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Common Solutions
Since
The Elder Geek on Windows XP website went online I've received
literally thousands of reader e-mails asking for help with XP system
problems. Over this time, a number of patterns and recurring themes
have developed that apply to a large majority of the help requests.
I've compiled a list of items that are frequently part of the
solution, and in many cases are the entire solution.
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Disk Defragmenter - Disk
Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on your
computer's hard disk, so that each occupies a single, contiguous
space on the volume. As a result, your system can gain access to
your files and folders and save new ones more efficiently. By
consolidating your files and folders, Disk Defragmenter also
consolidates the volume's free space, making it less likely that
new files will be fragmented.
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Disk Cleanup - Use Disk
Cleanup to free up space on your hard disk by removing temporary
Internet files, removing installed components and programs that
you no longer use, and emptying the Recycle Bin. A full
description of Disk Cleanup is located
here.
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Chkdsk - Creates and
displays a status report for the disk. The chkdsk command
also lists and corrects errors on the disk. The "ckkdsk /r"
command is the most frequently used. More information is available
via the Help and Support Center on the Start Menu.
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Virus Scanning - It's a
fact of life that little twits and twitettes (and big ones too)
get a thrill out of sending out viral garbage. If you don't have a
virus scanning program that is up to the minute current, you're
doing yourself a great disservice. Buy one or use a free one on
the internet, but use it religiously - and keep it up to date.
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Spyware and Malware - A lot of these programs find their way
onto the computer without you even being aware they were
downloaded. Get
two free downloads that help with these problems;
Ad-Aware
and another called
SpyBot Search and Destroy.
Run both of them and review and delete their findings unless it's
something you intentionally want to remain on the system.
- Popup Killers - Nobody likes popup
advertising. Unfortunately, just like a virus, it's probably going
to be around for some time to come. There are some popup killer
programs that do a reasonably good job of eliminating these
nuisances, but there are are far more of them that do more harm
than good. If you're experiencing a change in an applications
behavior, uninstall the popup killer and see if it solves the
problem.
- Windows Update - Do you run Windows
Update regularly? If you don't run it automatically, or at least
once a week manually, then you aren't holding up your end of the
bargain in helping to protect and keep your system running safely
and efficiently. That's not to say every update Windows Update
proposes is needed or desirable, but they should be reviewed and
evaluated regularly.
- Device Drivers - You may not think these
little items can do much harm, but an outdated driver can bring a
system to its knees. In addition, not having the latest driver
updates can deprive you of full device functionality.
Manufacturers frequently issue driver updates; check your system
and get the latest updates.
- System File Checker (SFC) - XP is far
more bulletproof than previous Windows versions, but there is
still the possibility of protected system files becoming corrupted
or replaced with harmful versions. SFC is specifically designed to
check all protected system files and restore them to the proper
version. The most common usage method is to execute the "sfc
/scannow" command. More information is available via the Help and
Support Center on the Start Menu.
- System Restore - System Restore is a
component of Windows XP that you can use to
restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs,
without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word
documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or
e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system
and some application files, and it automatically creates easily
identified restore points. These restore points allow you to
revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and
at the time of significant system events (such as when an
application or driver is installed). You can also create and name
your own restore points at any time. This is a basic
troubleshooting tool. If the problem is noticed early on, using
System Restore can be very helpful in returning the system to its
previous functionality.
The items listed below are not as
easy to control as the ones listed above, but are equally important,
especially if you are experiencing spontaneous reboots or the
computer shutting down unexpectedly.
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Power Supply - About the
only time we give electricity any thought at all is when it's
unavailable. As long as it gives us the basic conveniences we've
come to expect that's good enough. Unfortunately, computers aren't
quite so forgiving. You may have heard the term 'dirty power'
before. It's used to mean a number of different things well beyond
the scope of this brief paragraph, but essentially fluctuations in
the line voltage can play havoc with a computer. Consider
purchasing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your system
that is capable of filtering the incoming power. Many a machine
that was plagued with unstable performance has been transformed
into a rock solid performer by the addition of a UPS.
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System Cooling - Heat is
the enemy when it comes to computers. Just about every component
inside the computer generates heat, and for the system to perform
with any degree of stability that heat has to be dispersed. Heat
sinks and fans are the most common method of dealing with heat.
The heat sinks draw the heat away from the critical components as
the fans disperse and exhaust it from the case while at the same
time drawing in cool air from outside the case. A failure of the
processor fan can destroy a system outright within seconds, while
a case fan can allow temperatures to rise and trigger system
instability, spontaneous reboots, and system shutdowns. Ensure
that all case fans are operational and use compressed air to keep
heat sinks and processor fans free of dust that can severely
impact their performance.
Finally, if you have tried all of the items mentioned in the first
group above and the problem still exists, feel free to write and
I'll do my best to help you with the situation. However, to make it
easier for you and also for me, do me a favor and go
to (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html)
and get a program called Belarc Advisor. This will allow you to take
a snapshot of your system that I can use for troubleshooting. After
you install the program, run the advisor and you’ll see the results
presented as a webpage in your browser. Use the Save As option under
File and assign it a name (i.e. ,your username) and click save. The
default save location will be in your My Documents folder and
depending on what you have installed, the file size will be ~50 to
200kb. Attach the file you just created to an e-mail describing the
problem you are experiencing.
Note: By all means, review the information contained in the Belarc
file. Belarc does not include any serial numbers or software keys,
but if you are uncomfortable providing any of the information, feel
free to edit or decline to send the file. Once the troubleshooting
session is complete, the file will be deleted from my computer. Your
personal information is never disclosed or used for any purpose
other than providing system support.
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