Computer Repair

2. Top 10 Most Common Computer Problems and How to Fix Them

February 20, 2024

As we rely more and more on computers, it’s important to know how to recognize and fix the most common problems we might encounter. In this comprehensive guide, I cover the top 10 most common computer problems and show you how to diagnose and resolve each one.

1. Computer is Slow

A slow computer can be incredibly frustrating. Possible causes:

Too many programs running – Having too many apps and browser tabs open bogs down your RAM and CPU. Solution: Close any apps and browser tabs you aren’t using to free up system resources.
Not enough RAM – You may need to add more RAM if you frequently have many programs open at once. Solution: Upgrade RAM if needed.
Full hard drive – Low disk space slows down your PC by limiting available space for temporary files. Solution: Free up space by deleting unused files and programs.
Outdated software – Old software can’t take advantage of newer, faster system components. Solution: Update Windows, drivers, and other software.
Malware infection – Malware runs in the background, using up CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth. Solution: Run an antivirus scan and remove any malware.

2. Computer Keeps Crashing

An unstable computer that keeps freezing or crashing could be caused by:

Software conflicts – Some apps interfere with others, causing them to lock up and crash. Solution: Uninstall/reinstall problematic apps, update them or check for incompatibilities.
Overheating – Dust buildup prevents proper cooling leading components like the CPU and RAM to overheat. Solution: Clean out vents and fans to improve airflow.
Faulty hardware – Bad RAM, failing hard drives, and other hardware issues cause freezes and crashes. Solution: Test components with diagnostics and replace any faulty hardware.
Driver problems – Outdated or missing drivers prevent components like graphics cards from interacting properly with the OS. Solution: Update drivers for GPU, chipset, and other key components.
Viruses – Viruses, malware, and spyware can infect system files causing operating system crashes. Solution: Scan for and remove viruses and other malware.

3. Computer is Running Slowly

A computer that has become sluggish over time often means there are maintenance issues that need addressing:

Full hard drive – Low disk space slows down PC performance and causes instability. Solution: Free up space by deleting files and moving data to external storage.
Registry errors – Corrupted registry entries prevent apps from functioning optimally resulting in sluggish performance. Solution: Clean the registry with a registry cleaner tool.
Too many startup items – Too many apps launching at bootup forces the system to use valuable resources just on starting up. Solution: Disable unnecessary apps from running at startup through Task Manager.
Malware – Hidden malware processes (like cryptojackers) can overload your CPU and RAM. Solution: Run an antivirus scan and remove malware.
Old hardware – An aging processor, low RAM, and slow mechanical hard drives makes for a sluggish system. Solution: Consider upgrading outdated components for a speed boost.

4. Applications Won’t Install or Uninstall

Issues installing or removing programs are often permission related:

Account permissions – Standard user accounts may lack admin rights needed to install apps. Solution: Log in with an admin account when installing or uninstalling apps.
Corrupted installer – Installation files that are missing files or corrupted won’t run properly. Solution: Download a new clean copy of the installer and try again.
Program folder access denied – You’ll get errors if you lack permissions to access an app’s program folders. Solution: Reboot into safe mode which gives admin access to all folders.
Registry permissions – Registry permissions prevent editing entries needed to register apps. Solution: Run the app installer as admin to gain full registry permissions.
Pre-existing file conflicts – Some apps can’t install if certain files already exist on the system from another app. Solution: Uninstall the other app or delete the conflicting files first.

5. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appears when Windows encounters a critical error and has to shut down to prevent data loss:

Faulty hardware – Malfunctioning RAM, storage drives, video cards and other hardware can trigger a BSOD. Solution: Run diagnostics and replace any faulty hardware components.
Driver conflicts – Conflicting device drivers often cause BSOD errors on bootup. Solution: Update or reinstall drivers for graphic cards, printers and other hardware.
Viruses – BSODs can result from viruses, worms, and other malware on your system. Solution: Boot into safe mode and run antivirus scans to remove infections.
Software conflicts – Incompatible or buggy apps can crash entire operating system. Solution: Uninstall problem software and check for updates from vendor.
Overheating – Excessive heat causes system instability and critical errors. Solution: Ensure proper airflow and cooling inside PC case.

6. No Audio Output

Blank audio from your PC speakers or headphones suggests:

Volume too low – Sometimes the volume just gets turned down. Solution: Check the volume in the system tray and turn it up.
Wrong output device selected – Make sure audio is routing to your correct speakers/headphones. Solution: Change audio output device in Sound settings control panel.
Outdated audio drivers – Your system may not detect device without updated drivers. Solution: Update audio drivers from manufacturer website.
Disabled services – Important Windows audio services may have been disabled. Solution: Enable Windows Audio service and restart it.
Audio jack issues – Faulty connections with audio jacks on PC case or not fully plugged in. Solution: Check jack connections and plugs.

7. Internet Connectivity Issues

Some of the most common internet connection problems include:

Router/modem offline – Power outage, unplugged cables, or reset can take routers offline. Solution: Reboot the router and modem, check for flashing lights indicating connectivity.
DNS server issues – Domain name services (DNS) translate URLs to IP addresses. DNS problems prevent resolving URLs. Solution: Reset DNS cache and flush DNS.
Invalid network settings – IP address conflicts, incorrect DHCP, DNS, gateway or other settings can prevent connections. Solution: Diagnose configuration errors by reviewing network settings.
Bandwidth throttling – Some ISPs throttle bandwidth which heavily slows download speeds. Solution: Contact your ISP about bandwidth throttling policies.
Cable damage – Damaged ethernet cables or phone lines prevent data transmission. Solution: Inspect cables for damage and replace if needed.

8. Printer Not Responding

When your printer isn’t responding, try these troubleshooting tips:

Outdated printer drivers – Old drivers fail to connect properly to updated OS versions. Solution: Download newest printer drivers from manufacturer.
Spooler service not running – The print spooler service queues jobs for the printer and must be running. Solution: Start the print spooler service on your computer.
Printer offline – Printers set in offline mode won’t receive jobs. Solution: Open printer properties and set to online mode.
Incorrect port settings – Windows may be attempting jobs over wrong port. Solution: Verify port settings match printer connection type in Control Panel.
Printer not added – You can’t print if your OS hasn’t detected the printer. Solution: Add the printer to your OS.

9. Can’t Connect to WiFi

If you’re having WiFi connection problems, try these steps:

Out of range – Stay within 100 feet of router for best results or reduce interference. Solution: Move computer closer to reduce physical obstacles, interference.
Obstructed signal – Solid objects like walls and metal can block or weaken WiFi signals. Solution: Move router to central location with fewer obstacles between devices.
Interference – Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors can interfere with WiFi signal on 2.4Ghz band. Solution: Connect devices to 5Ghz WiFi band instead or eliminate interference sources.
Incorrect password – Entering the wrong WiFi password will prevent connection. Solution: Verify the password is entered correctly.
Router firmware outdated – Old router firmware can have WPA2 security vulnerabilities. Solution: Update firmware to newest version from manufacturer.

10. Windows Update Issues

Problems installing Windows Updates usually stem from:

Corrupted files – Windows updates can fail to install properly if system files are corrupted. Solution: Run SFC and DISM tools to repair system files.
Low disk space – You need adequate disk space for temporary installer files when updating Windows. Solution: Free up space on system drive.
Metered connection – Windows won’t download updates on a metered internet connection. Solution: Disable metered connection setting for WiFi network.
Bandwidth limits – Networks with strict bandwidth limits may restrict Windows Update downloads. Solution: Adjust network QoS settings or schedules updates during off-peak hours.
Pending restarts – Restarting is required to finish installing updates. Solution: Schedule pending updates to install on restart.

This covers the most common computer problems users encounter and effective ways to diagnose and resolve them. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your PC running smoothly again in no time! Let me know if you have any other questions.