Solutions to major computer problems

This is a non-exhaustive list of common problems and their solutions. If you have encountered a problem not listed here do notify me and I'll try to work up a method of fixing it.

Note: The solutions here are based on the assumption that you use a pre-assembled computer (e.g. Dell, Acer PCs) with a legal copy of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 with System Restore allowed to automatically create restore points, and that you have not had any errors prior to this - unless otherwise stated. Please read the problem/solution to the end, including any fine prints (if any) before attempting to troubleshoot your computer. By following the methods shown here, you agree to hold all responsibilities to your actions and that I shall not be held liable for any mishaps arising from this post.


Q: I encountered a blue screen when I turned my computer on!!1!1!!

A: Sometimes you might get the following screen when you boot up your computer.



This is known as the BSOD ("Blue Screen of Death/Doom" or sometimes known as "Stop screen") and is an error screen displayed by some operating systems, most notably Microsoft Windows, after encountering a critical system error which can cause the system to shut down, to prevent damage.

The text on the error screen contains the code of the error and its symbolic name (e.g. "0x0000001E, KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED") along with four error-dependent values in parentheses that are there to help software engineers fix the problem that occurred. Depending on the error code, it may display the address where the problem occurred, along with the driver which is loaded at that address.

There is no clear solution for BSOD at this time, but what you can do is:

Method 1:

1) Restart your computer.
2) Before Windows starts loading (i.e. right after the BIOS splash screen flashes), keep pressing F8 repeatedly. If done correctly you should be presented with a black prompt screen.
3) Using the up/down arrow keys, navigate to Last Known Good Configuration.
4) If you can successfully boot into Windows XP, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
5) Choose a restore point when your computer wasn't experiencing any errors.
6) If you cannot boot into Windows XP with this method proceed to Method 2.

Method 2:

1) Follow steps 1 and 2 in Method 1.
2) Using the up/down arrow keys, navigate to Safe Mode.
3) If you managed to successfully boot into WinXP, you should be presented with a prompt dialog box. Click on "No" and the System Restore window should appear.
4) Choose a restore point when your computer wasn't experiencing any errors.
5) If you cannot boot into WinXP with this method proceed to Method 3.

Method 3:

1) Ensure you have the Windows XP installation disc.
2) By default your BIOS should boot with the CD drive at top priority. Turn your computer on and immediately pop the WinXP disc into the CD drive before the BIOS splash screen appears.
3) The WinXP disc should start loading. This might take some time.
4) Once done loading, you should see a prompt, with the options "Install", "Repair Console" and "Exit" (or something similar). Press the number beside the "Install" option (if I'm not mistaken it's number 1) and hit Enter. Do not enter the Repair Console.
5) Once the Installation prompt appears, select the "Repair" option by pressing the number beside it (if I'm not mistaken it's number 2) and hit Enter.
6) Your Windows will start repairing itself. Some custom DLLs and Operating System mods will not work after this.
7) Once repair is done remove the WinXP disc and restart your PC (unless it will restart on its own). You should be able to boot into Windows normally.

Q: Help!!! My screen is flipped/inverted!

A: On some PCs, the graphic card supports "flipping", where the screen is rotated or vertically inverted.

To do/fix this just hold down Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down/Left/Right.

Known graphic cards to support this are those under the Intel GMA series (not GMA Mobile).

Q: Alamak! My screen blackout whenever I run Half-Life/Counter-Strike/Warcraft!

A: This occurs when you run the application above the resolution limit of your graphics card. The only way to fix this is to change the game resolution manually (not in-game). I have yet to find a solution for this.