How to Troubleshoot a Computer

Interestingly, the word debugging is thought to date back to WWII and specifically, the vacuum tube computers of that time.  These large computers many times inadvertently trapped insects inside the electronic components, causing short circuits and other computer operation nightmares.  Now, debugging simply means the same as troubleshooting.  Although debugging today does not mean the same as it did over 50 years ago, troubleshooting a computer is still a long, tiresome process.

The Common Problem:

Take the following example:  You hop on your computer to check your email, start it up, and quickly realize your computer is running noticeably slower than it did yesterday.  So you decide to “Google” your problem, spending hours on various computer tech forums.  Unfortunately, this is an all too common scenario.

The Common Reason behind the Slowdown:

Although there could be many reasons behind the slowness of your computer, the majority of the time there is one main reason that is responsible for your sluggish computer--the registry.  Even though this may be a regular occurrence for many PC owners, many people are simply unaware of what a computer registry is, how it works, and most importantly how to fix it without causing further problems.

Computer Registry Basics:

A computer' registry is a highly sensitive area because this is the place where all the information that runs the computer's hardware and software is stored.  So every time you add, update, or remove a program, the chances increase that the registry will become cluttered with unneeded data and subsequently, the dreaded slow computer, freezes, blue screens, and error messages.

Fixing the Registry:

Thankfully, many times these computer headaches can be cleared up by simply cleaning the computer's registry system.  Is it complicated?  Absolutely.  However, there are quite a few outstanding registry cleaning programs you can install and use to clean your computer's registry.  Only a few moments of your time are required; the cleaner will take care of the rest.  However, no matter what, never attempt to fix a registry on your own because there is a good chance you will cause more problems.

An Alternative:

If running a registry scanner did not solve your problem, you need to try a different approach.  First, document the problem you are experiencing with your computer as well as other related problems and anything you are aware of that may have caused them.  Then, you need to make a list of the various solutions you will be trying.  After you try each solution, restart your computer so you can test it out again.  If a solution does not work, cross it off your list.

However, if you have tried every fix you can think of and have not experienced the desired results, you need to go back to the drawing board and consider trying solutions that do not seem as obvious.  Remember, your best bet is to run your computer's operating system with as little software and hardware as possible while troubleshooting.  The fewer programs you have running, the easier it will be for you to narrow down what is responsible for the issues you are experiencing.

Photo Credits: jitze

Originally posted 2010-05-23 03:32:36.

This post involves:

computer registry, debugging, error messages, registry cleaning, slow computer

... and focuses on:

Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Tips, Registry

Posted by How To Computer on February 3, 2012 in Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Tips, Registry. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.