a. Objectives : am arene irene ee ree ent Mancencer (om 2. Troubleshoot computer problems. 3. Preventive maintenance of a-computer.Basic Computer Troubleshooting Guide 1.Don't panic. Relax. Take a breath. Many computer problems appear more serious than they really are. 2.Make sure there really is a problem. Can't start your computer? Check the basics. 1.Examine the cables, connectors, and power cords to make sure theyre plugged in securely. Often times a loose cable or connector (power, network, keyboard, mouse, speaker, monitor cable, etc.) is the cause of the problem. 2, If you're using a power strip or a surge protector, make sure it’s on and that it works. Remember that a surge protector may not be working because it is designed to self-destruct. When an electric jolt is too much, your surge protector takes the hit saving your more expensive hardware ‘from the voltage. 3.Try plugging something else directly into the electrical outlet to make sure there isn't a power problem. 4,Check to see if your monitor is on, Sounds silly, but it has solved my own problem mare than once.3.Can’t get on to the network or the Internet? 1. Check to see if anyone else around you is having a similar problem. If so, there may be a service outage affecting a wider area 2. Check to make sure the network cable is connected to both the camputer and the wall or modem. 3. Check where the network cable connection is made to the back of the computer, you should see.a little green light right where the cable connects. If the light isn't on or flashing, then you are not getting a signal to the computer. If rebooting doesn’t fix it, contact the Help Desk or your ISP, 4.Error Messages - Write them down. 1.What tipped you off to the problem? Sometimes it's an error code or message displayed ‘on screen. Be sure to write it down — it may describe the problem and how serious it is. Be sure to document the exact wording of any error messages. This can make the job af ‘the Help Desk much faster. 2.Other times you get no warning — everything just freezes, Message or no message, be sure note what was going on when the problem occurred. Were you starting your ‘computer? Were you on the Windows Desktop? Were you in a particular application? Surfing the Web?5. Think about what changed recently on your computer. Try to pinpoint when the trouble first started. Did the problem coincide with any recent changes? 4,Did you change any settings? If you did you might want to change them back the way they were. 2.Any peripherals been added or removed recently (such as a printer or external Memory Card reader?) 3.Has anyone else been using your computer recently? 4,Have downloaded anything off the Web? File sharing and free MP3’s are an easy way to get a virus on your machine. 6.The computer is on but... NU eee te seer eta Lan enum art coma Try tapping on the Num Lock key. It’s located on the right-hand side of the keyboard above the number 7. While tapping the Num Lock key, notice whether or nat the Num Lock light goes on and off, If it doesn’t, the computer is completely locked up. You'll have to the computer. If the light does go off and on, wait a minute before giving up hape. It may come back to life on its own, Z ree insH If a software program stops working or freezes up, try pressing the ALT+F4 keys to close the window that you're currently working in. This can shut down a frozen window and bring the computer back to life. If the keyboard is frozen as well, you'll have to3 tere ee tee, The dreaded “Blue Screen of Death”. There’s not a lot to be done except to boo! the machine. If it keeps occurring, this is an indication of a major problem with the computer, 4 he cious ion, never SOUNC, is there a speaker icon next to the clock on the taskbar? (It's in the lower right side of the screen) If you can find it, double click the speaker icon to bring up the audio controls for the computer. See if any of the volume controls have been muted or turned all the way down. Uncheck any Mute boxes that are selected. 5 The computer is on, but the keyboard doesn’t work ‘Swap the keyboard or try plugging the keyboard into another computer. If it doesn't work on the other computer, there is likely something Wrong with the keyboard. If it does work on the other computer, there is likely something wrong on the computer ar the connection to the computer. 6 CTRL-ALT-DEL When you press the Ctrl-Alt-Delete buttans together, you will bring up a control panel where you can select “Task Manager” and see if any of the programs are shown as “not responding”. You may be able to shut down the offending program from there. If you can’t get to this screen, you'll have to.7.Rebooting can do wonders. se Don’t just pull the plug! Asimple reboot may clear up the problem. Go to the Start Menu and select Shutdown. Didn't work? It's time to try a forced reboot — with, unfortunately, no way to save your work — by pressing the keysCTRL-ALT-DEL simultaneously twice in a row. If that didn't work, you have no choice: you have to tum the computer off manually with the power switch. Hold the power butten down (for about 5 -10 seconds) and the computer will shut down. Wait at least 10 seconds for the hard drive to stop spinning and then restart the machine. If the computer starts up, start the applications you were using when the crash occurred. Some programs, like Microsoft Word, make timed backups of your work and may bring up recovered files. If the program notifies you that there is a “recovered document” save the file under a different name and compare them to your previously saved files.BEEP CODES The beep pattern is telling you what part of the hardware is failing. Unfortunately there are different standards for the beep pattern and you will have to refer to your motherboard’s user manual for the meaning of it. And most common beep codes and error areas follows. BEEP DESCRIPTION 1 Short Beep SS} Normal POST, computer is ok. Continuous Beep > RAM Problem One Long and Three Short Beeps. IU) Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional informationTroubleshooting Tips for New Monitors Here are some basic trouble shooting tips for new monitors: 1. The picture does not appear Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket. Check to see if the computer system's power is ON. Check that the Brightness Control is at the appropriate position, not at the minimum. 2. The Screen is not synchronized Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket. Check that the output level matches the input level of your computer. Make sure the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.3. The position of the screen is not in the center Adjust the H-Size, H-Phase or V-Size, V-Center controls. Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor. 4. The screen is too bright or too dark Check if the Brightness or contrast control is at the appropriate position, not at the maximum or minimum. Check if the specified voltage is applied Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor. Especially, check the horizontal frequency, 5. The screen is shaking Move all objects that emit a magnetic field, such as a motor or transformer, away from the monitor. Check if the specified voltage is applied. Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.Troubleshooting Tips for a New Motherboard More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected and connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" due to vibration System has no powerat all. Power light does not illuminate, fan inside the power supply does not turn on, and indicator light on keyboard does not turn on. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Power cable is Visually inspect power | Make sure power cable is unplugged. cable. securely plugged in, Visual inspection, try another cable. Defective power cable. Replace cable. Powercableandwall | Contact technieal Powersupply failure, | socketare OK, but support system is still dead. Use different socket, repair outlet, reset circuit breaker or replace firse. Faulty wall outleticircuit | Plug device into socket breakeror fuse blown, | know towork and test.System inoperative. Keyboard lights are on, power indicator lights are lit, and hard drive is spinning. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Turn off computer: Takecover |. Expansion card is partially [off system unit. amen reuenee dislodged from expansion slot |Checkall expansion cards to |" 7 fhumly A rutabit ‘on the motherboard, lensure they are securely seated |P° nak in slots, ae Tuam system off. Disconnect the cables from — lone of the floppy drives. Turn Havin Roppy disk drive. ot | chesyeiens, check koseaih |Contact Technieal Suppatt, eee the keyboard operates normally. Repeat until you have located defective unit. : ' Turn computer off. Make sure expansion card is Defectiveexpansion card. | Remove an expansion card. [secure in expansion socketSystem does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS: SOLUTION When attempting toninthe | Check cable running form disk to FDISK utility described in the {disk controlleron the board. Make Connector between hard drive | HARD DISK section of the sure both ends re securely and system board unplugged. _| manual you get a message, plugged in; check the drive type in INVALID DRIVE the Standard CMOS Setup (in your SPECIFICATION. motherboard manual) — Format hard disks if unable to do Gamage Hard DiskorDisk 1-6, the hard disk maybe contact Technical Supports defective, [Run the FDISK program, format | Backing up the hard drive is Hard Disk directory or FAT is the hard drive(See HARD DRIVE }extremely important. All Hard scrambled. section of manual). Copy your | Disksare capable of breaking down| backup data back onto hard drive. Jat any time.System only boots from Floppy Disk. Hard Disk can be read and applications can be used, but booting from Hard Disk is impossible. Error message reading “SECTOR NOT FOUND" or other error messages indication certain data is not allowed to be retrieved. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Back up data and applications files. ; Reformat the Hard Drive oe ae Anumberof causes | as described in the Hard haeay eal could be behind this. Drive section of the . manual. Re-install applications and data using backup disks.| PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS. SOLUTION Back upany salvageable data. Then do a low level format, partition, and high are Usea file by file backup | jee] format of the hard Anumber of could | instead of an image drive( see Hard Disk be behind this. backup to backup the TERRE Hard Disk. section of your manual for instructions). Re-install all saved data when completed.Disk formatted on IBM PS/2 will not operate with this system. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION The IBM PS/2 uses a different format than other ‘computers. IBM PS/2 disk format will not work in an AT type ‘computer. Format disk in the AT type computer insert disk into the IBM PS/2 and copy the files you wish. After install an expansion card (network card, tape drive card, etc.) the syste! PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS m_ no longer works properly. SOLUTION No power to monitor. All or part of the system may be inoperable. The new card may work but a mouse ar COM port may not work, ‘Change the interrupt or RAM address on the new expansion card, See the documentation that camewith the new card in order to change pin settings. many expansion devices come with proprietary software that will assist you in doing this.PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Incorrect information entered into the configuration (setup) program. Check the configuration Review system's equipment. program. Replace any Make sure correct incorrect information. information is in setup. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Check the power connectors to monitor and to system. Nepeer tomonitor Power connectors maybe —_ | Make sure monitor is j loose or not plugged in. connected to display card, change I/O address on network card if applicable, Monitor not connected to ecainfatone at computer. . conflict.System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Connector between hard When attempting to run the FDISK utility described in the HARD DISK section of Check cable running form disk to disk controller on the board. Make sure both ends drive and system board are securely plugged unplugged. ERE manta Tours check the drive type in the message, INVALID DRIVE Standard CMOS Setup (i SPECIFICATION. ha nea your Problem PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Memory problem, display card jumpers not set correctly. Reboot computer. Re-install memory, make sure that all memory modules are installed in correct sockets. Check jumper and switch settings on display card. See display card section for information of settings. Computervirus. Use anti-virus programs (McAfee/PC- cillin, E-port, etc) to detect and clean viruses.—e DIAGNOSIS PROBABLE CAUSE SOLUTION Screen saver is enabled. Disable screen saver. board failu PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Reconnect keyboard. Keyboard is Check keys again, if no disconnected improvement, replace keyboard. PROBABLE CAUSE Faulty Monitor. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION If possible, connect monitor to another system. If no color, replace monitor, CMOS incorrectly set up. Call technical support.PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Bad floppy disk. Try new floppy disk. ; Format floppy disk(type Floppy disk not formatted ) sd ENTER) PROBABLE CAUSE Boot from drive A: using DOS system disk. Input correct information to SETUP program. SETUP program does not have correct information. Hard Drive cable not Check Hard drive cable. connected properly.PROBABLE CAUSE Master/Slave jumpers not set correctly. Hard Drives not compatible / different manufacturers. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Set master /Slave jumpers correctly. Run SETUP program and select correct drive types. Call drive manufactures for compatibility with other drives. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION PROBABLE CAUSE CMOS setup has been Run setup and select changed. correct drive type.\ea] Video Cards & Display issues. ‘Glick on ‘Squates ior more mio! — 5 When loading, your computer — "© — follows Is there a logo? sins SL Poe“Try disconnecting your monitors cable from your video card! If your monitor is working you should see a message like "No Signal". It doesn't matter what is on the screen as long as it shows something. +Verify your cable. Are you missing pins from the head of the cable? +Reset all monitor Settings to default (contrast, Brightness, color,Hard Drive Issues: Any problem that has anything to do with your HD can be diagnosed using the below Flowchart. Remember to click on the questions to get more details about the question mf ios Soe oy [ature mH BIOS ae (Recover LDA Sone ‘The primary Master is a Hard Drive as shown by the arrow, and the secondary Master is a DVD Drive in the picture aboveRie es oc) ee ee ee ‘Se oe ae ae ae ag me se ese +Do you see an error code, or a beep? > If your Hard Drive was working and then all the sudden it is not recognized (seen), by your system then it is bad news. Try changing the Hard Drive connection with the CD ROM connection just to make sure it is not the connection that is failing. If no success, go to the Data Recovery page to see if there is anything you can do to retrieve your dataComputer working with minimum hardware? “Take out / unplug any non-essential component (CD ROM, PCI cards[except video),...) and try to boot, “With the minimum components (CPU, 1 RAM, 1 video card] if you have an on-board video card on your motherboard, use that one], 1 Hard Drive) try swapping power cables and connector ribbons, Sometimes it is a connector or slot that causes the problem. Trying different IDE ribbon cables or power wire for the hard drives or checking the RAMs one by one onail the slots, can help in identifying damaged parts or slats. *Verify that the heatsink is in full contaet with the CPU. CPUs not connected to heatsinks heat up ina matter of seconds crashing, or turning the computer off. +Ifthis does not work, take the motherboard out of the casing. Sometimes there isa short between the motherboard and the ease. Put the motherboard on an insulated surface and try. You should have verified your power supply before getting to this page. If you have not, then proceed to power supply test, Ifyou have already done that, then we need to check your motherboard +If you are not sure how to manipulate different parts click on the following links to get more informationon how to install: