty RAM module.
Step 3. Perform a test of your computer's power supply
The power supply is the part that absorbs power from the wall and then sends it to every component of the computer. If this power supply is damaged, the computer may crash or not turn on at all. If your hardware is absorbing more power than your power supply can provide, the computer could crash while working hard.
- Find a guide on how to test your power supply.
- Click here for tips on how to replace a damaged part of the power supply.
Step 4. Test your graphics card with a different monitor if nothing appears on your monitor
If you're having problems with the picture, it's usually because your graphics card or monitor has a problem. Install a new monitor on your computer. If the image can be displayed on the new monitor, it means that your old monitor is faulty. If the image does not appear on the new monitor, there is a problem with your graphics card.
Click here to find out how to replace the graphics card
Method 6 of 6: Troubleshooting a Noisy Computer
Step 1. Clean the inside of the computer
The main cause of a noisy computer is the accumulation of dust inside the computer. Cleaning your computer will help lower its temperature and sound to a minimum. Clean the inside of your computer every six months. Clean more often if you have pets or smoke.
Click here to find out how to clean your computer. Make sure you focus on the fan, which is usually the source of the sound
Step 2. Replace your fan case
The fan inside the computer will keep it cool, but it is also a major source of sound. Replacing the fan with a bigger, more efficient one can keep your computer quieter and cooler.
Look for tips on how to install the fan
Step 3. Replace the cooling component on your CPU
One of the noisiest fans in a computer is the CPU fan. This is because the CPU is usually the hottest component, so the CPU fan is often running at max speed. Replacing the CPU fan with a more efficient one can reduce noise from your computer.
