COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Sector: ELECTRONICS

Qualification Title: COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII

Unit of Competency: TEST ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Module Title: TESTING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

HOLY CHILD College of Davao del Norte, Inc.

 HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

The unit of competency “TEST ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS” contains the

knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a Computer Systems Servicing NC II
course. It is one of the common competencies of Computer Systems Servicing -
National Certificate Level (NC II).

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to

complete each learning outcomes of the whole module. In each learning outcome
are Information Sheets, Self-Checks, Operation Sheets and Task Sheets. Follow
these activities on your own and answer the self-check at the end of each learning
outcome. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your facilitator/
instructor for assistance.

Remember to:
 Read information sheet and complete the self-checks.
 Perform the Task Sheets, Operation Sheets, and Job Sheets until you are
confident that your outputs conform to the Performance Criteria Checklists
that follow the said work sheets.
 Submit outputs of the Task Sheets, Operation Sheets, and Job Sheets to
your facilitator for evaluation and recording in the Achievement Chart.
Outputs shall serve as your portfolio during the Institutional Competency
Evaluation. When you feel confident that you have had sufficient practice,
ask your trainer to evaluate you. The results of your assessment will be
recorded in your Achievement Chart and Progress Chart.
You must pass the Institutional Competency Evaluation for this competency
before moving to another competency. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded
to you after passing the evaluation.

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 COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII
COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

LIST OF COMPETENCIES

No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

1 Apply quality standards Applying quality standards ICT315202
Perform computer Performing computer
2 ICT311201
operations operations
Perform mensuration and Performing mensuration and
3 ELC311201
calculation calculation
Prepare and interpret Preparing and interpreting
4 technical drawing technical drawing ELC311202
5 Use hand tools Use hand tools ELC724201
Terminate and connect Terminating and connecting
6 electrical wiring and electrical wiring and ELC724202
electronic circuits electronic circuits
Test electronic Testing electronic
ELC724205
7 components components

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MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : TES ELECTONIC COMPONENTS

MODULE TITLE : TESTING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

MODULE DESCRIPTION : This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
Required to test electronic components. It includes
competencies in determining the criteria for testing
electronics components, planning an approach for
component testing, testing the components and
evaluating the testing process.

NOMINAL DURATION : 12 hours

At the end of this module, you MUST be able to:

1. Identify skills needed to test electronic components.
2. Determine how to test electronic components

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 COMPETENCY SUMMARY

Qualification Title: COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII

Unit of Competency : Test Electronic Components

Module Title : Testing Electronic Components
Introduction

The different activities and practices in this module will help you enhance your
knowledge and skills and preparing these things, more particularly in terminating
and connecting electrical wiring. Appropriate equipment is used according to
required and standard operating procedures.

The module consists of four (4) learning outcomes. Each outcome contains
learning activities for both knowledge and skills, supported with information
sheets, self-checked and job/operation sheet gathered from different sources.
Before you perform the manual exercises, read the information / and answer the
self-check provided to confirm, to yourself and to your instructor that you are
equipped with knowledge necessary to perform the skill portion of the particular
learning outcomes.
Upon completion of this module you have to submit to your instructor for
assessment. You will be given a certificate of competency as a proof that you met
the standard requirements (Knowledge & Skills) for this module. The assessment
could be in different methods as prescribed of the Competency Standard.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module, the trainees/students should be able to:

1. Determine criteria for testing electronics components.

2. Plan an approach for component testing
3. Test components
4. Evaluate the testing process.

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

The Assessment Criteria for this module are the following:

1. Work instructions are obtained and clarified based on job order or

client requirements
2. Responsible person is consulted for effective and proper work
coordination.
3. Data sheets/Application notes are obtained and interpreted based
on manufacturer’s specifications
4. Testing criteria are defined to ensure that components meet
technical and quality requirements
5. Document and communicate testing criteria to relevant personnel
for component testing
6. Various testing methods are Identified based on types of electronic
components
7. Characteristics and appropriateness of testing methods to be used
during development and on completion is determined
8. Testing methods are considered/selected in relation to appropriate
testing strategy
9. Plan for testing components is developed at specified points
during development and on completion
10. Required test & measuring instruments and tools are prepared
and checked in accordance with established procedures
11. Records system is established to document testing results,
including problems and faults
12. Testing methods are applied to ensure that products meet
creative, production and technical requirements
13. Problems and faults detected by testing are recorded and
remedial steps taken in records system is documented
14. Problems and faults detected during testing are resolved in
accordance with agreed project or industry practice
15. Evaluate final products against the previously determined criteria
16. Testing process is documented and summarized evaluation
report is submitted to relevant personnel
17. Testing methods that were successful and those that led to
difficulties are identified based on industry standards
18. Testing process and records system are evaluated based on
standard procedures
19. Test results/findings are documented for subsequent
components testing.

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LEARNING OUTCOME1 DETERMINE CRITERIA FOR TESTING
ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS

CONTENTS:

 Different types of computer systems error.

 Software as tools for diagnosing computer systems.
 Hand tools and its uses.
 Procedures in diagnosing computer systems.
 Safety precautions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Work instructions are obtained and clarified based on job order or

client requirements
2. Responsible person is consulted for effective and proper work
coordination.
3. Data sheets/Application notes are obtained and interpreted based
on manufacturer’s specifications
4. Testing criteria are defined to ensure that components meet
technical and quality requirements
5. Document and communicate testing criteria to relevant personnel
for component testing

CONDITIONS:

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Materials
 Soldering lead
 Toots and equipment
 Pliers
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Goggles

ASSESSMENT METHODS:

 Hands-on
 Direct observation
 Practical demonstration

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Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 1: DETERMINE CRITERIA FOR TESTING ELECTRONICS

COMPONENTS

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Read Information Sheet 7.1 Read information sheet. After reading the
- PC Hardware Troubleshooting learner i s e n c o u r a g e d t o a n s w e r t h e
Techniques s e l f -check.
Compare the answers to the answer key.
2. Answer Self-Check 7.1.1 You are required to get all answers correct.
If not, read the information sheets again to
answer all questions correctly.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 7.1

PC HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTING TECHNIQUES

Sorting Hardware/Software/Configuration Problems

One of the first steps in troubleshooting a computer problem (or any other
programmable system problem) is to determine whether the problem is due to a
hardware failure or to faulty software. In most PCs, you can use a significant event
that occurs during the startup process as a key to separate hardware problems
from software problems: the single beep that most PCs produce between the end of
the power-on self test (POST) and the beginning of the startup process.

Errors that occur, or are displayed, before this beep indicate that a hardware
problem of some type exists. Up to this point in the operation of the system, only
the BIOS and the basic system hardware have been active. The operating system
side of the system does not come into play until after the beep occurs.

If the system produces an error message (such as "The system has detected
unstable RAM at location x") or a beep code before the single beep occurs, the
system has found a problem with the hardware. In this case, a bad RAM memory
device is indicated.

Typically, if the startup process reaches the point at which the system's CMOS
configuration information is displayed onscreen, you can safely assume that no
hardware configuration conflicts exist in the system's basic components. After this
point in the bootup process, the system begins loading drivers for optional devices
and additional memory.

If the error occurs after the CMOS screen displays and before the bootup tone, you
must clean boot the system and single-step through the remainder of the bootup
sequence.

You can still group errors that occur before the beep into two distinct categories:

 Configuration errors

 Hardware failures

A special category of problems tends to occur when a new hardware option is

added to the system, or when the system is used for the very first time. These
problems a r e called configuration problems, or setup problems. These
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problems

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result from mismatches between the system's programmed configuration held in
CMOS memory and the actual equipment installed in the system.

It is usually necessary to access the system's CMOS setup utility in the following
three situations:

 When the system is first constructed.

 When it becomes necessary to replace the CMOS backup battery on the

system board.

 When a new or different option is added to the system (such as memory

devices, hard drives, floppy drives, or video display), it might be necessary to
access the setup utility to accept the changes that have been implemented.

In most systems, the BIOS and operating system use plug-and-play techniques to
detect new hardware that has been installed in the system. These components
work together with the device to allocate system resources for the device. In some
situations, the PnP logic is not able to resolve all the system's resource needs and
a configuration error occurs. In these cases, the user must manually resolve the
configuration problem.

When you are installing new hardware or software options, be aware of the
possibility of configuration errors occurring. If you encounter configuration (or
setup) errors, refer to the installation instructions found in the new component's
installation/user documentation.

If you cannot confirm a configuration problem, you most likely have a defective
component. The most widely used repair method involves substituting known-good
components for suspected bad components. Other alternatives for isolating and
correcting a hardware failure that appears before the bootup depend on how much
of the system is operable.

Normally, symptoms can be divided into three sections: configuration problems,

bootup problems, and operational problems.

The system's configuration settings are normally checked first. It is important to

observe the system's symptoms to determine in which part of the system's
operation the fault occurs. The error messages described in Table 3.1 are errors
that occur and are reported before the single beep tone is produced at the end of
the POST routines.

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Table 3.1 Common Configuration Error Codes

After the beep tone has been produced in the startup sequence, the system shifts
over to the process of booting up and begins looking for and loading the operating
system. Errors that occur between the beep and the presentation of the operating
system's user interface (command prompt or GUI) generally have three possible
sources. These sources are summarized in the following list that includes the
typical error messages associated with each source.

 Hardware failure (physical problem with the boot drive)

 General Failure Error Reading Drive x

 Corrupted or missing boot files

 Bad or Missing Command Interpreter

 Nonsystem Disk or Disk Error

 Bad File Allocation Table

 Corrupted or missing operating system files

Both configuration problems and bootup problems can be caused by a hardware

or operational failure. If the configuration settings are correct, but these symptoms
are present, a hardware problem is indicated as the cause of the problem.
Conversely, bootup problems are typically associated with the operating system.

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 Self Check 7.1.1

1. What is the problem if the system produces an error message such as "The
system has detected unstable RAM or a beep code before the single beep
occurs?

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 Answer Key 7.1.1

1. The system has found a problem with the hardware a bad RAM memory
device is indicated.

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LEARNING OUTCOME 2 PLAN AN APPROACH FOR COMPONENT TESTING

CONTENTS:

 Parts and functions of computer system

 Software (operating system, application software)
 Electrical theory
 Computer monitors
 Techniques for diagnosing computer system

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Various testing methods are Identified based on types of electronic

components
2. Characteristics and appropriateness of testing methods to be used
during development and on completion is determined
3. Testing methods are considered/selected in relation to appropriate
testing strategy
4. Plan for testing components is developed at specified points
during development and on completion
5. Required test & measuring instruments and tools are prepared
and checked in accordance with established procedures
6. Records system is established to document testing results,
including problems and faults
CONDITIONS:

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Materials
- Connectors
- Adaptors
- Diskettes
- CD ROM
Tools and
- Pliers
- Screws driver
- Wrenches
- Utility Software
 Computer system
- Complete set of working computers
- Spare of all components
-
ASSESSMENT METHODS:

 Hands-on
 Direct observation
 Practical demonstration

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Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 2: PLAN AN APPROACH FOR COMPONENT TESTING

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Read Information Sheet 7.2 Read information sheet. After reading the
- Software Diagnostic Routines learner is encourage to answer the self
check.
2. Answer Self-Check 7.2-1 Compare the answers to the answer key.
You are required to get all answers correct.
If not, read the information sheets again to
answer all questions correctly.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 7.2

Software Diagnostic Routines

Software diagnosis (also: software diagnostics) refers to concepts, techniques, and

tools that allow for obtaining findings, conclusions, and evaluations
about software systems and their implementation, composition, behavior, and
evolution. It serves as means to monitor, steer, observe and optimize software
development, software maintenance, and software re-engineering in the sense of
a business intelligence approach specific to software systems. It is generally based
on the automatic extraction, analysis, and visualization of corresponding
information sources of the software system. It can also be manually done and not
automatic.

Troubleshooting with Multimeter

There are many types of test instruments used for troubleshooting. Some are
specialized instruments, designed to measure various behaviours of specific
equipment. There are other types of instruments, such as multimeters, that are
more general in nature and can be used on most electrical equipment. A typical
multimeter can measure AC and DC voltages, resistance and current.
- Voltmeter: A voltmeter is used to test the differences in voltage between two
points.
- Ohmmeter: An ohmmeter is used to measure the resistance between two
points in a circuit.
- Ammeter: An ammeter is an instrument for measuring the current flowing in a
circuit in amperes.
- Multimeter: A multimeter can test voltage, resistance and current. It is an
ohmmeter, voltmeter and ammeter all in one.
General Meter Rules
Before you perform a test, you should know what the meter should read if the
circuit is operating normally. You should make your prediction based on a circuit
diagram. If the reading is anything other than your predicted value, you know that
this part of the circuit is being affected by the electrical fault.
You should always test the meter before using it to troubleshoot.
- For a voltmeter, test the meter on a known voltage source before using.
Your meter should read the correct voltage.
- For an ohmmeter, touch the meter leads together. The display should read 0
ohms, or very close to 0. With the leads apart it should read OL (infinity).
- Meter Precautions
- Here are some dos and don’ts for using a meter.
DOs:
- Become familiar with its features. Read the instruction manual before using.
- Be sure that it is safe to use and there is no obvious damage to the meter or
the meter leads.

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 - Be sure the test leads are in the correct sockets, and the rotary switch is in
the correct position for the desired measurement.
- Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the test probes when
making measurements.
- Replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator appears, to avoid false
readings, which could lead to possible shock or personal injury.
- DON’Ts:
- Never measure resistance in a circuit without the circuit locked out and
verified dead.
- Never apply more than the rated voltage between any input jack and ground.

Troubleshooting with Cable Testers

A cable tester is an electronic device used to verify the electrical connections in a

signal cable or other wired assembly. Basic cable testers are continuity
testers that verify the existence of a conductive path between ends of the cable,
and verify the correct wiring of connectors on the cable. More advanced cable
testers can measure the signal transmission properties of the cable such as its
resistance, signal attenuation, noise and interference.

Generally, a basic cable tester is a battery- o p e r a t e d portable instrument with a

source of electric current, one or more voltage indicators, and possibly a switching
or scanning arrangement to check each of several conductors sequentially. A cable
tester may also have a microcontroller and a display to automate the testing
process and show the testing results, especially for multiple-conductor cables. A
cable tester may be connected to both ends of the cable at once, or the indication
and current source portions may be separated to allow injection of a test current
at one end of a cable and detection of the results at the distant end. Both portions
of such a tester will have connectors compatible with the application, for
example, modular connectors for Ethernet local area network cables.
A cable tester is used to verify that all of the intended connections exist and that
there are no unintended connections in the cable being tested. When an intended
connection is missing it is said to be "open". When an unintended connection
exists, it is said to be a "short" (a short circuit). If a connection "goes to the wrong
place" it is said to be "miswired" (the connection has two faults: it is open to the
correct contact and shorted to an incorrect contact).
Generally, the testing is done in two phases. The first phase, called the "opens
test" makes sure each of the intended connections is good. The second phase,
called the "shorts test" makes sure there are no unintended connections.
There are two common ways to test a connection:
A continuity test. Current is passed down the connection. If there is current the
connection is assumed to be good. This type of test can be done with a series
combination of a battery (to provide the current) and a light bulb (that lights when
there is a current).
A resistance test. A known current is passed down the connection and the voltage
that develops is measured. From the voltage and current the resistance of the
connection can be calculated and compared to the expected value.
There are two common ways to test for a short:

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A low voltage test. A low power, low voltage source is connected between two
conductors that should not be connected and the amount of current is measured.
If there is no current the conductors are assumed to be well isolated.
A high voltage test. Again, a voltage source is connected but this time the voltage is
of several hundred volts. The increased voltage will make the test more likely to
find connections that are nearly shorted since the higher voltage will cause the
insulation of nearly shorted wires to break down.

Troubleshooting with POST Cards

A power-on self-test (POST) is a process performed

by firmware or software routines immediately after a computer or other digital
electronic device is powered on.
This article mainly deals with POSTs on personal computers, but many
other embedded systems such as those in major appliances, avionics,
communications, or medical equipment also have self-test routines which are
automatically invoked at power-on.
The results of the POST may be displayed on a panel that is part of the device,
output to an external device, or stored for future retrieval by a diagnostic tool.
Since a self-test might detect that the system's usual human-readable display is
non-functional, an indicator lamp or a speaker may be provided to show error
codes as a sequence of flashes or beeps. In addition to running tests, the POST
process may also set the initial state of the device from firmware.
In the case of a computer, the POST routines are part of a device's pre-boot
sequence; if they complete successfully, the bootstrap loadercode is invoked to
load an operating system.

The BIOS begins its POST when the CPU is reset. The first memory location the
CPU tries to execute is known as the reset vector. In the case of a hard reboot,
the northbridge will direct this code fetch (request) to the BIOS located on the
system flash memory. For a warm boot, the BIOS will be located in the proper
place in RAM and the northbridge will direct the reset vector call to the RAM. (In
earlier PC systems, before chipsets were standard, the BIOS ROM would be
located at an address range that included the reset vector, and BIOS ran directly
out of ROM. This is why the motherboard BIOS ROM is in segment F000 in
the conventional memory map.)
During the POST flow of a contemporary BIOS, one of the first things a BIOS
should do is determine the reason it is executing. For a cold boot, for example, it
may need to execute all of its functionality. If, however, the system supports power
saving or quick boot methods, the BIOS may be able to circumvent the standard
POST device discovery, and simply program the devices from a preloaded system
device table.
The POST flow for the PC has developed from a very simple, straightforward
process to one that is complex and convoluted. During the POST, the BIOS must
integrate a plethora of competing, evolving, and even mutually exclusive standards
and initiatives for the matrix of hardware and OSes the PC is expected to support,
although at most only simple memory tests and the setup screen are displayed.
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In earlier BIOSes, up to around the turn of the millennium, the POST would
perform a thorough test of all devices, including a complete memory test. This
design by IBM was modeled after their larger (e.g. mainframe) systems, which
would perform a complete hardware test as part of their cold-start process. As the
PC platform evolved into more of a commodity consumer device, the mainframe-
and minicomputer-inspired high-reliability features such as parity memory and
the thorough memory test in every POST were dropped from most models. The
exponential growth of PC memory sizes, driven by the equally exponential drop in
memory prices, was also a factor in this, as the duration of a memory test using a
given CPU is directly proportional to the memory size.
The original IBM PC could be equipped with as little as 16 KB of RAM and typically
had between 64 and 640 KB; depending on the amount of equipped memory, the
computer's 4.77 MHz 8088 required between five seconds and 1.5 minutes to
complete the POST and there was no way to skip it. Beginning with the IBM XT, a
memory count was displayed during POST instead of a blank screen.[1] A modern
PC with a bus rate of around 1 GHz and a 32-bit bus might be 2000x or even
5000x faster, but it might have more than 3 GB of memory—5000x more. With
people being more concerned with boot times now than in the 1980s, the 30 to 60
second memory test adds undesirable delay for a benefit of confidence that is not
perceived to be worth that cost by most users. Most clone PC BIOSes allowed the
user to skip the POST RAM check by pressing a key, and more modern machines
often performed no RAM test at all unless it was enabled via the BIOS setup. In
addition, modern DRAM is significantly more reliable than DRAM was in the
1980s.
As part of the starting sequence the POST routines may display a prompt to the
user for a key press to access built-in setup functions of the BIOS. This allows the
user to set various options particular to the mother board before the operating
system is loaded. If no key is pressed, the POST will proceed on to the boot
sequence required to load the installed operating system.
Progress and error reporting

BIOS POST card for ISA bus

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BIOS POST card for PCI bus.

Professional BIOS POST card for PCI bus.

Two POST seven-segment displays integrated on a computer motherboard

The original IBM BIOS made POST diagnostic information available by outputting
a number to I/O port 80 (a screen display was not possible with some failure
modes). Both progress indication and error codes were generated; in the case of a
failure which did not generate a code, the code of the last successful operation was
available to aid in diagnosing the problem. Using a logic analyzer or a
dedicated POST card—an interface card that shows port 80 output on a small
display—a technician could determine the origin of the problem. Once an
operating system is running on the computer the code displayed by such a board
may become meaningless, since some OSes, e.g. Linux, use port 80 for I/O timing
operations. The actual numeric codes for the possible stages and error conditions
differ from one BIOS supplier to another. Codes for different BIOS versions from a
single supplier may also vary, although many codes remain unchanged in different
versions.
Later BIOSes used a sequence of beeps from the motherboard-attached PC
speaker (if present and working) to signal error codes. Some vendors developed
proprietary variants or enhancements, such as MSI's D-Bracket. POST beep codes
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Information on numeric and beep codes is available from manufacturers of BIOSes
and motherboards. There are websites which collect codes for many BIOSes.

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Original IBM POST beep codes

Beeps Meaning

1 short beep Normal POST – system is OK

2 short beeps POST error – error code shown on screen

Power supply, system board problem, disconnected CPU, or

No beep
disconnected speaker

Power supply, system board, or may be RAM

Continuous beep
problem, keyboard problem

Repeating short
Power supply or system board problem or keyboard
beeps

1 long, 1 short
System board problem
beep

1 long, 2 short
Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)
beeps

1 long, 3 short
Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)
beeps

3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card

POST AMI BIOS beep codes

Beeps Meaning

1 Memory refresh timer error

2 Parity error in base memory (first 64 KiB block)

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3 Base memory read/write test error

Motherboard timer not operational (check all PSU to MB

4
connectors seated)

5 Processor failure

6 8042 Gate A20 test error (cannot switch to protected mode)

7 General exception error (processor exception interrupt error)

8 Display memory error (system video adapter)

9 AMI BIOS ROM checksum fix

10 CMOS shutdown register read/write fix

11 Cache memory test failed

continuous Motherboard does not detect a RAM module (continuous

beeping beeping)

Reference: AMIBIOS8 Check Point and Beep Code List, version 2.0, last updated 10 June 2008
POST beep codes on CompTIA A+ certification exam

Beeps Meaning

Steady, short
Power supply may be bad
beeps

Long continuous
Memory failure
beep tone

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Steady, long
Power supply bad
beeps

Power supply bad, system not plugged in, or power not turned
No beep
on

If everything seems to be functioning correctly there may be a

No beep problem with the 'beeper' itself. The system will normally beep
one short beep.

One long, two

Video card failure
short beeps

IBM POST diagnostic code descriptions

Code Meaning

100–199 System boards

200–299 Memory

300–399 Keyboard

400–499 Monochrome display

500–599 Color/graphics display

600–699 Floppy-disk drive or adapter

700–799 Math coprocessor

900–999 Parallel printer port

1000–1099 Alternate printer adapter

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1100–1299 Asynchronous communication device, adapter, or port

1300–1399 Game port

1400–1499 Color/graphics printer

1500–1599 Synchronous communication device, adapter, or port

1700–1799 Hard drive or adapter (or both)

1800–1899 Expansion unit (XT)

2000–2199 Bisynchronous communication adapter

2400–2599 EGA system-board video (MCA)

3000–3199 LAN adapter

4800–4999 Internal modem

7000–7099 Phoenix BIOS chips

7300–7399 3.5-inch disk drive

8900–8999 MIDI adapter

11200–11299 SCSI adapter

21000–21099 SCSI fixed disk and controller

21500–21599 SCSI CD-ROM system

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 Self Check 7.2.1

1. When the the BIOS begins its POST?

2. What do you call to the first memory located to the CPU that tries to
execute?

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 Answer key 7.2.1

1. When the CPU is reset

2. reset vector

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- LEARNING OUTCOME 3 TEST COMPONENTS

CONTENTS:

 Proper repairing/replacing procedures of different components

 Wiring techniques
 Power supplies
 Determining defective components
 Basic networking

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Testing methods are applied to ensure that products meet creative,

production and technical requirements
2. Problems and faults detected by testing are recorded and remedial steps
taken in records system is documented
3. Problems and faults detected during testing are resolved in accordance
with agreed project or industry practice
4. Evaluate final products against the previously determined criteria
5. Testing process is documented and summarized evaluation report is
submitted to relevant personnel

CONDITIONS:

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Materials
- Cables
- Soldering lead
- Wires
 Tools and equipment
- Pliers
- Cutters
- Screw drivers
- Soldering gun
- Multi-tester
 Personal protective equipment
- Goggles
- Gloves

ASSESSMENT METHOD:
 Hands-on
 Direct observation
 Practical demonstration
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Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 3: Test Components

Learning Activities Special Instructions

3. Read Information Sheet 7.3 Read information sheet. After reading the
- Video Card Problem learner is encourage to answer the self
check.
4. Answer Self-Check 7.3.1 Compare the answers to the answer key.
You are required to get all answers correct.
If not, read the information sheets again to
answer all questions correctly.
 INFORMATION SHEET 7.3

VIDEO CARD
A computer's graphics card is integral to the operation of a system by displaying
your computer's data on a monitor. If the need arises, as it does for many small
business owners, a high-powered graphics card can be installed to allow more
power to various programs. However, when graphics cards go bad they can cause
visual distortions or stop displaying data completely. Before spending money on a
whole new graphics card, however, figure out whether it's actually causing your
problems.
Swap Monitors

Hook up another monitor to your computer and/or use your monitor with a
different computer. This is designed to help you figure out if the monitor, not your
graphics card, is going bad. If the visual distortions persist, the monitor is not the
problem. If they are gone, however, this may be a sign that the monitor itself is
going bad.
Check Card Visibly

Remove the side panel from your computer's desktop tower, or laptop casing if you
are able, and inspect the graphics card for any signs of wear or damage. Graphics
cards need to be kept cool, so remove any dust buildup. Also reseat the card by
removing it from its slot and then placing it firmly back in. This will help you
affirm that it hasn't come loose. If there is any visible damage, however, this is a
strong indicator that the graphics card is having issues and will need to be
replaced.
Check Device Manager

Open Device Manager to check on the status of your graphics card. Open
Windows' Control Panel, click "System and Security" and then click "Device
Manager." Open the "Display Adapters" section, double click on the name of your
graphics card and then look for whatever information is under "Device status."
This area will typically say, "This device is working properly." If it does not say
this, take note of whatever warning or error might be listed there to seek help.
Check Startup Functions

Listen to the sounds your computer makes when it starts up and try to perform
basic functions, such as typing, opening the disc drive or plugging in an external

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USB device. This may be necessary if you can't see your screen at all. If your
screen is completely blank, your motherboard may be at fault, not your graphic
card. When your system starts up, try performing any of the aforementioned
actions and also see if you can hear your hard drive working. There should be a
few beeps right when you start and the computer should make noise apart from
the fans spinning. If the computer starts normally, the graphics card is probably
at fault; if not, it may be your motherboard.

Problem:

Cannot replace the built-in video card on the motherboard with an add-on PCI, AGP
or PCI-Express video card.

Solution:

Look at the video card vendor and the motherboard manufacturer and see if there
is a list of acceptable replacement video cards. Try putting in another video card
that has another chipset (eg. If you were trying to put in an nVidia, try and put in
an ATI, a MSI with a Gigabyte etc.).

Check the BIOS for a setting that allows you to disable the onboard video. To get
into the BIOS press DEL during the very start of the computer startup processes,
for some brandname computers it may be F1, F2 or F10 instead of DEL.

Check your motherboard manual for a jumper which allows you to switch between
onboard and add-on video cards. If you no longer have the motherboard manual,
search for your model on the manufacturer’s website.

If your video card is PCI, try adding the card to another slot and make sure it is
fully inserted. From personal experience if video cards are out too much; even
2mm it can cause it to fail.

Video Card Problem and Solution

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Problem:

Cannot change resolution and color depth.

Solution:

Check that the video card is properly identified in Windows, if you don’t know how
to do this our article here can help you. If the video card is identified properly,
check for updated drivers on the video card manufacturer’s website. Use the
vendors drivers rather than the ones that Windows supplies.

Problem:

Cannot select the desired refresh rate.

Solution:

Check to see that the video card and monitor are properly identified in Windows
(this tutorial can help with that as well). Check for updated drivers for the video
card and monitor.

Problem:

Display only works in DOS or during bootup but not in Windows.

Solution:

If you have acceptable picture quality out in DOS or during the bootup stages of
the computer but not in Windows, it is most likely that you don’t have the correct
video drivers or they are corrupted. To fix this, boot Windows into safe mode (press
F8 before the Windows logo appears) which will use a generic VGA driver which
will allow you to install the proper driver. Our video card driver article will help
you again with getting the correct driver.
If you have overclocked your video card with a manufacturer supplied or third
party tool it is possible that you have set the speed too high. To fix this go back
into Safe Mode and use the tool to restore the video card to the default speed.

Problem:

Cannot change OpenGL or DirectX (Direct3D) settings.

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 Solution:

Install the video card vendors drivers rather than using the default Windows
drivers. The default Windows drivers do not come with 3D or any other advanced
options.

Signs Your Graphics Card Has Problems and May Be Dying

Graphics cards are a critical component of any personal computer, and a

graphics card failure can make a PC unusable. Fortunately, the graphics card is
also a component that it is fairly easy to diagnose with problems. Graphics cards
can fail in a number of different ways, but there are usually warning signs that
give you plenty of time to line up a replacement. In this article, I’ll show you how
to spot the signs of an impending problem, how to troubleshoot existing problems,
and how to figure out what’s going wrong with your card.

Graphics cards are a critical component of any personal computer, and a graphics
card failure can make a PC unusable. Fortunately, the graphics card is also a
component that it is fairly easy to diagnose with problems. Graphics cards can fail
in a number of different ways, but there are usually warning signs that give you
plenty of time to line up a replacement. In this article, I’ll show you how to spot
the signs of an impending problem, how to troubleshoot existing problems, and
how to figure out what’s going wrong with your card.

WARNINGS

Every computer has a graphics subsystem. For some computers, this is an

integrated section of the motherboard; these graphics setups are often labeled as
“Integrated graphics,”
“Intel graphics” or “Intel HD graphics”. More advanced systems come on their own
card, or even as enormous double-slot cards that dominate the inside of a PC case.
The graphics subsystem is what the text and pictures on your computer screen(s);
every computer has a graphics subsystem, whether it’s the integrated graphics on
a tiny little netbook or a $1000+ graphics monster running a giant multi-monitor
setup. Because the graphics card controls what is on your system’s display, the
warning signs that the card is failing tend to be pretty obvious. Here are some
early warning signs of video card failure.

1. Stuttering: When a graphics card starts going bad, you might see visual
stuttering/freezing on the screen. However, malware, a dying hard drive and even
RAM problems can all cause the same kind of behavior, so don’t jump to
conclusions. If you get stuttering along with other warning signs, there’s a good
chance it’s your graphics card.

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2. Screen glitches: If you’re playing a game or watching and movie and
suddenly start seeing tearing or weird colors appearing all over the screen, your
graphics card might be dying. Sometimes if you restart your computer, the screen
will go back to normal, but expect the same problem to come back if you have a
faulty graphics card.
3. Strange artifacts: Similar to screen glitches, a bad graphics card can
usually result in strange artifacts all over your screen. This can sometimes be
fixed by a restart, but once again, if you have a faulty graphics card, expect the
problem to come back. Artifacts can be caused by excessive overclocking, heat
problems and even dust buildup.
4. Blue screens: Everybody with a Windows background is familiar with the
blue screen, and a computer can blue screen for a number of reasons, whether
that be problems with RAM, hard drives, graphics cards or other components. But,
if the system crashes and/or blue screens when you start doing some graphic
intensive tasks (e.g. video games, watching movies, etc), this could be an
indication your graphics card is on its way out.
5. Fan noise: This does not necessarily correlate to needing to replace your
graphics card, but keep an ear out for a louder-than-normal fan noise on your
graphics card,as that indicates the card is getting too hot. If it’s getting too hot,
you’ll want to stop what you’re doing and try and clean it out as best as possible.
If the fan isn’t able to quiet down, it’s possible that something is internally wrong.

TROUBLESHOOTING

As
we always mention in our troubleshooting guides, finding out what’s wrong and
diagnosing a problem is usually a process of elimination. Start with checking your
connections. Loose connections can cause a lot of problems, especially with a

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graphics card. Make sure it’s solidly seated in the motherboard and that any
secondary connections are also secure.

In some cases, you won’t be able to check connections, particularly if you have a
laptop, especially from specific manufacturers like Alienware who make it a bit
more difficult to access components. Generally speaking you won’t have an issue
with loose connections in a laptop, however. With laptops, more often than not,
the problem is dust because of being in such an enclosed space. If you can open it
up and clean out any dust you can, that would be the first place to start. If dust or
lint has been in there for an extended period of time, it can easily fry a component
or cause the machine to overheat by not blocking proper airflow.

The next thing you can do is run some software tests. Run GPU-Z and watch the
real-time temperature for any oddities. For actually testing the card, there’s
nothing like putting it through some real-world use. Use the Heaven Benchmark
tool to test your card. Run it for a couple hours — it should be able to handle it
without crashing or causing any graphical errors like strange artifacts and
stuttering.

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t have a graphics card and are using a
motherboard’s integrated graphics, then problems could be a sign of motherboard
failure rather than a graphics issue. Be sure to check out our troubleshooting
guide for motherboard failure.

Next, make sure your drivers on your graphics card (and monitor) are all up to
date. You can also try uninstalling the ones you already have and then re-install
them to ensure there aren’t any problems there. It’s worth noting that you can
uninstall your drivers without losing video. Once uninstalled, Windows will use
some very basic drivers to display video to your monitor. So, you won’t actually
lose video functionality or cause any harm to the card. But, as always, be sure to
consult your video card’s manufacturer for specific uninstall/reinstall
instructions. You can find some specific instructions from NVIDIA and
AMD here and here, respectively. AMD actually has a free cleaning tool to do this
for you automatically. Before you make any changes to your driver software, you
should save your system state to a restore point. We have a how-to article on how
to roll back a driver update if this makes things worse.

One of the easiest and yet most powerful techniques is to simply swap out the
graphics card for another one and see if the problems go away. If the new graphics
card works without an issue, it’s obvious the old graphics card needs to be
replaced. If you don’t mind fiddling with components at home and have an extra
or cheap graphics card lying around that will fit your computer, you can conduct
this test process, or you can get a repair shop to do it.

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While you have your machine open, it’s worth checking for any physical problems.
If the fan has stopped working on the video card or you see any leaking or bulging
capacitors, it’s time for a replacement. In cases of this happening, usually the
video card will stop working almost immediately.

In some cases, the problem could lie with a virus or piece of malware on your
computer. That’s likely not what’s causing strange artifacts or screen glitches, but
if you’re getting some stuttering or experiencing frequent crashes, there’s a good
chance malware is the culprit. Be sure to run your anti-virus software, and to be
extra sure it’s not something in the system files, you should run some bootable
anti-virus software (Bitdefender has an excellent tool for just that).

Another thing to test: disable your sound card. This sounds counter-intuitive
(what does the sound system have to do with the video card?) but sometimes
interactions between these two systems can make the whole computer unstable. If
turning off the sound resolves the problem with your graphics, then the problem
may actually be in your sound system and not on the graphics card itself.

If your computer has an AGP graphics card (an older standard, but one that many
computers are still running on), then you might try slowing down the AGP ports to
see if that resolves the issue. For an NVIDIA AGP graphics card, you can
use RivaTunerto slow down your card; non-NVIDIA owners can use PowerStrip.
Either way, try turning down the speed multiplier on the card from 8x to 4x or
even 2x and see if that helps with the problem.

It’s also possible that your video card might be running too fast. Some cards may
be rated for a particular GPU speed, but in reality can’t consistently run at that
speed. You can try underclocking your GPU, which puts less stress on the video
card as a whole and may solve the problem. If you are using an ATI video card, try
the ATIToolprogram to slow down your video card. NVIDIA cards can use
RivaTuner, and other card owners can use PowerStrip.

WHAT CAUSES VIDEO CARD FAILURE?

dust and lint are the culprit. Dust itself generally isn’t the problem, it’s more that
it blocks fan vents and prevent proper cooling. In some cases, if bad enough, dust
can actually insulate a component and cause overheating that way.

Some other things that can cause video card failure is too much overclocking.
Overclocking at the stock voltage is more than safe. If you push the card to its
limits with high voltage, that will kill a card sooner than normal. But, even that
will take months or years to kill a card. It’s also worth noting that many modern
cards are pretty resilient to excessive heat, but do keep in mind that this can put
extra wear and tear on the card, and even eventually fry it if the heat output is
greater than what your heat sink can handle.

Aside from that, the last thing that can kill your video card is the standard
electrical outage. Blackouts, brown outs and power surges can fry all of the
components in your computer — even the graphics card. In most cases, if you

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have some extra cash to spare, you can prevent this situation. All you’ll need to do
is invest in a quality surge protector as well as a Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS). As you know, the primary role of a UPS is to provide temporary power in
case the source is cut off so that you can properly shut down your machine;
however, it’s also able to help prevent damage from things like power surges. You
can read more about what a UPS and surge protector does here.

Ultimately, the video card is subject to as much wear and tear as anything else. If
your card fails, it may have just been time for the card to fail. In that case, a
replacement is your only choice.

REPLACING YOUR VIDEO CARD

Now, if you’re finding yourself needing a replacement, we have quite a few options.
Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you don’t necessarily need a super
expensive video card. If you’re on a budget, we’ve got a great guide on buying a
graphics card for almost any price range. But, before going out and buying a new
card, there are a few things to look at and find out what you need, such as clock
speed and memory size – check out this article on the things you should be
thinking about for your own build.

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 Self Check 7.3.1

1. WHAT CAUSES VIDEO CARD FAILURE?

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 Answer Key 7.3.1

Dust and lint are the culprit. Dust itself generally isn’t the problem, it’s more
that it blocks fan vents and prevent proper cooling. In some cases, if bad enough,
dust can actually insulate a component and cause overheating that way.

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- LEARNING OUTCOME 4 EVALUATE THE TESTING PROCESS

CONTENTS:

- Guidelines for testing computer system

- Advance networking
- Computer systems operation
- Digital electronics
- Communications

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Testing methods that were successful and those that led to

difficulties are identified based on industry standards
2. Testing process and records system are evaluated based on
standard procedures
3. Test results/findings are documented for subsequent components
testing.

CONDITIONS:

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Computer Systems
- Server
- Workstation
- Printers
 Policies and Procedures
- Procedures and guidelines for testing
 Testing devices
- Network cable tester
- hubs

ASSESSMENT METHOD:
 Hands-on
 Direct observation
 Practical demonstration

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Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 4: Evaluate the Testing Process

Learning Activities Special Instructions

5. Read Information Sheet 7.4 Read information sheet. After reading the
- Troubleshooting the hard learner is encourage to answer the self
disk drive check.
6. Answer Self-Check 7.4.1 Compare the answers to the answer key.
You are required to get all answers
correct. If not, read the information
sheets again to answer all questions
correctly.
 INFORMATION SHEET 7.4

TROUBLESHOOTING THE HARD DISK DRIVE

It doesn't matter if you use a Windows or a Mac: your system's hard drive is
certainly one of the most important parts of it. A corrupt or malfunctioning
hard disk can affect the entire functioning of your computer and cause
several other issues. Hard disk can fail after accumulating bad sectors over
a long period of time or crash suddenly. Gradual failure of a hard disk is
hard to detect since its symptoms mimic those of other computer issues like
viruses and malware. These symptoms usually are file corruption and
deterioration of PC speed. Corruption of hard disk usually results from the
increase in the number of bad sectors which pile up and eventually disable
the hard disk.

Hard disk failure can be sudden, complete, gradual or partial in nature and
most times data recovery is a possibility. If you have also encountered a
hard disk error like this, then don't worry. We are here to help you with a
complete guide on hard drive problems and solutions that will help you
resolve all kinds of unwanted situations. Let's get it started from the basics
and gradually unravel the common hard drive problems faced by users these
days.

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A Brief Overview of Hard Drives on Computers

Before we get into the details and troubleshoot hard drives, it is important to
cover the basics. For instance, in order to work on computer problems and
solutions, you need to know what a hard disk is and how it functions.

1. What is a hard drive?

The history of hard drives is probably as old as computers as they were first
introduced by IBM in 1956. Ideally, a hard drive is used to store all kinds of
information on a system (if it is an internal drive). It is considered as non-
volatile storage, which is different from a computer's primary memory (RAM).
An internal drive is connected to the system's motherboard as well as a
power socket. Nowadays, external hard disks based on flash memory are
extensively used as well.

2. How does a hard disk work?

Since magnetic hard disks are still the most commonly used variety of
drives, we will consider its example to explain how it works. Ideally, it is a
cylindrical unit that consists of various magnetic plates. Each plate is
divided into numerous tracks and sectors. The plate consists of minute
units that are used to store data in a binary form (0 or 1). A spindle is
located at the middle of the disk that rotates the unit.

Now, whenever we wish to access or store data, a read/write head is moved

to the particular area. The spindle rotates the drive and the head either
reads or writes the data on it.

3. What are the different types of hard disks?

Ideally, hard disks can be distinguished into different categories on the basis
of numerous parameters like these:
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 On the basis of technology: Mostly, hard disks can either be HDD
(Hard Drive Disk) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs are based on
magnetic disks, have slow processing, and are cheaper. Since they have a
read/write head, they produce a sound while operating. On the other
hand, SSDs are based on flash memory and does not produce any sound.
They are safer, faster, and more expensive.

 On the basis of use: Hard disks can also be categorized as internal or

external. An internal drive is the native storage of the system which is
placed inside the unit. An external drive is an extended storage unit that
is used to take a backup or transfer data. It can be connected to the
system via a USB cable.
 On the basis of size and format: Needless to say, hard disks can be of
different sizes ranging from gigabytes to terabytes and of various disk
formats.

4. Which type of hard drive is the best?

Since Solid State Drives (SSDs) are newer and more advanced, they are
considered better than HDDs. Not only are they faster, they are also more
secure than a magnetic disk. This is because the data stored in an HDD
can't be tampered with using a magnet. Also, its speed and overall
performance are better than an HDD.

How to tell if a Hard Drive is failing?

Before a hard drive fails entirely, it gives us certain signs that we should not
ignore. Here are some of the major symptoms of hard drive problems that we
should take seriously.
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Sign 1. Hard drive clicking sound

A lot of times, users complain of a peculiar clicking sound made by the hard
drive's head. It usually happens when there is an inconsistent power supply
for the disk or a physical damage on one of the plates.

Sign 2. Access Denied

When users try to access the disk or a partition, they often get the access
denied prompt. This means that the system can't locate the hard disk or a
particular partition in it. A loose connection or a corrupt storage can trigger
this event.

Sign 3. Repeated crashing

If the computer or the hard drive crashes repeatedly, then consider it as one
of the vital symptoms of a bad hard drive. The disk can stop working out of
the blue anytime.

Sign 4. Inaccessibility of data

There are times when the data stored in the disk is lost or inaccessible. This
is both, a hard drive problem as well as a symptom for further issues.

Sign 5. OS can't be loaded

While booting the system, you might get a recovery screen stating that the
system can't load/locate certain files. This is directly related to a hard drive
malfunction.

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Sign 6. Abort, Retry, Fail?

This is again one of the common hard disk failure symptoms as it occurs
when the system can't locate the entire OS or some crucial files. It means
the system has aborted an operation, retried, and failed.

Sign 7. Sector not found

Sometimes, the hard disk can have a bad sector or two. In this case, your
computer will inform you the same by displaying a similar warning message.
This can be major hard drive problems symptoms that you should not
ignore.

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Top 10 Hard Drive Problems and Solutions

There are different hard drive problems that users can encounter, resulting
in its malfunction in numerous ways. Let's uncover some of these common
hard drive issues here.

Disk Error 1. Hard Drive Not Found

Chances are that while turning on your system, you might get the "Hard
Drive Not Found" error on the screen. This makes your system standstill as
it will not respond to most of the usual commands. The hard disk problem
occurs when the internal cable connecting it has been damaged or is loose.
Water or physical damage can also lead to this problem. A logical partition
can also be lost or corrupted, in this case.

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Solution 1: Perform a hard reset

This is the easiest way to fix this hard drive malfunction issue. Simply turn
your system off and remove its power cord or the battery. Also, disconnect
all kinds of peripheral devices from it and press the Power button for 15
seconds. After waiting for a while, connect the battery/power cord (not the
peripheral device) and turn it on.

Solution 2: Check for physical damage

While this might be a tedious job, you can consider opening up your system
and checking the hard drive connection. If the connection is loose, then you
can visit a professional as it would require soldering.

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Disk Error 2. Volume is Dirty (Hard Drive Error 0x80071ac3)

As the name suggests, this error depicts that either the entire disk or a
volume has been corrupted. When the problem occurs, users get an error
like this with a hexadecimal code. The problem can happen with the internal
as well as the external hard drive. A bad sector on your hard drive or an
unexpected shutdown are the two primary causes for this hard disk
problem. If it is an external drive, then an unsupported file system or driver
can also be a reason for this.

Solution 1: Check System Errors

If a disk is not functioning in an ideal manner, then you should perform an

automatic system check. To do this, just right-click its icon and go to its
Properties. Under the Tools tab > Error Checking section, click on the
"Check" button. Follow the simple on-screen instructions to resolve any
system error.

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Solution 2: Reconnect the external device

Most of the people get this error while using an external hard drive, USB
drive, or an SD card. In this case, simply remove the external drive and turn
off your system. Restart it and connect the drive again to check whether you
get the error back or not.

Disk Error 3. Can't Boot the System

Since the internal hard drive also stores the firmware and the operating
system, its failure can also result in the booting of your system. There are all
kinds of prompts that users get in this case when the system can't boot. It
happens when there is a change in the BIOS settings or the essential system
files have been lost. The partition where the operating system has been
installed can also get corrupt, resulting in this computer problem.

Solution 1: Restore default BIOS settings

If there is an issue with your system's BIOS settings, then this will fix it.
Turn on your computer and keep pressing the BIOS key, which can be F10,
F12, F2, DELETE, etc. Once you enter the BIOS window, press F9 to restore
the default settings. Exit it and restart your system now.

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Solution 2: Perform an advanced startup

You can also take the assistance of a bootable media or a Windows installer
to startup your system. Firstly, go to Windows Settings > Recovery >
Advanced Setup and click on the "Restart Now" button. Also, connect a
Windows CD/DVD or a bootable media to your system. This will let you
reinstall Windows on the system or boot it from another media.

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Disk Error 4. Corrupted Hard Disk (Hard Disk #(XXX) Error)

As much as you try to avoid it, chances are that your hard disk can get
corrupt unexpectedly. The error mostly occurs in HP systems, but even PCs
from other manufacturers can also undergo the same. A malware attack on
the system, a corrupted sector, or a bad program can be a major trigger for
this. Also, if your system is trying to access any file that no longer exists, it
in can lead to this error.

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Solution: Perform a Hard Drive diagnostic test

Since this hard disk error is mostly associated with HP systems, we will
consider its example to troubleshoot hard drives. In other systems, the
respective key would be different. To fix this, just restart your system and
press F2 to run System Diagnostics. The screen will display the relevant key
to do it.

As the diagnostic window will open, choose to perform Component Tests and
select your Hard Drive from the available options. Confirm your choice and
wait for a while as the system will run a thorough diagnostic and tries to fix
this problem.

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Disk Error 5. Hard Drive Error 0142

This is categorized as a major hard disk error as it depicts that the disk has
failed to load the booting or system files. You might have to run a thorough
diagnostic to fix this. If not, then you can consider resetting the system. The
hard drive error mostly occurs due to a corrupted sector or a firmware
related issue. You might have accidentally deleted a crucial system file as
well, leading to the inaccessibility of certain OS components.

Solution 1: Restart system in safe mode

If a particular program or application has caused this hard disk problem,

then you can consider restarting it in the safe mode. To do this, just restart
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your system and press F8 a few times to enter its advanced boot options.
The key might differ from one version to another. Use the arrow keys to
select the "Safe Mode" option and press enter. This will boot your system in
the safe mode.

Solution 2: Give your system a fresh start

This is relatively a newer feature that is available in Windows 8 and 10.

Ideally, it is equivalent to resetting a computer and will automatically
remove all the installed programs and applications from it. Simply go to
Windows Settings > Windows Defender & Security Settings > Device
Performance and health. Go to the "Fresh Start" option here and get things
started. Follow a simple click-through process to reset your system and get
rid of any malicious entity.

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Disk Error 6. Data Loss from a Corrupt Hard Drive

Hard drive is capable of storing a large amount of data which can be

accessed at any time. However, sometimes you risk losing the important
data contained in them because of failure or corruption of the hard disk. If
an entire drive or a partition/sector has been corrupted, then it will
automatically delete your saved files.

There can be numerous reasons for causing data loss on your system. A
corrupt storage, a faulty program, bad sector, malware attack, or any other
disk-related issue can trigger it. You can also accidentally format or delete
your data as well. While there are hardly any native solutions for this, you
can try a dedicated third-party data recovery tool.

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Download | Win Download | Mac

Disk Error 12. Computer Virus & Malware

Computer viruses and malware infect the system and corrupt the system
files that are stored on the hard drive. These viruses and malicious software
usually enter the system from an outside source for instance, the internet
and an external hard drive. These viruses first tend to attack the hard disk
and then spread to other computers that are linked through the same
network.

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Keeping your computer’s operating system updated is one of the solutions to
this problem. Moreover, another possible solution is installation and
frequent updating of an antivirus software program. This antivirus is
going to protect your system and your hard drive and make sure that it
remains safe from their threat.

Disk Error 13. Manufacturing fault

Hard disks that haven’t been tested beforehand become unresponsive after
a few months of use. This problem is encountered usually with new hard
disks. The reason for this is more often than not a manufacturing fault
which causes the hard disk to fail.

The best way to solve this problem is to be careful when purchasing a new
hard disk. It is crucial to test the new hard disk before installing it in your
computer system. However, if you have a hard disk with a manufacturing
fault and it becomes unresponsive then the only solution available is to
replace it.

Disk Error 14. Heat

Heating is a common problem associated with hard disks. If the system is

overused, the fans of the hard disk start moving slowly and the system
starts heating up immediately after being booted. Moreover, clicking noises
can be heard from the hardware of the system too which is an indication
that the hard disk is overheated. The reason for this is lack of proper

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ventilation or a faulty CPU fan which overheats the system to the point that
the hard disk crashes.

The solution to the heating issue is to ensure that the CPU fan has been
installed properly and is providing sufficient cooling to the hard disk.
Moreover, you can install an application that keeps you notified about the
temperature of your hard disk. If it starts exceeding the maximum limit,
shut down the PC for a while and let it cool down before resuming your
work.

Part 4: Not Sure of Hard Disk Error? Here are Some Common Solutions

We have already discussed some specific hard drive issues and solutions in
the previous section. Though, there are times when users are not able to
identify what is wrong with their hard drive in the first place. In this case,
you can consider the following troubleshooting hard drive suggestions.

1. Let your system rest

If your hard drive has been overheated, then this would most likely solve the
problem. Simply shut down your system and let it rest for a few minutes.
Turn it on when the system is not heated and the surrounding area is well
ventilated.

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2. Format the hard drive

In case if the hard drive issues are caused by a malware or a logical error,
then you can just format it to fix this. If your hard drive's icon is not getting
displayed on My Computer, then launch the Disk Management tool on it.
Select the disk space, right-click, and choose to format it. Confirm your
choice and wait for a while as the hard disk would be formatted entirely.

3. Run Disk Repair

If there is a minor hard disk problem, then you can easily fix it by
performing an automated repair. To do this, you can take the assistance of
the system's native feature or a third-party tool. For instance, Mac's Disk
Utility is an excellent option to repair a hard drive malfunction scenario.
Just launch Disk Utility, select your drive, and click on the "First Aid" option
to repair it.

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4. Use the CHKDSK Command

If you are using a DOS-based operating system, then you can just take the
assistance of the Check Disk (CHKDSK) command. To do this, just launch
Terminal/Command Prompt on your system and type the command
"CHKDSK" followed by the drive name you wish to scan. Your system will
carefully scan the respective drive and will get rid of minor drive problems.

Part 5: Tips on How to Use a Hard Drive

By now, you must be able to fix all kinds of hard drive problems and related
issues. Though, if you do not want to face an unwanted situation like this in
the future, then consider the following tips:

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1. Check hard disk's health regularly

A lot of users don't know this, but you can check the health of a hard disk
on Windows pretty easily. All you need to do is launch Command Prompt
and enter the "wmic" command. It stands for Windows Management
Instrumentation Command and will check the working of the disk. If the
health is critical, then you can take a backup of your data and perform
different repairing steps.

2. Keep at least 20% storage free

Needless to say, if you will cram your hard drive with too much data, then it
can affect its overall functioning. Make sure that you keep at least 20% of
the total space free to keep it running smoothly.

3. Avoid unexpected shutdown

Try not to turn your system off while an application or a crucial process is
still being running in the background. This can tamper with a system file or
process related to its hard disk.

4. Keep your system updated

If you don't want to suffer from any compatibility issue or a malware attack,
then make sure that you keep your system updated. It will install all the
essential patch files and keep the drivers up to date.

5. Avoid overheating and physical damage

Last, but most importantly, try to avoid any unwanted physical or water
damage on your system. Also, make sure that the disk is not exposed to a
magnet, which can lead to data loss in it. Keep the system ventilated or
place it on a cooling pad to prevent the overheating of the drive.

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6. Protect your important data

The following are some tips that you need to remember if you don’t want to
lose your precious data.

 Install a good anti-virus program on your computer and regularly

update it.
 Always create backups of your data in a separate location.
 Never shut down your computer system while any program is
running.
 Don't write and add new data after the loss of hard disk data.

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 RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT

Performance Criteria COMPETENT

Yes no
1.) Reviewed and clarified the design
documentation and obtained the
requirements for the programs.
2.) Determined the design approach to be taken
in coding and linked the modules.
3.) Confirmed sufficient knowledge assessment
of programming and program logic
formulation or design skills.
4.) Created diagrams of program flow and
modules according to project standards.
5.) Documented program scope and limits
according to project standard.
6.) Documented or referenced the routines or
procedures according to project standard.
7.) Identified and revised references for tables,
files, I/O and other programs functionalities
according to program requirements.
8.) Produced the required design to assess the
ability to meet technical requirements
successfully.
9.) Checked the program flow, states or
conditions for interfaces and compliance to
design documentation requirements.
10.) Gained feedbacks / inputs from
appropriate persons as needed
Result (Please tick a check on the box) Compete Not yet
nt Competent
Student’s Signature:
Name:

Instructor’s Signature:
Name:

LEARNER’S DIARY

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DIARY NOTES

Record important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace

events that will assist you in providing further details to your Assessor/
Instructor:

Code No. Date Date Revised Page #

Developed

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