9

Technology and Livelihood

Education 9
(Computer Hardware Servicing)
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Diagnosing
Computer Systems (Part I)
Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Diagnosing Computer Systems
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

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 9
Technology and
Livelihood
Education 9
(Computer Hardware Servicing)
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Diagnosing
Computer Systems (Part I)
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue
your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are
carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by- step as you
discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell
you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your
teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to
answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test.
We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also provided to our
facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use
a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully
before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this
module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master how to diagnose
computer systems. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are
arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The set of modules was designed and written to help you be familiar with the different concept and
develop the different skills required in the specialization Computer Hardware Servicing. This module
particularly focuses on how to plan and prepare for diagnosis of computer systems errors.

After going through this module, you are expected to plan and prepare for diagnosis of computer
system errors (TLE_ICTCS9DT-IIIa-g-1).

1. Define PC diagnosing and troubleshooting; and,

2. Identify the common PC problems and their solutions.

1 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What I Know

Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement indicates a fact and
FALSE if not. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers so that you can be
sure whether the problem is in the component or not.

2. When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what was altered before
the problem happened.

3. In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software or hardware can
be found.

4. Troubleshooting a computer can help one learn through the different problems or faults that can be
encountered.

5. An auditory test is unconventional, but it is still an effective way of gauging how a computer works.

6. Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic cards.

7. Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time is longer than usual.

8. If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call for a professional
to diagnose the hard drive.

9. Malware in the computer may cause performance problems.

10. Tap F8 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST.

Check your answer using the key to corrections.

Were you able to get all the correct answers? If yes, then that means you already know much about
our topic in this module.

If not, it is alright. Because that means you will learn something new from this module.

2 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Lesson
Diagnosing Computer
1 Systems

The most frustrating situation computer users may probably run into are when startup problems occur.
This is when the computer won’t boot. Just the same, error messages constantly appear during a
computer’s startup process are very annoying.

This module will give a few tips on how some of the most common problems that occur right after the
computer is turned on can be avoided.

What’s In

Before we proceed to our topic, let us look back at the previous lesson. This will test if you remember
what you learned about the lesson you have finished.

Activity 1: Who Am I

Identify the computer system error being described. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. Nothing shows up in the screen and the LED indicator of the monitor is flashing in yellow color.
2. It will show the processor brand and/or the motherboard brand but suddenly stops.
3. When the operating system loads, it suddenly stops and waiting for it to load may take you a
lifetime.
4. All that appears in the screen is a list of files in Command prompt style when you try to go to safe
mode.
5. When the operating system loads, a loading sound can be heard, but suddenly stops. No sound will
be heard when you try to play an audio file.

Check your answers from the key to correction. Did you get
them all correct? Great job!

3 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Notes to the Teacher
This module will help guide the students in becoming familiar with Personal Protective Equipment and its
importance in ensuring safety while working with computers.

What’s New

Activity 2: Unscramble Us
Unscramble the set of letters below to form words related to the lesson.

GAINDOSING BLACES
WHERADAR SETT
RORRE LIART
CCEHK ROMEMY
TALLSIN STEMYS

Check your answer using the key to corrections.

Were you able to decode all of them? Well done! Let us now proceed to our discussion.

4 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What is It

PC Diagnosing

Here the basic troubleshooting will be discussed.

Trial and error:

When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers so that you can be sure
whether the problem is in the component or not.

Check cables:

In case of any device malfunction, check all the cables of the computer such as power cable, data cables
and internal circuitry cables. Make sure all these are plugged in properly and working efficiently.

Hardware settings:

Go through the hardware settings in the CMOS and in the device manager of the system. Make sure
all device drivers are up to date and all the cards are properly plugged in.

Notice changes:

When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what was altered before
the problem happened.

Event viewer:

In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software or hardware can be
found.

Make notes:

Troubleshooting is a big learning option. Troubleshooting a computer can help one learn through the
different problems or faults that can be encountered. Make notes of them, including the error messages
and their solutions. Having a record on how a certain problem happened and how it was solved will
help in future encounters.

5 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
Common PC Problems and solutions

Let us say you are working away from your computer when suddenly, an error message comes up – or
worse, the computer projects a screeching halt. How are you going to deal with it?

Here are some of the common computer problems and solutions that can be of help.

1. Check the POST.

POST stands for Power On Self-Test. This is usually the first or second thing that shows up on a
computer after turning the power on. The operating system begins to load after this appears. The
POST will display any problems or faults found in the hardware which makes the computer unable to
boot. The POST may also present problems or faults in the hardware that may allow the computer to
boot, but not to work at its full capacity during operation.

2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system).

Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time takes longer than usual.

3. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded.

Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic cards.

4. Perform an auditory test.

An auditory test is unconventional. But it is still an effective way of gauging how a computer works.
With the computer turned on and running, play any standard length audio file (usually above 30 sec).
If the audio comes out slow or choppy, it generally means the processor works at an elevated level, or
there is no adequate RAM to run all programs. Changing the startup sound is an effective way to
conduct this test. Another issue linked to choppy sounds is the PIO (Programmed Input/Output)
Mode. This affects how the hard drive functions and writes data from a drive. Transferring to Direct
Memory Access (DMA) permits faster reading and writing, and can occasionally repair choppy
audio.

5. Check any newly installed hardware.

Several operating systems, especially Windows, can have conflicts with new drivers. The driver may
be gravely written, or it may struggle with another process. Windows will commonly send
notifications about devices that cause problems, or have faults. To check this, utilize the Device
Manager. To access this, go to the Control Panel, click on the System icon, click on the Hardware tab,
and click on the Device Manager. Use this to check and organize the properties of system hardware.

6 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
6. Check any newly installed software.

Generally, software requires more resources than the system can allocate. If a problem or fault shows
after a software initiates, most probably, it is caused by the software. If the problem happens directly
upon startup, a software that starts automatically on boot may cause it.

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption.

The usual problem is a sluggish or choppy system. If a system is choppy, practice looking into a
program if it is consuming more resources than the computer can offer. An easy way to check this is
by using the Task Manager. Right click on the taskbar, then select the Task Manager. Then, click on
the Processes tab. The CPU column holds a number that shows the percentage of the CPU being
consumed by the process. The Memory Usage column shows how much memory is used by the
process.

8. Listen to the computer.

If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call for a professional to
diagnose the hard drive. Also, listen to the CPU fan. This should go on a high speed when the CPU
works hard, and can be the indicator when the computer is functioning beyond its capacity.

9. Run a virus and malware scan.

Malware in the computer may cause performance problems. Run a virus scan regularly to prevent or
detect any problems. Use a frequently updated virus scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast!
Antivirus)

10. Check for the problem in safe mode.

Tap F8 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST (this is applicable on most systems). If the
problem continues in safe mode, surely the operating system itself is to blame.

7 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What’s More

To check what you have learned from the discussion, answer the following activity.

Activity 3: Loop the word

Look for 10 words related to our discussion from the set of letter below. Words may be formed
horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even backwards. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

M A L W A R E I N S T A L L V

A U A I J M R B R T Y N E S I

B T I O K Y R O M E M M A A R

D R R P L N O C H E C K M C U

E S T E S T R E D O M E F A S

Check your answer using the key to corrections.

Were you able to match all of them? Very good! Let’s proceed to the next part of the module.

8 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What I Have Learned

Let us have a summary of what you have learned today.

Activity 4: I FILL You

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words/phrase. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. The topic of this lesson is all about .

2. I have learned through this lesson that .

3. The terms / ideas I found hard to understand are .

4. I enjoyed learning the terms / ideas about .

5. I am having difficulty with .

What I Can Do

Activity 5: Let’s elaborate

One of the computer units in the computer laboratory was assigned to you to diagnose its problem. A
classmate reported that the screen suddenly turns black after the OS has loaded. Your teacher asked
you to make a simple 5-step plan to make a diagnosis of the PC.

Write your 5-step diagnosis plan on a separate sheet of paper.

9 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Assessment

Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement indicates a fact and
FALSE if not. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers so that you can be
sure whether the problem is in the component or not.
2. When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what was altered before
the problem happened.
3. In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software or hardware can
be found.
4. Troubleshooting a computer can help one learn through the different problems or faults that can be
encountered.
5. A visual test is unconventional, but it is still an effective way of gauging how a computer works.
6. Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic cards.
7. Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time is faster than usual.
8. If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call for a professional to
diagnose the hard drive.
9. Malware in the computer may cause performance problems.
10. Tap F7 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST.

10 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
Answer Key

11 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
References

Information and Communications Technology: Computer Hardware Servicing, K to 12 Basic

Education Program Learning Materials for Grade 9, 2013, First Edition

12 Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region III,

Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)

Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan

Telefax: (047) 237-2102

Email Address: [email protected]