13 ways to fix your computer before calling an expert

If you know what a USB port looks like, friends and family often call you the "IT expert" when a computer breaks down or a window goes missing for no apparent reason.

Over the course of many years of troubleshooting PCs and despairing at the number of browser toolbars that unsuspecting elderly people install, the following are some of the most useful tips I've gathered. And no, I won't stop by to "take a look," either. First, go through each one

1. Be smart about Google

Google can be very helpful when it comes to specific error codes and problems that are very specific. For queries such as "my PC is running slowly," it is of less use. Incorporate as much detail as possible, putting "+" before catchphrases that should be coordinated and "- " before watchwords to reject.

2. The built-in roll-back feature of System Restore

Windows will undo any recent changes to your computer's registry, hardware, and software setup, without affecting your personal files or vacation photos. If something has just gone wrong, this is a good place to start. System Restore can be found in the Control Panel.

3. Safe Mode

To access the boot menu, press F8 during startup. To launch a special, stripped-down version of Windows that looks like it was made in 1995 and has very few drivers and background utilities, select Safe Mode. If you are unable to enter Windows normally, Safe Mode can be used to uninstall devices, programs, and fixes.

4. Overheating

Assuming your PC crashes at apparently arbitrary times - - at the end of the day, there's no specific programming project or equipment gadget that prompts it - - it's conceivable that your PC or PC is overheating. If you think this is the problem, get a laptop cooler or another fan.

5. On-request checks

An entire heap of issues are brought about by infections and spyware, from slow execution to unexplained reboots. Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft's Safety Scanner are two good options that won't interfere with your existing security tools. It goes without saying that you should keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware tools up to date, but you might also want to run an on-demand scanner to get another opinio

6. Noise from the background

More and more programs may decide that they want to run in the background, resulting in sluggish performance that gets worse over time. To see what is actually consuming CPU and RAM on your computer, launch Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar. If any of the entries under Processes and Services don't make much sense, conduct a quick Google search to learn more about what they are.

7. Selective startup

If you see any unnecessary entries in Task Manager, it's likely that Windows is launching them. Scour the Startup envelope on the Beginning menu to find and eliminate anything you don't actually require constantly. Type "msconfig" into the Start menu search box and press Enter to gain additional control over the Windows startup process. The subsequent dialog will allow you to make specific changes to which services and tools can launch simultaneously with the operating system.

Windows starts a lot of services, which might surprise you.

8. Restoring files

When Windows deletes a file, it does not move the ones and zeros; rather, it simply removes references to them and declares the free disk space. Recuva is one of the best and easiest free tools for the job, so if you didn't overwrite the file with something else, you might be able to get it back.

9. Windows won't begin

Windows accompanies different framework recuperation choices (other than Experimental Mode) that you can utilize on the off chance that the working framework won't boot. When booting, select "Last Known Good Configuration" by pressing the F8 key and returning to the settings in effect when Windows last launched. Unplugging all non-essential peripherals is another strategy you can try because a device that isn't properly configured can sometimes stop the startup process.

10. Beeping of the motherboard

The issue is at a lower level if your computer gets so far that it beeps at you and shuts down before Windows loads. Check the user manual or the manufacturer's website for a digital copy of the motherboard's user manual to understand the number of beeps that indicate a problem.

11. No power

If there is no power, either you are in the middle of a power outage, your power cable is broken, or the power supply unit or battery is dead. First, see if you can get a cheap spare battery or cable, as replacing the PSU will cost a lot more.

12. Forums

If you have to use the internet, look for the official support forums of the manufacturer or developer first before using Google. You might discover that a specific fix is available or that other users have offered advice. For more modest freeware programs, you might try and track down posts from the engineer.

13. Ask Microsoft

Microsoft, and it turns out that does know a thing or two about their own systems. The company provides an automated Fixit tool that will attempt to identify the problem and then take action.