Hardware Troubleshooting
Hardware is the physical parts of your computer and the least common cause of laptop repairs or desktop repairs. Hardware includes the hard disc, monitor, CD-ROM, peripherals like the keyboard, the mouse, printers, modems, the motherboard and scanners. They all need software to work, called drivers that lets them communicate with the operating system, the applications and other components.
The motherboard is akin to the human nervous system, sending signals and opening pathways that allow the software and the hardware to communicate. If there is something happening that causes you to think you may need laptop repairs or desktop repairs it most likely is the software, not the hardware in your computer. However, hardware does sometimes cause problems.
Hardware conflicts are the most common cause of errors and can happen most frequently during or after you install new hardware. If you do get an error message it is likely that it is an outdated driver or a glitch in the software, not the hardware itself. When you install new software there are changes made to your files and registry that may affect out of date drivers or configuration changes have been made that conflict with your current settings. You'll find that instead of having to make costly desktop repairs or laptop repairs, you may simply need to update some of your drivers.
The first thing you can do if you suspect a hardware problem is to remove the new device for a temporary fix. If that fixes the problem you should first analyze your drivers by looking at your device manager in Windows 95, 98 or ME. Click Start, settings, control panel then double click the System control panel then click on tab that says Device Manager. Look for a yellow exclamation point or red circle with a slash through it. That means that particular device has a problem. You can right click and choose "remove" which removes the driver then download the correct driver. When you do this, the driver is still physically there but you're performing the equivalent of replacing a part like you replace the oil filter on an automobile. You can then restart and Window's plug and play feature will find the device again and allow you to redo the driver installation.
The next thing you can do to diagnose a possible hardware problem is to uninstall the hardware or peripheral you've added and check for bent pins. Hardware connects to the motherboard with a series of interlocking pins and they can sometimes get bent when installed. If each pin isn't able to make a solid connection you will get an error. If the pins are all in good shape be sure the devices are firmly seated.
You may suspect you have an issue with your hard drive if you are experiencing slow performance, the OS is unable to boot, it gives you random errors or reboots unexpectedly. You may receive errors when copying, moving, reading or deleting data. You can do a scandisk first to find and repair errors on your hard disc. The good thing about hard discs is that they are mostly self-repairing but it is possible that you have some problems that call for replacement. Check your warranty before calling 369 computers for laptop repairs or desktop repairs and you could save some money! We also do data recovery so if you do need your hard disc replaced, you don't have to lose everything.
If you suspect you have a hardware issue and none of these suggestions and remedies works, you may need the help of our experience computer engineers. At 369 Computers we will pick up and drop off your machine if you live in our delivery area. We do laptop repairs and desktop repairs quickly, efficiently and economically.
