On the other hand if error messages are being reported, then they are often very useful in pinpointing the likely cause of the problem, so any error messages should be noted.

The first step is to determine whether the problem is due to a hardware or software issue.

If you have a Standard Operating Environment (SOE) deployed (check this article for an explanation of a SOE) then the problem is almost certainly hardware-related; unless of course you have a number of computers that have the same symptoms in which case there could be a problem with the software image.

Issues that are software-related can frequently be re-produced if you follow a certain sequence of actions. Furthermore, software-related issues can generally be re-produced on more than one computer.

Hardware-related issues on the other hand are more likely to be specific to a particular computer. The first step is to ensure that the computer is not overheating. Check that all the fans are working and clean all the components as dust generates heat, and heat is not good for computers.

If the initial "servicing" doesn't resolve the problem, and you have established that over-heating is not the issue (by monitoring the temperature in the BIOS or using diagnostic software) then you will need to isolate the faulty component. This is where experience can be invaluable in recognising seemingly insignificant symptoms to narrow down the likely culprit. Although in some cases troubleshooting hardware issues can becomes a process of exchanging components until you isolate the faulty component through a process of elimination.