Sometimes, our computers just show defaults and become problematic which could leave one confused. These defaults could happen with both the hardware and software. Not that they spoilt completely but got hanged or seized to work for a moment. There are some very common defaults from both the hardware and software that almost every computer user will experience in a gadget’s lifetime. These are kinds of stuff that don’t require replacements or dismantling of your computer. Before you rush down to a computer shop, you can analyze some of the computer problems and solve them immediately. These types of problems are troubleshooting computer problems. Computer troubleshooting is generally a process that makes you realize what the problem source is and the technical solutions to them.
However, you don’t have to think hard before you get to know what’s wrong or how to fix it on your own, that’s why you are. Here are the top 12 very common troubleshooting computer problems and solutions to them that you can solve on your own.
1. Computer Heating up
This is a very common desktop PC troubleshooting problem that is experienced by 70% of general users and up to 90% of hardcore users. It could be mid(which will only be limited to under your computer, or could be very hot(which could even be felt on every part of the computer casing)
Solutions:
The first DIY solution is by opening the PC or CPU case to make sure the fans are running. You can use a tiny brush to clean off the dust particles and make sure the fan is plugged properly.
Another easy way you can fix this is by tuning up heat sinks and applying a thermal paste. To prevent this from happening, always give your PC proper heat exhaustion means. This is done by avoiding the pc in an enclosed space when operating. Also, you should always have a cleaning routine (to stop dust accumulations) and place your pc at an elevated level and not directly on your table. This will allow external and internal air to circulate over your hardware.
2. Faulty USB Port
A troubleshooting computer problems where the USB not working or being unable to connect with an external device happens often. It could be two ways, it could either be your connection cord, or the USB port, so you first try the cord with another device to know where the problem is. If it works on another port, then the USB port might be selective to cords or faulty.
Solutions
Open device manager in windows, right-click your mouse (or trackpad), then from the options, select “scan for hardware changes.” Then scroll down and expand the “universal serial bus controller” option and uninstall all the USB controllers under this option.
Clean your USB port, this could be done with a cotton bud to fit the tiny port space.
3. PC too slow
A slow PC could be a result of many things (which we’ve discussed fully in our slow PC solution post). The reason which is a more frequent and common troubleshooting cause is due to too many apps and programs running (filling up the RAM storage). Also, if you use an HDD storage type, and it’s getting close to being filled up, it could result in a slow response of your computer.
Solution
The simplest solution to this by going to your task manager settings and stop stopping running apps that are making too much use of your CPU. If you don’t use any of these apps, it’s best you uninstall them. For storage type HDD, delete as many as possible files you are not using, or any duplicate programs or files. You can also go to your computer file manager and delete the Temp folders (which can be found under the “windows” file option).
4. Blue Screen
Commonly known as the blue screen of death, for first-time experience, it could be scary. The blue screen of death (BDS) can be brought on by poorly designed device drivers or broken hardware, such as defective memory, a bad power supply, overheated parts, or operating hardware past its design specifications. Incompatible DLLs or flaws in the operating system kernel might potentially result in BSDs in the Windows 9x period.
Solutions
If you recently installed new software or hardware, updated a driver, or installed a Windows update that caused this, kindly roll back the device driver or use the Windows restore mechanism to reverse them. If you didn’t engage in any updates before the bluescreen, you can update your Windows OS and hardware drivers. Additionally, you may run a virus or malware scan on your computer to find and delete them and free up space on your hard drive. You can also check the system and application logs in the event viewer for problems or warnings that could offer further hints as to the BSD’s root cause.
5. Computers Won’t Turn on
You could be in a situation where you happy switch off your PC then boom, it doesn’t turn on. Don’t panic, this could be due to the external devices you plugged in. Also, it could be due to not getting enough power from the power source or battery defaults. You can remove the battery and then plug in your computer to power, if it switches on, then the battery might be faulty but still put it back and check if it will switch on.
Solutions
Unplug every external device plugged into your computer or PC, either modem, USB, or external cord then try and switch it on.
Plug in your computer onto a direct power source and not an extension and make sure there’s power flowing through. If you are using a standard charger, then you can try again after 15mins to switch it on.
In case none of these works, then you’ll need to do a bit of opening up. These include checking your motherboard, capacitors, and CPU chips. Don’t do this if you are not an expert, you can call a computer repair technician near you.
6. Desktop keeps restarting
This is the kind of troubleshooting problem you encounter when your system gets too overheated or overworked. Also could happen due to a low power supply, or low charging rate by your charger. This situation will get it into a loop and keep it restarting till it balances off.
Solutions
Go to your control panel, then click on “systems” then select “advanced system settings.” Under the startup and recovery option, click on settings and uncheck the “automatically restart” option. To prevent this, always clean your computer component and let air circulate over the system.
7. Frozen Computer troubleshooting
Frozen computer problems troubleshooting. Your computer may freeze as a result of factors such as CPU-intensive programs, a lack of hard disk space, CPU overheating, an outdated operating system, driver problems, or hardware problems.
Solutions
The best way to get this solved is by updating your device driver. This can be done from your PC device manager settings. Also, check your power supply, and in fact, it’s best to use a well-regulated power supply when charging your PC, it solves most of these problems. If all these seem not to work, then your OS might need an update or re-installing.
8. Keyboard not working
Without spilling liquid on or breaking your computer, the keyboard might still seize to work such problems are usually caused by Sometimes materials like hair and dust that can make a keyboard inoperable. Clean your keyboard as thoroughly as you can; this could be sufficient to restore functionality.
Solutions
Open device manager, go to the keyboard option, select “HD keyboard server” then update the driver. Then on the open, the run box, type in “CONTROL” which will get you to the control panel, and select “ease of access” click on “change how your keyboard works.” When doing this, make sure you’ve turned the “filter key” options off.
9. Programs not responding
Numerous issues may be to blame when Windows software stops working, freezes, or otherwise becomes unresponsive. Windows programs may become unresponsive for a variety of reasons, such as a clash between the program and the computer’s hardware, a shortage of system resources, or software defects.
Solutions
Open settings, updates and make sure and make sure all updates are installed. You can also solve this by going to the properties of your disk files and starting defragmentation. Increase virtual memory; Go to System and Security > System in the Control Panel. To access your System Properties, click Advanced System Settings. The Advanced tab is now active. Go to Performance and choose Settings. Activate the Advanced tab. Select Change from the Virtual memory menu.
10. Browsers not working
Sometimes, some of your browsers might just stop working, and it’s not your network connection’s fault. This mostly happens with Microsoft edge and few times, chrome browser. Might be due to the cache or browser version being outdated.
Solution
To solve these troubleshooting computer problems; Clear the cache data of your browsers or update your browser to a new version. This also applies if the browser is not responding well, is too slow, or closing itself.
11. Computer Shut down or Restart issues
The main cause of Windows not shutting down regularly is the Hybrid Shutdown feature, which was introduced in Windows 8 and later. On the majority of laptops and some desktops, it is turned on by default. Startup and shutdown issues might also be brought on by faulty CMOS and BIOS settings.
Solutions
Use the command prompt and type in “shutdown/s/t/0” and enter, this will automatically shut down your system. To solve the issue, when restarting, run a computer recovery program. F8 must be pressed in order for the Windows logo to show. If the Windows logo displays, you should restart your computer and try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt comes.
12. Internet not working
Also one of the most common troubleshooting computer problems where you’ve tried every possible on/off means to adjust internet connectivity.
To solve this
Open the registry center from settings or directly type “Regedit” in your search bar to navigate the center. In the registry center, click on the “HKEY local machine” then select system >> current control set >> services>>NlaSvc >>parameters >> internet. When you get to the internet tab, right-click on “enable active probing” select modify and edit the value data from 0 to 1 then save your edit. Now restart your computer, and once it’s back on, go to device manager and click on network adaptors, then right-click on “Intel® ethernet” then uninstall devices (uncheck the “delete the driver” option as we still need the driver). Once you uninstall, restart your pc and the driver will automatically refresh the drivers.
