5 Things You Can Do to Solve a Computer Problem

1: Check Connections and Restart Your Computer

Before launching into a computer troubleshooting project you should rule out the basic problems first.  Check all cable connections. Restart your computer and any external devices attached to the computer. Now check to see if the problem has been resolved.  You'd be surprised how many times a simple restart can solve a problem.

2: Run System Restore

This is a very useful utility program that is included with the Windows operating system.  The utility creates and stores snapshots of the Windows system files each day and stores them for several months. Restoring the Windows system files to a previous date will often solve a software problem or eliminate a stubborn virus or spyware program.  The process typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete. You can access the System Restore utility by clicking on Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >System Restore. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. The process is easily reversible using the Undo button in System Restore if you are unhappy with the results of the system restoration.

3: Use the Internet to Find Solutions

The Internet is an excellent resource for finding solutions to many computer problems.  For error messages, type the exact error message in the search window and you should get some very helpful information in the search results.

4:  Update Your Computer Regularly

It’s a good idea to update your computer on a regular basis.  You should create a system restore point prior to making changes to your system. If things don't go as expected it is easy to restore the computer to a point prior to the updates.  Most new computers will check for hardware updates from their respective manufacturer’s websites about once a month and alert you to any new hardware drivers or software updates related to your specific computer.  You can configure Windows to automatically check and install Windows and Office updates on a daily basis.  By keeping your system patched on a regular basis you keep it more secure and less likely to encounter compatibility issues. The second Tuesday of each month is known as "Patch Tuesday". It is the day that Microsoft releases all of their security patches.  It's always a good idea to check for and apply updates on that day. 

5: Use the Built-In Help Features of Programs

Built-in Help features in most programs are actually a very useful resource. Don't overlook them when trying to learn about a program or troubleshoot a problem with a program. You will often find your answer here.