There are many ways to solve a problem but if you cannot identify what the problem is than solving it becomes much more difficult. Over the years we have diagnosed hundreds of types of problems and have assembled some of the ways and tools we used to solve them.

First of all, solving a problem relies on an open and un-assuming mind, willingness to solve the problem and not patch it, desire to see the problem all the way through and patience. If you have an understanding on how things work and integrate together, you will find that your trouble shooting will be quicker. While we cannot teach these characteristics, we can provide some steps that may help...

Diagnostic tests are usually started when strange noises ares heard from the hardware or the software starts behaving strangely. Since hardware noises are difficult to discuss only note the area of the noise, when it began and the basic sound it is making. This information will help a technician pin point the issue. For system behavior type problems these utilities may help.

Some of the hardware tools that we find useful are show below:

Windows (98, ME, XP):

msinfo32 - this Windows supplied utility allows you to capture system information like System Manufacturer, Model, Operating System, CPU, disk, memory...to get this information

- click start->run->msinfo32

- click start->settings->control panel->system

dxdiag - this Windows supplied utility also shows good system information and allows you to determine how your audio/video, devices/drivers are interacting with your hardware...to get a quick check of your computer

- click start->run->dxdiag

msconfig - this Windows supplied utility will show you key files that windows uses but more importantly lets you take a look at services and start up items that may be causing you problems...to get a quick check of your computer

- click start->run->msconfig

The third party utilities Norton System Works and Norton Internet Security are excellent for identifying problems in the registry and adware/malware/spyware/virus related problems (not discussed here).

CPU-Z is another handy software tool which gives a good synopsis of your system configuration.