Always check to see if the video card is plugged in on the back of the computer. Use the correct drivers. Sometimes bad drivers will causes the display to look bad or even have a slit image. Re-seat the video card on the mother board. If all else fails, replace the video card or monitor.
Sound card problems
No sound? The volume control settings are located in the "Control Panel" in Microsoft Windows. Make sure the volume is not on mute or not turned up too high. If the sound card is not already a part of the motherboard, try inserting it into a differant slot on the motherboard. Only the CD audio is non-functional? Check the small audio cable. If all else fails, replace the sound card.
CD Rom problems
The CD Rom will not read disks. Try a different disk to see if the problem resides with the drive or the disk. Microsoft Windows doesn't detect the CD drive? Check IRQ conflicts or install drivers or cables.
Modem problems
The computer doesn't detect the modem. Check your IRQ settings or install drivers. The modem is usually set on IRQ 3 com 5 or com 2 IRQ 3. If the modem kicks you off of the internet, try using these commands at a prompt in a modem terminal program: ATZ, ATL3M2, AT&F, and AT&W. This will reset your modem to factory defaults.
Hard drive problems
The hard drive makes a lot of noise and doesn't boot. Replace the hard drive. To check your hard drive, run SCANDISK and/or Defrag. These programs may find some bad spots on the drive and repair them. However, not all problems are recoverable. For help with a specific problem, e-mail the Software Doctor!
Contact us with your Frequently Asked Questions and other general inquiries. We suggest Hard Drive fixes, answer CD ROM problems, provide Video troubleshooting, and assist with sound card problems. No questions are too small or inane (i.e., "I can't print, what do i do?").
