If you're having computer trouble, read this.

[Renjizzle]

If you guys see any problems with this, or want to add some things, please let me know, either in this thread, or in a PM, as I am trying to make this very comprehensive, and possibly get sticky status.

 

Problem: Blue Screen

Step 1) Don't panic

 

Step 2) If it just flashes up and your computer shuts down, look to Step 2a). If there is an error code and the blue screen stays up for a while, take down the error code and refer to this website for a diagnosis. http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Windo...es-t43519.html

 

Step 2a) It's probably your ram. We'll test this first. First, take out all but one stick of ram. Put it in the first slot. Try to recreate the stress that your computer was under during the BSOD. If it BSOD's again, move the ram to the next slot. Repeat this for as many slots as you have. Once you get it so that there is not a BSOD, try the other sticks of ram that you own. If you can not get either RAM stick to support your computer without a blue screen of death, run memtest86 ( http://www.memtest86.com/download.html )Just burn the .iso with imgburn ( http://imgburn.com/index.php?act=download ) and boot from the CD drive on startup. Run Memtest for as long as it will go, if you see even one error, it is your RAM.

 

Step 2b) If your memory passes memtest, it is going to be something different. First thing that I would do it reset my cmos battery/jumper. This is going to seem a little scary to some of you, but it is definitely very easy. l there is a guide on how to do this.

 

Step 2c) If neither of these fixes your problem, the next thing that I would look to is power supply. Try taking out any large power sucking devices (i.e video cards, extra DVD drives) and run your computer with the bare essentials. If your computer is functioning properly, you have found your problem.

 

Step 3) Sometimes, with BSODs, it is a software problem. This is rare, but it happens (has happened to me actually). Try a free virus software/spyware software. I reccomend AVG, it's what I (legally) use. http://free.avg.com/ Theres the link. If you run a full scan and remove any spyware/viruses/worms, and you're still having problems, do a full reformat of your operating system. http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/step-22-...rating-system/ there's a tutorial on how to do that. If windows isn't your cup of tea, or you wanted to try something new out, I reccomend either Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download (for linux noobies) or Mint http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php for more experienced Users.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Problem: Artifacts/Problems Rendering 3D Graphics

Step 1) Don't Panic

 

Step 2) Try installing new video drivers. This is often the cause of grief among New users of video cards. The new drivers often add support for the newest games and engines, that older drivers will not. This can cause artifacting.

 

Nvidia Graphics Cards (GTX, GTS, GT, GS Cards) : http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

 

ATI Graphics Cards (i.e. X9600, HD3XXX, HD4XXX, 1900XT): http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx

 

Step 3) If the new drivers do not help, and you are still experiencing the problems, try to reseat the card. Just take the card out of the slot, and put it back in, making sure that it is fully secured and fastened. Sometimes, the contacts on the card to the board and jiggle free and cause artifacting, if you have recently moved your computer, this can be a possibility.

 

Step 3a) Reset your CMOS. This worked for me last time my card did this. http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/comp/mbs...learCMOS-c.htm Here is a tutorial.

 

Step 4) Run a video Card stress test. http://www.ozone3d.net/smf/index.php?topic=1440.0 Try this one, it's my favorite out there. If you see any artifacting or errors while doing this test, you know for certain it is your card.

 

Step 5) Inadequate power supplies are often the downfall of many video cards. Check the manufacturers website to see if your power supply has enough juice. If youre not supplying enough power, invest in a new power supply. I reccomend the corsair line of power supplies http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...supply&x=0&y=0. Here is a power supply calculator that will give you a rough estimate on the size of power supply you will need http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html .

 

Step 5a) Try your card in another, preferrably better equipped computer. This can help you rule out if it is your card, or if it is another part in your computer.

 

Step 6) Download RivaTuner: http://downloads.guru3d.com/RivaTune...nload-163.html Install this program and try to boost your fan speed. Your card may be getting damaged from overheating. Check your temperatures and if they are above 80C under load, bring them down with the fan controller.

 

Step 6a) If you can't get them down with the fan controller, you can try an aftermarket cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...cooler&x=0&y=0 there is a nice list of coolers. Find one that fits your card, and try it out. Aftermarket coolers usually pack more of a cooling punch, and should bring your card down a significant amount.

 

Step 7) If all else fails, and you are completely certain that your card is the problem, it is time for the dreaded RMA. Bust out the box and send it back to the company for a new one. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Problem: Overheating CPU

 

Step 1) Don't Panic

 

Step 2) Download SpeedFan and check your temperatures. http://download.cnet.com/SpeedFan/30...-10067444.html If you have a small fire next to your temperature, you're too hot, obviously. If you're above 70C you have a serious problem, and must resolve it now or risk doing major damage to your CPU.

 

Step 2a) (Thank you pebbz, forgot that!) Download Prime95 http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=103 and run the tests. This will tell you what your CPU temps under load are. Once again, if you are above 70C, you need to fix it quickly.

 

Step 3) Try reapplying thermal paste. I reccomend this kind: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007 You can find it at Radioshack also. And here is a tutorial on how to do this: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/274 . Remember though, less is more with thermal paste. You're not going to want to apply more than about a pea-sized amount of grease, as too much will not conduct heat correctly.

 

Step 4) If new thermal paste doesn't help, make sure that you're heatsink/fan is contacting with the processor correctly. Take the HSF off and put it back on, making sure that the whole plate is resting on top of the CPU and the thermal paste.

 

Step 5) Once again, try an aftermarket cooler. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e&Order=RATING Here's a list where they are rated from best to worst. Pick one that fits your CPU and motherboard (preferrably one with a back plate, trust me, you'll be greatful) and see if it brings down your temps. Remember though, you have to reapply the thermal paste.

 

Step 6) You might just have faulty censors. If it is possible, try the processor in another computer. See what the temperatures are like

 

Step 7) Once, again, if none of these help your CPU, it is most likely defective. Time for another RMA :-\.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Problem: Computer is just ridiculously slow.

 

Step 1) Don't Panic

 

Step 2) This blame can often be put on viruses and spyware. Try AVG antispyware (it's free) and do a clean sweep of your system. This should help a lot. http://www.free.grisoft.com . If this doesn't help, Try a paid service like NOD32, or *acquire it* some other way.

 

Step 3) Buy some more ram. This can seem like a simple fix, but it almost always works at speeding up your system. http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category...17&name=Memory 2gb should be plenty to buy if you're not an enthusiast, but if you are, you knew this step already. You can use their memory compatibility widget on the side of the page to find the ram thats right for you.

 

Step 4) It might just be time for a new computer. Building a brand new computer is not hard. Do not succumb to the advertising ploys of DELL or the GEEK SQUAD, and take some initiative, grow a pair, and build a new computer.

 

 

This is only the start to my "help" thread. If you have problems that you would like to see me add to the list, PM me, and I'll write up a guide. If you see problems with this tutorial istelf, please just PM me and don't be a dick about it, I'm just trying to help.

 

Notice that the first step to all of these guides are "Don't Panic" and that is the truth. I know that sometimes computer problems can seem a little overwhelming, but with some patience, you should be able to get through it.

 

EDIT: Original post written by BAZ8771.

Source: http://www.syndicate-gamers.net/showthread.php?t=17271

Edited March 26, 2011 by Renjizzle
Credits given.

[n1ckkkkk]

Copypasta?

[Renjizzle]

Yup, thought I'd share it.

[-O-P-rime]

source dat shit

[fox*]

im sorry but the FBI is on their way

[n1ckkkkk]

[Renjizzle]

Do this

Don't take credit for others work

 

Credentials have just been given.

[GRIZZLY]

My problem's not listed.