Consider the case for repairs. If your computer is less than five years old, it may be worth repairing, according to Consumer Reports' experts. Below you'll find help on fixing 11 common computer problems, as well as general advice on where to find additional help.
Easy fixes Where to find help
Easy fixes for 11 common computer problems
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1. If you suspect a virus or spyware infection, , unplug the phone line or network cable from the computer. Then, if you have protective software for both, make sure that each has the latest updates, and run a complete scan of your system using your software. If you don't have working protection software, buy and install it (see our Cleaning, maintenance & security section for more information). In the meantime, you can also run a free virus scan at the site of a major software vendor, such as Trend Micro or Panda Software.
Before you run the virus scan, you shouldn't delete files, even infected ones. Viruses can infect files your computer needs, which can often be disinfected by antivirus software. Don't reformat your hard drive or run your e-mail program until you have run the scan. If antivirus software doesn't fix the problem, try using "system restore," if your operating system has it, or contact the antivirus manufacturer.
2. Trouble starting the PC. If you have a PC with Windows and see nothing at all on the monitor, listen for beeping sounds after you turn the PC on. Those are codes indicating internal problems (one beep usually means all is well). Find out what BIOS (system software) your computer uses; a PC displays it each time you turn the power on, just before Windows starts. Then check with the manufacturer of the computer or motherboard to decipher the codes. If the computer gets past the initial startup and hangs before Windows boots, try Microsoft's step-by-step process.
If you have a Mac and see nothing at all on the monitor, with your computer off, insert your startup CD and start the computer while holding down the "C" key; it should boot from your CD-Rom drive. If you don't have your startup disk, or if that didn't work, then, with the computer off, start the computer and hold down the "option" key. This should bring up a menu for any valid startup drive in the system, letting you boot up so you can access files or reinstall Mac OS.
3. No video or other display problem. Make sure the monitor is turned on. Raise the brightness and contrast controls. Try different resolution settings. To do that, you might have to start Windows in "safe mode." Make sure the video card (inside the computer) is properly seated. Still nothing? It could be the driver for your display or video card, or the card itself.
4. No sound. Try headphones or another pair of speakers to see whether the problem lies with the original speakers or your computer. If you still have no sound, check the Sound and Audio Devices settings in Windows' Control Panel or System Preferences/Sound on a Mac's Apple menu, or download a new driver for the sound card. To learn more, check your operating system's manual or Web site.
5. Printer isn't working. Make sure there's enough toner and ink (all colors). Check for paper jams. Use the printer's self-cleaning feature. Be sure you're using the right print settings. Use the printer's self-test to see whether the printer is broken. Print a test page from other applications to see whether you can print at all. Still stymied? It could be a driver problem, especially if the printer spews out a string of hieroglyphics. In this case, restart both the computer and the printer. If that doesn't work, you may need to reload the drivers for your printer from the manufacturer's disk or Web site.
6. CD or DVD won't play. Dirt and smudges can prevent a disc from playing. Wipe the disc with a soft cloth, from the center to the outside. If it's really dirty, wash it with mild detergent and pat it dry.
7. Windows taskbar disappears. Move the mouse around the edges of your screen until the cursor looks like a double arrow, then left-click and drag the arrow away from the edge of the screen until you see the taskbar. To move the taskbar, click and drag on a blank area of it.
8. Pointing device doesn't work or jumps around. Try cleaning the mouse's rollers or, if it's an optical mouse, check for dirt embedded inside. Make sure the surface you're using isn't too shiny, which could keep the mouse from moving properly. If the mouse is frozen, restart the PC. If this happens often, get a new driver for the mouse.
9. A hardware device (such as a CD-RW drive) won't work. Uninstall the device from Device Manager, accessed via the Windows System Control Panel's Hardware tab. Then restart the computer. The operating system should redetect and reinstall the device driver.
10. Wi-Fi connection isn't working. Big metallic objects or thick walls can block the signal. Reorient the router's antenna or move the router. Check the antenna on any external Wi-Fi device to make sure it's not broken. You can also check the software settings by logging into the router through a Web browser on any PC connected to it with a cable. Follow the instructions in the router's user manual to configure the WiFi settings.
11. Can't connect to Internet. Shut down the computer. Unplug the router and cable modem. Plug the modem back in first. Wait for the lights that indicate you're connected to come on. If they don't, the problem is with the connection and not the computer. Contact your Internet service provider. If the lights do come on, wait 10 seconds, plug the router in, and start up the computer.
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Where to find help
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Search for help in your manual or online. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you can check your manual for a troubleshooting section, or search for help online. For tips on where to look for free online support, see Free help for the asking (available to subscribers).
If your computer is off warranty, consider factory or authorized service, but don't dismiss independents. Manufacturer technical support for computers is among today’s lowest-rated services in Consumer Reports surveys. But finding a local guru who can come to your home and diagnose what ails your machine may be a time- and cost-effective alternative to buying a new one. For help deciding when to hire an expert and a sampling of independent services, consult our Guerilla guide to tech support (available to subscribers).
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