PC lifesavers - Part 2

Safe Mode
When Windows struggles or even refuses to launch, there are a couple of solutions to get you up and running in the short term. The first option is called Safe Mode. This forces Windows to a very basic state of readiness, allowing you to rescue any important files before taking further action.

The option to start Windows in Safe Mode will sometimes appear if your computer has crashed and you've had to restart it by switching the power off and on again. If such an option does not appear and you cannot start Windows, try pressing F5 immediately after powering up the computer. A list of options on starting Windows will appear. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select Safe Mode. There are various Safe Mode options (e.g., with networking support, to enable an internet connection) but you may want to try the simplest one first. Press Enter to continue.

If successful, Windows will open and the words Safe Mode will be displayed in the corners of the screen. For Windows XP, a message box will appear with the option to either proceed with Safe Mode (the Yes button) or use System Restore to revert the computer's settings to a previous set-up and hopefully resolve any problems caused by recent changes.

Click on the No button in this message box and follow the instructions on screen. On the other hand, if you suspect that this won't be of much help and would rather continue to load Windows in Safe Mode in order to back up essential files, click on Yes instead.

If your computer can only start in Safe Mode, there may be a virus or a software or hardware problem. Antivirus software such as Symantec's Norton AntiVirus can be run from the installation CD after starting the computer to see if a virus is preventing Windows from opening. Just insert the installation CD into the computer's CD drive upon start up. If your computer isn't configured to read CDs upon start up, you'll find detailed instructions on how to set it up to do so in our guide to your PC's BIOS.

Most software problems should be resolved using the suggestions we've supplied here but if the problem persists a complete re-installation of Windows may be the only answer. You can use Safe Mode to back up any important files and folders, then begin re-installing. Windows XP allows you to insert the installation CD when starting the computer and begin a new installation immediately.

Safe Mode can also be used to troubleshoot suspected hardware faults. When an internal piece of computer equipment fails, such as a sound card, the computer may refuse to start normally but will start in Safe Mode. Suspect equipment can be disabled, then Windows restarted to see if this equipment is to blame. This is often a process of elimination, so disable one piece of hardware at a time.

To disable a hardware component, right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. From the dialogue box that appears, click on the Hardware tab and select Device Manager (just click on the Device Manager tab for earlier versions of Windows). A list of your computer's hardware will appear. Click on the plus ('+') symbols to expand sections of hardware.

Once you've found the entry for the suspect device, you probably won't be able to test it in Safe Mode, so right-click on it and choose Disable (for earlier Windows versions, choose Properties and look for a Disable option).

After disabling hardware in Windows XP, a red cross will appear alongside its entry. You can now close Device Manager and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, it's a safe bet that the disabled hardware is to blame for the previous problems, and it may need a repair or replacing. If the computer still refuses to start normally, return to Safe Mode, open the Device Manager and reverse the above process to enable the hardware again, then choose other hardware to disable.

Simple solutions first
When it comes to hardware problems it's easy to overlook the simple solutions. Sometimes a quick check of power switches and cabling will bear fruit. A black on-off switch at the back of the computer (usually has '1/0' markings next to it) has been the cause of much colourful language when a computer won't even flicker into life. General electrical problems such as a blown fuse or loose wiring in the mains plug may also be to blame.

It's also possible that a blown power supply unit is the cause of a computer's lack of life. This particular problem is cheap to fix and a good local computer shop will help you out for around £40. Component failure due to overheating is often caused by a build-up of dust and gunk around your PC's fan outlet, which limits the cooling of internal hardware. So get the vacuum out and see if it helps.

Drivers for hardware are also regular causes of problems. These can be viewed through the Device Manager. Right-click on any hardware l isted here and select Properties. From the dialogue box that appears you can see if there are any problems with the hardware. There is also an option to update the driver, which may help (a web connection is required).

Hardware issues such as changing a faulty hard disk and replacing unreliable memory modules are straightforward if you know your way around the insides of a PC. Some of our Workshops have covered replacing such items, but don't take on something you are unsure of. A specialist computer shop is the safest solution if you don't know what you're doing.

All is not lost
When a major computer disaster hits you, you're often left thinking 'if only ...' as you desperately try to recover lost files and get your computer up and running again. Naturally, some disasters can be avoided with up-to-date antivirus software, a stringent backup routine and regular maintenance. If you rely heavily on a computer, it's good to have a contingency plan in place, such as a second computer you can transfer your files to and continue working.

The more serious the problem, the better it is to work through difficulties slowly and methodically, making notes of errors, screen messages and symptoms. This information can then be fed back to anyone trying to help you. Computer problems can be frustrating but as we hope to have demonstrated, calm and a few precautionary measures are key to finding a solution.

The Microsoft Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base is a virtual font of information for the resolution of most common (and some not-so-common) Windows PC problems. It stores thousands of articles on how to resolve computer hiccups and heart-stoppers experienced by users over the years.

From the screen that opens, you can search for articles relating to a particular problem or piece of software. There are drop-down lists to specify specific software, boxes to enter keywords to search for and options to ignore older, out-of-date articles. Click on the green Go button to see if the Knowledge Base can find any articles to help. A list of search results will appear and you can select an article to read it in full.

You'll find more information on the Knowledge Base, along with other ways to find help and answers on the Microsoft website, in our feature on the subject, A guide to microsoft.com.

Ask an expert
The internet is awash with websites and discussion groups that are frequented by people willing to share their knowledge to help fix PC problems. The Computeractive forum, for example, lists many problems that have been posted by our readers, allowing other readers and visitors to the site to provide advice and help.

Microsoft's Product Support Newsgroups are another online location where problems can be aired, shared and hopefully resolved. You'll find more information on using these at Microsoft Technical Communitites.

Other websites to consider for help include Virtual DR, where you can post problems and search for solutions, though be willing to occasionally disappear off track following links to other sites that contain relevant information. The forum on the popular Win Drivers website can be rather technical, but is well organised and contains informative discussions.

Some of the inevitable disadvantages of using a forum have to do with the advice received. There is no guarantee that it will be accurate, or even that you will be able to understand it. However, you have nothing to lose by asking - so don't be afraid to try.

The best cure
Use an up-to-date virus checker and firewall to prevent viruses and hackers from attacking your computer. Back up important files onto a CD, or use backup software to automate the job.

Applications such as Symantec's Norton Ghost (£45) and Drive Image (£40) can be used to back up an entire hard disk, which in the event of all data and programs being lost, can be used to quickly transfer files needed to get your system up and running again. Visit Symantec for more information on this pair of products. Offerings such as Roxio Easy Media Creator 7, available for £70, can be used to back up onto DVD.

Remember to make good use of Windows XP's System Restore facility, which will enable you to return the computer's settings to a previous (working) state. This is useful if some changes have been made which are causing the computer to be faulty, but it doesn't always resolve problems. Symantec'sGoBack behaves in a similar fashion and is also useful for pre-XP versions of Windows. This is only available with Norton System Works, which includes Norton Antivirus and other protection programs for around £50.