{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T20:24:41+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-06-01T14:02:33+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:52+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"General PC Hardware Troubleshooting","strippedTitle":"general pc hardware troubleshooting","slug":"general-pc-hardware-troubleshooting","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"There are a few standard things you should check before you get your elbows greasy and end up with screws and computer parts strewn all over the floor. 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If it is hot, unplug it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check the Device Manager for conflicts detected by Windows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Swap out questionable hardware with hardware that works to help pinpoint the problem.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The printer must be on <i>and</i> online or selected before you can print.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"There are a few standard things you should check before you get your elbows greasy and end up with screws and computer parts strewn all over the floor. 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General PC Hardware Troubleshooting

By: Dan Gookin and

Updated: 06-01-2017

From The Book: Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition

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There are a few standard things you should check before you get your elbows greasy and end up with screws and computer parts strewn all over the floor. Review the items in this list first to determine what's wrong.

Is it plugged in?
Is it connected?
Is it turned on?
Press and hold down the Power button for five seconds to turn off any computer.
Hot things cause trouble. Ensure that the console's air vents are unobstructed and that the fan is on. Touch a power brick to ensure that it's not too hot. If it is hot, unplug it.
Check the Device Manager for conflicts detected by Windows.
Swap out questionable hardware with hardware that works to help pinpoint the problem.
The printer must be on and online or selected before you can print.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition ,

About the book author:

Dan Gookin wrote the very first For Dummies book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. PCs For Dummies, now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.

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