It's not something we like to think about, but your computer will fail if you keep it long enough. It may be a simple problem, such as the floppy drive not reading the disk to a major system crash.
Because operators run computers, User Error is the most common cause of computer malfunction. When the user is at the computer, they may add or delete specific files. Or they may remove or exchange certain hardware features.
When we look at user error, we must remember that since we're human, the user error may be easy to solve by simply asking the last user if they installed any software,re-configured any software or hardware settings, etc.
Many computer malfunctions are due to environmental factors such as power surges caused by lightning, resulting in overvoltage.
Another cause for failure may be too high or low room temperature, dust, dirt, or sunlight. If you're in business and heavily dependent on your computers, such factors as room temperature, sunlight, and protection against power surges are of the utmost importance and cannot be overlooked.
The most common PC problem is when you can't access your PC at all. When you turn on the power switch, NOTHING HAPPENS.
Here is a quick checklist of troubleshooting procedures you should follow if you encounter this problem. We also have videos you can download from the Internet should you need assistance in just how to perform these procedures:
Try the Power Switch a second or third time. If nothing happens.
Check the wall outlet for power if the outlet has power.
Check the power cord itself from the wall to the computer.
Check the Power Supply inside the System Unit.
Replace the Power Supply rather than trying to repair it.
If the system makes those clicking noises, but the screen is blank, check the Monitor.
If the Monitor proves to be good, check the Video Card, even in a new system.
Another big headache you will most likely encounter if you're a regular user of your computer system is that Windows will fail to load or the system's POST will fail to run. Download the file below to learn much more about the Power On Self Test. Don't forget those preventive maintenance procedures that can be done often to keep your PC running at peak performance.
Running such Windows utilities as Scandisk, Disk Defragment, and Disk Cleanup will help your computer perform at its best. Using a can of compressed air removes dust that could build to the point of causing a short.
If you get the computer to boot, but it does not want to read from the hard drive, the Master Boot Record on the hard drive may be corrupted or even missing. To verify that the master boot record has not been damaged...
Boot from the floppy disk that contains the FDISK program and types the command " fdisk MBR " to restore the master boot record onto your hard drive.
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