This help is provided free of charge and is intended only as a way to help you find some possible simple causes for your computer failure. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage, direct or otherwise however caused.
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DO NOT DO ANTHING THAT IS ILLEAGAL OR UNSAFE OR IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
DO NOT ENTER THE COMPUTER CABINET WITH MAINS POWER CONNECTED. DO NOT WORK WITHIN THE COMPUTER CABINET UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING- REMOVE ALL JEWLERY FROM FINGERS, HANDS and ARMS
ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE DEATH
Some of these checks might seem a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised… it is not an exhaustive list as there’s a myriad causes and reasons why your computer doesn’t always do what you want it to do.
Is the computer getting power?
Ensure that all cables are securely connected
Check mains socket with another known working appliance
Eliminate a possible mains lead problem by replacing it with another
Make sure the mains on/off switch is set to on
Some power supplies have built-in protection which sometimes needs to be reset. To do this switch to off and remove the power cable for 60 seconds, replace cable and set switch back to on
If your computer is still not powering up you will need to find someone local to help.
Tower powers up and is immediately followed by a series of beeps
BIOS beep codes indicate a number of different system faults depending on BIOS manufacturer and the failure. You need to seek help locally.
Tower powers up – lights on and noise from the fans – but nothing on the display
Check monitor is receiving mains power by following the same steps above for the socket and cable checks
Ensure the video cable is securely connected at both ends – ie to the tower and to the monitor
If you should have a spare video lead or monitor you can swap to see if this helps to determine if the lead or monitor is faulty. If neither, you will need to find help locally.
PC will not boot – gets stuck part way through the normal boot up steps
Can you boot in SAFE MODE? If you don’t know what safe mode is, best miss this step and call someone to help.
Chose Safe Mode or Last Known Configuration ... to see if this fixes your boot problem.
If you can boot in safe mode, try MSCONFIG, System Restore and restore your system back to an earlier time when you know it was booting up correctly. Again, if you don't know about this best call someone for help.
System boots up but takes ages and/or is very slow and take ages to do anything when you’re using it
These symptoms can be caused by several different problems …
Too many processes and task running and overloading available system resources. Use MSCONFIG, Startup to stop processes and applications from automatically running at system startup. Only do this is if you know what you’re doing.
Poor performance can be caused by viruses and other malicious software – use a good antivirus tool – like AVG, but not the free version as this does not check for rootkits – we can install and run this for you go to our Remote Support page
Unable to connect to the Internet
Check all cables are connected properly
Check your telephone line is OK – can you hear dial tone?
Do all connections to your telephone line and all extensions have filters properly fitted? Don’t forget the sky box and similar appliances –everything connected MUST have a filter
Call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and ask them to check your service
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