TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting is the process of detecting, isolating and repairing faults in a given system. It is a
systematic approach in locating the cause of fault in a computer system.

In view of this, proper knowledge and understanding of the behavior of each of the components
that made up a computer system is necessary. Troubleshooting methods are all about SWAPPING
and ELIMINATING. Not all troubleshooting process are the same and technicians tend to refine
their own troubleshooting skills based on knowledge and personal experience.

STEPS INVOLVE IN TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting requires an organized and logical approach to problems with computers and other
components.

Many of the steps can also be applied to problem solving in other work – related area like Network
Troubleshooting.

Following are the computer troubleshooting steps:

Step1: Identify the problem

Step2: Gather information

Step3: Develop a Solution

Step4: Implement the solution

Step5: Is the problem solved?

Step6: Document
IDENTIFY PROBLEM

This step should provide a clear problem statement that defines the problem and its associated
causes.

This is done by identifying the general symptoms and then determining the possible causes that
could result in these symptoms.

GATHERING INFORMATION

The information gathered here will be used to develop a solution to the problem.

The information can be gathered through:

 The customer
 The use of diagnostic tools and software
 Reproduce the problem ( if possible)
 Determine if the problem is hardware or software related
 Document your observation and results

DEVELOPING A SOLUTION

The technician will assess the gathered data and its definition.

The technician will use experience, logical reasoning and common sense to develop a solution

IMPLEMENTING THE SOLUTION

This step involves the technician working on the computer. The technician attempts their solution
through hands on manipulation of the computer components which might be hardware and
software.

In implementing the solution you have to:

 Backup critical data

IS THE PROBLEM RESOLVED?

Perform test visually, audibly inspect the computer, and verify if the problem is resolved

If the problem has been resolved show the user the problem is fixed and document results.

Else

If the problem is still existing undo changes and return back to step one.

DOCUMENTATION

In documentation the technician write down all the observation and the solution to the problem.
The problem of the system, the causes of the problem, the sign and symptoms of the problem, the
steps taking in providing the solution and all other necessary things is been documented for future
purposes.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS TO TROUBLESHOOT AND REPAIR

 Monitor: this is a television like device which displays the activities of a computer per
time.
Problem1: monitor not coming on
Solution: check the power source and the power cable
Problem2: monitor is on but not display
Solution: check the data cable if well connected
Check the brightness and the contrast buttons if they are set to zero
 Keyboard: this is a typewriter like device which is used for inputting and sending signals
into the computer as input.
Problem1: keyboard not responding
Solution: check the cable if properly connected
Problem2: a key or keys hooking always
Solution: replace the keyboard
Problem3: keyboard beeping continuously
Solution: check if no key is hooked

 Mouse: this is a handheld pointing device used for executing commands on the computer.
Problem: mouse not responding
Solution: check the cable if properly connected
The computer should be restarted
The mouse should be clean if it is a ball bearing type

 Hard Disk Drive: this is a permanent storage device found on computer. It is very fragile.
Problem1: strange noise when being accessed
Solution: backup data and replace the hard disk
Problem2: insufficient disk space
Solution: delete some files or uninstall some program
Problem3: no fixed disk found
Solution: check the data cable and the power connector

 Memory (RAM): the computer memory or RAM is the working storage of the computer.
The higher the capacity, the better the performance of a computer.
Problem1: computer is working but not display
Solution: check if the RAM is well seated
Problem2: computer not recognizing the RAM
Solution: check if the RAM is compatible
  CD-ROM Drive/ DVD Drive: this is used for accessing data or information stored on
compact disks or DVD disks
Problem1: drive cannot be accessed
Solution: check the data cable and power connector
Problem2: disk cannot read
Solution: lens is weak or dirty, replace the drive or clean the lens
Problem3: indicator LED is on constantly
Solution: correct the data cable orientation

 Software: computer problems are not only that of hardware malfunctioning. Software as
well can make a computer to misbehave. This often arises from improper shut down or
when a new software is added.
To correct software problem most times a system restore should be done or the newly
installed software should be removed. If this does not solve the problem the operating
system could be reinstalled as the last resort.

Mr. Tolulope T. ODUFUWA