Bitzenbytes.com

Fixing and asking for help about fixing:

The person you are asking is not looking at your computer. How would that person even know where to start with giving you advice? Don't just ask a question out of the blue; give some information and history. You'll save everybody typing and time and get your answer much faster.

1. State the problem clearly.
2. Name the Operating System, its version, and service pack level.
3. Name the manufacturer of the machine and the model number or model name.
4. Name the motherboard and version if you know it.
5. Name the BIOS maker and version if you know it.
6. Name the CPU, version, and speed.
7. Name the amount and type of RAM.
8. Name the Mfg., model, size, and type of hard drive.
9. Other hardware:
   1. If you are asking about video: name the mfgs., monitor, video card, models, driver versions and etc.
   2. If you are asking about modems: name the mfg., model, driver, etc.
   3. By now you should have the idea. If you ask a question about something that can exist in more than one kind of configuration, please tell about your configuration.

RTFM: Keep all your manuals. When you have a problem, try reading them.

Backup your data! No excuses! If you expect magic, you are likely to be disappointed.

Never ever move your computer while it is turned on.

Never plug in a mouse or a keyboard while the computer is turned on.

Always shut down Windows using the shut-down menu. If windows hangs on shutdown, give it a good long wait (then wait some more--go mow the lawn) before turning off the power switch.

If the system seems to hang, use ctrl-alt-delete to bring up the Task Menu, and select End Task for anything "not responding." If all else fails, shut down from this menu.
Be patient and give it time (go weed the garden).

If everything locks up, or you get the "dreaded" BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), try ctrl-alt-delete twice.
Make lunch.

If it still does not respond, turn off the power switch. Eat Lunch.

If Scan Disk runs when you restart, say yes to everything.

Never smack the power switch and don't cycle it on and off quickly.

ESD--don't tolerate it. If you generate a lot of static electricity discharges, do something about it.

Never delete anything you didn't create. Don't delete programs; uninstall programs using the uninstall utility or Add/Remove Programs found in Control Panel.

Yes; you need anti-virus software.

Go to the web site of the manufacturer of your hardware. Read about your hardware and see if the manufacturer has anything new to say about it.

Keep copies of your hardware drivers on removable media.

Reboot.

Check the plug.

Write down exactly what error messages say, verbatim, before doing anything else.

If you have warranty support, use it.

Page Faults -- RAM, either bad or too little.

Hard drive noise -- New Hard drive.

Corrupt files, cross linked files, often -- Nuke and Pave once. Still have problem -- New Hard Drive.

Computer slows way down -- Check for stopped fans, overheated CPU, bad power supply. Make sure the fan is stuck to the cpu with that white thermal goop.

Erratic hardware -- check the power supply -- it can fail partially and still start the computer. Swap in a known good one, or test with a VOM (multimeter.) A failing power supply may cause spontaneous rebooting.

Can't read one CD -- bad disk. Can't read any CD -- loose cable or bad drive.

You just made a change to the system, and now something doesn't work. Change it back.