Symptoms:
A device may appear completely dead due to a fully drained battery that no longer holds a charge, a faulty power adapter, or a blown fuse. Other potential causes include damaged power cables or an internal failure in the power supply circuit.

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Solution:
Start by ensuring a stable power source and verifying that electricity flows uninterrupted to the adapter or power supply. You can check this using an analog or digital voltmeter to measure the voltage at key points, such as the wall outlet and the adapter output.

Symptoms: A gradually spinning fan noise, flickering display, and flashing power light. This may indicate a component failure and/or a depleted or faulty battery.

Solution:

1. If the power supply or adapter is connected,
   unplug it.
2. Wait for 5 minutes, then try to power on the device without reconnecting the adapter.
3. If the power light does not turn on, the battery is likely completely drained and requires a full recharge.
4. First, follow the steps in the "The device is completely dead" section.
5. After completing those steps, properly reconnect the power supply or adapter.
6. Allow the battery to charge for at least 3 to 5 hours.
7. Once charged, attempt to power on the device again.

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Symptoms:
High-pitched whining or grinding noises when the computer is starting up. This noise may disappear or become quieter after a while or persist. The sound can be intermittent, happening frequently or only on occasion.

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Reason:
This symptom typically points to a failing fan or a hard disk drive. Devices such as desktops, workstations, servers, and laptops with cooling fans and HDDs can experience this issue. Additionally, power supply modules in desktops, workstations, and servers contain built-in fans that may also produce such sounds.

Over time, continuous usage and aging cause the fan’s bearings to wear out, and lubrication dries up, leading to increased friction that produces whining sounds. These fans are not user serviceable and should be replaced.

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Solution:
If you’re comfortable working inside a computer, you can check if the fan is clogged with dust or debris, which may temporarily worsen the issue. Cleaning it with compressed air may help, but if the noise persists, the fan or the hard disk drive needs to be replaced. If you're unsure or not comfortable opening the device, consult a qualified tech lab for assistance or contact me for troubleshooting advice.

Symptoms:
This issue applies only to computers with mechanical hard drives (HDDs), not SSDs (Solid State Drives).

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Cause:  
Over time, mechanical hard drives wear out due to continuous usage and workload demands. As they degrade, their ability to read and write data diminishes. If your computer is still operational but showing these symptoms, it's a warning sign of imminent drive failure, which may eventually lead to permanent data loss.

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Solution:   
⚠️ Immediate Action: 
❗️ Back up important data (documents, photos, videos, music, etc.) right away.

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Troubleshooting:

1. Identify the failing drive (if multiple drives are installed). If unsure, seek my assistance.
2. If the system drive is failing, replace it as soon as possible.  
3. For desktops: 
   • If you're experienced and know how to inspect the hardware safely, open the computer while it’s running (use caution).
   • ⚠️ Caution: Always wear an anti-static wrist strap before handling internal components.
   • 👂🏻 Listen closely to pinpoint the source of the sound.
4. Replacement Steps: 
   
   • Power down the computer.
   • ⚠️ Disconnect all power sources (wall socket, power adapters, batteries, etc.).
   • Remove the faulty hard drive by unscrewing its mounting brackets or slot locks.
   • Securely store the removed drive in an anti-static bag.
   • Purchase a new HDD or SSD with identical specifications.
   • Install the new drive in place of the old one. 

Next Steps – Installing the OS 

Once the new drive is installed, you'll need to install an operating system. For a step-by-step guide, refer to one of the Operating Systems section from the top navigation menu of this page.

Symptoms:
This applies mostly to older computers. When powered on, the computer may:

• Beep continuously or follow a specific beep pattern.
• Display a static logo but fail to proceed.
• Show a blank, dark, or black screen.
• Present graphical issues like horizontal/vertical lines, coloured squares, or random garbled text.
• Flash red, green, or blue screens.

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Cause:
Observing the symptoms closely can help pinpoint the issue:

• If the beeping follows a pattern, refer to the Beep Codes Section to decode the error.
• If using an external monitor, check that the video cable is securely connected at both ends. Loose connections can cause display abnormalities.
• The problem typically indicates a hardware failure involving one or more of the following:
  • Processor
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Embedded graphics or dedicated GPU
  • Chipset or motherboard components
  • BIOS corruption
  • Power supply unit (PSU) or internal power control circuitry

If the beeping stops after some time, but the screen remains garbled, and a faint desktop or login screen is visible, the issue is likely with the video adapter.

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Solution: 

• For Laptops: This requires professional repair by an experienced technician.
• For Desktops & Workstations: If you have hardware knowledge and follow proper safety procedures, you may attempt troubleshooting. Check out the section how to replace your system disk if you need a step-by-step guide.
• Caution: Always use a wrist strap and proper grounding before opening the system to avoid static damage.

1. Symptoms: Keyboard or Mouse Not Responding
   • Cause: Loose or faulty USB connection, power issues, or driver conflicts.
   • Fix: 
     • Unplug and reconnect to a different USB port.
     • Check for visible cable damage.
     • Restart the computer.
     • Try the keyboard/mouse on another device to confirm if it’s working.
2. Symptoms: Keys Not Registering or Sticking
   • Cause: Dirt, debris, or hardware failure. 
   • Fix:
     • Gently clean between keys with compressed air.
     • If mechanical, remove the keycaps and clean the switches.
     • If a specific key is faulty, it might need replacing.
3. Symptoms: Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters
   • Cause: Wrong keyboard layout or corrupted drivers.  
   • Fix:
     • Check language and input settings.
     • Reinstall the keyboard driver.
4. Symptoms: Mouse Cursor Not Moving or Lagging
   • Cause: Sensor obstruction, driver issues, or a faulty cable.  
   • Fix:
     • Clean the sensor on the bottom of the mouse.
     • Try a different USB port.
     • Update or reinstall the mouse driver.
5. Symptoms: Repeated or Phantom Key Presses
   • Cause: Faulty switches or liquid damage.
   • Fix:
     • Try a different keyboard to confirm if it’s a hardware issue.
     • If a single key is repeating, it might need repair or replacement. 

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This section covers issues not related to simple hardware faults, physical damage, or driver problems. These can include software conflicts, power management settings, and interference from other devices.

1. Symptoms: Keyboard or Mouse Stops Working Randomly
   • Cause: Power-saving settings may be turning off USB ports to conserve energy.
   • Fix:
     • Go to Device Manager → Find Universal Serial Bus controllers → Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management → Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
     • Check in the BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure USB ports are not disabled. ⚠️ CAUTION! to make changes in the BIOS/UEFI requires thorough knowledge and experience of working on computer repairs. Do this at your own risk. 
2. Symptoms: Keyboard Shortcuts or Special Keys Not Working
   • Cause: Some keyboards require special software or drivers for multimedia or programmable keys.
   • Fix:
     • Install the manufacturer’s official keyboard software (e.g., Logitech Options, Razer Synapse).
     • Try a different USB port, as some devices require full USB power to function properly.
3. Symptoms: Mouse Dragging, Double-Clicking on Its Own, or Clicking Delays
   • Cause: Corrupt system files, system lag, or a failing switch inside the mouse.
   • Fix:
     • Start a Terminal session with CMD on Windows™ and Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair system files.
     • Adjust double-click speed in Control Panel → Mouse settings.
     • If the mouse still behaves erratically, try using it on another PC.
4. Symptoms: Sudden Unresponsiveness After Windows or macOS Update
   • Cause: Sometimes, updates overwrite or remove essential drivers.
   • Fix:
     • Uninstall and reinstall keyboard/mouse drivers via Device Manager.
     • Try rolling back the driver to a previous version.
     • If using Windows™, check Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot and run the keyboard/mouse troubleshooter.
5. Symptoms: Keyboard or Mouse Affected by Other USB Devices
   • Cause: Some USB devices (printers, external drives) interfere with data transmission.
   • Fix:
     • Try plugging the keyboard/mouse into a different USB port.
     • Avoid using unpowered USB hubs for high-power devices.

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1. Symptom: Pen Not Responding at All
   • Cause:
     • Battery is dead (if applicable).
     • Bluetooth pairing is lost (for Bluetooth-enabled pens).
     • Outdated or missing drivers.
     • Touchscreen is disabled in settings. 
   • Fix:
     • If the pen has a battery, replace it.
     • Re-pair the pen via Bluetooth (for Bluetooth pens).
     • Check if the touchscreen is enabled in Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).
     • Update or reinstall pen drivers.
2. Symptom: Pen Input is Laggy or Inconsistent
   • Cause:
     • Low battery. 
     • Poor Bluetooth connection. 
     • Too many background applications using system resources.
     • The display refresh rate is too low.
   • Fix:
     • Charge or replace the battery.
     • Move closer to the device to improve Bluetooth stability.
     • Close unnecessary apps.
     • Adjust the display refresh rate if possible (some devices allow this).
3. Symptom: Palm Rejection Not Working Properly
   • Cause:
     • Palm rejection settings are disabled.
     • Conflicting touchscreen drivers.
     • Faulty software or app compatibility issues.
   • Fix:
     • Enable palm rejection in the device settings or the specific app.
     • Update touchscreen drivers.
     • Test a different app to see if the problem is software-related.
4. Symptom: Pen Buttons Not Functioning
   • Cause:
     • Buttons are not assigned correctly in settings.
     • Software bug or missing driver update.
   • Fix:
     • Configure button settings in the manufacturer’s pen software.
     • Reinstall or update the pen driver.
5. Symptom: Pressure Sensitivity Not Working
   • Cause:
     • Driver issue.
     • The app being used doesn’t support pressure sensitivity.
   • Fix:
     • Update drivers.
     • Check if the app supports pressure sensitivity and configure it properly.
6. Symptom: Random or Ghost Touches When Using the Pen
   • Cause:
     • Digitizer or touchscreen issue.
     • Other objects interfering with touch input.
   • Fix:
     • Restart the device.
     • Clean the screen and ensure there’s no dirt or moisture.
     • Disable finger touch (if the pen supports pen-only mode).

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1. Symptom: Not Being Detected by the System
   
   • Cause:
     • USB-C or USB port issue.
     • Bluetooth connection lost (for wireless trackpads).
     • Drivers not installed.
   • Fix:
     • Try a different USB port or cable.
     • Reconnect the trackpad via Bluetooth.
     • Update or reinstall drivers.
2. Symptom: Unresponsive Gestures (Two-Finger Scroll, Pinch to Zoom, etc.)
   
   • Cause:
     • Gestures are disabled in settings.
     • Driver incompatibility.
   • Fix:
     • Enable gestures in system settings. 
     • Reinstall or update the trackpad driver.
3. Symptom: Cursor Movement is Erratic or Jittery
   
   • Cause:
     • Dirty or damaged surface.
     • Interference from nearby wireless devices.
   • Fix:
     • Clean the trackpad surface.
     • Move TrackPad away from other wireless devices.
4. Symptom: Trackpad Disconnects Randomly
   
   • Cause:
     • Bluetooth interference.
     • Battery running low.
   • Fix:
     • Charge or replace the battery.
     • Reconnect via Bluetooth and update drivers. 
5. Symptom: Trackpad Buttons Not Working
   
   • Cause:
     • Hardware failure.
     • Software bug.
   • Fix:
     • Restart the system.
     • If it is a physical button issue, the trackpad may need repair.

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1. Symptoms: Completely Unresponsive Touchpad
   • Cause: 
     • Touchpad is disabled in settings.
     • Driver issues.
   • Fix: 
     • Enable the touchpad in settings.
     • Reinstall or update drivers.
2. Symptoms: Cursor Jumping or Moving Erratically
   • Cause: 
     • Touchpad sensitivity too high.
     • Dirty touchpad surface.
   • Fix: 
     • Lower the sensitivity in settings.
     • Clean the touchpad.
3. Symptoms: Left or Right Click Not Working
   • Cause: 
     • Physical damage.
     • Driver issues.
   • Fix: 
     • Check for software issues first.
     • If the button is physically stuck, professional help is required to repair.
4. Symptoms: Gestures Not Working
   • Cause: 
     • Gestures disabled in settings.
     • Outdated drivers.
   • Fix: 
     • Enable gestures in settings.
     • Update or reinstall drivers.
5. Symptoms: Touchpad Disables Itself Randomly
   • Cause: 
     • Auto-disable feature enabled.
     • A key combination was accidentally pressed.
   • Fix: 
     • Check settings for auto-disable options.
     • Use the function key (Fn + Touchpad key) to toggle it back on.