Preventative Maintenance & Troubleshooting
(Based on 15 years experience by EPO/CEE Co.)


A. Comments on Troubleshooting Experiences

1. To determine if hardware or software is causing the trouble, put new, formatted hard drive in computer and see if performance is ok on bootup. If performance is not ok, then trouble is caused by hardware. If performance is ok, then trouble is caused by software on old hard drive. This approach separates software from hardware problems real fast. (Must have known good hard drive for this method.)

2. If massive problem with software, problem may be tough to fix since it may be hard to backup data, download new drivers, etc. (May not have web connection available for drivers, patches, etc.) May have to use manufacturer's restore disc and start all over (i.e., reinstall operating system and destroy data or repair operating system without destroying data.)

3. To free hard drive of virus, remove contaminated hard drive and install as slave drive in uncontaminated computer. Use hard drive on master computer to scan and cleanse contaminated, slave hard drive.

4. To free hard drive of spyware, popups, and other malware, job is currently very tough. Responsibility is up to consumer to stay away from risky web sites using best common sense and behavior possible. Adware, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Armour? from Computer Associates can be used for this problem.

5. To check out integrity of RAM modules, remove all RAM and reinsert one module at a time in first slot and then reboot. Bad RAM module may show itself when exposed by itself. RAM screen dump on Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) may point toward problem.

6. Biggest problems with hardware parts: RAM, power supply (quality is marginal or insufficient for requirements), adapter cards becoming unseated (reseat occasionally), dust buildups, and poor fan performance (e.g., fan wears out, slows down/stopped by dust and oil).

7. If Defrag calls for Scandisk-Thorough and, then, Defrag still won't go through, file system probably corrupt somewhere and reformatting indicated.

8. Operating system compatibility trick: To install higher operating system, don't need lower operating system installed. Just need to show you have lower operating system disc. During install of higher operating system upgrade, insert lower operating system disc at proper time and, then, continue install of higher operating system.

9. Is there a universal diagnostic tool available? Probably not. Be very careful what you use for this purpose.

10.Can use USB migration tools or XP file and config settings wizard to transfer files and data from one computer to another.

11. Registration of Windows XP: Used to reduce piracy. May be able to use same XP disc on two computers provided they have identical hardware.

12. Using new, USB peripherals with old, parallel port computers. New peripheral may work with parallel-to-USB adapter cable - depends on complexity of duplex data exchange. Other approach is to install USB adapter card in old computer. Approach probably not feasible or too costly for laptop.


B. Comments on Preventative Maintenance Experiences

1. To avoid lightning problems, power down and unplug from line and phone jack. EPO/CEE always get a lot of new modem business after a bad storm because of this!

2. Should the BIOS be upgraded? Usually, bad idea to do this - too much potential for something to go wrong. Computer then totally unusable!

3. Always a good idea to partition hard drive (can use manufacturer's software). If case of backup or reformatting, only need to work with the partition in question not entire hard drive.

4. Backing up with specialized software and slave hard drive is good idea. Can be fast, effective way to backup.

5. Should computer be turned off or left on? Depends on usage pattern. If being used frequently during the day, then let run. If used to check email and a little Solitaire in the morning, then shutdown.

6. Use incremental backup approach if you have a large hard drive.

7. Hard drive manufacturers (e.g., Western Digital, Maxtor) have free software to backup their hard drives.

8. Installing new software: Uninstall old version(s) before installing new version. At very least, install new version in different folder than first.

9. Keep dust out of computer case. Keep computer off floor and blow out dust balls every six months or so. Use canned air and do it outside so dust doesn't get back in computer. Be careful when using canned air - it's not always air. Some canned air cans contain DFE (difluroethane which is an asphixiant and somewhat flammable.)

10. Be careful when adding additional fans inside computer, you may do more harm than good.

11. Be careful when adding air filter on computer air intake. You may do more harm than good.

12. Remove old software from your computer.

13. On laptops with docking stations, undock before reloading operating system.


C. Comments on Build vs. Buy Decision When Purchasing a New Computer

1. Retail computers (e.g., HP, Dell, etc.) more often mass produced with their own parts and as integrated motherboard units where common components (e.g., video, sound, modem) are built in as one piece/part. Troubleshooting and other matters often more difficult because of distance involved. Often more difficult for customer to deal with problems later on. For plain-vanilla computer for beginner with no special computing needs, Wal-Mart may offer best approach overall.

2. Custom, locally built computers usually offer more parts flexibility in that video, sound, modem parts are not integral part of motherboard. As a result, these parts can be purchased up front per customer desires. Cost is often about the same as above retail computers since no advantage of production scale is available. Warranty is usually one year parts and labor. Fixing computer later can sometimes offer strain on customer relations since customer can easily return to shop and expect free service.