8 Problems You Encounter Due to Faulty Hardware & Software

Every time your computer ends up with technical glitches, it’s either the hardware or software responsible for it. While several issues only need an update, others require implementing advanced fixes. 

However, before you plan to troubleshoot the problem at hand, inspect your system to understand if the problem is hardware or software-related. Typically, it’s hard to tell whether the hardware or the software program is at fault unless the system displays an error code. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the common troubleshooting methods that you can try while the root cause behind the problem is unknown. 

Overheating Laptop

When you feel that the rear panel of the laptop is heating up excessively, check if it’s running a heavy app in the backend. Also, run software diagnostics to scan all hardware components for damage. If nothing helps you figure out the reason, check if the fan is working properly. 

Sometimes, the hardware and apps are running just fine, and there’s something else that causes overheating. For example, if you don’t have a laptop stand, your device can heat up. So, install a laptop stand beneath the laptop before it leads to severe damage. 

Repeated Shutdowns 

When your computer continues to shut down all of a sudden every few minutes, a damaged hardware component can be the cause. The situation is called a kernel panic. Though this is common on Windows computers, it’s rare to experience random shutdowns on Mac.

Not only faulty hardware, but a freezing app can cause your computer to shut down repeatedly. Sudden shutdowns are severe as they can damage your computer completely, so turn off the device and ask the technicians for assistance. 

Inconsistent Battery Charge

If you have a relatively older laptop at home, there’s nothing to worry about if it doesn’t hold a charge for longer. But if you experience faster battery drainage on a new laptop, get it fixed immediately by contacting the seller or retailer. 

Though the battery’s power starts to deteriorate after a few years, it’s better to identify tasks that might be consuming more battery power. Before you implement a fix, check if the power outlet is working properly. Also, check the cable to detect any kind of damage. 

Malfunctioning USB Port

When the USB port stops working, there might be outdated drivers responsible for it. So, before you plan to get the ports repaired or replaced, check if the USB drivers installed on your computer are up to date. 

Start with the system and see if the USB ports start to work properly. If not, go to the manufacturer’s website and install the USB drivers. Now, check if the USB connectivity resumes and if you are able to access data stored within the flash drive. 

Disconnecting WiFi

If the WiFi is working perfectly on all the devices but keeps disconnecting on the computer, there could be a problem with the network cards. Your computer comes with power saver settings that limit the power supply to the network cards. 

Check if disabling the power saver option can help fix the issue. Go to Advanced Settings in the Power Options. Expand Wireless Adaptor Settings and then expand Power Saving Mode. Set this mode to Maximum Performance. 

Constantly Beeping Device

You can fix the issue only if your computer starts after the beep. If it doesn’t, you have to get it repaired by a professional technician. However, if the computer restarts after the beep, it’s quite possible to fix the problem by yourself. 

Before you try to detect the error, take note of the number of beeps, as it helps identify the problem. Most commonly, the RAM is out of place; you may need to place it properly. Another reason can be incompatible hardware you might have added to the system. 

Slowly Moving Fan

When the fan spins slower than usual, the device starts to overheat. No matter if you have a desktop or a laptop, the consequences of fan dysfunction would be the same on both devices. Check if there’s dust inside your computer panel.

Dust accumulates inside the computer through tiny air vents over time and interrupts the fan’s functioning. That’s why it’s important to clean the laptop from the outside and inside; else, the dust will damage the components beyond repair. 

Inappropriate RAM Allocation 

When a portion of the RAM turns obsolete, your system starts to display signs of damage. Sometimes, you have 8 GB RAM installed inside your laptop, while the device uses only 4 GB to handle various tasks. 

Try to twerk the system settings to fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, there’s nothing much you can do to make it functional by yourself. You may need to get it repaired or replaced. If you have two units of RAM, one of them could have turned dysfunctional.

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Hi, I'm Pallab Mitra, the founder of this blog. I'm a computer enthusiast, and I'll be sharing my knowledge and expertise about PCs on this blog. Read More- About Me