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

Most computer problems can easily be attributed to hardware or software errors. However, it’s not always obvious why your computer isn’t working, and determining the cause of the problem can often be frustrating.

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

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-spec Dell XPS laptop that frequently crashed with a BSOD or randomly crashed.

I quickly determined that the problem was overheating, which is often a hardware issue. With this in mind, I ran all the usual tests and everything seemed fine; both software and hardware behaved normally. I even did a clean install of Windows and upgraded the OS to Windows 11, but the problem persisted.

So, armed with my trusty screwdriver, I took the laptop apart and made sure all the fans were clean, the heatsinks were installed correctly, and looked for any telltale signs of hardware failure. Once again it was a dead end.

Eventually, a tool called Power Settings Explorer solved the mystery. Dell ships this laptop with a setting called CPU acceleration modeWhat set to Aggressive. Changing this setting to Aggressive To Included solved the problem.

Signs of software and hardware problems

I ended up spending a lot of time solving this problem. However, in most cases, determining the cause of a computer problem is not that difficult. Let’s start by looking at common symptoms that usually help point you in the right direction.

Signs of hardware problems

There are obvious symptoms, such as the computer not turning on, that are clearly related to the hardware. However, there are other symptoms to watch out for:

• Frequent crashes or freezes: This may indicate a hardware problem such as RAM or GPU, especially when performing demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing.
• Unusual noises: Clicking, grinding, or whirring noises often indicate problems with the hard drive (HDD, not SSD) or fan.
• Overheating or sudden shutdowns: Indicates problems with cooling systems or faulty components.
• Peripheral failure: Unresponsive ports, keyboards, or other connected devices may indicate problems with the motherboard or connector.
• Artifacts or display issues: Pixelation, screen flickering, or color distortion indicate a problem with the GPU or monitor.

Hardware failures tend to be more permanent, while faults can be quite random and inconsistent. They can also get worse over time if they are not dealt with quickly.

Signs of software problems

Software problems can be as simple as obscure settings hidden deep within the operating system, making them difficult to diagnose. However, if your computer starts to malfunction immediately after installing an update or new application, you have an immediate starting point to investigate.

Common signs that usually indicate software problems include:

• Error messages: Repeated pop-ups such as “Application is not responding” may indicate corrupted software.
• Slow performance: Slow system performance can be caused by bloatware, malware or malfunctioning software consuming system resources.
• Download problems: OS boot problems are often caused by corrupted system files or failed updates.
• The application crashes: Programs that regularly freeze or close unexpectedly are often software related.
• Connection problems: Difficulties with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or networking may be due to incorrect settings or outdated drivers.
• Driver problems: Outdated or corrupted drivers may cause errors.

The complexity of the software layers of modern systems can make troubleshooting difficult. However, it is often enough to reinstall problematic applications or check for updates.

Troubleshooting and Determining Root Cause

The above diagram is far from a complete list of necessary steps. However, it represents a systematic approach that will work in many cases. Below I’ve broken down the key steps that can help you diagnose the root of the problem and hopefully help resolve it.

Perform a visual inspection

This is especially useful if the car does not turn on, but not only. Start with the power cable and power supply (laptop power adapters can be checked with a multimeter). Also make sure the cooling fans are running efficiently. Even if the fan is running, the heatsink may be clogged with dust and needs to be cleaned.

In cases where the device does not turn on, and you are comfortable accessing the internal components of the computer, you can also check the following:

• Make sure everything (cables, SSDs, hard drives, RAM, etc.) is securely connected.

• Look for dark or burnt areas on the motherboard and peripheral components.

• Make sure the capacitors are not swollen.

While these steps can be performed on a system that won’t turn on, they are also useful in identifying fewer problems with the terminal hardware. However, in the latter case, it is easier to follow these steps before removing the screwdriver.

Run diagnostic tools

There are many diagnostic tools to check your computer’s health. Although many of them are designed for Windows systems, there are also good Diagnostic tools for Mac this may help Mac users.

Running these tools will help identify hardware issues such as faulty RAM, GPU issues, storage device issues, and motherboard issues. If you have something on hand, you can also test the system by replacing suspect components with known good hardware.

Boot into Safe Mode or equivalent

Safe Mode allows you to avoid downloading unnecessary drivers and software. While it’s not clear-cut, the general rule of thumb is that if your machine boots in Safe Mode, the problem is most likely software related.

In Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot problems by uninstalling software, rolling back updates, and changing startup behavior.

Update your drivers and software

Outdated drivers and failed updates top the list of usual suspects for computer problems. As with diagnostic tools, there are many free utilities for updating drivers this may help here. While most of them are designed for Windows computers, Mac users can also fix any potential driver issues.

Additionally, ensuring your OS is fully updated with the latest updates can solve many problems.

Reinstall the operating system

I have always found this to be one of the most reliable ways to identify a hardware problem. In my experience, OS installations rarely work in cases of hardware failures. Of course, this should also resolve any existing software issues. However, before you proceed, always make sure that your system is fully backed up and your data is safe.

How you approach diagnosing and fixing a computer problem will largely depend on your comfort level and technical knowledge. While many of these problems can be resolved 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 a possibility of data loss. The smart approach is to stay in your comfort zone and take the car to a professional when you feel overwhelmed.