Common Solutions

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.