how to troubleshoot a computer

1

Restart the computer. Many software problems will correct themselves when you do.

2

Check your cables. Keyboard not working? Make sure it's plugged in. Mouse not responding? Make sure it's plugged in.

3

Check the electric power. Plug a lamp into the same power outlet that's connected to your computer to make sure the outlet is working.

4

Make sure the computer and monitor are plugged in.

5

Disconnect peripheral devices (such as a printer or external Zip disk) and restart the computer.

6

Listen for unusual sounds. Is the cooling fan running? Is the hard drive making noises?

7

Look inside the computer for wires that aren't plugged in all the way or other faulty connections.

8

Start the computer from an external start-up disk, such as the system software CD that came with your computer.