Be sure to check current and past messages as well. If I can't find info there, then I check with Hotbot . A great search engine to search for solutions on the web. If the problem is with a Microsoft product check out Microsoft's Support Online Knowledge Base. Get help with Microsoft's products.
Most computer companies have a web site with a knowledge base or support area.
Here is a collection of links that I find useful for computer problems or computer information. They offer free computer help. Also, they keep past questions on hand for you to look up. Russell Hoffman says that he can help with general questions about software. MiDNiGHT says that he can give help or advice about computers.