understand when your computer goes haywire, dies, hates you or what ever the reason. Be it hardware, software (OS, 3rd-party, etc) and you wish to get it working agian to resume your simple pleasures.

Please understand that we individuals who try to assist you in your woes do not have alot of time and may not have some answers due to a really simple fact.

When you post your computer problems, include the following:

***** COMPLETE SYSTEM SPECS *****

An example of such is this:

Intel Pentium (A,B,C,D, etc) XXXX MHZ/GHZ

Soyo Dragon Platnium 2 875P Motherboard ver. X.XX

XXX (Size) - Kingston (value, hig performace, etc) PC XXXX

36GB WD Raptor SATA or PATA

Creative Labs Audigy 2 ZS PRO

ETC......

and also include

***** IS IT CONNECTED TO A NETWORK ******

If so list the model name of the hub, switch, router or server.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL

******** What hardware/software changes have you made before you recieved the error ************

******** STATE THE ERROR MESSAGE AND CODE (if applicable) **********

***** THE REASON YOU ARE DOING THIS ADD-ON OR CONFIGURATION CHANGE ******

Clearly explain this, try to be specific as possiable.

If you include these simple facts, it will help each individual who wishes to assist in your problem.

Edited July 27, 200620 yr by Shindo_Hikaru

One other biggie is, "what changed between the time the PC was working and the time is wan't working?" "Did you add any other software/hardware, or make any congifuration changes?"

A lot of the time the person will answer no to the first question but will then say "oh yea, I did install this toolbar." Or something of the like.

1. Install OS

2. Install all desired games and software

3. Configure everything to your heart's desire.

4. Create a backup image file with Ghost, Acronis True Image, or Unattended, depending on your level of knowledge.

5. Restore when necessary.

Good work Shindo_Hikaru. The more information people give us, the more we're able to help.

I am hope a super mod will make it a sticky for all to view, not just Hardware, as this applies to all makes, models, versions of computers.

One very important and oft overlooked problem is overloaded/crap power supplies. Many 'hard to track down' problems are actually from this. It may be prudent to include in the list "make/model of power supply and how many amps it says it gives on all +12v rails".

this would certainly help a lot of members