How to Diagnose Computer Issues

Computer problems occur every day. Some issues are easy to resolve, but we often fail to diagnose them. Today, Mytour will guide you through diagnosing problems on a Windows computer.

Check if the cables and components are properly connected. This is especially important if you've recently upgraded your computer. Open the case and verify that all cables, RAM chips, graphics/sound cards, and other components are securely connected to the motherboard.

Check POST. POST ("Power On Self Test") is the process that occurs when the power is turned on. It's part of the computer’s booting program and is used to diagnose the keyboard, RAM, hard drive, and other hardware to ensure everything is working properly. If POST detects hardware issues, the computer will either display an error message on the screen or emit a series of short and long beeps.

• If an error message appears during startup, enter the exact message into Google to find more information. You can use a mobile phone or another computer for assistance if needed. If the beeping occurs during startup, note the pattern and visit https://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm to identify the error being reported.

Check the operating system load time. The time it takes for the operating system to boot depends heavily on the hardware your computer is using. If the system takes longer than usual to start up, the hard drive might be experiencing issues that are hindering the computer from accessing the data.

Check for graphics issues. If the computer starts up normally but you notice problems with the display, the issue is likely with the graphics driver or hardware. If you suspect a problem with the graphics card, you should first update the graphics driver. If the problem persists, you may need to use software to test the graphics card.

Check for hardware issues. Many computer problems stem from faulty hardware or malfunctioning drivers. Windows often alerts users to issues with devices. You can also use Device Manager to check the status of different hardware components. Double-click on a category in Device Manager to view related devices. Then, double-click the specific device. If there's an issue, an error will appear in the 'Device Status' box under the 'General' tab. To check all devices, follow these steps:

• Click the Windows Start menu at the bottom left corner.
• Type Control Panel.
• Double-click Control Panel from the Start menu.
• Click Hardware and Sound.
• Click Device Manager under 'Devices and Printers'.

Check newly installed software. Some software demands more resources than your system can provide. If problems occur after launching a particular program, this may be the cause. If the issue appears immediately after startup, the problem might be with software that automatically launches with the system. Try uninstalling any recently added software to see if the issue persists. You should also limit the number of programs that start with the system.

Monitor RAM and CPU usage. If your computer is running slowly or is unstable, check if any program is consuming more resources than the computer can handle. A quick way to check this is by using the Task Manager. Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and select Task Manager. Click the Processes tab and select CPU to view the current CPU usage graph. Then, click Memory to see the RAM usage graph.

• If the CPU usage remains between 80%-100% most of the time, consider upgrading your processor.
• If the computer is using too much memory, close unnecessary programs and browser tabs to see if the performance improves. Also, limit multitasking on your computer. If the system is unable to perform basic tasks due to lack of memory, you may need to add more RAM (depending on your computer).

Listen to your computer's operation. If the hard drive is making unusual noises or scratching sounds, turn off the machine and perform a more in-depth diagnostic on the disk. Additionally, pay attention to the sound of the CPU fan. A loud fan may indicate that the CPU is overheating due to excessive workload.

• If you suspect the hard drive is failing, immediately back up all important data and power down the computer. If the drive is indeed malfunctioning, each time the computer starts, it could cause further damage to the disk. If you can't back up your data, remove the drive and take it to a data recovery expert.

Scan for malware and viruses. Performance issues can be caused by malicious software. A virus scan can help identify the problem. You should use a trusted, regularly updated antivirus program such as Norton, McAfee, or Malwarebytes.

Check for issues in Safe Mode. This is the last resort when the computer is malfunctioning. If the error persists in Safe Mode, it's likely related to the operating system. You may need to reinstall Windows.