4. Test for Bad Memory (RAM)
Bad
memory can manifest itself in anything from frequent error messages and
crashes to your system simply not starting. Errors in your computer's
memory (RAM) aren't always consistent, either; they can be intermittent
and can get worse over time.
Problems
due to using the wrong kind of memory are not uncommon; to find out
which type of memory you should use, consult the documentation that
accompanies your computer or motherboard. If you have no such
literature, check the web site of the computer or motherboard
manufacturer and find out for sure before you just jam something in
there. Odds are, your friend's old memory modules not only won't work in
your system, but they're probably responsible for that burning smell,
too.
The first thing you
should do is pull out each memory module and make sure there isn't any
dust or other obstruction between the pins and your motherboard (use a
dry tissue or lens-cleaning paper; don't use any liquids or solvents).
Look for broken or bent sockets, metal filings or other obstructions,
and, of course, any smoke or burn marks. Make sure all your modules are
seated properly; they should snap into place and should be level and
firm (don't break them testing their firmness, of course).
The second is to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
The
third method of testing for bad memory is to go to your local computer
store and just buy more. It may only be necessary to buy a single
additional module, because most likely only one module in your system is
actually faulty (make sure you get the right kind). Next,
systematically replace each module in your computer with the one you've
just acquired, and test the system by turning it on. If the problem
seems to be resolved, you've most likely found the culprit—throw it out
immediately. If the system still crashes, try replacing the next
module with the new one, and repeat the process. If you replace all the
memory in your system and the problem persists, there may be more than
one faulty memory module, or the problem may lie elsewhere, such as a
bad CPU or motherboard (or you may even find that you're not using the
correct memory in the first place).
You
can, of course, also take this opportunity to add more memory to your
system (possibly replacing all your existing modules). Adding memory is
one of the best ways to improve overall system performance; see the "How to Buy Memory" sidebar, next, for more information.
There
are no two ways about it: the more memory, the better (at least up to a
point). Adding more memory to a computer will almost always result in
better performance, and will help reduce crashes as well. Windows loads
drivers, applications, and documents into memory until it's full; once
there's no more memory available, Windows starts pulling large chunks of
information out of memory and storing them on your hard disk to make
room for the applications that need memory more urgently. Because your
hard disk is substantially slower than memory, this "swapping"
noticeably slows down your system. The more memory you have, the less
frequently Windows will use your hard disk in this way, and the faster
your system will be. The
nice thing about memory is that it is a cheap and easy way to improve
performance. When Windows 3.x was first released, 32 MB of RAM cost
around a thousand dollars. The same quantity of memory (and a faster
variety) available at the release of Windows Vista costs less than a
ticket to the movies. The
type of memory you should get depends solely on what your motherboard
demands—refer to the documentation that came with your motherboard or
computer system for details. There are many different brands of memory,
and some are simply known for better reliability and stability. Some
motherboards require more expensive varieties (and some even demand
certain brands), so do your research before you buy. That
simply leaves one thing to think about: quantity. In short, get as much
memory as you can afford. Like everything else, though, there is a
point of diminishing returns. 1 GB (1,024 MB) is probably the lowest
amount you should tolerate on a Windows Vista system. Lastly,
memory comes in individual modules, which are inserted into slots on
your motherboard. The higher the capacity of each module, the fewer
you'll need—the fewer modules you use, the more slots you'll leave open
for a future upgrade. Sometimes, however, lower-capacity modules can be a
better deal (costing fewer dollars per megabyte). |
5. Don't Overlook the Power Supply
Every
time I encounter a problem that seems to have no reasonable explanation
(on a desktop PC, that is), the culprit has been the power supply. I'm
beginning to think it's a conspiracy.
Say,
all of a sudden, one of your storage devices (hard disk, tape drive,
etc.) starts malfunctioning, either sporadically or completely. You try
removing and reinstalling the drivers (if any), you replace all the
cables, and you take out all the other devices. You may even completely
replace the device with a brand-new one—and it still doesn't work. Odds
are your power supply needs to be replaced.
Your
computer's power supply runs all of your internal devices, as well as
some of your external ones (i.e., the keyboard, the mouse, and most USB
devices). If your power supply isn't able to provide adequate power to
all your hardware, one or more of those devices will suffer.
The
power supplies found in most computers are extremely cheap, a fact that
ends up being the cause of most power supply problems. This means that
it doesn't make too much sense to replace one cheap unit with another
cheap unit, even if the replacement has a higher wattage rating.
Power
supplies are rated by the amount of power they can provide (in watts);
most computers come with 200–300W supplies, but many power users end up
needing 350–400W. The problem with power ratings, however, is that most
of those cheap power supplies don't hold up under the load. A cheap 400W
unit may drop under 300W when you start connecting devices, but better
supplies can supply more than enough power for even the most demanding
systems, and will continue to provide reliable operations for years to
come. A well-made power supply will also be heavy and have multiple
fans, as well as being a bit more expensive than the $20 landfill fodder
lining most store shelves.
Possible
exceptions are portable computers, which may not have user-replaceable
power supplies. However, the need for increased power is generally only
applicable to a desktop system that can accommodate several additional
internal devices, so the matter is pretty much moot.
6. Fix USB Power Management Issues
Power
management is a common cause of USB problems; if Windows is able to
shut down your USB controller to save power, it sometimes won't be able
to power it back up again, which will prevent some USB devices
(especially scanners) from working.
To prevent Windows from "managing" power to your USB controller or devices, follow these steps:
Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers branch.
Double-click the USB Root Hub device, and choose the Power Management tab.
Turn off the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option, and click OK when you're done.
7. Fix Printer Problems
A
lot of people are having trouble printing in Vista, but nearly all
their problems can be narrowed down to two areas: cables and drivers.
If
you're experiencing poor printing speed, errors, or garbled output,
eliminate any USB hubs you might be using, and plug your printer
directly into your PC. If you're out of USB ports, consider connecting
your printer directly to your network.
As
for drivers, the problem that plagues many printers is that the drivers
provided by the printer manufacturer try to do too much, and as a
result, bog down your system (and your printing) with extraneous
programs and dialog boxes. If Windows Vista supports your printer out of
the box, consider abandoning the fancy drivers that came with your
printer in favor of the plain-vanilla ones Microsoft provides.
Otherwise,
many common printer problems involve incorrect paper: use laser paper
for laser printers, and inkjet paper for inkjet printers—avoid the
"multipurpose" junk. Also, the ink cartridges in inkjet printers are
usually cheaply made and therefore are one of the first things to fail;
simply installing a new ink cartridge will fix many printing problems.
Better yet, discard your disposable inkjet printer and replace it with a
nice, fast, color laser printer.
