Tech gone wrong and how to fix it. Whether it's our mobile, email or computer something has gone wrong sometime. This is our guide to some fixes.

April 4, 2024

There can be nothing more frustrating than something that was fine yesterday doesn’t work today. We offer solutions to common tech problems.

Quite often there can be a simple solution when dealing with computers/laptops. The first thing to do is to reboot (close and restart), secondly Google the issue and you’ll often find the solution.

Preventing problems is always sensible and thus making sure that whatever operating system you may be using, keep it in good shape by running scans and downloading updates. Use your search facility to run a scan and to check for any operating updates. You should also check for any driver updates. A driver acts as bridge between your hardware and software by communicating with your device’s operating system to ensure connected hardware, like a printer or graphics card, works properly.

There are applications that will do many of these functions for you automatically such as AVG. AVG have a range of software offering various solutions such as effective protection, fine tuning your computer, updating drivers etc. https://www.avg.com/en-gb/homepage#pc  

These are the most frequent issues and how to solve them.

Internet Connectivity Issues:

Restart your router and modem, check for loose cables, and contact your ISP if the issue persists. Check your internet speed (Google speed test). A good download speed is at least 25 Mbps and upload at least 10 Mbps. If you don’t get these speeds consider upgrading your internet plan.

Wi-Fi Problems:

Optimize the placement of your router, use a wired connection for critical devices, update router firmware, and use a Wi-Fi analyzer to choose the best channel. To update your router’s firmware, type your router’s IP address into your web browser and enter your login information. Then locate the Firmware or Update section and download the latest firmware update on your router manufacturer’s website.

Here’s how to find your IP address.

Go to “Settings” and tap “Connections.”

Tap on “Wi-Fi.”

Find the wireless network you are connected to and tap on it.

Tap on the “View more” dropdown.

Select “Static” IP address. You should now see your router’s IP address listed under “Gateway.”

Here’s how to log in to your router.

You can usually find your router’s login URL or default IP address on the back or bottom of your router, labelled something like Router Login or Default Access. Login URLs look like web addresses, like Netgear’s routerlogin.net. The default IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods that looks something like 192.168.1.1.

A common issue with Wi-Fi is when a device that previously connected fails to do so such as an audio device, printer, mouse etc. Makes sure your Bluetooth is turned on in settings. If it is, reboot the device. If it still fails to connect then in your Bluetooth settings disconnect the device and reconnect.

Blue Screen of Doom

Sometimes a computer will just give you the ‘Blue Screen of Doom’ because it hasn’t been rebooted for a while.

Turn it off and back on again, it’s a cliché, but it works!

Try that before you do anything else.

If you have recently installed software, boot in safe mode, uninstall and then reboot. To boot in safe mode. Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Shut down or sign out menu. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >Restart. After the PC restarts, there is a list of options. Select 4 or F4 or Fn+F4 (following the on-screen instructions) to start the PC in Safe Mode.

Frozen Screen

Often this refers to just one open application – you can close the other applications. Close the offending application in the Task Manager (search bar or holding Control/Alert/Delete).

Accidentally Deleted Files and Recovery

Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud service. Use built-in backup tools or third-party backup software. Explore data recovery options in case of accidental deletion.

Printer Issues

Ensure the printer is properly connected, update drivers, and check for paper jams or other physical issues. Restart the printer and computer, and reinstall the printer if necessary.

Computer is too slow

Have you rebooted recently? Try that first.

Have you got twenty browser tabs open?

Are you running twelve different programs?

Is your machine doing something with video whilst you try to do something else?

These are some of the reasons a machine might be slow but it can also be malware or a virus.

Again software such as AVG are very useful whether it be optimising start up by putting to sleep seldom used programs, cleaning up temporary files, defragmenting hard drives, increasing memory.

Browser Problems:

Clear browser cache and cookies – you will have to re-enter details for any automatic log ins.    Update the browser to the latest version, and disable unnecessary extensions. Consider trying a different browser if issues persist.

Device not working.

This can apply to your camera, keyboard, mouse, monitors etc. Updating the driver may solve the problem. Open the device manager and expand the list for the device and right click your device and Update Driver. If that doesn’t work, uninstall the device and Windows will remove the device. Then reboot and Windows will reinstall the device. That normally works but if it doesn’t then contact Windows (less stressful than you’d think)

Laptop Keyboard problems

If it’s not working, follow the device not working instructions. Still not working? Try cleaning it. Shut the machine down  Turn the device upside down with the screen open. Run your hands over the keys, whilst gently shaking your device. Don’t use more pressure than you would when typing. If there is trapped dirt you can’t remove, buy a can of compressed air or keyboard cleaning putty to help, but you do risk blowing or pushing the dirt or debris deeper into the machine. Cleaning cannot repair physical keyboard faults or damage, but it can help if a few keys have got stuck due to debris falling in between the keys.

If you find that the key you press is not the key you want, this is likely to be a language issue as different languages use different keyboard layouts. To change the language, enter language settings in your search bar and check everything is correct. If you have to make any changes then reboot. 

If there is a problem you can’t fix then best to get in touch with experts such as TechShed

If you have problems with emails read our post Common issues with emails