Hardware Issues
There are NO lights on the computer box itself
Check the power. Plug the computer directly into the wall outlet bypassing the surge protector temporarily. Sometimes the Surge device can develop a bad socket. If you still get no power, make sure the connection to the computer is good. Check the Voltage switch on the back of the power supply to make sure it is set to 115 and not 230. If still no power, the most likely problem is a bad power supply.
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The computer comes (hear noise or see lights) on but no picture on the Screen
Did you hear a BEEP when it started? Most computers will beep once to indicate there are not problems (Compaq is an exception). If there was not beep this is called a POST (Power On Self Test) failure. This type of problem means there is some hardware (mainboard, memory, processor) most likely that is bad. If you know your way around inside a computer, remove all the cards (EXCEPT Video) from the mainboard and see if this corrects the problem. If it does, replace each card one at a time to find the bad one. If this solution fails, then unplug EVERYTHING from the mainboard (EXCEPT Video Card) and try to power on again.
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The Computer BEEPS more than once
This is a POST failure. Usually several beeps sometimes separated by a pause means memory or video card problems.
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The Floppy Drive light stays on
The floppy drive ribbon cable is connected in reverse.
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The Computer makes a CLANK like noise or POPING / CLICKING noise
STOP. Your data may be at risk. This can be a bad hard drive.
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The computer Boots very slow (over 5 minutes)
A bad hard drive can cause this or a corrupt installation of Windows.
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A noise like a FAN is loud
Either the CPU fan or the fan in the Power supply is going bad. The defective parts should be replaced soon to avoid overheat or failure which could result in more expensive repair.
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The computer comes on then powers off
A bad power supply can cause this or a lose connection. Check power connections. If the event occurs within a few seconds of powering on then the system has likely detected a bad part and is powering off to avoid damage. Consider checking the CPU fan
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CDROM will not READ a disk
Within Windows, try another CD. If is read successfully, then the original CD must be defective. If it will not read the CD but the Light on the CDROM drive blinks then the CD rom drive could be bad. Try the same test at DOS to see if it will work. This is a sure test to eliminate Windows as being the problem.
If it works in DOS, then check DEVICE MANAGER in Windows to see if the Hard Drive Controller has a yellow flag on it or a RED X on it. Also verify you see CDROM drive as the first listed item in the hardware list.
If the problem is the Windows software, the only way to fix the error is to edit the registry. Follow Microsoft directions by clicking HERE or
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CDROM Drive door will not open
The drive could have become defective. Make sure the power connector to the drive in the computer is connected properly. Replace the drive or
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Computer locks up and Forced reboot is required
This is typically a software problem but if you recently installed a new hardware device remove it to see if the problem is corrected. Boot to SAFE MODE and see if the problem is resolved. If this works then the problem is software. Uninstall whatever you recently installed.
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Computer locks up and a BLUE SCREEN appears
Depending on the coding of the screen the error could be either hardware or software. Typically, if the screen showed a "Fatal exception OE…" then hardware is at fault. If the screen showed "Fatal exception OD…" software is usually at fault. This can be a challenging error to resolve and many times a Factory Restore of the computer is necessary to determine if hardware is the cause. As a SELF HELP tool, do the restore first before calling a professional. A professional should have the tools to test internal hardware at the component level in DOS to determine the problem. Ask the professional to perform a "Burn-In" test of the system.
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Computer will not access the Internet
Also see the SOFTWARE topics on this issue, as the Winsock files controlling access could have been taken hostage by Spyware. Ruling out software related problems, a bad modem could cause the failure. Many people use a surge protector on the computer but the quality of it is in question or the surge device is really no more than an extension cord (offers little protection). The modem may have been damaged by an electrical surge through the phone line. Try replacing the phone line from the wall to the computer and verifying you have a dial tone at the wall outlet.
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USB devices do not work
If you are using Windows 95, upgrade your Windows software or buy a new or refurbished PC with Windows 98 or higher already installed. USB in Windows 95 will work but the effort is frequently not worth the trouble.
In Device Manager check for FLAGGED items in the hardware list. If you physically connected your device such as a digital camera BEFORE installing the software, this will cause the problem. Delete the item, disconnect the hardware, re-install the software and restart the PC. Also check UNIVERSAL SERAIL BUS CONTROLLERS in Device Manger for the hardware problem.
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Printer does not print the information
Printers are fast becoming disposable. By the time ink cartridges and/or a print head is purchased to see if the problems were corrected, it would have been less frustrating or less expensive to buy a new printer.
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The computer Boots very slow (over 5 minutes)
This could also be a Software problem such as a virus or Spyware.
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