13 DIY Fixes for Common Computer and Laptop Problems

What’s wrong with your computer? Your computer has stopped booting or your laptop has been freezing after an hour or so every time you turn it on ? There may be a problem with the power cable, or your mouse isn’t working properly — or worse, you’ve spilled coffee on your keyboard.

The default option for most people is to call the phone and call a PC repair shop. Or contact your vendor for expensive support. But in the vast majority of cases, you don’t need to rely on these services. Just make sure you know what you’re up against. before you start fixing it.

These DIY fixes will show you how easy it is to repair your computer or laptop by yourself.

1. The computer does not boot: check the power cable

There are many reasons why your computer won’t boot. It could be an issue with the operating system or the hard drive. The motherboard may also have problems.

But if you have already checked all these things, there is another common problem that many people overlook. Desktop power cables that connect the computer’s power supply to an electrical outlet can simply fail. It is possible that your cable is bent, causing one of the internal wires to break. If you are in the UK, the fuse may have blown.

In any case, many PC problems can be fixed relatively easily by simply plugging in the power cable.

2. Slow or frozen computer

A common problem for laptops and desktops is slow performance. This is often attributed to things like a hard drive that needs to be defragmented or a slow processor. And if you are using an old computer (say 5-10 years old or more), then this might be the case.

But the main reason for a slow computer, especially when the processor (CPU) is highly rated, is the lack of RAM. Memory is vital to the smooth running of a computer. The processor is constantly using memory. While a CPU with a larger built-in cache will greatly improve overall performance, adding more RAM to your computer is the next best thing.

Before you go out and buy new RAM, make sure you buy exactly what you need. Memory has evolved over the years, using different configurations and connectors. For example, a laptop is not compatible with desktop motherboards. Check out our guide on how to upgrade your computer’s RAM. . Do you have anything else? Try one of these recycling tips !

3. Spilled coffee on your laptop? Try it!

Accidentally spilling liquid on a keyboard is a common occurrence, especially in offices around the world at 8am. Hot or cold fluid with a high water content does not mix with the electronics. If you’re using a desktop computer, plugging in a new keyboard and getting on with your work is a pretty trivial matter.

But what if you spill coffee on your laptop keyboard?

Under the keyboard of your laptop are the workstations of the computer. CPU, RAM, motherboard, memory and battery! None of this is waterproof. So how do you fix your laptop?

The first thing to do is unplug the power cable, then hold down the power switch and turn off the laptop. Then, using a paper towel, remove excess liquid by applying a rinsing action. Do not rub as this will spread the liquid.

Do this quickly by gently flipping it over, keeping the main body horizontal as you’ve done it, and removing the battery. The focus should now be on drying the laptop. You can do this with a can of compressed air or a hair dryer on the lowest setting (about eight inches away).

When you think it’s dry, it probably isn’t. You will need to dry out the insides before the laptop can be reconnected to the battery or power source. Place it in an inverted V shape in a warm room or closet, but not on or near a radiator. Do not place your laptop in direct sunlight. You may want to consider using the rice trick for a smartphone or tablet. to absorb the remaining moisture.

Leave the laptop for at least 24 hours, preferably 36 hours, before checking if it works. You will probably find that a new keyboard is required.

4. Common hard drive failure

Hard drives can fail, taking your data with them. Recovery is possible, but it can be a serious obstacle to continuing work. You can determine if the hard drive will fail. failure just as one can predict the inevitable death of an SSD.

But is it really death?

Corrupted data, bad sectors, a slow computer with regular freezes, and a terrible BSOD can all indicate that your hard drive is about to stop. But it’s always worth checking to see if the problem lies elsewhere. After all, if there is an opportunity to save on the cost of a new hard drive, you can take advantage of it.

do it yourself computer fixes

While SATA cables are fairly reliable, their predecessor, the IDE cable (also known as PATA), was less reliable. Likewise, Molex power cables for older hard drives (and optical drives) are also prone to failure. It is no coincidence that a separate wire is disconnected from the Molex plug.

In short, before putting off a failed hard drive, test it out with some new cables. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Meanwhile, if your laptop lacks storage space, consider replacing your CD-ROM/DVD drive with a second hard drive.

5. PC or laptop overheating

Poor ventilation will increase CPU heat, push your computer to work harder, and increase heat. Eventually the computer will stop. You can help prevent your PC (or laptop) from overheating by keeping the vents clean, the fans running, and the inside of the computer free of debris.

You can avoid PC overheating issues by increasing the airflow through the case, from fan to fan. Reducing obstacles to this flow (such as IDE flat cables) is a great solution. If your motherboard and drives support SATA, that’s even better. If you still rely on IDE/PATA hardware, switch to a type that uses tubular cable rather than the flat «ribbon» option.

Our guide to installing a new fan in a computer case can help here.

6. Battery drains too fast

Noticing a rapid drop in battery life on your laptop? Unfortunately, batteries don’t last forever, and sooner or later you’ll find you can’t take your laptop anywhere without a power cord.

But is the battery really dead? Many laptop batteries can be calibrated as shown above. If that doesn’t help, then it’s time to buy a new battery. Replacements can often be bought cheaply, but they are often counterfeited. If possible, stick to the original battery from the original manufacturer.

Before you get to the «depleted» battery stage, you can monitor its condition and hopefully catch problems before they happen.

7. Bad graphics? Update your video card

Bad graphics can be a big problem, especially when playing or editing videos. The frame rate will drop, slowing any experience down to a molasses rush. One way to solve this problem is to add a graphics card. They are not cheap (although a decent one can be had for around $100) but will greatly enhance your experience.

What if you already have a good graphics card installed, but the performance has dropped?

This may be related to what is discussed in #5, but if dusting the inside of the computer doesn’t help, you have two options. First, upgrade your computer’s power supply so it can handle the graphics card. You will need to refer to the documentation for your motherboard and video card (and any other high power requirements devices) to find the correct device.

However, it is also worth checking if the GPU fan is suitable for the job. If not, you may want to consider adding a replacement.

8. Let your computer grow

We’ve already seen how positioning and regular cleaning can keep your desktop running smoothly. But sometimes that’s just not enough. Could it be that your case is too small for the hardware inside?

If so, the best option would be to transfer the content to the new case. This is especially useful if you want to add memory, expansion cards, or even a new graphics card. With multiple fans and increased power requirements, your new case should be able to comfortably accommodate a new GPU as well as a larger power supply.

When choosing the right PC case, you need to dedicate at least half a day to it. Beginners should watch a lot of videos as shown above.

9. It’s just so noisy!

A noisy computer can be a real problem. It’s usually the reaction of the fans to expel so much heat. (You can fix this problem by checking the maintenance tips below.) One thing you can check here is the BIOS.

However, this is not the only reason for the noisy fan. Sometimes they are just made that way. For example, the hard surface of a computer case can amplify the sound of a fan. It is possible to apply some physical fixes to the fans to keep them silent.

Such fixes include lubricating the fans or adding vibration dampening foam between the fan and case. You can also opt for a fanless option, possibly with water cooling. for example.

10. Can’t get wireless internet

Getting online still seems like a problem for many people. One of the biggest problems is wireless internet. If your laptop or PC has built-in Wi-Fi, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, this is often not the case.

The first thing you should consider here is the position of the computer in relation to the router. Is there a straight, continuous line of sight? Do you get a better signal when you move your router or computer? Our Wireless Tips Feng Shui should help here.

However, you should also consider using a power adapter if the internet problem is really bad.