COMPUTER HARDWARE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

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What is the meaning of computer hardware?Quite simply, computer hardware is the physical components that a computer system requires to function. It encompasses everything with a circuit board that operates within a PC or laptop; including the motherboard, graphics card, CPU (Central Processing Unit), ventilation fans, webcam, power supply, and so on.

COMPUTER HARDWARE PROBLEMS

A malfunction within the electronic circuits or electromechanical components (disks, tapes) of a computer system. Recovery from a hardware failure requires repair or replacement of the offending part.

Common Pc Hardware problems

In general, PCs are built with all security measures because all of their sensitive components and hardware will be housed inside a casing to protect the components from dust and other harsh elements. However, some common PC hardware problems occur despite the protection. Even though the most complex computer issues at the workplace can often be solved by the business IT support team, there are many other small, but common, problems that occur quite often on a personal computer. It’s very important to identify and recognize such problems. The following are some of the commonly found hardware related problems on your PC.

Blank monitors

Computer or Monitor black screen problems

A blank monitor is the most common computer problem. Most people who work with computers might have dealt with such a non-working blank monitor at least once. In such cases, first and foremost is to check the supply cord and power systems. Sometimes, the video cable might be loosened. Just push the video cable and place it again, it should help you now.

Mouse Problems

The mouse is used for a variety of purposes, such as playing games or opening files, and moreover, it facilitates easy navigation, thus easy access to your data. The most common problems related to the mouse include failure to move, connection problems, freezing on the screen, or damage to the mouse.

Problems related to Computers mouse

Jumpy Mouse

Jumpy Mouse! Sounds strange right?  Actually, a jumpy mouse is just a muted mouse i.e. cannot be scrolled. If you have a track and ball mouse, then simply turn it over and open the ball container, and remove the excess debris and clean the dirt that lines the rollers. For an optical mouse, eliminate the dust that has collected around the optical sensor.

PC won’t recognize my USB camera

In this case, even when you connect your USB camera, your PC might not be able to recognize it and hence throw errors like “Device not recognized” error. This might be due to the USB connector problems or the software malfunctioning. Before plugging in the camera, turn it on. This action can usually solve your problem.

My smartphone will not synch with my PC

In order to ensure backup of your smartphone, it is important that you regularly sync your phone content with your computer. At times, your PC might fail to sync with your smartphone. It can be due to many reasons. Sometimes it is required that all programs are closed, during syncing or backup.

Keyboard Problems

Keyboard PC hardware problems

As we all know the keyboard is a vital part of any computer. It not only allows typing, but it also gives commands as well. However, you might encounter some common potential problems with the keyboard that includes keyboards that will not connect to the computer, stuck keys, broken keyboards, or keyboards where the letters end up jumbled.

Power Cord Problems

Whether it is a laptop or a desktop, power cords are a vital part of any computer. The desktop needs the power cord to work. A laptop can run on batteries for a limited amount of time but then needs the power cord for recharging. The most common problem with the power cord is an improper connection.

Motherboard Problems

The motherboard contains several parts of the computer including the RAM, BIOS system, mass storage, and CPU. The computer motherboard contains several devices, which can create numerous potential problems. Problems with the motherboard range from too little RAM to BIOS problems. Fixing the problems will depend on the specific problem and, in the worst-case scenario, purchasing a new motherboard will fix the problems.

Insufficient Memory

Processor-intensive programs also demand a lot of memory. Random access memory (RAM) aides the central processing unit (CPU) by storing instructions linked to common operations. Without enough RAM, software crashes and slowdowns can occur.

Above mentioned are some of the commonly found PC hardware problems. However, these are minor issues and you can easily find a solution for it. As you can observe most of these issues are related to PC peripherals, for example, Mouse, keyboard, USB camera, etc. Hence, one of the root causes of these issues lies with your devices. Actually some devices need third-party software to be connected to the PC and even for its proper functioning. The software is referred to as Device drivers. Drivers help the operating system to communicate with the hardware and help in the proper functioning of these peripherals. Even your video cards, keyboards, mouse, or any USB device plugged into the computer requires device drivers.

At times, these device drivers become outdated, and hence, PC encounters any of the problems explained above. Most of the time updating your device drivers has resolved all your hardware issues caused by bad device drivers. So, you will have to find out an outdated driver and get the newer version of it and update the driver. In case all the drivers are outdated, then you need to download and update all the drivers in order to fix these PC hardware problems.

This is really a tedious process right. But, this is the only solution to get rid of these issues. One simple solution for this is Remo Driver discover tool that could scan your PC thoroughly and locate all the outdated drivers. In addition, it even provides a single interface to download and update the device driver  in just a few clicks. It is a time-savvy tool; you can make use of it or can do it manually that consumes lots of time. However, the best solution is to always keep updating your drivers to its newer versions and clean the peripherals regularly to avoid dirt that causes jumpy mouse and other problems.

SOLUTIONS TO HARDWARE PROBLEMS

Some of the common solutions are to:

  • Make sure your computer isn’t overheating. …
  • Boot into Safe Mode before trying to fix a problem.
  • Test your hardware components and check the computer’s memory for errors.
  • Check for incorrectly installed or buggy drivers. …
  • Scan for Malware that is causing the crash.

Blue Screen of Death

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to both software and hardware problems, but usually, it’s a hardware problem. Whatever the cause, BSOD requires immediate attention as it’s a sign of a big problem.

BSOD

Bluescreen view is a great Nirsoft utility that will show important information if you have recently suffered a Blue Screen of Death. You should be able to identify and solve the problem using this information. Below are some common reasons for BSOD and their solutions.

1. Corrupted drivers

A corrupt driver may be the cause of BSOD. To find that out, use the following steps:

  1. Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run.
  2. Here expand each menu and look for a yellow triangle icon next to each driver.
  3. If you find any, right-click on it and select Update Driver Software to update its driver.
update driver

2. Too much pressure on the RAM

If you open too many programs that RAM can’t handle, then it may freeze the system and show BSOD. For that, you should either stop opening too many programs or upgrade the RAM.

3. Faulty hard disk

BSOD is also a sign of a dying hard disk, use the instructions in problem #11 above to identify hard disk problems.

4. Heating PC

Heating PC also leads to BSOD if too much pressure is put on the components. Use the instruction in problem #1 to solve it.

13. Blank monitor

If your monitor isn’t showing anything, then this could be a problem with the monitor itself or the graphics card. You should connect the monitor to another PC to see whether the problem is with the PC or the monitor.

If the monitor isn’t powering on at all, then replace the power cable with a working one and see if it helps.

14. Monitor goes black after few seconds

If the monitor goes black after few seconds of display, then it could be a problem with the color quality or screen adjustment. Press the auto-adjust button on your monitor to see if it fixes it. If not, then you will have to change display color from 32bit to 16 bit.

You can connect the PC to another monitor to adjust colors from your graphics card settings. Pressing the auto-adjust may show the display for few seconds. You can use this to your advantage and adjust the color while pressing auto-adjust.

15. Keyboard issues

If your keyboard is making noise and won’t type repeated words properly, then there is no problem with the keyboard. You must have enabled toggle keys and filter keys in Windows settings that cause such a problem. To disable them:

  1. Open the Control Panel and click on Ease of Access.
  2. Here click on Change how your keyboard works button.
  3. Now uncheck the checkbox next to Toggle keys and Filter Keys to solve this problem.
filter keys

PC crashes before loading the OS

If your PC only shows manufacturer logo and then crashes right before it was supposed to load the operating system, then it’s a problem with RAM or hard disk. As the OS is unable to load, then either the RAM is corrupted and can’t hold the boot loader or the hard drive is damaged and can’t load data inside it.

If you have multiple RAM slots, then taking out each one of them one by one and starting the PC will help find the culprit. In the end, you will have to replace the corrupted RAM or the hard disk, whichever has the issue.

9. PC isn’t powering on

If your PC is not powering on at all – not even a single light in it, then it must be a problem with the power source.

Desktop users: If your PC’s extension cord, power outlet, and other connections are working fine, then the problem may be with the PC’s power cable. Replace the power cable of the monitor with the CPU’s (if you don’t have a spare) to see if it turns on. You’ll have to get a new power cable if this fixes the problem.

Laptop users: Take out the battery and put it back before starting the laptop. If this doesn’t work, then take out the battery again and connect the charging cable to the laptop. Start the PC on charger power and see if it works. You will have to replace the battery if it fixes the problem.

Note: You should also remove all types of external devices connected to your PC while trying this. A malfunctioning device might cause this issue.

10. Noisy PC

If you hear a lot of extra noise while using the PC, then most probably it is a plea to clean it up. Get it cleaned or use a can of compressed air or leaf blower to clean it up yourself. If you have overclocked your PC GPU and CPU, then they could be the reason for the noise as well.

Here is a video with simple methods to clean your PC:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=W9T6WGFmam0%3Ffeature%3Doembed

There is also a chance that a disc inside the DVD ROM is making the extra sound.

11. Noisy hard drive

If you hear clicking or grinding sound from the hard drive, then it might be time to get a new one. Hard drives have a limited lifespan and loud sounds are the main sign of a near hard drive failure. You can use HIRENE BOOT CD TO CHECK YOUR HDD.

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