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Keeping your laptop or PC running in tip-top shape so it doesn't keep crashing is essential to maintaining productivity in your home or office environment as well as protecting one of your most important investments - your information.

Because your computer keeps crashing its unstable, and telling you something:

Fix me now or loose your data.

Why do PC's and Laptop's keep crashing?

PC's get bogged down and keep crashing due to lack of house-cleaning, and the presence of spy-ware, mal-ware and viruses, etc.

By ignoring the warning signs and putting off fixing your PC and the regular maintenance necessary to keep it running efficiently -- you and/or your staff could be running at only 50% efficiency or less. Plus, viruses can quickly spread to others on a network and do a lot more damage!

Now, no one expects you to be a "How do I fix my PC" guru… But in order to make your digital environment efficient, reliable and enjoyable you've got to learn a few basics.

We've been asked many times, "How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?"

How do I fix my pc?

(Emergency- How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?)

1. Make a check list of installed Software that you use and the location of that SW (CD ROM disk or .exe file on floppy or on my PC.)

This step just makes sense. If you have a fatal crash with your PC, you will have to rebuild it by re-installing all the software (SW). Even if you pay someone to do it for you, they will ask you what you had/want installed and for all the items you have on CD ROM disks along with the key numbers (passwords & codes to activate the SW).

Open up a text file (that's what I use), a word file or get a pad and pencil - whatever, and as you use your computer, start making a list of all the software that you use/want.

You can also go to:

Start -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs
and review the list. (Not all programs may be shown.)

Example: Here is a check list of my most important programs:

MS windows XP (w/ WindowsMediaPlayer and IE)*
MS Office XP (w/ MS Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)*
MS Outlook (w/ office make backup.pst)*
Actiontec Modem SW*
HP DeskJet 3420 (driver)*
Dreamweaver MX*
Avast Antivirus x
Ace Utilities K
Ad-Adware SE Personal x
TweekNow Reg Cleaner x
TuneUp XP x
Adobe Acrobat Reader x
Adobe Photoshop *
Adobe Illustrator *
Paint Shop Pro x
Google ToolBar x
ScreenShot Utility x
NoteTab Light x
Core FTP x
FireFox x
MS Photo Editor x
Winzip x
Keyword Locator x
Directory Submitter K
Web Audio Plus x
MSN Messenger 7.0 x
Skype x
Mavis Beacon Typing*
Practice makes Perfect Spanish*
WebCEO x

The "*" means I have it on a CD ROM Disk. For the others "x", I typically have them stored on my PC as an ".exe" file, which installs by clicking on the file. (Example, the MSN Messenger 7.0 above has a file INSTALL_MSN_MESSENGER_7.0_DL.EXE.) Others follow suit. And "K" is just a note that means it requires a key (license key).

Once you have a list of all Software on your PC that you want to keep, identify the source (where they came from, Disk website, .exe file on your PC) along with any secret key's, passwords or codes, and ensure that all this information is handy in one place (keep secure in an office environment).

Also, audit your PC setup: What screen resolution do you use, what background, screensaver, sounds, MS Window's theme, quick launch menu, Window's classic view, folder options, browser home page, etc.? (If you do not know what some of these things are then don't sweat it - they are not critical)

Do you have drivers on disk for your peripherals; i.e. Printer, Scanner, Cameras, etc. (These items are more critical and you should ask someone if you don't know what or where they are.)

Step 1 is probably the most important step and will save you tons of time and expense should the worst happen.

2. Do Backups of your data. This can be done by moving files to a second Hard Drive (HD), using a CD ROM Disk or Flash Memory media.

I will start off by saying, Hard Drives fail. If it hasn't happened to you, then you don't know the stress related to this event. It means that in and instant, all your work and all your software is gone. I urge you to not wait until you experience it first had to heed this section. There are several preventative measures to ensure your programs and data are saved in the event of a catastrophic, HD failure.

Method 1: (PC)
Purchase and install a second Hard Drive (HD) (For PC only) in order to backup data files from the primary HD quickly incase the primary HD fails.

I recommend that you purchase and install a second Hard Drive (HD) in order to backup data files from the primary HD quickly and easily incase the primary HD fails.

This one's pretty easy. Just go out and buy another HD, and install it. (Follow the HD MFG's recommendations / installation instructions; unpack new HD; check master/slave jumper configurations; open PC chassis cabinet with power unplugged; screw HD to chassis; plug in ribbon cable; plug in power cable; close chassis, power up and you're done. No need to install any software.)

Method 2: (Laptop)
You can also use a CD ROM Disk in an internal or remote CD/DVD Read/Write Drive as well as removable media like flash stick memory.

If you have a laptop, you must use this latter method - using CD ROM Disks to back up you HD which is still a good idea for PC owners as well.

Whatever media you use to transfer your data to, here are some steps and
some quick tips on how to do it:

1a. For "My Documents" backup. Depending on how and where your data is stored on your HD will determine how quick and easy it is to back it up. By default, the bulk of your data is typically located on:

My Computer/C:/Documents and Settings/"username"/My Documents/ (C: or the root directory of your Hard Drive (HD))

And I suggest that you keep 100% of all of your files in "My Documents" or under one root folder. This makes the task of backing up and housekeeping - step 3 - much easier.

Notice that to backup files and .exe programs saved on the "Desktop" that are NOT located in "My Documents" will require an added step.

Therefore I suggest you take all files and programs off of your desktop and put them in folders under "My Documents". (Icons with the little arrows are "shortcuts" and do not need to moved to "My Documents")

Now go to Start'My Documents and right click on the "My Documents" folder and then click on "Properties" and the "General" tab. Ensure that the media source you are backing up to can handle the size of data contained on your Hard Drive (HD). Mine, for example reads, 2.67GB. What's yours???

As long as the media you use can hold more than this amount, you're in good shape. Just drag and drop (copy) everything from your "My Documents" folder over to your backup media (secondary HD, CD ROM Disk, flash stick, etc.) in a folder that you name, called "My Documents".

If your media is not big enough (hate when that happens…) - like you are using a 750MB CD ROM Disk - You'll have to back up portions of your "My Documents" folder on several CD ROMs.

My recommendation to do this is to locate where you may have large media files, photos, music, video, etc and right click the folder(s) to determine the approximate size. If backing up to a 750MB CD ROM, again, determine fit. Then back these up onto 1 or more CD ROM Disk(s). Then back up everything else on one or more CD ROM Disk(s).

This determining fit and splitting files to multiple backups can be time consuming and make a bit of a drudgery out of doing backups. That's why I recommend using a second HD for backups. You never run out of space and always have backup media handy. Just drag and drop.

1.b. We mentioned in step 1 that some programs installed on our PC or laptop, were on CD ROM while others were .exe (executable) files on our HD. These executable programs must be copied separately to your backup media.

Hopefully, in step 1 you located them on your HD and in this step you must back them up as well. Just drag and drop them to your backup media in a folder that you create, named "Programs" - unless of course they too are under "My Documents" Then don't bother about this step. You already took care of it in 1.a.

1.c. Notice that "Favorites" or "Bookmarks" are NOT located in "My Documents" either. Those must be copied separately. By default, your "Favorites" (For Internet Explorer (IE) browsers) are typically located in:

My Computer/C:/Documents and Settings/"username"/ Favorites/

It has a yellow star as a folder. Just drag and drop them the whole folder to your backup media. For other browsers this process is similar. Just find the folder where your "Bookmarks" are stored and copy them over to your backup media.

1.d. For mail backup,

Most desktop web clients (Your MSOffice/MSOffice Express program) have a way to "Export" files which save the bulk of your email addresses, folders, appointments and info. and then "Import" them on another computer or the same computer if you need to re-install the Software (SW).

I use MSOffice. The procedure I follow is to I use G:\Documents and Settings\Lawrence Touitou\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst or backup.pst

Know where these files are and make sure they too are backed up. In the event that you loose everyting, you'll be able to get back most of your contacts and emails by importing these files back to MS Outlook.

3. Delete any software and files that you are not using to free up space on your Hard Drive (HD). (Warning: Deleting software means you won't have it anymore. It is your responsibility to make sure you don't delete something you need! Please do step 1 & 2 first.)

Have you recently purchased a new Laptop/PC? Click here

How to delete unwanted programs:

4. Use tools (software) to do housekeeping and eradicate spy-ware, adware and viruses, etc.

This requires that you have access to software (SW) specifically designed to perform these tasks. I'm going to list the ones I use to keep my PC healthy and suggest that you download them at the links provided so you can follow the same checklist I do to perform the necessary housekeeping on your PC or Laptop. (Also, don't forget to add them to the list you did in step 1).

BTW, the following SW has been tested by me as "good", safe and Free or inexpensive. Is required to do the periodic housecleaning described in this step. Please download them to a folder under "My Documents" and run/install them on your PC (after completing steps 1, 2, & 3).

Obviously downloading and installing these programs takes time but this step only needs to be performed once.

The first program, Avast Antivirus SW requires that you first uninstall any previous Antivirus SW you now have installed on your PC. I know it's scary. Say good by to Norton, MacAfee, whatever… Go to "How to delete unwanted programs" in step 3 and just delete it. Then install Avast Antivirus. Once installed you will have to register the product annually, get the key and continue using it for free. This also only has to be done once.

Once you have these items installed, you can download, print out and follow the checklist provided below (in .pdf format), in the order listed, to do routine housekeeping. It is provided as a guide and an example of what I do. You can adapt it for your own needs as necessary.

To Download, Click here

5. Schedule backup & housekeeping tasks at least monthly.

If you've gotten this far, great. That means the hardest part is behind you and it's just a matter of keeping your PC or laptop happy and humming along by performing routine maintenance.

This basically means continually deleting unused files, folders and programs that seem to add up on the desktop, in your "my documents" folder or anywhere on your primary HD.

I suggest you schedule the following tasks at least monthly:

(Note: You may want to back up every day, every week or every two weeks, depending on how often changes are made and new files are added to your HD as well as the value of that information if lost.)

To do this you can open up MS Office or scheduler or any daily planner SW and put an action item to perform PC backup/housekeeping tasks say, the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00PM.

By doing this simple action each month, you'll be ensuring that the health and efficiency of you PC stays at its best.

6. Stay away from sites which compromise your PC's integrity! (I.e. Pornography, Spam, Pop-ups, Too-good-to-be true offers, downloading from non-trusted sources, etc).

The online world is not all that different from the offline world in that the same creatures created and reside in both - us humans that is...

If you hang out in the wrong places with the wrong people your chances of catching something that is not good for you increase significantly.

That is not to say that no sites can be trusted no matter what the subject matter. To say "don't talk to strangers online" is kind of a misnomer since we are all stranger to each other online.

But I can tell you that if you surf the web long enough, sooner or later you will come across a web site with flashing banners, multiple pop-ups that may open uncontrollably, with enticing ads and even your antivirus software sounding an alarm (if it is a good one).

' If this happens to you, this is your clear warning and wake-up call that you are hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Seriously, if you hang around these sites long enough, chances are your computer is infected with some kind of spyware or adware.

Unbeknown to you, these programs are easily downloaded to your computer.

In addition to taxing your computer by taking up precious resources these programs are quite difficult to remove in their entirety and can cause serious problems by allowing others to access files and information on your pc and spread themselves to others.

So, our advice here is simple: If you do stray from the path of the tried and true - which we all do sometimes…

7. Reformatting the hard drive. When all else fails…

(Emergency- How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?)

Reformatting the Hard Drive (and re-installing Windows) is beyond the comfort level of most Computer users however, it is truly the ONLY way to ensure that your PC or Laptop doesn't crash anymore and is completely void of any spyware, adware, viruses and programs that you don't want on your PC.

If your pc is not stable and you want to get information off of but cant, I suggest you first try to follow the instructions outlined in Microsoft Support. Click here

If you still need to get information off of your computer and you've already tried everything, then it's time to call in a professional.

The procedure to reformat your HD and re-install Windows varies slightly depending on which version of MS XP you are running and which PC or Laptop you have.

The good news is that the hard work has already been outlined above in steps 1 & 2 above (documenting all SW, password keys, etc. and backing up all data, files programs, etc.).

Note: Reformatting your HD is a last resort and will wipe your HD clean. You must complete steps 1 & 2 above if possible (an unstable PC may not let you) before reformatting your HD. Anything on your HD that is not backed up will be lost.

1. You will require a "Boot Disk" (CD, DVD or Floppy) to get your computer going again after you reformat (erase!) your Hard Drive (HD). If you don't have one, this site has them available:

2. Depending on your Computer and Operating System you can find the proceedure with some helpful graphic screen shots:

Wrapping it all up. Hope you enjoyed this article!

I can't tell you how important my PC is to me. Ensuring it works at peak efficiency is crucial to my business and what this PC Wellness section is all about. If you're like me you'll take the time to re-read applicable sections and schedule time for routing maintenance weekly, bi-weekly or at least monthly.

Keeping your PC in tip top shape is of utmost importance, now more than ever. With the advent of viruses, adware, spy ware, spam and phishing, you'll want to maintain vigilance and establish good PC practices to protect your investment for many years to come.

Thanks to this comprehensive articlie I have written based on my own personal experiences, pampering your PC doesn't' have to be a hassle. It covers most of the basic issues confronted by users of Microsoft XP from the novice to the most experienced.

By following these 7 simple steps, you'll be able to "master" your PC or laptop and make it work for you!

Contacting Us

If you would like more information on how to maintain your PC in good working order or if you would like to submit your suggestions, please sign up for The MBS Report.

How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?

Why do PC's and Laptop's keep crashing?

We've been asked many times, "How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?"

How do I fix my pc?

(Emergency- How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?)

1. Make a check list of installed Software that you use and the location of that SW (CD ROM disk or .exe file on floppy or on my PC.)

2. Do Backups of your data. This can be done by moving files to a second Hard Drive (HD), using a CD ROM Disk or Flash Memory media.

Whatever media you use to transfer your data to, here are some steps and some quick tips on how to do it:

3. Delete any software and files that you are not using to free up space on your Hard Drive (HD). (Warning: Deleting software means you won't have it anymore. It is your responsibility to make sure you don't delete something you need! Please do step 1 & 2 first.)

Have you recently purchased a new Laptop/PC? Click here

How to delete unwanted programs:

4. Use tools (software) to do housekeeping and eradicate spy-ware, adware and viruses, etc.

5. Schedule backup & housekeeping tasks at least monthly.

6. Stay away from sites which compromise your PC's integrity! (I.e. Pornography, Spam, Pop-ups, Too-good-to-be true offers, downloading from non-trusted sources, etc).

7. Reformatting the hard drive. When all else fails…

(Emergency- How do I fix my pc because it keeps crashing?)

Wrapping it all up. Hope you enjoyed this article!

By following these 7 simple steps, you'll be able to "master" your PC or laptop and make it work for you!

Contacting Us

Whatever media you use to transfer your data to, here are some steps and
some quick tips on how to do it: