home hardware prices news articles forums photos user reviews
Go Back   Tech Support Forums - TechIMO.com > PC Hardware and Tech > Technical Support
Join TechIMO for Free!
Register Blogs FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Reply Get bargains at  »  Dealighted.com
 
Thread Tools
Currently Active Users: 2021
Discussions: 186,720, Posts: 2,228,263, Members: 230,375
Free Scan: Update Your PC's Outdated Drivers to Optimize Performance
Old August 17th, 2004, 04:29 PM   Digg it!   #1 (permalink)
Ultimate Member
 
Agent_Embryo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,704
Send a message via ICQ to Agent_Embryo
AE's Windows Troubleshooting Guide

This is a little webpage I cooked up today, being one of the people other people will call when their PC slows down, or acts up. It's nothing new for any PC enthusiast out there, but I hope it can help some people who knows little more than how to install a program on their PC.

If anyone has any corrections, additions or other comments, feel free to post them here or send me a PM.

I hope someone will find this useful.

This is mostly aimed at Windows XP, but may apply for other Windows Versions as well.

Changes:

2006-09-03: Edited the document, added a little something on Personal Firewalls.

-----
Agent Embryo's (Very) Basic Troubleshooting for Windows PC's!

So your Windows PC is acting up? It's slow, unexpected things happen when you surf the Internet, etc, etc? There are some things you can do yourself before calling your local computerguru to have them troubleshoot your computer. These steps are easy and anyone who can install a program should be able to do these things before calling someone. Using the advice here can also prevent alot of trouble.

GOOGLE! (or any other search engine of choice)

Whenever you have some sort of question, go to www.google.com and search for webpages dealing with your questions first! Chances are you can find something relevant on the first page of results. This is the first thing you should do, unless something stops you from reaching the google site. If you don't do it and then later post your questions on a forum where the users regard the answers as being easy to find with a quick search, you will get answered "Google is your friend" or something similar.

Windows Update

Windows isn't perfect, as you may know. Security holes are discovered frequently, and updates are issued as often. Some updates are critical, some are not. Installing them all is a safe bet. Some patches have been known to slow things down however, so if your PC becomes notably slower after updating, do a little research on the patches, maybe others are having the same trouble.

You should check for updates for Windows each month at least. Beware that the updates can sometimes be huge downloads, so doing this over dial-up is not recommended.

Antivirus Software (AV) and Personal Firewalls

This is a MUST. There are people who run their computer without it for years without catching a single virus. They might tell you it's not necessary to use AV software. Alright, but when you DO get a virus that AV software would have stopped, and you have to reformat your harddrive, making you lose everything on it, you'll wish you had used AV software.

There are a number of free antivirus programs on the internet, download one and use it. One of the most popular (and in my opinion one of the best free AV programs) is called AVG, and can be downloaded from www.grisoft.com. Free of charge, free updates. You can set it up to fetch updates automatically if you like. There are others too, google "Free Antivirus" if you want to find them.

Commercial alternatives include Norton Antivirus(or Norton Internet Security), Avast, F-Secure, Trend Micro PC-cillin and many others.

There are also a number of online antivirus scanning utilites if you suspect you already have a virus, and don't have any AV software installed. I like Trend Micro's Housecall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com) but you could try out a few different ones. Scan your PC for viruses if it behaves in odd ways.

Personal Firewalls are used to block hazardous incoming traffic from the internet, and to control application access to the internet and/or network. A personal firewall can be great protection, but it can be difficult to configure for someone who doesn't know much about computers. Windows XP has a built-in personal firewall that usually works for most people. For more advanced software, there's for exampel the Norton Internet Security suite.

Get rid of any Spyware on your PC

Spyware is almost as bad as viruses, if not worse. This is what is said about spyware on the homepage of Spybot Search & Destroy, a program to find and remove spyware:

Quote:
Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies.
Spyware can cause serious slow-downs and odd behaviour on your computer. Download and install Spybot Search & Destroy and scan your computer. While Spybot S & D can find much spyware, it won't find it all. That's why it is recommended to scan your system with another program as well.

AdAware http://www.lavasoftusa.com)
SpywareBlaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Microsoft Defender http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx (credit to Bill in SD, CA)


For more on common spyware solutions, have a look in this thread:
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t114250.html - thanks to vass0922

A way to avoid much spyware trouble is to change what browser you use to browse the web. Good alternative browsers are available here:
www.mozilla.com
www.opera.com


Trojans

Programs designed to get into your PC and run some sort of service, or spy on you, or completely take over your computer, Trojans are usually included when scanning your system with Antivirus software. Some might not be found however. Sometimes downloading and scanning the computer with something like The Cleaner (http://www.moosoft.com) can reveal that you have trojans on your computer and remove them. If you do have trojans, it might be because your software has security holes. Refer to the "Windows Update" part on this page.

So now we have updated Windows, and scanned the computer for any viruses, spyware or trojans that may cause trouble. Maybe we found some problems, maybe not. Time for the next part.

Recently Installed Software

Did you install any new software recently, that may cause problems? Many Programs and Games need updates and patches just like Windows. Check the developers homepage to download patches and updates. If you have system restore activated you can try restoring to a point where the computer worked.

Drivers

Maybe you updated your device drivers for something recently, like your Graphics card, or your soundcard? Nvidia, for example, use the same driver package for all their Graphics cards, from the TNT GPU series up until today's newest cards. Some newer drivers may cause older graphics cards to run slow. Test some different versions of Graphics Drivers (ok you might want to call your local computer guru now, if you think this is your problem and if you feel experimenting with the drivers is a pain or a bit beyond what you feel comfortable with).

As a rule of thumb, your drivers should all be the latest version, but sometimes there's problems with certain versions of different drivers not working properly together. But again, try to have the latest drivers available. Below is a list of links to different manufacturers' sites where you can download drivers. Avoid downloading drivers from sites collecting drivers as much as you can. You never know what might be in there with the drivers.

Manufacturer Links:
Nvidia(Graphics and Chipset): http://www.nvidia.com
ATI(Graphics): http://www.ati.com
VIA(Chipset): http://www.via.com.tw
Intel(Chipset, Graphics, NIC, anything Intel basically): http://www.intel.com
SIS(Chipset): http://www.sis.com/

Still not working right?

Ok, so now's the time to call for help. Call the support/helpdesk for your computer, or call your local computer superhero. Good luck!


I hope this will help you solve your problems, if it didn't I'm sorry. If it caused more trouble, I'm sorry. I can take no responsibility for any of the programs I've linked to messing up your system worse than before.


Last edited by Agent_Embryo : September 3rd, 2006 at 01:22 PM.
Agent_Embryo is offline   Reply With Quote
TechIMO.com Ads - Login or register for less ads.
How many errors does your computer have?

You no longer need to guess! This free stability scan and registry cleaner download will give you a complete diagnosis of your Windows registry, identifying errors and conflicts.

FREE instant scan


Guest, Register Free! to remove this ad and get your tech support questions answered in minutes!
Old August 18th, 2004, 10:16 PM     #2 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
StealthyV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 799
great page! an asset to the TIMO community!

although most info on that page is of a general nature, it's a great way to introduce the tech issues affecting non-tech-savvy individuals in an easy-to-understand way.

great job!

~Branson
__________________
I'm an Eagle Scout! (1997)

StealthyV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 22nd, 2004, 01:02 PM     #3 (permalink)
Ultimate Member
 
Agent_Embryo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,704
Send a message via ICQ to Agent_Embryo
Cool, thanks

It's hosted on my home webserver, so you know if it's not reachable.

Agent_Embryo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 10th, 2004, 06:55 PM     #4 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1
I

Last edited by Lilbeah : October 31st, 2004 at 04:18 PM.
Lilbeah is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 10th, 2004, 07:23 PM     #5 (permalink)
Ultimate Member
 
paul9's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gateshead U.K.
Posts: 8,838
Send a message via MSN to paul9 Send a message via Yahoo to paul9
you may have an incorrect tv standard set. look thrugh your manual for info on how to change from ntsc to pal mode or vice versa.
paul9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 31st, 2004, 04:05 PM     #6 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1
some body please help when i ins-tall software it come with
16 bit Windows Subsystem
---------------------------
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
---------------------------
Close Ignore what can i do--------------------------
---------------------------
bonphuong is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 31st, 2004, 04:14 PM     #7 (permalink)
Ultimate Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 20,497
1. sounds like you're trying to run a really old app on Windows XP. You should be able to right click the executable and say to run it in compatiblity mode for windows98 or something
2. You should start a new thread so you can getter help.


AE.
#Still not working right?
Go on TechIMO! lol

For the spyware page.
you can check this thread for more info
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t114250.html
or clean up the data and create a new page on it with the info.
vass0922 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2005, 02:02 PM     #8 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2
corrupt operating system and office

help me with this one...when i boot the computer it opens but i cant reinstall the operating system and even the microsoft office.its prompting me to select the appropriate program...the documents also...what do you think is the best for this?
rvgarcia0528 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2005, 02:09 PM     #9 (permalink)
Supporting our military
 
Bill in SD, CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bottom left of U.S.
Posts: 9,191
Quote:
Originally Posted by rvgarcia0528
help me with this one...when i boot the computer it opens but i cant reinstall the operating system and even the microsoft office.its prompting me to select the appropriate program...the documents also...what do you think is the best for this?
Welcome to TechIMO!!

Start a new thread for this.


Bill in SD, CA
__________________
*****
It is easy to be conspicuously "compassionate" if others are being forced to pay the cost. – Murray N. Rothbard
Bill in SD, CA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2005, 02:13 PM     #10 (permalink)
Supporting our military
 
Bill in SD, CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bottom left of U.S.
Posts: 9,191
AE, very nice indeed!!

Add MS's AntiSpware Beta 1 to your links.

Bill
Bill in SD, CA is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is everybody n00bs here? x86MeOneMoreTime Linux and Unix 99 July 20th, 2003 07:20 PM
need help Ch!zuck2k Graphics Cards and Displays 6 May 23rd, 2003 01:32 AM
Did M$ really do this? tonyromen Applications and Operating Systems 39 December 25th, 2002 05:40 PM
Win98 bootup hangs tomm General Tech Discussion 6 April 13th, 2002 03:33 AM

Most Active Discussions
Is It Just Me? (740)
E5200 15.2GHZ?? (9)
Newegg WARS!!! (48)
Car Talk! (8693)
I'm sure most of you Know this but!.. (5)
Folderchat: The Holiday thread (157)
Bought an AGP "HIS Radeon HD 3.. (20)
Best Boot Drive Imaging Software (14)
Wireless network, problem and posib.. (10)
Recent Discussions
Wireless network, problem and p.. (10)
what is 21435 kbps? 2.1mb? (2)
What graphics card range for q9.. (7)
Folderchat: The Holiday thread (157)
this Virus never see Before (0)
E5200 15.2GHZ?? (9)
Best Boot Drive Imaging Softwar.. (14)
Turn on WoW and computer shuts .. (14)
Dual Boot Option Not Visible (0)
Apple iPod touch 16 GB $200 (5)
FS: Dell 6000 laptop, modded 36.. (3)
Selling Rockband Bundle, Xbox s.. (2)


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:23 PM.
TechIMO Copyright 2008 All Enthusiast, Inc.



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28