Is It Hardware or Software? How I Diagnose My Computer Issues Easily

Is It Hardware or Software? How I Diagnose My Computer Issues Easily

Most computer problems are easily traced to either hardware or software errors. However, it isn’t always obvious why your computer won’t work, and establishing where the problem lies can often be frustrating.

Why It’s Not Always Clear Cut: The Software vs. Hardware Dilemma

Screenshot of Windows Error

A laptop I recently worked on is a prime example of how even experienced technicians can be misled when determining the cause of a problem. The laptop in question was a high-specification Dell XPS notebook that frequently crashed with a BSOD or randomly froze.

I quickly established that the problem was overheating, which is often a hardware issue. Keeping this in mind, I conducted all the usual tests, and everything seemed fine; both software and hardware behaved normally. I even did a clean Windows install and updated the OS to Windows 11, yet the problem persisted.

So, armed with a trusty screwdriver, I stripped the laptop down and ensured all the fans were clean, the heatsinks were installed properly, and I looked for obvious signs of hardware failure. Again, it was a dead-end.

In the end, a tool called Power Settings Explorer solved the mystery. Dell ships this laptop with a setting called Processor Boost Mode, which is set to Aggressive. Changing this setting to from Aggressive to Enabled resolved the issue.

Symptoms of Software and Hardware Problems

Screenshot of Power Settings Explorer

Ultimately, I wasted a lot of time resolving this problem. However, in most instances, identifying the root of a computer issue isn’t so difficult. Let’s begin by looking at common symptoms that normally help steer you in the right direction.

Symptoms of Hardware Problems

There are obvious symptoms like the computer failing to turn on that are distinctly hardware-related. However, other symptoms to keep an eye on include:

  • Frequent crashes or freezing: This can indicate failing hardware, such as RAM or GPU, particularly during high-demand tasks such as gaming or video editing.
  • Unusual noises: Clicking, grinding, or buzzing sounds often signal hard drive (HDD, not SSD) or fan issues.
  • Overheating or sudden shutdowns: Indicates problems with cooling systems or component failure.
  • Peripheral failure: Unresponsive ports, keyboards, or other connected devices can hint at motherboard or connector issues.
  • Artifacts or display issues: Pixelation, screen flickering, or distorted colors suggest GPU or monitor malfunctions.

Hardware failures are usually more persistent, and faults can be fairly random and inconsistent. Additionally, they can become worse over time if not quickly dealt with.

Symptoms of Software Problems

Software problems can be as simple as an obscure setting buried deep within the OS, making them tricky to diagnose. However, if your computer misbehaves immediately after an update or a new application has been installed, you have an immediate starting point to investigate.

Common signs that are typically indicative of software problems include:

  • Error messages: Recurring pop-ups, such as “application not responding,” can indicate corrupted software.
  • Slow performance: A sluggish system might result from bloatware, malware, or misbehaving software hogging system resources.
  • Boot issues: Problems loading into the OS often stem from corrupted system files or failed updates.
  • Application crashes: Programs that regularly freeze or close unexpectedly are often software-related.
  • Connectivity issues: Difficulty with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or networking can stem from misconfigured settings or outdated drivers.
  • Driver issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause errors.

The complexity of modern systems’ software layers can make troubleshooting tricky. However, reinstalling troublesome apps or checking for updates is often all that is needed.

Troubleshooting and Identifying the Root Cause

Flowchart showing troubleshooting steps
Bob Sharp/MakeUseOf

The above diagram is far from a comprehensive list of the required steps. However, it does represent a systematic approach that will work in many instances. Below, I’ve broken down the key steps that can help you to diagnose the root of the problem and hopefully assist in resolving the issue.

Perform a Visual Inspection

This is particularly useful if the machine doesn’t power up, but not exclusively. Start with the power cable and power supply (laptop power adapters can be checked with a multimeter). Also, check that the cooling fans are operating efficiently. Even if the fan is running, the heatsink can be clogged with dust and may need to be cleaned.

In instances where the machine fails to power up, and you’re comfortable accessing the inside of a computer, then the following can also be checked:

  • Ensure everything (cables, SSD, HDD, RAM modules, etc.) is securely connected.
  • Look for dark or scorched-looking areas on the mainboard and peripheral components.
  • Check that the capacitors aren’t swollen.

While these steps can be carried out on a system that won’t power up, they are also useful in identifying less terminal hardware issues. However, in the latter case, working through the following steps is easier before getting the screwdriver out.

Run Diagnostic Tools

There are plenty of diagnostic tools to verify the health of a computer. While many of these are designed for Windows systems, there are also good diagnostic tools for Macs that can help Mac users.

Running these tools will help pinpoint hardware problems, such as faulty RAM, GPU issues, problems with storage devices, and motherboards. If you have some handy, you can also test the system by swapping suspect components with known-good hardware.

Boot Into Safe Mode or Equivalent

Safe mode bypasses the loading of unnecessary drivers and software. Although it isn’t a certainty, a general rule of thumb is that if your machine boots into safe mode, the problem is likely software-related.

Once in safe mode, you can troubleshoot problems by uninstalling software, winding back updates, and changing start-up behavior.

Update Drivers and Software

Outdated drivers and failed updates are high on the list of usual suspects regarding computer issues. As with diagnostic tools, there are plenty of free driver update utilities that can help here. While most of these are aimed at Windows machines, Mac users can also fix any potential driver problems.

Additionally, ensuring your OS is fully patched with the latest updates can resolve many problems.

Reinstall Your Operating System

I have always found this to be one of the surest ways to identify a hardware problem. In my experience, an OS installation will rarely work in instances where there are hardware glitches. Of course, this should also resolve any existing software issues. However, always make sure that your system is fully backed up and your data is safe before proceeding.

How you approach diagnosing and rectifying your computer issue will largely be dictated by your comfort level and technical expertise. While many of these problems can be solved with a little patience and the right tools, there are times when professional help is the right option. This is especially true when there is the potential for data loss. A sensible approach is to stay within your comfort zone and hand the machine over to a professional when you feel out of your depth.

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