Computer Repair tips

[Golam Kibria]

Computer is very essential for our life for our success. We cannot spend a day without computer. If the computer is ok, we can run a better life. But if there are some problem on computer, it can hamper our daily life's time. So, it is very much important to know about the all tips to repair our pc. If we know that, we can solve the easy problems of our pc.

So, be active in our beloved university forum and learn about computer repair.

By Golam Kibria.

[Golam Kibria]

Computer Keeps Shutting Down?

There are many types of computer problems, and the system restarting automatically is one which is certainly annoying. There can be many reasons why this happens. You first need to diagnose the exact cause of the problem and then carry out the computer repair accordingly.

Computer Virus
There are higher chances of a computer shutting down due to the interference of a computer virus. The virus gets into the computer and fiddles with crucial sections of the operating system, which may cause the system to shut down automatically. You need to install a good antivirus software and get the computer scanned thoroughly for any malware and viruses. Also see to it that the operating system and all hardware drivers are updated.

Power Supply
The computer power supply unit is an equipment that is installed in the cabinet to provide power to the system for operation. Your computer can shut down, if there is not enough power supplied to it for handling the programs running. If you are using the computer for running intensive software such as PC games, the system would require more power than what is actually available. Another reason can be overheating of the power supply. After the power supply is used for a substantial period of time, there is a possibility of dust getting collected inside it. And this may cause it to overheat, resulting in the shutdown of the desktop computer. If the power supply is at fault, you may need to get a new one installed.

Overheating of the Motherboard and the Processor
As with the case of dust getting collected in the power supply, the computer motherboard and the processor can also collect dust, which may be the reason for their overheating. You need to open the computer cabinet and clean the dust off the computer parts. The CPU board and the processor can also overheat because of many applications running. If this is the case, then it is suggested to keep the number of running applications as low as possible or increase the size of Random Access Memory (RAM). Bad capacitors on the motherboard is also one of the reasons your computer keeps shutting down very often.

The 'Automatically Restart' Setting
If you are using Windows XP operating system, there is a setting that indicates the computer to reboot if it detects an error in the system's operation. In order to check if this is the problem, click on 'Start' and 'Control Panel', then select 'Performance and Maintenance'. Click on 'System', then the 'Advanced' option, and select 'Settings' from the 'Startup and Recovery' section. You will find an 'Automatically restart' option, which you need to uncheck for preventing the system from rebooting.

You also need to check if the power cables are properly connected to the cabinet and to the UPS, as loose connections can also be a reason for system shutdown. The most common cause of the computer getting shut down or restarted is due to overheating of the power supply and other internal computer parts.

[Golam Kibria]

'No Bootable Device' - What Does it Mean and How to Fix It?

Your computer has an inbuilt software, independent of the operating system, which loads or 'boots' it into operation. It's known as 'BIOS (Basic Input Output System)'. The message 'No Bootable device - Insert Boot Disc and Press any Key' or 'No Boot Device Available' is displayed by BIOS, when it cannot find an operating system to load from any storage medium on the PC. 'Booting' is the actual loading of the operating system, executed by BIOS. A 'Boot Device' is the storage medium like a floppy disk, hard drive, CD, DVD or a USB flash drive in some cases, which holds the installed operating system files. If that device is not located or the operating system has issues, the aforementioned error message is displayed. Ensure that the default booting option in BIOS is set to be the hard drive or whichever booting device is in use. Here are three of the possible causes, that may lead to this kind of an error.

Operating System File Corruption
The most likely cause of BIOS not being able to detect a booting device is the crashing of installed operating system on the hard drive. Due to a virus attack, accidental deletion of system files or accidental compression of the system drive, an operating system's existing working installation may get disrupted. That's the reason, on startup, the operating system can't be detected and you get the message.

Solution: The only way out is to load the recovery disc or CD of your operating system in your computer's optical drive and run a complete reinstallation or repair. The data on the system volume will be completely erased, but those on the other volumes might be retrieved. Since you are reinstalling your operating system again, you might as well update it with the most recent version available!

Hard Drive Disconnected
In rare cases, it may happen that BIOS is unable to detect the hard drive as a bootable device, because it may have been physically disconnected from the motherboard. This may happen if the system has suffered from a fall or physical shock. To check if this is indeed the problem, enter BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (F1, F2 or any other) during startup.

Solution: In this case, you may have to open up your desktop computer's cabinet and check, if the connecting cable from the motherboard has disconnected from the hard drive. If it is indeed so, restoring the connection should solve your problem. Even if it's a laptop, you will have to do the same. If your laptop or desktop computer warranty is not yet void, it's better not to take matters in your own hands and let professionals handle it.

Hard Drive Crash
Actual physical damage of the hard drive or creation of bad sectors may be the reason for the error being displayed. Electrical fluctuations, dust accumulation and physical shocks may be the causes behind this disruption. Since the hard drive is damaged, it may not be detected by BIOS, leading to a booting problem.

Solution: In this case, you may have to replace the hard drive altogether. The damaged hard drive will have to be tested for bad sectors. It may be salvaged back for use as a secondary storage medium, if the damage isn't extensive.

If neither of the above suggestions work out for you, it's best to call in the experts. At least, you have the satisfaction of having tried! Also, it is not advisable, that you open up the PC and tinker around on your own, when you still have a warranty from the manufacturer. If the warranty period isn't over, let manufacturer's repair department handle the job. In that case, you won't have to pay. The most likely reason for the error message cropping up, is an operating system problem, brought upon by a virus or tampering of system files. In most cases, you will have to go for a complete reinstallation of the operating system. To avoid such instances in the future, it's recommended that you install an antivirus software, that can effectively prevent such virus induced system crashes.

[Golam Kibria]

Computer Restarts after Shutdown

Causes of Automatic Restart

Common causes of computers restarting by themselves are computer viruses, computer overheating, computer hardware defects, computer hardware incompatibility and computer driver problems. All of these issues have their own specific solutions that must be applied in order to fix the problem. You should install an antivirus software or update the existing one, you should use the computer in a cool room and avoid keeping it on for days at a stretch, fix or replace any defective hardware peripherals and reinstall device drivers respectively. Hopefully, each of these solutions will solve your problem, but if you still see that your computer keeps rebooting itself, then you need to visit a computer technician immediately.

Solutions to Automatic Restart

In some computers, the settings make the computer restart automatically when it is shutdown. These settings can be altered in the following manner.

    *Right click on My Computer and then click on Properties.
    *Click on the tab that says Advanced and then click on the Settings button under the Startup and Recovery option.
    *Under System Failure uncheck the box next to Automatically Restart.

After doing this, your computer will not restart automatically upon shutdown unless there is some serious defect inside. All Windows based machines have this option checked by default, so that the computer restarts and does not lose any data in case there is some kind of 'Stop Error' while it is functioning.

Some more possible solutions to try out are as follows. Please note that none of these solutions are guaranteed to work for you, but there is no harm in trying them out, since there is no way to determine the exact nature of the problem without physically inspecting the machine.

    *You should visit the BIOS of the machine when it is booting up, and then look for programs or devices that cause the machine to startup automatically. In order to reach the BIOS you will have to press one of F1, F2, F10, DELETE or ESC when the machine is starting up, and it will specify which key you need to press. You should look for an option called Wake up on shutdown in the BIOS and then disable it.
    *You should attempt cleaning up your Windows registry. In order to achieve this you need to go the Start menu, then click on Run, then type regedit and press Enter, then delete entries from the various options that open. These options are HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_CURRENT_USER and HKEY_USERS and HKEY_CURRENT CONFIG. Doing so will also speeden your machine up, and hopefully it will also solve your problem of 'computer restarts when shutdown'.

This problem is not a very uncommon one, and there are many people who regularly complain about the same. Following some fixed solutions should fix the issue in most cases, but if the trouble persists, then it is probably best to take the machine to a computer repair store and show it to a certified technician. This may take more time and money, but ultimately it will be worth it.

[Golam Kibria]

Computer Restarts During Startup

Computer Restarts on Its Own

One of the most frustrating issues that plague computer owners is the failure of the machine to startup properly. The device runs a complete scan of all the parts individually before it boots up, and a failure of any one part to respond leads to major complications. If you find that your computer restarts during startup on a regular basis, then there are several issues that you need to check for.

The best bet is to have a computer technician look at the problem, simply due to the vast number of problems that could be leading to such a situation. Someone who is knowledgeable and trained in such matters will obviously know exactly what he is looking for in this case. If you are hesitant to do so at the first sign of trouble, then here are some possible reasons that could be causing this problem. You can tackle each of them in the manner you see fit.

Issues with the Drivers
The drivers in any machine are a set of programs that allow the hardware and peripherals to interact with the CPU and function normally. Sometimes, when these drivers get updated over the Internet, they may get corrupted. On other occasions, these drivers may not have been installed properly in the first place. If your computer keeps rebooting itself in an endless loop, this could be a possible cause. In order to fix this, you should first remove all external peripherals, except for the bare necessities like the mouse and the keyboard. Now you will need to start your machine in Safe Mode, then go to My Computer, right click on it and select Properties, then select Hardware and then select Device Manager. You will now see a list of device drivers, and if there are any yellow warning signs in front of them, you will need to either repair them or reinstall them. This can be done through the official website of the computer manufacturer whose machine you are currently using.

Issues with Hardware
This is a problem I faced recently, so I know its potency. If the RAM chip in your machine, or any other hardware component, has come loose inside the CPU, the computer will not start. You may see the notorious blue screen of death, but the rebooting process will certainly carry on in an endless mode. The best thing to do is turn off the machine, open up the CPU (this can be done very easily) and check all the components. The RAM chip, the video card, the sound card, and the motherboard, are the usual suspects in such a scenario. So you must know what they look like and how to locate them.

Issues with Overheating
This is an issue that commonly plagues laptops. Their cooling fans are not very effective, and overusing a machine does lead to overheating. This will cause a system wide failure and lead the machine to turn itself off and not turn on. What you need to do in such a situation is just leave the machine alone for a few hours and let it cool down. Moreover, you must always use your computer in a room with proper ventilation and cooling facilities. Overheating can lead to many serious complications.

Issues with Viruses
As mentioned earlier, this is the biggest threat to computers, especially Windows based machines. There are hundreds of thousands of potent viruses that can infect a machine, and they can cause adverse reactions. In such a scenario, prevention is definitely better than cure. You must install an effective antivirus software, and you should also regularly visit its website and update the software. This will keep your computer protected against viruses, malicious software, and various kinds of adware as well.

If your computer restarts during startup, then you need to allow it to boot in Safe Mode. This is a protected mode and this will give you the chance to explore the machine and figure out what the problem really is. Once this has been done, you need to go to My Computer, right click on it and select Properties, then select the tab that says Advanced, then select the Settings tab in the Startup and Recovery category, and then uncheck the box in front of Automatically Restart. This will prevent the machine from restarting automatically in the future, only if there is no overheating or hardware problem.

[Golam Kibria]

Computer Randomly Shuts Down: Possible Reasons

If your laptop or computer shuts down by itself randomly, then there can be many possible reasons for it. Knowing the problems due to which your PC keeps shutting down frequently will help you deal with them accordingly.

Reason #1: Virus Infiltration
If your computer shuts down unexpectedly, then computer viruses can be the reason behind it. The notorious computer viruses are the most common reason for periodic shutting down of computer systems. Once your system is infected by a computer virus, the virus will impair the ability of your operating system (OS) to perform, leading it to shut down, occasionally.

Solution #1
Install a good antivirus software in your computer, if you don't have it. Getting your computer scanned properly is important to avoid any threats of malware or other viruses like Trojan. Whenever you're using USBs, ensure that you scan them properly. Viruses are transferred generally from external agents like pen drives. In case, you use Internet, use an antivirus software that warns you about websites that are meant to harm your computer. So if your computer keeps restarting on its own, a malicious code or virus can be the main reason behind it. Get rid of it, at the earliest.

Reason #2: Incorrect Computer Settings
If you use Windows XP OS, it is advisable to check the settings of your computer. This OS comes with an inbuilt program that reboots the computer, in case of error detection.

Solution #2
Click on 'Start' → 'Control Panel'→ Select 'Performance and Maintenance' → Click System → Select Advanced option → Select 'Settings' from 'the Startup and Recovery' section → Uncheck 'Automatically Restart' option.

Reason #3: Overheated Computer
If your computer shuts down by itself, overheating may be another possible cause. Let us face it. Computer overheating is a problem we all encounter at some point of time in our computer usage. Many times, laptop overheats and shuts off. This is because most of the laptops these days come with an inbuilt temperature sensor that shuts down the computer after it has reached a certain temperature, as per the laptop settings.

Solution #3:
 There are many ways to avoid this problem. You may need to check out some laptop cooling pad reviews to select a good cooling pad. That will ward off most of the heat of your laptop and prevent it from overheating. You can also go to the nearest computer repair shop and get your computer or laptop cleaned. If there is dust inside your computer, it can seriously hamper its functioning. Periodic cleaning of the computer helps. Sometimes the CPU and motherboard get excessively heated if you're running many applications at a time. It is best to avoid that and do your tasks one by one. Sometimes, faulty capacitors or some problem in motherboard circuitry can also cause the computer to overheat. Get it checked from a computer repairshop.

If your computer shuts down by itself, then it is possible that anyone of the above reasons, may be the cause of it. Sometimes, more than one reason is possible for shutting down of your computer. Some random checks for loose connections or for overheated power supply system can also help you track the cause of repeated shutting down of your computers. Even dusty PC fans can cause your computer to shut down periodically. If you're unable to find any problems on your own, it is advisable to visit a good computer repair shop and discuss the problem with a trained computer technician.

[Golam Kibria]

How to Keep Laptop From Overheating


We start our discussion of eliminating the problem of laptop overheating by considering the most basic procedure of cooling laptops. An effective solution for treating overheating problems in laptops is cooling pads. In the recent years, owing to numerous problems with respect to overheating of laptop microprocessors, laptop cooling pads have become extremely popular. In fact, nowadays, laptop cooling pads are one of the most important laptop accessories. Although, there have been various questions regarding laptop cooling pads, still, they're considered to be an effective method to manage laptop temperature. Another step you can take is to go to an authorized laptop computer repair shop and ask for a complete checking of motherboard processor. Generally, poor capacitors and heating elements often lead to overheating. Although, every electronic device having resistance will heat up, some poor capacitors may heat up more than normal, leading to overheating. Hence, if your laptop overheats and shuts down, you may take professional help. Generally, among several computer problems and solutions, overheating is the most common and yet neglected problem. Ensure that the CPU gets proper ventilation and so does the mother board.

Another tip to avoid laptop overheating is frequent cleaning of cooling fan exhaust system. The cooling fan also known as CPU fan is located on the side or back of the case. In case, the fan is clogged, it will prevent the flow of hot air and hence it will remain trapped inside the case. Proper cleaning of the CPU fan eliminates this problem. Even after doing this, if your laptop overheats and shuts off, then you can adjust BIOS settings of the laptop. However, not all laptops may have this facility. By properly reading manufacturer manual, you can reset the BIOS settings.

Lastly, using your laptop properly and with care is very crucial. One should ensure that while using the laptop there must be some laptop tray or desk on which it is comfortably kept. If your laptop overheats and shuts off frequently, then it's certainly a sign of some malfunctioning in hardware. In case, even after taking some measures, your problem is not solved, it is best to take your laptop to an authorized repair shop.

[Golam Kibria]

Best Laptop Cooling Pads

ThermaPak HeatShift Cooling Pad

According to the company and a few sources that have reviewed this product, the HeatShift is one of the best cooling pads for a laptop. The company boasts of a superior cooling technology that can cool the laptop by a good 10 degrees. This product needs zero maintenance and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It is supposed to increase battery life and is considered to be among the fastest and quietest coolers among laptop pads. Hence, most of the reviews have placed this product right at the top. It's available under $30.

Targus Lap Chill Mat AWE55US

An ergonomic way to chill your laptop and your lap, the Targus Lap Chill comes with a standard USB connection to power it. It has dual fans that provide cooling that can get obstructed if placed on a soft spongy surface like a pillow. It's quite simple and neat to look at which is probably the determining factor in choosing this mat. It provides a slight tilt that is perfect for hand placement while typing, and the rubber stops placed on the face of the mat prevent the laptop from sliding off. Priced at a decent $32.

Cooler Master Notepal U3

Quite a cool looking fan, it also does a great job at keeping a laptop icy cold. Their cooling system includes a multi-fan design whose speed can be controlled, which also reduces noise levels. Probably the most unique feature of the U3, the fans can be placed anywhere on the pad to initiate cooling of any part of the laptop. It comes with a stellar mesh design that helps the cooling process. This is a heavy-duty fan that can be used for prolonged periods and is available at a price of $40 and below.

Belkin F5L055 Cooling Pad

This cooling pad from Belkin can be inexpensive yet effective in cooling the laptop. It has been designed in such a way that you can either use it while your laptop is on your lap or at a desk and has a superior grip to ensure the safety of your possession. Also, its unique design helps in better air flow. The only place where it lacks is the short USB cable which it comes with. Apart from that as far as cooling goes, it's real value for money. Available under $25.

Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700

The Logitech Lapdesk brings to you additional features in the form of speakers and a comfortable to operate design. Its gentle slope combined with its soft padding makes this product a joy to use. Its sound system is powerful enough to fill a room and its quality is surprisingly clear for a speaker that's so inconspicuous. Its inlets are situated at the sides and underneath, where it draws air from and gently circulates it under the laptop. Ideal when the laptop's situated on your lap. Available under $80.

Targus PA241U Podium Cool Laptop Pad

Another quite effective cooling pad from Targus. This particular model has a couple of rubber stands at the back of it, which results in a slight elevation of your laptop from the rear edge, hence giving you an angle for better air ventilation. The pad also gives you the freedom to rotate your laptop 360 degrees. This feature makes it ideal for cooling during small presentations too. The only drawback it may have is that not many people prefer its bulky design. Available under $25.

Vantec LapCool 3 LPC-401 Dual Silent Fans Notebook Cooler

This masterpiece from Vantec is light in weight, slim, and compact. It makes its carrying around effortless. This USB powered mat is fitted with dual silent fans with a rear exhaust that render it noiseless. If you happen to see some of the notebook cooling pad reviews you would surely want to purchase this product. Most reviews for this particular product are decent enough to encourage a buy. Priced under $18.

Xpad Laptop Desk

It is a passive cooling pad, which does not use power to cool the laptop. The best part about this product is that it is inexpensive and can be accommodated with a variety of laptops. The non-slip rubber pad ensures maximum grip. Though looks wise it may not be too appealing, it surely get a heads-up for the overall performance, because it does a pretty decent job at keeping your machine cool. Available under $25.

iHome Notebook Cooling Pad

At an economic $30, this lightweight laptop cooler pad is ideal to have while traveling. Weighing a pound, this pad is designed in a way to accommodate any size laptop. Though not as cooling as the other pads, this gadget does have a few more ports than usual, and is definitely quieter than most cooling pads.

Zalman Ultra Quiet Notebook Cooler ZM-NC1000

If you do not want to get disturbed by the obvious noise of the cooling pads, then you must consider getting the ultra quiet notebook cooler from Zalman. This particular model is light in weight, effective, and comparatively economical. Its surface is made from aluminum, which has plenty of perforations to ensure maximum ventilation. However, the fans of this notebook cooler let out the air upwards, hence if you've got a laptop with a bottom exhaust, then this can turn out to be a matter of concern. Available under $50.

Laptops tend to heat up after long hours of usage. They do come with internal cooling fans, but they may not be efficient enough to solve the problems of overheating. Hence, a cooling pad is an essential laptop accessory to ensure a long life for your laptop. If you're confused about which one to get, then the best way is to buy one according to your laptop's size. Go through a few reviews on-line and identify the best one for your needs.

[Golam Kibria]

How to Fix USB Ports That Don't Work

Troubleshooting Faulty Ports

Every hardware device interfaces with the installed computer operating system through the driver software. A problem with most hardware devices, most of the time, can be traced to problems with installed drivers. Here are some ways in which you can troubleshoot the ports at a software level.

Simply Restart the Computer

If USB ports have stopped working, what would be the simplest way of fixing them? Just restart the computer. If there has been any problem while loading drivers, it will be solved after a restart.

Run Device Manager

If restarting your computer doesn't work or if it isn't an option for you, then run the device manager. In case you find USB ports not working on XP, just use device manager by typing in 'devmgmt.msc' in the search box and running the application. In the window that opens, click on 'computer' in the list, go to the 'action' tab and click on 'Scan for hardware changes'. See if a USB device is listed in the hardware changes. If it is, your problem is solved as the port will now recognize devices.

Disable USB Controller

Another way to deal with USB not working is to disable and subsequently reinstall the USB controller devices. To do that you must go to 'Start' and type 'devmgmt.msc' in the search box and run it. In the list that you see inside the window that opens, locate the USB controllers. Right click and uninstall all of them. Once you have finished uninstalling all the controllers, just restart the computer. The controllers will be reinstalled as the ports are recognized. That may solve your problem.

Update USB Port Driver

Another reason for port failure is the corruption of USB driver. The only way out is to search for the right drivers and reinstall them. You may have to know the manufacturer of the port device and its code to download the appropriate driver. The restoration of the proper driver should fix the problem for you in a jiffy.

If none of the above methods work, it is likely that the USB port has been physically damaged. In that case, it is best that you get it replaced or repaired from a computer technician. However, I am sure that your problem will mostly be limited to the software level and it will be solved by applying the above fixes.

[Golam Kibria]

Print Screen Not Working - Troubleshooting Tips

Print Screen Doesn't Work in Windows - What Should You Do?

To get a screenshot, all you have to do is hit 'PrtScn' button and using 'Ctrl + V', you can paste that image in any image editor to save. Alternatively, if you don't want the entire screen to be printed out, press 'Alt+PrtScn' key shortcut, to get the screenshot of just the active window. Often the problem in Windows Vista or Windows 7 crops up, when you want to copy the screenshots to paint or to Adobe Photoshop. I assume that you already know how to take a screenshot on a laptop or desktop computer. Here are some ways in which you can take care of the problem quite effectively. One of these fixes is bound to work for you.

Just Restart the Computer

Sometimes, the problem is at a hardware level, where the keyboard entries are not mapping properly. Simply restarting your computer might restore the functionality of the computer.

Turn F Lock Off

Microsoft introduced the F Lock function to provide alternate application based tasks to the function keys (F1 - F12). It was later incorporated by keyboard manufacturers with a special key devoted to it. In case F lock is turned on, the print screen functionality may get disabled. Turning off the F lock key will restore functionality.

Press Fn Key

If you find a keyboard's print screen command not working on your laptop, you may need to use the 'Fn' key. In some laptops, you have to press the Fn key, along with the printscreen key to get the job done. The Fn key, in case you haven't noticed, is located between the control and Windows key at the bottom left corner of the key board. That should solve your problem.

Use Snipping Tool

If you find the print screen functionality not working in Windows 7 or Vista, there is an alternative way that you can take. Use the 'Snipping Tool' utility. Go to All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool. Using this program which is a special tool developed by Microsoft, you can take screenshots of whole or part of the desktop. It lets you crop certain parts when taking a screenshot.

Download and Install Gadwin

If you are using Windows XP, then the snipping tool won't be available. If you are wondering how to take a screenshot in Windows XP, there is another way. Just download and install 'Gadwin', a freeware utility that can easily get screenshots for you. This is not really a fix of the print screen problem, but an alternative that can save time for you. Some of the other screenshot capture programs which you could use are Screenshot Captor, SnapDraw and Screen Grab Pro.

Taking a Screenshot on Mac OS X

If you are a Mac user, there are plenty of inbuilt screenshot functions that you could use. To save a snapshot of the entire desktop as a PNG file, hit the 'Command+Shift+3' keyboard combination. If you just wish to copy the screenshot on the clipboard, to paste it in some application, the keyboard shortcut to be used is 'Command+Control+Shift+3'. To capture only a portion of the screen use the keyboard shortcut 'Command+Shift+4'. Select the screen area to be saved, by resizing the dotted boundary layer that appears, using the mouse. Once you are done selecting, release the mouse button. The selected area will automatically be saved as a PNG file on your desktop. Alternatively, the screenshot can be taken using a utility known as 'Grab', made available by default with Mac OS X.

As I have suggested before, if the incompatibility problem persists, there are plenty of software program options that can do the job of taking screenshots for you.

[Golam Kibria]

Computer Speakers Not Working

Firstly, you need to check if there is actually a problem in the speakers. They can be times when the computer settings are at fault, like the volume controls and audio setup. The best way to make sure if the problem lies with the speakers is to use the speakers on a different PC or laptop computer. If they work fine, then your computer has some problem. But if they don't, then you need to take the steps for troubleshooting your computer speakers.

Check Power Connection
If the computer speakers are not working, you need to make sure if they are properly connected to the power switch. Typically, home theater speakers and other portable computer speakers have an LED light that turns on when the speakers are connected to the power source. Check if the light is on, and if it is not, remove the power connection, and plug it back again.

Check Speaker Connection
Another reason is the individual speakers not connected properly to the sub-woofer, or the portable ones not properly connected to the back of the CPU. If you are using home theater speakers, check if every individual speakers is appropriately connected to the back of the main sub-woofer. Remove all the connections and plug them back again. But before getting the connections out, make sure that you know exactly in which format to connect the individual speakers to the sub-woofer. In case of portable speakers, simply remove the connection from the back of the CPU and put it back again.

Check Volume Settings
If the speakers are not playing audio or video, you need to check the volume settings on the computer, as well as on the speakers. On a PC, with Windows operating system, the volume can be adjusted by clicking on 'Start', 'All Programs', 'Accessories', 'Entertainment', and then 'Volume Control'. Also check if the volume is totally muted. If yes, uncheck the 'Mute' option. Set the PC and the speaker volume to a suitable level.

Check Sound Card Functionality
There are also times when the sound card may get corrupt. If you have a doubt regarding improper working of the sound card, you can check by connecting another set of speakers to the computer. If the new speakers do not work, then the sound card is at fault. This check can also be performed by using headphones, instead of separate speakers.

If all the above mentioned troubleshooting steps do not work, then probably the speakers themselves have gone defunct. In this case, you would need to call the dealer and get the speakers repaired or replaced.

[Golam Kibria]

Laptop repair:

Laptop Keyboard

The first thing, which is quite common, is the keyboard. Laptop keyboards are not quite fond of liquids such as water, tea, coffee, juice, beer or wine etc. So when you spill some on your laptop keyboard, you are asking for some amount of trouble. 9 times out of 10 you are going to have to replace the laptop keyboard.

Ideally, therefore, it is advised that don't keep a cup or glass of these and other liquids close to your laptop while working with it. It is just not worth the risk.

However, in the case that you do end up spilling any liquid on your keyboard, the best thing to do is to switch off the laptop. Do not try to turn the laptop upside down and shake it to get the liquid out. It does not work. If you must tilt it, then tilt the laptop towards the side where you have the CD/DVD Player. There are less number of damageable parts on that side of the laptop. Also, using a hairdryer to dry out the liquid does not help - it just melts the keys with the heat.

Don't switch on the laptop until you are sure that the liquid has dried off its own accord. Once this has been ascertained, then you can attach an external keyboard to your laptop and switch it on to see if there is any other damage that has occurred.

Depending upon the amount of damage that has happened, your laptop repair person will charge you for the replacement of the entire keyboard and other repair costs. It is best to let an expert handle this. At least, for the first time!

Most keyboards are held in place by a few screws and the keyboard is connected to the motherboard with a connector. The keyboard connector needs a bit of careful handling, so unless you are sure, don't do it yourself, as it may cause further problems to the motherboard while unplugging if done carelessly.

If some of the keys of the keyboard have come off, you may also have to go for the replacement of the entire keyboard. This is because very small plastic mounting arms hold the keys in place on the keyboard which are held together by little clips. If either of these have broken, it is very difficult to obtain spare mounting arms or clips. Plus, fitting them is a very detailed job and may cost you a lot of money.

[Golam Kibria]

Laptop Repair:

Laptop Battery
Laptops have batteries which eventually give out and not charge. You may see advertisements where people promise to repack and / or recondition your laptop batteries so that they get back to top form.

Before you do that, check your laptop warranty, because doing so may end up making the warranty void. Also, all these things often don't work as well as they promise.

The best course of action here is to replace your batteries with new ones. Most laptop batteries are very easy to remove and replace, and instructions can be found in the User Manual.

[Golam Kibria]

System Restore Problems

At times, System Restore service does not work in Vista, Windows XP or Windows 7 because of insufficient hard disk space. At least 200 MB of free hard disk space is required for System Restore to function properly. This space is required for storing the data gathered for the restore points. If the disk space is less, System Restore will be disabled. Once the space required for the data is available, System Restore starts saving and creating the restore points until this space is full.

When all the space gets used up, it starts overwriting, starting with the most recent data. Another cause for System Restore not working might be a virus attack. Sometimes restore points get corrupted due to computer viruses or an anti-virus software, therefore, you must make sure that you are using an effective anti-virus program.

How to Solve this Problem

System Restore gets disabled either due to a lack of disk space or due to registry changes made by certain viruses. In case, System Restore doesn't work when you boot normally, you can try to restore your computer in safe mode. Do you know how to boot in Safe Mode? Well, it's simple, You just need to tap the F8 button while your PC is booting up. Once you select the option that allows you to start your computer in Safe Mode, see if System Restore works. Though this might help, at times System Restore may not work in safe mode also.

Under such circumstances, the best option would be to try using System Restore disk. If you have a System Restore disk in your optical drive when your computer boots, the computer must boot to the restore disk, and not to your hard drive. You will need to make some adjustments in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output Settings) so that your computer boots from the restore disk. This will lead you to System Restore disk menu. Follow the instructions to perform a System Restore. In case Windows XP System Restore is not working, you can boot your system from your Windows XP CD. To boot from the CD drive, make adjustments to BIOS. Put the XP CD in the drive and restart your computer. Once your computer boots up, you need to look for 'Automated System Recovery' at the screen. A scan will start and this program will find the required files from your XP CD. You will have to reboot your computer. After the reconfiguration of the system files, System Restore will start working again.

This was some information on System Restore. So, the next time you find that System Restore is not working, do a disk cleanup, check the antivirus software or try the given instructions to solve the problem.

[nature]

Very good job Kibria, your information is really helpful for the users of computer and for me because i use laptop.
Thanks for your post.