Step-by-Step Procedures for Common Computer Problems

Knowing the step-by-step procedures for common computer problems is very

important because it helps users save time and effort in solving issues without guessing what to
do. By following an organized process, it prevents bigger damage that may happen if random
actions are taken. It also becomes cost-efficient since many common problems can be solved
without immediately calling a technician. Having clear procedures boosts confidence, allowing
users to handle problems calmly, and also develops problem-solving skills that can be applied
in other situations. Moreover, it ensures accuracy because the correct solution is applied to the
specific problem. Most importantly, it promotes independence, as users no longer need to rely
right away on IT support but can first attempt basic fixes on their own.

A. Power & Boot Problems

Computer won’t power on
 Verify the wall outlet by plugging in a known-working device (e.g., a lamp or phone
charger).
 Inspect and firmly reseat the power cable at both ends (wall and PSU/charger).
 Ensure the PSU switch (rear of desktop PSU) is set to “I” (ON); for laptops, confirm the
charger LED is lit.
 Disconnect power, then press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to discharge
residual power.
 Try a different outlet, power strip, or power cable/charger if available.
 If it’s a laptop, remove the battery (if removable), reconnect the charger only, and attempt
to power on.
 If comfortable opening the case (desktop): reseat 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU power
connectors; check front-panel power switch header.
 If still dead, test the PSU (paperclip test) or try a known-good PSU/charger; likely PSU,
motherboard, or CPU fault if no response.
PC turns on but no display
 Confirm the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input (HDMI/DP/VGA).
 Check display cable seating at both ends; try a different cable and port on the GPU/monitor.
 If you have a graphics card, move the cable to the motherboard video output to test the
integrated graphics.
 Turn off power; reseat RAM and GPU (remove and firmly reinstall).
 Test with a single RAM stick in the recommended slot; try other slots.
 Clear CMOS (use the jumper or remove the CMOS battery for 5 minutes, then reinstall).
 Try another monitor/TV if available.
 If still no display, suspect GPU, RAM, motherboard, or PSU and test with known-good parts.
PC powers on then shuts down immediately
 Check for overheating: ensure the CPU cooler spins and is firmly mounted.
 Verify thermal paste is present and not dried out; reapply if necessary.
 Disconnect all non-essential devices (USB, extra drives, add-in cards) and try again.
 Reseat RAM and GPU; test with minimal configuration (CPU, 1 RAM stick, onboard video if
possible).
 Test with a known-good PSU, or perform a PSU self-test.
 If the system still shuts off, suspect short circuit, faulty motherboard, or CPU.
Boot device not found / No OS detected
 Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually Del/F2/F10) and check if your drive is detected.
 Set the correct boot order (Windows Boot Manager or your OS drive first).
 Power off and reseat SATA/Power cables (or NVMe drive) on the storage device.
 If recently cloned or installed, ensure the partition is set active (Legacy) or EFI system
partition exists (UEFI).
 Run Startup Repair using Windows installation media (Repair your computer →
Troubleshoot → Startup Repair).
 If the drive isn’t detected elsewhere, the drive may have failed—replace and reinstall OS
from backup.
BIOS/UEFI errors
 Load Optimized Defaults in BIOS/UEFI and save changes.
 Update BIOS/UEFI firmware to the latest stable version from the motherboard/laptop
vendor.
 Verify hardware compatibility (CPU, RAM speed/voltage, NVMe support) in the vendor’s
QVL/guide.
 Replace the CMOS battery if the system loses time/settings.
 If errors persist after update, test with minimal hardware to isolate the issue.

B. Performance Issues
Slow computer (laggy performance)
 Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs.
 Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end tasks using excessive CPU/RAM/disk.
 Run Disk Cleanup and empty the Recycle Bin; remove temporary files.
 Disable unneeded startup apps (Task Manager → Startup).
 Scan for malware using Windows Security or a reputable AV tool.
 Install Windows Updates and update graphics/chipset drivers.
 If on HDD, consider upgrading to an SSD; increase RAM to 8GB+ for modern workloads.
High CPU usage
 Open Task Manager → Processes → sort by CPU to identify the culprit.
 Close or uninstall the offending app; check for stuck background processes.
 Scan for malware/crypto-miners if the culprit is unknown.
 Update or roll back recent drivers (especially GPU) if spikes started after an update.
 Disable heavy background indexing/sync temporarily (OneDrive, search indexing) to test
impact.
High RAM usage
 In Task Manager → Processes, sort by Memory and close heavy apps.
 Disable unnecessary startup apps and browser extensions.
 Increase virtual memory (System Properties → Performance → Advanced → Virtual
memory).
 Add more physical RAM if usage regularly exceeds capacity.
Storage full / Disk usage 100%
 Run Disk Cleanup and remove temporary files and old Windows updates.
 Uninstall unnecessary programs and large games you don’t use.
 Check drive health (Command Prompt Admin: chkdsk /f) and SMART status with a vendor
tool.
 Move large files to external storage or cloud.
 If still pegged at 100%, check for Windows Search/Superfetch issues and consider SSD
upgrade.
Overheating & loud fans
 Monitor temperatures (HWInfo/MSI Afterburner) to confirm overheating.
 Power down; clean dust from fans, heatsinks, and vents with compressed air.
 Ensure case fans are oriented for proper airflow (front/bottom intake, top/rear exhaust).
 Reapply thermal paste on CPU/GPU if it’s old; ensure cooler screws are tightened evenly.
 Consider better cooling (aftermarket cooler, additional case fans) or reduce
overclocks/voltages.

C. System Errors & Crashes

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
 Write down the stop code (e.g., IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL,
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA).
Common Windows Stop Codes (BSOD Errors) and Their Meaning
1. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Meaning: A driver or program tried to access a restricted memory address.
Possible Causes: Corrupted driver, incompatible hardware, or RAM errors.

2. PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Meaning: Windows could not find the file/data in memory that should always be
available.
Possible Causes: Faulty RAM, corrupted system files, antivirus conflict, or bad drivers.
3. SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
Meaning: A Windows system process suddenly failed.
Possible Causes: Corrupt drivers, malware, or system file errors.
4. KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Meaning: A program or driver caused an illegal operation that the system could not
handle.
Possible Causes: Driver conflict, newly installed hardware, or faulty RAM.
5. CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
Meaning: An essential Windows process unexpectedly terminated.
Possible Causes: System file corruption, malware, or failing hard drive.
6. DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Meaning: A device driver accessed memory incorrectly.
Possible Causes: Outdated or incompatible drivers.
7. MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
Meaning: There was an error in handling memory.
Possible Causes: Bad RAM, hard disk issues, or driver problems.
8. BAD_POOL_HEADER
Meaning: Error in Windows memory allocation.
Possible Causes: Faulty drivers, antivirus conflicts, or hardware problems.
9. INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Meaning: Windows cannot read the hard drive/SSD during boot-up.
Possible Causes: Corrupted boot files, disk errors, or wrong BIOS settings.
10. VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (atikmpag.sys / nvlddmkm.sys)
Meaning: The GPU/graphics driver crashed.
Possible Causes: Outdated graphics driver, overheating GPU, or failing video card.

 If it was a one-off, reboot and monitor; if recurring, proceed.

 Boot into Safe Mode (Shift+Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup
Settings).
 Update or roll back recently changed drivers (GPU/chipset/storage).
 Run memory test (Windows Memory Diagnostic) and storage check (chkdsk /f /r).
 Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: sfc /scannow, then DISM /Online
/Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
 If unresolved, perform System Restore; as a last resort, clean-install Windows.
Applications crash / Not responding
 Update the application to the latest version.
 Check minimum system requirements and available RAM/disk space.
 Run the app as Administrator or in Compatibility Mode (if old).
 Update GPU and relevant device drivers.
 Repair or reinstall the app; clear its cache/settings if supported.
Black screen (system running, display blank)
 Press Win+Ctrl+Shift+B to reset the graphics driver.
 Check the monitor input and cable; try another cable/port.
 Boot into Safe Mode and clean-install graphics drivers (DDU + latest drivers).
 Disable Fast Startup and Hybrid Sleep to test if resume is failing.
 If still black, suspect GPU or panel/backlight failure and test with another display.
Automatic restarts
 Disable automatic restart on system failure (System Properties → Advanced → Startup and
Recovery).
 Check temps to rule out overheating shutdowns.
 Test PSU stability and wall power (avoid overloaded power strips).
 Scan for malware and run sfc /scannow.
 Update BIOS/UEFI and drivers; test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic.

D. Internet & Network Problems

No internet connection
 Check if all devices are affected (ISP/router issue) or just one device (local issue).
 Power-cycle the modem/router: off, wait 30 seconds, on.
 Run Windows Network Troubleshooter (right-click network icon → Troubleshoot
problems).
 Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /release, ipconfig
/renew.
 Check ISP status page or hotline for outages; update network drivers if needed.
Slow or intermittent internet
 Move closer to the router or use Ethernet to test baseline speed.
 Reduce the number of connected devices or pause large downloads/streams.
 Change Wi-Fi channel/band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) in router settings.
 Reboot the router; update its firmware.
 Contact ISP if speeds are far below your plan’s rate.
Wi-Fi connected but no internet
 Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
 Run network reset (Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings →
Network reset).
 Reset TCP/IP: Command Prompt (Admin): netsh int ip reset.
 Test with a mobile hotspot to confirm if the ISP/router is at fault.
Ethernet cable not detected
 Ensure the cable clicks into place on both PC and router/switch.
 Test another LAN port and another known-good cable.
 Update NIC (network adapter) drivers; enable the adapter in Network Connections.
 Check BIOS for disabled onboard LAN; enable if off.
DNS issues (websites won’t resolve)
 Change DNS to public servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1).
 Flush DNS (ipconfig /flushdns) and clear browser cache.
 Restart router; check for ISP DNS outage.
 If only some sites fail, test with a VPN or different DNS provider.

E. Hardware & Peripheral Problems

USB device not detected
 Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 vs USB 3.x) and avoid unpowered hubs.
 Check Device Manager for errors; enable any disabled device.
 Update or reinstall the device driver; unplug and replug after install.
 Test the device and cable on another computer to confirm if the device is faulty.
Printer not working
 Ensure the printer is powered, online, and connected (USB/Wi-Fi).
 Set as Default Printer and clear the print queue.
 Run the Printer Troubleshooter (Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners).
 Update/reinstall the printer driver; check ink/toner and paper jams.
Keyboard / Mouse not working
 For wired: try another USB port; for wireless: replace/recharge batteries and re-pair.
 Check Device Manager for driver errors; update drivers.
 Test the device on another PC; if it works there, reinstall drivers on the original PC.
 Disable USB selective suspend (Device Manager → USB Root Hub → Power Management).
Monitor issues (no signal, flickering, artifacts)
 Reseat or replace the video cable; try a different input port.
 Test another monitor to isolate GPU vs monitor.
 Update graphics drivers; disable any aggressive overclocks.
 If artifacts persist across systems, the GPU/monitor may be failing.
Sound not working (speakers/headset)
 Check volume/mute and ensure the correct Playback device is selected.
 Verify physical connections (3.5mm jack/USB/Bluetooth) and re-pair if needed.
 Run the Audio Troubleshooter and update/reinstall audio drivers.
 Test with another headset/speakers to isolate the issue.
Webcam not detected
 Allow camera access in Privacy settings and in the specific app.
 Update/reinstall the camera driver in Device Manager.
 Test the webcam in another app (e.g., Camera) or another PC.
 If not detected anywhere, the webcam hardware/cable could be faulty.
External hard drive not detected
 Try another USB port/cable and listen for spin-up/vibration.
 Check Disk Management for an uninitialized disk; initialize and assign a drive letter.
 Test on another PC; if clicking or not spinning, stop use and consider data recovery services.
 Avoid frequent unplugging without ejecting to prevent corruption.

F. Software & Operating System Issues

Windows Update not working
 Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
 Restart services: Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
 Clear the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, then retry updates.
 Manually install the latest cumulative update from Microsoft Update Catalog.
Driver installation issues
 Download the correct driver from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
 Right-click → Run as Administrator; disable AV temporarily if it interferes.
 If the new driver breaks things, roll back to the previous version in Device Manager.
 Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for clean GPU driver installs.
Corrupted system files
 Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: sfc /scannow.
 Then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
 Reboot and run sfc /scannow again until no integrity violations are reported.
 If corruption persists, perform System Restore or an in-place repair install.
Program compatibility errors
 Right-click the app → Properties → Compatibility → run in an earlier Windows mode.
 Install required runtimes (Visual C++ Redistributables, .NET Framework).
 Run as Administrator and disable fullscreen optimizations if applicable.
 Consider using an alternative version or updated build of the program.
Virus/Malware infections
 Disconnect from the network to prevent spread.
 Boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
 Run a full scan with Windows Security and a reputable on-demand scanner (e.g.,
Malwarebytes).
 Quarantine or remove threats; restore affected files from backups if needed.
 Update all software and change passwords once clean.

G. Storage & File Problems

Hard drive/SSD not detected
 Power down and reseat SATA/power cables (or NVMe) securely.
 Enter BIOS to see if the drive is listed; enable relevant ports.
 Test the drive in another PC or with a USB adapter/enclosure.
 If not detected anywhere, replace the drive and restore from backups.
Data corruption / file errors
 Run chkdsk /f /r on the affected drive and review the log for bad sectors.
 Copy important data immediately to another drive.
 Restore from a recent backup; use reputable recovery software only if needed.
Can’t open files (file association issues)
 Right-click the file → Open with → Choose another app → select the correct program and set
as default.
 Install the required application or codec pack if missing.
 Repair or reinstall the application that owns the file type.
Accidental file deletion
 Check Recycle Bin and restore if present.
 Use File History/OneDrive/backup to restore previous versions.
 If recently deleted on an SSD, stop writing to the drive and try a recovery tool promptly.

H. Maintenance & Optimization

Disk fragmentation (HDD only)
 Open Defragment and Optimize Drives.
 Analyze the HDD and click Optimize; schedule monthly optimization.
 Do not defragment SSDs (they use TRIM instead).
Startup programs slowing boot
 Open Task Manager → Startup tab.
 Disable high-impact items you don’t need at startup.
 Restart and time the boot to confirm improvement.
Registry errors (advanced users)
 Avoid manual registry edits unless following trusted guidance.
 Back up the registry (or create a System Restore point) before changes.
 If issues persist, consider an in-place repair or clean Windows install.
Dust buildup / thermal throttling
 Shut down, unplug power, and ground yourself.
 Open the case and blow out dust with compressed air (hold fan blades).
 Ensure vents aren’t blocked; consider adding intake/exhaust fans.
Battery problems (laptops)
 Verify the charger and DC jack; try a known-good charger.
 Calibrate: charge to 100%, then discharge to 10–20%, and recharge.
 Check battery health in vendor utilities; replace if capacity is severely degraded.
Quick Emergency Sequences (Textual)
No Power (10-Second Checklist)
 Outlet OK? Test with a lamp/charger.
 Cable/charger seated? Swap if possible.
 PSU switch ON? Battery charged?
 Hold power 10–15s (discharge).
 Minimal config test; then PSU test; then technician.
No Internet (Rapid Reset)
 All devices affected? If yes → ISP/router likely.
 Reboot modem/router (off 30s, on).
 Troubleshooter → ipconfig flush/release/renew.
 Test another network (hotspot).
 Call ISP; update drivers.