8 Easy Computer Repairs to Try Before You Call an IT Guy
You might be able to save money on getting computer issues resolved if you know some basic tips. Here are 8 computer repairs to try before you call an IT guy.
Are you having trouble with one of your business computers?
If so, you might be tempted to call an IT guy to have computer repairs done right away. The problem with this, of course, is that it could end up being costly and put your computer out of commission for a few days.
So before you touch base with an IT guy, take the time to do some computer troubleshooting on your own. There are a number of easy repairs you can do to get your computer up and running again in no time.
If, at any point, you feel as though you’re in over your head, you can always stop and bring in a professional to help. But you might be able to save time and money with a quick computer fix.
Here are 8 easy computer repairs to try before you call an IT guy.
1. Reboot Your Computer
What is the very first thing you should do when you realize your computer is experiencing some kind of problem? Save whatever you’re working on and reboot it. When you contact an IT guy for help, “Did you try rebooting your computer?” is typically one of the first questions they’ll ask.
Rebooting your computer isn’t necessarily a cure-all. But it is known to fix a lot of different problems that can pop up on your computer at any given time.
If it’s been a while since you’ve rebooted your computer, you might have a bunch of programs all running at once and putting a strain on it. You might also have a small problem in one of your programs causing your computer to run slow.
Whatever the case, a quick reboot will wipe your slate clean (figuratively speaking, not literally!) and start your various company programs up fresh again. You’ll often find that rebooting your computer will make it run faster and erase the problem that was plaguing it.
2. Update the Software on Your Computer
You know that message that appears on your computer screen every now and then let you know you need to update some of your software? Don’t ignore that!
In 2018, it’s easier than ever before to update the software on your computer. Your computer will remind you that it needs to be done. And all you need to do is set the update in motion and wait for it to complete.
If you fail to update your software regularly, you could be leaving it open to malware and other issues that could prevent it from running properly. You could also be using software that is seriously outdated and not equipped to keep up with your demands.
Get into the habit of updating your software every chance you can. It’s a simple way to keep your computer healthy and avoid the need for computer repairs.
3. Run a Comprehensive Virus Scan
A computer virus can hinder the performance of your computer. It can even make your computer virtually unusable if you allow the virus to infect your computer and then spiral out of control.
To prevent a virus from wreaking havoc on your computer, look out for the signs of one. You might have a virus if:
- Pop-up windows are unexpectedly appearing on your computer screen at random
- Your computer is running much slower than normal
- Certain programs and files on your computer have mysteriously disappeared
- You suddenly have a lack of storage space on your computer
- Error messages keep popping up and making it difficult for you to do anything
The easiest way to tell if you have a computer virus is by running a comprehensive virus scan. It’ll do a deep dive into your hard drive to see if it can uncover any viruses.
If it finds anything, you can usually use antivirus software to get rid of it. Or at the very least, you can provide an IT specialist with a clear description of what kind of virus problems you have on your hands. It’ll help the specialist to complete computer repairs quickly.
4. Remove Older Computer Programs You Don’t Use Anymore
If you’ve had your computer for a long time now, you probably have tons and tons of older computer programs installed on it. You might use some of them. But for the most part, they’re likely buried on your hard drive and not serving any real purpose.
When you fill your hard drive with too many programs, it can run very slowly. Even though you don’t think you’re using those programs, they can load up in the background when you start your computer and bring your entire system to a crawl.
Go through your computer programs periodically and remove anything you don’t use anymore. Just make sure you uninstall them from your computer the right way so they disappear completely.
You can always reinstall these programs later if you find that you need them again. But for now, this easy computer repair can change the speed of your computer and make it run more efficiently overall.
5. Swap Out the RAM in Your Computer
The RAM, or random-access memory, in your computer is used to store the data you need to run programs in real-time.
Unfortunately, the RAM that comes preinstalled in your computer might not be capable of keeping up with all the programs you’re running right now. An operating system like Windows or an internet browser like Chrome can cripple your RAM and use up too much memory at once, which will slow your computer way down.
If you feel up to doing it, you can upgrade your RAM by opening up your computer and swapping out your old RAM for new RAM. This process is not nearly as complicated as it might seem.
You do want to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before swapping out RAM in a computer. But it’s one of the easiest computer repairs for people to make, even if they’re not necessarily computer experts.
One tip: Buy the right RAM for your specific system to get the best possible performance from it. A computer repair shop should be able to tell you exactly what you need to buy to increase your RAM and get more out of it.
6. Replace Your Laptop Computer’s Keyboard
As a computer user, there’s almost nothing worse than accidentally spilling a cup of coffee or a bottle of water on to a laptop keyboard and frying it. It can make it impossible to work on your computer when your keyboard gives out on you.
Fortunately, replacing the keyboard on a laptop computer isn’t all that hard. In fact, it’s as easy as swapping the RAM out and can usually be done in a matter of just a few minutes.
All you’ll need to do in most cases is unscrew a few screws to get access to your existing keyboard, slide the keyboard out of the clamshell that houses it, unplug it, and replace it with a new keyboard. Then, simply screw your computer back together and reboot it, and it should be good to go.
If this doesn’t do the trick, you might need a professional’s help. But it should allow you to start typing on your computer again right away.
7. Test Out Your Wi-Fi Connection
Are you having trouble connecting your computer to the internet?
It could be because of a computer virus. It could also be because of a bad connection if you have your computer hardwired to your router or modem.
But most of the time, computers fail to connect to the internet because of an issue with the Wi-Fi connection. Your router might need to be rebooted, or your internet provider might be experiencing an outage.
Test your Wi-Fi connection thoroughly before you call an IT guy for computer repairs. More often than not, internet connectivity issues don’t have anything to do with a computer.
8. Reinstall Your Computer’s Operating System
If you’ve tried everything else listed here and you still can’t get your computer to work, reinstalling your computer’s operating system might be your last and only option.
When you do this, you’ll set your computer back to square one and remove everything on it. So prior to doing this, save any important files you might have on your computer on a separate hard drive or USB memory card.
By taking this approach, you should be able to wipe out whatever is causing your computer issues. It’s an effective way to get rid of programs that aren’t cooperating with your computer system as well as viruses.
If These Easy Computer Repairs Don’t Work, Call for an IT GUY Help
These easy computer repairs should help you fix any number of basic problems with your computer.
But if you try them and find that they don’t work, call on a professional to help you out with your issue. A reputable IT company can set you up with computer repair services that will bring your computer back to life again.
