Learn lessons from PC crashes and delays to avoid next mishap
The Hindu Viruses and other
forms of malware can also make the computer unusable, which is why everyone
should have up-to-date anti-virus software.
Most computer users live in fear of a crashed computer and lost
data, or are frustrated by a computer that seems to take hours to perform the
simplest task. The trick is to learn from these problems and either fix the
computer before the worst happens, or at least make sure it never happens
again.
This is not work that can only be performed by experts. Even a
blue screen can be helpful, since Windows uses it to deliver a Bug Check Code,
which gives some hint about the cause of the problem.
Thus, the message KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED indicates a problem
with a driver. Microsoft provides a complete list of all check codes — and
possible solutions — online. Such tips are necessary; otherwise any effort to
fix a computer can quickly turn into a waste of time.
“Unfortunately, the diagnosis is anything but easy,” says Hans
Ludwig Stahl, director of the Institute for Computer Science at the Cologne
University of Applied Sciences. Problems can stem from issues with either
hardware or software. Or the PC could be having resource issues related to
working memory or hard drive space.
Stahl recommends seeking the source of the problem in the recent
past. “Maybe the problem cropped up right after putting in a new piece of
hardware or installation of some new software.” If that’s the case, remove the
potential source of the problem as a test. Maybe the computer will work fine
without it.
Sometimes combinations of hardware, software and operating system
simply don’t work, says Stahl. “That can always happen with open systems like
Windows.” In a worst case scenario, that can mean living without the problem
hardware or software. Sometimes a patch or a new driver from the website of a
manufacturer can help. Or maybe the computer just wasn’t prepared properly for
the new hardware. For example, new working memory will only function with the
right settings for BIOS, the foundation of the PC’s firmware.
In such a case, beginners should leave any major changes to
experts.
“A sudden crash usually indicates defective hardware,” says
Harald Goerl, who focuses on operating systems and computer architecture at the
University of the Bundeswehr in Munich.
On the other hand, if problems develop slowly over time instead
of all at once, it indicates a resource problem, such as a lack of hard drive
space or too little working memory. This can be solved with more kit, or by
cleaning out the hard drive.
If a computer crashes after it has been running for a while,
other problems might be manifesting themselves.
“That can just be a problem with heat,” says Stahl. Many
computers indicate overheating with a beeping sound — not from the loudspeaker,
but directly out of the computer’s housing. In such cases, the PC should be
opened so the ventilator can be cleared of dust. Laymen can easily do this
task, usually with a small brush or pressurised air.
If, after a hardware check, a cleaning of the housing and a virus
scan, the problem still exists, then users will have to consider the
possibility of a problem with the operating system.
“That is often the biggest problem and it can never be completely
ruled out,” says Goerl. Just the core of Windows has 70 million lines of
programming code, creating more than enough possibilities for problems to crop
up.
If that’s the case, consider a new installation — but only after
you’ve exhausted all other options. Also consider whether Windows’ regular
updates are making the system slower.
“The operating system is always getting bigger because of them,”
says Stahl. The bigger the system, the longer it takes to boot up or call up
programs. But don’t avoid the updates either, he warns, as they usually contain
files to close up serious security gaps.
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