The computer turns on, but the operating system does not start: possible causes and solutions to the problem. Sharing important passwords

Many PC owners encounter various errors and malfunctions in their computer, but cannot determine the cause of the problem. In this article, we will look at the main methods for diagnosing a computer, allowing you to independently identify and fix various problems.

Keep in mind that high-quality diagnostics of a computer can take the whole day; set aside a day in the morning specifically for this, and do not start everything in the late afternoon.

I warn you that I will write in detail as for beginners who have never disassembled a computer, in order to warn about all possible nuances that can lead to problems.

1. Disassembling and cleaning the computer

When disassembling and cleaning your computer, do not rush, do everything carefully so as not to damage anything. Place components in a pre-prepared safe place.

It is not advisable to start diagnostics before cleaning, since you will not be able to identify the cause of the malfunction if it is caused by clogged contacts or the cooling system. Additionally, diagnostics may fail to complete due to repeated failures.

Unplug the system unit from the outlet at least 15 minutes before cleaning so that the capacitors have time to discharge.

Perform disassembly in the following sequence:

1. Disconnect all wires from the system unit.
2. Remove both side covers.
3. Disconnect the power connectors from the video card and remove it.
4. Remove all memory sticks.
5. Disconnect and remove cables from all drives.
6. Unscrew and remove all discs.
7. Disconnect all power supply cables.
8. Unscrew and remove the power supply.

There is no need to remove the motherboard, processor cooler, or case fans; you can also leave the DVD drive if it works normally.

Carefully blow off the system unit and all components separately with a powerful stream of air from a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag.

Carefully remove the cover from the power supply and blow it out without touching the electrical parts and the board with your hands or metal parts, as there may be voltage in the capacitors!

If your vacuum cleaner does not work on blowing, but only on blowing, then it will be a little more difficult. Clean it well so that it pulls as hard as possible. When cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft bristled brush.

You can also use a soft brush to remove stubborn dust.

Thoroughly clean the processor cooler heatsink, having first examined where and how much it is clogged with dust, as this is one of the common causes of processor overheating and PC crashes.

Also make sure that the cooler mount is not broken, the clamp has not opened and the radiator is securely pressed against the processor.

Be careful when cleaning fans, do not let them spin too much and do not bring the vacuum cleaner attachment close if it does not have a brush, so as not to knock off the blade.

After cleaning, do not rush to put everything back together, but move on to the next steps.

2. Checking the motherboard battery

The first thing after cleaning, so as not to forget later, I check the battery charge on the motherboard, and at the same time reset the BIOS. In order to pull it out, you need to press the latch with a flat screwdriver in the direction indicated in the photo and it will pop out on its own.

After this, you need to measure its voltage with a multimeter, optimally if it is within 2.5-3 V. The initial battery voltage is 3 V.

If the battery voltage is below 2.5 V, then it is advisable to change it. The voltage of 2 V is critically low and the PC is already starting to fail, which manifests itself in resetting the BIOS settings and stopping at the beginning of the PC boot with a prompt to press F1 or some other key to continue booting.

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can take the battery with you to the store and ask them to check it there, or just buy a replacement battery in advance, it’s standard and very inexpensive.

A clear sign of a dead battery is the date and time on the computer constantly disappearing.

The battery needs to be changed in a timely manner, but if you don’t have a replacement on hand right now, then simply do not disconnect the system unit from the power supply until you change the battery. In this case, the settings should not be lost, but problems may still arise, so do not delay.

Checking the battery is a good time to completely reset the BIOS. This resets not only the BIOS settings, which can be done through the Setup menu, but also the so-called volatile CMOS memory, which stores the parameters of all devices (processor, memory, video card, etc.).

Errors inCMOSoften cause the following problems:

• computer won't turn on
• turns on every other time
• turns on and nothing happens
• turns on and off by itself

I remind you that before resetting the BIOS, the system unit must be unplugged from the outlet, otherwise the CMOS will be powered by the power supply and nothing will work.

To reset the BIOS, use a screwdriver or other metal object to close the contacts in the battery connector for 10 seconds; this is usually enough to discharge the capacitors and completely clear the CMOS.

A sign that a reset has occurred will be an erroneous date and time, which will need to be set in the BIOS the next time you boot the computer.

4. Visual inspection of components

Carefully inspect all capacitors on the motherboard for swelling or leaks, especially in the processor socket area.

Sometimes capacitors swell down instead of up, causing them to tilt as if they were just slightly bent or unevenly soldered.

If some capacitors are swollen, then you need to send the motherboard for repair as soon as possible and ask to resolder all the capacitors, including those located next to the swollen ones.

Also inspect the capacitors and other elements of the power supply; there should be no swelling, drips, or signs of burning.

Inspect the disc contacts for oxidation.

They can be cleaned with an eraser and after that be sure to replace the cable or power adapter that was used to connect this disk, since it is already damaged and most likely caused oxidation.

In general, check all cables and connectors to ensure that they are clean, have shiny contacts, and are tightly connected to the drives and motherboard. All cables that do not meet these requirements must be replaced.

Check that the wires from the front panel of the case to the motherboard are connected correctly.

It is important that the polarity be observed (plus to plus, minus to minus), since there is a common ground on the front panel and failure to observe the polarity will lead to a short circuit, which is why the computer may behave inappropriately (turn on every other time, turn off itself or reboot) .

Where the plus and minus in the front panel contacts is indicated on the board itself, in the paper manual for it and in the electronic version of the manual on the manufacturer’s website. The contacts of the wires from the front panel also indicate where the plus and minus are. Typically the white wire is the negative wire, and the positive connector may be indicated by a triangle on the plastic connector.

Many even experienced assemblers make a mistake here, so check.

5. Checking the power supply

If the computer did not turn on at all before cleaning, then do not rush to assemble it; first of all, you need to check the power supply. However, in any case, it won’t hurt to check the power supply; maybe it’s because of it that the computer is crashing.

Check the power supply fully assembled to avoid electric shock, short circuit, or accidental fan failure.

To test the power supply, connect the only green wire in the motherboard connector to any black one. This will signal to the power supply that it is connected to the motherboard, otherwise it will not turn on.

Then plug the power supply into the surge protector and press the button on it. Don't forget that the power supply itself may also have an on/off button.

A spinning fan should be a sign that the power supply is turned on. If the fan does not spin, it may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

In some silent power supplies, the fan may not start spinning immediately, but only under load; this is normal and can be checked while operating the PC.

Using a multimeter, measure the voltage between the contacts in the connectors for peripheral devices.

They should be approximately in the following range.

• 12 V (yellow-black) – 11.7-12.5 V
• 5 V (red-black) – 4.7-5.3 V
• 3.3 V (orange-black) – 3.1-3.5 V

If any voltage is missing or greatly exceeds the specified limits, then the power supply is faulty. It is best to replace it with a new one, but if the computer itself is inexpensive, then repairs are allowed; power supplies can be done easily and inexpensively.

The startup of the power supply and normal voltages is a good sign, but in itself does not mean that the power supply is good, since failures can occur due to voltage drops or ripples under load. But this is already determined at subsequent stages of testing.

6. Checking power contacts

Be sure to check all electrical contacts from the outlet to the system unit. The socket must be modern (suitable for a European plug), reliable and not loose, with clean elastic contacts. The same requirements apply to the surge protector and the cable from the computer's power supply.

Contact must be reliable, plugs and connectors must not dangle, spark, or be oxidized. Pay close attention to this, since poor contact is often the cause of failure of the system unit, monitor and other peripheral devices.

If you suspect the quality of the socket, surge protector, power cable of the system unit or monitor, then change them as quickly as possible to avoid computer failure. Do not delay or save on this, as repairing a PC or monitor will cost much more.

Also, poor contact is often the cause of PC malfunctions, which are accompanied by a sudden shutdown or reboot with subsequent failures on the hard drive and, as a result, disruption of the operating system.

Failures can also occur due to voltage drops or ripples in the 220 V network, especially in the private sector and remote areas of the city. In this case, failures may occur even when the computer is idle. Try measuring the voltage in the outlet immediately after the computer spontaneously shuts down or restarts and watch the readings for a while. This way you can identify long-term drawdowns, from which a linear-interactive UPS with a stabilizer will save you.

7. Assembling and turning on the computer

After cleaning and inspecting the PC, carefully reassemble it and carefully check that you have connected everything you need. If the computer refused to turn on before cleaning or turned on only once, then it is advisable to connect the components one by one. If there were no such problems, then skip the next section.

7.1. Step-by-step PC assembly

First, connect the motherboard power connector and the processor power connector to the motherboard with the processor. Do not insert RAM, video card or connect disks.

Turn on the power to the PC and if everything is fine with the motherboard, the processor cooler fan should spin up. Also, if a beeper is connected to the motherboard, a beep code usually sounds indicating a lack of RAM.

Memory installation

Turn off the computer with a short or (if that doesn’t work) long press of the power button on the system unit and insert one stick of RAM into the colored slot closest to the processor. If all the slots are the same color, then just go to the one closest to the processor.

Make sure that the memory stick is inserted evenly until it stops and that the latches snap into place, otherwise it may be damaged when you turn on the PC.

If the computer starts up with one stick of memory and there is a beeping sound, then a code usually sounds indicating that there is no video card (if there is no integrated graphics). If the beep code indicates problems with the RAM, then try inserting another stick in the same place. If the problem continues or there is no other bracket, then move the bracket to another nearby slot. If there are no sounds, then everything is probably fine, continue further.

Turn off the computer and insert the second memory stick into the slot of the same color. If the motherboard has 4 slots of the same color, then follow the instructions for the motherboard so that the memory is in the slots recommended for dual-channel mode. Then turn it on again and check whether the PC turns on and what sound signals it makes.

If you have 3 or 4 memory sticks, then simply insert them one by one, turning the PC off and on each time. If the computer does not start with a certain stick or produces a memory error code, then this stick is faulty. You can also check the motherboard slots by moving the working strip into different slots.

Some motherboards have a red indicator that lights up in case of memory problems, and sometimes a segment indicator with an error code, the explanation of which is in the motherboard manual.

If the computer starts, then further memory testing occurs at another stage.

Installing a video card

It's time to test the video card by inserting it into the top PCI-E x16 slot (or AGP for older PCs). Don't forget to connect additional power to the video card with the appropriate connectors.

With a video card, the computer should start normally, without sound signals, or with a single sound signal, indicating the normal completion of the self-test.

If the PC does not turn on or emits a video card error code, then it is most likely faulty. But don't rush to conclusions, sometimes you just need to connect a monitor and keyboard.

Connecting a monitor

Turn off the PC and connect the monitor to the video card (or motherboard if there is no video card). Make sure that the connector to the video card and monitor is connected tightly; sometimes tight connectors do not go in all the way, which is the reason for the absence of an image on the screen.

Turn on the monitor and make sure that the correct signal source is selected on it (the connector to which the PC is connected, if there are several of them).

Turn on the computer and a graphical splash screen and text messages from the motherboard should appear on the screen. Usually this is a prompt to enter the BIOS using the F1 key, a message about the absence of a keyboard or boot devices, this is normal.

If the computer silently turns on, but there is nothing on the screen, there is most likely something wrong with the video card or monitor. The video card can only be checked by moving it to a working computer. The monitor can be connected to another work PC or device (laptop, player, tuner, etc.). Don't forget to select the desired signal source in the monitor settings.

Connecting a keyboard and mouse

If everything is fine with the video card and monitor, then move on. Connect the keyboard first, then the mouse, one at a time, turning the PC off and on each time. If the computer freezes after connecting a keyboard or mouse, it means they need to be replaced - it happens!

Connecting drives

If the computer starts with a keyboard and mouse, then we begin to connect the hard drives one by one. First, connect the second drive without the operating system (if you have one).

Do not forget that in addition to connecting the interface cable to the motherboard, you also need to connect the connector from the power supply to the drive.

Then turn on the computer and if it comes to BIOS messages, then everything is fine. If the PC does not turn on, freezes or turns itself off, then the controller of this disk is faulty and needs to be replaced or repaired to save the data.

Turn off the computer and connect the DVD drive (if any) with an interface cable and power supply. If problems arise after this, then the drive has a power failure and needs to be replaced; repairing it usually makes no sense.

At the end, we connect the main system drive and prepare to enter the BIOS for the initial setup before starting the operating system. We turn on the computer and if everything is fine, move on to the next step.

When you turn on your computer for the first time, go to the BIOS. Usually, the Delete key is used for this, less often others (F1, F2, F10 or Esc), which is indicated in the prompts at the beginning of the boot.

On the first tab, set the date and time, and on the “Boot” tab, select your hard drive with the operating system as the first boot device.

On older motherboards with a classic BIOS it may look like this.

On more modern ones with a UEFI graphical shell it is a little different, but the meaning is the same.

To exit the BIOS and save the settings, press F10. Don't be distracted and watch the operating system load completely to notice possible problems.

After the PC has finished booting, check whether the fans of the processor cooler, power supply and video card are working, otherwise there is no point in further testing.

Some modern video cards may not turn on the fans until a certain temperature of the video chip is reached.

If any of the case fans does not work, then it’s not a big deal, just plan to replace it in the near future, don’t be distracted by it now.

8. Error analysis

This is where diagnostics essentially begin, and everything described above was just preparation, after which many problems could go away and without it there was no point in starting testing.

8.1. Enabling Memory Dumps

If blue screens of death (BSOD) appear while your computer is running, this can make troubleshooting much easier. A prerequisite for this is the presence of memory dumps (or at least self-written error codes).

To check or enable the dump recording function, press the “Win ​​+ R” key combination on your keyboard, enter “sysdm.cpl” in the line that appears and press OK or Enter.

In the window that appears, go to the “Advanced” tab and in the “Boot and Recovery” section, click the “Options” button.

The “Record debugging information” field should be “Small memory dump”.

If so, then you should already have dumps of previous errors in the "C:\Windows\Minidump" folder.

If this option was not enabled, then dumps were not saved, enable it at least now to be able to analyze errors if they recur.

Memory dumps may not have time to be created during serious failures that involve rebooting or shutting down the PC. Also, some system cleaning utilities and antivirus programs can remove them; you must disable the system cleaning function during diagnostics.

If there are dumps in the specified folder, then we proceed to their analysis.

8.2. Memory dump analysis

To analyze memory dumps in order to identify what leads to failures, there is a wonderful utility “BlueScreenView”, which you can download along with other diagnostic utilities in the “” section.

This utility shows files in which a failure occurred. These files belong to the operating system, device drivers, or some program. Accordingly, based on the file’s ownership, you can determine which device or software caused the failure.

If you cannot boot your computer in normal mode, then try booting into safe mode by holding down the “F8” key immediately after the motherboard screen saver or BIOS text messages disappear.

Go through the dumps and see which files appear most often as the culprits of the failure, they are highlighted in red. Right-click on one of these files and view its Properties.

In our case, it is easy to determine that the file belongs to the nVidia video card driver and most of the errors were caused by it.

In addition, some dumps contained the “dxgkrnl.sys” file, even from the name of which it is clear that it refers to DirectX, which is directly related to 3D graphics. This means that it is most likely that the video card is to blame for the failure, which should be subjected to thorough testing, which we will also consider.

In the same way, you can determine that the fault is caused by a sound card, network card, hard drive, or some program that penetrates deeply into the system, such as an antivirus. For example, if a disk fails, the controller driver will crash.

If you cannot determine which driver or program a particular file belongs to, then look for this information on the Internet by the file name.

If failures occur in the sound card driver, then most likely it is faulty. If it is integrated, then you can disable it through the BIOS and install another discrete one. The same can be said about the network card. However, network failures can be caused by updating the network card driver and connecting to the Internet through a router.

In any case, do not make hasty conclusions until the diagnostics are completely completed; maybe your Windows is simply faulty or a virus has entered, which can be solved by reinstalling the system.

Also in the BlueScreenView utility you can see the error codes and inscriptions that were on the blue screen. To do this, go to the “Options” menu and select the “Blue Screen in XP Style” view or press the “F8” key.

After that, switching between errors, you will see how they looked on the blue screen.

By error code you can also find the possible cause of the problem on the Internet, but by the ownership of the files this is easier and more reliable. To return to the previous view, you can use the “F6” key.

If the errors always include different files and different error codes, then this is a sign of possible problems with the RAM, in which everything crashes. We will diagnose it first.

9. Testing RAM

Even if you think that the problem is not in the RAM, still check it first. Sometimes a place has several problems, and if the RAM fails, then diagnosing everything else is quite difficult due to frequent PC failures.

Conducting a memory test from a boot disk is a must, as it is difficult to get accurate results in the Windows operating system on a faulty PC.

In addition, “Hiren’s BootCD” contains several alternative memory tests in case “Memtest 86+” does not start and many more useful utilities for testing hard drives, video memory, etc.

You can download the “Hiren’s BootCD” image in the same place as everything else – in the “” section. If you don’t know how to properly burn such an image to a CD or DVD, refer to the article where we looked at it, here everything is done exactly the same.

Set the BIOS to boot from the DVD drive or use the Boot Menu as described in, boot from Hiren's BootCD and run Memtest 86+.

Testing can last from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the speed and amount of RAM. One full pass must be completed and the test will go around the second round. If everything is fine with the memory, then after the first pass (Pass 1) there should be no errors (Errors 0).

After this, testing can be interrupted using the “Esc” key and the computer will reboot.

If there were errors, you will have to test each strip separately, removing all the others to determine which one is broken.

If the broken bar is still under warranty, then take a photo from the screen using a camera or smartphone and present it to the warranty department of the store or service center (although in most cases this is not necessary).

In any case, it is not advisable to use a PC with broken memory and carry out further diagnostics before replacing it, since various incomprehensible errors will appear.

10. Preparation for component tests

Everything else, except RAM, is tested under Windows. Therefore, in order to exclude the influence of the operating system on the test results, it is advisable to do, if necessary, temporarily and the most.

If this is difficult for you or you don’t have time, you can try testing on an old system. But, if failures occur due to problems in the operating system, some driver, program, virus, antivirus (i.e. in the software part), then testing the hardware will not help determine this and you may go down the wrong path. And on a clean system, you will have the opportunity to see how the computer behaves and completely eliminate the influence of the software component.

Personally, I always do everything as expected from start to finish as described in this article. Yes, it takes a whole day, but if you ignore my advice, you can struggle for weeks without identifying the cause of the problem.

The fastest and easiest way is to test the processor, unless of course there are obvious signs that the problem is in the video card, which we will discuss below.

If your computer starts to slow down some time after turning it on, freezes when watching videos or playing games, suddenly reboots or turns off under load, then there is a possibility of the processor overheating. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of such problems.

At the cleaning and visual inspection stage, you should have made sure that the processor cooler is not clogged with dust, its fan is spinning, and the radiator is securely pressed against the processor. I also hope that you did not remove it when cleaning, as this requires replacing the thermal paste, which I will talk about later.

We will use “CPU-Z” for a stress test with warming up the processor, and “HWiNFO” to monitor its temperature. Although, it is better to use the proprietary motherboard utility for temperature monitoring, it is more accurate. For example, ASUS has “PC Probe”.

To begin with, it would be a good idea to find out the maximum allowable thermal envelope of your processor (T CASE). For example, for my Core i7-6700K it is 64 °C.

You can find out by going to the manufacturer’s website from an Internet search. This is the critical temperature in the heat spreader (under the processor cover), the maximum allowed by the manufacturer. Do not confuse this with core temperature, which is usually higher and is also displayed in some utilities. Therefore, we will focus not on the temperature of the cores according to the processor sensors, but on the overall temperature of the processor according to the readings of the motherboard.

In practice, for most older processors, the critical temperature above which failures begin is 60 °C. The most modern processors can operate at 70 °C, which is also critical for them. You can find out the actual stable temperature of your processor from tests on the Internet.

So, we launch both utilities – “CPU-Z” and “HWiNFO”, find the processor temperature sensor (CPU) in the motherboard indicators, run the test in “CPU-Z” with the “Stress CPU” button and observe the temperature.

If after 10-15 minutes of the test the temperature is 2-3 degrees below the critical temperature for your processor, then there is nothing to worry about. But, if there were failures under high load, then it is better to run this test for 30-60 minutes. If your PC freezes or reboots during testing, you should consider improving cooling.

Please note that a lot also depends on the temperature in the room; it is possible that in cooler conditions the problem will not appear, but in hotter conditions it will immediately make itself felt. So you always need cooling with a reserve.

If your CPU is overheating, check if your cooler is compatible. If not, then you need to change it; no tricks will help here. If the cooler is powerful enough, but can’t handle it a little, then you should change the thermal paste to a more effective one; at the same time, the cooler itself may be installed more successfully.

Among inexpensive but very good thermal pastes, I can recommend Artic MX-4.

It must be applied in a thin layer, having first removed the old paste with dry material and then with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.

Replacing thermal paste will give you a gain of 3-5 °C; if this is not enough, then simply install additional case fans, at least the most inexpensive ones.

14. Disk testing

This is the longest step after the RAM test, so I prefer to leave it for last. To begin with, you can conduct a speed test of all drives using the “HDTune” utility, for which I give “”. This sometimes helps to identify freezes when accessing the disk, which indicates problems with it.

Look at the SMART parameters, where the “disk health” is displayed, there should be no red lines and the overall disk status should be “OK”.

You can download a list of the main SMART parameters and what they are responsible for in the “” section.

A full surface test can be performed using the same Windows utilities. The process may take 2-4 hours depending on the size and speed of the disk (about 1 hour for every 500 MB). Upon completion of the test, there should not be a single broken block, which are highlighted in red.

The presence of such a block is an unequivocal death sentence for the disk and is a 100% guaranteed case. Save your data faster and change the disk, just don’t tell the service that you dropped your laptop

You can check the surface of both regular hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). The latter really don’t have any surface, but if the HDD or SSD freezes every time during the test, then most likely the electronics are faulty and need to be replaced or repaired (the latter is unlikely).

If you are unable to diagnose a disk under Windows, the computer crashes or freezes, then try doing this using the MHDD utility from the Hiren’s BootCD boot disk.

Problems with the controller (electronics) and the disk surface lead to error windows in the operating system, short-term and complete freezes of the computer. Typically these are messages about the inability to read a particular file and memory access errors.

Such errors can be mistaken for problems with the RAM, while the disk may well be to blame. Before you panic, try updating the disk controller driver or, conversely, returning the native Windows driver as described in.

15. Testing the optical drive

To check an optical drive, it is usually enough to simply burn a verification disc. For example, using the “Astroburn” program, it is in the “” section.

After burning a disc with a message about successful verification, try copying its entire contents on another computer. If the disk is readable and the drive reads other disks (except for hard-to-read ones), then everything is fine.

Some of the problems I have encountered with the drive include electronics failures that completely freeze or prevent the computer from turning on, failures of the retractable mechanism, contamination of the laser head lens, and breakage of the head as a result of improper cleaning. In most cases, everything is solved by replacing the drive; fortunately, they are inexpensive and even if they have not been used for several years, they die from dust.

16. Body check

The case also sometimes breaks, sometimes the button gets stuck, sometimes the wiring from the front panel falls off, sometimes it shorts out in the USB connector. All this can lead to unpredictable behavior of the PC and can be solved by thorough inspection, cleaning, a tester, a soldering iron and other available means.

The main thing is that nothing short-circuits, as evidenced by a non-working light bulb or connector. If in doubt, disconnect all wires from the front panel of the case and try working on the computer for a while.

17. Checking the motherboard

Often, checking a motherboard comes down to checking all components. If all components individually work normally and pass tests, the operating system is reinstalled, but the computer still crashes, the problem may be with the motherboard. And here I can’t help you; only an experienced electronics engineer can diagnose it and identify a problem with the chipset or processor socket.

The exception is the failure of the sound or network card, which can be solved by disabling them in the BIOS and installing separate expansion cards. You can resolder the capacitors in the motherboard, but, say, replacing the north bridge is usually not advisable, since it is expensive and there are no guarantees; it is better to immediately buy a new motherboard.

18. If all else fails

Of course, it’s always better to discover the problem yourself and determine the best solution, since some unscrupulous repairmen try to pull the wool over your eyes and rip off your skin.

But it may happen that you follow all the recommendations, but cannot identify the problem, this has happened to me. In this case, the problem is most often in the motherboard or in the power supply; there may be a microcrack in the PCB and it makes itself felt from time to time.

In this case, there is nothing you can do, take the entire system unit to a more or less well-established computer company. There is no need to carry components in parts if you are not sure what is wrong, the issue will never be resolved. Let them sort it out, especially if the computer is still under warranty.

Computer store specialists usually don’t worry, they have a lot of different components, they just change something and see if the problem goes away, thus quickly and easily fixing the problem. They also have enough time to conduct tests.

19. Links

Transcend JetFlash 790 8GB
Hard drive Western Digital Caviar Blue WD10EZEX 1 TB
Transcend StoreJet 25A3 TS1TSJ25A3K

If you are a system administrator or software engineer in a small organization and you have constant computer problems, or even with users who constantly shout that nothing works for them, then this material is for you. Why a small organization, but because in fairly large companies there are staff members who monitor this and they follow all the advice that will be given in this article, or at least try to follow. And they don’t have frequent problems with computers or users.

Let's start with the fact that, for example, you work in an organization with 50 or 100 computers, and something constantly doesn’t work for you, freezes, you constantly have to reinstall the operating system, run to the user several times a day to fix his problems. This is very annoying for you, so I’ll say right away that this is your fault, first of all. “Why mine?” You ask “They themselves did something and that’s why their computer freezes or some software doesn’t work”. Yes, because you did not foresee this and did not protect your fleet from this.

If you often hear the following from a user, then you definitely need to read the article to the end.

• My program froze;
• My computer froze;
• I have some kind of blue screen here;
• My file is missing and I can’t find it;
• I clicked something in Excel and all my data disappeared;
• The program won’t open for me, although it did yesterday;
• My computer went crazy;
• I didn't do anything, but the data in the file changed;
• My computer is very slow;
• The computer does not turn on;
• Help me with Excel (Word), otherwise I don’t know, well, remember it like yesterday.

Frequent mistakes of system administrators

Now we will look at common mistakes made by system administrators, and what needs to be done to prevent these mistakes. I have encountered this myself, since I worked in such an organization, so everything that I will describe below can be said to be based on my own experience. And almost all of this relates to information security rules that everyone must follow, and your attitude towards work. And for some items it is necessary to draw up a special document, signed by the boss, which will indicate what the user can do and what not, and everyone should familiarize themselves with this document.

Installing various software

In other words, both you and your users can install software that is simply not needed! Therefore, the first thing to do is to remove all software that is not related to the production process. And do not allow it to be installed.

In order to completely clear your computer of such software, it is best to reinstall the system and install on it only the minimum set of programs that is necessary for a particular employee individually. Of course, in order for all this software to be licensed, if you use some programs without a license, but you need them, then you need to voice this to your boss so that he allocates funds for the purchase of this software. And prohibit the user from installing programs himself, already at the level of access rights.

This also includes the installation of drivers that were downloaded from unknown sources. Since you can only download from official sites.

Viruses, Internet and personal files

I combined these 3 points because they are interconnected. Frequent problems arise due to viruses! Since users in such organizations often have unlimited access to the Internet, they bring their personal files on flash drives that are infected with viruses and so on. This cannot be allowed!

It is necessary to deny everyone access to the Internet, and allow access only to those resources that are required in the production process, fortunately this can be done easily with the help of routers, firewalls and other equipment. Also prohibit the use of flash drives, it is better to disable this feature on users’ computers altogether, and transfer files via the network from a computer on which an antivirus is installed, and you personally checked this flash drive, this is the case if the organization exchanges documents with other organizations using flash drives . If you follow this step, then you will not even need a corporate antivirus.

Unlimited access

This includes the fact that users have unlimited access to almost all computers in your organization. I wouldn’t be surprised if a simple user accesses the server via an rdp client and accidentally deletes something from it. Or he’ll just go into the admins’ office, calmly sit down at the server and turn it off :).

In order to prevent this, it is necessary to draw up a clear scheme for dividing access rights. For example, you most likely have some kind of file server that stores users’ work files, which is used both for storing and exchanging information within the organization. But more often than not, it’s just a jumbled collection of folders and files that absolutely everyone has access to. This cannot be allowed! It is necessary to create a separate folder for each user, to which only he will have access. In order to transfer some files to another employee of the organization, you can make one folder to which everyone will have access, and if necessary, simply copy the necessary data to this folder, and thus, if all content is deleted from this directory, it’s okay won't happen.

You must also create a password-protected account for each user ( complex password), and which must be kept confidential. The best way to implement this tip is to use Microsoft's Active Directory directory service. If you are not using it yet, I advise you to switch to it, as it will greatly facilitate the management and administration of computers in your organization. When you create your own account for each user, you can easily assign him all the necessary access rights to a particular resource. I won’t tell you all the delights of AD, since the topic of this article is completely different, but I strongly recommend using it.

This also includes user access to the computer using an account. Since in organizations, for example, everyone has access to a neighbor’s computer, this should also not be allowed. For example, an employee went to the toilet, another person sat down at his computer and did something there. The user to whom this computer is assigned comes and sees that something is not working for him, is frozen or cannot find a file, a command, or you. You tell him “what were you doing?” in response he "I didn't do anything myself". To prevent this, it is necessary, as I already said, to create an account for each user and teach users to block it if they are separated from the computer, and thus a person who wants to sit at the computer in the absence of a responsible employee will not be able to do this, and if he needs it, then let him load it with his account. This can also be done forcefully, for example, by setting the OS settings so that the system is locked in case of inactivity, say after 10 minutes.

I would also like to add that access should be limited not only to files, directories or computers, but also to any other resources in your organization ( servers, equipment, etc.), or rather, not even limit, but allow access only to those resources that are necessary for a specific employee. In other words, by default the user is denied everything, and what you need you allow him. By the way, by doing so you will complete step 1 by prohibiting him from installing third-party software. Maintaining a clear scheme for delineating access rights is an integral part of an organization’s information security.

Static IP addressing

Quite often found in small offices, but problems still arise from it. If you think that DHCP is not needed for 50 computers, then you are mistaken. Someday you will encounter one of the most common problems when using static IP addressing - this is “ IP address conflict", because sooner or later you will simply forget where and what IPs you registered. Therefore, to eliminate another potential cause "allegedly" idle computer, it is better to use dynamic IP addressing.

Old or missing equipment

This is mostly an organizational issue. Many administrators simply turn a blind eye to the fact that, say, a couple of users work on very old computers, which you have already repeatedly tried to upgrade, using also old components. As a result, a bunch "blue screens of death". Or you need to purchase an additional server to offload the existing one, and you simply remain silent, although it is your direct responsibility to monitor the update and purchase of new equipment. This is absolutely wrong! You tell me “What can I do?”. You can find 1000 and one reasons to convince your boss of the need for this equipment, for example, a new computer for an employee. And even if your boss is too greedy, after a couple or three attempts to correctly justify this purchase, he will allocate you money to purchase the necessary equipment.

Your laziness

Have you ever wondered why you are often asked to help with a problem that has been repeated many times by one user or another? There is only one answer “You didn’t eliminate the cause, you temporarily solved it!”. This advice comes down to "understanding the essence of the problem" and its elimination forever.

For example, there is one user who every day asks you to unload a frozen program or remove jammed paper from the printer. Of course, you help him, but you don’t solve the problem, since it will happen again in a couple of hours or the next day. In this case, it is necessary to understand why this happens and eliminate the very reason for the occurrence of such an error. Or, for example, the user’s computer periodically does not turn on, you need to clearly understand why and solve this problem. If you cannot determine the reason why the computer does not start, then here are the common ones

04.11.2014

The article will help solve the most common PC problems that arise during operation, such as BSOD, accidentally deleted files, system slowdown and many others.

LINCOLN SPECTOR. TOP 10 FIXES for COMMON PC PROBLEMS. PCWorld, August 2014.

1. Blue Screen of Death error

Task. You're working on an important project, and suddenly everything disappears from the screen and all that's left is strange white text on a blue background. If this is an isolated incident, it is usually enough to restart your computer and hope for the best. If such a screen appears before your eyes quite often, it means that you are faced with some kind of problem that requires your intervention.

Solution.

Microsoft calls such situations “stop errors,” but most users prefer a more understandable designation: “Blue Screen of Death” (BSoD).

In new versions of the operating system, errors of this kind do not occur often, but from time to time you still see a blue screen of death in front of you (I personally saw it no more than two days ago). When this happens, as a rule, it is enough to reboot and hope for the best in the future. But if such errors occur regularly, it means that there is some problem with the computer that needs to be solved.

In this case, it makes sense to look for information about a specific BSoD screen, and then - since it is quite difficult to extract rational grain from this information - turn to the Internet in search of practical advice.

What to do when a blue screen of death appears before your eyes? Useful information is provided in the first paragraph and under the Technical information heading at the bottom of the screen.

Since the Windows tool that allows you to take instant screenshots cannot be used when a BSoD error occurs, you will have to write down all the important information on paper. You can also take a photo of the screen with a camera or phone. But it’s unlikely that you’ll get a good (or even easily readable) picture.

You can also get BSoD information after a reboot. If you see the message Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown, consider yourself lucky. You can click the Check for solution button, but this is unlikely to help you much.

After a reboot, the free Blue Screen View program also allows you to obtain the necessary information.

However, no matter what method you choose, you most likely cannot do without an Internet search engine. If this doesn't help, try the following:

Check the performance of the RAM using the Memtest 86+ program;

Update your drivers using Slim Drivers;

Run diagnostics on your hard drive using HD Tune.

2. Recover deleted files

Task. Literally just now they were before your eyes, and now there is no trace of them. This happens with files sometimes. And where to look for them now? Are you sure there is no backup copy left anywhere?

Solution. Deleted files can most often be recovered, if, of course, you realize it in time. But with each subsequent write to disk, the probability of a successful outcome decreases. Therefore, try to access your computer as little as possible until the files are restored, otherwise you risk depriving yourself of your last hope.

Try the following operations in the order shown here.

Check the contents of your shopping cart. Windows stores deleted files there for security purposes. The corresponding icon appears in the upper left corner of the screen. If files are found, select them, right-click on them and select “Recover” from the context menu.

Use backups. If you regularly back up your hard drive (or at least your libraries), the files can most likely be found there. I don't know what backup program you're using, so I can't tell you exactly how you should search for and restore files. But, as a rule, this procedure is intuitive.

If you still don't make backups, perhaps it's time to get into the habit. This won’t help you now, but next time it will save you from major troubles.

Use file recovery software. Even if the file is not in the Recycle Bin, it may well remain on the disk. Windows does not overwrite its contents until another file needs the free space. That's why I recommend using your PC as little as possible.

There are several good programs that recover files. I recommend paying attention to the Recuva Portable utility. It is easy to use and has excellent write tracking. Sometimes you can even view the contents that it can recover. (There were cases when information was also restored that could not be displayed.) This program is distributed free of charge.

The utility belongs to the portable category (you don’t have to install it on your computer before using it), so you can run it without even copying it to your PC’s hard drive (which in this case has great value). Download the program to another computer and extract it to a folder on a flash drive. After that, connect the drive to the PC on which the files you need have disappeared, and launch it directly from there.

Seek help from a specialist. If none of the above works, you have one last chance. There are a lot of services in the world that offer file recovery, and if your disk is still functional, you most likely won’t have to resort to the most expensive services.

Personally, I have never used services of this kind and cannot recommend any specific company. Ask friends or read reviews on forums.

If you regularly back up your hard drive (or at least your libraries), the files can most likely be found there.

3. Create backup copies of data files

Task. Not taking backups can be compared to not wearing seat belts. No problems arise for many months or even years, but then an accident occurs and you are in serious trouble.

Solution. There is a very simple rule: you should never limit yourself to making just one copy of anything.

Creating backup copies of files should be done daily. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to receive copies of all files at once every day. Any backup program worth its salt supports incremental backups, which only affects files that have been created or modified since the last backup operation.

Data files mean your documents, photos, spreadsheets, songs, etc. When you copy your “Libraries” or the entire “Users” folder, you get all of the above.

You might also consider creating a backup of your entire system - Windows and applications, although this is not as important. If Windows suddenly becomes inoperable as a result of a crash, you can always reinstall the operating system, configure the necessary settings and reinstall all programs. But if you have a backup copy, all this can be done much faster and with less effort.

The only way to guarantee a Windows backup is to create an image that contains everything on the disk partition. There is no need to do this regularly. Personally, I back up my system 4 times a year.

Windows 7 and 8 include quite good backup utilities that allow you to create both backup copies of files and an image of the entire partition. But I prefer the free Easeus ToDo Backup, which also does both while supporting many other features.

Backup options

What exactly are you copying? External hard drives are now fast, inexpensive, and allow you to store either of two options. But you can also consider using online services that place copies of your files in the cloud. The copy on the Internet is located at a great distance from your computer, and in this case you are no longer afraid of any fires, floods or robberies. However, in this case everything works much slower and is more expensive in the long run.

Over the years I have used the Mozy Home backup service. I can’t say that it is better or worse than the services offered by competitors, but everything here functions quite reliably.

4. Maintain privacy when browsing websites

Task. What seemed like paranoia just yesterday is today perceived as common sense. Are there reliable and secure ways to access the Internet that prevent scammers, companies, and government agencies from tracking your activities?

Solution. No one can give you a 100% guarantee of security and confidentiality. But you can limit access to the Internet, thereby reducing the likelihood of security breaches.

Private browsing mode in the browser

Most browsers support a special mode that allows you to prevent tracking of user actions when visiting sites. In this case, no logs are logged and no cookies are created.

However, this regime has its limitations. Websites you visit still see your router's IP address. And your ISP knows who you visit and when. And what is known to the provider, government agencies can also find out if they wish.

So, how do you enable private browsing mode?

Internet Explorer: In the settings menu, select "Security Browsing In Private."

Chrome: Click the menu icon in the top right corner and select New Incognito Window.

Firefox: Press the key to open the browser menu. Then select File New Private Window.

Browser add-ons

The right tool will provide an additional layer of browser protection. For my part, I can recommend two free add-ons.

By installing the Mask Me extension in Firefox or Chrome, you can use disposable addresses when working with email. Emails sent to such addresses will be forwarded to your real address. For $5/month or $45/year, Mask Me will generate temporary credit card numbers. The Ghostery extension will protect you from commercial espionage. When a web page loads, it will display all the tracking services used by the site. You can block unwanted resources. However, Ghostery's systems company, Evidon, receives money from advertisers, which may create conflicts of interest.

More complex types of camouflage

The solutions we've talked about so far allow you to see your IP address, and your ISP has the ability to track the sites you visit. To hide your IP address, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the Tor Browser program, which works in confidential mode and broadcasts its signal through a series of intermediate servers, hiding your original location. These methods are as secure as security can be on the Web.

5. Speed ​​up a slow PC without purchasing new hardware

Task. If a computer that once simply flew began to crawl like a snail, you should not immediately blame the equipment for this. Of course, you can improve performance by adding more RAM, replacing the processor, or replacing the HDD with an SSD. But none of these options radically solves the problem. It's not that your equipment lacks power, but that it is overloaded with something.

Solution. Cleaning Windows will likely help speed up your PC. No, I'm not suggesting reinstalling the operating system at all. There are much less painful ways.

Find processes that consume large amounts of resources

There may be a process running on your computer that is consuming large number valuable resources. To find it, right-click on the Taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu. Go to the Processes tab and click on the CPU column header. The processes that are consuming the most CPU resources will be displayed at the top of the list.

If an obvious culprit is found, close the program that started the process. If you cannot close it, click the “End task” button and confirm the selected action.

If your computer starts working well after this, try not to use this program in the future. Or look for a better replacement.

If the operations performed do not help, click on the title of the “Memory” column and see if the culprit is hiding here.

Clearing the startup list

When Windows starts, the operating system automatically loads a number of other programs, which can reduce PC performance. In this case, you should go to the startup list and, sequentially disabling its elements and rebooting the system, try to identify the program that has a negative impact on overall performance. In Windows XP, Vista, or 7, click the Start button, type msconfig on your keyboard, and click. In the System Configuration window, go to the Startup tab. To disable list items, uncheck their boxes. In Windows 8, right-click on the Taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu. If in the window that appears you see the “Startup” tab, go to it; if not, click the “Details” button and after that go to the “Startup” tab. To disable a list item, right-click on it and select “Disable” from the context menu.

Search for malware

I doubt that this kind of problem could be caused by a virus. But just in case, still run an anti-virus scanner on your computer.

Reducing the number of programs running simultaneously

The more programs running on a computer, the slower it runs. Therefore, try to open as few programs as possible at the same time.

Disabling Aero Mode

To give the image a more aesthetic appearance, Windows 7 and Vista use Aero technology. There is no particular need for it, but it does slow down the PC somewhat.

6. One antivirus program is better than two

Task. Running two antivirus programs at the same time is like mixing a fine old Cabernet with your breakfast cereal. Each of these products is good in its own way, but their combination is unlikely to please anyone.

Solution. Before moving on to explain the reasons, it is worth giving a number of definitions. An antivirus is a program that is launched when the PC boots up. It is constantly in memory and protects the computer in real time not only from viruses (which, from a technical point of view, look outdated), but also from Trojans, rootkits and other types of malicious programs.

Two antiviruses downloaded and running at the same time are redundant, to say the least. And in this particular case, we don’t need redundancy at all.

Please note that any program takes up a certain amount of RAM and consumes processor resources, potentially slowing down all other programs. Of course, a well-written antivirus takes up a minimum of resources and does not have a very noticeable impact on performance. However, two programs of this kind running simultaneously have a 2x greater impact on performance.

But that's not all. Antivirus programs can conflict with each other, because when you try to download another file, they both try to scan it. Conflicts that arise interfere with other applications, causing Windows to become unstable.

If you're worried that an antivirus program alone isn't enough for you, you can supplement it with an on-demand virus scanner. Unlike a full-fledged antivirus program, such a scanner will not constantly occupy RAM. You download it as needed, update the antivirus database, scan your hard drive, and close the application once the process is complete.

I use two such programs - the free versions of SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Once a week my hard drive is scanned by one of these scanners.

7. Securely erase confidential files or entire hard drive

Task. When you delete a file, the data stored on the disk doesn't actually go away - even if the Recycle Bin is emptied. The data bits still reside on the disk until they are overwritten by some other operation. Even after formatting the disk, if you wish and have the appropriate skills and tools, the data on it can be restored.

Solution. If you really want to safely delete files or wipe your entire hard drive, you'll need software that overwrites the space where your file was previously located. Moreover, some programs of this kind are distributed completely free of charge.

For starters, I can recommend the Eraser utility, which integrates into Windows Explorer. After installing it, just right-click on the file or folder and select Eraser from the context menu. The mode of erasing files after restarting the computer is also supported, which can be very convenient if Windows does not allow you to perform the corresponding operation right now.

Another option is to delete the data as usual, empty the Recycle Bin, and then overwrite the free space on your hard drive using CCleaner. This is a very useful application that allows you to perform a variety of service operations. CCleaner's Disk Erase tool is located in the Tools tab.

Both of these programs offer different erasing technologies that allow you to repeatedly overwrite disk space. Naturally, if you rewrite a file 35 times, the probability of its recovery will be much lower than after rewriting it once.

However, according to Russell Chozik from the company Flashback Data (which deals with data recovery on demand, both for ordinary clients and law enforcement agencies), even one pass is quite enough for modern drives. Previously, some traces could still be detected, but nowadays the data on disks is so dense that a program that performs a one-time rewrite copes with its task perfectly.

To securely delete a file, you will need software that overwrites the space where your file was previously located.

8. Slow Internet connection when paying for a fast channel

Task. Almost no one's Internet connection speed reaches the values ​​​​promised by the provider, but the difference between the promised and actual throughput should be minimal.

Solution. Almost no one manages to get the Internet connection speed promised by their provider. The parameters that affect performance are almost impossible to predict, so providers indicate the maximum speed possible from a theoretical point of view.

However, the difference between actual and advertised speeds should not be that great. And if you regularly receive no more than 70% of what was promised, and the bills issued by the provider are not surprisingly low, then there is a bottleneck somewhere. (If you don't know how to test your Internet connection, go to speedtest.net and click the Begin Test button.)

This bottleneck can be on the provider's side or on your side. Several diagnostic operations will help determine the culprit.

First, try connecting another computer to the Internet. If on one of the computers the connection speed reaches an acceptable value, but on the other it does not, then the provider has nothing to do with it.

Check and test your computer's connection to the router. If you're using Wi-Fi, try Ethernet. If the connection is made using Ethernet technology, use a different port or change the cable.

Replace other cables (specifically the one that goes from the modem to the router). If this doesn't help, replace the cable running from the modem to the outlet (I don't mean the power cord).

Try updating the firmware of the router and, if this does not help, the modem. Look for new firmware options on the manufacturer's website.

If the problem persists, connect the PC directly to the cable. You may have to change some operating system settings. Check with your provider. If all else fails, you'll need a new router.

Consider also replacing your router. Your provider may provide it to you. If not, you will have to buy it with your own money.

In cases where the speed does not increase after doing all of the above, the provider is to blame. And if he is not able to correct the situation, it makes sense to turn to another service provider.

The bottleneck can be on the provider's side or on your side. Several diagnostic operations will help determine the culprit.

9. Archiving files and then storing them for many years

Task. People are concerned about the safety of their archived digital files over time. And these fears are not unfounded.

Solution. A number of precautions will greatly increase the likelihood that your distant descendants will be able to enjoy your wedding photos.

Let's look at the software first.

Preference should be given to popular file formats that are widely used and not controlled by any one company. To be extra safe, save files in several different formats whenever possible.

Documents should be recorded in formats. docx,. doc,. pdf, etc. html. Suitable formats for photographs. jpg and. png, for music - . mp3 and. wav.

But with video, everything is not so simple, because format standards, in fact, are not standards. And if the file. avi is played on one device, it is not at all a fact that it can be viewed with the same success on another. Therefore, it is best to record video files in DVD or Blu-ray formats.

The next question is: on what media should all this be stored?

For additional protection, copy files to special, archival optical discs. Perhaps the best option here is M-Disc. Writing information onto an M-Disk is like carving it in stone. The manufacturer guarantees data safety for a thousand years.

How valid is this claim? I will be able to answer this question only after 999 years. But government tests show that M-Discs are far more resilient than any other optical media.

To record to M-Disc discs you will need a special device. But the recorded disc can be read on any DVD drive. A Blu-ray drive will also work.

I’m not ready to say for sure whether optical disks will exist in the distant future, but, apparently, this can be counted on. After all, if a sufficiently large number of people accumulate such disks, the release of devices for reading them will bring profit to manufacturers.

To write to M-Disc discs, you will need a special device, but the recorded disc can be read on any DVD drive.

10. Sharing important passwords

Task. These days, as we find ourselves in a password-protected digital world, the question increasingly arises: how do you prepare for that inevitable day when you die or become incapacitated? And this is not at all as insignificant as it might seem at first glance. When you pass away or lose the ability to retrieve information from your memory and communicate with others, your loved ones will need access to your email, contacts, bank accounts, etc. Without a plan of action in advance, this can become a serious problem.

Solution. If you don't believe me, go to Google's page on accessing the mail of the deceased. To obtain this access, you will have to collect a lot of documents, including the death certificate (and you will have to pay for each certified copy), and send them to the service provider by regular mail. Next, you will need additional legal documents, including a court order and/or some other materials.

But it makes things a lot easier if someone you trust keeps your Google Account password, as well as other important passwords.

One possible solution would be to print out all the necessary passwords and store them in a safe deposit box. However, this printout will have to be updated after each password change, which is not very convenient.

Best option

Contact someone you trust. The obvious candidate here is your spouse. It could also be a close friend or relative. You can contact your lawyer or a specialist handling your financial affairs. For brevity, let's call this person your executor.

You will need a password manager - a program installed on your PC that allows you to store passwords in an encrypted database.

Your executor will also need a password manager, although this could be some other program.

Give the executor a few key passwords - Windows, mobile device account, email, and, of course, your password manager. Make sure all passwords are stored securely in an encrypted database.

If your relationship with your executor is more personal than professional, keep your key passwords in your password manager.

Naturally, if key passwords change, they should also be changed in your trusted person's password manager.

You will need a password manager - a program installed on your PC that allows you to store passwords in an encrypted database.

PC diagnostics

In this article, we will look at the most common reasons why customers contact service centers with broken computers and how to identify problems at home.

First, a little theory: you should know that faults are divided into two main categories: hardware and software. Hardware faults mean problems with computer components: power supply, hard drive, motherboard, video card, etc. And in the second case, the “inappropriate behavior” of the computer is caused by problems with the software. The difference becomes important in the question of whether to call a technician at home or take the equipment to a service center.

Next, having discovered a malfunction, find out whether all your computer components are CONNECTED CORRECTLY. Perhaps someone carelessly moved the wire. Make sure all devices (even the mouse) are connected correctly. It happens that such little things can lead to the computer freezing.

Be careful: if you smell unpleasant odors of burning metal or plastic, do not try to start the computer, as this can lead to complete “destruction” of the components and can also be a fire hazard.

Now let’s look at the most “popular” problems, simultaneously determining what types of faults they may relate to.

Computer won't turn on

Make sure that the computer is receiving power and that the switch on the back of the system unit (not available on all models) is in the ON position. If everything is so, but the computer still does not turn on, most likely (9 out of 10 cases according to statistics), the power supply has burned out. Most often, its repair is impractical, so it is necessary to replace the power supply with a new one. However, other, less common reasons are also possible, for example, a malfunction of the motherboard or processor.

The computer turns on but there is no picture

Check the contacts again, try disconnecting the blue wire on the back of the monitor (the NO SIGNAL icon should appear if the monitor itself is working), is the system unit working (making noise)? Try, if possible, connecting the monitor to another system unit. Most often, the video card is the culprit (this also applies to laptops). Especially in the case when, for example, there is sound but no image. Repairing the video card itself is not practical unless your PC has an expensive, powerful gaming video card. In addition to the video card, the cause may be a malfunction of the motherboard or insufficient power of the power supply (relevant for gaming video cards).

Black screen when turning on the computer

A blank, black screen after starting the computer, a black screen with a mouse cursor or a blinking underscore indicates a failure of the operating system. System failure occurs due to corruption of system files. The reason is usually a virus attack on the computer or a failed operating system update, as well as a failing hard drive. In other words, the reason may be at both the hardware and software levels.

The computer reboots

There are quite a few reasons for a computer to restart itself during operation: from errors in the operating system, driver or program to a malfunction in the computer hardware, for example, in the RAM module.

The computer turns off

One of the common options is failure of the power supply. And also, as a rule, the reason the computer turns off on its own is overheating. Especially if the computer turns off while playing a game or while working with professional software, such as a 3D modeling program. In this case, you need to check the temperature of the computer components at idle and under load. The operating temperature range should not exceed 60-70°C. If overheating occurs, it is necessary to clean the system unit from dust, change the thermal paste on the overheating element and, if necessary, install additional cooling.

The computer turns on after turning off or turns off after turning on

There are options here, but, as a rule, the reason that the computer turns on immediately after turning off or turns off after turning on (without having time to load the operating system) is a faulty system unit or, less commonly, the motherboard. If you assembled the computer yourself or opened the system unit shortly before the malfunction, perhaps the cause of the malfunction lies in the incorrect connection of the power button to the motherboard or in a loose contact.

Memo for the Client, or Advice from “Computer Geeks”:

1. Having determined the cause of your computer malfunction, do not try to repair it yourself, because this is not always possible at home, without the participation of a competent specialist.

2. Using the advice in this article, remember that self-diagnosis does not provide 100% accuracy, the cause of your computer’s malfunction may be purely individual, and in any case it will be safer to contact a service center.

So, you come home after a long day at work, you want to sit at your computer on the Internet, play your favorite game, chat with friends, but your PC does not want to turn on. From time to time, various problems may occur with your computer, so you should be interested in and know the solution to some of them in order to be able to solve them yourself. If suddenly, when you turn on your PC, you notice smoke or a burning smell, you should immediately disconnect the PC from the network to avoid damage to other components or, worse, a fire. It would also be advisable to carefully inspect the computer and try to remember where the smoke or smell came from in order to know in the future which element needs to be replaced. If the computer does not turn on at all, not a single button responds, then most likely the problem lies directly in the power supply.

The most common PC problems and their solutions.

Carefully inspect all connections to see if they are connected to the connectors tightly enough and if there is any damage to their base. In order to avoid problems with wires when connecting, arrange them so that they do not bend or have creases. If the computer turns on but does not boot, the motherboard is most likely to blame. Check the voltage on it with a voltmeter after first disconnecting it from the system unit. Such manipulations, of course, are not possible for everyone and therefore it makes sense to turn to specialists. If the computer turns on but immediately turns off, then also pay attention to how the fan connected to the motherboard works. And if you notice that during startup the fan starts working later than the power is supplied, then yours has overheated. As an option, you can treat it with thermoplastic, and if this does not help, you will have to remove and disassemble the cooler and lubricate the parts touching the processor with thermoplastic. If the PC turns on and boots, but at the same time you hear strange noises, such as beeping noises, then do not be alarmed; the PC warns about an error and transmits its code, which will greatly facilitate its search and help in eliminating it. If your computer has successfully completed all of the above tasks, but still does not boot, then you will have to diagnose the BIOS program. A thorough