Monday, September 22, 2008

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR COMPUTER CRASHES

One of the most annoying problems a PC users faces in computer crashes. This problem is particularly frustrated because it severely interrupts all programs running and collapses the entire system. Windows Vista is Microsoft most powerful and stable operating system. However, like all new software its not complete and filed with bugs. This is a formula that will cause innumerable computer crashes. But, computer crashes are not always the fault of your operating system. The user shares a large amount of blame. Poorly maintained PCs can build up damaging corrupt files and coding errors. Also dust particles can clog fans and produce heat. All these are elements that will eventually lead to computer crashes. This articles hope to give you enough information to avoid future problems and repair current ones.

The Top 4 Reasons For Computer Crashes.

#1 Cause of Computer Crashes: TOO HOT

Problem: Computer components are more powerful than ever. A piece of silicon hardware can produce an enormous amount of heat. However, your computer is usually configured to manage perfectly regardless of high temperatures. When dust is added to your hard ware, it creates an form of insulation that traps heat instead of ventilating it properly. This is the most common cause of computer crashes. If you see your computer fan clogged with cake like dust, you have created an environment for constant computer crashes due to overheating.

Solution: Remove the computer case and use a can of compressed air to blow out all the dust in the case. Make sure to completely clean the fan. Be careful not to dislodge an wires or components during the process.

#2 Cause of Computer Crashes: Bad Drivers

Problem: Computer crashes are often caused by system drivers not functioning properly. The driver provides a link between your software and hardware. If your operating system can not communicate with the hardware it shuts down and re-attempts attempt to contact the driver during the start up process.

Solution: Updating the driver or troubleshooting it may eliminate this problem. Check your device drivers for any errors which are indicated by an yellow exclamation mark or an X. Follow the below instructions to evaluate the driver:

1.Click "Start"

2.Click "Control Panel"

3.Click "System"

4.In the System menu, click the "hardware" tab

5.Click Device Manager to bring up a full list of

hardware drivers.

6.Right click and choose "Properties" to evaluate the status and troubleshoot the hardware device.

In Vista you can reach the the device manager the following method:

1.Click "Start"

2.Click "Control Panel"

3.Click "Hardware and Sound"

4.Click "Device Manager"

#3 Cause for Computer Crashes

Problem: Bad Power Supply

Most people are completely unaware that their computer has an internal power supply. The Power Supply Unit (PSU) problems are usually indicated by your PC inability to boot or use RAM. Int this case, pressing the power button produces only able to get a blank or blue screen. When the power supply goes bad, your RAM and graphic card begin to malfunction. The final result is your computer crashes when Windows demands a large amount of power.

Solution: PSU are very easy to replace. If you are a gamer who puts high demands on your system with large amount of RAM and high powered graphics cards, you should definitely upgrade to bigger power supply unit.

#4 Corrupt Files

Problem: Many programs, especially ones with online access have encoding problems. Not to mention malware which is purposely coded to disrupt your system. They leave broken foot prints in many areas of your PC memory. However, once these programs are disengaged or removed from your computer, it leaves the error filled tags which also are known as corrupt files. Dlls, Direct Link Library, are files that are shared by multiple programs and are especially sensitive to damage. If one rogue programs damages a dll file, registry file or any essential process, it can cause computer crashes.

Solution: You can repair these files if you are in possession of your original Windows CD. Both XP and Vista offer a wonderful scan and repair tool that can usually repair your disrupted system and stops computer crashes.

How to use Window's SFC Scan and Repair command:

1.Click Start

2. Right Click the Command Prompt or type cmd

3. Type sfc/scannow

4. The tool will scan for damaged files. When prompted provide the Windows original disk for repair.

Remember that computer crashes are not random occurrences. There is a source for this fatal error. You just have to pin point and discover the cause. Remember to always update drivers when install new hardware or any resources intensive software. Show your PC love and care by cleaning it's external and internal parts.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

There are many reasons why your computer might have crashed, and a lot of the times you get the Blue Screen of Death and that's it. You're finished. Luckily theres a piece of reliable cheap software out there that can get all your data off. If you've tried all of the above or you simply cannot access Windows, Selkie Freedom might be your best bet. You plug the USB key into your computer, and it by-passes Windows allowing you to retrieve all your data onto the USB key or an external hard drive. Then you simply do a re-install of your computer, plug the USB key back in and boom. You're finished. End of headache. Check it out at: www.SelkieFreedom.com