Common Computer Problems And Fixes

COMPUTER WON'T START

Push, jiggle, jab (whatever) the on/off switch. Sometimes they get dirty or just plain old.
Check to see if it is plugged in - at the wall, the surge protector (if you have one) and the back of the computer.
Plug something else in the wall outlet to see if there is power there.
Check the plugs to see if they are bent - not making good contact in the sockets.
Listen to the computer. It might be on and the trouble is with the monitor.
If the computer is on but the screen is blank, check to see if the monitor is turned on - all plugs are securely plugged in. If all is on, check the settings on the monitor - contrast, brightness

PRINTER WON'T PRINT
Is it turned on? If so, turn it off then back on.
Checked all AC plugs from the wall to the printer and anything in between.
Check the cord from the computer to the printer. Jiggle the connectors gently to see if they are firmly seated.
Is there paper in the printer? If so, is it feeding properly?
Is there any paper jammed in the printer?
Are the ink cartridges empty?
Turn the printer off and shut down the computer. Re-boot and turn the printer on. Try the printer again.
Click "Start" - "Settings" - "Printers". Click on your printer and make sure that it is the Default Printer. (XP - Click "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Printers and Faxes")
In Printer Settings, make sure that there is not already a printing job in progress that shows an error.
Test your printer communications. If you don't know how, check the documentation that came with your printer or, in the programs menu (click "Start" - "Programs" then your printer software listing), there should be a "Help" or "Read Me" listing. Re-install your printer software. Go to the printer manufacture's homepage and download the printer driver (little program that makes it work) for your printer. You can probably find their site by typing "www.(name of company).com" in your browser's address field. If not, find the homepage by typing the name of your printer in your browser's search field and look for the company's homepage. Look around in the site and you will find the driver for your specific printer and your operating system (Windows 95/98/XP, etc.). Download and install the driver. Restart your computer and try the printer again. You will probably need "Winzip" to unzip and install the driver. Get it at "www.winzip.com". Download the evaluation copy for this (it will work) but if you think you will need Winzip in the future (if you download a lot of things) you should pay for it.

SCANNER WON'T WORK

Basically, do the same things that apply to a printer that won't print (plugs, cords, test communications, driver, re-install, etc.) except for paper and ink stuff.Make sure that whatever you are scanning is inserted properly (right side up, etc.).
Often, the scanner is working but is putting the scan where you can't find it. Check your documentation to see how to set it to put your scans where you can find them
COMPUTER TAKES A LONG TIME TO START UP OR YOU HAVE LOW RESOURCES

Click "Start", then "Run".
In the "Open" field type "msconfig" and click "OK".
The utility that opens will have "Tabs" at the top. Click the one that reads "Startup".
You will see a list of all the programs that run when you start Windows. They will have check marks in the boxes to their left. We do not want them all to start.
Remove all the check marks (by clicking on them) except the ones beside "SystemTray" - "ScanRegistry" - "LoadPowerProfile" and "Task Monitor." Also leave a check mark in anything that has the name of, or abbreviation of, your antivirus program or anything that looks like it might apply to "Norton" products.
Click "OK" at the bottom. You will be asked if you want to re-start your computer - do it. If, in the future, you notice things that you are used to loading when you boot up, but aren't - and that you want to load - then go back and check their boxes.

COMPUTER WON'T SHUT DOWN
Go through the same procedure as in "COMPUTER TAKES A LONG TIME etc." This will minimize the number of programs that Windows has to close before shutting down.Click "Start" then "Run" In open, type "msconfig." When the System Configuration Utility appears, click "Advanced." Put a check mark in "Disable Fast Shutdown. That usually fixes it. Incidentally, Instead of unplugging a stubborn computer, holding the on/off button in for about 10 seconds will usually shut it dow