The PC and Gadget Help Desk: A Do-It-Yourself Guide To Troubleshooting and Repairing

Book description

A Do-It-Yourself Guide To
Troubleshooting and Repairing

Your EASY, comprehensive technology troubleshooter!

PCs, smartphones, tablets, networks, cameras, home theater and more—all in one book!

We all use technology—and we all have problems with it. Don’t get frustrated… and don’t waste money on costly repair or support calls! Solve the problems yourself, with the one guide that makes it easy: The PC and Gadget Help Desk. Using clear pictures, handy “symptom tables,” and easy-to-use flowcharts, Mark Edward Soper walks you step-by-step through identifying, solving, and preventinghundreds of today’s most aggravating tech problems. Soper covers all your major platforms: iPhones, iPads, Android devices, Windows systems, and more. He even helps you fix the weird problems that happen when you use them together!

  • Regain lost Internet access and fix broken Wi-Fi connections

  • Solve problems with viewing and sharing media or other files

  • Track down power problems wherever they arise

  • Troubleshoot printing problems and print from smartphones or tablets

  • Fix missing video or audio on your HDTV or home theater system

  • Get syncing working right on your Apple or Android device

  • Improve your PC’s 3D gaming performance

  • Identify and replace flaky memory chips

  • Prevent overheating that can damage your equipment

  • Solve common problems with digital cameras and DV camcorders

  • Troubleshoot iOS or Android antennas, updates, screens, and connectivity

  • Get FaceTime working right on your iPhone or iPad

  • Troubleshoot eReaders and display your eBooks on additional devices

  • Sensibly decide whether to upgrade, repair, or replace

  • Mark Edward Soper has spent 30 years as an instructor and corporate trainer, helping thousands of people work more happily with personal technology. He is the author of PC Help Desk in a Book, and is the co-author of Leo Laporte’s PC Help Desk, as well as more than 25 other books on Windows, digital imaging, networking, the Internet, IT certification, and computer troubleshooting. Soper is a CompTIA A+ Certified computer technician and Microsoft Certified Professional.

    BONUS ONLINE VIDEOS:Includes access to free,studio-quality how-to videosthat make troubleshooting and repair even easier!

    Table of contents

    1. About This eBook
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. Contents at a Glance
    5. Contents
    6. About the Author
    7. Dedication
    8. Acknowledgments
    9. We Want to Hear from You!
    10. Reader Services
    11. Introduction
      1. Why You Need This Book
      2. How to Use This Book
      3. How This Book Is Organized
        1. Chapter 1, “PC, Tablet, Mobile Device, Home Theater, Digital Camera, and Camcorder Anatomy 101”
        2. Chapter 2, “Upgrade, Repair, or Replace?”
        3. Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting Internet Problems”
        4. Chapter 4, “Curing Malware and Stopping Scams”
        5. Chapter 5, “Solving Problems with Viewing Your Photos and Videos”
        6. Chapter 6, “Keeping Devices Powered Up”
        7. Chapter 7, “Desktop Power Supply Troubleshooting”
        8. Chapter 8, “Fixing Windows Devices That Can’t Start”
        9. Chapter 9, “Solving File Sharing Problems”
        10. Chapter 10, “Troubleshooting Device Sharing”
        11. Chapter 11, “Troubleshooting Printing”
        12. Chapter 12, “Troubleshooting Home Theater, HDTVs, and Projectors”
        13. Chapter 13, “Fixing Slow 3D Gaming”
        14. Chapter 14, “Keeping Your Devices Updated”
        15. Chapter 15, “Dealing with Contrary Memory”
        16. Chapter 16, “Keeping Devices Cool”
        17. Chapter 17, “Troubleshooting Touchscreens, Keyboards, and Mice”
        18. Chapter 18, “Upgrading and Troubleshooting Storage Devices”
        19. Chapter 19, “Software Troubleshooting”
        20. Chapter 20, “Digital Camera Troubleshooting”
        21. Chapter 21, “HD Camcorder and Video Troubleshooting”
        22. Chapter 22, “iOS Troubleshooting”
        23. Chapter 23, “Android Troubleshooting”
        24. Chapter 24, “Troubleshooting Flowcharts”
        25. Glossary
    12. 1. PC, Tablet, Mobile Device, Home Theater, Digital Camera, and Camcorder Anatomy 101
      1. One Device = Many Subsystems
        1. Hardware, Software, and Firmware
      2. Desktop and Laptop PC Subsystems
      3. Stop ESD—Don’t Fry Your PC!
      4. Desktop PC Anatomy
        1. Front Views of Typical Desktop Computers
        2. Rear Views of Typical Desktop Computers
        3. Internal Components
        4. Expansion Slots
        5. Points of Failure Inside the Computer
      5. Laptop and Netbook PC Anatomy
        1. Laptop External Ports and Features
        2. Laptop Internal Features
        3. Points of Failure on a Laptop Computer
      6. All-in-One PC Anatomy
        1. External Ports and Features
        2. Internal Components
        3. Points of Failure
      7. Windows Tablet Anatomy
        1. External Ports and Features
        2. Internal Components
        3. Points of Failure
      8. Preparing a Windows-Based Computer or Tablet for Easier Troubleshooting
        1. Taking Pictures of Your BIOS Settings
        2. Recovering from Firmware Settings Failure
        3. Configuring Windows to Keep STOP (Blue Screen) Errors Displayed
        4. Setting Up System Protection
        5. Setting Up Windows Backup (Windows 7)
        6. Setting Up File History (Windows 8/8.1)
      9. Android Tablet and Smartphone Anatomy
        1. Android External Ports and Features
        2. Android Internal Components
        3. Points of Failure
      10. iOS Device Anatomy
        1. iOS External Ports and Features
        2. Internal Components
        3. Points of Failure
      11. HDTV Anatomy
        1. Video Ports
        2. Audio Ports
        3. Attachment Points
        4. Points of Failure
      12. Projector Anatomy
        1. Video and Signal Ports
        2. Audio Ports
        3. Projector Controls
        4. Internal Components
        5. Points of Failure
      13. Monitor Anatomy
        1. Video Ports
        2. Audio Ports
        3. Attachment Points
        4. Points of Failure
      14. Receiver/Sound Bar Anatomy
        1. Audio and Video Ports
        2. Points of Failure
      15. Digital Camera Anatomy
        1. Control Buttons and Switches
        2. External Features
        3. Interchangeable Components
        4. Internal Components
        5. Points of Failure
      16. Camcorder Anatomy
        1. Control Buttons
        2. External Features
        3. Connection and Add-ons
        4. Points of Failure
    13. 2. Upgrade, Repair, or Replace?
      1. The 50% Rule
        1. Applying the Rule
        2. Exceptions
      2. OEM Versus Third-Party Components
        1. When to Use OEM Repair/Replacement Parts
        2. Benefits of Third-Party Repair/Replacement Parts
        3. Finding the Best Values in Third-Party Components
    14. 3. Troubleshooting Internet Problems
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Speeding Up a Slow Wireless Network
        1. Choosing an Uncluttered Channel
        2. Understanding Encryption
        3. Wireless-N or Wireless-AC+WPA2 Encryption—Speed and Better Security
        4. Why WEP and WPA’s Time Is Over
        5. Why Some Wireless-N and AC Devices Run Faster Than Others
        6. Old Computer, New Router? Boosting Wi-Fi Speed
        7. Dealing with Slow, Insecure Devices on Your Home Network
      3. Setting Up a Secure Wireless Network
        1. Encryption Keys Problems and Solutions
        2. Wi-Fi Protected Setup Problems and Solutions
      4. Solving Signal Strength Problems
        1. Improving Antenna Positioning
        2. Installing and Using a Signal Repeater
        3. Using Powerline Networking
      5. Speeding Up a Slow Wired Network
        1. Checking Your Network Cable
        2. Checking Your Computers for Gigabit Ports
        3. Checking Your Router or Switch
      6. Airplane Mode Versus Wi-Fi Mode
      7. Switching Connection Types Manually
      8. Mobile Hotspots and Connection Security
        1. Using a Cellular-Enabled Device as a Hotspot
      9. Switching Between Mobile and Desktop Websites
      10. Router Configuration
      11. Firmware Updates
        1. Updating Your Router
    15. 4. Curing Malware and Stopping Scams
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Got Malware? What It Is and What It Does
      3. Malware Attacks via Your Browser
      4. Malware Attacks via Email
      5. Malware Attacks via Phone Calls from Alleged Helplines
      6. Malware Attacks via USB or Flash Memory
      7. Your Role in Stopping Malware—An Overview
      8. Avoiding Online and Email Scams
        1. Signs of Fraudulent Websites
        2. Check Before You Click
        3. Don’t Click the Zip
        4. Log In, Don’t Click In
        5. Let Your Browser Protect You
      9. Preventing and Removing Malware on Windows Devices
      10. Preventing and Removing Malware on iOS Devices
      11. Preventing and Removing Malware on Android Devices
      12. Repairing Malware Damage on Windows Devices
      13. Repairing Malware Damage on iOS or Android Devices
    16. 5. Solving Problems with Viewing Your Photos and Videos
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Can’t View RAW Files on Your PC
        1. What Is a RAW File?
        2. RAW Versus JPEG Files
        3. What Is a Codec?
        4. Finding and Installing RAW Codecs
      3. Can’t View RAW Files on Your Android Device
        1. Finding and Using RAW Apps for Android
      4. Can’t View RAW Files on Your iOS Device
      5. Can’t View Video on Your PC
        1. Updating Adobe Flash
        2. Determining Codecs Used by Windows Media Player
        3. Installing Additional Codecs
        4. Alternatives to Windows Media Player
      6. Can’t View Video on Your Android Device
        1. Playing Adobe Flash Video on Android
      7. Can’t Play Video on Your iOS Device
      8. Choosing a Video Player for Your PC or Device
      9. Troubleshooting Codecs
    17. 6. Keeping Devices Powered Up
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Smartphone Versus Tablet—Charging Requirements
        1. Dual USB Port Charging Pitfalls
      3. Setting Up Your PC’s USB Ports for Full-Time Charging Support
        1. Software Drivers for Faster Charging
      4. Troubleshooting a Device or Battery That’s Not Charging
        1. Wattage and Amperage
        2. Troubleshooting Laptop Power Issues
        3. Smartphone or Tablet Cable or Charger?
        4. Battery Testing
        5. Battery Not Charging or Not Holding a Charge
      5. Replacing Your Device’s Battery
        1. Rechargeable AA/AAA/C/D Batteries
        2. Alkaline Versus Lithium Batteries
        3. Proprietary Laptop, Digital Camera, or Camcorder Batteries
        4. Built-in Batteries
      6. Extending Battery Life
    18. 7. Desktop Power Supply Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. What Bad Power Does to Your System
      3. Determining Whether Your Power Supply Is Overloaded or Failing
        1. Overheating
        2. Bus-Powered USB Devices Are Failing
        3. Not Enough 12V Power
        4. Low Efficiency
        5. Random System Crashes or Lockups
      4. Troubleshooting Overheating and Airflow Problems
      5. Has Your Power Supply Failed?
        1. System Won’t Turn On
        2. Power Supply Comes On for a Moment, Then Stops
        3. System Reboots Itself
        4. Power Supply Fan Fails
        5. Power Supply Smells
      6. Testing Your Power Supply
        1. Using a Digital Power Supply Tester
        2. Ideal and Acceptable Voltage Levels
        3. Checking Voltage Levels with PC Health/Hardware Monitor
        4. Using a Multimeter
      7. Replacing the Power Supply
        1. Essential and Desirable Features
        2. Selecting the Right-Sized Power Supply
        3. Understanding 80PLUS Standards
        4. Upgrading Power Supplies in Dell Computers
        5. Removing the Old Power Supply
        6. Installing the New Power Supply
      8. Choosing Power Protection Devices
        1. Checking Wall Outlets
        2. Choosing a Surge Suppression Device
        3. Choosing a Battery Backup Device
    19. 8. Fixing Windows Devices That Can’t Start
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Troubleshooting a Windows Tablet or Computer That Can’t Start
      3. BIOS Configuration Settings
      4. Windows Configuration Issues
      5. BIOS Startup Error Messages and Solutions
        1. Disconnecting USB Drives
        2. Checking and Changing Drive Boot Order
        3. STOP (Blue Screen) Errors at Startup
        4. Loose Drive Data and Power Cables
        5. Drive Failure
      6. Windows 7 Error Recovery and Advanced Boot Options
        1. Using Windows 7 Repair Tools
        2. Using Automatic Startup Repair
        3. Using System Restore
        4. Using Last Known Good Configuration
        5. Using Safe Mode Options
        6. Using MSConfig
        7. Enable Low-Resolution Video
        8. Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure
        9. System Image Recovery
      7. Windows 8 Error Recovery and Advanced Boot Options
        1. Using Windows 8/8.1 Repair Tools
        2. Refresh Your PC
        3. Reset Your PC
    20. 9. Solving File Sharing Problems
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Troubleshooting HomeGroup Settings
        1. Creating a Homegroup—and What to Do if You Can’t
        2. Joining an Existing Homegroup
        3. Can’t Join an Existing Homegroup
        4. Using the HomeGroup Troubleshooter
        5. Opening Homegroup Folders
        6. Homegroup Manual Repairs
        7. Custom Sharing Settings
      3. File Sharing with Portable Devices
        1. Troubleshooting File Sharing with Portable Devices
    21. 10. Troubleshooting Device Sharing
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Setting Up a Printer or Multifunction Device on the Network
        1. Connecting to a Wired Network
        2. Connecting a Device to a Wireless Network
      3. Installing a Network Multifunction Device or Printer Driver
      4. Troubleshooting a Network Multifunction Device or Printer
      5. Installing a Network-Attached Drive
      6. Troubleshooting a Network-Attached Drive
    22. 11. Troubleshooting Printing
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Troubleshooting Printer Driver Issues
        1. 32-Bit Versus 64-Bit Windows and Printer Drivers
        2. Get All the Printer Features You Paid For
        3. Need a New Printer Driver? Here’s How to Get One
        4. Removing an Incorrect Printer Driver
        5. No Driver for Your Version of Windows? Workarounds and Fixes for You
      3. Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers
        1. Testing Print Quality
        2. Cleaning Print Heads
        3. Aligning Print Heads
        4. Selecting the Correct Paper Type and Print Quality Settings
        5. Third-Party Versus OEM Inks
        6. High-Capacity Inks and Ink Cartridge Recycling
      4. Troubleshooting Printing from Memory Cards
      5. Troubleshooting Laser Printers
        1. Laser/LED Printer Status Lights and Messages
        2. Common Laser/LED Problems and Solutions
        3. Checking Firmware and Number of Pages Printed
        4. Using Maintenance Kits
      6. Troubleshooting Scan/Copy/Fax Issues
        1. Documents Jamming in Paper Feeder
        2. What Scan/Copy Settings Should I Use?
        3. Can’t Use Fax
        4. Lines, Streaks, or Specks
      7. Troubleshooting iOS and Android Printer Support
    23. 12. Troubleshooting Home Theater, HDTVs, and Projectors
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. I Can’t See Computer or Device Display on HDTV, Projector, or Monitor
        1. Troubleshooting TV and Video Inputs
        2. Detecting HDTV, Projector or Additional Monitor with Windows
        3. Adjusting the HDTV Desktop Size in Windows
      3. Can’t Hear Computer Audio Through AV Receiver
        1. Connecting Analog Audio Ports to a Receiver
        2. Connecting Digital Audio to a Receiver
        3. Selecting the Correct Audio Output Type on Your PC
        4. Selecting the Correct Speaker Configuration on Your PC
        5. Selecting the Correct Input Type on Your Receiver
      4. I Want to Play Music on My iOS Device Through My Receiver
        1. Using an Audio or USB Cable
        2. Using a Docking Device
        3. Using Bluetooth on iOS
        4. Apple AirPlay
        5. Using Wi-Fi
      5. I Want to Play a Movie on My iOS Device Through a Home Theater System
        1. Apple AV Cable and Compatible Cable and Docking Products
        2. Apple TV
        3. Using AirPlay and Mirroring
      6. I Want to Play Music on My Android Device Through a Home Theater System
        1. Using an Audio or USB Cable
        2. Using Bluetooth on Android
        3. Using Wi-Fi on Android
      7. I Want to Play a Movie on My Android Device Through a Home Theater System
      8. I Can’t Sync Music with my iOS or Android Device
        1. Troubleshooting Syncing to an iOS Device
        2. Troubleshooting Syncing to an Android Device
        3. Selecting the Correct Settings for Ripping a CD
      9. I Can’t Play Back Content Through AV Receiver
        1. Incorrect Input Selected
        2. Incorrect Cabling Between Devices
        3. Loose Speaker Wires
        4. Receiver or Device Muted
        5. Content Not Supported
      10. I Can’t Play Back My Blu-ray Movies
        1. Checking Your Device for HDCP Support
        2. Checking the AV Cable Connections Between Your PC or Player and Your Display or HDTV
        3. Upgrading Firmware in Your Blu-ray Player
    24. 13. Fixing Slow 3D Gaming
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Updating Drivers
      3. Adjusting 3D Settings
        1. AMD 3D Settings
        2. NVIDIA 3D Settings
        3. In-Game Controls
      4. Installing a Second Graphics Card
        1. Enabling SLI
        2. Enabling CrossFireX
      5. Overclocking Your Graphics Card
        1. Using Overclocking Software
        2. Improving GPU Cooling
      6. Improving Your Display
        1. Upgrading to IPS LED Displays
        2. Faster-Response HDTVs
    25. 14. Keeping Your Devices Updated
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Using Windows Update
        1. Normal Settings for Windows Update
        2. Viewing and Changing Windows Update Settings
        3. Enabling Microsoft Update
        4. Installing Updates Manually
        5. Getting Service Packs
      3. Using Vendor-Supplied Update Tools
      4. Updating Device Drivers
        1. Rolling Back Bad Driver Updates
      5. Updating iOS Devices
      6. Updating Android Devices
    26. 15. Dealing with Contrary Memory
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Troubleshooting Slow System Performance
      3. Choosing a Memory Upgrade
        1. Upgrading to Faster Memory
        2. When to Choose High-Performance Memory
      4. Removing and Installing Memory Modules
        1. Removing and Installing SODIMMs
        2. Installing and Removing DIMMs
        3. Completing the Process
      5. Signs of Memory Problems
        1. Finding a Defective Memory Module
      6. Testing Memory
    27. 16. Keeping Devices Cool
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. What Excessive Heat Does to Your Device
      3. Keeping Your Desktop Computer Cool
        1. Checking Fan Speeds and System Temperatures with the System BIOS
        2. Fan Connections on the Motherboard
        3. Troubleshooting Fan Failures
        4. Using Desktop Health Monitoring Software
        5. Adding and Replacing Fans
        6. Using Third-Party Active Heat Sinks for Your Processor
      4. Keeping Your Laptop Cool
        1. Avoiding Blocked Airflow
        2. Adjusting Power Settings
        3. Cooling Pads for Laptops
      5. Preventing Desktop and Laptop Overheating with Preventative Maintenance
      6. Troubleshooting iOS and Android Device Overheating
    28. 17. Troubleshooting Touchscreens, Keyboards, and Mice
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Cleaning Mobile and PC Touchscreens
      3. Calibrating and Testing Touchscreens
        1. Calibration in Windows 7/8/8.1
        2. Testing and Calibration in Android
        3. Calibration on iOS
      4. Updating Your Operating System or Drivers
      5. Choosing and Using a Stylus
      6. Troubleshooting Wired Mice and Keyboards
        1. Troubleshooting Pointing Device Problems with Control Panel
      7. Troubleshooting Wireless Mice and Keyboards
        1. Using Device Manager to Troubleshoot Wireless Mice and Keyboards
        2. Troubleshooting Problems with Wireless Input Devices
      8. Troubleshooting Bluetooth Mice and Keyboards
        1. Pairing a Bluetooth Mouse
        2. Pairing a Bluetooth Keyboard
        3. Troubleshooting Problems with Bluetooth Devices
      9. Troubleshooting IR Keyboards
    29. 18. Upgrading and Troubleshooting Storage Devices
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Signs of Drive Problems
      3. Using SMART Drive Monitoring
        1. When Should You Check SMART Attributes?
      4. Checking Your Windows Drives for Errors
        1. When Should You Check Drives for Errors?
      5. Checking USB and Flash Memory Devices for Errors
        1. When Should You Check USB and Flash Memory Drives for Errors?
      6. Using Format to Solve Disk Errors
      7. Using Drive Vendors’ Disk-Testing Software
        1. When Should You Use Drive Vendors’ Test Programs?
      8. Recovering “Lost” Data
        1. Restoring Files from the Recycle Bin
        2. Restoring a Previous Version
        3. Retrieving Files from a Backup (Windows 7)
        4. Using a Data-Recovery Program
      9. Recovering Files from Optical Discs
        1. Cleaning and Polishing the Disc’s Data Surface
        2. Using Optical Disc Recovery Software
      10. Freeing Up Storage Space on Your Windows Computer or Tablet
        1. Using Disk Cleanup
        2. Using Windows Libraries
        3. Using Cloud Storage
        4. Using OneDrive with Windows
        5. Troubleshooting Cloud Storage
      11. Cloning Your Hard Disk
      12. Freeing Up Storage Space on Your iOS Device
        1. Using iCloud to Free Up Storage Space
      13. Checking Android Devices for Storage Errors
        1. Troubleshooting MicroSD Cards on Android Devices
      14. Freeing Up Storage Space on Your Android Device
        1. Using Google Drive
    30. 19. Software Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Solving Software Licensing Issues
        1. Deactivating an App
        2. Installing Software in Trial Mode
        3. Problems with Activating Microsoft Programs
        4. Adding or Changing a Product Key or License Number
      3. Solving Problems with a Faulty Program or App
        1. Freeing Up Memory
        2. Checking Your System’s Memory Size and Processor Speed
        3. Freeing Up Disk Space
        4. Updating a Program or App
        5. Uninstall/Reinstall the App
        6. Repairing a Program
      4. Using the Program Compatibility Wizard and Compatibility Tab
        1. Using the Compatibility Tab
        2. Using the Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows 7
        3. Using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter in Windows 8/8.1
      5. Fixing Problem Apps with Regedit
      6. Windows System Restore and Problem Apps
      7. Using Windows 8/8.1 Refresh
      8. Updating Windows Store Apps
    31. 20. Digital Camera Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Image Quality Problems and Solutions
        1. Changing Settings
        2. Scene Mode
        3. Color Problems
        4. Exposure Problems
        5. Image Blur (Out of Focus)
        6. Camera Shake
        7. Motion Blur
        8. Wrong Lens or Zoom Setting
        9. Dirty Lens
        10. Dirty Image Sensor
      3. Shooting in RAW Mode
      4. Slow Burst Mode
        1. Switching to JPEG from RAW
        2. Choosing Fast Flash-Memory Cards
      5. File Transfer Problems
        1. Avoiding Camera-to-Computer File Transfer Problems
        2. Using and Troubleshooting a Card Reader
        3. Better Picture Transfer Without Duplications
      6. Memory Card Problems and Solutions
        1. Emptying the Contents of a Memory Card
        2. Fixing Data Errors and Recovering Lost Photos
      7. Protecting Your Equipment
        1. Protective Filters
        2. Lens and Body Caps
        3. Changing Lenses
        4. Cases
      8. Lens Compatibility Problems and Solutions
        1. Checking Model Numbers and Terminologies
        2. Lens Re-chipping
        3. Lens Adapters
      9. Installing Firmware Updates
      10. Battery Failure and Replacement
    32. 21. HD Camcorder and Video Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Video Quality Problems and Solutions
        1. Selecting the Best Resolution
        2. Improving Low Video Quality
        3. Choosing the Best Recording Speed
        4. Improving Color in Your Videos
        5. Improving Exposure in Your Videos
        6. Image Blur Caused by Camera Shake
        7. Adding Additional Light
      3. Poor-Quality Sound
        1. Using an External Microphone
        2. Adjusting Microphone Gain
        3. Protecting Your Microphone from Wind Noise
        4. Removing or Changing Housings on an Action Camera
      4. Can’t Play or Edit Video
      5. Skipping Frames During Recording
    33. 22. iOS Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Can’t Make or Receive Phone Calls
        1. iPhone Configuration Issues
        2. iPhone Updates
        3. Hardware- and Carrier-Related Issues
        4. iPhone 4/4s-Related Issues
      3. Can’t Connect to a Bluetooth Headset or Keyboard
      4. Wi-Fi Issues
      5. 4G Issues
      6. FaceTime Issues
      7. Can’t Print from Your iOS Device
      8. Dealing with an Overheated iOS Device
      9. Troubleshooting iOS Charging Issues
      10. Can’t View Files on a Wireless Drive
      11. Can’t Play or Sync Media
      12. Updating Your iOS Device or Apps
      13. Running Short of Space on Your iOS Device
      14. Stopping Malware in its Tracks
      15. Troubleshooting an iOS Device That Stops Responding
        1. Restarting an iOS Device
        2. Resetting an iOS Device
      16. Resetting iOS Settings to Defaults
      17. Troubleshooting an iOS Device That Can’t Start
      18. Backing Up Your iOS Device
      19. Erasing All Contents and Settings
      20. Restoring from a Backup
      21. Resetting Your Device to Like-New Condition
      22. Restarting Your Device in Recovery Mode
    34. 23. Android Troubleshooting
      1. Fast Track to Solutions
      2. Can’t Make or Receive Phone Calls
      3. Can’t Connect to a Bluetooth Device
      4. Wi-Fi Issues
      5. Can’t Print from Your Android Device
      6. Dealing with an Overheated Android Device
      7. Troubleshooting Android Charging Issues
      8. Can’t View Files on a Wireless Drive
      9. Can’t Play or Sync Media
      10. Updating Your Android Device or Apps
      11. Running Short of Space on Your Android Device
      12. Preventing Malware Attacks
      13. Backing Up Your Android Device’s Data
      14. Performing a Factory Reset/Restore
        1. Using Factory Reset Mode
    35. 24. Troubleshooting Flowcharts
      1. Troubleshooting Methodology
        1. The First Step—Finding Out What Happened
        2. How to Check Out the Computing Environment
        3. Your Diagnostics Toolbox
        4. The Troubleshooting Cycle
        5. Testing a Subsystem
        6. Where to Start?
        7. Where to Go for More Information
        8. Keeping Track of Your Solutions
      2. Summarizing the Troubleshooter’s Philosophy
      3. Ethernet Performance Troubleshooting
      4. Troubleshooting a System That Won’t Start
      5. Troubleshooting a System That Displays Errors at Startup
      6. Can’t Join or Create a HomeGroup
      7. Troubleshooting Inkjet Print Quality
      8. Determining Whether a Power Supply Should Be Replaced
      9. Troubleshooting Blu-ray Playback Quality
      10. Troubleshooting Noises Inside Computer
      11. Troubleshooting Laptop Crashes
      12. Troubleshooting Wireless Keyboards
      13. Troubleshooting Wireless Mice
    36. Glossary
    37. Index

    Product information

    • Title: The PC and Gadget Help Desk: A Do-It-Yourself Guide To Troubleshooting and Repairing
    • Author(s): Mark Edward Soper
    • Release date: October 2014
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: 9780133858228