This document provides basic troubleshooting steps for common computer problems. It begins by having the user rule out simple causes like ensuring all cables are securely connected. It then covers troubleshooting hardware issues with components like monitors, mice/keyboards not working. Software problems discussed include programs freezing or error messages. Solutions involve restarting the system or closing unresponsive programs. For persistent issues, removing startup files or extensions in safe mode is suggested. Network troubleshooting includes checking cable connections and contacting an administrator. The document stresses that computers will inevitably experience errors given their complex nature.

1. Basic Troubleshooting

2. Step 1
Rule out any Common Causes:
 Allplugs are connected – double check
 Determine if it is a desktop problem or a
network problem – what were you doing
when it happened?
 Turning it on? Using a program? Is it a piece
of hardware that is not working?

3. Hardware Problems
Computer wont turn on
 Check all plugs – especially power plug
 Check any fuses or breakers
 Listen to see if you can hear the fan
 If no sound is heard and all cords are
plugged in, you will need to take to
computer technician

4. Hardware Problems
Monitor
 Ifmonitor does not come on, check all
cords – especially power cord and
connection to CPU
 See if any indicator lights come on
 Turn power button on and off
 Take to technician

5. Hardware Problems
Mouse and/or Keyboard
 Check all connections!!
 Clean mouse if not working properly
 Use rubbing alcohol and Q-tip
 Clean keyboard if keys are sticking
 Canuse a spray cleaner or rubbing alcohol
 Make sure it is given time to dry

6. Software Problems
Computer starts up (you can hear it
running), but nothing happens or your
receive an error message on the
screen.
You are using a program, such as Word
or Netscape, and it stops working (you
cant move the mouse or click on

7. Step 2
Try to reboot the system to see if that
fixes the problem:
 PC users – hold down the Ctrl, Alt and
Delete keys and select Shutdown, or close
the program that is having the error.
 Mac users – hold down the Control, Apple,
and start keys to reboot.

8. Other solutions
Sometimes a software program freezes up or
has an error and you need to close that
program.
Sometimes files need to be removed or
extensions and/or start up files need to be
removed in order for the computer to work.

9. Windows Platform
In the Windows operating system, to
force quit a program, hold down the
Ctrl, Atl, and Delete keys.
A menu will appear that lets you quit the
application you are in and/or restart
your computer.

10. Macintosh Platform
To close or shut down a program in the
Macintosh operating system, hold down
the Apple, Ctrl, Alt, and Esc keys.
This will force quite the program that
was running.

11. Windows Platform
When Windows has problems starting
up, sometimes it will give you the option
of starting in a Safe Mode so that you
can fix a problem without it ruining your
system or losing files.

12. Windows Platform
When windows is in Safe Mode, you can get
assistance with problems in Window 98, use
the Trouble Shooting Wizard under the Help
menu in the Start Menu.
This will allow you to answer some questions
that will evaluate what the problem could be.

13. Windows Platform
In Safe Mode, you can also remove programs
from the start-up that may be causing
problems.
To remove programs from Start up folder by
going to the Start Menu, Settings, Taskbar &
Start Menu. You can click on remove and
then remove a program that appears to be
freezing your computer, then restart to see if
this fixes the problem.

14. Macintosh Platform
In the Macintosh operating system, you may
receive error warnings when the computer is
starting up or your computer may “freeze” on
the start up process.
You can restart the computer with the
extensions turned off to bypass some of the
start up files to see if this fixes the problem.

15. Macintosh Platform
To turn off extensions – hold down the
shift key while restarting the computer.
When extensions are turned off, you
can go to the system folder and then to
the extensions folder and remove any
extension you think might be the
problem.

16. Network Troubleshooting
Errors on a network consist of:
 Printingerrors
 Access to Internet
 Computer Freezing up

17. Network Errors
First, make sure that the connection to
the network is tight
Check to make sure light next to
network card is blinking
Reboot your computer
Contact your network administrator

18. Reminder
Computers are not perfect!
They are created by humans – you will
have errors and problems
In order to work, the computer must
read millions of code – it can happen
that the code is misread and therefore
results in errors.

19. Done by