Symptom:
Missing or Loose Keys
Solution:
Replace keyboard
Keyboards get the brunt of abuse on any laptop, either from typing or spilled coffee. As a result, keys can often become dislodged or worn out. Thankfully, laptop makers provide quick online guides for replacing keyboards on their support pages; simply type "keyboard replacement" into the search bar or check the manufacturer's knowledge base.
For instance, Toshiba's "Ask Iris" document database provides hardware-replacement guides. To remove the old keyboard, you'll typically just have to remove some screws from the bottom of the laptop and unlock the keyboard with a button or snap mechanism, which secures it to the frame. Replacement keyboards are usually covered under warranty or can be purchased relatively cheaply.
Dell, for example, sells them for $15 to $25. The company also offers plastic keyboard protectors for $10 to $15 on its Web site. CompuCover offers keyboard protectors for a variety of other laptops.
Read more: http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/tips/11-ways-to-fix-your-laptop.aspx?page=7#ixzz186nPpnps
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
ifixedmypc.blogspot.com: How to Keep a PC Running Smoothly: Computer Tips
ifixedmypc.blogspot.com: How to Keep a PC Running Smoothly: Computer Tips: "1.Always protect your PC by installing some kind of antivirus and regularly keep the antivirus updated. There are numerous antivirus softwar..."
How to Keep a PC Running Smoothly: Computer Tips
1.Always protect your PC by installing some kind of antivirus and regularly keep the antivirus updated. There are numerous antivirus software available on the internet. Make sure you choose a known anti-virus after consulting a computer expert. A weak anti-virus program will do more harm than good to your computer. A high-quality anti-virus program on the other hand will protect your computer from dangerous invasive software that can wash out your important data. Here are top three free antivirus: Avast Home Edition Free Antivirus, Avira Personal Free Antivirus and AVG Antivirus Free Edition. You can choose the one you like best.
2.Keep the firewall protection on as it will protect your PC from the.Read more
2.Keep the firewall protection on as it will protect your PC from the.Read more
Sunday, October 10, 2010
How to fix broken Hard drive on your PC
This information is provided for use at your own risk and should only be used when the next step is to throw away, or otherwise recycle a dead hard drive
Make sure the device is definitely dead.
2.5" HDD Server & Chassis Supermicro's Intel® Xeon® based energy and cost-efficient solutions
Have you checked PC's BIOS settings to ensure detection of the troublesome drive? Sometimes the settings can alter for various reasons, so it's a good idea to check these first.
Was the IDE (ribbon) and power cable firmly in place?
Are all in/output pins on the drives connectors intact and not obviously bent, damaged or broken etc.?. read more
Make sure the device is definitely dead.
2.5" HDD Server & Chassis Supermicro's Intel® Xeon® based energy and cost-efficient solutions
Have you checked PC's BIOS settings to ensure detection of the troublesome drive? Sometimes the settings can alter for various reasons, so it's a good idea to check these first.
Was the IDE (ribbon) and power cable firmly in place?
Are all in/output pins on the drives connectors intact and not obviously bent, damaged or broken etc.?. read more
Saturday, September 25, 2010
10 Ways To Boost Your WiFi Signal
It is true that a direct cabled connection is probably faster, but that doesn't mean you can't get great Internet connection speeds from a WiFi connection. WiFi is a signal, so it's simply a matter of boosting that signal to extend as far as you need it to, and doing it in a way so you'll still get the same amount of power. There are ways to extend your WiFi signal, and most of them won't cost a penny. Here are my ten ways to boost your wifi signal:
Position The Router - Yes, where you place your router does matter. If your wireless desktop or laptop is in another room, the signal has to go through walls and other interference before it reaches you. You can change the positioning and give everyone equal access. For example, in an open office room setting, instead of placing the router in a corner, try putting it in the middle of the room. It might give better coverage to the entire office. The signal should extend out more evenly. If you're looking for optimal wireless coverage in various parts of your home, position the router in the middle of the house. Moving it up off the floor, to a bookcase or shelf, should also help. If you only have one wireless computer, and it's always in the same place (ie: your office, the kitchen, or the hammock) then it makes more sense to place the router closer to the computer, rather than in the center of the house. But experiment -- I've heard of cases where there was a very weak signal, and the problem was that the router was TOO close to the computer. Read more
Position The Router - Yes, where you place your router does matter. If your wireless desktop or laptop is in another room, the signal has to go through walls and other interference before it reaches you. You can change the positioning and give everyone equal access. For example, in an open office room setting, instead of placing the router in a corner, try putting it in the middle of the room. It might give better coverage to the entire office. The signal should extend out more evenly. If you're looking for optimal wireless coverage in various parts of your home, position the router in the middle of the house. Moving it up off the floor, to a bookcase or shelf, should also help. If you only have one wireless computer, and it's always in the same place (ie: your office, the kitchen, or the hammock) then it makes more sense to place the router closer to the computer, rather than in the center of the house. But experiment -- I've heard of cases where there was a very weak signal, and the problem was that the router was TOO close to the computer. Read more
Friday, September 17, 2010
Troubleshooting Wireless Network Connections
Checking that all your wires are plugged in at the router and from the plug is one of the first things you should do – provided of course that you have access to them. Verify that the power cord is connected and that all the lights of the router and cable/DSL modem are on. This may seem like a ridiculous suggestion but you should never disregard the obvious. You’d be surprised at how your configuration can be perfect, and after a while of playing around with settings you realize that the network cable leading from the router to the cable modem has come undone slightly.Read more
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
How to Upgrade Your PC's RAM
Adding RAM is often the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to speed up a sluggish computer. PCs that had more than enough RAM when they were new often have trouble keeping up with the demands of the latest programs after a few years. New operating systems almost always call for more memory, too. When a computer runs short of RAM, it's forced to swap the overflow data on and off of the hard drive, which can significantly slow performance. Read more
Sunday, September 12, 2010
How to Find, Remove and Prevent Spyware, Internet Intruders, and Pop-Ups
Internet Intruders are unwanted software that is installed while surfing the Internet, and that typically uses the Internet in the process of exploiting the user and the user's machine. Typically such software is installed without the user's full awareness of the consequences of such an install (although the user might have been given some notice of what would happen). Such software is typically difficult to manually detect, and difficult to remove. It usually compromises some combination of the user's privacy, the confidentiality of the user's information, or the user's productivity. Productivity is compromised when frequent ads popup, when bandwidth and storage space is consumed, when pages load more slowly, etc. Read more
Saturday, September 11, 2010
How to setup a wireless printer
Instructions.Things You'll Need:
wireless computer
wireless printer
USB cables
printer software
The first thing you will need is a wireless computer with a wireless network card included. If your computer doesn't have a wireless network card, you can buy one at any computer store.
The next thing you will need is a router. You need to make sure that both your computer's wireless network and the router are 802.11 compliant. There is 802.11b (standard) and also 802.11g (if you are printing a large amount of pages.Read more
wireless computer
wireless printer
USB cables
printer software
The first thing you will need is a wireless computer with a wireless network card included. If your computer doesn't have a wireless network card, you can buy one at any computer store.
The next thing you will need is a router. You need to make sure that both your computer's wireless network and the router are 802.11 compliant. There is 802.11b (standard) and also 802.11g (if you are printing a large amount of pages.Read more
Sunday, September 5, 2010
10 tips to Prevent Hackers
Hack ers have been around for too long, usu ally asso ci ated with dark themes and “the evil side” they represent the minor ity of IT Gurus that just have too much time on their hands, and a touch of evilness.
Usually represented with a skull or “horrifically” they are iconic in a never end ing battle against inter net crime.
Your host ing provider should have set up your server with a cer tain amount of secu rity built-in. How ever, there’s much you can do your self to ensure your site stays unmolested.Read more
Usually represented with a skull or “horrifically” they are iconic in a never end ing battle against inter net crime.
Your host ing provider should have set up your server with a cer tain amount of secu rity built-in. How ever, there’s much you can do your self to ensure your site stays unmolested.Read more
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
How to Repair Windows 7 Installation
Windows 7 is by far the best OS to be released by Microsoft till date. When you install any software or drivers on Windows 7 or if any installation fails, it might cause issues with Windows 7 start up and this might effect Windows 7 booting. In case you encountered any such situation, best way is to repair Windows 7 using the DVD. Windows 7 DVD has system recovery tools to repair and recover issues with Windows 7. Read more
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
10 tips for improving your wireless network
If Windows ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn't as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home. If you're looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
1. Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location. Read more
1. Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location. Read more
Sunday, August 29, 2010
How to Remove spyware
The basic premise is that malware can be very good at defending itself, so the best way to remove it, is not to let it run in the first place. You can do this by booting an infected machine from a CD and running an operating system off the CD that treats the C disk as a data disk. You can then run anti-malware software either from the bootable CD (I like The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows) or from another machine on the network.
It turns out that this is a good first step, but is not sufficient as the only step (see Part 3). There is great news ahead however. Both MalwareBytes and SUPERAntiSpyware are working on being able to mount the registry as a registry, even when running outside the infected Operating System. This will be a big improvement and go further to making my scan-from-the-outside approach even better.
The Best Way to Remove Viruses, Spyware and other Malware (Part 1) May 19, 2009
How to Remove Malware: Booting from a CD (Part 2) June 16,2009
The Best Way to Remove Viruses and Malware: The Clean-Up (Part 3) July 20,2009. Read more
It turns out that this is a good first step, but is not sufficient as the only step (see Part 3). There is great news ahead however. Both MalwareBytes and SUPERAntiSpyware are working on being able to mount the registry as a registry, even when running outside the infected Operating System. This will be a big improvement and go further to making my scan-from-the-outside approach even better.
The Best Way to Remove Viruses, Spyware and other Malware (Part 1) May 19, 2009
How to Remove Malware: Booting from a CD (Part 2) June 16,2009
The Best Way to Remove Viruses and Malware: The Clean-Up (Part 3) July 20,2009. Read more
Friday, August 27, 2010
How to Backup and Restore Windows 7
Backup and Restore—improved for Windows 7—creates safety copies of your most important files, so if you lose something, it won't be lost forever.
Let Windows choose what to back up, or pick individual folders, libraries, or drives. Windows can back up files on whatever schedule you choose. Just set it and forget it. In Windows 7, you can back up files to another drive, your network, or a DVD. Backup and Restore for your personal PC and attached DVD or external hard drives comes with all editions of Windows.
If you want to backup to a network location, say on your company's central server, network attached storage, or another computer on your network, you'll need Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate.Read more
Let Windows choose what to back up, or pick individual folders, libraries, or drives. Windows can back up files on whatever schedule you choose. Just set it and forget it. In Windows 7, you can back up files to another drive, your network, or a DVD. Backup and Restore for your personal PC and attached DVD or external hard drives comes with all editions of Windows.
If you want to backup to a network location, say on your company's central server, network attached storage, or another computer on your network, you'll need Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate.Read more
Thursday, August 26, 2010
How to fix a computer that won't start
A computer that won't start is frustrating, but the problem is often easy to fix. The steps you take to troubleshoot the problem depend on your symptoms. Because different problems require different troubleshooting steps, it’s not necessary to read all of these instructions. Instead, click on the link that best describes your problem:Read more
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
How to properly remove viruses from your PC
If you use a computer, read the newspaper, or watch the news, you will know about computer viruses or other malware. These are those malicious programs that once they infect your machine will start causing havoc on your computer. What many people do not know is that there are many different types of infections that are categorized in the general category of Malware.
Malware - Malware is programming or files that are developed for the purpose of doing harm. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, hijackers, and certain type of adware.
This article will focus on those malware that are considered viruses, trojans, worms, and viruses, though this information can be used to remove the other types of malware as well. We will not go into specific details about any one particular infection, but rather provide a broad overview of how these infections can be removed. For the most part these instructions should allow you to remove a good deal of infections, but there are some that need special steps to be removed and these won't be covered under this tutorial.
Malware - Malware is programming or files that are developed for the purpose of doing harm. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, hijackers, and certain type of adware.
This article will focus on those malware that are considered viruses, trojans, worms, and viruses, though this information can be used to remove the other types of malware as well. We will not go into specific details about any one particular infection, but rather provide a broad overview of how these infections can be removed. For the most part these instructions should allow you to remove a good deal of infections, but there are some that need special steps to be removed and these won't be covered under this tutorial.
Monday, August 23, 2010
How to Set Up RAID on Your PC..Boost your hard-drive performance, add redundancy, or do both by converting your PC to use a RAID setup.
Configuring two or more hard drives in a RAID setup can speed up hard-drive performance and provide automatic protection against data loss from a drive failure. RAID used to be expensive, hard to implement, and limited to businesses with dedicated IT departments, but now even the motherboards on most budget PCs support it, making RAID easier to install and well within the price range of most tech-savvy PC users.
Note: After reading this article, watch our video for a visual tutorial on setting up RAID.
What level of RAID do I want?
RAID comes in a number of flavors--or levels--that offer data protection, enhanced hard-drive performance, or both. In addition to the seven core levels of RAID (RAID 0 through RAID 6), you'll encounter a slew of variants and combinations. Following are the RAID levels you'll find on affordable, consumer-level RAID adapters.Continue
Note: After reading this article, watch our video for a visual tutorial on setting up RAID.
What level of RAID do I want?
RAID comes in a number of flavors--or levels--that offer data protection, enhanced hard-drive performance, or both. In addition to the seven core levels of RAID (RAID 0 through RAID 6), you'll encounter a slew of variants and combinations. Following are the RAID levels you'll find on affordable, consumer-level RAID adapters.Continue
Sunday, August 22, 2010
How to Transfer Your Data From Your Old Drive to a New Drive
It happens eventually. With all the files your digital lifestyle includes – applications, movies, music, pictures, documents and more - the hard drive in your computer will eventually fill up and you'll need more space. Sure, you can burn some of those files to CD or DVD, but then you have a pile of discs laying around and finding which file is where is more hassle than most of us need.
Fortunately, there's an easier solution – upgrade to a bigger hard drive. It's a fairly straightforward process, that given a little time, a little patience and the correct tools, anybody can do.
So let's get to it!
Fortunately, there's an easier solution – upgrade to a bigger hard drive. It's a fairly straightforward process, that given a little time, a little patience and the correct tools, anybody can do.
So let's get to it!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What to do if your computer is already infected with a virus
Please note: Many virus infections cannot be detected or repaired from within the affected system while it is running.
The most effective way to remove an infection is to erase (format or "wipe") the entire system drive, and then reinstall and secure your operating system and needed applications.
For a more detailed guide: refer to the Safe Computing guide "Securing a Personal Machine", Part Three: Attempt to Repair an Infected Computer.
Preliminary Steps – To be done on a non-infected computer. NOTE: Do not try to plug an infected computer into a working Ethernet jack on campus.
If your computer does not have Symantec AntiVirus installed on it, download this at http://www.umn.edu/adcs/software/security/. When you download it, choose the option to save the file onto your computer.
Go to: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/download/pages/US-SAVCE.html. read more
The most effective way to remove an infection is to erase (format or "wipe") the entire system drive, and then reinstall and secure your operating system and needed applications.
For a more detailed guide: refer to the Safe Computing guide "Securing a Personal Machine", Part Three: Attempt to Repair an Infected Computer.
Preliminary Steps – To be done on a non-infected computer. NOTE: Do not try to plug an infected computer into a working Ethernet jack on campus.
If your computer does not have Symantec AntiVirus installed on it, download this at http://www.umn.edu/adcs/software/security/. When you download it, choose the option to save the file onto your computer.
Go to: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/download/pages/US-SAVCE.html. read more
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor
If your LCD screen has a stuck or dead pixel (a point on the screen that is always lit or always dark), it is usually due to a transistor malfunction or uneven distribution of liquid in the liquid crystal display (TFT LCD). This can often be fixed.Continue
Monday, August 16, 2010
How to Upgrade Your MacBook's Hard Drive
What You Need
- Apple MacBook
- Backup software (SuperDuper!, $27.95)
- Phillips #0 Screwdriver
- Torx T8 Screwdriver
- A coin
- An internal hard drive (2.5 SATA)
Upgrading your MacBook's internal hard drive is a simple way to store more documents, music, movies, applications and other files on your new Apple portable.
Hard drives (or hard disk drives) are large capacity storage devices which store all of your data - everything from Mac OS X to your latest iTunes music album. Adding a larger capacity internal hard drive will allow you to store more data without having to plug in external devices. This can also help alleviate slow-downs, errors and other weirdness that can occur when your hard drive starts to get full. It's generally recommended that you keep 5% or 5GB of space free (whichever is larger) to alleviate such issues. If you're running out of space, it's time to consider an upgrade!;continue
- Apple MacBook
- Backup software (SuperDuper!, $27.95)
- Phillips #0 Screwdriver
- Torx T8 Screwdriver
- A coin
- An internal hard drive (2.5 SATA)
Upgrading your MacBook's internal hard drive is a simple way to store more documents, music, movies, applications and other files on your new Apple portable.
Hard drives (or hard disk drives) are large capacity storage devices which store all of your data - everything from Mac OS X to your latest iTunes music album. Adding a larger capacity internal hard drive will allow you to store more data without having to plug in external devices. This can also help alleviate slow-downs, errors and other weirdness that can occur when your hard drive starts to get full. It's generally recommended that you keep 5% or 5GB of space free (whichever is larger) to alleviate such issues. If you're running out of space, it's time to consider an upgrade!;continue
Friday, August 13, 2010
5 ways to speed up your PC
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows 7, Vista, and XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.
1. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.Continue
1. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.Continue
Thursday, August 12, 2010
How to Upgrade Processor Speed (CPU)
A computer's central processing unit, or CPU, is sometimes referred to as the brain of a computer. A CPU carries out the millions of calculations necessary for a computer to operate. The speed of a CPU has a direct impact on the speed a computer can run its programs. Upgrading a processor's output speed can increase a computer's performance.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Screwdriver
Extra case fans
A box fan or oscillating fan
New CPU heatsink and fan
A new CPU
Step 1
Limit start up applications. Many applications start up when your computer turns on that are unnecessary and slow down a CPU. Click "Start," then "Run," and type "msconfig" and click "OK." Go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck any startup services that you have installed since you got your computer but do not use. Programs like winamp, AIM, media players, and other programs often launch at startup, even though there is no need for them to do so.
Read more: How to Upgrade Processor Speed | eHow.com
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Screwdriver
Extra case fans
A box fan or oscillating fan
New CPU heatsink and fan
A new CPU
Step 1
Limit start up applications. Many applications start up when your computer turns on that are unnecessary and slow down a CPU. Click "Start," then "Run," and type "msconfig" and click "OK." Go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck any startup services that you have installed since you got your computer but do not use. Programs like winamp, AIM, media players, and other programs often launch at startup, even though there is no need for them to do so.
Read more: How to Upgrade Processor Speed | eHow.com
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
How to fix BlueScreen (STOP) errors that cause Windows Vista to shut down
How to fix BlueScreen (STOP) errors that cause Windows Vista to shut down or restart unexpectedly
View products that this article applies to.
Support for Windows Vista without any service packs installed ended on April 13, 2010. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows, continue
View products that this article applies to.
Support for Windows Vista without any service packs installed ended on April 13, 2010. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows, continue
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Resolving Startup Problems in Windows XP, Me, and 98
This document applies to all HP and Compaq desktop computers with Windows XP, Me, or 98.
Use the steps in this document when you’re having problems starting your computer. There are many causes that can prevent the computer from starting up correctly so it is important to further define the symptom so that HP can provide you with more relevant troubleshooting information.
NOTE: If your computer is able to open Windows, but you are receiving an error message or have a different problem, try searching HP Customer Care on the exact error or symptom that the computer is experiencing to find a more relevant support document.
Use the following steps, in sequence, until a solution is found.
Step 1: Begin troubleshooting by removing media and connected devices
Turn on the computer and remove any CDs and DVDs from their drives using the CD/DVD eject button on the outside of the CD/DVD drive.
If you are unable to turn on the computer and/or eject the discs, continue using these steps. Remember to remove the discs when the computer has power and you are able to open the drive door.
Read more-
Use the steps in this document when you’re having problems starting your computer. There are many causes that can prevent the computer from starting up correctly so it is important to further define the symptom so that HP can provide you with more relevant troubleshooting information.
NOTE: If your computer is able to open Windows, but you are receiving an error message or have a different problem, try searching HP Customer Care on the exact error or symptom that the computer is experiencing to find a more relevant support document.
Use the following steps, in sequence, until a solution is found.
Step 1: Begin troubleshooting by removing media and connected devices
Turn on the computer and remove any CDs and DVDs from their drives using the CD/DVD eject button on the outside of the CD/DVD drive.
If you are unable to turn on the computer and/or eject the discs, continue using these steps. Remember to remove the discs when the computer has power and you are able to open the drive door.
Read more-
Thursday, August 5, 2010
How Do I Troubleshoot a Computer Freeze or Lockup in Microsoft® Windows®?
Try to move the mouse (pointer) across the screen.
The Mouse Moves
Most likely the freeze or lockup is confined to a single program. For troubleshooting assistance, refer to the Dell KB Article: "A Program Stops Responding or Hangs" Article ID: 317983.
The Mouse Does Not Move
If the mouse does not move at all across the screen, press the key once and then press the a few times.
If there is no movement on the screen, then the system is probably frozen meaning that all programs are locked up. Press and hold the computer's power button for 5 seconds until the computer shuts off, and then start the computer.
Notice:
You may lose any unsaved data. It is recommended that you only utilize this shutdown method only when absolutely necessary to minimize any data loss. Continue-
The Mouse Moves
Most likely the freeze or lockup is confined to a single program. For troubleshooting assistance, refer to the Dell KB Article: "A Program Stops Responding or Hangs" Article ID: 317983.
The Mouse Does Not Move
If the mouse does not move at all across the screen, press the
If there is no movement on the screen, then the system is probably frozen meaning that all programs are locked up. Press and hold the computer's power button for 5 seconds until the computer shuts off, and then start the computer.
Notice:
You may lose any unsaved data. It is recommended that you only utilize this shutdown method only when absolutely necessary to minimize any data loss. Continue-
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
How to Clean Inside a PC
Contributor
By James Gapinski, eHow Contributing Writer
Though overlooked by some PC users, regular computer cleaning is important. Proper cleaning consists of more than just brushing the gunk off the mouse pad or disinfecting the keyboard surface. To ensure a long-lasting, well-functioning computer, you need to clean inside the PC, too. Fortunately, cleaning the inner workings of a PC is relatively easy with just a few simple tools and the proper safety precautions; even novice PC users can perform this basic, vital maintenance.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Magnetic screwdriver
Can of compressed air with attached nozzle
Step 1
Turn off and unplug your computer to protect against accidental electric shock.
Step 2
Let the PC cool down if it was recently in use. Typically, the PC will cool down in less than one hour even if it is quite hot. A hot computer can cause accidental skin burns.
Step 3
Unscrew the main access panel on your computer. On tower PCs, this is often located on the side. For flat PCs, the top panel is typically removable; however, this panel often wraps around, encasing the sides as well, so you may still need to unscrew the sides to remove the top. If you use a magnetic screwdriver, you won't accidentally lose the screws or--even worse--drop them into the computer's internal components.
Read more: How to Clean Inside a PC | eHow.com
By James Gapinski, eHow Contributing Writer
Though overlooked by some PC users, regular computer cleaning is important. Proper cleaning consists of more than just brushing the gunk off the mouse pad or disinfecting the keyboard surface. To ensure a long-lasting, well-functioning computer, you need to clean inside the PC, too. Fortunately, cleaning the inner workings of a PC is relatively easy with just a few simple tools and the proper safety precautions; even novice PC users can perform this basic, vital maintenance.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Magnetic screwdriver
Can of compressed air with attached nozzle
Step 1
Turn off and unplug your computer to protect against accidental electric shock.
Step 2
Let the PC cool down if it was recently in use. Typically, the PC will cool down in less than one hour even if it is quite hot. A hot computer can cause accidental skin burns.
Step 3
Unscrew the main access panel on your computer. On tower PCs, this is often located on the side. For flat PCs, the top panel is typically removable; however, this panel often wraps around, encasing the sides as well, so you may still need to unscrew the sides to remove the top. If you use a magnetic screwdriver, you won't accidentally lose the screws or--even worse--drop them into the computer's internal components.
Read more: How to Clean Inside a PC | eHow.com
Your PC’s mortal enemies are Heat & Moisture
Excessive heat accelerate the deterioration of the delicate circuits in your system . The most common cause of overheating are dust & dirt: Clog vents and CPU cooling fans can keep heat dissipating air from moving through the case, even a thin coating of a dust or dirt can raise the temperature of your machine’s components.
Any grime, specially the residue of cigarettes smokes, can corrode exposed metal contacts. That’s why it pays to keep your system clean, inside and out.
Any grime, specially the residue of cigarettes smokes, can corrode exposed metal contacts. That’s why it pays to keep your system clean, inside and out.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?
Cause:
This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.
1.Hard disk drive is short on available disk space.
2.Several software programs have been installed/uninstalled leaving behind bad files and/or confusing the software.
3.Data Corruption.
4.Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
5.Computer is overheating.
6.Corrupt OS.
7.Bad Hardware.
Solution:
Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that should help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.
Note: If it is just your Internet that is slow see document CH000986 for reasons why this may be happening.
Not enough hard disk drive space
Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard disk drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size as well as room for temporary files.
Steps on how to determine how much disk space your computer has can be found on document CH000369.
See document CH000528 for additional information about regaining lost hard disk drive space.
Hard drive corrupted or fragmented
Run Scandisk or something equivalent to help ensure that there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard disk drive.
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
Background programs
Remove or disable any TSRs or programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. See document CHTSR for additional information. If you're wanting to see what programs are running in the background, how much memory they're using, and their CPU usage open Task Manager. Also, if you are running Windows 7, you can run Resmon to find out which programs are taking up a lot of space.
If you've got an anti-virus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or other security utility make sure it's not running in the background as you're trying to work. Often when these programs begin to scan the computer it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.
Hardware conflicts
Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem. Information about how to get into Device Manager can be found on document CH000833.
Update Windows
Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed in the computer. Additional information about making sure Windows is up-to-date can be found on document CH000545.
Update your drivers
Make sure you've got the latest drivers for your computer. Especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues. See document CH000546 for additional information.
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating, excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance some processors will even lower the speed of the processor automatically to help compensate for the heat related issues. Additional information about your processor temperature and was of determining how hot it is can be found on document CH000687.
This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.
1.Hard disk drive is short on available disk space.
2.Several software programs have been installed/uninstalled leaving behind bad files and/or confusing the software.
3.Data Corruption.
4.Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
5.Computer is overheating.
6.Corrupt OS.
7.Bad Hardware.
Solution:
Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that should help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.
Note: If it is just your Internet that is slow see document CH000986 for reasons why this may be happening.
Not enough hard disk drive space
Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard disk drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size as well as room for temporary files.
Steps on how to determine how much disk space your computer has can be found on document CH000369.
See document CH000528 for additional information about regaining lost hard disk drive space.
Hard drive corrupted or fragmented
Run Scandisk or something equivalent to help ensure that there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard disk drive.
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
Background programs
Remove or disable any TSRs or programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. See document CHTSR for additional information. If you're wanting to see what programs are running in the background, how much memory they're using, and their CPU usage open Task Manager. Also, if you are running Windows 7, you can run Resmon to find out which programs are taking up a lot of space.
If you've got an anti-virus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or other security utility make sure it's not running in the background as you're trying to work. Often when these programs begin to scan the computer it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.
Hardware conflicts
Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem. Information about how to get into Device Manager can be found on document CH000833.
Update Windows
Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed in the computer. Additional information about making sure Windows is up-to-date can be found on document CH000545.
Update your drivers
Make sure you've got the latest drivers for your computer. Especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues. See document CH000546 for additional information.
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating, excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance some processors will even lower the speed of the processor automatically to help compensate for the heat related issues. Additional information about your processor temperature and was of determining how hot it is can be found on document CH000687.
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