It can be very unsettling to have hardware problems at work, but you don’t necessarily have to call IT support to fix them. The most common hardware problems have simple solutions, and you can often resolve the problem by following a few simple steps. Take a look at some of the most common issues with hardware and how you can fix them.
1. PC Overheating
One common hardware issue is the PC overheating. There are a lot of components inside of your computer’s protective casing, and the cooling system is what prevents your PC from overheating. It isn’t working properly, the components can get too hot and eventually be permanently damaged. An overheating PC can damage your components and cause data loss.
First, check to see if your fan is working. You should be able to hear it when you turn your PC on. If you don’t hear anything, you will need to get the fan repaired or replaced. You can also check the vents to make sure that they aren’t blocked. The PC should sit on a solid surface to make sure that there is plenty of airflow.
Another solution is to clean your PC. Turn it off first and unplug it. Then open the cover and look for dust. You can blow it clean with air and use cotton swabs to clean smaller areas. The key is to remove any dust that is inside.
2. USB Port Not Working
When your USB port isn’t working, it may not be broken. In this case, you may be able to try a few different things to get it working again. Start by restarting your PC. This often solves a lot of different problems, including making your USB port work again.
If it doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling the USB port driver. When you restart your PC, Windows will reinstall it, and this could fix the problem. Start by pressing Windows + R and enter “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog. This will open your device manager. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers option, and then right click on USB Host Controller. Choose Uninstall. Once it is complete, restart your PC and see if your USB port works.
Another option is to disable USB selective suspend. This is a power saving tool that suspends USB ports that are idle or not being used. This way, the PC conserves power. Press Windows + R and type “powercfg.cpl” in the Run dialog. Then, choose Change Plan Settings and then Change Advanced Power Settings. Then, expand USB settings and disable USB selective suspend setting. Now you can restart your PC to find out if this worked.
3. Blank Monitor
One of the most common computer problems is a blank monitor. The first step is to check the power supply cord and the power systems. You can also check the video cable to make sure that it is tight. You might remove it and reconnect it. You will often be able to fix the blank screen this way.
4. Mouse Issues
Most people rely on the mouse to navigate through different apps. Sometimes, you may find that the mouse doesn’t move, has trouble connecting, or freezes on the screen. You may also discover that the mouse is damaged.
Mouse problems can come from damage to the mouse, loss of power, interference, outdated software, being dirty, and more. The first thing you need to do is check the mouse for any hardware damage. Look for any cracks or the ball sticking, and if the mouse is broken, you will want to replace it.
If you can’t find any damage, you can clean the mouse. Make sure that nothing is covering the laser as that will interfere with it. You may also need to change the batteries if you are using a wireless mouse. If you have a rechargeable mouse, you can sit it on the charger for at least 30 minutes and try again.
Try using a different USB port. Unplug your mouse’s receiver and plug it into a different port. You can also clean the port and make sure that it works. Check the drivers and update them. You will find them on the manufacturer’s website.
If you are still having trouble, you can disable the mouse until you can replace it.
5. PC Not Turning on
If you try to turn your PC on and nothing happens, there is usually a problem with the power source. If you are using a desktop PC, check the power and any cords that are connected to your PC. If the outlet and cords are working, you might need to replace your power cable. You can try using the power cable that goes to the monitor to see if it works. If so, you need to replace your PC’s power cable.
If you are using a laptop that isn’t plugged in, you should remove the battery and connect the cable to the laptop. Turn the laptop on to see if it works. If it does work, you will need to replace the battery. Make sure that you disconnect any external devices when you are troubleshooting this problem, as they can cause the problem if they are not working properly.
6. Keyboard Problems
Your keyboard is an important part of your computer, but you may find that it won’t connect, the keys are sticking, or it isn’t typing what you want it to. If you notice that your keyboard isn’t typing words properly, you may have enabled the toggle and filter keys in your settings.
You can fix this by going to the Control Panel, and choose Ease of Access. Then, select Change How Your Keyboard Works. Uncheck boxes next to Toggle Keys and Filter Keys, and this will solve the problem.
Final Words
When you find that you are having a problem with your hardware, it is important to fix it right away. Some issues are not difficult to repair on your own, so it is good to follow steps to figure out what is going on.