First Do This
TURN EVERYTHING OFF. By this I mean a full shutdown not a restart of your computer. If your computer is frozen press and hold the power button until it powers off (about 10 seconds).
Power off all other devices associated with your system: printers, dsl/cable modems, routers, hubs, switches, external hard drives and CDs… EVERYTHING.
If EVERYTHING is plugged into a SURGE PROTECTOR switch the SURGE PROTECTOR off or unplug it from the wall for at least 1 minute. (WHY: many electronic devices that are powered by AC are never really off even if you switch them off. The only way to truly reset them is to remove them from their power source.)
If EVERYTHING is not plugged into a SURGE PROTECTOR buy one and plug EVERYTHING into it.
NOW
Plug the surge protector back in or switch it on.
Turn EVERYTHING on –EXCEPT– your COMPUTER.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Turn your COMPUTER on and let it start up all the way. Most minor problems should be cleared up.
(Note: If you have a network of computers power down as many devices as practical for your situation and remember: THE SERVER OR “MAIN” COMPUTER is always TURNED OFF LAST after all other computers have been turned off. And THE SERVER OR “MAIN” COMPUTER is always TURNED ON FIRST and allowed to fully start up before all other computers are turned on.)
