Troubleshooting Guide for StuCoRe Computers
Warning: Following these instructions on a non-StuCoRe computer could damage your computer and StuCoRe is not liable.
Instructions:
90% of all computer problems can be solved by following a few simple steps. Please try the steps listed below before contacting StuCoRe for help. If you are still under warranty, you are entitled to StuCoRe's personalized help, but StuCoRe ultimately keeps its prices low by providing these troubleshooting guides.
The process is simple: find the problem you're having from the list below and follow the steps listed in that section. Feel free to contact StuCoRe for service if other problems are occurring.
Microsoft Windows Issues:
#1 My computer won't start up at all; all I see is a blank screen.
#2 My computer starts, but it won't enter Windows.
#3 My computer starts, enters Windows, but locks up/freezes/pauses constantly once it's loaded.
Program / Application Issues:
#4 My computer won't run a particular program (other programs work fine).
Noise Issues:
#5 My computer is making a strange noise.
Performance / Speed Issues:
#6 My computer seems slow all of the time.
#7 My computer is fast in some programs and slow in others.
Printing Issues:
Warranty / Repair Issues:
#9 My computer needs repair but I am no longer under warranty. What do I do?
Virus/spyware / adware Issues:
#10 My computer has a virus/spyware/adware!
Sound Issues:
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Issues:
#12 My computer will not read DVDs or play DVD movies.
#13 My computer won't burn CDs.
#14 My computer won't read CDs.
#15 When I burn a CD, it won't play/read in certain or any CD player(s).
Network Issues:
#16 My computer won't connect to a network.
Installation Issues:
#1 My computer won't start at all; all I see is a blank screen.
- Check power outlet with a known-working device (i.e. a lamp).
- Check surge protector and/or battery-backup unit with a known-working device.
- Unplug the computer and the monitor, attempt to power them on (Naturally, they will not), then plug them back in.
- Check power cable to computer tower and to computer monitor. Swap power cables, if possible, to see if one cable is possibly bad.
- Unplug monitor cable from computer and check for bent pins. Re-insert monitor plug into computer.
- Try a different computer with your monitor, and a different monitor with your computer.
If the computer still does not start, thank you for trying the above steps. Contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#2 My computer starts, but it won't enter Windows.
- Turn your computer off. Wait 20 seconds. Turn it back on.
- Turn your computer off, back on, and press the "F8" key repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
- Choose safe mode. Allow computer to boot. Shut down your computer and turn it back on.
- Enter safe mode again. Go to Start \ Run. Type in "msconfig". Go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck every selection. Reboot.
- Enter safe mode again. Enter "msconfig" again. Click on "Launch System Restore". Click through the prompts and select a date when your computer worked properly. Reboot.
If your computer does not enter Windows normally, thank you for trying the above steps. Contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#3 My computer starts, enters Windows, but locks up/freezes/pauses constantly once it's loaded.
- Turn your computer off, back on, and press the "F8" key repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
- Enter safe mode. Go to Start /Run. Type in 'msconfig.' Go to the 'Startup' tab and uncheck every selection. Reboot.
- If this does not help, enter safe mode again. Enter 'msconfig' again. Click on "Launch System Restore." Click through the prompts and select a date when your computer worked properly. Reboot.
If you have attempted all of the steps listed above, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#4 My computer won't run a particular program (other programs work fine).
- Check the program's minimum system requirements. If your computer does not meet or exceed these requirements, you cannot run the software.
- Read the software's included instruction manual in case there are special steps to installation such as screen resolution, etc.
- Try the Microsoft Program Compatibility Wizard. Go to Start /Programs \Accessories /Microsoft Program Compatibility Wizard.
See question #3 for additional help.
If your program will still not run, contact StuCoRe. Please note that StuCoRe is not responsible for software that was not included with your StuCoRe computer, but will attempt to aid you through basic correspondence. Paid support is available for comprehensive repair.
#5 My computer is making a strange noise.
- Turn off all ceiling, desktop, and wall fans.
- Turn off all air conditioners and heaters.
- Turn off any other noise-producing electronic device within earshot of the computer.
- If the sound goes away, turn on each device individually until you identify the source of the noise.
If the noise still exists with all external noise-producing electronics turned off, please email StuCoRe (support@stucore.com) with information regarding the longevity, intensity, and possible source of the noise. StuCoRe will contact you with a remedy or to schedule an appointment to take a look. All StuCoRe computers are built to run even without all of their fans running so do not worry if a fan quits altogether. Also, you may rest assured that it can be repaired very inexpensively if you happen to be out of warranty. Repair may not actually be necessary, depending on the location of the fan; however, it is strongly recommended that it is repaired in order to guarantee your computer's reliability and longevity.
#6 My computer seems slow all of the time.
- Follow the steps listed under Problem #3. Each step will contribute to the overall speed of your computer.
- You may be infected with spyware. Go to answer #10 further down this document.
- If following all of the steps listed under Problem #3 does not seem to speed up your computer adequately, this is probably for one of three reasons.
- One reason may be that your computer does not have the necessary equipment to run a particular program very well (for example, you do not have an add-in video card for games). This is probably true if recent games run slowly but recent office applications like Microsoft Word run fine.
- The second reason may be that your entire computer is ready for an upgrade. This is probably the case if modern office applications seem to run slow along with more intense programs that run even slower such as recent games, CAD programs, video and audio editors, etc. Contact StuCoRe for upgrade possibilities.
- The third reason may be that your computer has a virus or other malware. See question #10.
#7 My computer is fast in some programs and slow in others.
This is probably for one of two reasons.
One reason may be that your computer does not have the necessary equipment to run a particular program very well (for example, you do not have an add-in video card). This is probably true if recent games run slowly but recent office applications like Microsoft Word run relatively quickly.
If this sounds correct, contact StuCoRe for possibility of acquiring the video card, memory, etc. that you need. StuCoRe can provide you with both the parts and the labor for a very competitive price, and there will be a noticeable boost in performance for the applications you wish to run.
The second reason may be that your entire computer is ready for an upgrade. This is probably the case if modern office applications seem to run slow along with more intense programs that run even slower such as recent games, CAD programs, video and audio editors, etc.
If the second reason seems correct, contact StuCoRe for an upgrade inquiry. If you own a StuCoRe computer and you need an upgrade, you are definitely in great shape – the entire computer is completely upgradeable!
If you did not buy your printer through StuCoRe, contact your printer's manufacturer for technical support first. You may attempt to use this guide; however, no live support is guaranteed for printers purchased through third parties.
First, turn off the printer. Then, turn off the computer. Wait about 10 seconds. Then, turn the printer back on, and finally the computer back on (Try unplugging the printer, turning it on (Naturally, it will not), and then plugging it back in).
Attempt to print. If you still cannot print, left-click on the 'Start' button, then scroll your mouse over the 'Control Panel' label, and then left-click on the 'Printers' label.-
A window should pop up. You will see one or more icons in this window. You will want to right-click on the printer that is malfunctioning.
Go to the 'Delete' label. Left-click on it. At this point, you will want to follow the following steps to reinstall your printer:
- Turn off the printer.
- Turn off the computer.
- Wait 3 minutes.
- Turn on the printer.
- Turn on the computer.
Windows should reinstall the printer automatically. If it does not, you will need to follow the next set of steps to reinstall your printer:
- Go to the 'Start' button, then scroll your mouse over the 'Control Panel' label, and then left-click on the 'Printers' label.
- Left-click on 'Add a Printer.' This option should be available in the upper-left corner of the window.
- The 'Add a Printer' wizard will now appear. Left-click on 'Next'.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the computer to detect your printer automatically. If it cannot detect your computer automatically, you will need to identify for the computer which printer you have.
- As you follow the prompts (Left-click on 'Next'), you will eventually be asked to identify your printer. Look on the front of your printer for both the Make and Model of your printer.
- You will need to locate the make (i.e., HP) of your computer first, and then you will be given a list of choices as to the specific model (i.e., 660C).
- Follow the prompts and your printer should be installed.
If your printer still does not print, turn off the printer, then the computer, wait 3 minutes, and then turn the printer back on and the computer back on. You should be able to print at this time.
Also, try uninstalling (Start / Settings / Control Panel / Add/Remove Programs) all software that came with your printer. Then, disconnect the printer. Reinstall the printer as if you bought it new, following the instructions exactly that came with your printer.
If you still cannot print, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#9 My computer needs repair but I am no longer under warranty. What do I do?
Your StuCoRe computer, even if it is no longer under warranty, can undoubtedly be repaired for a low price. It was originally built piece by piece, and thus can be repaired or replaced piece by piece.
All you will need to do is contact StuCoRe at service@stucore.com (or call) to schedule an appointment so that your computer can be diagnosed and be given an estimate as soon as it is convenient for you.
From there, you can choose to have your StuCoRe computer serviced by StuCoRe or by someone else of your choosing. If you decide to go through StuCoRe for your needed servicing, you will receive a 1 year parts & labor warranty for the part(s) replaced as well as FREE onsite setup (within 15 miles). Delivery is $5.00 up to fifteen miles, or actual mileage up to 40 miles.
#10 My computer has a virus/spyware/adware!
Your first step is to try the steps in Problem #3 to make sure the problem your computer is experiencing is not related to a legitimate but malfunctioning piece of software.
If none of the steps in Problem #3 helped, there still may be another possibility related to your computer's configuration (also known as drivers). Follow the steps below to determine if your computer has a driver configuration problem.
Shut down your computer. Then, turn it back on and while it restarts repeatedly press the 'F8' key once every second or so (not too fast or the keyboard will not be recognized by the computer). A menu will appear and you will want to select the 'Safe Mode' option by using the arrow keys on your keyboard and then pressing the 'Enter' key once you have selected 'Safe Mode'.
Does your computer still behave the same way it did before? If so, you likely have a virus. If not, you likely have a driver configuration problem.
If you have a driver configuration problem, contact StuCoRe for servicing as your problem is guaranteed to be repaired under your warranty terms. If your computer is out of warranty, please see problem #9 for detailed steps on what to do next. Rest assured, if you're out of warranty, that your computer can likely be repaired at a fair cost.
If you have a virus (as determined by the steps above), can you still get online? If you can, go to Sunbelt Software. Download the 15-day trial version of CounterSpy. Once you have downloaded it, then allow the program to scan your computer for spyware. This will likely take 15-20 minutes to complete. Delete everything the program finds. If you are satisfied with CounterSpy's performance, you are encouraged to purchase it.
Now, go to Grisoft and download the 30-day trial edition of AVG Antivirus. Make sure you update the virus definitions, and then run the scan. If you are satisfied with AVG, you are encouraged to purchase it. AVG can be licensed through StuCoRe, and we offer a discount off the normal retail price.
If you cannot get online, contact StuCoRe for servicing. Incidental virus eradication is covered by your warranty, but infection caused by a user is not a provided service by your warranty. Even so, it can likely be solved at a discounted cost for you.
Make sure your speakers are both plugged in using their supplied AC adapter, and turned on. There should be light on the front or side of the right speaker that indicates they are receiving power. Adjust the volume to about mid-way to ensure you can hear any sound it may be receiving.
Also, check the Windows volume control. It is located in the lower right-hand corner of your Windows desktop, in an area called the System Tray (this is also where the time is displayed). Double click on the speaker icon, and adjust the volume bars to about mid-way. Attempt to play some sounds (with a CD or through the Windows Media Player) to see if you can now hear the audio playing. Make sure neither the speakers or Windows itself is muted.
If the above steps do not help, look at the back of your computer's case to see if your speakers are plugged in. Typically, your speakers should have a wire that plugs into a round, 1/8th inch, green female jack. If your speakers are disconnected or plugged into the wrong jack, try plugging the speaker wire into the jack described (or every equivalent jack, depending on your computer's audio configuration).
Attempt to play some sounds (With a CD or through the Windows Media Player) to see if you can now hear the audio playing.
If you still cannot hear the audio playing, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#12 My computer will not read DVD's or play DVD movies.
DVD playback requires a DVD-ROM (or DVD-RW) and corresponding software to be installed in your computer. A CD-ROM or CD-RW drive cannot read DVDs. If you do not have a DVD-ROM (or DVD-RW) drive and you would like to own one, contact StuCoRe for pricing.
If you have a DVD-ROM (or DVD-RW) but it will not read your DVD's, try the following steps:
- Reboot your computer by going 'Start', then 'Shut down your computer', and finally 'Restart.'
- Double-click on the 'My Computer' icon (or for Windows XP users, go to 'Start' and then, 'My Computer'), and see if the DVD-ROM is present on the list of drives.
- If Windows displays the presence of a DVD-ROM and you still cannot read a DVD, try another DVD so to determine whether the DVD or the DVD-ROM is at fault.
- If the DVD-ROM is at fault, contact StuCoRe for a replacement.
- If the DVD you have is at fault, use a lightly damp cloth and wipe the DVD's data side clean. Do not use abrasive cleaners or a circular motion when wiping the DVD. Instead, make wipes starting from the center of the disc out to the edge of the disc, rotating the DVD between wipes.
If Windows does not display the presence of a DVD-ROM, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#13 My computer won't burn CDs.
CD burning requires a CD-RW capable drive and corresponding software to be installed in your computer. A CD-ROM drive cannot burn CDs. If you do not have a CD-RW capable drive and you would like to own one, contact StuCoRe for pricing.
Drives capable of burning CDs include CD-R drives, CD-RW drives, DVD-ROM combo drives, and DVD-RW drives.
If you have a CD-RW drive and you cannot burn CD's, try the following steps:
- Double-click on the 'My Computer' icon (or for Windows XP users, go to 'Start' and then 'My Computer'), and determine whether Windows recognizes a CD-RW being installed.
- If Windows does not detect a CD-RW drive being installed, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
- If Windows detects a CD-RW drive being installed, and you cannot burn CD's, reinstall the CD Burning software that came with your computer. For all StuCoRe Model Computers, this software is located on a CD in your Oxford File Caddy. It should be labeled 'Nero'. Simply insert the CD into your computer and follow the instructions that automatically appear.
If after reinstalling your computer's CD burning software you still cannot burn CD's, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#14 My computer won't read CDs.
If your computer cannot read CDs, double-click on the 'My Computer' icon (or for Windows XP users, go to 'Start' and then 'My Computer'), and see if Windows recognizes a CD-ROM being installed.
If Windows does not recognize a CD-ROM being installed, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
If Windows recognizes a CD-ROM being installed, and you cannot read CDs, try several different CDs. If the CD-ROM is at fault, contact StuCoRe for a replacement.
If the CD is at fault, use a lightly damp cloth and wipe the CD's data side clean. Do not use abrasive cleaners or a circular motion when wiping the CD. Instead, make wipes starting from the center of the disc out to the edge of the disc, rotating the CD between wipes.
#15 When I burn a CD, it won't play / read in certain or any CD player(s).
The best and quickest solution to this problem is to slow down the burn process. Typically, even the oldest of CD players will read CDs burned at 4x or slower. However, you should not have to burn below 20x for most recent CD players to recognize a quality CD-R/W disc.
If any CD player cannot play the discs you are burning, try a quality name-brand such as TDK or Memorex. If you are currently using high-quality blank CDs, and have attempted to reduce the speed of your burns for the older CD players, and your burned CDs are still unreadable, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
#16 My computer won't connect to a network.
Reboot your computer. Turn it back on and attempt to connect to the network. If this does not help, try the following steps:
Check your computer's cable connection on the back of your computer. If after having your computer on for a few minutes the indicator LEDs never light up next to where your network cable is connected, it is most likely your network card needs replaced. Contact StuCoRe for a replacement.
If the indicator LEDs next to where your cable plugs in are lighting, and you still cannot connect to the network, then try replacing the network cable. Network cables (a.k.a. "ethernet" cables) are typically category 5, and referred to as "cat5" cables.
If your indicator LEDs next to where your network cable connects to your computer light up on the back of your computer, you have tried replacing the cable (or you do not have another cable) and you still cannot connect to a network, contact StuCoRe for servicing.
You do not have to have StuCoRe install the parts, nor do you have to buy the parts through StuCoRe.
However, if you decide to not purchase the parts through StuCoRe, or not have the parts installed by StuCoRe, StuCoRe will not warrant the additional parts installed, nor any damage caused to other parts due to the parts installed by a 3rd party.
Thus, in the incident that the computer fails directly after the installation of a third party part by a third party, the repair will be considered non-covered in terms of your warranty.
A final troubleshooting tip is to search the web for your problem. Go to Google and type in the keywords to the problem you are having (i.e., "not connect network Windows XP").
If you are under warranty with StuCoRe and still need help, please contact StuCoRe's Technical Support. If you not under warranty, you may also contact StuCoRe's Technical Support for paid services.
