Solutions

o Delicate components like video cards, cables and

peripheral devices connected to the motherboard may eventually
loosen over a long period of continued computer use. Tightening
loosely plugged cords and other internal or external devices may
initially solve the problem.
A memory error occurs when the memory chip isn't supported by
your motherboard or if the memory is simply faulty. Consult your
motherboard's manual to see what memory is supported and
crosscheck by looking at the sticker on your RAM. If you are
uncertain whether it is supported, try inserting it in a different
slot.
Hard-drive damage may make it difficult to recover your saved
data and may require a hard disk replacement if the damage was
severe. Get a hard-drive problem fixed as soon as it is detected
to avoid data loss. The easiest solution is to clear some hard-disk
space. If the problem is too difficult for you to comprehend, seek
the help of a licensed computer technician.

Considerations
o Just because there is a malfunction in the hardware
doesn't mean that it is impossible to repair. Some hardware
problems can be easily fixed. The only time solutions are
unavailable is when physical damage takes place where the only
way to fix the problem is by replacing the damaged unit with a
fresh one.

Every computer has a complex system of circuits and electronics

making sure that when you switch it on, you can do everything that
you want to do. Sometimes your hardware can fail unexpectedly
because of power surges, faulty manufacture, heat damage or just
plain old age. The good news is that nerds know hardware, so when
something pops inside your machine, we can find the problem and
repair or replace the faulty hardware that ruined your day. We have
tools to analyse each component for small flaws that can go unnoticed,
and we have the logical problem solving skills to identify faulty parts
quickly and effectively.

If your computer is behaving erratically, like freezing, resetting or

crashing randomly, then you may have a hardware problem. Some
common hardware problems are:

 An overheating CPU – this can be caused by dust clogging your

fans. Sometimes a clean-up will fix this but often a new fan is
needed.

 Crashing hard drive – this can be caused by old age, bad quality
hardware, or an abrupt knock while the PC is on. A new hard
drive is essential as data, once lost, is often irreplaceable. If you
suspect a crashing hard drive please back up your data
immediately as a problem like this can often get worse.

 ‘Blown’ motherboard – this happens when there is too much

sustained heat inside your case or you have bad quality parts. In
Johannesburg it is most often caused by lightning or electrical
surges.

If you think you have a hardware problem, give us a call and we'll
identify the fault and fix it before it can cause more problems. Dial a
Nerd, because nerds know computers.

help identify and

troubleshoot common
problems when
hardware or software
doesnt function
properly?
Best Answer
The process of elimination is the most useful tool when troubleshooting computer
problems. Think of all the things that -could- cause this problem, and one-by-one
eliminate them from the equation.
For example, lets say i have a computer which is rebooting seemingly at random.
This could be caused by many things, bad RAM, bad CPU, bad power supply, bad
motherboard, bad video card, corrupted system files, clogged or broken fans,
'dirty' power.

My first step would be to remove the most common element. In this case clogged
or broken fans is by far the most common cause of this problem. So id check the
fans, blow out the dust, maybe replace them if i had a replacement handy.

-system still has problem-

Well now we know its not the fans, next most common problem (in my
experience anyway) corrupted system files. Id test this theory by either swapping
out a hard disk to load a 'clean' OS, or boot off a Linux live CD.

-system still has problem-

Now we know its not the fans, and not the OS. We're getting closer. Next ill check
the RAM. If ive got some laying around that i know is good, I'll just switch it out. If
not, perhaps the system has 2 sticks in it, i can run it on only one stick, & then
only the other to test those.

Hopefully by now you see how this process is key to troubleshooting hardware
computer problems. With a little ingenuity, it can often be applied to software
problems as well.

-----------------------------

GENERAL HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Regardless of the problem there are a few steps that must be taken whenever
troubleshooting a hardware problem. These may seem rather insulting to most
people, but one must never forget to do them; if they are not done you might
very well waste allot of time and possibly create a new problem from fiddling
around in your computer chasing down a phantom. Here are some quick steps:

1. Power Cords - Make sure that all of the power cords are firmly in place
on all of the devices that could possibly be causing or attributing to the
symptoms you are experiencing (i.e. If nothing shows up on the monitor
make sure that the cords are attached to both the monitor and the
computer itself). Then trace the cords back to the wall and make sure that
the other end of the cord is attached to a power outlet or surge protector.
2. Outlet Power - It is not uncommon to blow a fuse; if the outlet in
question is not receiving power than you should not expect any of the
devices connected to the computer to receive power. You can test this
simply by looking at the device and seeing if any LEDs (Light Emitting
Diodes) are lit. If there are no LEDs lit, try pluggin in a device that you know
works into the outlet, such as a clock or radio.
3. Power Button - This step goes hand-in-hand with the last step. Many
people don't think to check for this because many computer devices stay
on all of the time (i.e. monitors, printers, power supplies), and as such do
not check the power button. Also, some devices have two power switches
on them, and both must be in the "on" position in order for the device to
work (i.e. there is a power button both on the front, and on the back of
most computers).
4. Communication Connections - Once you've settled that the power to
your devices is fine, the next step is to make sure that the device has all of
the connections needed for it to communicate. This step consists of making
sure that these cables are firmly connected at each end, and that they are
connected at the correct port/interface. Do not forget to check internal
connections; if your computer has been bumped it is possible for some
connections inside to pop loose.
5. Device Configuration - This steps provides both hardware and software
configuration. There may be jumpers or switches on the hardware that
need to be configured. If these accidentally got moved or switched the
device would fail to work properly. Also, most hardware ships with
configuration software (i.e. Wireless cards); make sure that the software
configurations are compatible with what you are trying to accomplish.
6. Follow Instructions - Computers are not evasive when they report
errors; all too often we just do not understand them, or are confused by the
amount of information that is given. Many times there are suggestions on
how to fix a problem accompanied with an error message. Simply follow the
steps the message suggests; even if the suggestion seems to be ridiculous
follow it so that you can discard it as a possibility.
7. Windows Recognition - If you go into the Control Panel, open the
System dialog, click on the Hardware tab, and then open the Device
Manager, you will see a tree-like structure of all of the hardware that is
attached to your computer. Look under the appropriate category (Monitors,
Graphic Adapters, etc.) and click on the item/items that you are having
problems with then click on properties. The dialog that opens will inform
you if the operating system is having any know troubles with the device.
 8. Update Drivers - If possible, try connecting to the internet and going to
the manufacture's web site to download the latest drivers for your
hardware (this requires that you now the model specifications of your
hardware). Often conflicts can arise when you install new hardware and
software; although these are unanticipated, once found the developer will
fix the problem and post updated drivers.
9. Refresh Device Manager/Reinstall Device - This step falls into the "I
don't care what the problem is, I just want it fixed" category. Open the
device manager again and delete the devices that are not working
properly. You will probably be prompted to restart your computer, if not
restart it manually. When the computer restarts the hardware you deleted
will be detected again and be reinstalled with the default configurations. If
you cannot find the device in the device manager try to uninstall all
software that came with it and reinstall using the disks that were provided.

SPECIFIC HARDWARE PROBLEMS

Dead CMOS Battery
On an older PC, it is normal for the CMOS battery to fail at some point in time.
They usually last for many years, with over five years being the norm, at least on
older machines. On a new motherboard, this sort of problem is usually a sign of a
defect, although, you shouldn't worry about it if it appears only the very first time
the board is powered up or after you replace the battery. Often, a dying battery
will first manifest itself intermittently. Sometimes, you will boot with no problem.
At other times, you will see an error indicating that the system doesn't match the
configuration or you will see that the Date and Time settings on your computer
are wrong. When the battery fails entirely, these errors will either come up every
time you reboot, or your BIOS may report an error number with a message
stating that the battery is dead. The solution is replacing the battery -- for
detailed instructions for replacing the battery see the Replacing Hardware page.

Blank Monitor
This is a very common problem, and most of the time, it has a very easy fix.
Follow the below steps:

1. Power - Verify that the monitor has power and the power cord is firmly
attached. Detailed instructions for accomplishing this task can be found
above.
 2. Video Cable - Double check that the video cable is connected to the
computer. If the cable has become loose you may need to push it back in
and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
3. Brightness & Contrast - Check the brightness and contrast controls on
the monitor; It might have gotten bumped or changed accidentally. It may
sound stupid, but this was one of the most common causes for people
bringing their monitor in for repair when my friend work at a computer
store. Most monitors have a button on them to reset all of the settings -- try
pushing that.
4. Swap Parts - If possible, try swapping with another monitor that is known
to work and vice-versa. If your monitor works on another computer, than
the problem, most likely lies with your video card and/or motherboard. If
your computer works with another monitor it might be time to invest in a
new monitor.
5. Push In Video Card - Open up your machine and firmly push down on
your video card so that you are sure that it is making contact with all of the
contacts in the slot. If you computer was jumped and the screw that holds it
down was not tight enough it could have come loose.

If none of the above fixed your problem you may need to do more research on
your problem are use one of the strategies listed earlier.

Dead Hard Drive

Hopefully, the only time you will have encountered this problem is after you have
installed a new IDE device, because other than being misconfigured, otherwise,
your data is most-likely lost.

Error on Boot
One of the most common error messages comes when you're trying to boot up
your computer. If you get a message when you try to boot up your system:

1. Make sure that your connections are secure.

2. Check to find and then remove any floppy disks from drives.
3. Start up again.

Error messages are usually pretty self-explanatory but if you encounter one that
you don't understand, check the troubleshooting section of the owner's manual
or software guide.