By Rose Nelson
Last Updated 1/31/99
This online manual offers tips for effective troubleshooting and advice on
solving basic computer problems. This may be a starting place in trying to solve
problems, however this is not meant to be a comprehensive source for troubleshooting
computers. As time permits and computers change, additions will
be added to this manual.
VIII. Key Points to Remember
Whenever you are trying to solve a technical problem rather it be on your computer or your car, its helpful to break the problem down into steps isolating each component. The troubleshooting model from (A+ microcomputer Support and Services Student Manual 1) offers a method for solving computer problems.
First, Isolate the Problem
Next, Resolve the Problem
Finally, Confirm Your Resolution and Expectations
Here are some tools that may come in handy for maintaining and troubleshooting your computer.
Running Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD) Windows 3.x or DOS machines
only
This is a utility program that gives you information about the type of computer you
have. MSD provides information on RAM, hard drive space, operating system, version
of DOS, peripherals and much more. MSD is shipped with certain DOS versions and
Windows 3.1. If you are upgrading your computer or troubleshooting problems, MSD is
a helpful tool.
1. From Windows drop to an MS DOS prompt or from DOS simply type MSD at the
"C" prompt. C:>MSD (lowercase or uppercase)
2. Press the enter key and this will launch MSD.
A message will appear that MSD is examining your system resources. You will then see
a screen with a listing of computer components you can select and examine. Simply
follow the commands at the bottom of the MSD screen to view details of the individual
components such as operating system, video, disk drives, etc...
Creating a system boot disk
Windows 95
A system boot disk allows you to jump start your computer when it is having problems
booting. It is a good idea to create a system boot disk for each computer or at
least for each version of the operating system you are running.
1. Insert a blank floppy in your diskette drive
2. Click on the Start Menu to pull up menu options
3. Click on Settings
4. Select Control Panel
5. Double Click on Add/Remove Programs
6. Click on the tab-"start up" disk
7. Click the button creating a start up disk
Windows 3.x
1. Insert a blank floppy in your diskette drive
2. At the DOS prompt type FORMAT A:/S
Scandisk
Scandisk is a utility program included in DOS 6.0 or higher and windows operating
systems that checks for errors on your hard drive. Errors occur when file clusters
are lost, programs have aborted (crashed), or corrupt files.
Scandisk checks for errors on your hard drive correcting and repairing depending on the
type of error and damage incurred. It's a good idea to run scandisk about once a
week. Be prepared it can take two hours. Long lunch breaks or evenings are
good times to run it.
Before running scandisk make sure all other programs are closed-this includes screen savers and virus protection software. In Windows 3.x or 95, hold down the Alt key while lightly pressing and releasing the tab key to view applications that are still running.
Running Scandisk from Windows 3.x versions
1. From a C prompt in DOS type Scandisk C:
When running scandisk, make sure you are at a C prompt and not the MSDOS prompt within
windows.
Switches in Scandisk allow you to customize how you want to run Scandisk.
To add a switch simply add the type of switch to your command line as demonstrated below.
(You type what is in red print)
[ C:\> ] SCANDISK C: /AUTOFIX
You can add more than one switch
[C:\>] SCANDISK C: /AUTOFIX /NOSAVE /SURFACE
Scandisk Switches
/ALL checks and repairs all local drives
/AUTOFIX fixes damages without prompting for user input
/CHECKONLY Checks a drive without performing any repairs
/CUSTOM Configures and runs scandisk based on settings within the SCANDISK.INI
/NOSAVE Used with /AUTOFIX, this deletes lost clusters without
saving them as files
/NOSUMMARY Prevents scandisk from pausing at summary screens. Used with /CHECKONLY
or /AUTOFIX
/SURFACE After other checks are completed, scandisk will perform a
surface scan of the hard drive.
/MONO Sets scandisk to run with a monochrome monitor
list from A+ microcomputer Support and Services Student Manual 1 copyright1997
Running Defrag from Windows 3.x versions
1. From the C prompt (not within Windows MS-DOS prompt) type DEFRAG
C: /F
2. The /F is for full optimization of disk
Defrag Switches
/U defragments files, leaving space between files
/B Reboots the computer after optimization
/SKIPHIGH Keeps DEFRAG from using extended or upper memory
areas
/Sx Sorts files by a specified order
/H Moves hidden files during optimization
/G0 Disables the graphic mouse and character set
(0 is a zero)
/LCD Runs DEFRAG with a LCD color scheme
/BW Runs DEFRAG with a Black and White color scheme
*list from A+ MicroComputer Support and Services Student Manual 1 copyright 1997
Running scandisk from Windows 95
1. From the Start Menu click on Programs
2. Choose Windows Explorer
3. Click once on the C drive icon to highlight it.
4. Right click once. This will bring a pull down menu.
5. Select properties
6. Click on the Tools tab
7. Click on the check now button
8. You have a choice between standard and thorough. Although a thorough scan takes
an hour or more, it scans the entire surface.
Running defrag from Windows 95
Defrag is a utility program included in computers running DOS 6.0 and higher and Windows operating systems. After time, as you save and delete files on your computer individual files are saved in scattered arrangement across your hard drive because the computer cannot find a continuos block in which to save the file. Defrag arranges these scattered files in continuous blocks again, making it easier for your computer to retrieve the file next time. Defragging your hard drive speeds up file access times and extends the life of your hard drive because actual mechanical movement of drive is reduced. () Always run Defrag AFTER Scandisk so errors are checked before the files are rearranged. Run defrag monthly. However, you may want to run it more often if you do much file saving and deleting.
1. AFTER running Scandisk, click on the Defrag button below Scandisk
2. Select the option to Defrag now
3. A message will appear telling you the defragment percentage of your drive. Even
if the message indicates you don't need to run defrag, I would suggest running it on a
drive that is 3% or more defragmented. Again, there are advanced options for Defrag.
Unless you know what you are doing, I would leave it on the default settings.
Be sure to get a surge suppresser with an MOV indicator and a built in phone jack. An MOV indicator is a little green light that stays lit if your surge protector is working properly. On the surge suppresser you will see text under the green light that says "protected". Also, purchase a surge protector that has a built in phone jack. This protects against surges that might enter through modems.
If you plan to do any work inside of the computer it's a good idea to have an anti-static wrist wrap to protect against static that could wipe out components on your motherboard. If you don't have the wrist wrap, take other precautions such as grounding yourself by touching the metal on the chassis of your computer. If you have a rubber mat, use this for working on your computer.
Cleaning out the Cache
Files
Each version of Netscape and Internet Explorer has slightly different methods for deleting
cache files. Here is a general method for cleaning cache files that should apply to
most browsers.
1. From the Start Menu choose Programs
2. Click on Windows Explorer. In windows 3.x Click on Main icon then File Manager.
3. On the left-hand side of the screen, you will see the "C" drive and all
folders underneath it. Click on the browser folder e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer,
etc.…
4. If you don't see the browser folder listed, click on program files and from here select
your browser file.
5. In the Browser file select the Cache folder. You may have to look a bit within
folders to find the Cache folder. Don't be afraid to explore.
6. Once in the Cache folder, select all the files listed and click delete.
One file will remain. This is a rudimentary file that your system won't let you
delete.
7. If this method of deleting cache files does not work, click on your start menu, click
on "find files or folders", make sure the "look in" box is
directed at "C" drive, type in cache and try to find it this way. For
Windows 3.x select Main and then File Manager. Select File and choose Search.
Type in cache.
Easy Fixes to Common Problems
Here are some questions you want to ask before you consult computer manuals or call in a
technician. Remember, always look for the obvious first.
The following section describes two application errors common to Windows3.x and Windows
95. Use this section as an guide for dealing with various application errors you may
get on your computer.
Windows 3.x Application Errors
Example: I just loaded a new software program and now my computer won't boot?
First, Isolate the Occurrence
Did you install new hardware or software?
Entering Device Manager in Windows95
Device Manager lists all devices installed on the computer and the drivers used for that device. If you are having problems with a certain device such as a printer or a modem, you can use Device Manager to check for correct settings and possible conflicts.
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Alternative Boot Options for Windows 95'
Having trouble starting your computer? Does it constantly hang as it is launching
Windows? Here are some options for jump starting your Windows 95
computer. Just as you boot your computer and before you get to the Windows 95
screen, quickly press "f8" to interrupt the load process. (the f8 key is
above the numbers on your keyboard usually right above the 9 and 0 keys ) The f8
option may vary according to computer manufacturer. You may also try the
"delete" key or the "escape" key. Refer to your computer manual
as to how to interrupt this normal boot process.
A text menu should appear with different options for booting.
1. Normal-Regular boot into Windows 95
2. Logged-creates a bootlog.txt file. This is simply a file that lists what drivers loaded successfully.
3. Safe Mode-This allows you to start windows without drivers loading (you will see less colors in your display if you choose this option.) This is an effective means for troubleshooting problems. From safe mode you can unload an application that caused your system to crash. However, certain devices such as printers that rely on drivers software may not work in safe mode.
4. Command Prompt-C prompt boot. This allows you to boot from a DOS Prompt.
Fatal Exception Errors are errors that cause your program to abort. Usually all you can do is close the program and restart. These can be tricky errors to solve. Here are some things you want to think about when trying to resolve fatal exception errors.
Solving Fatal Exception Errors
Troubleshooting Fatal Exception Errors
General Protection Fault
Errors(GPF)
GPF's are much like Fatal Exception errors only they occur in a Windows3.X environment. They are caused when two applications try to write to the same block of memory.
Solving GPF Errors
Memory Errors
"Insufficient Memory to Complete this Operation"
Save the work you have already done, close all applications, then reopen the application that was running when you received the error message. If the program works when you reopen it, it is likely that too many programs were open simultaneously exhausting system resources.
Computer mice are often an easy computer fix.
For movement problems with the mouse from the Start
button select Settings then Control Panel and Mouse. A window will appear displaying
mouse properties. The various tabs across the front of the mouse window allow you to
control mouse functions.
Problem: The monitor shows no picture
Problem: Computer displays limited colors.
Signs of Video Display Troubles
If your screen is completely white or gray and you hear buzzing noises, this could indicate video card troubles. Before you panic, make sure all cables are secured from monitor to CPU. Try using another power cord for the monitor to see if this may be the problem.
If screen appears distorted around the edges and the color does not look right, you may have incorrect display adapters. Select Start, Settings, and Control Panel. Double click on System Icon and select Device Manager. You will see a listing of devices. Double click on Display adapters to view the type. If there is a yellow exclamation point next to device, there is a conflict. To view conflicts for a certain device, click on the device, select properties, and select the general tab. There should be a description of the device and why it is not working properly.
Problem: Printer Does Not Print.
Things to Try...
Key points to Remember when Troubleshooting
Happy Computing! 
References
(1997) A+ Microcomputer Support and Services Student Manual
Vol 1-2. (Revision 1). St. Louis: Wave
Technologies International.
(1998) Schmidt, C.A. The Complete Computer Repair Textbook. El Granada: Scott/Jones Inc., Publishers.
