Top 10 Most Common Computer

Problems
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Although most complex computer issues at work can often be solved by the business IT
support team, there are many other small, but common, issues that occur on a regular
basis on a personal computer. The good news is that many problems with computers
have simple solutions, and learning to recognise a problem and fix it yourself will save
you a lot of time and money. The following are the top 10 common computer problems
that you shouldn’t panic over.

1. The Computer Won’t Start

A computer that suddenly shuts off or has difficulty starting up could have a failing
power supply. Check that the computer is plugged into the power point properly and, if
that doesn’t work, test the power point with another working device to confirm whether
or not there is adequate power.

2. The Screen is Blank

If the computer is on but the screen is blank, there may be an issue with the connection
between the computer and the screen. First, check to see if the monitor is plugged into
a power point and that the connection between the monitor and computer hard drive is
secure. If the problem is on a laptop, then you may need to get a professional to fix it as
some of the internal wires may be worn.

3. Abnormally Functioning Operating System or Software

If the operating system or other software is either unresponsive or is acting up, then try
restarting your computer and run a virus scan. To avoid having this happen, install
reliable anti-virus software.

4. Windows Won’t Boot

If you are having troubles booting Windows, then you may have to reinstall it with the
Windows recovery disk.

5. The Screen is Frozen

When you computer freezes, you may have no other option than to reboot and risk
losing any unsaved work. Freezes can be a sign of insufficient ram, registry
conflicts, corrupt or missing files, or spyware. Press and hold the power button until
the computer turns off, then restart it and get to work cleaning up the system so that it
doesn’t freeze again.
6. Computer is Slow
If your computer is slower than normal, you can often fix the problem simply by cleaning
the hard disk of unwanted files. You can also install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-
spyware tools, and schedule regular registry scans. External hard drives are great
storage solutions for overtaxed CPU’s, and will help your computer run faster.

7. Strange Noises
A lot of noise coming from your computer is generally a sign of either hardware
malfunction or a noisy fan. Hard drives often make noise just before they fail, so you
may want to back up information just in case, and fans are very easy to replace.

8. Slow Internet
To improve your Internet browser performance, you need to clear cookies and Internet
temporary files frequently. In the Windows search bar, type ‘%temp%’ and hit enter to
open the temporary files folder.

9. Overheating
If a computer case lacks a sufficient cooling system, then the computer’s components
may start to generate excess heat during operation. To avoid your computer burning
itself out, turn it off and let it rest if it’s getting hot. Additionally, you can check the fan to
make sure it’s working properly.

10. Dropped Internet Connections

Dropped Internet connections can be very frustrating. Often the problem is simple and
may be caused by a bad cable or phone line, which is easy to fix. More serious
problems include viruses, a bad network card or modem, or a problem with the driver.

2. Dysfunctional USB Port

If your USB port stops working, it’s not necessary that it’s broken. Below are
some solutions that can fix this issue:

Method 1: Restart the PC

Restarting the PC is the answer to many problems, and it is a common

solution to USB port problem as well.

Method 2: Uninstall USB port driver

Uninstalling the driver of the USB port will force Windows to reinstall it when
you will restart the PC. This may fix the problem. Here is how to do it:
 1. Press Windows + R keys and enter devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog to
open the Device Manager.
2. Here, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers option.
3. Now right-click the entry USB Host Controller and then click
on Uninstall.
4. Repeat this for all entries with USB Host Controller to uninstall drivers
for all the USB ports.
5. Once deleted, restart the PC and Windows will automatically reinstall
the drivers and fix any driver issues.

Method 3: Disable USB selective suspend

USB Selective Suspend is a Windows power saving feature that suspends

unused or idle USB ports to conserve power. Sometimes it could stop a
USB port from working. Here is how to disable it:

1. Press Windows + R keys and type powercfg.cpl in the Run dialog to

open Windows Power options.
 2. Here click on Change plan settings next to your current plan and then
click on Change advanced power settings.
3. Now, expand USB settings and disable USB selective suspend
setting.
4. Restart the PC to see if it fixes the USB port issue.

Note: This option should be kept enabled if you want to save battery power. If
it doesn’t fix the USB port issue, then enable it again.

3. PC keeps disconnecting from WiFi

If your Wi-Fi is working fine but your PC keeps disconnecting from it, then
your PC’s network card may not be receiving full power. Windows has a built-
in power saver option that gives less power to the network card. You
need to disable this feature:

1. Go to Advanced settings in the Power Options.

2. Here expand Wireless Adaptor Settings and then expand Power
Saving Mode.
3. Set this to Maximum Performance.
4. PC beeps

The PC motherboard is smart enough to detect problems and sounds

beeps in different rhythms to tell you. Here is an article on what it actually
means when the PC beeps multiple times.

If the PC doesn’t start after the beeps, then it’s usually difficult to solve the
problem yourself. However, I’m going to list down two of the most common
problems due to which beeps occur, and thankfully, you can solve them
yourself as well.

Problem 1: Out of place RAM

A problem I recently dealt with. If the RAM inside your PC gets loose or out
of place, then your PC will beep 2-3 times and won’t boot at all. The
solution is simple, open up the PC (laptop users should let an expert handle
this) and reinsert the RAM. Here’s how:

1. Take out the RAM completely and clean any dirt inside the slot
using a cotton bud.
 2. Now insert back the RAM and put enough pressure on both ends to
ensure it is fully inside.
3. Afterward, close the clips and make sure they’re properly locked.
Even a slightly loose RAM will be unable to work.
This video should help you properly install the RAM

Problem 2: Recently added hardware

A damaged or wrongly installed hardware component could lead to

beeps. Take out any newly added hardware components and see if it solves
the problem. If the PC works fine afterward, then either get it installed
properly or get it fixed (or replaced).

5. PC Fans not working

If you notice one or more fans in your PC aren’t working, then it could be due
to the dirt inside. You will have to open up the PC and use a compressed air
can or a leaf blower to clean up the fans and other components.

6. PC not using a portion of RAM

Sometimes your PC may not use a portion of RAM. For example, You may
have 4GB of RAM, but your PC only uses 2GB when you check it from
the Task Manager. This is usually a Windows setting issue.

Note: If only a few MBs (200-400MB) of RAM isn’t being utilized, then it’s
probably being used by PC hardware and you can’t do anything about it.

The solution to this problem is simple – Windows must have been

configured to only use a portion of the RAM. Here is how to fix it:

1. Press Windows + R keys and type msconfig in the Run dialog to

open System Configurations.
2. Move to Boot tab and click on Advanced options.
3. Now check the checkbox next to Maximum memory and enter the
maximum amount RAM you have installed (in MBs).
4. Click on OK and restart the PC to let it take effect.
Good to know: While you are at it, you should also check the checkbox next
to Number of processors option and ensure your PC is utilizing all the CPU
cores as well. Set it to the maximum number if you want to use all of the CPU
power.

If this didn’t fix the problem, then there is also a chance one of the RAM
isn’t installed properly. Try reinstalling it.

7. Overworking fan

Your PC fan runs according to how much your PC is heating. The higher
the temperature, the faster the fan will run. In case your PC temperature is
fine (you can use HWMonitor to check it), but the fan is running at full speed;
then you’ll have to manually control it.

You can use the SpeedFan app for this purpose as well. It will tell you the
running speed of all the fans inside your PC so you can manage their
speed. Don’t worry about app compatibility, overworking fan problem only
happens with motherboards that can control the fans.
8. PC crashes before loading the OS

If your PC only shows manufacturer logo and then crashes right before it
was supposed to load the operating system, then it’s a problem with RAM or
hard disk. As the OS is unable to load, then either the RAM is corrupted and
can’t hold the boot loader or the hard drive is damaged and can’t load data
inside it.

If you have multiple RAM slots, then taking out each one of them one by
one and starting the PC will help find the culprit. In the end, you will have to
replace the corrupted RAM or the hard disk, whichever has the issue.

9. PC isn’t powering on

If your PC is not powering on at all – not even a single light in it, then it must
be a problem with the power source.

Desktop users: If your PC’s extension cord, power outlet, and other
connections are working fine, then the problem may be with the PC’s power
cable. Replace the power cable of the monitor with the CPU’s (if you don’t
have a spare) to see if it turns on. You’ll have to get a new power cable if this
fixes the problem.

Laptop users: Take out the battery and put it back before starting the laptop.
If this doesn’t work, then take out the battery again and connect the
charging cable to the laptop. Start the PC on charger power and see if it
works. You will have to replace the battery if it fixes the problem.

Note: You should also remove all types of external devices connected to your
PC while trying this. A malfunctioning device might cause this issue.

10. Noisy PC

If you hear a lot of extra noise while using the PC, then most probably it is a
plea to clean it up. Get it cleaned or use a can of compressed air or leaf
blower to clean it up yourself. If you have overclocked your PC GPU and
CPU, then they could be the reason for the noise as well.

There is also a chance that a disc inside the DVD ROM is making the extra
sound. You can check this article about all the PC components that create
noise for more information.
11. Noisy hard drive

If you hear clicking or grinding sound from the hard drive, then it might be
time to get a new one. Hard drives have a limited lifespan and loud sounds
are the main sign of a near hard drive failure. You can use CrystalDiskInfo
hard drive monitoring tool to check the health of your hard drive. The tool will
tell you the current health of the hard drive with signs like "Good", "Caution" or
"Bad".

You should back up all your data immediately and try to get another hard
disk before this one fails on you.

12. Blue Screen of Death

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to both software
and hardware problems, but usually, it’s a hardware problem. Whatever the
cause, BSOD requires immediate attention as it’s a sign of a big problem.
BlueScreenView is a great Nirsoft utility that will show important information if
you have recently suffered a Blue Screen of Death. You should be able to
identify and solve the problem using this information. Below are some
common reasons for BSOD and their solutions.

Read Also: How to Fix “Apps Not Responding” in Windows 10

1. Corrupted drivers

A corrupt driver may be the cause of BSOD. To find that out, use the following
steps:

1. Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run.

2. Here expand each menu and look for a yellow triangle icon next to each
driver.
3. If you find any, right-click on it and select Update Driver Software to
update its driver.
You can also use a third-party app like IObit Driver Booster to automatically
find and fix driver problems.

2. Too much pressure on the RAM

If you open too many programs that RAM can’t handle, then it may freeze
the system and show BSOD. For that, you should either stop opening too
many programs or upgrade the RAM.

3. Faulty hard disk

BSOD is also a sign of a dying hard disk, use the instructions in problem
#11 above to identify hard disk problems.

4. Heating PC

Heating PC also leads to BSOD if too much pressure is put on the

components. Use the instruction in problem #1 to solve it.
13. Blank monitor

If your monitor isn’t showing anything, then this could be a problem with the
monitor itself or the graphics card. You should connect the monitor to
another PC to see whether the problem is with the PC or the monitor.

If the monitor isn’t powering on at all, then replace the power cable with a
working one and see if it helps. Here is a good article on how to fix a monitor
that isn’t showing anything.

14. Monitor goes black after few seconds

If the monitor goes black after few seconds of display, then it could be a
problem with the color quality or screen adjustment. Press the auto-adjust
button on your monitor to see if it fixes it. If not, then you will have to change
display color from 32bit to 16 bit.

You can connect the PC to another monitor to adjust colors from your
graphics card settings. Pressing the auto-adjust may show the display for
few seconds. You can use this to your advantage and adjust the color while
pressing auto-adjust.

15. Keyboard issues

If your keyboard is making noise and won’t type repeated words properly,
then there is no problem with the keyboard. You must have enabled toggle
keys and filter keys in Windows settings that cause such a problem. To
disable them:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on Ease of Access.

2. Here click on Change how your keyboard works button.
3. Now uncheck the checkbox next to Toggle keys and Filter Keys to
solve this problem.
Rounding up

Many of the above hardware problems can be easily fixed by tweaking the
settings or using a software. However, some of them will definitely require
you to pay a visit to the computer repair shop.

It’s good to at least know what is wrong with your PC so you can take the
measures accordingly. Do let us know in the comments if you faced any PC
hardware problem before and how you solved it.