(262) 853-4089 pc.assistants@gmail.com
Select Page

Computer Troubleshooting

For the Beginner


Desktop Computer Will Not Turn On

  • Is the computer plugged into a live outlet?  Is there a power switch on the back of the computer, near the power cord?
  • Is the power switch in the On position?
  • When you press the computer power button, do you hear the cooling fans start?
  • Do any indicator lights illuminate, even briefly?  (If not, try unplugging the power cord, wait a minute, reconnect, and  try again.)

Computer Will Not Turn Off
Most new computers have a semi-smart power supply.  If the computer will not turn off using the usual method, try this technique:

  • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds

Laptop Computer Will Not Turn On
Laptop computers can operate from a charged battery or the AC power pack.

  • Is the AC power pack connected and plugged in to a live outlet?
  • Is the charging indicator light illuminated?

Try these steps to reset the laptop start circuitry:

  • Disconnect the power pack
  • Remove the battery
  • Press and hold the On/Off button for a minute
  • Re-install the battery and connect the power pack
  • Try starting the computer as you usually would

No Internet Connection After a Brief Power Outage
Remove the power cord from the cable modem or DSK modem

  • Remove the power cord from the router, if you have one
  • Wait one minute, then reconnect the modem
  • Wait one minute, then reconnect the router, if you have one
  • See if your browser can access the Internet
  • If not, restart the computer
  • See if your browser can access the Internet
  • If not and you are running Windows, try this Ping test:
  • Click the Start button in the lower left of the screen
  • If the cursor is not blinking in a text box, click Run
  • Type “CMD” without the quotes in the text box
  • Press the Enter key
  •  Type “Ping www.google.com” without the quotes
  •  You should see four replies
  •  If not, there is no network connection
  • Type “EXIT” without the quotes and press the Enter key

    Laptop Wireless Connection Not Working
    The most common cause for this is that the wireless is turned off.

    • Check the laptop sides and front for a wireless switch
    • Try turning the wireless on if it is off
    • If you do not find a switch, examine the function keys for a wireless symbol
    • Wireless function keys are commonly F4 or F5
    • Some laptop computers have a separate wireless button above the function keys
    • If found, try pressing the wireless key
    • If the wireless does not turn on,
    • Hold down the Fn key and press the wireless key

    Computer Starts But My Desktop Does Not Appear
    Try starting in Safe Mode:

    • Start or restart the computer
    • After the first screen appears, press the F8 key about once / second
    • On the screen with a black background and  white characters
    • Use the Up or Down arrow key to select Safe Mode
    • Press the Enter key
    • The screen resolution will have changed so icons and text look larger
    • See if your desktop appears
    •  Restart the computer normally

    CD / DVD Tray Will Not Open

    • Locate a standard paper clip
    • Straighten the outer end
    • Locate the small hole near the CD/DVD tray button
    • Push the paper clip straight into the small hole in the panel
    • The tray should open enough for you to gently pull it out

    For Intermediate Users

    No Internet Connection After a Power Outage
    First, try the steps listed in the Basic Troubleshooting section

    • If there is a router in the circuit, unplug the router power cord
    • Locate the network cable that connects the modem to the router
    • Disconnect the modem end of the cable
    • Locate the network cable that connects the computer to the router
    • Disconnect the router end of the cable
    • Plug the router end of the cable into the modem
    • Remove the power cord from the cable modem or DSK modem
    • Wait one minute, then reconnect the modem

    See if your browser can access the Internet

    • If not, restart the computer

    See if your browser can access the Internet

    • If not and you are running Windows, try resetting the network connection:
    • Click the Start button in the lower-left of the screen
    • If the cursor is not blinking in a text box, click Run
    • Type “CMD” without the quotes in the text box
    • Press the Enter key
    • Type “IPCONFIG /RELEASE” without the quotes
    • Press the Enter key and wait ten seconds
    • Type “IPCONFIG /RENEW” without the quotes
    • Press the Enter key and wait ten seconds
    • Type “EXIT” without the quotes and press the Enter key

    See if your browser can access the Internet

    For Advanced Users


    You’ll start seeing tips for the advanced computer user within the next few weeks. Retailers are not the only ones busy this time of year.  PC Assistants has a tight schedule as we help clients shop for new computers and assist in their set-up.