how to fix any computer

How to Fix a PC Which Won't Boot

Computers are the way of the world. But there is nothing more annoying than a broken PC. PC's breakdown from time to time, it happens. This is a guide to repair a desktop computer that won't start up.

 Steps

1. 1
   First of all you have to determine the cause. Constantly restart the PC in order to confirm that it won't boot. Next you should try the PC on it's side to eliminate a connection error. This could either be a burnt out or worn contact or simply a connection which has come loose. After this you can start the process of fixing the problem 
2. There are a couple of problems that will cause a computer not to boot these are: Corrupted BIOS, Corrupted Start up files, corrupted hard drive (containing startup files) or a broken motherboard.
3. 3
   If absolutely nothing happens when you press the power switch:
   • Check that it is plugged in and switched on both at the wall and at the back of the base unit, check that the wall socket has power.
   • Check the power supply by removing it and testing it in another machine, if it works fine in another machine, check your power switch connections.
   • Check the fuse in the power supply; typically if it is blown, is is blackened, or the little thread inside is interrupted, when held against a light.
   • If the connections are fine it is likely that your motherboard has died.
4. 4
   Check for a faulty motherboard.
   • Remove every connection and component from your motherboard except for the power, front panel, CPU assembly, RAM and graphics card, switch it on.
   • If you have more than one stick of RAM test them one at a time.
   • If this works then reconnect your other devices (Switch it off first!) one by one until you find out which one is causing the problem.
   • If your hear sounds of the disk starting, but nothing ever happens on the screen, the BIOS might be corrupted. That can happen when you try to flash it with a newer version, or if an ugly virus flashes it with garbage. If so, the BIOS needs to be reloaded correctly, or the chip replaced. Note: Not all computers have their BIOS in a flashable EPROM, so this might or might not apply.
   • If the board makes a sequence of loud beeps, there is a hardware error in one of the basic components. Two beeps mean 'no monitor found', four beeps 'no memory found', etc. (that list is not for sure). It is the BIOS reporting that it misses an elementary part to continue. Find out which part is broken (or really missing), and replace it.
5. 5
   Replace the Boot Sector.
   • Place windows installer disc into drive.
   • When prompted, press R to start the recovery console.
   • When asked which system you want to log into press 1, then enter.
   • You should now have a C:\WINDOWS\ prompt, type fixboot and press enter.
   • Type FIXMBR and press enter (that means 'FIX the Master Boot Record' = FIXMBR).
   • Reboot the machine, if it works, you are done.
6. 6
   Check your BIOS settings
   • To enter the BIOS menu you must tap a certain key as soon as you switch on the PC, this is usually DEL or F2 but it will say on screen, e.g. 'PRESS DEL FOR SETUP'
   • All BIOS menus differ, what you are looking for is a bit called Primary Master, which should have some numbers after it, if it does, then your drive is not at fault, move on.
   • If Primary Master has no information after it your hard drive is not being detected, if you are able, change the setting next to Primary Master so that it says 'Auto'.
   • Save and exit the BIOS, if your computer boots, stop here.
   • If your hard drive is not detected this time you will need to open up the case and check the connections. http://www.wikihow.com/Hook-up-a-Hard-Drive
7. 7
   Check for a faulty hard drive
   • Remove your hard drive and put it in another PC if possible.
   • If it does not work in another PC then it is dead, buy a new one.
   • If it does work in another PC, try using different cables.
   • If different cables make no difference your motherboard may be faulty.
   
   

How to repair computer errors

When you have a computer error it can be very frustrating, especially if the error prevents software from running or your computer even starting. If you add the internet to the mix, your computer will get viruses, spyware, adware and other malicious software that will cause errors on your machine.Spyware is perhaps one of the most dangerous types of PC infections to date. If a computer gets infected with spyware, a person could keep track of your every keystroke, email, website visit and other confidential conversations you might partake in. So if you do things like online banking, a person could use the spyware to find out all of your information and do what illegal acts they want to with it.The next internet threat is adware and isn’t as dangerous as spyware, but can be very annoying. I despise any company or individual who develops adware because it is intrusive and no better then spam. Adware is advertisement software that usually attaches to free software that most people download. And even if you are connected to the internet or not adware can show advertisements. It will also do this even if the original download is not running. Adware ads come in many different forms, like pop-ups, URL redirection and many other things that anyone would find annoying. Most people use Windows, if you don’t then you can skip this part. If you do, then you should know that Windows uses registry files and these registry files could be causing errors for you. When registry files have invalid entries this can cause error messages and crashes. Also if you remove orphaned references in your registry you can increase your PC’s performance and stability. Viruses are the main reason people have computer errors, especially if you are connected to the internet. If the computer does not have any internet connection, then a virus could have only gotten on their by someone inserting data that has been infected by a malicious virus. A Trojan virus is the most common type of virus and you should know how it works to avoid it. A Trojan virus hides in a program that appears as something you may think is safe, but hidden inside is usually something harmful, like a virus. Trojans are so common because you may download a game or even a picture thinking it is harmless, but once you run the file, the virus gets let loose. If this is the first time you have ever tried to remove these errors from your computer, then you can expect to find a lot. That is why I recommend you get a good computer error removal program and use it at least once a month. With this knowledge of all the different types of computer errors, you should be able properly diagnose what is causing the errors on your computer and fix it. Do not be discouraged if all errors aren’t fixed right away, as it could be all of the above. If you do have every type of error, then you would have to take removal steps for each type of error.

How to Repair a Computer Fan

If you have a computer fan that sounds like the bearing has been replaced with gravel, there may actually be a simple fix. All you need is a screw driver, a small pick, and some lubricant. In this instructable, I repair my GPU fan. However, the process should be nearly identical for any fan in your PC.

Step 1Remove Fan

I repaired my GPU fan. First, find the screws holding the fan in place, and remove them so that you can access both sides of the fan freely. Now is a good time to clean up all the dust that's been collecting around the fan. Some canned air will work nicely.

Elevated command prompt

The elevated command prompt or elevated mode is a mode introduced with Windows Vista and also found in Windows 7 that allows the user to execute commands with administrative privileges. By default, when opening the Windows command line in Windows Vista or 7 you will not have full rights and not all commands will work. This mode was created to help protect Windows users or programs being run on their computer from running commands that may compromise the computer. To perform some commands, you must run an elevated version of the command prompt.

How do I open the elevated command prompt?

1. Click Start
2. In the search box type cmd
3. Right-click on cmd.exe and choose Run as Administrator. If done properly the below User Account Control window will appear.
4. Click Yes to run the Windows Command Processor as Administrator.

or

1. Click Start
2. In the search box type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. If done properly the below User Account Control window will appear.
3. Click Yes to run the Windows Command Processor as Administrator.

• How to use the Windows command line (DOS).
• The requested operation requires elevation error.

Also see: Command line, Operating system definitions

How to display a computer image on a TV or Projector

Answer

Many TVs and projectors have one or more connections that allow you to connect a computer to them and display the screen. Both desktop computers and laptop computers are capable of connecting to a TV or projector. Following the below steps will help you connect your TV or Projector to your computer.

Identifying available connections
Connecting computer and projector or TV
Switching laptop display settings
Switching TV inputs

Identifying available connections

There are 5 types of connections a computer could have that will allow it to connect to a TV or Projector. Before connecting these devices, you must identify what your computer is capable of using as well as what your TV and projector can use. In the below picture, is an example of what the back of an Epson projector looks like and its available connection.

VGA

The VGA connection is the most common connection found on a computer; however, not all TVs and projectors have a VGA input. Although, it is more common to find a projector with this connection versus a TV. The VGA connector is a 15-pin connection (like that shown to the right) and is often used for a computer monitor. Many laptops have this connection for connecting to a TV, projector, or even another monitor to allow for dual screen (laptop screen + external monitor).

DVI

The DVI connection is becoming more common on desktop computers today, and some laptops have DVI connections as well (Apple laptops are more commonly found to have a DVI connection than any other brand of laptop). However, finding DVI on a TV or projector is more difficult. To hook a computer up to a TV or projector using the computer's DVI connection typically requires a special cable that converts from DVI to VGA or DVI to HDMI.

Composite Video

The composite video connection is quite common to be found on a TV or projector, but it is becoming less common to find on a computer. This connection is the yellow female connection found on most TVs and projectors. Some video cards for desktop computers still feature a composite video output, but newer video cards are switching to HDMI outputs.

S-Video

The S-Video connection is also commonly found on TVs and projectors. It is also still pretty common to find the S-Video connection on a desktop computer video card. However, it is less likely to find this connection on a laptop computer. This connection has decent video quality, as a step up from composite video and works pretty well for most computer to TV or Projector purposes.

HDMI

The HDMI connection is becoming a popular connection for computer users, as well as TV & Projector users. Newer video cards for desktop computers are starting to feature HDMI outputs, which works great for connecting to LCD and LED TVs, as well as home theater HD projector systems. HDMI offers the highest quality from a computer to a TV or Projector.

Connecting computer and projector or TV

After you've identified what connections are available on your computer and TV or Projector you're ready to connect the cables. If the same type of connections are not available for both the computer and TV or Projector, you'll need to purchase a video converter cable that converts one signal into a compatible signal.

Switching laptop display settings

If you're connecting a laptop computer to a TV or a Projector you'll need to switch the video input on the Laptop before any display on the laptop will be shown on a projector or TV. The key sequence can vary depending on laptop; however, is often either: Fn + F3, F4, F5, F8, or F9. For example, pressing and holding Fn + F3 at the same time could switch between your laptop and external display. The function key will often be labeled as CRT/LCD or have a picture of a monitor on the key or close to the key. Additional help and information with switching the laptop display can also be found on the below link.

• Steps in connecting an external monitor or projector to your laptop.

Switching TV inputs

Finally, if you're connecting a computer to a TV make sure you're switching the TV to the correct input. For example, if you connected your computer to a VGA connection on the back of the computer you'll need to switch to the VGA or Computer Input before the computer display will be shown on your computer.

To change the input on your TV usually requires you press the input button on your TV remote until the TV displays the input name your computer is connected to the TV.

Additional information

• See our TV and Projector definition for further information and related links.

How do I disable my computer BIOS splash screen?

Answer

When your computer starts up, a splash screen will be displayed for a few seconds. This splash screen usually displays the computer manufacturer's logo or some other image or information. For example, in the below picture is an example of a Dell computer BIOS splash screen that appears as the computer loads.

If you want to disable the BIOS splash screen, so that it no longer is displayed when your computer starts up, most motherboards provide a setting option in the BIOS setup to turn off the splash screen.

• Steps on how to enter the BIOS (CMOS) system setup.

There are a number of different types of BIOS versions that your motherboard could have. To determine where the setting is in your computer's BIOS, check the motherboard user manual. In most cases, it should be mentioned there. If you don't have a manual for your motherboard, access the BIOS and look through all settings for anything that refers to turning on on/off or showing the splash screen (the wording of this option may differ by BIOS version). Set the option to either disabled or enabled, whichever is opposite of what it is currently set to. This should disable the splash screen.

When the splash screen is disabled the POST screen will be shown instead. The POST screen displays some technical specifications about your computer, like memory (RAM), CD/DVD drive, hard drive, and video card information and details.

Additional information

• See our splash screen definition for further information and related links.