Check for a hardware conflict
Step 1
If your computer starts crashing after you add a new piece of hardware, remove the hardware and uninstall whatever software you installed with it. (See How to Remove a Windows Program.)
Step 2
If removing the hardware solves the problem, contact the manufacturer or visit its Web site to see if there's a later driver version that fixes the problem.
Step 3
If removing the hardware doesn't solve the problem, it's possible that some Windows files were changed when you installed the drivers, which are the files that enable a particular piece of hardware. You'll need to reinstall Windows.
Check for overheating
Step 1
Take note of seemingly random computer crashes. If they tend to occur after the computer has been running for a while, they could be the result of overheating. As computers get faster, they have a tendency to run hotter.
Step 2
Check to make sure the vents in the computer case aren't blocked and there's good air circulation around the computer.
Step 3
If your computer has a fan, remove the computer case with a screwdriver, then turn on the computer briefly to see if the fan is turning. If it isn't, you'll need to replace it or the power supply.
Step 4
If the inside of the computer case looks like Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, clean things up by turning off the computer and using a can of compressed air (available at electronics stores) to blow dust off of circuit boards, chips, the fan and anything else that looks dirty. Vacuums and dust rags are a bad idea, however, because they can build up static charges and zap your chips.
Check for a virus
Step 1
If you have virus-protection software, make sure it has been updated recently. New viruses appear daily.
Step 2
If you don't have virus-protection software, invest in a program that can scan and clean your hard drive.
Step 1
If your computer starts crashing after you add a new piece of hardware, remove the hardware and uninstall whatever software you installed with it. (See How to Remove a Windows Program.)
Step 2
If removing the hardware solves the problem, contact the manufacturer or visit its Web site to see if there's a later driver version that fixes the problem.
Step 3
If removing the hardware doesn't solve the problem, it's possible that some Windows files were changed when you installed the drivers, which are the files that enable a particular piece of hardware. You'll need to reinstall Windows.
Check for overheating
Step 1
Take note of seemingly random computer crashes. If they tend to occur after the computer has been running for a while, they could be the result of overheating. As computers get faster, they have a tendency to run hotter.
Step 2
Check to make sure the vents in the computer case aren't blocked and there's good air circulation around the computer.
Step 3
If your computer has a fan, remove the computer case with a screwdriver, then turn on the computer briefly to see if the fan is turning. If it isn't, you'll need to replace it or the power supply.
Step 4
If the inside of the computer case looks like Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, clean things up by turning off the computer and using a can of compressed air (available at electronics stores) to blow dust off of circuit boards, chips, the fan and anything else that looks dirty. Vacuums and dust rags are a bad idea, however, because they can build up static charges and zap your chips.
Check for a virus
Step 1
If you have virus-protection software, make sure it has been updated recently. New viruses appear daily.
Step 2
If you don't have virus-protection software, invest in a program that can scan and clean your hard drive.