This document provides steps for troubleshooting basic computer problems. It begins by having the user rule out common issues like unplugged cords or network vs desktop problems. Then it details steps to troubleshoot hardware like computers not turning on, monitor issues, and mouse/keyboard problems. It also provides solutions for software problems like programs freezing or error messages. Finally, it covers troubleshooting for Windows, Mac, and network issues and provides restart, safe mode, and removal of programs as potential solutions.
2. Step 1
Rule out any Common Causes:
All plugs are connected double check
Determine if it is a desktop problem or a
network problem what were you doing
when it happened?
Turning it on? Using a program? Is it a piece
of hardware that is not working?
3. Hardware Problems
Computer wont turn on
Check all plugs especially power plug
Check any fuses or breakers
Listen to see if you can hear the fan
If no sound is heard and all cords are
plugged in, you will need to take to
computer technician
4. Hardware Problems
Monitor
If monitor does not come on, check all
cords especially power cord and
connection to CPU
See if any indicator lights come on
Turn power button on and off
Take to technician
5. Hardware Problems
Mouse and/or Keyboard
Check all connections!!
Clean mouse if not working properly
Use rubbing alcohol and Q-tip
Clean keyboard if keys are sticking
Can use a spray cleaner or rubbing alcohol
Make sure it is given time to dry
6. Software Problems
Computer starts up (you can hear it
running), but nothing happens or your
receive an error message on the
screen.
You are using a program, such as Word
or Netscape, and it stops working (you
cant move the mouse or click on
7. Step 2
Try to reboot the system to see if that
fixes the problem:
PC users hold down the Ctrl, Alt and
Delete keys and select Shutdown, or close
the program that is having the error.
Mac users hold down the Control, Apple,
and start keys to reboot.
8. Other solutions
Sometimes a software program freezes up or
has an error and you need to close that
program.
Sometimes files need to be removed or
extensions and/or start up files need to be
removed in order for the computer to work.
9. Windows Platform
In the Windows operating system, to
force quit a program, hold down the
Ctrl, Atl, and Delete keys.
A menu will appear that lets you quit the
application you are in and/or restart
your computer.
10. Macintosh Platform
To close or shut down a program in the
Macintosh operating system, hold down
the Apple, Ctrl, Alt, and Esc keys.
This will force quite the program that
was running.
11. Windows Platform
When Windows has problems starting
up, sometimes it will give you the option
of starting in a Safe Mode so that you
can fix a problem without it ruining your
system or losing files.
12. Windows Platform
When windows is in Safe Mode, you can get
assistance with problems in Window 98, use
the Trouble Shooting Wizard under the Help
menu in the Start Menu.
This will allow you to answer some questions
that will evaluate what the problem could be.
13. Windows Platform
In Safe Mode, you can also remove programs
from the start-up that may be causing
problems.
To remove programs from Start up folder by
going to the Start Menu, Settings, Taskbar &
Start Menu. You can click on remove and
then remove a program that appears to be
freezing your computer, then restart to see if
this fixes the problem.
14. Macintosh Platform
In the Macintosh operating system, you may
receive error warnings when the computer is
starting up or your computer may freeze on
the start up process.
You can restart the computer with the
extensions turned off to bypass some of the
start up files to see if this fixes the problem.
15. Macintosh Platform
To turn off extensions hold down the
shift key while restarting the computer.
When extensions are turned off, you
can go to the system folder and then to
the extensions folder and remove any
extension you think might be the
problem.
17. Network Errors
First, make sure that the connection to
the network is tight
Check to make sure light next to
network card is blinking
Reboot your computer
Contact your network administrator
18. Reminder
Computers are not perfect!
They are created by humans you will
have errors and problems
In order to work, the computer must
read millions of code it can happen
that the code is misread and therefore
results in errors.