Q: Why do computers crash (or why isn't my machine working right)?

A: All computers crash. It's just a matter of frequency. All computers have problems. It's just a matter of the severity.

Step 2: If rebooting the machine doesn't work try powering down and waiting 30 seconds.

If either of the above solves the problem, it probably isn't serious and most likely will not come back.

Step 3: If you still have a problem, the next logical step is to do some detective work.

Ask the following questions first:

• When did the problem start (or when did you first notice it)?
  • Was the computer changed in any way around the time the problem first appeared? (Was it moved, or was something added or taken away?)
  • If anything changed, try to undo it and see if the problem goes away.
• If you don't know what changed (or if nothing changed) then try to isolate "where it hurts" and "when it hurts" and then simplify.

• If the machine doesn't power up...
  • Is the device getting power? (Lights? A slight humming sound?)
    • Ensure that the outlet is live.
  • Ensure that all external cables are firmly connected.
  • Ensure that all external cables are plugged into the correct ports.
  • If the monitor is dark, adjust brightness and contrast. If that doesn't work, try substituting a different monitor.
• If the machine powers up but you can't boot, it could be a hard drive problem.
• If the date and time are always wrong it's probably a battery problem.
• If you physically disconnect (not just turn off) all peripheral devices, does the problem go away?
• If everything outside looks ok, open the case
  • Ensure that internal cards all seated.
  • Ensure that internal cables are connected.
  • Ensure that RAM is seated properly.

• Was any new software installed?
  • If so, remove it and see if the problem disappears.
• Was someone new using the machine?
  • Could they have changed an important setting?
• Is the problem system-wide or does it only appear in one program?
  • If system-wide, look at the Operating System
    • Check the Device Manager for problems
    • Update video driver
    • Update sound driver
    • Update network card driver
    • Check to see if the hard drive is full
    • Reinstall Windows
  • If one program only, look at that program
    • Check the program's preferences or custom settings
    • Check for an update
    • Call the publisher
    • Reinstall the program

• Press escape when booting to see the status and any error messages.
• Press F8 when booting to get various boot options.
• Pressing F5 when booting will automatically boot in "safe mode".
• If your system seems to hang press capslock or numlock and see if the light goes on (or off). If it does then you may not really be stuck.
• If you install and uninstall many programs on your computer on a regular basis you may notice that Windows begins to slow down. You may need to reinstall Windows from scratch in order to fix this.