15 common computer errors and how to fix them.

In this article, let's explore 15 common computer errors with TipsMake!

1. The computer is frozen.

A frozen computer is a fairly common problem when using a laptop or PC for an extended period. When this happens, you will be unable to move the mouse or use the keyboard.

Causes:  Software conflicts during installation, running multiple programs simultaneously, CPU overheating due to faulty heatsinks or cooling fans, and sometimes even faulty drivers.

How to fix it:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Update to the latest operating system.
3. For software errors: Simply uninstall and reinstall the software on your computer.
4. Remove the CPU and clean some components such as the cooling fan, RAM, and install a hard drive cooling fan.
5. Repair or replace the hard drive, but remember to back up your data before doing so.

2. Hard drive failure

The hard drive is the component responsible for storing, retrieving data, and running software systems on a computer. If used for a long time, hard drive failures are inevitable, directly affecting computer operations. More seriously, it can lead to the loss of important data stored on your computer.

Identifying signs:

1. The computer frequently freezes, lags, and slows down, and the hard drive often makes strange noises.
2. The hard drive is showing the error  'Hard disk Corrupted' .
3. The computer or laptop is making a loud noise.
4. The hard drive is recognized in the BIOS but not in Windows.

Reason: 

1. Hard drives often experience performance degradation due to constantly running demanding tasks for extended periods.
2. Hard drive fragmentation:  After a period of use, data will fill the disk without proper organization and distribution, leading to data overload on a particular partition.

How to fix it: 

1. Replace the hard drive with a new one.
2. Use software to repair hard drive errors such as Norton Save & Restore 2.0, HDD Regenerator, etc.  (Note: You need to back up all your data before doing this to avoid data loss. )

3. Keyboard error

The keyboard is one of the most important parts of a computer, considered the primary means of communication between humans and computers. After prolonged use, computer keyboards can become worn out, keys may come loose, or malfunction.

Solution:  You should replace the computer keyboard with a new one.

Note: It is necessary to choose the correct keyboard from the same brand as your computer to avoid driver or software conflicts.

4. Unable to connect to Wi-Fi

Unable to connect to Wi-Fi is a fairly common problem when using laptops or PCs.

Cause:  This could be due to incorrect settings by the installer, or a faulty modem, or an unstable internet connection.

How to fix it:  Depending on the specific computer model and operating system installed, you may be able to resolve this issue in different ways.

1. First, you need to check to make sure the Wi-Fi network is working, then check the IP address to see if the computer is configured correctly.
2. Some devices have a Wi-Fi on/off button right on the keyboard; you need to check if it's turned on.
3. Consider reconfiguring your ISP's modem or router.
4. If you've tried all the steps on your computer and still can't connect to Wi-Fi, you need to contact your internet service provider for assistance.

5. The battery is not charging.

A laptop failing to charge is a common problem many users encounter. After prolonged use, the battery life gradually decreases, and sometimes the laptop shuts down after only a few minutes of startup. 

Reason: 

1. Power supply problems include: being switched off, malfunctioning, or having no power, etc.
2. The battery becomes worn out/damaged after prolonged use.
3. The charger/charging cable is broken.
4. The charging port is loose, leading to an unstable connection between the charger and the computer's charging port.
5. An overheating computer can also prevent the battery from charging, and can damage or shorten the battery's lifespan, or even lead to other consequences such as fire or explosion.

How to fix it:

1. Check the power supply.
2. Check the charger and charging cable; if they are damaged, they must be replaced.
3. Replace the laptop battery.

6. The hard drive is running slowly.

A computer with a slow hard drive will cause operations and programs to load and run more slowly. 

Reason:

1. Because disk fragmentation causes files and data to be scattered out of order, it takes longer for the hard drive and computer to find and retrieve that data.
2. Because the hard drive contains too much data, the computer's processing speed gradually slows down.
3. The hard drive is faulty.
4. Due to viruses or the use of malware.

How to fix it: 

1. Defragmenting your hard drive: See detailed steps here.
2. Regularly clean up your hard drive, deleting unnecessary files and applications from your computer.
3. Install antivirus software on your computer.

7. System failure

When a computer experiences a system failure, you will be unable to boot up or operate your computer.

Cause:  Corrupted system files or hard drive failure.

How to fix it: 

1. Fix the corrupted system file.
2. Completely remove the hard drive from the computer, then connect it to another computer to check for and fix the error.
3. Reinstall the entire operating system on your computer.

8. The machine is overheating.

When computers are used for extended periods, they can easily overheat, leading to conflicts or crashes.

How to fix it:

1. Clean the air vents and cooling fan components of your computer.
2. If cleaning your computer doesn't resolve the issue, you can try upgrading your system's BIOS.

9. Small memory capacity

Storing many large data files or running large software programs can overwhelm your computer's memory.

Solution:  Upgrade or replace your hard drive with a larger capacity one.

Note: It is recommended to choose hard drives that are compatible with your computer model to avoid hard drive conflicts.

10. The screen turns blue.

A blue screen error is when your computer screen suddenly turns blue and displays an error message while you are using it, preventing you from performing any actions on the computer.

Reason: 

1. The driver is incompatible with your computer, or you may have installed the wrong driver for a different version of Windows.
2. The RAM stick and RAM slot in the computer are dirty or faulty. 
3. The Windows version is faulty.
4. Software conflicts.
5. The computer is infected with a virus.
6. If one component in a computer doesn't keep up with the others, it slows down the entire system.

How to fix it: 

1. Remove the computer's RAM stick and clean both the RAM stick and the RAM slot thoroughly, then reinsert it correctly.
2. Install a new version of Windows on your computer.
3. Uninstall the most recently installed software to avoid software conflicts.
4. Scan your computer for viruses.
5. Upgrade or replace your hard drive.

11. Unable to install applications/software.

Installing applications or software on a computer is a familiar task for many computer users. However, in many cases, you may encounter annoying messages from Windows such as refusing to run or reporting errors, etc. 

Reason: 

1. Installing software or applications that are larger than the available space in Windows.
2. Installing an older version before installing a newer version of the software can cause the new version to overwrite the old version already installed on Windows.
3. Many software programs will not understand folder names written in Vietnamese, leading to installation failures. 

How to fix it: 

1. Install with the highest administrative privileges (Run as Administrator).
2. Install the appropriate version.
3. Uninstall the old version before installing the new version of the software.
4. Rename that folder without accents.

12. Unable to set a password for Windows

Another common computer error is the inability to set a password for Windows. When this error occurs, the screen will display the message "  Windows cannot change  the password."

Reason:  You are currently using User privileges, not Admin privileges, therefore you do not have the right to change the password. 

Solution:  Log in to the Administrator account to change the password.

13. Font errors on the computer

Font errors on your computer can prevent you from typing Vietnamese or cause font issues when using a web browser, etc. 

Reason:  Your computer or laptop is missing fonts, or  your browser has a font error.

Solution:  Download and install the Vietnamese font on your computer.

14. The computer network has a yellow exclamation mark.

This situation occurs when the network icon displays a yellow exclamation mark, and you are unable to access the internet on your computer.

Reason: 

1. The network cable is loose, including the connector to the computer and the connector from the modem, switch, etc.
2. The computer's IP address is not within the device's allocated range.
3. The modem and switch are too old.

How to fix it: 

1. Check the connector, delete the Wi-Fi network, and reconnect.
2. Reset your IP address.
3. Change the DNS address.
4. Contact your network provider for support.

15. Computer cannot be shut down.

While using a computer, you may sometimes encounter situations where the computer malfunctions and won't shut down.

Cause:  This could be due to a hardware or software error.

How to fix it: 

1. Check to see if any applications are still open.
2. Disable Fast Bootup to fix the computer not shutting down issue.
3. Use Command Prompt (Admin) to shut down your computer.
4. Disable and reinstall the driver.

In summary, this article has helped you understand the causes of 15 common computer errors and how to fix them easily. We wish you success!