Easy Fixes to Common Problems
Here are some questions you want to ask before you consult computer manuals or call in a technician. Remember, always look for the obvious first.
Are all cables connected? After securing connections, reboot the computer and see if it works. It's important to reboot because some changes will only be reflected after you reboot the machine.
Is the computer turned on? Is the CPU turned on and the monitor turned off or vice versa? Is your surge protector plugged in and working? You should see a light on it if it is working properly.
If your machine is connected on a network, did you log on this morning? If you didn't log on, there are probably resources that are unavailable to you such as shared drives or printers.
Did you recently load new software? Often times, you won't see a problem until after you reboot the machine. You may not know the program you loaded caused problems until the next morning when you boot your machine.
If all else fails, reboot the machine. Try a warm boot "cntrl + alt+ delete" or even a cold boot by turning the power switch off then on again.
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The following section describes two application errors common to Windows3.x and Windows 95. Use this section as an guide for dealing with various application errors you may get on your computer.
Windows 3.x Application Errors
Example: I just loaded a new software program and now my computer won't boot?
First, Isolate the Occurrence
When does this problem occur?
What other applications if any, are running when does this happen?
Try to classify the problem as hardware or software related.
Did you install new hardware or software?
Check configuration files to see if they have changed since you loaded the new software. These are system files such as autoexec.bat and config.sys. Often when you install new programs, the program you install updates your config.sys and autoexec.bat files. However you can usually revert back to the original versions of these files if the software you installed creates problems. Whenever you install a new program, it should tell you if it is updating your autoexec.bat or config.sys file. Often it will save the original autoexec.bat under a different name. You may want to make note of the old name, as you are installing new software.
Make sure that your system meets hardware and software specifications to support the newly loaded application. Do you have enough RAM and hard drive space to load the program? If your system just meets the minimum requirements to load the application, this does not take into consideration actually RUNNING the program.
If certain drivers are failing, you may need to reload them. Check system configuration to find out what devices you have loaded.
In Windows 95 check Device Manager to insure that you have listings and proper settings for all devices such as printers, modems, disk drives and more.
Entering Device Manager in Windows95
Device Manager lists all devices installed on the computer and the drivers used for that device. If you are having problems with a certain device such as a printer or a modem, you can use Device Manager to check for correct settings and possible conflicts.
Select Settings then Control Panel, next double click on the "SystemTab"
Now select Device Manager from the System icon.
View Device by Type, allows you to see details about various devices on your computer. An exclamation point listed on a device means there is a problem with the device.
Alternative Boot Options for Windows 95'
Having trouble starting your computer? Does it constantly hang as it is launching Windows? Here are some options for jump starting your Windows 95 computer. Just as you boot your computer and before you get to the Windows 95 screen, quickly press "f8" to interrupt the load process. (the f8 key is above the numbers on your keyboard usually right above the 9 and 0 keys ) The f8 option may vary according to computer manufacturer. You may also try the "delete" key or the "escape" key. Refer to your computer manual as to how to interrupt this normal boot process.
A text menu should appear with different options for booting.
1. Normal-Regular boot into Windows 95
2. Logged-creates a bootlog.txt file. This is simply a file that lists what drivers loaded successfully.
3. Safe Mode-This allows you to start windows without drivers loading (you will see less colors in your display if you choose this option.) This is an effective means for troubleshooting problems. From safe mode you can unload an application that caused your system to crash. However, certain devices such as printers that rely on drivers software may not work in safe mode.
4. Command Prompt-C prompt boot. This allows you to boot from a DOS Prompt.
Fatal Exception Error
Fatal Exception Errors are errors that cause your program to abort. Usually all you can do is close the program and restart. These can be tricky errors to solve. Here are some things you want to think about when trying to resolve fatal exception errors.
Solving Fatal Exception Errors
Have you installed new software?
When do you get these errors? Do you notice any patterns of occurrence?
Have you ran your virus protection software lately?
Troubleshooting Fatal Exception Errors
General Protection Fault Errors(GPF)
GPF's are much like Fatal Exception errors only they occur in a Windows3.X environment. They are caused when two applications try to write to the same block of memory.
Solving GPF Errors
Have you added new hardware to your system?
Does the error always occur when accessing the same application or file?
Corrupt files can cause these memory crashes
Try reinstalling the application that consistently causes this error.
Memory Errors
"Insufficient Memory to Complete this Operation"
Save the work you have already done, close all applications, then reopen the application that was running when you received the error message. If the program works when you reopen it, it is likely that too many programs were open simultaneously exhausting system resources.
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Computer Mice
Computer mice are often an easy computer fix.
For movement problems with the mouse from the Start button select Settings then Control Panel and Mouse. A window will appear displaying mouse properties. The various tabs across the front of the mouse window allow you to control mouse functions.
Mouse Not functioning Properly
Is the mouse plugged in correctly. Try reconnecting the mouse and then reboot the computer to see if this resolves the problem.
Take apart mouse and clean with rubbing alcohol.
If all else fails, by a new mouse. Mice are relatively cheap compared to other computer devices.
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Monitors
Problem: The monitor shows no picture
Is the power light on?
Are the cables plugged in?
Check brightness and contrast settings.
Swap the monitor with another one, reboot the machine and see if it works. If the computer works the monitor has probably gone bad. If it still fails to work, something in the CPU perhaps a video card has gone bad.
Problem: Computer displays limited colors.
Check display options for the monitor usually under control panel under the display icon. Select at least 256 colors for standard display. If you had 16 color selected, this may be why your screen displays limited colors. Some programs such as FastCat require you to set display settings to 256 colors.
Signs of Video Display Troubles
If your screen is completely white or gray and you hear buzzing noises, this could indicate video card troubles. Before you panic, make sure all cables are secured from monitor to CPU. Try using another power cord for the monitor to see if this may be the problem.
If screen appears distorted around the edges and the color does not look right, you may have incorrect display adapters. Select Start, Settings, and Control Panel. Double click on System Icon and select Device Manager. You will see a listing of devices. Double click on Display adapters to view the type. If there is a yellow exclamation point next to device, there is a conflict. To view conflicts for a certain device, click on the device, select properties, and select the general tab. There should be a description of the device and why it is not working properly.
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Printer
Problem: Printer Does Not Print.
Are all cables connected and is the printer turned on?
Is the printer online?
Is there paper in the tray?
Is the printer an inkjet/deskjet or a Laserjet?
If it's an inkjet, is the ink cartridge out of ink. Remove cartridge, hold up to light or gently shake it to see if it is empty.
Things to Try...
Do you have correct print drivers installed? Find print drivers under Device Manager.
If you have done the basics and it still doesn't print, Windows 95 has a fairly good print wizard that guides you through troubleshooting printer problems.
Try printing from a DOS application. If this works, the problem is likely in a Windows application.
Try printing from other Windows applications to narrow the problem down.
Free up at least 1 mb of hard drive space and run defrag.
Check to be sure you have correct print drivers installed. Double click on System Icon and select Device Manager. You will see a listing of devices. Double click on the Ports button to view the type. If there is a yellow exclamation point next to device, there is a conflict.
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Key points to Remember when Troubleshooting
Always check the obvious first-cables, connections, on/off switches, etc...
Isolate the problem. When does this occur? What changes have you made to your computer. Have you recently installed new programs or devices?
Create a start up disk for EVERY computer.
Update your virus software monthly.
Run Scandisk weekly and defrag monthly.
Happy Computing!
References
(1997) A+ Microcomputer Support and Services Student Manual Vol 1-2. (Revision 1). St. Louis: Wave
Technologies International.
(1998) Schmidt, C.A. The Complete Computer Repair Textbook. El Granada: Scott/Jones Inc., Publishers.
Subject: Computer Maintenance Standard.. 
Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:12 am
