Hardware Troubleshooting
Hardware Troubleshooting Steps
* Ensure there is no bad device driver loaded
If you installed any device driver recently you can remove it from device manager http://drivers-tool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/device-manager.jpg by booting into safe mode (press F8 during boot up).
* Ensure the memory, CPU, and hard drive are all connected tight. Remove cards that you don't need while troubleshooting.
* Ensure the fans can turn. If a fan is stuck -- unplug it (replace after troubleshooting).
* Run a check disk to scan the hard drive for errors.
* Check the memory for errors. If Windows is working you can run MemTest http://download.cnet.com/MemTest/3000-2094_4-77167.html
For a thorough memory test, boot to memtest86 http://www.memtest86.com
If you need iso burning software, Active ISO Burner http://download.cnet.com/Active-ISO-Burner/3000-2646_4-10602452.html works well and it's free.
* If these things don't fix it, test the power supply or have a computer shop test it for you. It may be bad or you may need a larger one.
* If the hardware is all good you can do a Windows repair by booting to the Windows installation disc.
Set the BIOS to boot to disc by pressing F2, F12, Esc or Delete during bootup.
* If you need a Windows installation disc
Ask your teacher, school IT lab or student bookstore how to obtain the free Microsoft MSDN Academic Alliance http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx version of the software.
More student discounts from Microsoft here http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows/default.aspx
Alternatively, pay GreenPCSupport to troubleshoot
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Utilities