It is frustrating when you are in the middle of working on something and your computer stops responding—it freezes—and prevents you from shutting down. When your computer is frozen and does not turn off, you may be immediately inclined to hold down the power button, unplug your computer, or remove the battery (for laptops). Although this definitely shuts down your computer, you run the risk of data loss and corrupting files. Instead of taking the shortcut that can damage your computer, you should try to identify the problem area. Your computer may be frozen due to viruses, program incompatibility, overheating, or more. Keep reading to learn what to do when your computer frozen and won’t turn off.

Viruses may cause your computer to randomly freeze and stop you from being able to shut down your computer properly. If your computer only works smoothly in Safe Mode, then you might have a virus. Make sure you install an antivirus on your computer and scan your computer regularly.

Another cause could be new software or updates installed on your computer. New programs might be incompatible with your operating system. When this occurs, uninstall the program and try to find a different program that is compatible with your system.

When your computer is frozen, it could actually be on the verge of a meltdown due to overheating. A hot computer is usually a slow computer, so check the CPU fan every now and then to make sure it is dust-free and functioning.

Running multiple programs at once can use up all the memory and cause your computer to freeze. In this case, try pressing “control + alt + delete” to open up the Task Manager if you are using a PC. You might need to select “End Task” to close the programs that cause your computer to freeze.

Still unable to control your cold-hearted computer? Use TalkLocal to help connect you to the best professionals in your area. Fill out a short form on TalkLocal’s website stating your problem, location, and availability. In minutes, TalkLocal will match you with up to three service providers who can help you “unfreeze” your cold-hearted computer.

Laptop Very Hot: What happens when a laptop overheats?

Overheating computers cause many problems, such as randomly shutting down your computer or losing valuable data. Know how to recognize the symptoms of overheating and learn how to prevent your laptop from getting very hot. Read the following steps to fix your overheating computer.

Causes of Overheating

Dust is not only the enemy of allergies, but also laptops. The accumulation of dust causes your laptop to get very hot because it builds up in the cooling fan panels and prevents the CPU fan, or cooling fan, from cooling the laptop. The heat sink can also become clogged with dust and overheat laptops.

Using your laptop on your lap, bed, pillow, clothes, carpet or other soft area contributes to overheating because it prevents proper ventilation. Soft surfaces, especially cloth, are more likely to hold dust and lint, which can clog the CPU fan.

When you run multiple programs at once on your laptop you can drive the CPU usage to its maximum capacity, thereby contributing to overheating.

Signs of Overheating

If your computer is overheating, your fan will make a lot of noise because it is struggling and overworked. Over time, the CPU fan accumulates dust and eventually gets clogged. This prevents the fan from effectively cooling down the laptop, which is why the bottom of the laptop gets hot.

When the bottom of the laptop is hot then your laptop is on its way to frying an egg—or your data.

How to Prevent Overheating and Cool Down Your Laptop

Stop dust accumulation before it builds up. Regularly clean the cooling fan by blasting away dust with a compressed air can. If you wait too long and allow the dust to build up, the compressed air will just blow the dust farther into your laptop, and will deteriorate the quality of the laptop much quicker.

Make sure to always use your laptop on a hard surface, such as a desk or a table. We suggest getting a cooling pad that blows cold air on the bottom of the hot laptop. You should also consider elevating the back of your laptop with a hard prop–not a pillow or blanket–so that air ventilation can pass through to enhance the cooling process.

If the overheating problem persists, you may need to take your laptop apart to clean the CPU fan and heat sink.. We recommend hiring a professional IT technician, which you can find easily through TalkLocal.

Basic computer maintenance is essential for the funtioning of your computer.  There is no guarantee of a perfectly functioning computer, but basic maintenance techniques can help preserve the life and efficiency of your machine.

If you regularly clean your hard disk, you will increase the productivity of your computer.  This includes getting rid of temporary files, temporary Internet files, and emptying your recycle bin. This unneeded information is only slowing your hard drive down.

Furthermore, you can restore your computer to its original speed by reinstalling all the programs on your system on a long-term basis.  However, make sure to save your files in a separate location before performing this action. You can also increase the speed of your machine’s activity by performing a disk defragmentation task.  Defragmentation regroups files neatly together, so the computer can read the files with more fluidity. A fragmented file must be reassembled every time it is accessed, which decreases computer speed.

Scanning for viruses is an essential maintenance practice.  Extensive corruption files and data can unknowingly occur if left alone too long.  A simple scan once a week can help to protect your computer against this.
Backing up your files is an easy way to avoid trouble.  If there is any content on your computer that you would be concerned to lose, save them in cloud storage, an external device, or use a provided backup program on your computer.

Keep your computer up-to-date by installing software updates at regular intervals.  Security updates are constantly occurring, so stay current to protect your computer from viruses. When restarting and shutting down your computer, take the proper steps–even if it takes a little longer. Wait for the computer to power down instead of simply eliminating its power source.

As with all technology, physically cleaning your machine and the area around it is an important task.  To promote the flow of heat away from your computer, it is best to keep machines off the floor and out of closets. Along with keeping your machine cool, take precautions to keep it dry. Be careful when handling drinks or food near your computer; the safest practice is to eat elsewhere.

If you experience difficulty or have questions on any of this, TalkLocal can conveniently connect you to a computer repair service for further advice and assistance.

We use Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports for everything: sharing documents, installing devices, and transferring data. So, when “unknown device” or “USB device not recognized” pops up, a mini panic attack is sure to follow. Luckily, there are a few ways to solve the issue of USB ports not working.

Causes of a malfunctioning USB port

A malfunctioning USB port could be attributed to outdated driver software. A USB port may stop working when you insert or improperly remove a device. Make sure you eject the volume appropriately so that you do not corrupt the files on the USB device or damage your USB port. Please note that a USB device that you formatted for use on a Mac may not work fully on a PC.

USB Port or Device Solutions

–Verify the source of the problem. Check the device manager to scan hardware changes and make sure the device is enabled and recognized. If it is not, plug the USB device into another port or another computer see if the problem is the device or the port.

–Try shutting down your computer for a few minutes and then restarting it to refresh the USB ports. Shut down your laptop and remove the battery for 5 minutes. Restart your laptop and test the device.

–Updating the USB driver can give your computer the boost it needs. Check your hardware manufacturer for the latest driver.

–Removing or uninstalling the USB drivers, followed by restarting your computer. Once your laptop is running, reinstall the USB driver(s) that you uninstalled and connect your device.

Still having problems with your USB port?

TalkLocal is your solution. If the USB port is still not working after these troubleshooting operations, then there may be a problem with the motherboard, which will need to be replaced. TalkLocal can help connect you instantly to the best local technicians and IT service companies to repair or replace your USB port or motherboard. Simply go to TalkLocal and put in a service request. You can get connected to help within minutes–and stop hassling with your USB port.

Believe it or not, even the foolproof Mac has issues. Has your computer failed to charge when the MagSafe power adapter is plugged into your computer and a power source?  What do you do when your apple computer is not charging?  Before heading to the frustrating confusion and long lines at the Genius Bar, try the following tricks.

Diagnose the problem area

1.  Go to System Profiler.

2.  Click on “Power” on the left side window pane.

3.  Scroll down to the bottom where it says “AC Charger Information” and it will tell you if your Mac is connected and charging. If it says “No” to both while your Mac charger is plugged in, then the issue is your power adapter. If so, read the next section titled Adjust the connector. If it says “Connected: Yes” and “Charging: No”  while your power adapter is plugged in, then the issue is your battery. Skip to the section titled Remove the battery.

Adjust the connector

–Flip the connector of the MagSafe Power adapter that attaches to your computer. Sometimes one side has better contact with your Mac than the other side.

–Check that the connector and port is free of debris.

–Make sure the pins in the connector are not stuck. Gently push on the pins with a small tool. If these tips don’t work, read on for more solutions.

Remove the battery

1.  Starting with your Mac charger plugged into the computer and connected to a power source, shut down your Mac.

2.  Remove the battery.

3.  Unplug the MagSafe power adapter.

4.  Hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release.

5.  Plug the MagSafe back into the Mac.

6.  Don’t put the battery back in yet. Plug the MagSafe in and wait for the green light indicator to turn on.

7.  Put the battery back in.

8.  Turn on your Mac. If your computer still won’t charge, read on for more tips.

Reset the SMC

1.  Shut down your Mac.

2.  Plug in your MagSafe Power adapter into your Mac and into a power source.

3.  Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) by pressing “shift + control + option + command + power button (hold for 5 seconds)” and then release all the keys at the same time while your Mac is shut down. This will get the battery to charge.

4.  Press the power button to turn on your computer.

If you Mac still will not charge…

What if you cannot fix it yourself–no matter how many times you bang your computer out of frustration? Instead of wasting time searching for IT forums on the internet or facing long lines at the Genius Bar, contact TalkLocal to  find the best IT service provider to solve your problem.  Simply fill out a short service request on TalkLocal’s website to talk to a high quality local computer repair shop in minutes!

Not many people know how to handle a virus. One of the most frustrating things about owning a computer is not knowing what to do when something goes wrong. And to make matters worse, these problems always seem to happen when you’re working on a major paper or when you just finished filing away all your taxes.

One of the worst things that can happen to any PC owner, no matter if it’s a Sony, Toshiba, Compaq, Dell, is the Blue Screen error. It’s also known as the “Blue Screen of Death” amongst its victims.  This error can be caused by device driver problems, programming errors, page faults, or a variety of other errors.

This type of error and many others can cause the system to become unbootable. It renders your hard drive inaccessible and the only way to access data is to use a backup file to restore the data.  The first thing to do is restart your computer.  Sometimes that will fix the problem. If that doesn’t fix it, you may have to optimize your system by upgrading to a new driver, but that can cost a pretty penny.

Regardless of whether or not you upgrade your driver, you should scan your computer for viruses and malware, especially if you download a large amount of files. If no viruses are detected, try to figure out if a specific file or application is causing the error.  If you find that a specific file or application is causing the error, uninstall it.  If you can’t pinpoint any specific file and the problem persists, it’s time to consult an IT professionals.

TalkLocal can put you in touch with several IT businesses who will be on call to help you out during the time you need. It’s up to you to decide when you can get help with any computer repair issues, including the Blue Screen of Death, from any local IT businesses.

Does your computer sound exasperated or like it’s on the verge of going kaput? Usually all computers make have hard drive noise on startup due to a low hum  from the fan, but a clicking noise could indicate a problem with the hard drive.

Fans

Usually, the fan begins spinning in order to cool off the computer. The power supply fan, CPU heatsink fan, or graphic card heatsink fan may be the source of the noise. This is normal and important for the regular functioning of your computer. Some fans may need lubrication every now and then in order to spin smoothly.

Hard Drive

Hard drives become noisy as they age. Make sure the screws holding the hard drive are tight in order to ensure stability. If your hard drive is making a clicking noise, this could signal an imminent hard drive failure, so routinely save all important files just in case.

Where is the noise coming from: hard drive or fan?

In order to verify the source of the noise, carefully put a long thin stick, such as a coffee stirrer or similar object, in the fan area the next time you start your computer. This will prevent it from spinning, and will allow you to judge if the noise is the fan or something else. Do not block the fan longer than you must for the test.

If the noise continues while the fan is blocked then it is probably the hard drive. You should run a diagnostic scan for any potential errors on your drive and consider claiming the warranty to get the disk repaired or replaced. Make sure to backup important data regularly!

How to deal with a broken hard drive

Don’t replace your hard drive just yet. Hard drives may not function properly on uneven surfaces, such as your lap. Make sure your computer is on a flat, solid surface, such as a desk. Avoid putting your laptop on a bed or other cushioned surface as this could overheat your device and cause it to breakdown much quicker.

If you want to have your hard drive examined by a professional before replacing it, TalkLocal can find you further assistance. TalkLocal connects you instantly with the best local IT service businesses in your area that can help you at your convenience.

Computers break down for many reasons–one being a computer virus, which is an invasive program generally used with malicious intent. In the same way a viruses infect people, computer viruses infect computers and make them work poorly. Because of this, it is vital that you have virus protection for your computer.  There are several ways to combat computer viruses.

If you are low on time or just want a professional to check if your computer is infected, Seva Call can help you find an immediate solution. Just go to Seva Call’s website and fill out a service request, stating your service need, location and availability. In just 90 seconds, Seva Call can put you in touch with up to three high rated service providers in your area who can solve your problem.

I have a computer virus and it’s ruining all functionality of my computer.  Don’t worry–you’re already one step ahead of the game just by identifying whats causing your computer problems.  Many viruses can go unnoticed for a long time.

First, install antivirus software if you haven’t already. There are many free antivirus programs online if you don’t feel like dishing out the cash.

Once the program is running, it should detect that your computer has a virus. Write down what viruses are on your computer. Most antivirus programs will try to remove, or at least isolate, the virus for you. You can usually tell the program that you want the program to get rid of the virus with the click of a button. If the antivirus software says it has removed the malware successfully, then shut down your computer. Reboot and run the antivirus software again.

If the anti-virus software detects nothing, then you’re in the clear. However if it finds different malware, you might need to repeat the steps. If you keep seeing the same malware pop up after multiple scans or cannot access your antivirus software, try starting your computer in Safe Mode.  Then, run your antivirus software. If you see new malware pop up, you may have hit upon your solution. If it finds the same virus, you may need to seek professional help.

If this does not work, you can use TalkLocal to find a local computer repair shop for you. The process is easy: you fill out a short service request online, including a description of your problem, location, and availability. Within minutes, TalkLocal will connect you directly to three local service providers over the phone. All three service providers are capable of fixing your specific problem and willing to meet around your schedule. TalLocal takes the hassle out of appointment scheduling–because computer viruses are stressful enough.