3] BIOS Setup
A common BIOS error is related to CAS latency. This refers to RAM. DDR4 RAM has a CAS latency of 15 and DDR3 has a CAS latency of 10. Setting the wrong number can cause RAM to lock up and freeze the computer’s display. It’s a good idea to read the RAM specifications you’re using before changing them.
Windows can manage IRQ number allocation better than BIOS. If possible, set the IRQ number to Auto in BIOS. This will allow Windows to allocate IRQ numbers (make sure the BIOS settings for Plug and Play OS are switched to ‘yes’ to allow Windows to do this.)
4] Hard disk drive
The hard disk will slow down and not be optimal if it is too full. Clean your drive every few months and free up space on it. Open the Windows folder on drive C and locate the Temporary Files folder. Deleting its contents (not the folder) can free up a lot of space.
Empty the Recycle Bin weekly to get more space. Hard disk drives should be scanned weekly for errors or bad sectors.
You can use Task Scheduler or a third-party tool to perform these operations at night when the computer is not in use.
5] Fatal OE exception and VXD error
Fatal OE exception errors and VXD errors are often caused by video card problems. This can often be overcome easily by reducing the display resolution of the video. For most desktops, the 16-bit color depth is sufficient.
As always, the most common cause of graphics card-related issues is outdated or corrupted drivers. Search for the manufacturer of your video card on the internet and look for the latest drivers for the card.
6] Virus
Often the first sign of a viral infection is instability. Some viruses remove the boot sector on the hard drive, making it impossible to start.
Virus scanners require a list of virus signatures to identify viruses. This signature is stored in a DAT file. DAT files should be updated weekly from your antivirus software manufacturer’s website.
7] Printer
Printing a document on a printer will produce a large file, which is often called a postscript file. Whereas the screen has only a small amount of memory, called a buffer. It can be easily overloaded. Printing documents also use considerable CPU power. It will also slow down computer performance.
If the printer tries to print unusual characters, those characters may not be recognized and may damage the computer. Sometimes the printer cannot recover from damage due to clutter in the buffer.
A good way to clear the buffer is to unplug the printer for ten seconds. Booting up from a powerless state, also called a cold boot, will restore the printer’s default settings and you may be able to continue.
8] Software
A common cause of computer damage is faulty or poorly installed software. Often this problem can be resolved by uninstalling the software, then reinstalling it.
The System Registry can be corrupted because references still refer to software that has already been removed. Use a registry cleaner like CCleaner or something else to remove it. Don’t delete the registry manually if you don’t understand it. If the Registry is damaged, you must reinstall the operating system.
Often Windows problems can be solved by entering Safe Mode. This can be done at start-up. Safe Mode loads minimum drivers. This mode allows you to find and fix problems that prevent Windows from loading correctly.
Sometimes installing Windows fails due to inappropriate BIOS settings. If you keep getting the SUWIN (Windows setup) error message during Windows installation, try entering BIOS and disabling the CPU’s internal cache. Try disabling Level 2 (L2) caching if that doesn’t work. Restore all BIOS settings to their previous settings after installation.