File Genie: Blog

5 Common Computer Problems and How to Fix Them

22/7/2025

Whether you use a laptop for your small business or have a workhorse that caters for your whole family, when issues stop your computer performing properly it can really put a spanner in the works. Our lives are so reliant on tech that when it stops working it can seem like the end of the world especially if you rely on staying connected to the digital world or run a small business and need to access emails.

This month we thought we’d take a look at common problems you might encounter with your computer or laptop and offer ways in which you can remedy them and stay connected.

PC Not Turning on
This scenario always fills the user with dread – no response when you switch on your computer? No familiar whirring as the machine powers up? It’s an awful feeling and we’ve all been there! First things first – don’t panic! It’s likely to be a simple issue that can be fixed with little to no cost.

Is it plugged in and switched on at the wall? If the answer is yes, try a different socket.
If you’re using a laptop – does it need charging? If it’s plugged in already, try a different charging cable.
If you are tech savvy you can try booting up in safe mode to find the issue. Using a Mac? Try booting up in safe mode by following the instructions on this page: Safe Mode on a Mac
If you still can’t boot up you might be best getting some expert help!

Computer Running Slow
If your machine is taking ages to load apps, non responsive or freezing mid task there are a few remedies to try before you throw the thing out the window!

Clear the clutter – Over time your computer can get clogged up with files and apps that you no longer need and this will cause your machine to slow down. Spend some time decluttering and you might see an increase in performance.
Check for Malware – If decluttering doesn’t work you should do a scan to check your PC hasn’t picked up any malware or adware.

Slow Internet Connection
A common complaint that causes unnecessary stress, especially if you are in the middle of an online meeting!

Do a speed check! – Are you getting the speed your provider states you should be getting? Run a speed check – you need to do this through a wired connection first and then through WI-FI. If the speed check comes back as slow through both connections you need to contact your service provider.
Update your Router – If your router is old it’s probably time to replace it. Make sure it’s running the latest firmware. Make sure your router is password protected.
Update your Browser – Ensuring your PC is running the latest version of your internet browser will mean it is secure and it will run faster. Read our blog Get The Most Out Of Your Broadband.

PC Overheating
If your machine is overheating you will see issues such as poor performance and your machine randomly shutting itself down. It can be worrying when this happens and you do need to act promptly to prevent further problems.

Bust the dust – Dust is often the biggest cause of overheating. Use compressed air to clear dust from vents and fans.
Give your PC Space – Your PC needs to be in a well ventilated area with space around it to keep it cool. Laptops can be kept cool by using a cooling stand which allows the air to circulate.
Keep it cool – Use a cooling mat for your laptop to help stop it overheating. Keep it on a flat surface and avoid using it on your lap or on a bed.
Check the fans – If the fans don’t seem to be working properly you may need to replace the thermal paste on the CPU - we would recommend seeking help from a technician.

Unresponsive Apps
It’s frustrating when you’re mid task and suddenly the app freezes.

Force quit the app – key combination in Windows Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting Task Manager, or press Option (or Alt), Command and Esc on a Mac.
Restart the computer – If force quit didn't work then a restart might do the trick.
Update or reinstall the unresponsive app – Make sure you’re running the latest version. Sometimes apps can get corrupted so uninstalling then reinstalling can fix the bugs.

It can be stressful when your computer or laptop starts misbehaving or malfunctioning. If the solutions listed here aren’t working or you’re not confident carrying out some of the more complex tasks it’s advisable to get help from a professional. File Genie can help diagnose and repair your PC or Laptop and even teach you how to maintain your tech yourself.

Get in touch and find out more about our IT support.

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What is the Best Antivirus Software?

16/4/2015

A straight forward question, with no, one definitive answer!

There are so many quality products, with prices from free upwards. There are so many terms used to try to single one out as better than another, after a while it all gets a bit confusing. I think that a good antivirus program, being used properly is what is needed. So to that end here are a few tips to help make sure you are getting the best out of the antivirus software you have.

Ensure that your antivirus software is on. This may seem simple but is often over looked.
Check your antivirus software is current. It is easy to have installed a good antivirus program but it's often not until there is a problem that we realise it is the 2012 version and is no longer doing its job. Often when you buy a new computer, it will come with a free trial, these trials can last as little as 3 months and the expiry date can easily be overlooked.
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. It may seem annoying that sometimes every time you want to use your computer it's doing another update but this is to help protect you.
Your operating system needs to be up to date. Your antivirus software works "hand in glove" with the operating system.
Take a few minutes to configure your antivirus software correctly. Most antivirus programs will require a little setup, most updates, scans, real time shields can be set to run automatically, usually at times more convenient for you.
Avoid turning your antivirus software off. Sometimes is can be necessary to turn off your antivirus software, such as installing a new printer often request that you temporarily disable the antivirus software to aid a smooth installation. This is fine but do reactivate as soon as possible. If your computer is a shared computer it is always worth checking whether the user before you has deactivated the antivirus, and forgotten to turn it back on.
Be suspicious of emails. If you don't know the sender or were not expecting an email form the sender… do NOT open it, just delete it. If the email was important and the sender needs to contact you the sender will find another way!
Read the pop up boxes asking you to check and uncheck items when downloading from the internet. Some internet pages will have additional pop-up boxes that may be nothing to with what you were looking for. These checkboxes represent your choices and they will do what you allow them to.
If you have a problem, deal with it now! The chances are it will get progressively worse if left!
Don't forget about your tablets and smartphones. These days they are as much a computer as your tower or laptop and need protecting with an antivirus app the same way.

Protecting Your PC from Virus Attacks

20/5/2014

If you have a PC infected with a virus File Genie can help you sort it out, but the question is how I can protect myself from getting it in the first place?

Sorry but there is no definitive answer to this, but here is some good solid advice and guidelines for you.

When downloading programs only download from trust worthy sources, if you are unsure if the site is trust worthy have a check on Google, if you are still not sure don’t do it!
Read “terms and conditions”, be mindful of any additional offers or anything that you were not actually trying to download, don’t just accept without reading.
Pay attention to the check boxes, some could be ticked for you and you don’t necessarily want them to be, some boxes need to be unchecked to prevent the extra programs from being put on to your PC and others could need to checked.

Viruses can often find their way on to your system via e-mail attachments. Common malicious emails include massages from banks that you don’t bank with, banks that you do bank with but are still fake. Shipping companies and all manner of random senders often but not always... offering you the world or threatening/ warning at the end of it. Best not to open the email at all but defiantly do NOT open any attachments. If you don’t open an email and it was important the sender will find a way to contact you.

Keep your operating system up to date. This will install the latest security patches onto your PC. This is easy to do and for the most part can be set to update automatically.

Downloading pirated software, music, or movies can invite all sorts of nasties on to your PC and although this may seem cheap you will pay more in the end!

Make sure you have a good and up to date antivirus program installed and running on your PC. Set it to scan at least once a week. There are some very good free antivirus programs available such as AVG or Avast in addition to some fairly inexpensive paid programs.

All this can sound like a bit of a phaf but once you have made it part of your routine it will serve you well and help keep you safe and virus free.