Computer Troubleshooting

1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. After a short while, the temp directory fills up with hundreds of temp files that always get scanned over when Windows starts up and when programs launch. This slows everything down immensely.
Rule of thumb for Temp Files: If you don’t have any programs open (and nothing minimized in the bar below), then you shouldn’t have ANY temp files in your temp directory. If you do, delete them. To delete Temp files, make sure NO programs are open, and In Windows 95, 98 or Me, go to C:WindowsTemp and delete everything inside the Temp folder.In Windows 2000 or XP, it is a little trickier. First, make sure that you can see hidden folders. Double-click My Computer. Click on the Tools pull-down menu, and then on Folder Options. Click on the View tab. Scroll down and click on Show Hidden Files and Folders. Click Ok.

Now you can go to the C:Documents and Settings Administrator

Local SettingsTemp folder. Delete everything here. (more…)

How to troubleshoot a Computer Monitor

Image via Wikipedia

Is the monitor turned on? Check the green LED power on the monitor if it has one.
* Adjust the brightness nod contrast controls all the way to Maximum
Check the video cable from the monitor to the computer to be sure it is properly connected Check the power cable. Is it connected properly on both ends?

* try a different monitor (in your computer if it doesn’t work, the display card is likely at fault, Replace the display card.

* try your monitor on a different computer. If I t doesn’t work, replace the monitor or have repaired by a trained Technician.

Computer boots, but displays “junk” on the screen.
It may be that the display card is defective; try a different card. If it works then your first card may be bad.

* Try the suspected bad card on another computer It it displays the same thing it is fairly conclusive that the card is bad.

Display is dim, overly bright or blurry, or unpleasant. Display is off center. Left or Right side of monitor is obscure.
Try adjusting the control knobs located on either the front or the back of the monitor. It may be necessary to open the monitor’s casing to get the proper adjustment con in this case be very careful because there are high voltage in the monitor

The video display fades and brightens, or is wavy.
The voltage may be fluctuating due to so many appliances or electric devices on the same branch circuit Turn off all other appliances and peripheral, such as printers, external modem, refrigerator, microwave oven transformer, etc,. and see if that solves the problem

* Try a different monitor on your computers if the problem persists; try swapping out the display card. If the problem was solved by changing the monitor, repair or replace the monitor
Image on the screen is not straight across the screen.

If the monitor is still under warranty bring it back to the store for adjustment. If you want to do it yourself, bare in mind that this is a potentially dangerous procedure.

WARNING ! THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROCEDURE because it must he done while the monitor is on and there are very high voltages around the picture tube.

* Open the monitor casing and loosen the clamp holding the coils around the picture tube. You can loosen them (usually there’s a wing nut) and rotate the coil assembly until the picture straightens.

Troubleshooting the Serial Mouse

Serial mouse does not respond

The COM settings the DTR settings and possibly the interrupt settings need to be set properly on the serial card Check with the manual to be sure you have the correct settings.
Remove all other serial ports to be sure they are not conflicting with the mouse.
Try a different mouse on your computer. If it woks the original mouse is probably faulty and needs to be replaced or repaired
Try the mouse on another computer if it does not work the mouse is probably faulty and needs to be replaced or repaired.

Troubleshooting the Printer

Serial printers can be very problematic. They may require you to; get a special cable: redirect the parameters from IPT I to COM I: and set the baud rate and parity to match between the software and the printer. Check with the manufacturer or documentation for the correct installation procedure. Also check the following steps as for parallel printer problems.
With the parallel printer check the connection of the printer cable to the printer and computer.

Image via Wikipedia

Troubleshooting the Modem

Cannot call out or receive calls.

Make sure the phone line is clear and operable by calling out with a telephone.
Double check that the parameters for baud, parity stop bits, etc.. have been set properly.
Check that the COM ports are matched between the hardware and the communications software
Check that you have the proper COM port number. DTR setting and interrupt level settings.
The software may not be functioning properly. Try it on another computer If it does not work the software is your suspect.
Try another communications software on your computer
Try taking out or disabling all other serial ports to see if the problem is caused by a COM port. IRC) or DTR conflict.
Try your modem in another computer if it does not work there also, the modem is your suspect and should be replaced.
Try another modem in your computer