Computer Problems

What's the Problem?
The different error messages and problems that can come up when working on your computer can be annoying, and difficult to get rid of. Sometimes, you can close an error message and continue working. Other times, you may have to resolve the problem before you can continue.

Its possible that you can press CTRL-ALT-DEL, bring up the task manager and close the offending program. Its also common for your computer to completely freeze up while running an application. You may lose control of the mouse, the keyboard may not respond, and the only thing you can do is shut down your computer.

Of course, this can result in lost clusters, cross-linked chains, and corrupted files that may prevent any further use of some programs. It can even affect the operating system files and prevent your computer from starting properly.

The odd error is to be expected. There are hundreds of thousands of software application programs out there, and I'd be willing to bet that not one of them is completely bug free (including your operating system). Certain programs may not release allocated memory properly under certain conditions, or may try to access memory areas that are already allocated or being used by another program or file.

There are files on your computer that are shared by many different programs. Some programs have updates to these files that will automatically overwrite the original file upon installation. In some situations, this can make the file unusable by another program.

Sometimes, two programs may conflict with each other, or, two devices may conflict with each other, trying to use the same resources. TSRs (Terminate and Stay Resident programs) running in the background may prevent other programs from loading or working properly.

Some hardware drivers may conflict with certain application software, causing your computer to freeze or stall.

The odd error can be tolerated. Let's face it, everyone has had problems or errors while working (or playing)on their computer. You turn it off, restart it, and continue working. It's going to happen, and we generally live with it.

The problem is when errors recur continuously, or when they prevent your computer from booting properly, or a program won't work because of a conflict with another program, device, or driver.

So, how do you find the offending program, driver, file, device, or TSR?

Of course, you've already done a virus check, with a current anti-virus program and recent virus signatures (.DAT files). This is the first step. Otherwise, the troubleshooting process could just be adding to the propagation of a virus on your computer.

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