Troubleshooting

What are some general tips to keep in mind about trouble shooting computer problems?

• Write down your steps, take notes about error messages, always check the cables, restart the computer
• Try lots of things and shutdown the computer
• Ask a parent for help, ask teacher for help, ask friend for help
• Unplug your computer and plug it back in just to check the power source

Choose one solution for the following problem: Power button will not start computer.

• Check the central processing unit (CPU) to see if it is working properly
• Check the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet
• Check your internet access to see if you are connected to the internet
• Check to see if you have an Ethernet cable connection 

Choose one solution for the following problem: an application is running SLOWLY.

• Restart the computer
• Try to access the application from the internet instead
• Close and re-open the application
• Just forget it and work in another application

Choose one solution for the following problem: an application is FROZEN.

• Close the application
• Hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
• Hit the backspace key on your keyboard
• Hit Esc on your keyboard to get out of the application

Choose one solution for the following problem: the computer is FROZEN.

• Press and hold the Power button for 5-10 seconds to force the computer to shut down.
• Close all applications and restart
• Unplug all plugs on the computer and plug them back in
• Hold down the monitor power button until the computer shuts down.

Choose one solution for the following problem: the sound isn't working.

• Check the volume level
• Use different headphones
• Buy speakers
• restart you computer

Choose one solution for the following problem: the mouse or keyboard has stopped working.

• Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard and click the mouse twice to reset the hardware
• If you're using a wired mouse or keyboard, make sure it's correctly plugged into the computer
• Move to a different computer, they are probably broken
• Hold down on the right click and/or the backspace key to reset the hardware

Choose one solution for the following problem: ALL programs on the computer run slowly

• Shut down the computer two times in a row
• Unplug your mouse and plug it back in
• Your computer may be running out of hard drive space. Try deleting any files or programs you don't need.
• Reorganize the files on your computer. This is making the computer think too hard.

Choose one solution for the following problem: The screen is blank.

• Make sure the monitor and computer are plugged in and turned on
• Hit the power button on the screen only
• Check mouse to see if the light is turned on
• Restart your computer

Troubleshooting is always a process of...

• random act to get the solution you want 
• trial and error
• trying different things
• not knowing what you are doing