6 Common Computer Problems And How To Tell If They Are Hardware Or Software Related

Computer problems are unavoidable. They’re an unfortunate part of the technological world. Computers, like humans, can get sick and need time off to recover. Sometimes they will be running without any issues for months or even years before something goes wrong that requires a repair or getting a brand new device. The problem is figuring out what exactly went wrong, so you know how to fix it. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that will help you identify whether your computer’s issue is hardware or software-related!

1. Failing to boot up 

If your computer isn’t starting up, it’s likely a hardware problem. This could be anything from the power supply to the motherboard or even the CPU itself. If you’re lucky, it might just be a loose cable or something that’s easily fixable. However, if it is something more serious like a failed hard drive, then you’ll need to take your computer in for repairs. If you’re seeing any kind of error message when trying to start up your computer, that’s also a good indicator that there is a hardware issue. The most common one is “No Operating System Found” which usually means there is an issue with the bootloader on your PC.

2. Blue Screen Problem

A blue screen is often indicative of a hardware problem. The blue screen error code will give you a clue as to what’s wrong with your computer. If it’s something like “0x000000C19” then it might be an issue with your memory modules. “0x0000001E” usually means there is a problem with your drivers. If you’re seeing this kind of error, it’s best to take your PC in for repairs, so that the technician can diagnose the specific issue.

3. Corrupted Files

One of the most common software-related problems is corrupted files. This can be caused by anything from a virus to an improper shutdown. If your computer is constantly freezing or crashing, it’s likely that you have some corrupted files on your system. The best way to fix this is to use a tool like CCleaner to scan and repair them.

4. Random Computer Crashes

If your computer is crashing for no apparent reason, it’s likely a software issue. This could be caused by anything from an incompatible driver to corrupted system files. The best way to troubleshoot this problem is to run a malware scan and then do a clean install of your OS.

5. Overheating

One of the most common hardware problems is overheating. This happens when your computer’s cooling system can’t keep up with its processing power and starts getting overwhelmed. Some signs that you’re having an overheating problem include high CPU usage, laggy performance, slow startup times, random shutdowns, or even blue screens. If this does happen to you then it might be time for a new PC!

6. Slow Internet

If your Internet is not working properly, it’s likely a hardware problem. This can be due to any number of issues from faulty wiring to an overloaded router. The first thing you should do is check all of the connections on your modem and then test out different wireless channels as this will help identify whether or not there are any problems with your Wi-Fi connection. In some cases, it might even mean that you need a more powerful router in order for multiple people to use the Internet at once!

There you have it – 6 quite common computer-related issues we have all experienced. If you are not sure what the problem is with your device and you need some professional advice, give us a call at (845) 735-1381!