Computers are a complicated mix of hardware and software, and many things can go wrong. Knowing how to troubleshoot your computer can save you a lot of money on maintenance costs and new hardware components, and can help you keep your computer running smoothly for years. You can perform a lot of the maintenance work from within the operating system, and working with the hardware is often less scary than it seems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Maintain Your Operating System
Step 1. Eliminate the viruses
Viruses are the main cause of computer problems. Eliminating them and making sure you don't get infected in the future will help your computer's health a lot.
If you don't already have one, install an antivirus program. Mac users should do this too, because OS X systems are becoming the targets of many viruses
Step 2. Eliminate the adware
Adware are programs that are often installed by others and can be difficult to remove. These programs send you targeted advertisements and may take control of your browser. Some make your personal information vulnerable.
Step 3. Uninstall unwanted browser toolbars
Too many bars can cause your browser to slow down a lot, and can be very difficult to remove. If you can't, no matter how hard you try, you may need to reinstall your browser or install a different browser.
Step 4. Uninstall unused programs
If you don't use many of the programs you have installed on your computer, they will only take up disk space, and potentially slow down your computer by running in the background. Browse the list of programs and remove the ones you no longer use.
Search wikiHow for articles on how to uninstall programs on OS X
Step 5. Optimize your computer's startup configurations
Many programs, legitimate or otherwise, are configured to run automatically on startup. When too many programs try to start when the operating system starts, it can slow down considerably.
Step 6. Free up disk space
For maximum efficiency, you should leave at least 15% of the disk free at all times, and preferably at least 25%. Having more free space allows your operating system to move files during installations and defragmentation.
Step 7. Fix Registry Errors (Windows)
The Windows registry contains information for all installed programs. Often, when you uninstall a program, registry entries remain. As these accumulate, it may take Windows longer to find the entries you need.
Step 8. Install the updates
Often, updating your operating system will allow you to correct a problem. By installing the latest updates you will also ensure that your computer is as secure as possible against external attacks.
Search wikiHow for articles to install updates on OS X
Step 9. Create a backup system
When computer failures occur, the most serious potential loss is that of your personal data. Creating a backup system will help you protect your important files from hardware failure or virus attacks. Creating a backup of all your important files will also allow you to make hardware changes much less stressful.
Step 10. Reinstall your operating system
If you can't fix a problem with your system, it may be easier to reinstall and start over. If you have a backup of your data, the operation will be much less painful.
- Search wikiHow for articles on how to reinstall Windows 7
- Search wikiHow for articles on how to reinstall Windows 8
- Search wikiHow for articles on how to reinstall OS X.
Part 2 of 2: Maintain and Replace Hardware Components
Step 1. Clean your computer to avoid overheating
Unless you work in a perfectly sterile environment, dust will certainly accumulate in your computer. Dust can cause overheating and clog the fans. Too much dust can also lead to short circuits. Try to remove dust from your computer every month.
Step 2. Replace any RAM that no longer works
If your operating system crashes frequently, you may have memory problems. Replacing RAM is one of the simplest tasks to do, but choosing the right ones for your computer can be difficult.
You can test your RAM using the MemTest86 program
Step 3. Replace a hard drive that is no longer working
If you have trouble installing programs, files are often corrupted, or your computer often crashes, your hard drive may be in trouble. There are several ways to check the disk for repairable errors. If your disk has failed completely, you can install a new one.
If the failed hard drive was the one that contained the operating system, you will need to reinstall it after replacing it
Step 4. Replace a faulty video card
If the colors on the screen are wrong or the images are distorted it is possible that the video card is faulty. If you can, try the card by connecting it to a different display before buying a new one.
Step 5. Install a new optical drive
If your player isn't working properly, or if it makes a lot of noise, you may need to replace it. Basic DVD drives cost very little, and then install them in minutes.
Step 6. Install fans to reduce the computer's working temperature
If your computer overheats, components can be severely damaged. Many computers shut down when a certain temperature is reached, so if your computer happens to shut down for no apparent reason, especially when using programs that require a lot of resources, your computer may overheat. Installing multiple fans or replacing defective ones can cause the internal temperature to drop significantly.
You can install programs to measure the temperature inside your computer
Step 7. Replace a failed power supply
If your computer turns off without warning or won't turn on, your power supply may be defective or broken. You can test your power supply to verify its integrity. If that is the component that is causing the problems, you can replace it with a new or more powerful one.
Step 8. Build a new computer
If you've tried everything and your computer isn't performing any better, it might be time to start from scratch. Building a new computer isn't as scary as it sounds, and you may be able to reuse some of the old components (if they're not too old).
