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Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems

This document outlines common computer problems and their solutions, including general slowdown, systems that won't turn on, blue screens of death, forgotten passwords, accidental deletions, overheating, printer issues, slow networks, and USB problems. It provides tips for troubleshooting hardware like hard disks, RAM, motherboards, and power supplies. Diagnostic tools mentioned include system information, task manager, and device manager. Resetting the system is presented as an ultimate solution if problems cannot be solved through other means.

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Munah Ahmed
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
50 views5 pages

Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems

This document outlines common computer problems and their solutions, including general slowdown, systems that won't turn on, blue screens of death, forgotten passwords, accidental deletions, overheating, printer issues, slow networks, and USB problems. It provides tips for troubleshooting hardware like hard disks, RAM, motherboards, and power supplies. Diagnostic tools mentioned include system information, task manager, and device manager. Resetting the system is presented as an ultimate solution if problems cannot be solved through other means.

Uploaded by

Munah Ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Computer Systems

Outline
● Common problems
● System reset
● Diagnostic tools
● Troubleshooting Hard Disk
● Troubleshooting RAM
● Troubleshooting Motherboard
● Troubleshooting Power Supply
Common Problems
● General slowdown of the system
● System won't turn on
● Blue screen
● Forgotten password
● Accidental deletion
● Overheating
● Printer problems
● Slow network
● USB problems
General slowdown of the system
● There are many reasons a system might slow down
○ Not enough memory
○ Overloaded processor
○ A busy hard disk
○ Deadlock
● Run a system maintenance
● Perform clean boot
● Run a system file checker scan
● Install drivers in compatibility mode
● Boot in safe mode
● Run disk cleanup
● Perform a system reset
● Turn off visual effects
● Use performance troubleshooter
● Change the size of virtual memory
Preventing slowdown
● Check the computer speed to determine if an upgrade is needed
● Add more memory
● Close system tray programs
● Restart regularly
● Disable startup programs
● Disable or reduce animations
● Lighten web browser
● Scan your computer for adware/malware
● Free up disk space
● Uninstall unnecessary programs
System won't turn on
● Try a different power source
● Check the monitor connection
● Disconnect other devices
● Listen for beeps
● Check the BIOS setting
● Try and start the system into windows recovery environment
● If the system won’t turn off or restart
○ Check for unresponsive apps
○ Unplug USB devices
○ Force restart

Blue screen of Death (BSOD)


● Arise from a critical error windows has encountered that it cannot recover from
● Usually, the result of crashing a low level software in the kernel or driver or a faulty hardware
● Users’ applications software crashes will not cause blue screen
● Caused by STOP Error
● Windows can only restart the PC.
● This could lead to data loss
● Windows automatically creates a dump file that can be helpful to find the problem

Troubleshooting BSOD
● More information can be viewed in Action Center
● Windows performs troubleshooting automatically after a BSOD
● If windows could not recover from it, find the error code and search for it online
● Use System Restore
● Scan for Malware
● Install updated drivers
● Boot into safe mode
● Check for hardware problems
● Reinstall Windows

Forgotten password
● Systems require strong passwords
● Easy to forget than remember
● Best solution is to avoid the situation
● Think of a password that is strong enough but easy to remember
● Bruce Schneier Method
○ Think of a sentence that is easy to remember
○ Take the first two letters from each word
○ Eg: This is an example sentence.
■ Password: Thisanexse
● Or use a password manager
Accidental deletion
● Is one of the most common IT problems
● But it's one of the most avoidable problem
● First check the recycle bin
● To avoid this, software like Google drive, OneDrive and DropBox can be used
○ These software syncs the files to the cloud
○ A recent version of the file can be recovered from the cloud
● Use a recovery software to recover the file from the drive
○ Does not guarantee that the file cannot be overwritten
○ In that case it cannot be recovered
Overheating
● When a computer generate more heat than it can handle
● Might shutdown without warning
● Or suffer a permanent damage
● Dust accumulation is the primary cause
○ Make sure to regularly cleanup the system
○ Follow the OHS guidelines
● Fan is blocked
● Also avoid keeping the computer near anything that radiates heat
● Avoid sunlight

Printer problems
● The range of problems that can be caused by printers are huge
● Restart the printer
● Check whether the printer is connected to the same network an is on
● Set the printer as default
● Clear the printing queue
● Restart print spooler
● Remove and reinstall the printer
● Restart the computer

Slow network
● Troubleshoot network
○ Most of the times solves the problem or offers a solution
● Check the internet speed using an online available tool like fast.com
○ Decide whether to call the ISP or not
● Restart the modem or router
○ Power down for at least 10 seconds
● Call the ISP for help
● Check the IP Configuration
● Check if there is a proxy setting needed in the network

USB problems
● Check the USB ports or cable for any damage
● Try a different port to rule out the port
● Swap the cable to rule out the cable
● Plug in to a different computer to rule out the computer
● Plug in a different device to rule out the USB device
● Make sure the drivers are installed
● Check with the windows device manager
● Make sure the USB device is turned on

System Reset
● There are multiple levels that a computer may be recovered from a damage
● Eg: If the problem is from an update, remove and reinstall the update
● If the problem is not obvious, the ultimate solution is to reset the system
● Resetting windows reinstall the OS
○ But allows to keep the files or remove them
● The recovery setting can be accessed in PC or lock screen or using the installation media

Diagnostic Tools
● System information
○ Shows all the information about the system hardware and softeware
● Task Manager
○ Shows all the tasks and processes
○ Gives information about the resource usage for tasks
○ Allows to terminate tasks
○ Allows to set priorities for any task
● Device Manager
○ Shows information about hardware installed
○ Shows indicators for faulty hardware
○ Allows to install and update drivers

Troubleshooting Hard Disk


● Faulty hard disk drives usually makes sound
● Sometimes access denied for a failing hard disk
○ A loose connection or corrupt storage might trigger this event
● If the system crashes repeatedly, its highly likely that the hard drive is damaged
● Remove the identified hard drive immediately
● Use an adapter to use it as an external drive
● Recover as many data as possible to a new drive

Troubleshooting RAM
● The system wont start if the RAM is not inserted or completely damaged
● In some systems, during startup if there is a faulty RAM the system will have a special beeping pattern to
indicate that
● Its important to keep the RAM as dust free as possible for durability
● Remove and reinstall the RAM
● When installing the RAM make sure enough pressure is used so that the clips on the sides would snap into place
● If necessary install multiple RAMs to meet the requirements

Troubleshooting Motherboard
● If the computer wont start, it might be because of a faulty motherboard
● Motherboard issues are most difficult to troubleshoot
○ Various components are located on the board
● First check whether the motherboard is receiving power
○ Check if the indicator lights get on or the fans turn
○ Check the power supply
● Check for overheating
○ Turn on the computer keeping the cover open
● Remove and reinstall all the components and cables
● Remove unnecessary adapters and check whether it starts
● Check the CMOS battery

Troubleshooting Power Supply


● With a faulty power supply, a computer might suffer a permanent damage
● Remove the power supply and check with a multimeter
● Make sure each type of connector cable has its relevant voltage
● Normally it would be between 3.3v, 5v and 12v

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