Signs An Office Computer Is Going Bad

You've put a lot of money in your office computers, so you want your employees to use them properly so they have a long, useful life. A computer crash cuts into productivity and may even cause you to lose valuable files. Most computer problems usually don't strike out of the blue. Instead, there will be little warning signs that signal issues that should be repaired before the computer dies for good. Here are some of the warning signs your employees should be taught to watch out for.

Unusual Noises

New noises coming from the hard drive and fan should not be ignored. Before a hard drive fails completely, it often makes grinding or clicking noises. These could go on for a long time, which causes employees to get used to the sound and think it is nothing to worry about. So, to be on the safe side, you should have your employees report any noises they hear coming from their computers that are not software related. Fans are another source of unusual noises that indicate a problem with the computer. A suddenly loud fan could mean a problem with the fan itself or a problem with the hardware that is making it overheat. A loud fan could also signal a buildup of dust inside the computer or the vents.

Software Errors

If the computer starts having problems with the software your company uses on a regular basis, it could be a sign of impending computer failure. If the errors are confined to only one software program, it might be a matter of a few corrupted files, and the error may be fixed by reinstalling the software. However, if several programs are affected, then the problem is usually more serious. There could even be problems with the operating system when the computer boots in the mornings. Booting errors should be reported rather than overlooked. It is easy to ignore them if an immediate reboot is successful, but ongoing, random booting errors is often a sign the computer needs repairs.

Hardware Malfunctions

Another sign to watch for is problems with the mouse, keyboard, monitor, or internet connection. These problems are a lot harder to ignore since they interfere with the ability to use the computer properly. For instance, a mouse may not work, or it may not work on the first boot, but works on a reboot. This could indicate a problem with the mouse itself, or it could be a problem with a USB port. You want to have a defective USB port repaired as quickly as possible, because if it goes bad, it could put your computer out of service if you don't have an extra port for the mouse or keyboard.

When your employees use the same computers each day, they get used to how they operate. This makes it easier for them to notice when one slows down, has errors, or makes weird noises. The key is to train your employees to report these problems rather than ignore them. Having repairs done in a timely manner will protect your investment and prevent downtime. Some companies even offer mobile repair service, which makes it easier than ever to stay on top of computer repairs. For more information, contact a business such as Automated Office Systems.


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