Your Computer Plays Up - What To Do?
Published by Stephen Milward in Science And Technology · Wednesday 10 Dec 2025 · 4 minutes
Tags: Computer
Tags: Computer
We've all had this. The computer won't behave. I'm not talking about your abject failure to complete a computer game or shoot a character coming for you. For that you need to try again, that's all.
Instead of that, let's look at some simple steps to get a problem solved. I'm going to split them up into software and hardware issues.
First, take your time. Breathe. Be calm. Then you can approach the issue in a better frame of mind.
Software Issues
I follow the maxim 'prevention is better than cure'.. There are many things you can do to help yourself when it comes to preventing problems in the first place.
- Data loss: It is vital that you take regular backups of your data, whatever that may be. It could be documents, spreadsheets, videos, images... data that you value. Make your backups onto a removeable drive and/or in the cloud. My backups are in four different locations and I backup data every single day. Once set up, backups can be automated and one-click routines. Believe me, if you lose your precious data, the fault is yours.
- Backup your system: Make backups of your system drive usually the C:\ drive. Their are plenty of solutions to this, including companies like Acronis.
- Viruses: You must use an antivirus program and scan your system. I use F-Secure, but there are lots of other solutions including Windows Defender. Keep them up to date.
- Program issues: Keep all the installation files for your programs. My way is to keep them in a folder I call 'Download and Setup'. If you need to, you can re-install easily.
- Drivers: keep your drivers up to date. One example are video drivers, which you should download from the companies' website.
- Serial Numbers/Passwords: Keep a record of all your serial numbers, login details and make sure you change your passwords regularly.
- Don't tamper: So you have a friend who says something like 'you need to alter the registry'. Don't ever do that unless you really know what you are doing. Would you just tamper with your car engine or brakes? Consider taking your computer to a qualified technician for any issues you can't fix. It may cost money, but better that than disaster.
Hardware Issues
Hardware failures happen. After correct diagnosis, you may have to replace a part, or upgrade components, like memory. The items below are not exhaustive and you should take your computer to a qualified technician if in any doubt.
- Your computer is an electrical device: Treat it as such. Before you take of the side cover to have a 'poke about' or fit a new component, turn off the power and remove the plug from the mains. Then wait for a minute.
- Make sure the connections are secure: Sometimes a fault can be caused by something as simple as poor or non-existent connections. No display? Check the monitor is connected. Simple.
- Use the right tools: Obvious really.
- Plan what you're going to do: Have the correct parts and be delicate. Some motherboard connections can be fragile. Do everything carefully and don't rush.
- Never attempt to fix a monitor: If your monitor develops a fault, just get a new one. Don't take the back off and look around, you could get hurt.
- Make sure that your computer is clean: Dust gathers inside computers, for instance around fans and video cards, which makes it run hotter than you want.
