TROUBLESHOOTING:

TIP #1:      One of the most common failures with PCs is the Power supply.   If your computer does not
                  start at all when the power button is pressed, first check the following:
                  - Is the PC plugged in
                  - Is the power stip the PC is plugged into plugged in and turned on
                  - Is the circuit breaker tripped (are there other things that don't turn on as well)
                  If everything is ok, then  it may be a problem with the power supply.  The
                  power supply should only be replaced by a trained technician.

TIP #2:      A dirty CPU heat sink can ruin your computer.   If the heat sink is dirty and clogged, heat
                  cannot escape from the CPU.    If the CPU overheats, it can fail, which could cost hundreds
                  to be replaced.   The heat sink in your PC should be cleaned occasionally by a trained technician.
                  In a dirty environment, it may be necessary to clean the heat sink annually.  If you want to clean
                  the heat sink yourself, just use some compressed air to blow out the dust, but be careful not to
                  touch anything inside the computer case.

TIP #3:      Virus Protection Software is most effective when it is updated on a regular basis.  If you have virus
                  protection software and a message tells you that the subscription is expired, or ready to expire,
                 DO NOT IGNORE THIS MESSAGE.  If your antivirus subscription expires, your software will
                 not be able to identify and remove the most recent viruses.  Also, most antivirus software updates
                 itself every few days.   It is important that your software is configured to automatically update itself,
                 or if not, then you MUST update it manually yourself.

TIP #4:     WINDOWS RESTORE.   Windows ME and XP have a function called Windows Restore, which
                 may allow you to recover the system to a usable condition if you are having a problem.     Fist of all,
                 you should make sure Windows Restore is actually turned on.   In Windows XP, START, My
                Computer, View System Information, then click on the System Restore TAB.   The check box to turn
                System Restore Off should be UNCHECKED. 

                If you are having problems after installing a program or an update or you accidentally delete a critical
                system file, you can try to restore the system as follows:   START, All Programs, Accessories,
                System Tools, System Restore. This will run the System Restore wizard that will guide you through the
                process.

TIP #5:    TEMPORARY Internet Files.   Many problems can be eliminated by periodically deleting the
                temporary files created by Internet Explorer.  To delete temporary Internet files, open an Internet
                Explorer window,  click Tools, Internet Options, then click on "Delete Files" in the Temporary Internet
                Files section.  It is also a good idea to delete cookies while you're there, but keep in mind that cookies
                are where your usernames and passwords are stored if you click that check box that says "remember
                my password".   You may be clearing out usernames and passwords that you need to access some
                Internet sites.  Don't say I didn't warn ya!

TIP #6:    Windows Updates.  It is a good idea to regularly apply the Windows Updates released by Microsoft.
               Your PC can be setup to automatically download and install, or just automatically download, or you may
                have to go to http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate to obtain them.  But you should make sure that all
                available updates are applied to your computer.  Windows updates correct known problems, and help
                ensure that your computer is secure and safe from outsiders.