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Most people require computers to do their jobs. Therefore, we must take care of computers by maintaining them appropriately because they play a significant role in our daily lives.

Identifying computer repair-related concerns early on can be crucial so they don’t become more severe. To successfully troubleshoot a problem, you must first precisely assess the issue. Knowing the root of the issue can help you decide if you can resolve it on your own or whether you need to call a computer technician.

Fixing a computer breakdown at home

When facing a computer breakdown at home, it is important to start by identifying the issue. Begin with basic troubleshooting methods like restarting programs and ensuring proper cable connections. If the problem persists, try alternative solutions such as checking network connectivity, updating or reinstalling applications, and utilizing internet troubleshooters. Keeping a record of tasks performed, noting error messages, and regularly checking cables are good practices. By following these steps, you can often resolve common computer issues and get your system back up and running smoothly.

Common Computer Breakdowns

The majority of issues are software-related. Some are unquestionably hardware issues. Some can be triggered by either one or the other. Here are a few frequent computer issues.

System crashes and freezes

When the screen freezes, the keyboard and mouse cannot be used, and the software activity is unexpectedly obstructed. This cannot be very pleasant.

Causes of system crash

System crashes can result from a variety of factors, which may include:

• Too many open applications.
• The monitor and system unit is overheating.
• Its hard drive has corrupted sectors.
• The RAM’s capacity is insufficient.
• The drivers are either faulty or outdated.
• Your computer is being attacked by malware or viruses.

Viable solutions

• Your system needs some software and hardware resources to run each open application. Running numerous apps simultaneously increases the risk of a computer freezing. Thus, it is best to run one program at a time.
• Cool down the Computer: Maintaining excellent ventilation is crucial because the display, power supply, and Processors produce a lot of heat when working. High screeching and unusual noises during booting are signs of a CPU running at a higher temperature. Utilizing a cooling pad or fan is advised if the device is a laptop.
• Your computer is more likely to crash while running unexpectedly if your hard drive has faulty sectors due to inappropriate use or aging. The hard drive will become stalled or inactive if there are too many faulty sectors because they make retrieving and transferring files to the appropriate area impossible. To check for faulty sectors, make use of disk partitioning software.
• Upgrade your RAM: Your computer may freeze if you don’t have sufficient RAM to operate the apps you are currently running. To fix the problem, you can increase your RAM or update Windows OS.
• Update your drivers: Outdated or malfunctioning drivers may be responsible for your computer freezing up frequently.
• Install or Upgrade Antivirus Software: Installing or upgrading antivirus software can prevent a computer crash brought on by a virus or other malicious Software. To protect yourself from it, you can install trusted security programs like Norton AntiVirus Plus, McAfee AntiVirus Plus, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.

Blue screen of death (BSOD) errors

When a severe system fault causes the computer’s operating system to malfunction and shut down, a warning known as the “blue screen of death” appears on your computer screen. Typically, outdated, damaged, or incorrectly configured hardware, as well as malfunctioning or incompatible Software, cause the blue screen of death. 

A rare BSOD that never occurs again might not be harmful. Routine blue screens, however, might be troublesome and must be repaired.

Causes of BSOD errors

• Damaged, or incorrectly configured hardware
• malfunctioning or incompatible Software
• Outdated or bad device drivers
• Malware and Viruses
• Insufficient memory

Viable solutions

• Keep a record of the error message that appears on the screen.
• Shut down your computer
• Try to find the cause by searching for the error code online.
• Remove all accessories from your computer because USB devices may be the source of the problem.
• Delete newly installed programs
•  Disable drivers
• Scan your computer for viruses
• Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic to determine the RAM’s condition.
• Restart your computer to see if the BSoD returns.

Slow performance and unresponsiveness

If your computer starts to lag, it’s probably because you’re running many applications simultaneously. Processing power usage while running multiple programs at once impacts performance and speed.

Causes of lagging

The following are some typical causes of your computer’s abrupt slowness and unresponsiveness;

• The computer has not rebooted in a long time
• No accessible space on the hard drive
• damaged or broken hard drive
• A virus or malware has attacked the computer.
• Many running background applications
• Overheated computer or processor
• You are using an outdated version of operating systems or other Software.
•  Bad drivers 
• Hardware malfunction

Viable solutions

Your computer’s speed can be improved by lowering the number of open programs or boosting its storage and processor capacity. The steps to repair a sluggish and unresponsive computer are as follows;

• Restart the computer.
• Check for viruses or malware
• Close background apps to view which tasks are active and how much CPU and RAM they are consuming:
  • Open “Task Manager” by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Del.
  • Check what is taking up the most memory in the Process bar.
  • Select those that are unimportant and stop them from functioning in the background.
• Update Windows

Hardware component failures

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts a computer system needs to run. It includes everything connected to a circuit board and works within a computer or laptop, such as the motherboard, GPU card, processor, cooling fans, charger, etc.

Hardware issues

Common hardware issues include:

1. Keyboard problems: The keyboard could have some issues. Sometimes, Keyboards won’t connect to the computer; they might have damaged keys and mix up their letters.
2. Touchpad not working properly: Liquid spills and leaks are another widespread reason why touchpads malfunction. A small gap typically surrounds the touchpad, where liquid can seep, harming the PCB (printed circuit board) beneath.
3. Overheating.
4. Battery not charging or not lasting long: Over time, laptop batteries weaken. It will either begin to run out of power quickly or not charge when plugged in.
5. Static noises from your laptop speaker are a clue that it is malfunctioning.
6. Motherboard failure sign: Some laptop brands, including Dell, display charging light warnings as a motherboard failure indicator.

Causes of Hardware failure

• Extreme Temperature
• humidity
• dust or liquid spills
• Hardware due for replacement 
• Human error 
• cable separation
•  power conditioning

Techniques for Identifying Computer Breakdowns

A number of various things could go wrong with your computer. Troubleshooting will always involve trial and error, regardless of what’s causing the problem.

How Do I Run Software Diagnostic Tests on a Computer?

Windows PC

• On Windows 10, go to “Settings,” click on “Update & Security,” then choose “Troubleshoot.”
• On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
• Select a troubleshooter to address your issue. The options are available for Bluetooth, a keyboard, Windows Update, and internet connections.

MacOS

A built-in program called Disk Utility can analyze file systems, format disks, and solve other issues.

• If your Mac doesn’t start, use Recovery Mode to launch Disk Utility. 
• For older Macs with Intel processors, hold down Cmd + R while the computer is booting, or hold down the Power button on an M1 Mac. 
• Hold the buttons until the Options window or the macOS Recovery screen appears. Then repair

Maintenance Practices to Avoid Future Breakdown

1. Use a protective case: Laptop sleeves, covers, and skins shield your computer from scratches and minor damage and provide cushioning protection.
2. Organize your cables: Cable clips and color-coding cables can be used for wire management. Distinguishing them with color codes and labels while using cable clips to hold cables of different sizes
3.  Update your operating system: Update your operating system to ensure that your computer continues to operate at its peak efficiency.
4. Unplug to prevent overcharging: Excessive charging can result in overcharging, consequently worsening a device’s ability to regenerate power. When your device has reached 100% charge, unplug it. Wait to plug it back in again until the power gets low.
5. Remove junk files and programs from your system: Removing unnecessary apps and outdated garbage files from your system will save up more storage space than you might think. If you let these programs build up, they may slower the system’s performance.
6. Run routine antivirus scans: Malware problems may affect computer performance and expose your private data to unauthorized thieves. Weekly antivirus scans guarantee that no harmful software infections are ever present on your PC.
7. Update your passwords: A strong password protects your data against unauthorized access, which is why it’s a crucial component of computer maintenance.
8. Organize your data: Organize your data for easy accessibility of files.
9. Backup your data: Store a copy of your data on the cloud and external hard drives. Also, make duplicate copies to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to identify and repair a computer breakdown at home

Conclusion

Identifying and fixing computer breakdowns at home is a valuable skill that can help you save time, money, and frustration. In addition, you can successfully diagnose and fix various issues that develop yourself by applying diagnostic procedures and putting into practice effective repair strategies. Even while performing your repairs can be liberating, knowing when to seek out competent computer repair services is critical.