It’s possible that you’ve already determined that the computer issue you’re having is either too complicated for you to handle on your own or, at the very least, not something you want to spend your time doing.
It’s okay if you’re just absolutely opposed to trying to cure your own computer problems, though we’d argue that you should almost always try to do so. No ill will exists.
However, we have one more chance to persuade you to at least try something before you pay someone else to help you before you phone tech support or dash out to the computer repair shop.
I’ve worked in the computer repairs industry for years, so I’m extremely aware with the small details that most people miss, details that might make it unnecessary to ever have a computer serviced.
By doing some of the incredibly simple things listed here, you may figuratively save hundreds of dollars and a similar amount of frustration.
1.Restart Your Computer
It’s a recurring joke that all tech support staff can do is advise customers to restart their laptops.
Please don’t skip over this incredibly easy step because I’ve had the unfortunate experience of working with a few “professionals” who might have served as the inspiration for that joke.
You wouldn’t believe how frequently I would visit a customer’s home or place of business, listen to a detailed account of a problem, and then just restart the computer to resolve it.
Despite claims to the contrary, I lack a magic touch. Restarting a computer, which clears its memory and restarts programmes, resolves several extremely brief problems.
Before scheduling computer repair with anyone, make sure you restart your computer at least once. If the issue is of a certain kind, it can just disappear.
TIP: Powering off then back on achieves the same result if the computer issue you’re experiencing prevents a proper restart. The same method is advised for practically every other technological gadget, including phones, TVs, and printers.
2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache
One other joke, albeit a more recent one, claims that deleting your browser’s cache—the list of previously viewed pages saved to your computer’s hard drive—will solve any issues you might be having with the internet.
Although it is undoubtedly exaggerated, emptying the cache can frequently be beneficial. It won’t repair every broken website or internet-related issue.
The cache can be easily cleared. Even if it’s buried many levels deep in a menu, every browser offers an easy way to do this.
Before taking your computer in for repair, make sure to clear the cache if you’re experiencing any internet-related issues, especially if they just affect a few specific web pages.
TIP: Although most browsers call this collection of bookmarked pages “cache,” some term it “temporary internet files.”
3. Scan for Viruses & Other Malware
If a virus or other dangerous programme (collectively referred to as malware) made itself visible, searching for a virus infection was undoubtedly the first thing that came to mind.
Unfortunately, the majority of malware-related issues are not necessarily immediately identifiable as infections. While it’s fantastic if your antivirus software alerts you to a problem, this isn’t always the case.
Virus-related issues frequently manifest as overall computer slowness, sporadic error messages, locked windows, and similar issues.
Use whatever antivirus programme you’re using to perform a thorough malware scan on your computer before you bring it in for whatever reason.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t have antivirus software (we offer links to various free solutions), can’t access Windows, or can’t conduct a scan for some reason, this instruction is very helpful.
4. Reinstall the Program That’s Causing Trouble
Many computer issues are software-specific, which means they only manifest themselves when a specific installed programme is launched, used, or stopped.
Particularly if you use the offending software frequently, these kinds of issues can give the impression that your entire computer is malfunctioning, but the answer is frequently as easy as reinstalling the offending programme.
Reinstalling a programme entails first uninstalling it and then reinstalling it. Every programme has an automated procedure for both installing and deleting itself from your computer.
If you believe your issue is software-related, locate the program’s original installation disc or download it once more, and then reinstall it.
If you’ve never reinstalled software before or encounter problems, look at the guide.
5. Delete Your Browser’s Cookies
However lovely it would be, there aren’t any actual cookies on your computer. However, there are little documents known as cookies that might occasionally be the root of web browsing issues.
Similar to the previously described cached files, the browser saves these files to facilitate web browsing.
Before you spend money on computer repair, make sure to clear your browser’s cookies if you’re having trouble logging into one or more websites or if you frequently get error messages when surfing that other users don’t appear to see.
