Shape up or ship out? Is your computer worth fixing?

By Gayle Kesten

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While reading an article online, a "friend" was mindlessly fiddling with a magnetic desk sculpture. As she leaned in closer to see the fine print, she took the sculpture along with her and sat it on her laptop. Ten seconds and three zaps later, and said laptop shut down.

OK, I confess: I electrocuted my computer. But was it really kaput? Did I render it inoperable? And how about some less extreme maladies, like when your PC takes forever to boot or runs hotter than your first sip of coffee? How do you know if what you’re dealing with signals doom or just repair?

Following are five common scenarios, some possible causes, and an assessment of whether your computer is worth keeping.

Problem 1: Your computer is taking too long to boot up or load.

Possibilities: Many things can be at fault. For example, your computer could be short on disk space because you've installed too many programs or saved too many files. Data might be fragmented or memory could be running low. A slow Internet connection will affect loading times. Your computer could have a virus, or be overheating. Then again, something could be physically wrong with your computer’s hard drive, or your needs have surpassed your operating system’s capabilities.

Solution: Depends. Gaining speed could be as simple as disabling programs that automatically run at startup, disconnecting unused network connections, deleting large files and programs you don't need, and cleaning your cache. Defragging your computer will organize your files and more efficiently use space; if your computer can handle more memory, consider the investment. Also think about getting a faster Internet connection (for more, read "Ways To Measure Your Internet Connection and Make It Faster".  A virus scan and hard drive scan, however, will tell you if you have bigger problems (for more on how malware affects your computer's speed, read "Avoid Spyware". And if you’re overtaxing your OS with heavy-duty apps beyond its limits, it might be time to move onto something new.

Problem 2: Your computer won’t start up at all.

Possibilities: Start with some simple checks. Are all the cables and plugs properly plugged in? Is the extension cord they’re plugged into plugged in? Is the monitor turned on? Does your battery have power? If you have a cable modem, is the cable company having problems? (Usually flipping on the television will answer that question.) A simple nod to any of those possibilities and you should consider yourself lucky, because then a faulty or damaged motherboard, CPU, memory chip, hard drive or video card isn't to blame.

Solution: Ditch if your computer is more than three years old or the warranty has run out.  You’ll likely spend several hundred dollars for a hardware repair – an amount that will put you well past the halfway mark for some of the newer models on the market.

Problem 3: Your computer or a specific application keeps freezing or crashing.

Possibilities: You could be looking at a wide range of problems, from a virus, to an illegal operation performed by an operating system or software, to corrupt files. Memory overload, overheating and low battery power also could be at fault. You might have attached a peripheral that doesn’t jibe with your machine, or are running two programs that conflict with each other. Or, you could have a hardware defect.

Solution: Fix. It could be a matter of just reinstalling your OS or software—and ensuring the former program was properly uninstalled. You might need a device driver to get your hardware to play nicely (See video: Printer driver updates). If overheating is the culprit, Problem 5 below will fill you in. You might also require additional memory. That said, the time could be ripe to evaluate whether your software needs have surpassed what you originally purchased the computer for, especially if the one you own is several years old.

Problem 4: You're running low on storage space.

Possibilities: Too many files in your cache will stop a computer from using its memory properly. Your drive could be full of unwanted files, programs and downloads. And when was the last time you emptied the recycle bin?

Solution: Fix. No matter the season, it's time to clean your computer. Delete applications and files you don't need, and burn to CD what you don’t need at your fingertips. You also can inexpensively add external storage, such as a flash or hard drive. Dump your desktop trash can, as well as temporary files that have piled up. However, as with Problem 3, if you’re ready to upgrade to a new operating system or need a host of new software apps, you’d be better off with a new computer that has a larger hard drive (for minimum requirements, read "How to share a family PC without going crazy."

Problem 5: Your computer is overheating.

Possibilities: Check the airflow. Dust inside your computer can impede internal fans from properly circulating the air. It also affects the processors. You might be overclocking, or pushing your hardware, beyond its functional boundaries. The CPU or video processor also could be responsible.

Solution: Depends. Clean or replace your computer’s built-in cooling fans, case, heatsink and power supply to avoid serious damage. Make sure vents aren’t blocked, and consider moving your computer to a cooler physical location as well; weigh out the cost vs. the age of your computer.

Bottom line, how long you've owned your computer will play big when your problems are hardware-based. One smart IT guy I know suggests running your computer's diagnostic software before its warranty is up. In addition, if your software needs have exceeded what your computer can reasonably handle, it’s time to go shopping. Otherwise, a relatively simple repair, memory upgrade or hardware addition could do the trick.  As for that computer I fried, may it rest in peace. Fortunately, the one I spilled water on a few weeks later had a happier ending.