» computer Maintenance

Computer Scanner Problems – Useful Tips to Solve Different Scanner Issues

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:47:22 +0000

Scanners are also somewhat essential to businesses. Some institutions even opt to buy 3 in 1 printing machines (photocopier, scanner, and printer), while some utilize flatbeds. Like printers, documentation is one major purpose of a scanner. Through scanners, copying important documents will be of much ease. Now, scanner problems can cripple businesses, which is why it is essential to know what problems may occur and how to solve them.

Scanners may have different problems, such as:

•   The blue screen of death appears when you use the scanner showing text codes that are too complex to understand.
•   The scanner pushes the computer to reboot when used.
•   The computer freezes upon the use of scanner (sometimes even just programs associated with the scanner do this).
•   The scanner is always detected as “busy” even though it has been idle for quite some time. This disables doing scanning jobs.
•   The scanner is not detected by your system. Even through device manager, the scanner cannot be seen. Or sometimes it is detected but you cannot use it.

Now, you ask yourself, how do I solve these issues? Here’s a simple troubleshooting guide for scanners:

1.   Inspect cable connections like what you do in all your computer’s components. Determine whether your scanner uses the serial port or the USB port. If it uses the serial port, check the plug if the pins are still complete, intact, and none of it are broken.
2.   Check for driver updates and/or driver malfunctions and deficiencies. Sometimes, the problem lies with the driver. So surf the internet and visit the manufacturer’s site. Look for updates on your driver. Download it and install. If your version is the current one, reinstall it.
3.   If the problem still remains unsolved, contact your manufacturer and let them handle the problem.

Resolve your Printer Issues – Troubleshoot Your Computer’s Printer

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:25:51 +0000

Printers are essential, especially for businesses and institutions. The technology of printers has long replaced typewriters and now serves as a necessity for institutions for all their printed documents.

Printer problems can be much of a hassle especially when a deadline is approaching. But first of all, you have to familiarize yourself with a few jargons and parts of the printer to be able to troubleshoot it perfectly. A brief background will help.

Printers can make use either a parallel port or a USB port. It needs a driver installed on the operating system so that the OS could manipulate and execute printing tasks. When you give the command to your word processor to print the document, the printer acquires the data of the file, caches it, and tries to read it before putting the ink on the paper. When the printer has acquired the data, even if you disconnect it from the computer, it will continue to print the last job – that is if you have not deleted or cancelled the task.

After learning some background, you can try to troubleshoot it. Here’s how:

•   Diagnose the problem. Some printers come with diagnostic software to check for errors. If the printer is not accompanied by such software, its manual may help. If you find the manual’s instruction for the problem, follow it.
•   Check all your cables. See to it that it is connected to the proper port and it receives the proper amount of voltage it requires.
•   Inspect if your driver is working properly. Go to your manufacturer’s website and check if there are updates in your driver. Get the latest one. If you already have it, uninstall the current driver and install the newer one. If the driver you have is up-to-date, try reinstalling it.

If these steps do not work, contact your manufacturer (especially if you still have your printer under warranty) and have it repaired. Otherwise, replace it.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Keyboard

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:25:35 +0000

Computers cannot be modified in whatever way without a keyboard. It’s far even more important than the mouse. Which is why when problems hit the keyboard, it renders your computer useless. Unlike some computer components which only have one to a few problems, the keyboard may encounter several. Here are some keyboard problems:

•   You can see the keyboard has power and is supposed to work fine, but it doesn’t detect and respond to your presses. In this case, you can see the lights on the upper right side of your keyboard (i.e. Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock) but when you press the letters or the numbers, nothing appears on the screen.
•   The keyboard beeps when you press a key.
•   Special functions of keyboards (Fn for laptops, ALT+0241 for “ñ”, etc.) do not work.
•   Device manager of your operating system cannot detect a keyboard plugged in.
•   Keyboard malfunctions upon loading of the operating system. You may press DEL and other keys during boot-up but all keyboard functions fail to work upon entering Windows.

These problems can really annoy everyone. However, troubleshooting is possible for this issue. Just before you phone for replacement on your keyboard, try these steps first:

1.   Check the connectors of the keyboard to the back of your CPU is it is well-attached in its proper places. There are times when the plug for keyboard has been put on the plug for mouse.
2.   Inspect the cable if it is cut, or if some teeth of the plugs are missing or broken.
3.   If your computer keyboard has a driver, look for updates through the internet. If you have the current one, reinstall it.

Otherwise, swap your keyboard for another. If the problem still not works, maybe the connector on your CPU has the problem.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Sound Card

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:32:28 +0000

Sound cards provide all the audio requirements we need and want to fully enjoy our time with our computers. But there can also be problems – no, I mean, problem – that arise about it. There is no other problem of sound cards but that there is no sound. Buying a new one is not expensive so why bother troubleshooting? Because you can still save up on cash and because maybe you just had some tiny mistakes and made the sound vanish. Also, if you are an audiophile and your sound card is about $300 then troubleshooting will be a great option.

No sound coming out of your speakers? No problem. This is how you troubleshoot such sound card-related problems:

The usual first troubleshooting step, cable checking. Inspect all cables. Your speaker cables, audio jack cables, plugs, all wires that have connection to your speakers and sound. Check all of it if they are connected and are plugged on their respective jacks.
Check your operating system’s volume level. If it is in mute, uncheck the box and turn the volume up.
If that does not solve the problem, go to the Advanced Controls for Playback Controls. Look for an option of ‘Digital Output Only’ and uncheck it if it is checked. If you let it unchecked, some sound cards will not send audio.
Still no sound? Uninstall your sound card driver. Connect to the internet to your manufacturer’s website. Check for driver updates. Get the latest version for your card and install it. If there is no new update, reinstall your driver.
After you try these four steps and you still have problems, try swapping your current sound card with another to check if the connection to the motherboard is faulty. If there is still no sound, you may consider buying a new sound card.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Graphics Card

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:30:33 +0000

The graphics card provides our graphics needs. It is really a wonder as it makes our videos HD (High Definition), beautifies our HDR (High Dynamic Range) pictures, and for gamers, keeps our computers running smoothly despite all the heavy processes games create. This may be one amazing thing from our PC, but come the time it does not work right, it can be a real problem. It has the possibility to be a major problem mainly because there is no concrete hardware or software solution to it.

The best thing you can do once you find problems with your video card is to visit its manufacturer’s site and look for its latest driver as it may have updated and you still haven’t. Download one if there is then try installing it. If you have the latest version, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver. This may possibly do the trick. Sometimes these little actions actually solve the real problem.

If there is still some problem with your video card, probably some wrong colorful mishaps or probably the monitor’s screen seems to be jaggy (these are called artifacts by the way), then check if the video card’s fans are working properly. Enough cooling is required for all computer components. Heat is one big killing machine of computers. So if the video card gets heated up, then it may signal some problems and spoil your day. Now if the cooling system is all good and the problem remains, try figuring out if the power supply is giving up enough voltage for your system. You can look this up in the BIOS menu during boot up. The current video cards usually require 12V of power, so make sure the supply is enough for that.

If the problem still continues, buy a better card.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Monitor

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:20:02 +0000

The monitor is the eyepiece of each computer. It is where we see what we do and basically our “eyes”. Yet, even monitors cannot escape malfunctions and problems. In these cases, you most likely cannot turn on the monitor (or even if you do, nothing appears). That calls the time for troubleshooting.

Monitor-related dilemmas are oftentimes easy. The usual cases would involve loose and/or improperly plugged cables or the monitor is simply unplugged. However, not all problems are like that. Sometimes, the problem would be directly caused by the age of your monitor (maybe it’s about time you let it retire), or the video card is causing the entire ruckus. Either way, you should get started and troubleshoot it. Here’s how:

Check all cables - Make sure that all cables are properly placed and plugged in firmly. This may be a bit of a cliché but simple events such as your actions or even your pets’ actions can unplug cables. So, despite this being a cliché, there’s no harm in checking the cables anyway.
Turn on your monitor – If the monitor shows the message of “This monitor is working properly, please check your cable” accompanied by colored bars on the screen, then it may be caused by your monitor not receiving signals from your CPU. Try using another monitor or another CPU instead.
If the problem persists even when you try a different monitor or a different CPU, then you may say that your video card is creating problems. Try to check if it is properly placed, and fix it if not. Otherwise you better swap with another graphics card.

Usually monitors work or not work at all. It does not get diagnosable problems as much as the other components of the CPU. If your monitor does not work, try the three steps above. If the problem persists, replace it and NEVER open your monitor. It can kill not your computer, but the computer’s owner.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Memory

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:36:26 +0000

A computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory) is a very important component as it is responsible for the computer’s capacity to perform multiple tasks at one point in time. An erratic RAM may affect your PC in a lot of ways. Some of the possible effects are:

Error messages stating memory problems
Often lock-ups
System crashes
Computer reboots on its own
Failure of booting up

These signs, however, are not limited to memory problems as it may be caused by other components as well (e.g. motherboard, power supply, hard disk drive, etc.). If you suspect that the problem is indeed caused by your memory, then you may want to use programs that check memory performance. Using these programs detect errors and enable you to fix it up if the need arises.

One program for the job is Memtest86+. This is a diagnostic program programmed particularly for memory. It is a standalone memory check test, meaning you can operate it even without an operating system that you have to boot. This is very useful especially during times when your RAM hinders you from passing through boot-up.

Here are some steps on how you will be able to use Memtest86+:

Visit http://www.memtest.org.
Choose the best version appropriate for your system and download it (You can choose either you would download an .iso file or a pre-compiled floppy drive).

Pick .iso if you plan to use a CD.
Pick the pre-compiled floppy drive if you would use a floppy disk.

Let’s elaborate the “floppy drive” process

Unzip the .zip files to a certain folder and double-click install.bat.
When prompted to “enter target diskette drive”, type A, press Enter. It will ask for a formatted floppy disk and it will write data on it.
Reboot computer and modify BIOS menu by putting the floppy drive as the first boot priority. The program will run by itself from there.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Power Supply

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:43:37 +0000

If you think that you are having problems with your power supply, do your best to check it as soon as possible because it can affect, and eventually kill, your whole system. The worst-case scenario would be when the power supply starts to send irregular amounts of voltage that would fry and short-circuit your computer’s components. That would render the part instantly unusable. You will actually detect this either because of the following: system hangs, burning smells accompanied by smoke, crashes, and erratic and inconsistent system behavior.

If you have recently upgraded or even just modified your computer’s specifications (i.e. hard drive, video card, etc.), then you better check if your power supply is being overloaded. A power supply calculator will most likely do the trick. If the issue still remains unsolved, do the following steps:

Check the power supply connectors.
Ensure that all the cables are wired into the motherboard.
Check if the power cable is connected to the power supply.
If your power supply has a power switch, be sure to turn it on (many people forget this basic step).
Now inspect the fan. It should be spinning normally. If it is very dusty, grab a can of compressed air or a vacuum and clean it up. Dust kills computers, believe me.
Check if the power supply is giving out enough power supply for your entire computer’s hardware. If you can pass through boot up, go to the BIOS menu and look up at the voltage the power supply is giving. The normal power supply usually gives -12 volts DC, +12 volts DC, -5 volts DC, +5 volts DC, and +3.3 volts DC.

If after that the problem remains unsolved and you still have your power supply’s warranty, send it back to your manufacturer.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Motherboard

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:01:58 +0000

All computers rely on the performance of the motherboard. It serves as the core of the computer, thus, if problems arise about it, it turns out to be a drastic disaster. The motherboard basically functions as the arbiter of all connections and assures that all connections and its operations are all working properly. There are many signs of a faulty motherboard. Some of these are:

Failure of boot-up
Failure to reach POST test
Malfunctioning of some components
Erratic functioning of the whole system

In the event that the motherboard is not fully functioning, check everything that’s connected to your motherboard. Test these parts before assuming that the parts have somewhat died.

Follow these tips:

Check all the cables connecting to the motherboard.
Check if the fans are functioning and spinning.
Check if the CMOS battery is properly placed.
Check for broken or leaking capacitors. The capacitors, when leaking or broken, can instantly kill your motherboard.
Check the jumpers if they are set correctly (This can be looked up in the motherboard’s manual. If you do not have the manual, check the manufacturer’s site through the internet).

Most of the time, motherboard-related problems are almost the same as power supply-related problems. Be sure to inspect first your power supply whether it is faulty or fully functional. If it is faulty, try changing your power supply. If the problem persists, try swapping with another motherboard. If the problem still is solved, then you may conclude that the motherboard is faulty. If you still have your motherboard under warranty, send it back to the manufacturer so they could repair it with no hassles. Remember that when you buy computer parts, keep all documentations of your purchase such as the receipt. Also, never ever remove stickers that could void warranty.

Important Information On PSU

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:55:37 +0000

PSU or Power Supply Unit is one of the significant components of a computer system. This unit is a power supplying unit which passes current to essential components of a system. This unit is also known as SMPS. SMPS or PSU can be upgraded to a better version if you already have a PSU. However, to upgrade to better version you need to determine what kind of SMPS you have installed in your system.

In order to determine the output of your current PSU you need to physically look at the installed SMPS and check for the power supply. Almost all power supplies have stickers on them which read special instruction in regards with the specifications of the device. These instructions also include the total output rate of the power supply passed by the device. Power supply in computer systems is measured in Watts; for example the label would hold the information of output power in watts such as 330W or 400W etc.

The amount of power supply can be anything based on the system especially SMPS. However, most manufacturers also include the power supply capacity of the device in its model number. For example, if you see model ALJ-330M then there are chances that the figure 330 explains the power capacity of the SMPS. Most of the time, the information is denoted on the PSU itself. However, if you cannot find any indication there are possibilities that the specifications are explained on the other side of the device which is not visible due to fixation. If this is the scenario then you may have to completely dismantle the power supply unit in order to determine the model number and the wattage of the device.

Determining the power wattage supplied by the device is just one of the important factors, it is also highly essential to determine the motherboard form factor of your system. For information on form factors You can refer to our Motherboard Form Factor section. To your information SMSP or PSU built today are mostly compatible with the ATX motherboard form factor. However, there are other form factors such as BTX, LPX, NLX, baby ATX, microATX etc. If you have any of such motherboard form factor then you can look for a compatible SMPS.

In case of laptops the PSU installed in them usually supplies power in range of 25 to 100Ws depending upon the model and manufacture. However, laptops mostly work on external power which is passed through some device which is commonly known as “power brick”. The term power brick is adopted for this device because the device enjoys the shape and size of a brick. This can be considered as AC adapter which supply powers when it is plugged with any conventional power switch on the wall. This adapter generally coverts AC power into DC voltage to enable the portable computer to function.

Installation of PSU:

Installing PSU is not as difficult as you may perceive. However, sufficient knowledge about computer functioning and hardware technicalities may help you accomplish the task easily. The difficulty involved in installing a PSU is lesser and the ration can be measured as 1:5. However, before you start working on the installation process you need to record all the possible information that is on the device. This information may include serial number, model number, rate of power supply etc. Also you should be familiar with precautions related with ESD or Electrostatic Discharge. This is essential as you are working with electrical components and there are chances of adversities. In order to avoid ESD completely it is better to switch of your system completely and remove the power cable from the AC power supply.

Removing existing power supply: If you have a SMPS already installed in your computer system then you first need to remove it in order to replace it with a new and better PSU. You first need to ensure that the system is off and it appropriately unplugged. Then disconnect all the possible bus (cable) that are ruining into important components of the system on the motherboard. When all the cables are unplugged you need to dismantle the existing SMPS. You can do this by using a screwdriver or other important tools used for manipulating with computer hardware. You will find screws which are used to fasten the SMPS you need to open these screws to remove the PSU. These crews can be located in the rear of the computer case or inside the case.

Installing Power Supply Unit :
Once the SMPS is removed from its location you can now start installing the new PSU at its place. You need to determine the location of the power supply and the way it should be positioned. This cannot be explained it the article as power supply units vary in size and shape. Hence, you need to place the SMPS in its appropriate position and fasten it with the case using screws, drilling them in the relevant screw holes.

Connecting cables: Once you have properly fixed the SMPS you should now start connecting the cables. It is better if you could recollect the previous connection which means that you should be able to connect all the wires bask to their places as it was previously connected. If you are making a new connection then it is essential for you to understand what cable will run into possible component. One of the important connections that you need to do is to connect the motherboard with the power supply unit. You also need to connect the power supply unit to other important components of the computer system such as CD/ DVD drive, floppy drive, hard disk drive and other such additional computer parts.

Once you have connected all the parts to the power supply unit you can now put back the removed parts of the case and put on the computer.

Magical Tip: Precaution: – Before you start connecting any component to the device, you need to gain information on possible connection you can make. You should ensure to connect appropriate cables to relevant devices.

» computer Maintenance

Computer Scanner Problems – Useful Tips to Solve Different Scanner Issues

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Resolve your Printer Issues – Troubleshoot Your Computer’s Printer

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Keyboard

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Sound Card

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Graphics Card

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Monitor

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Memory

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Troubleshooting Your Computer’s Power Supply

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Important Information On PSU

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