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Diagnosing problems with your personal computer
You are having a problem with your personal computer. What do you do?
WSU Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) offers
the following suggestions.
What kind of problem is it?
- Your computer may have a virus or spyware problem if:
- it is running slower than usual
- it shuts itself off unexpectedly
- Your computer may have a hardware problem if:
- it makes a clicking/whining noise when the hard drive powers up
- your screen is flickering, colors are changing unexpectedly/intermittently,
or lines are appearing
- Your computer may require more memory if:
- an application keeps freezing up or quitting unexpectedly
- the computer locks up on a regular basis
Is the computer worth fixing?
Is your computer worth the expense
of repair or would the money be better spent on a new computer?
- For our
recommended specifications for new computers, see our desktop and laptop (notebook)
computer buying guides.
- For online purchasing information, see our student and department/staff Web
pages for links to manufacturers offering special pricing to Wayne State
University.
Where can I get help?
WSU students, faculty, and staff have several options for
diagnosing and possibly fixing computer problems.
- The first step for everyone – check to see if your computer is still
under warrantee. If it is, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- For computers owned by WSU – contact your departmental
technical support person (or if
you do not have one, contact the C&IT Help Desk: phone
313-577-4778, e-mail helpdesk@wayne.edu).
- For personally owned (home) computers –
- Get help diagnosing the problem – contact the C&IT
Help Desk: phone
313-577-4778, e-mail helpdesk@wayne.edu.
- Get C&IT fee-based, carry-in repair service for Mac
and Windows laptop (notebook) and desktop computers at the C&IT
PC Clinic.
- Get service at the place where you purchased the computer or at a local
computer store, such as any of
the following:
- To clean your computer of viruses and spyware on your own – see
the C&IT page, Self-service
virus and malware removal.
Is there vendor support available?
The following vendors may offer computer support for specific brands:
If you are looking for a vendor not listed above, try the Guide
to Computer Vendors. It has links to over 1000 hardware and software vendors.
