Common Causes for Common Problems

Most computer problems are easy to solve because they're really not major problems. Oh, they might appear to be major any problem that happens to you is major! but in reality, most problems result from causes that are easily fixed. So, take a look here at some of the most common sources of computer problems and how you can avoid them.

User Error

Here's the thing about computers. They're logic machines, and they seldom, if ever, make mistakes of their own volition. So you can't always blame your problems on the computer, no matter how tempting that might be. The truth of the matter is that the most common cause of computer problems is you!

You see, most problems result when the user that's you does something wrong. You might hit the wrong key, type the wrong command, or enter the wrong input. Or maybe you click the wrong mouse button, highlight the wrong item, or double-click when you mean to single-click.

You're probably not even aware of your blunder until something goes terribly and unmistakably wrong with your work. The key to correcting the problem, then, is to remain calm and retrace your steps to figure out exactly what you did wrong.

The bottom line? If your computer doesn't seem to do what you tell it, make sure that you're telling it to do the right thing. When you input an error, you get an error in return.

Bad Connections

After you eliminate people problems, the next most common cause of computer malfunctions is the bad connection. Hooking up a handful of cables might sound simple, but it's easy to do wrong. If you plug a cable into the wrong connector, whatever is connected to that cable on either end! won't work. If the connection isn't solid if the plug is loose operation can be intermittent. If the cable is old, frayed, or sharply bent, the wires inside the cable might not transmit data effectively, again causing intermittent operation. And, of course, if you forget to turn the power on, well, nothing happens at all!

If an external device isn't working, the problem most likely lies in the connection. Make sure that all cables are solidly connected and, if necessary, securely screwed into their ports. Make certain that the printer cable actually is connected to the printer port, the keyboard cable to the keyboard port, and so on; it's easy to plug the right cable into the wrong connector. Finally, check that both ends of the cable are connected; a cable can work its way loose from the back of the monitor just as easily as it can from the back of the system unit.

When you're connecting multiple USB devices to your computer, you might have to resort to using a USB hub that lets you plug four or more USB devices into a single USB port. Problems sometimes result in your computer not always recognizing a device plugged into the hub; if you have a USB that isn't working, try plugging it directly into a port on your PC, rather than through the hub.

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The most common connection error involves your keyboard and your mouse both of which have identical PS/2-type connectors. It's way too easy to plug your mouse into the keyboard port, and vice versa, especially if you're not really looking when you're doing it.

If it's an internal card that isn't working, a bad connection can also be to blame. Open up the system unit again and make sure the card is properly fitted into its slot. You might even need to remove the card and clean the edges, to ensure a proper connection. It's also possible that the card slot itself could be bad; try plugging the card into a different slot and see what happens.

If your entire system refuses to start, a faulty connection could be to blame here, too. In this case, however, you need to examine the power cable. Make sure that the power cable is securely connected to your system unit and firmly plugged into a power outlet. Then make certain that the power outlet actually is turned on. You can't imagine how many "major problems" can be caused by a wall switch in the "off" position. And while you're at it, make sure that all your peripherals are also turned on; it doesn't do you any good to have a functioning system unit with a monitor that's switched off.

And don't assume that because you connected everything just fine originally that you don't have a connection problem now. That's because cables come loose. Check those connections one more time, just to be sure.

Configuration Errors

Okay, so your entire system is hooked up and turned on and you still have hardware problems. Then again, maybe not. In some cases, your "hardware problems" actually turn out to be software problems.

Any time you add a new peripheral to your system, Windows must be configured to recognize and properly work with the new device. Theoretically, Windows Plug and Play technology should automatically recognize most new components when they're first installed, but Plug and Play isn't perfect. Simply put, Windows doesn't recognize 100% of the devices you can potentially add to your system. Even worse, sometimes Windows thinks it recognizes one device but configures itself for another device instead. This means you might need to manually configure any new devices you add.

In addition, just adding a device to your system doesn't mean that that device will automatically be used by Windows or by any specific software program. For example, if you add a new printer, you'll probably have to manually instruct Windows to select the new printer as your default printer and you might have to configure your software programs individually, as well.

Bugs

After you check for human error, make certain that everything is hooked up and turned on, and ensure that Windows is configured correctly for your hardware, what do you do if you still have problems? Well, the possibility exists however slight that your system actually is infested with software or hardware bugs.

How can you tell if you have a true hardware or software problem? The first thing to do is read the README file that comes with most new software programs and with hardware installation utilities. This file (variously labeled README, README.DOC, README.TXT, or READ.ME) contains last-minute instructions, changes, and additions that were developed too late to include in the standard documentation. If certain features of a program or device malfunction, the README file probably discusses those problems.

Next, go to the manufacturer's Web site. (The address is typically listed in the manual or on the box.) Click around the site looking for pages related to your specific program; look for technical notes or information, FAQs (lists of Frequently Asked Questions), or message boards you can search. If there are any last-minute changes to your software or hardware, they should be noted somewhere on the Web site and you might even find software "patches" that you should download and install to bring your "new" program or peripheral even more up-to-date.

Two other potential sources of information include your dealer and other users. The latter group especially might be aware of bugs that could be causing your problem. (You can often find comments from other users in Web-based message boards or Usenet newsgroups devoted to your specific piece of hardware or software.)

As a last resort, you can always contact the manufacturer directly. Most manufacturers have contact information in their manuals and on their Web sites; you typically have the option of either email or telephone-based technical support.

Viruses

There is one final cause of computer problems to discuss the computer virus. A virus is a computer program or file designed to deliberately cause other programs and data to malfunction. These malicious programs can infiltrate your system and inflict extensive damage to the data and programs on your hard disk.

How do you catch a computer virus? Like other computer data, viruses are transmitted primarily via email, and sometimes through the exchange of infected CDs and disks. Whenever you allow new programs from an outside source into your system, the chance exists however slight that within that data might lurk a hidden computer virus.

How do you avoid viruses? The only foolproof way is to sever your connection to the Internet and never use any media given to you by other users. However, such extreme measures are often impractical. Fortunately, you can take any of several more practical precautions, including the installation of special antivirus software. See Chapter 20 for more information on how to practice safe, virus-free computing.

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Learn more about computer viruses in Chapter 20, "Protecting Your Computer from Viruses and Internet Attacks."