The list below is an attempt to create a more advance 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!

1. Check “Device Manager” for any Yellow exclamation points that appear in the tree. If present, you could start by removing the devices in error and re-booting your system. However, you might need driver CDús, etc.

2. Run MSCONFIG. Click on the “Startup” tab and “Un-Check” every item that is listed. Proceed to reboot your machine. See if your problems still persist. If not, youúve now isolated it to a problem at startup. If so, follow
the instructions to “re-check” all of the items again and reboot. You may notice a number of items that are missing such as devices, etc. This is normal. Proceed back into MSCONFIG and re-check (click to make a check box appear) the items one at a time, re-booting in between to see which process is causing the problem.

3. Device Drivers – time to start updating Video and Printer drivers to make sure that you are running the latest and greatest.

4. In an attempt to get the system functions, I would review the available system restore points and probably pick one to “fall back to”. Bear in mind that you would probably need to install some missing software, etc. that
may have been installed after the restore point that you select.

5. You could run a system repair at this point. We are attempting to avoid a complete “wipe and reload” of your O/S!

6. Registry Cleaning – in general, not a bad idea, but one that I reserve for this level of diagnostic and/or fixes. “Registry Mechanic” seems to be a good tool, but in order to get full functionality you will need to purchase it.

7. We’ve tried just about everything. It’s time to consider a complete “wipe and reload” of the O/S.. Remember, this is a LAST RESORT and should only be done once you have backed up all of the data that you possibly can!

The following section is for specific problems within the overall Windows environment.

INTERNET ISSUES ONLY:
If you are having Internet connectivity issues, follow these steps to see if any might help.

Verify that you have “link” lights displaying and blinking on your Network Interface card. Youúll need to view the connection where your Network cable attaches to the machine. Check to be sure that the cable is secured
on both ends.

Verify that your Cable or DSL modem is blinking and showing signs of activity. If not, your connection may be down.

Go to a DOS prompt and attempt to “Ping” a known IP address. I always use 64.201.0.3 which is the tabinc.com home page. If you get a response, you know that you can see the internet and this is not a hardware
problem. (PING 64.201.0.3)

Again at a DOS prompt, try to “Ping” an address using a name. I use www.yahoo.com. (PING www.yahoo.com). If you do not get a response, this points to a DNS error and you should notify your ISP (or internal IT support staff).

If you are having browser issues, try these steps to see if any might help.

1. For persistent browser problems, you can download and run SpyBot Search and Destroy. Please be aware, however, that sometimes Spybot can remove more than you might want! Be very careful using it.

2. HiJack This – is the next weapon in the fight against Browser Helper Objects. This utility should only be used if you are comfortable with all aspects of computers. If you are not, follow the instructions to post your HiJack results to their forum and let others more experienced tell you what to do from there.

3. Microsoft also has a method for disallowing any BHO (Browser Helper Objects) to run. Remember, though that good BHO’s (like the Google Tool Bar) will not be allowed to run either.

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