Sometimes, computers and specific files on them don’t work as expected. There are as many reasons for these issues as there are computer problems. However, that doesn’t mean your computer isn’t repairable. Here are four things you should do if your computer isn’t working correctly.
1. Note Everything You Can About the Issue
The more information you have about your computer’s behavior, the more likely you will be to solve the problem eventually. Your first step of troubleshooting should be to take notes about the issue and anything else you notice about your computer before, during and after the problem occurred. You should also take notes about the solutions you try to implement and any external context, such as an unstable wifi connection or faulty wiring. These notes can help you use the process of elimination or give necessary context to a professional.
2. Ask a Professional for Help
There are many IT services, such as AnyTech365, with professionals who specialize in troubleshooting computers or specific types of programs or software. These services are quite useful for several reasons. Some people may not feel comfortable attempting to troubleshoot or solve their computer problems themselves, due to unfamiliarity or concern that they will worsen the issue. Another common reason someone may seek out professional assistance is that the person has tried everything he or she can think of and the issue still isn’t resolved.
3. Do Some Research About the Issue
If you’re able to access the internet on your computer or another device, see if you can find any information about your problem online. If a problem is unique to a specific type of device or software, the manufacturer may have made information about it available. Many people also post about computer problems in online forums. If someone else has had a similar issue to you before, you can review his or her forum entry and any replies with potential solutions. If not, you can compile your notes and post them on the forum and crowdsource potential answers.
4. Troubleshoot on Your Own
If you feel comfortable doing so, try troubleshooting on your own. When you troubleshoot on your own, start with the simplest potential solutions and work up to more specific solutions if the simpler ones don’t work. For example, if a specific program isn’t working, first check for recent software upates and restart the program. If that doesn’t work, you can try undoing any recent changes to the software, uninstall and reinstall the software or scan the program for viruses. For more complicated computer problems, you should utilize troubleshooting techniques such as defragmenting the computer’s hard drive and turning the computer on in safe mode.
Your computer not working can be quite frustrating and frightening. Many people store large amounts of their lives on their computers, so one not working correctly can cause fears of important files, data and memories to be lost. It’s important to remember that your problem is likely one that can be solved with the right expertise or tools.
