PC Troubleshooting & Recovery A hard drive may only last 3-5 years. If it does go, buy a solid state drive as they are a lot faster than traditional mechanical ones.

Hardware failure – thankfully rare and even then may be recoverable Hardware failure – thankfully rare and even then may be recoverable. Don’t update BIOS

NO SOUND? ChEck settings A driver update can reset settings to (wrong) default Note you can have TWO default devices.

Malware (often comes with “Free” Programs) Here the user mistakenly installed ‘Fake Flash Player’ containing the ‘ClientConnect’ virus, which displays unwanted adverts and toolbars. BUT… he or she has AVG Anti-Virus Free, which stops it running and deletes it.

User Error (due to inadvertent installation) Here user installed “Free YouTube Download’ to bootleg some YouTube music or videos. A very useful free program – but untick the default options to include other stuff!

Never tinker with the Registry (RegEdit) unless you know what you are doing. A STOP ERROR – If youR PC DOES crash… You can now scan the stopcode with a phone app - may help understand why

Windows Defender: Updates automatically. Don’t turn off Windows Defender: Updates automatically. Don’t turn off. Shouldn’t conflict with anti-virus programs

Save work regularly – and Back Everything Up – Twice Save work regularly – and Back Everything Up – Twice! Keep your own stuff on a different (local) hard drive to the Windows System (C:) Drive, and copy important files to a (remote) Cloud drive

AROUND SINCE Windows 7 – A slow way to back your whole system up, hence restoring is bound to be out-of-date

New in Windows 10 – Don’t have to back up whole PC (quicker, saves space), & can automate

This free program allows INCREMENTAL backup – Much Better & Quicker than built-in Windows 10 backups

Paragon Back Up & Recovery Free working…

EASUS free backup & recovery tool [Now V10]

Create a Recovery Drive Be all ready to recover, if your PC won’t start !

Create bare bones recovery Media – Make sure you tick Back Up System Files to the Recovery Drive. Any USB stick of 8-16GB or more will suffice. Then you can start your PC and access your System Image backup – you did back it up recently, didn’t you?

Troubleshooting if only one device on your PC is playing up

Use a program such as DriverMax to update all your Drivers more easily

If your PC isn’t running well, You can restore it to an earlier time or (more extreme) reset it. Or change start-up settings from this Settings screen - or try ADVANCED restart from a USB OR DVD system image

Advanced Startup - Use Option 5 to stop a rogue program or driver running, so you can uninstall it

Reinstall Windows without removing your Files (Remove everything only if you sell your PC)

N.B. Still A radical option that removes all your programs, though not your files

Really stuck? Use Quick Assist with a trusted techie friend or paid professional, so they can help remotely.

connect ALL LOCAL Devices TO PC / ROUTER via ETHERNET cableS (WI - FI) ONLY use Wi-Fi where you must (portable devices/phones). Avoid open free public networks in pubs & shops (insecure)

1) “Network Troubleshooter” rarely fixes problem 1) “Network Troubleshooter” rarely fixes problem! 2) Turn Wi-Fi off and on again often works, else reboot your Router 3) “Network Reset” (and PC reboot) usually works if nothing else does

1) Show / Manage Available Wi-Fi Networks (including next door’s 1) Show / Manage Available Wi-Fi Networks (including next door’s!) 2) W10 saves your credentials so you don’t have to keep entering them 3) Avoid Microsoft Wi-Fi (Non)Sense (MS approved Hotspots)

End of Troubleshooting, Backup & Recovery Module presented by Joy Watson Oh darn it!