The list below is an attempt to create a very generic troubleshooting list. By following all of the steps below, you can probably safely diagnose a majority of PC problems. At the least it is a good guide to follow!

Before we start – verify that you have your valuable data backed up multiple times on multiple media. If not, DO NOT go any further until you do.

1. If you are getting a specific error message such as “Failure in C55SRVX.DLL” or “Error 27372” (as examples), Ask around or browse the net to see if others have had the same problem. We have found that frequently we can pinpoint a problem in this manner.

2. Verify that your Virus software is completely up to date.
a. Install any engine and/or DAT updates
b. Run a full scan of ALL hard drives

3. Verify that you have plenty of disk space (at least 500+ megs) available on your primary partition (usually C:). If not, run disk cleanup and then look at uninstalling unused programs, etc

4. Check your hardware for any mal-functioning or slow-spinning fans. The inside of your PC should not be hotter than a nice summer day. If it feels like “Death Valley”, you probably have a heat problem. Also make sure that all the dust is removed from your PC intake areas.

5. Disable ALL power saving features both within Windows and also in the system BIOS. Reboot once you have turned everything off.

6. Disable any screen saver software. Remember that in order for a screen saver to work, it needs to monitor every keystroke and mouse movement to know when to “wake up”. This is generally not a good thing….

7. Check the Windows Update site and be sure that every patch and update is applied. This includes Media Player, IE, etc. The only patches/updates that we donút apply are Language support modules. Other than that, we apply everything!

8. Check the following items in your browser:
a. Delete any temporary internet files – use the option in your browser. Never delete files manually on your hard drive.
b. Set all of your security settings back to “Default” or “low” within the browser.

9. Download and run Adaware. Make sure that you check for updates as soon as you have installed the software (itús located on the first screen above the “Next” button. Just like Viruses, new spyware comes out frequently and requires updates.

10. Run a ScanDisk and Defragment your hard drive. The easiest way to run both of these utilities is to boot your computer in “Safe Mode” and run it. Then, re-boot when you are done to get back to Normal Mode.

11. If you are running a software firewall such as Zone Alarm or Black Ice, you may want to disable it for the moment to see if that is causing some problems. At this point in the debug session we are starting to look for
anything that could interfere with the proper operation of a PC.

12. Ask yourself ‘Have I installed any new hardware or software recently?” Did the problems start occurring after I installed it? If so, you can uninstall it or use a Restore Point to restore your system prior to that point (Windows XP). You may need professional help to perform this operation.

OK, If you've made it this far, we're running out of generic trouble shooting techniques.

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