Fixing Power Supply Problem

System without power is totally dead.

Here are problems and troubleshooting for power supply unit.



Problem 1:
Power supply shuts down intermittently.

Cause:

1. Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V)
2. Power supply will not turn on because of internal power supply fault.

Solution:

1. Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch.
2. Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power supply.

Problem 2:
Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED flashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps two times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Processor thermal protection activated: A fan may be blocked or not turning OR The heatsink is not properly attached to the processor.

Solution:

1. Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and the processor cooling fan is running.
2. Open hood, press power button, and see if the processor fan spins, If the processor fan is not spinning, make sure the fan's cable is plugged onto the system board header. Ensure the fan is fully/properly seated or installed.
3. If fan plugged in and seated properly, but is not spinning the replace the processor fan.
4. Reseat processor heatsink and verifythat the fan assembly is properly attached.
5. Contact an authorized reseller or service provider

Problem 3:
Power LED flashes Red four times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps four times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Power failure (power supply is overloaded)

Solution:

1. Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply (some models), is the to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region.
2. Open the hood and ensure the 4 or 6-wire power supply cable is seated into the connector on the system board.
3. Check if a device is causing the problem by removing ALL attached devices (such as hard, diskette, or optical drives, and expansion cards). Power on the system. If the system enters the POST, then power off and replace one device at a time and repeat this procedure until failure occurs. Replace the device that is causing the failure. Continue adding devices one at a time to ensure all device are functioning properly.
4. Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power supply.
5. Replace the system board.

Resources:
Windows XP Driver

Solving Internet Access Problems

Problem 1:
Unable to connect to the internet.

Cause:

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) account is not set up properly.
2. Modem is not set up properly.
3. Web browser is not set up properly.
4. Cable/DSL model is not plugged in.
5. Cable/DSL service is not available or has been interrupted due to bad weather.
6. The CAT5 UTP cable is disconnected.
7. IP address is not configured properly.
8. Cookies are corrupted (A "cookie" is a small piece of information that a Web server can store temporarily with your Web browser. this is useful for having your browser remember some specific information that the Web server can later retrieve.)
9. You must log on to your ISP before some progams will start.
   

Solution:

Fix CD-ROM and DVD Problems

We all love entertainment, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM are one of its source.

Below are common problem that every users should know.

Problem 1:
System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive.

Cause:

1. Removable Media Boot is disabled in the Computer Setup utility.
2. Network Server Mode is enabled in Computer Setup.
3. Non-bootable CD in drive.
4. Bood Order not correct.

Solution:

1. Run the Computer Setup utility and enable booting to removable media in Storage > Storage Options, Ensure IDE CD-ROM is enabled in Storage > Boot Order.
2. Run the Computer Setup utility and disable Network Server Mode in Security > Password Options.
3. Try a bootable CD in the drive.
4. Run the computer Setup utility and change boot sequence in Storage > Boot Order.

Problem 2:
CD-ROM or DVD devices are not detected or windows driver is not loaded

Cause:
Drive is not connected or not properly configured

Solution:
See the documentation that come with the optional device.


Problem 3:
Movie will not play in the DVD drive.

Cause:

1. Movie may be regionalized for the different country.
2. Decoder software is not installed.
3. Damaged media.
4. Movie rating locked out by parental lock.
5. Media installed upside down.
   

Solution:

1. See the documentation that come with DVD drive.
2. Install decoder software.
3. Replace media.
4. Use DVD software to remove parental lock.
5. Reinstall media.

Problem 3:
Cannot eject compact disc (tray-load unit).

Cause:
Disc not properly seated in the drive.

Solution:
Turn off the computer and insert a thin metal rod into the emergency eject hole and push firmly. Slowly pull the tray out from the drive until the tray is fully extended, then remove the disc.


Problem 4:
CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD-R/RW drive cannot read a disc or take too long to start.

Cause:

1. Media has been inserted upside down.
2. The DVD-ROM drive takes longer to start because it has to determine the type of media played, such as audio or video.
3. CD or DVD disk is dirty.
4. Windows does not detect the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

Solution:

1. Re-insert the Media with the label facing up.
2. Wait at least 30 secs to let the DVD-ROM drive determine the type of media being played. If the disc still does not start, read the other solution listed for this topic.
3. Clean CD or DVD with a CD cleaning kit, available from most computer stores.
4. Use Device Manager to remove or uninstall windows driver in question, the restart your computer.

Problem 5:
Recording audio CDs is difficult or impossible.

Cause:
Wrong or poor quality media type.

Solution:

1. Try using a slower speed when recording.
2. Verify that you are using the correct media for the drive.
3. Try a different brand of media Quality varies widely between manufacturers.

Fix Processor Problems

Processor is the heart of every computer, having problem in this area means total breakdown of the computer.

Below are the common problem that every may try to solve before asking for help.

Problem 1:
Poor performance is experienced.

Cause:
Processor is hot.

Solution:

1. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked.
2. Make sure the fans are connected and working properly (some fans only operate when needed).
3. Make sure the processor heatsink is installed properly.

Problem 2:
Power LED flashes Red three times, once every second, followed by a two second pause.

Cause:
Processor is not seated properly or not installed.

Solution:

1. Check to see that the processor is present.
2. Re-seat the processor.

Fix Memory(RAM) Problems

Memory (RAM) problem is one of the common computer problem that can easily be fixed by every users.

Below I've lined-up common Memory problem its cause and solution.

Problem 1:
System will not boot or does not function properly after installing additional memory modules.

Cause:
Memory module is not the correct type or speed grade for the system of the new memory or the new memory module is not seated properly.

Solution:

1. Replace module with the correct industry-standard device for the computer.
2. One some models, ECC and non-ECC momery modules cannot be mixed.

Problem 2:
Out of memory error.

Cause:
Memory configuration may not be set correctly. You have run out of memory to run the application.

Solution:

1. Use the Device Manager to check memory configuration.
2. Check the application documentation to determine the memory requirements
   

Problem 3:
Memory count during POST is wrong.

Cause:
The memory modules may not be installed correctly. Integrated graphics may use system memory.

Solution:
Check that the memory modules have been installed correctly and that proper modules are used. No action required.


Problem 4:
Insufficient memory error during operation.

Cause:
To many Terminate and Stay Resident programs (TSRs) are installed. You have run out of memory for the application.

Solution:
Delete any TSRs that you may not need. check the memory requirement for the application or add more memory to the computer.


Problem 5:
Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad.

Solution:

1. Re-seat DIMMs. Power on the system.
2. Replace DIMMs one at a time to isolate the faulty module.
3. Replace the memory (RAM).
4. Replace the system board.

Troubleshooting No Sounds Output

Press the Mute button on the keyboard to see if the Mute feature is turned on.
Or

1. Click the Windows Start Button, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Hardware and Sound, and then Adjust system volume.
3. If applications are muted, click the mute button to unmute.

>> Click the task bar Volume icon, or use the keyboard controls to increasethe volume.
>> Ensure powered (active) speakers are turned on.
>> Turn off your computer, and reconnect the speakers.
>> Press the Sleep button (select models only), or press the Esc key on the keyboard to resume from sleep mode.
>> Replace the passive speaker system with an active speaker system (sold separately). Active speakers have a power cord and On button and connect to
the Audio Out (green) connector on the computer.
>> Unplug headphones if they are connected to your computer.
>> Codec error messages appear when certain audio files are played.
>> Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs.
>> If the correct codec is available, the file will play. Note that you must be
connected to the Internet to download the codec file.
>> If the correct codec is not available, check to see if there is an update available for Windows Media Player.
>> For more information, open Windows Media Player Help, and then search the online Help for codec.
>> Update Audio Windows Driver

Desktop Buying Guide

So many choices and features to choose from, what is the best for you? Buying a desktop computer is highly dependent on the following 2 questions.
1. What is the purpose/usage of the PC?
2. What is your budget?

After answering those questions, type of computer/desktop is next. Below are the different types of Desktop computers with its advantages and disadvantages.

Compact PCs
This is the smallest form factor in desktop family.










Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
Disadvantages:
1. Limited computing power
2. Limited graphical feature. It’s highly dependent on its integrated GPU. Anything more complicated that flash game will be unplayable.
3. Limited connectivity option

All-in-One Desktops
This is new to entry in Desktop family. This type of PC is self-contained that all of its components are mounted behind its display.












Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
4. Touchscreen with multitouch gestures worked into Windows 7
5. Wireless mouse and keyboard
6. WiFi support
7. Out of the box plug and play setup
8. Big display
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
2. May be harder to troubleshoot like laptop

Budget PCs
Use standard desktop components with minimum requirements.
Advantages:
1. Inexpensive
2. Good space for expandability
Disadvantages:
1. Being a budget PC it offers less computing power.
2. Low graphics support.

Mainstream PCs
Its like a budget PCs having more features and computing power.
Advantages:
1. More computing power than budget PC
2. Good for everyday ordinary game and office applications
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive than budget PC.











Performance PCs
Getting the highest end of the spectrum.
Advantages:
1. Best in performance
2. Equipped for demanding computing.
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive

Resources:
Windows Driver

Windows sigverif for System Integrity

Unsigned Windows Driver may hurt your system, yeah! Because it did not come from your vendor so warranty is out.

Windows sigverif (File Signature Verification) is a tool to verify/maintain the integrity of the system, critical files have been digitally signed so that any changes to these files can be quickly detected.

In simple words it will check what files are unsigned and report it to you for your action.

How to use it:
1. Go to Start >> Run type in sigverif hit enter. Sigverif windows will open.












2. Click “Start” to start scanning.

3. Unsigned files will be reported back to you. Mine are windows drivers.















Go ahead and verify your files.

SFC – System File Checker

Scan all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

Scan Options

/SCANNOW – Scan all protected system files immediately.

/SCANONCE – Scan all protected system files once at the next boot.

/SCANBOOT – Scan all protected system files at every boot.

/REVERT – Return scan to default setting.

/PIRGECACHE – Purges the files cache.

/CACHESIZE=x – Sets the file cache size.

/? – Display help at the command prompt.

How and when to use it?

After update that went wrong.

Windows update sometimes causes corruption of system files, yes it is!

After virus infection

No doubt it can ruin every file including system files.

After installing/updating windows driver that causes system error.

Digitally signed files/application are allowed to replace/update system files but this also causes system file corruption

Or simply everytime a system file has been corrupted.

This tool can be executed everytime you want so if you feel you need it then use it.