Is it a hardware problem?
Generally speaking, however,hardware problems crop up suddenly and are not random. For example, when the printer breaks, it stops working. That’s a hardware problem. But, if you cannot print when you use Outlook Express though you can print in every other program, that’s a software problem. The printer is being affected [...]
Restarting Windows when the computer mouse is dead but the keyboard is alive
If the mouse pointer is stuck to the screen like some dead bug on a car’s windshield, you have to rely on the keyboard to restart Windows. This task isn’t as hard as it seems (and I suppose I’m saying that because of [...]
Screen Flickers
If your computer’s monitor appears to constantly flicker or blink, its
“refresh rate” is probably too low. Rather than suffer eye strain by
continuing to use your PC under those conditions, you should
increase the refresh rate.
For Windows XP Home/Pro and Windows 2000:
1. Right-click in the empty space on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. A window opens. Click [...]
Monitor Has Poor Image Quality
Poor image quality on your computer’s monitor can be annoying in more ways than one. Not only does it make fine details in photos or
videos difficult to see, but it also causes eye strain. If the images on your monitor look grainy or distorted, try the following:
1. Increase the resolution of [...]
Having a computer that is slow to start up doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with it.The slowness can be caused by important programs that often take a while to load (such as anti-virus software) or by having too many programs on your computer.Your first remedy is to remove any software you no longer [...]
If you attempt to start your computer but nothing happens—no lights, no fan noise, no sounds, nothing—follow these steps:
1. Make sure your computer and your monitor are plugged into a power strip or an electrical outlet.
2. If you are using a power strip, check to see if it is actually plugged into an electrical outlet [...]
Program Won’t Start or Run Properly
If you suddenly discover that one of your programs will not open or run properly, it could be the result of a software con?ict.Occasionally—for some unknown reason—certain programs cannot coexist peacefully on the same computer. In that case, there are some remedies you can try.
Download a Newer Version
Many [...]
Use System Restore When Windows Won’t Start
When your computer is going haywire, System Restore can be a virtual lifesaver. But what if your high-tech troubles are so severe that Windows can’t even start up? In that case, try using the Safe Mode with Command Prompt to access System Restore:
1. After turning on your computer, press [...]
Delete an Undeletable File
Sometimes files can become corrupt, in which case Windows XP prevents you from deleting them and displays an error message that says the files cannot be deleted because they are currently in use.Even if you restart your computer and try to delete the files again,usually you see the same error message.To force [...]
Stop an Unresponsive Program
Occasionally, a program gets caught up and won’t close.When that happens, you can force it to shut down by using the Task Manager, as follows:
1. Simultaneously press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on your keyboard, which opens the Windows Task Manager. (However, if your version of Windows is con?gured differently, pressing [...]
