In order not to have to resort to the assistance of a professional every time the computer has a problem, it is very useful to have the necessary knowledge to find a solution in complete autonomy. Technology has greatly simplified everyday life, but unfortunately there are many things that may not work when using a computer. Nevertheless, with a little patience, you will be able to identify the causes of the problem and find the solution in most cases.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Quick Fixes
Step 1. Reboot your system
It might seem too simple advice, but restarting a broken computer is one of the quickest and easiest solutions to most common problems. To do this, you can use the device's power button or the "Shut Down" command. If the computer does not respond to commands, simply hold down the power button for about 3-5 seconds to force it to shut down.
Once the computer is completely shut down, wait about 30 seconds before restarting it
Step 2. Try to identify the cause of the problem you are experiencing
Try to think about the first time the problem occurred. Did you install new software or a new app? Did you change the hardware configuration or a system setting? Did you notice that after installing a program another suspicious component was also downloaded without your consent? Was there a sudden power failure and now the device no longer works as it should? Try to narrow down all the possible causes in order to simplify the decision-making process that will lead you to evaluate the optimal solution to adopt.
Step 3. Check all connecting cables
For example, if the power cord has come loose it could be the cause of the computer not turning on. A multi-socket power strip with defective surge protection could be the cause of the malfunction. If your keyboard or mouse has suddenly stopped working, check that its cables are properly connected. The cable connecting the monitor to the video card may be loose. This is a tedious procedure, but it takes only a short time and helps you narrow down the possible causes by getting closer to solving the problem.
Step 4. Do a Google search for your problem
Unfortunately, the problems that can arise when using a computer are innumerable and can concern the installed programs, the operating system, a hardware component or network configuration settings. Being able to deal with any type of problem in this article is impossible, but it is very likely (if not almost certain) that some other user in the world has already experienced your problem and has also already identified the solution. Searching Google for the solution to your specific problem is often the quickest way to get your computer back up and running.
- Be specific in your research. Use a string that includes the name of the malfunctioning program and the operating system in use. If you have received an error message, use the relevant code as your search key, along with any description that appears. Try to use the specific terms that best describe the problem you are facing. The goal is to narrow down the possible causes as much as possible.
- By analyzing the list of search results, prioritize technical website forums. Very often these sources provide detailed and precise procedures on the steps to take to eliminate the problem at its root.
Step 5. Install all available updates
Updating all the programs you normally use, the operating system and the drivers of all installed peripherals could be the solution to the problem. The procedure to follow obviously varies according to the component to be updated.
- See this article for more information on how to update the Microsoft Windows operating system.
- Check out this guide for more details on how to update a Mac.
- Read this article for more information on how to update the drivers of devices installed on a computer. This step is especially useful if you are having problems with your video card or network connectivity.
Method 2 of 6: Optimize the Operation of a Slow Computer
Step 1. Avoid downloading any software or programs that promise to speed up normal computer operation
Often these are simple scams or means of spreading adware, malwares and viruses. You are perfectly able to optimize the functioning of your computer in total autonomy, without the help of this type of programs.
Step 2. Start by closing all the programs you don't use
This is a very simple physical law that is true in many areas: the greater the number of programs running simultaneously, the slower the computer will appear. Modern operating systems are designed to automatically start a series of programs in the background simultaneously when the computer is turned on.
- On Windows, programs that are running in the background often display their icon in the notification area of the taskbar. Select each of these icons with the right mouse button and choose the option to close the related programs.
- Before closing an application or software make sure you have saved your personal data or the work you were doing.
Step 3. Force stop a program that is blocked or running in the background
Often the only way to close these types of programs is to force them to stop. There are several ways to do this.
- Windows systems: Press the keyboard shortcut Alt + F4 to close the currently active window. If that doesn't work, press the key combination Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Esc to access the list of all running applications. At this point, select the program you want to close, then press the End task button.
- MacOS and OS X systems: Press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + Esc to access the list of running programs. Select the one you want to close, then hit the Force Quit button. To forcibly close the currently active program, you can press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + ⇧ Shift + Esc for 3 seconds.
Step 4. Reduce the number of programs that start automatically when your computer starts
There are many programs that are configured to start as soon as the operating system has finished loading. This causes the entire startup procedure of the computer to slow down. Eliminating from this list all the programs you don't normally use will help speed up the boot process of the entire system. As an added benefit, the workload that the computer has to sustain during normal use will be reduced.
See this article for more details on how to disable automatic program launches
Step 5. Free up memory space on your hard drive
In order for the operating system and all installed programs to run smoothly, 15-20% of the total storage capacity of the hard drive should be free. In this way the operating system will be able to manage virtual memory efficiently and automatically, making program execution much smoother and faster.
- One of the simplest ways to free up memory space on your hard drive is to delete all the files in the "Downloads" folder that you no longer need. Often these are installation files of old programs, video and audio files, and bulky documents.
- Uninstalling any programs you no longer use is also a great way to quickly free up a large amount of disk space. This is especially true in the case of more modern video games, which can take up to 30 GB or more. For more information on how to uninstall a program on Windows systems, read this article. In the case of a macOS or OS X system, refer to this guide.
- The Windows "Disk Cleanup" tool scans your entire hard drive for unused or unnecessary files. In this way it is able to free up a large amount of space. Read this article for more details on how to use this Windows feature.
Step 6. Monitor the operating temperature of the computer
If the CPU and all the other internal components of a normal computer were to reach a too high temperature, they could activate safety procedures that reduce the processing and data transfer speed, in order to prevent possible irreversible damage. This mode of work can significantly slow down the normal operation of the computer. Use a free control program, such as SpeedFan, to make sure that the temperature reached by the system's hardware components remains within a tolerable range.
Check out this guide for more details and advice on how to monitor your computer's operating temperature and how to lower it if it is too high
Step 7. Run anti-virus and anti-malware scan
A computer that suddenly stops working properly and becomes slow may be infected with a computer virus. This is a clear symptom of the presence of a malware or malicious program, but unfortunately it does not allow you to be sure. Regularly scanning with an anti-virus program will help you protect your computer from these types of threats. Viruses not only slow down normal system operation, they can also compromise the security of your personal data.
Read this guide for more details on how to detect and eliminate computer viruses
Step 8. Disable Windows Visual Effects
If you are using a computer with Windows Vista or Windows 7 installed, the graphic effects generated by the "Aero" user interface may slow down the normal operation of the computer. In case you are using an older computer, it is highly recommended to disable these visual effects to increase the overall performance of the system.
Read this article for more information on how to disable the Windows Vista and Windows 7 "Aero" GUI
Step 9. Reinstall the operating system
Quite often the easiest way to speed up a computer is to simply format it and reinstall the operating system from scratch. Performing this step generally takes no more than an hour. Remember that your hard drive will be fully formatted and your computer will be as good as new when the installation is complete. See the following articles for more details on how to install the operating system you want:
- Windows 7;
- Windows 8;
- Windows Vista;
- OS X;
- Windows XP;
- Ubuntu Linux.
Method 3 of 6: Troubleshoot Network Issues
Step 1. Restart your computer
Just like many other computer-related issues, network connection problems can be solved simply by restarting the system. Before doing this, however, be sure to close all open programs and save your work.
Step 2. Restart the network devices
It is very likely that a simple restart of the devices that manage the LAN network and the internet connection can solve the problem. This is especially true in the case where the malfunction has manifested itself suddenly.
- Locate the modem and router on your network (in the case of a home LAN network, they are most likely integrated into a single device), then turn them off and unplug the power cord.
- Wait at least thirty seconds, then plug the modem's power cord back in and turn it back on.
- At this point, wait for the modem to complete the start-up procedure and connect to the internet. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Now plug the power cord back into the router and turn it on (only do this when the modem is fully up and running). Once the router has completed its startup phase, you should be able to connect to the network again and browse the web.
Step 3. If some web pages are not displayed, flush the computer's DNS client cache
If you are able to access some websites normally but not others, there is a possibility that the cause is the cache of the DNS service. This operating system feature has the task of storing the IP address and URL of all websites you visit. If this information is corrupted or not updated correctly, some web pages may be inaccessible.
See this guide for more information on clearing a computer's DNS cache. Don't worry, this is a procedure that only takes 1-2 minutes to complete
Step 4. If there are many wireless networks in your area, change the broadcast radio channel of yours
If you live in an apartment building, it is very likely that each apartment has its own Wi-Fi network. This could be the cause of radio interference which could in turn disrupt the network connection. Changing the radio channel on which your Wi-Fi network signal is broadcast may be helpful in eliminating connection problems.
Consult this guide for more information on how to change the transmission channel of your Wi-Fi network to get the best possible performance
Step 5. Contact your internet connection manager (ISP)
The cause of the problem could be related to the ISP infrastructure or a modem malfunction. Contact customer service or technical support for assistance if the problem is not resolved after restarting the network devices.
Method 4 of 6: Remove Browser Toolbars and Block Pop-Ups
Step 1. Uninstall any programs you do not know or have not installed voluntarily
It may happen that by installing a third-party program downloaded from the web, an adware or a toolbar for the browser is automatically installed. Normally these programs cause a large amount of advertising pop-up windows to appear during normal browsing and automatic (and unwanted) redirection to unsolicited sites during a web search. The steps outlined below are helpful in most cases, but you may need to research a specific solution if your computer is infected with particular programs.
Read this article for more details on how to uninstall a program from a Windows computer. If you're using a Mac instead, check out this guide. Generally in these cases it is best to uninstall any software or program that is unknown or that was not installed voluntarily. If you are unsure about a particular application, you can do a Google search using its name
Step 2. Scan your system with anti-adware software
Programs of this type are designed to automatically detect and remove adware from a computer. They work differently from a normal anti-virus and are able to detect threats that escape the latter. Download, install and run each of the programs listed below to make sure no adware is infecting your computer.
- AdwCleaner: general-changelog-team.fr/en/tools/15-adwcleaner;
- Malwarebytes Antimalware: malwarebytes.org;
- HitmanPro: surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro.
Step 3. Reset your internet browser to factory settings
Most of these malicious programs modify the configuration of internet browsers (start page, search engine, etc.) and install unwanted and useless toolbars. Performing a factory reset of the browser uninstalls all add-ons installed by these programs.
- Read this article for more details on how to reset Internet Explorer configuration;
- Read this article for more details on how to reset Chrome configuration;
- Read this article for more details on how to reset Firefox configuration;
- Read this article for more details on how to reset Safari configuration.
Step 4. Search the web for the procedure to follow to remove the specific program that is infecting your computer
The steps described above, within this section of the article, are part of a general guideline to follow to remove adware, but in some specific cases it is necessary to take additional steps to completely resolve the problem; for example restore the hosts file or fix browser links. To find out how to find the solution to your specific problem, simply search the web using the URLs to which you are automatically redirected by your browser as keywords. Alternatively you can consult the appropriate section of wikiHow Italy, where you will find many articles on the subject.
Method 5 of 6: Check and Replace a Hardware Device
Step 1. Check your hard drive for errors
When some sectors of the hard disk start to corrupt, the computer experiences a decrease in performance, files start to corrupt and, in severe cases, some programs or even the operating system no longer run correctly. The Windows, OS X and macOS Sierra operating systems integrate tools to identify and correct this type of problem. However, in the most serious cases, the only solution is to completely replace the damaged hard drive.
- Read this article to find out how to use the Windows chkdsk command to find and fix errors on your hard drive.
- Read this article for more details on how to use the OS X "Disk Utility" tool.
- Read this guide to find out how to install a new hard drive inside your computer.
Step 2. Check RAM memory functionality for errors
If the computer under test fails to start properly or crashes frequently, the cause could be a malfunction of one or more RAM memory modules. In this case it will not be possible to repair the damage, but you will simply have to replace the defective module. Fortunately, it is one of the cheapest and easiest to replace components in computers.
- Read this article for more details on how to run the "MemTest" utility on Windows systems to check for errors in RAM memory operation.
- To run the RAM check on Mac, restart your computer, then hold down the D key during the boot phase. This will run the RAM memory test.
- Read this guide to find out how to replace a faulty RAM memory module.
Step 3. Verify that your computer's power supply is working properly
This is the unit that supplies the energy to run all the components of a computer. If this device does not work properly, the computer may malfunction, freeze or, in severe cases, not even turn on. Remember that if the hardware devices installed in your computer draw more power than the power supply is capable of delivering, the computer may crash during the work phase where the load is heavier.
- Read this article to find out how to test the proper functioning of a power supply.
- Check out this guide to learn how to replace a faulty power supply.
Step 4. If no image appears on your monitor, try connecting your computer's video card to another device
If the computer generated image has any problems or defects, the cause may be the monitor or video card. To find out for sure the source of the problem, try connecting a new monitor. If the image is displayed correctly, the old monitor is defective. If the image still has the same problems with the new one, the video card is most likely the cause.
Read this article for more details on how to replace a computer's video card
Method 6 of 6: Fixing a Noisy Computer
Step 1. Clean the inside of the computer
Normally the main cause of the noise emitted by a computer is an accumulation of dust and dirt inside it. Performing regular cleaning (every six months) brings numerous benefits, including keeping the noise emitted during operation to a minimum and lowering operating temperatures. If you have pets or if you are a smoker, it is a good idea to clean your computer more frequently.
Read this article for tips on cleaning a computer. Focus your attention on the cooling fans, which are often the source of the noise
Step 2. Replace the case cooling fans
These components of a computer have the job of keeping it cool, but at the same time they can become the source of annoying noises. Replacing a computer case fan (s) with a larger and more efficient version than the current one will give you more silence and lower operating temperatures.
Check out this guide to find out how to install new cooling fans in a desktop computer case
Step 3. Replace the CPU cooler
The source of most noise inside a computer is generally the fan that cools the CPU. This is due to the fact that the microprocessor is the component that generates the most heat inside a computer and therefore needs to be constantly cooled, which is why the cooling fan always runs at maximum speed. Replacing this device with a larger and more efficient version will reduce the noise emitted by the computer when it is running.
