Get free PC help online

First steps
Assuming you still have access to the internet, you’ll find a wealth of troubleshooting options online. First visit your computer manufacturer’s website. Almost all computer companies and internet service providers make free support and self-help options available from their home pages.

Dell, for example, provides multiple ways of getting to the root of the problem. There’s a wizard-based troubleshooter as well as articles grouped by subject or by product model. Dell also offers a remote assistance tool, Dellconnect, and a range of tutorials and how-to guides.

Similar options are available at other manufacturer and retailer websites including Mesh, Asus, and PC World. The same goes for software, peripherals and individual computer components. Got a problem with a graphics card? Visit Nvidia's or AMD's support pages.

Microsoft, too, has its own online support arm, where you’ll find answers to questions about Windows (Vista and XP are both still supported), Office and other software.

Online manufacturer or service provider support is usually offered in three main forms. You’ll almost always find a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQs), which normally take the shape of a searchable database of problems and suggested solutions.

You may also be given a ‘downloads’ option, for the latest versions of drivers (a program that allows Windows to communicate with a peripheral device) and software updates. It’s always worth installing the latest software for your devices and components, as this can often solve a problem outright –­ just make sure you’re downloading the correct version for your hardware. Check precise model numbers and refer to the documentation that came with your devices where necessary.

Most of the hardware in your PC can be found listed in Device Manager –­ go to Start and right-click My Computer in XP (or Computer in Vista) and select Manage. Some of the more elusive internal components and installed software can be identified using a free PC profiling tool such as Belarc Advisor, which scans your computer and lists all the parts inside.