INTRODUCTION TO IT
SKILLS
Week 2 : LECTURE 2
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: MISS SARA USMANI
Troubleshooting
■ Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank?
■ What if you can't seem to close an application, or can't hear any sound from your
speakers?
■ Whenever you have a problem with your computer, don't panic! There are
many basic troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix issues like this. In this
lesson, we'll show you some simple things to try when troubleshooting, as well as
how to solve common problems you may encounter.
General tips to keep in mind
■ There are many different things that could cause a problem with your computer. No
matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and
error—in some cases, you may need to use several different approaches before you
can find a solution; other problems may be easy to fix.
1. Write down your steps
Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step you take. This
way, you'll be able to remember exactly what you've done and can avoid repeating the
same mistakes. If you end up asking other people for help, it will be much easier if they
know exactly what you've tried already.
2. Take notes about error messages
If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to write down as much information
as possible. You may be able to use this information later to find out if other people are
having the same error.
3. Always check the cables:
If you're having trouble with a specific piece of computer hardware, such as your
monitor or keyboard, an easy first step is to check all related cables to make sure
they're properly connected.
4. Restart the computer
When all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing to try. This can solve a lot of
basic issues you may experience with your computer.
Using the process of elimination
If you're having an issue with your computer, you may be able to find out what's wrong
using the process of elimination. This means you'll make a list of things that could be
causing the problem and then test them out one by one to eliminate them. Once you've
identified the source of your computer issue, it will be easier to find a solution.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS TO
COMMON PROBLEMS
Problem: Power button will not start
computer
■ Solution 1: If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to
confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power
outlet.
■ Solution 2: If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To check
your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device, such as a lamp.
■ Solution 3: If the computer is plugged in to a surge protector, verify that it is turned
on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You
can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it's
working correctly.
Problem: An application is running
slowly
■ Solution 1: Close and reopen the application.
■ Solution 2: Update the application. To do this, click the Help menu and look for an
option to check for Updates. If you don't find this option, another idea is to run an
online search for application updates.
Problem: An application is frozen
Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen. When this happens, you won't
be able to close the window or click any buttons within the application.
■ Solution 1: Force quit the application. On a PC, you can press (and
hold) Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard to open
the Task Manager. On a Mac, press and hold Command+Option+Esc.
Problem: An application is frozen
■ Solution 2: Restart the computer. If you are unable to force quit an
application, restarting your computer will close all open apps.
Problem: All programs on the computer
run slowly
■ Solution 1: Run a virus scanner. You may have malware running in the background
that is slowing things down.
Problem: All programs on the computer
run slowly
■ Solution 2: Your computer may be running out of hard drive space. Try deleting any
files or programs you don't need.
■ Solution 3: If you're using a PC, you can run Disk Defragmenter. To learn more
about Disk Defragmenter, check out our lesson on Protecting Your Computer.
Problem: The computer is frozen
■ Solution 1 (Windows only): Restart Windows Explorer. To do this, press and
hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. Next, locate and
select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab and click Restart. You may need to
click More Details at the bottom of the window to see the Processes tab.
Problem: The computer is frozen
Problem: The computer is frozen
■ Solution 2: Press and hold the Power button. The Power button is usually located on
the front or side of the computer, typically indicated by the power symbol. Press and
hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to force the computer to shut down.
■ Solution 3: If the computer still won't shut down, you can unplug the power
cable from the electrical outlet. If you're using a laptop, you may be able to remove
the battery to force the computer to turn off. Note: This solution should be your last
resort after trying the other suggestions above.
Problem: The mouse or keyboard has
stopped working
■ Solution 1: If you're using a wired mouse or keyboard, make sure it's correctly
plugged into the computer.
Problem: The mouse or keyboard has
stopped working
■ Solution 2: If you're using a wireless mouse or keyboard, make sure it's turned on
and that its batteries are charged.
Problem: The screen is blank
■ Solution 1: The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or press any key
on the keyboard to wake it.
■ Solution 2: Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
■ Solution 3: Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on.
■ Solution 4: If you're using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is properly
connected to the computer tower and the monitor.
Solving more difficult problems
■ If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask someone
else for help. As an easy starting point, we'd recommend searching the Web. It's
possible that other users have had similar problems, and solutions to these
problems are often posted online. Also, if you have a friend or family member who
knows a lot about computers, they may be able to help you.
