Computer repair tips

Most of us hardly know anything about the configuration of our computers. Whenever there is a problem we simply rush to the repair mechanic and have our motherboards ripped apart while we still have no clue what went wrong with the system. Running to the computer mechanic every time can be quite expensive so we are discussing here some of the tips for not-so-big problems.

# Power failure: - If there is a power failure then these tips may be useful , but a warning—don’t try to act like a professional and ensure that you are totally safe from shocks and short circuits.

   1. Make sure the 1/0 switch at the rear of the power supply is in 1 position.

   2. Unplug the power supply at the back of PC and press power button on the front unit. Now plug the supply back to see if it works.

   3. You can also clean the power supply unit with a vacuum cleaner if it is dusty around that area. Power supply may be disrupted due to some debris in the power unit.

   4. You need a digital volt meter to check if your power outlet is live. Unplug the power supply cord and plug in something else like a lamp to ensure it.

   5. Try plugging the cord directly into the wall instead of strips.

   6. Check and make sure that you have correct voltage for your computer. Unplug the computer and select the proper voltage according to your country.

   7. If the problem still persists then you may need to go inside the case and confirm the thin wires running from the front power and reset switches are connected to motherboard.

   8. The power supply indicator LED should be stable and not flashing.

# CPU problems:- We have discussed here some of the common CPU problems.

   1. Basically most of the CPU problems are related to cables and connections.

   2. Ensure that microprocessor, memory modules and adapters such as video card are inserted correctly and don’t pop up due to vibration.

   3. If your system cannot boot from hard desk drive and can boot from floppy disk drive then you should check cable running from disk to disk controlling on the board. Ensure that both ends are plugged in then check drive type in standard CMOS set up.

   4. If there is an error reading drive A: then try new floppy disk.

   5. In case of a C: drive failure, boot from drive A: using DOS system disk. Input correct information into SET UP PROGRAMS.

   6. If Keyboard doesn’t works or certain keys are jammed then go for a new keyboard.

# Monitor problems:-

   1. If there is no color on the screen then connect monitor to another panel if possible. If there is still no color then replace the monitor.

   2. If there is no picture on the monitor then check if the signal cable is properly connected to socket. Also check if the power is ON. Check if the brightness control is proper.

   3. If the screen is shaking then move away all the objects emitting a magnetic field. Check the voltage.

# Modem problems: -

   1. If your modem does not auto answers then your SO is set at 0.IN this case the modem will not answer. Assign another value like SO==n where n is the no. of rings to occur before the call is answered.

   2. Modem always answers the phone : Set the SO register to 0. That will be ATSO=0.

   3. If there is no dial tone then check the phone cable is firmly seated to the phone socket at your phone jack in the rear panel of modem.

Here are some of the basic guidelines to be followed for your computer maintenance:

   1. Prevent damage to portable and notebook computers by avoiding them moving while the hard disk is still on.

   2. Keep your computer out of direct sunlight.

   3. If your hard drive is over four years old then you should back up your data as life expectancy of drives made four years ago means 50% of them have started to deteriorate.

These are just the tips and remember always that you are not a professional so always keep your safety in mind while repairing computers and if your problem is not tacked then it is better to go for a professional help.