Horus Computing Can I Afford It

1> Ask yourself has anything changed since it last worked? If it has then re-set the PC to how it was when it last worked. That is either unplug the hardware, uninstall the software (click on start, then go to the control panel (possibly via the settings option) and select ‘Add or remove programs’. Then select the software and uninstall it).

2> If it is a ‘peripheral’ that is a wireless router, modem, printer or something else that has an independent power supply check to see if it is turned on and make sure that the leads are properly connected. Turn it off, wait a few seconds and turn it on again. Believe it or not even I have forgotten this rule and spent an age looking for fault when the device was switched off or not connected properly.

3> If it is a new device or software, have you called the manufacturers own help line to see if they can sort out the problem.

4> If the problem is that your broadband connection doesn’t work call the service provider – it may a genuine fault for everyone in your area rather than your PC alone.

5> If your e-mail has stopped working did it work yesterday? Have you changed anything? Can you attach to the Internet?

6> Try turning everything off and then back on again.

7> Have you read the instruction manual and obeyed the instructions? Trust me this is a very common fault. In computer engineering the phrase RTBM has great significance (READ THE BLOODY MANUAL) and even I am guilty of not doing that from time to time.

8> Have you tried the help menu? These are excellent these days and can sort out a lot of issues.

9> Are you able to swap out the hardware to one you know works; eg try an old screen if your screen doesn’t work?