Recovering a PC, whether it is from a hardware defect or a software failure, needs preparation. Ensuring internals of machine are clean and dust free and that OS is running at peak effectiveness are key in recovering from a system crash, despite type or size.

Instructions

Hardware Recovery

1. Step 1

Unscrew the mounting screws at back or side of PC case. Hold can of compressed air 6 to 8 inches from surface of interior parts. Blow air in a single direction, guiding dust out of case. Blow air straight into case fans and fan on heatsink, mounted above processor.

2. Step 2

Emptiness the residual dust in case, taking care around small wires. Plot the vacuum nozzle into drive cage and in small cracks between motherboard and the case.

3. Step 3

Take out faulty part from case. If a capacitor has burst, utilize rubbing alcohol of 90% concentration or greater to softly clean electrolytic remains lasting.

4. Step 4

Softly wash down interior of case using a coffee filter. This will take out any remaining dust left over without leaving fibers behind to settle in case. You may damp filter with a small amount of rubbing alcohol for mainly dirty areas.

Software Recovery

5. Step 1

Run Disk Cleanup application. Choose every box and tick "OK" or "Cleanup Files" options.

6. Step 2

Run Disk Defragmenter function. Choose "Analyze Disk" option. If disks are above 10% fragmentation, you must defragment them. After Disk Defragmenter finishes its run, set it to mechanically defragment hard drive at least once every 2 weeks.

7. Step 3

Download and install CCleaner. In "Cleaner" tab, choose "Analyze" option. Check files to ensure no system critical or personal documents are being removed. Click "Run Cleaner" button.

8. Step 4

Go to CCleaner Registry tab and tick "Scan for Issues." Click "Fix Selected Issues." Then make a backup, ensure to save backed up registry file someplace that you can rapidly find it, must something go wrong. Keep on the registry fix.

9. Step 5

If you are using a devoted graphics card with its own set of drivers, download and install Guru 3D's Driver Sweeper. Click "Clean" button to get rid of leftovers of any old drivers.

Full System Recovery

10. Step 1

Reinstall OS if system has had a terrible software failure: Put in recovery disk or OS disk into optical drive and reboot.

11. Step 2

Follow the onscreen prompts. If show "repair" installation, choose that option. A repair installation will maintain data safe as replacing system data.

12. Step 3

Do a complete recovery if a repair installation does not solve problem. With this way, you must recover data from backups.