Computer Diagnostics Made Easy

As computers age they can develop errors and slow down; even if this is just an annoyance now, these issues may eventually leave your computer unusable due to freezing and instability. Many of these symptoms are quick and easy to pinpoint and repair using antivirus and PC tune up software like Norton's 360 All-in-One Security Suite and Cheesesoft's Registry Easy.

If you experience any of these symptoms, and have recently installed a piece of software, especially from the Internet, you may be the victim of a virus. Even with proper security measures and keeping your virus scanners definitions up-to-date, sometimes new threats can slip through. If you suspect, you may have a virus, dealing with the situation quickly can make the difference between success and finding your back up discs. You should run a manual virus scan as soon as possible, if nothing comes up in the scan, be sure that you are performing a full-system scan. Many virus scanners use quick scans by default, only checking important and commonly infected places for viruses. Sometimes, viruses will disable your virus scanner and important system functions to impede your progress. If this is the case, simply put the computer into safe mode, by rebooting the computer and pressing 'F8' while the system boots. Many times, this will prevent the virus from loading and allow you to clean any infection present.

Another frequent cause of freezes and blue screen errors is corrupted or invalid drivers and registry errors. Using Registry Easy, you can often perform a registry repair and registry cleaning and resolve many issues. If this does not work, however, the fix may be as simple as updating the drivers on your system, either from the manufacturers' websites or through Windows Update. As a last resort, and you are dealing with a blue screen issues and the earlier fixes did not work, there should be a file listed on the screen at the time of the freeze. Often, if you have Internet access and search the filename, you will find other people with the same issue and how they solved it.

If none of these steps have helped you find and fix the issue, you may be dealing with a hardware issue. An important thing to consider when trying to diagnose hardware issues is whether you have any coverage through the manufacturer of your PC. While you may be able to fix the issue yourself, most major manufacturers include measures to let them know if anyone has opened the case and modified the hardware in any way. Doing so may void any coverage the manufacturer may offer. If you are in doubt, calling the customer service number for your PC's maker should give you a quick answer.

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The Flickering LCD Screen on a Laptop

LCD screens on laptops can be a very finicky animal. One of the most common problems is a flickering screen. This can be seen when you move the screen back and forth and it goes in and out. Though, this problem can be tolerated, it is best to resolve it as soon as possible. If it is not fixed soon, then the LCD screen can go out permanently. There are numerous things to consider when try to troubleshoot the cause of this problem. Here are most of the causes:

• Loose Cable

The loose end of the cable could be behind the LCD screen or loose from the connector on the motherboard. The more common of the two is the connection behind the LCD, which is also much easier to access. This only involves unscrewing and removing the facemask and unscrewing it from the brackets. You will then be able to reseat (Remove and reconnect) the connector from behind the screen. If this does not resolve the issue, then you will have to take the laptop partially or completely apart to get to the connector on the motherboard. 

• Bad Cable

Any fraying or tearing of LCD cable can also result in a flickering screen. Check to see if there is any visible fraying or tearing of the cable close to the hinges. In most cases, loose or badly manufactured LCD hinges are the cause of the torn cable. You might have to tighten or replace the hinges, in addition to replacing the cable to resolve this issue. LCD cables can also tear inside the protecting cover. About 70% of a flickering screen's causes will be a loose or bad cable, so these are the first two troubleshooting steps you should try. Always try a new cable before attempting another diagnosis. 

• Bad or Loose Connector on the LCD

This usually happens from normal wear and tear. Although, the least common cause, it can still happen. The suggested method of repairing a bad connector is to replace the entire screen. Soldering a new connector on there can have very bad consequences, even if you are very good at soldering. The LCD is very heat sensitive. Then, there is the problem of finding a connector from an exact same manufacturer and model of laptop. If you happen to have one, there is no guarantee that connector is good. The connector is not sold separately. So, the only way of finding a known good connector, is if it is from a known good LCD screen. Then, you might as well just replace the whole screen. 

• Bad or Loose Connector on the Motherboard

Opening and closing a laptop can also cause strain on the motherboard LCD connector. Slowly, the heat with the constant pulling will eventually loosen the connector. Re-soldering in this case is a valid option. Even using a heat gun and pressing down on the connector can reseat it back in place. Of course, if that does not work, then replacing the motherboard is the only option left. 

• Bad Video Chip or Card

The same thing that happens to motherboard LCD connector can also happen to the video chip. The intense heat can cause the connection to loosen. The same fix can be used here. Use a heat gun to heat the connector while pressing down firmly on the chip. A loose video card can simply be reseated. Just remove and insert the card back into the slot. Make sure the heat sink is firmly attached before trying the video again.

This is not the end all of flickering LCD screen causes, but these will get you through about 90% of them. Always check the cable first. The other causes are manufacturer specific and more research needs to be done to determine the cause. Hopefully, this will help you find out the causes and you will be able to make an informed decision on which technician to choose to take the laptop to.

Laptop Problems: Freezes

With so many Americans, and people throughout the world, for that matter, depending on their laptops, when laptop problems, such as a laptop freeze, occur, there is sudden panic and loss of productivity.

Laptop problems are often hard to figure out why they were caused. However, for laptop freezes there are specific reasons that are not too time consuming or difficult to figure out and correct the problem.

Laptop Problems, Freezing

First off, laptop problems such as freezing occur no matter what the condition of your computer. In other words, it could be brand new and a laptop freeze.

Cause 1: The Registry

The data on your computer is maintained in a Registry. When the registry is organized and clean, the data is easily retrieved. When data is missing or corrupt, then you may find that you laptop freezes. When the laptop problem is the registry, then a registry cleaner should be used to clean it up.

Cause 2: Drivers

Drivers may also be the cause of the laptop problem. The role that the drivers play on your laptop is that they are the software that accesses the laptop's hardware. If the driver becomes corrupt or stops working, then this will cause a freeze. If the cause is the drivers, the problem can be solved by upgrading your drivers.

Cause 3: Overheating

Just like the automobile, laptops can overheat, as well, and it is not uncommon for the laptop to freeze due to overheating. If this occurs, simply check the vents at the bottom of the computer. If you cannot feel the air flowing, then there is something wrong with the fan. You can try cleaning the fan, or having it replaced.

Cause 4: Hard Drive

If your computer hard drive begins to fail, then the result may be laptop freezing. To determine if this is the reason why, scan your disk using Window's built-in drive repair tool. Once you determine if this is the reason, back up your files immediately.

Cause 5: Viruses

Laptops commonly get viruses which can cause the computer to freeze. If this is the cause, scan your computer to see if it is infected. If you don't have an anti virus on your computer, definitely get one.

What hap

pens if your laptop keeps freezing and it is for none of the reasons above? Well, your best bet would be to take it to a trained computer technician. While this may be expensive, it is likely necessary. Your best bet is preventative measures to try to reduce the risk of something happening to your computer, which may result in computer problems. Always make sure you have an anti virus on the computer, don't visit sites that are not safe, keep your registry clean, make sure your fan is functioning properly, and so on. If you do find it necessary to take your laptop to a technician, then definitely check to see if your laptop is still under warranty. If it is, this will offset the cost.

Get the information you need on laptop problems and have your computer fixed in no time.