Helpful hintsHelpful hints

Cannot Print
With the computer and printer switched off, check all cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer. Start the computer after you have done this then test printing. Ensure the printer has not run out of ink or toner. If you have an ink jet printer, the print heads may require cleaning. The printer's instruction manual will show you how to run through the head cleaning process. Try printing from the program you are running. When the print preferences/options appear, make sure the correct printer is selected. If the printer is not displayed in the list of available printers, you may need to re-install the printer driver. A Windows printer test page (Windows95 or later) can be printed by selecting the 'Printers' or 'Printers & faxes' icon in Control Panel. Right click on the printer you are experiencing difficulty printing to then select 'Properties' from the menu. Click on the 'Print test page' button. For help on how to install or update printer drivers or any other printer related problems, Dr. PC can take a look at the problem either at your premises or in our workshop.
Clicking noises coming from computer case; computer freezes at times
This is often the first sign that your Hard Disk Drive has developed a fault. If this is the case the resulting physical damage to the drive may lead to loss of data, damage to applications preventing them from running or even complete failure of the drive, hence rendering the computer completely unusable. If you are experiencing such problems, back up your important data immediately (critical data should be backed up regularly regardless of whether or not you're experiencing problems). Running a disk utility such as the Windows Scandisk program will usually determine whether there are physical problems with the drive. Such programs can usually correct minor problems before they become worse. Dr. PC can back up your data (providing the files can be accessed), replace Hard Disk Drives and transfer data back to your new drive.
Computer powers up but no image on display
If you experience a series of beeps but no image when the computer is switched on the culprit could be a failed component inside the computer such as memory or video/graphics card. Such symptoms can also result when a component inside the computer has become dislodged. If there is no image and no beeping sounds, it is quite likely either the CPU or mainboard has failed. Depending upon the age of the machine replacing the faulty component may be an option or you may be able to opt for an upgrade. Dr. PC can diagnose and replace failed components or sell you a complete new system custom built to your specific needs.
Loud noise coming from inside the computer - everything seems to be working OK though
One or more of the cooling fans within your computer may be failing or something may be brushing against the blades of one of the fans. Components within computers that commonly use a cooling fan include the CPU, Power Supply Unit and video/graphics card. Particularly in the case of the CPU and Power Supply Unit it is critical that the fan be operating normally to avoid costly damage due to overheating. Poorly assembled computer systems can result in internal cables brushing against fans. Apart from the obvious noise problem this can result in electrical short circuit and/or damage to the fan. Whatever the situation, Dr. PC can diagnose the cause of the noise problem and undertake the necessary servicing to rectify.
Upon switching on the computer an 'Operating system not found' message is displayed
Firstly you need to try and recall what you last did with the computer. Did you open up the computer case and fiddle with any cables? Did you install some new software or uninstall any software? Did you delete any files? If you answered yes to the first question you may have knocked a Hard Disk Drive connector loose or, if you intentionally disconnected a Hard Disk Drive connector, you may have forgotten to reconnect it. If you answered yes to any of the other questions, your operating system may have been damaged, files critical to the running of the operating system may have been deleted or your Hard Disk Drive may have failed. Dr. PC are able to re-install operating systems. If your data can still be accessed, we can back up your files to CD or transfer them to a new Hard Disk Drive.
No lights appear on my computer - there are no beeps or humming sounds either
These symptoms usually indicate a failed Power Supply Unit however may simply be a cable problem. Ensure all cables are securely connected to the rear of the computer and that the power cable is securely connected to a power point. Ensure the power point is actually working by connecting another device to it. If you have a power socket or power board with overload and/or surge protection, press the relevant button to reset it. If none of these suggestions help, the Power Supply Unit has probably failed. Replacement of the PSU will usually correct the problem however it is always possible that other components inside the machine have failed too. Dr. PC can supply and install Intel and AMD certified replacement Power Supply Units either on-site or in our workshop.
Computer starts up but no image on the monitor
A few simple tests will usually determine the item of hardware causing the problem. Determine whether there is a light lit on the monitor. If not, ensure the monitor is switched on and all cables are plugged in. If the power light still does not come on the power supply unit in your monitor may have failed. Dr. PC can quote you on a repair to your monitor or sell you a new monitor from our extensive range of brands, sizes and display technologies. If the light on the monitor is lit but amber in colour, the video/graphics card in the computer may be faulty or not correctly installed. If the light is green the cause of the problem will most likely be another hardware component inside your computer. Dr. PC can supply you with any hardware component or an on site Technician can visit your premises to replace parts.
Windows 98 computer will not run Windows - it halts at the Windows start up screen then goes blank
This usually indicates a Windows registry problem caused by hardware problems or corrupt software. Firstly try to recall the last thing you did on or to the computer. Perhaps you installed or uninstalled some software (program) or a hardware component. Often in this situation you can get Windows to load by pressing the F8 key whilst the computer is booting in order to display the Windows Start Up Menu. Selecting the 'Safe Mode' option from this menu may enable the computer to load Windows. This may allow you to reverse the last thing you did be it software installation/removal or hardware device driver installation/removal. If this procedure has no effect or you cannot even get the computer to boot in Safe Mode you should contact Dr. PC for professional help. Dr. PC are able to restore registry files if they have been damaged or, in the worst case scenario, re-install Windows for you. We can also properly re-install or remove software and/or hardware that has been incorrectly installed or removed in the first place.
Windows 98 computer 'blue screens' and/or gives illegal operation messages after connecting a new USB device
With most USB devices is pays to install the accompanying software before connecting the device to the computer. To rectify this problem boot Windows in Safe Mode (press F8 after switching the computer on and keep tapping the F8 key until you see the Windows 98 Startup Menu - select Safe Mode) then uninstall the drivers Windows automatically installed when the USB device was first connected to the computer. Re-start the computer with the USB device disconnected and install the software that accompanied the device. It may also be advantageous to go to the web site for manufacturer of the device you are installing and download any driver/software updates. Once the driver installation is complete, connect the USB device. If problems persists contact Dr. PC.
No sound from speakers; no sound when an audio CD is played in CD drive
Ensure the audio cable from the speakers is connected to the rear of the computer and that the speakers are switched on (if relevant). In Windows open Control Panel, click on the 'System' icon then select the 'Device Manager' tab at the top of the box that appears. Check for hardware conflicts - items of hardware with conflict or other problems will be displayed with an exclamation mark next to them. If a problem shows here driver or other software for your sound card may need to be re-installed or updated. Your sound card could also have developed a fault. If you have placed an audio CD in the computer's CD drive but received no sound output from the speakers, an audio cable may not have been installed for your CD drive. CD drives require an audio cable to connect directly to the sound card in the computer in order to play audio CDs properly. Dr. PC can replace sound cards, correctly install and configure drivers and install an audio cable at your premises or in our workshop.
Computer keeps crashing/freezing/giving illegal operations and blue screening
These sort of symptoms are among the most common. Some causes may relate to problems detailed above however there is no single cause as the same symptoms can be caused by multiple factors.