Maintain Computer Systems and Networks fewer failures, less troubleshooting will be

UNIT 1: Planning and Preparing to Maintain done, thus, saving an organization time and
Computer Systems and Networks money.
 Preventive maintenance can also be done
by upgrading certain hardware or software
LESSON 1: Planning and Preparing for such as a hard drive that is making a noise,
Maintenance upgrading insufficient memory, and installing
new software updates for security and
Introduction
reliability.
Troubleshooting is an approach to
locate the cause of faults in a computer TOPIC 2: Conducting Maintenance
system. Not all troubleshooting
experiences are the same since technicians acquire First and foremost, maintenance is
this skill based on their knowledge and personal important in reducing hardware and
experience. software issues. With this, computer
downtime and repair costs are reduced.
That is why as a computer technician, you must
be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of the Preventive maintenance depends on the needs
computer concepts since your approach to and specifications of the equipment. For
solving a problem may rely heavily on your own example, a device exposed to a dusty environment
knowledge. such as a construction site would need more
maintenance as compare to an office environment.
TOPIC 1: Preventive Maintenance

High traffic networks such as those used in schools

Preventive maintenance is the regular and
would require more extensive scanning and
systematic inspection, cleaning, and replacement of
removal of malicious software and unwanted files.
worn parts, materials, and systems.

Do take note that it is important to create

It is done to prevent failure of parts, materials, and
documentation for any type of preventive
systems by regularly checking whether all parts are
maintenance, so that you can also check how often
in good working order.
do certain hardware and software issues occur.

Besides these, here are more reasons why

maintenance should be conducted:

Purpose of Preventive Maintenance  Increased data protection

 Extended device life
 Preventive maintenance reduces the  Increased equipment stability
probability of hardware or software  Reduced repair costs
problems by systematically and periodically  Reduced equipment failure.
checking hardware and software to ensure
proper operation.
 Regular preventive maintenance ensures
minimal system failure. When there are
Hardware Maintenance TOPIC 3: Troubleshooting

Maintenance for computer hardware Although troubleshooting varies and can be

can be done by regularly checking modified depending on case and experience, it
cables, components, and requires an organized and logical
peripherals. approach when handling computers and
components. Doing so will ensure that the process
Regular cleaning of components should also be is in systematic order.
done to reduce overheating. Replacement of
damaged components due to excessive wear Make sure to ask the right questions, test the right
should also be conducted. hardware, and examine the correct data in order to
detect the issues and resolve them.
The following is a guide on conducting hardware
maintenance: Troubleshooting is honed over time. Every time
an issue is resolved, skills on troubleshooting are
 Remove dust from fans.
also improved. Through troubleshooting experience,
 Remove dust from the power supply.
one would be able to know the steps needed to
 Remove dust from components inside the
resolve an issue quickly.
computer.
 Clean the mouse and the keyboard. The following is a simple process
 Check cables. guideline which can also be modified depending on
the situation:
Software Maintenance

 Explain the purpose of data protection.

Software maintenance can be done
 Identify the root of the problem.
by making sure that updates are
 List probable causes of the issue.
current. Follow the policies when
 Test the theory to determine the exact
installing programs, operating system, and
cause.
security updates.
 Plan the course of action to resolve the

Testing is done to ensure that minimal problems will issue.

be encountered when updating the software and  Implement the solution.

hardware.  Check the system functionality.

 If applicable, implement preventive
Here are some simple tasks when conducting measures.
software maintenance:  Create documentation of findings, action,
and outcomes.
 Review and check security updates.
 Review and check software updates.
 Review and check driver updates.
 Update anti-virus files.
 Scan for viruses and malware.
 Remove unused and unwanted programs.
 Scan hard drives.
 Defragment hard drives.
 If unsure whether a backup has been done, do not
conduct troubleshooting activities on a client’s
TOPIC 4: Data Protection
computer.

Before troubleshooting, follow the

Make sure to verify the following with the customer
necessary precautions in order to
first:
handle computer hardware and
software properly.  Date of last backup
 Content of backup
Repairs such as hard drive replacement and
 Data integrity of the backup – Data integrity
operating system installation are very delicate and
is the maintenance of the accuracy and
may put computer data at risk.
consistency of the data. It is making sure

Make sure to prevent data loss when attempting that the data can be properly retrieved or

repairs restored in its optimum quality.

 Availability of backup media for data
restoration

Practicing Caution

Data protection is one of the first steps LESSON 2: Maintaining Computer Systems and
of troubleshooting. Networks

Computer data must first be protected before Introduction

starting any work on a client or customer’s

A properly maintained computer gives
computer.
higher speeds, may it be via RAM or on the Internet,
regardless of hardware set-up and configurations.
A technician can be blamed or held liable if data
This lesson will give some tips on how to maintain
loss occurs because of improper data handling.
computer systems and networks over time.

TOPIC 1: Routine Maintenance

Backing Up Data

Backup is the copy of data on a

Clean browsers.
computer or hard drive that is saved to
an external media such as a DVD, CD,
Use the computer’s Disk Cleanup Utility
or flash drive.
included in the Windows System. In the same
way, you can also download third party,
In an organization, back-ups are routinely
freeware programs such as CCleaner to do
done—may it be daily, weekly, or on a monthly
the clean-up for you.
basis. This is to ensure that the organization’s data
are protected and are readily available.
Search and delete spyware and viruses from the
device.

Third party softwares like AVG Anti Virus can be

used for maintenance. Or use the Windows
Security built in on Windows 10 devices.

Remove startup programs.

Use the msconfig command in the RUN command

prompt to open up a window that will allow you to
uncheck startup programs that are no longer used.

Doing this will improve start up and boot down times

a lot. Third party softwares such as CCleaner can
also be used for this purpose.
Defragment the hard drive routinely to keep the
device running smoothly.

Uninstall programs that are no longer used.

Use your computer’s disk management
Delete files that are no longer needed. The systems.
freer space a computer has, the faster it will
perform. The computer’s performace will For Windows, select Performace and Maintenance.
increase. Choose ―Rearrance items on your hard disk…‖ and
―Free up space on your hard disk.‖ Or simply run 1. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel >
Disk Cleanup. Click Internet Optons

2. Click "Delete Files"

3. Check "Delete All Offline Content"

4. Click Ok

How to Run Scan disk and Disk Defragmenter

without Interruption:

1. Start Menu > Run > In Run, type

"MSCONFIG", then click Ok
MSCONFIG will appear.
2. Select "Selective Startup"
3. Uncheck "Load Startup Group Items".
Click Ok.
Maintenance Basics
4. Click Yes to Restart Computer Upon
Restart.
5. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel >
How to Perform Disk Clean Up: Click Display
6. Select the "Screen Saver" tab.
1. Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > 7. Change the Screen Saver Drop menu
System Tools > Disk Clean Up to "None". Click Ok.
2. Select Drive to Clean Up > Click Ok
3. Check all items that need to be removed > Then Perform Scan Disk,
Click Ok
Start Menu > Programs > Accessories >
System Tools > Scan Disk

How to Clear Internet History After Scan Disk, Perform Disk

Defragmenter
1. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel >
Click Internet Options Start Menu > Programs > Accessories >
2. Click "Clear History" System Tools > Disk Defragmenter > Select
3. Click Ok which disk to Defragment. Click Ok.

After Disk Defragmenter

How to Clear Internet "Temporary Internet" Files 1. Start Menu > Run > In Run, type
"MSCONFIG", click Ok. MSCONFIG
will appear. Select "Normal Start Up',
 click Ok. Click Yes to Restart . UNIT 2: Troubleshooting Computer
Computer Upon Restart Systems and Networks
2. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > .
Click Display LESSON 1: Diagnosing Faults
3. Select the "Screen Saver" tab.
4. Change the Screen Saver Drop menu Introduction
to "None". Click Ok.
In this lesson, we are looking at how
we are going to diagnose faults that
we may find in the computer systems.
TOPIC 2: Tips on Maintaining Hardware We may need to identify and isolate
these issues especially when the hardware that is
(1) Always run your computer on an
having a problem is hard to identify.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
It is an essential skillespecially when we are
It is an electrical
troubleshooting computers where the user does not
apparatus that gives
know exactly what went wrong.
emergency power when a
computer’s main power
fails. This will help protect the device from
electric surges. Phone lines for modems and TOPIC 1: Identifying and Isolating Faults
cat 5 or cat 6 network lines also need surge
The following are the different
suppression as they can and will take out your
ways to diagnose a computer
network card or modem in an electric storm.
system problem. Make sure to
familiarize yourself with these as
you will be making use of these when
(2) Open up your computer. others would not work.

Dust can accumulate in your 1. Power On Self Test (POST)

computer in less than a year,
depending on how dusty your This stands for Power On Self Test. After
house. Check every few turning on the computer’s power, this will be
months. the first screen that will appear before the
operating system loads. The POST will display
Make sure to follow proper computer assembly and any problems found in the hardware that
disassembly. prevents the computer to boot or not operate in
its full capacity during operation.
(3) Be careful when plugging peripherals to the
computer. 2. Operating System Load Time

Ports can be easily If the operating system takes to load than usual,
damaged when mishandled. there may be errors in the hardrive.
These repairs can be quite
costly.
3. Graphic Problems the software starts, it is most likely caused by
the software.
Check whether the computer graphics are
good after the operating system loads. 7. Check RAM and CPU consumption
Reduced graphics may indicate that there are
hardware failures with the graphic cards. This is the most common cause of why a
computer lag. Check the computer’s Task
4. Perform an auditory test Manager, click

Play a short audio clip. When the audio is 8. Check if hard drive is making scratching or
lagging, it means that the processor is working making loud noises
at an elevated speed. It could also mean that
there is no longer enough RAM to keep Should this occur, turn off the computer and
programs loading. diagnose the harddrive. If the CPU fan comes
off at high speed when the CPU is working
Changing the startup sound is a great way hard, it means that the computer is working
to apply this test. Another issue hard beyond its capacity.
associated with choppy sounds is PIO
(Programmed Input/Output) Mode. 9. Run a virus and malware scan.

This affects how the hard drive reads and Third party software applications can be used.
writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA
10. Check problems while running safe mode.
allows for faster reads and writes, and can
sometimes repair choppy audio.
Safe mode can be activated by repeatedly
tapping F8 during POST. If the issue still
5. Check for newly installed hardware
occurs even while still in safe mode, then it is
Most operating system, especially Windows, an issue of the operating system.

can experience conflict with new drivers.

TOPIC 2: Troubleshooting Network Connection
However, Windows would usually notify you
Problems
about drivers that may be causing the issue.
This can be checked through Windows Device 1. To try troubleshooting a
Manager. network connection problem, try
these steps:
Control Panel > Click System Icon > Click
Hardware Tab > Click on Device Manager 1. From the notification area, right click the
network icon to open Troubleshoot
Use this to check and arrange hardware Problems. Click Diagnose and Repair.
properties. 2. Make sure that all cables are properly
connected.
6. Check for newly installed software
3. If trying to connect to another computer,

New software requires more resources than make sure that the computer is turned on

the system provides. If problem occurs after and that file and printer sharing is enabled
on the network.
 4. If the problem occurred after installing the Verify Connections (Part 1)
new software, check the connection
Wired Network
settings if it has been changed.

Basic Network Troubleshooting Verify that the network cable is

properly connected and make sure the
Take note that there are various LEDs next to the network jack are properly
network configurations, operating illuminated.
systems, setup, etc. The following
information may not apply to all networks or all For example, a network card with a solid green

operating systems. LED light indicates that the card is connected

and can receive the signal. If the green light is
flashing, it means that data is being sent or
received.
1. Verify that the network adapter is
properly installed and detected by the If there are no lights or the lights are orange or
computer with no conflicts. red the card may be bad, not connected
properly, or that the card is not receiving a
2. Open the Device Manager to verify if signal from the network. If you are on a small
there are no errors. ―Network adapters‖ or local network and have the capability of
should be present for each network adapter checking a hub, switch, or router verify that the
installed in the computer. cables are properly connected and that it has
3. If the network adapter is read as an ―Other power.
device‖, it means that the network card was
not properly installed in the computer. If after checking the connections the LED

4. Let the operating system re-detect and indicators appear bad, the network adapter,

install the Network card by removing the port, or cable may be defective.

network adapter and any other conflict

devices from Device Manager and then
reboot the computer. Wireless Network
5. If the operating system re-detects the card,
but not the drivers, download the network If you are using a device with a wireless network,
adapter drivers from the computer like a laptop, make sure that the device has a Wi-Fi
manufacturer or the network card button and it is turned on. If the button is turned on,
manufacturer. make sure that your device is connected to the
network. The correct password must be entered
when connecting to protected WiFi networks.
Adapter functionality Most home routers have a gateway address
that starts with 192.168 like the address shown
Verify that the network card can ping itself using the above.
ping command. Users can ping the computer from a
Windows command line. Unix and Linux users can Assuming your gateway address is
pung from the shell. Ping the card or the localhost, 192.168.1.1 attempt to ping the router to see if
type either: it can send and receive information by running
the below command.
ping 127.0.0.1 or ping localhost
ping 192.168.1.1
Typing either will get replies from the network card.
If an error occurs and the transmission fails, it 4. If you get replies form the router, it
means that the network card was not properly means that the connection is good and
installed to the computer, has incorrect drivers, or you can skip to the next step. If there
the card itself is bad. are no replies, it means that the router
was not set up correctly. Reset the router
Connect to the router to make sure that it is not a problem with
the router. Reset the router by following
After checking the steps and that your network has
these steps:
a router, check if your computer can connect to the
router by following these steps: a. Turn off the computer and
leave it off for a few minutes.
1. Determine the routers address – Use the
ipconfig command (or ifconfig command b. Unplug the power to your
for Linux), determine the router’s address router and cable modem or DSL
by looking at the Gateway address. modem.
2. Open the Windows command line.
3. From the command prompt type c. Leave the power cables
ipconfig and press enter. disconnected for 1- to 15
seconds then plug in the modem
Ethernet adapter Local Area and router again.
Connection: Connection-specific DNS
Suffix . : computerhope.com. IP d. Finally, turn the computer
Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : again and repeat this step to see
192.168.1.103 Subnet if the router can be pinged.
Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 5. If the router cannot still be pinged,
192.168.1.1 turn the computer off again and
connect the computer to the router
using cables instead of the wireless
option. If it still does not work, contact the
The Default Gateway is the address of your router manufacturer for additional support
router. The Default Gateway is the address of or replacement.
your router.
Verify Connections (Part 2) If after following the above steps the Internet is still
not working, open the Windows command line and
run the below command.

ping google.com

Running the command will get a reply from Google.

If you get a reply, this means that the computer is
working, if not, there may be a problem with the
Firewall Internet browser because your router or modem is
not reaching the Internet.
If possible, disable the firewall to make sure that the
firewall is not causing network problems. If the Try using other browsers such as Internet Explorer
computer still utilizes the firewall, make sure that or Mozilla Firefox. If you have a router, make sure
the required ports are open especially the HTTP that DHCP is enabled and that the WAN or
port. Gateway adress is the proper ISP address.

If problems still occur, contact the ISP to make sure

that the problem is not on their end and if they could
Internet is not working assist you to other special configurations.

If you’re still able to ping the router, but you still

cannot connect to the Internet, it’s either the router
is improperly configured or the ISP is having issues. Additional troubleshooting

If the Internet has been working properly, but Another method of determining network issues is to
suddenly stopped working, give it a few minutes to use the tracert command. It is the command prompt
make sure that it is not a temporary outage. If the command that is used to show several details about
problem is not yet addressed after a few minutes, the path that a packet takes from the computer or
follow these steps: device you’re on to whatever destination you
specify.
a. Turn off the computer and leave it off for
a few minutes. It gives an overview of each device a packet travels
over a network and gives an idea where a problem
b. Unplug the power to your router and exists in or outside your network.
cable modem or DSL modem.
To use this command, you must be at the command
c. Leave the power cables disconnected line and type one of the below commands
for 1- to 15 seconds then plug in the depending on your operating system.
modem and router again.
tracert google.com
d. Finally, turn the computer again and
repeat this step to see if the router can be or
pinged.
traceroute google.com
If run successfully you should begin to see each but make sure to be careful since this can be
hop between the computer and network devices. harmful if you are recklessly removing components.
When the connection fails, determine what device is
causing the issue by reviewing the traceroute
listing.
Check cable issues

More than 70% of all computer problems are due to

LESSON 2: Correcting Defects cabling and connections. Make sure that all cables
are connected properly.

Make sure that all the necessary wires from the

Introduction power supply give electricity to the different
computer components. Again, always consult the
In this lesson, we are looking at the
manual since this can differ depending on the
different techniques and strategies in
manufacturer.
solving common computer hardware
issues as well as other common troubleshooting
and repair techniques.
Document Computer Issues
Please take note that these lessons only give a
basic overview and rundown on what the computer In order to avoid the same issues in the future,
might run into but remember that issues may come always document when you are troubleshooting.
and it is up to you, the computer technician, to find Components that you have repaired several times
a way to solve the problem. may likely be more prone to issues and problems.

TOPIC 1: Solving Common Hardware Issues That is why you should address this with the proper
protocols so that in the future, you could keep track
The following are the techniques and
of which hardware are very old or will need
strategies that you may perform when
replacement soon.
you are trying to solve hardware issues

TOPIC 2: Viruses
Trial and Error

A virus is a destructible executable program that

Try isolating the problem to a specific component
infects the other programs in the system and
by trial-and-error. Trial and error basically means
spreads by replicating itself.
trying and trying again until you find what the
problem is. In this technique, it is unavoidable to This type of programs
make mistakes; hence, the "error" in trian and can damage the victim's computer
error. program.

To perform this in hardware issues, you can try This is made by malicious programmers and
swap compatible components with each other. Or programmed to spread without one's permission
try different peripherals. Make one change at a time, and knowledge.
Viruses can: virus means that the complete file is also removed.
For this case, the virus is not removed by rendered
 Corrupt files inactive by moving it into the antivirus' quarantine.
 Slow down computer speed
 Cause the system to hang frequently
 Delete or hide various files
Types of Viruses

Viruses can come from:

 Infected CDs, DVDs, etc

SBoot viruses
 Email
 Browsing infected sites
These viruses infect floppy disk boot records or
 Downloading files from the internet
master boot records in hard disks. They replace the
boot record program (which is responsible for
loading the operating system in memory) copying it
Removing Viruses elsewhere on the disk or overwriting it. Boot viruses
load into memory if the computer tries to read the
To remove these viruses, you can buy an antivirus disk while it is booting.
software or use your operating system's built-in
antivirus software such as the Windows Defender. Examples are Form, Disk Killer, Michelangelo,
and Stone virus.
A full system scan is recommended to
make sure that your computer is clear
of any viruses that are present. Make
sure to perform a full scan every so Program viruses
often (e.g. once a week).
These infect executable program files, such as
those with extensions
like .BIN, .COM, .EXE, .OVL, .DRV (driver)
There are two methods of eliminating viruses: and .SYS (device driver). These programs are
loaded in memory during execution, taking the virus
1. Removing the virus
with them. The virus becomes active in memory,
making copies of itself and infecting files on disk.
When the virus can be easily identified and
removed without affecting other files, then the
Examples are Sunday and Cascade virus.
antivirus removes it from the host place

Multipartite viruses
2. Quarantine
A hybrid of Boot and Program viruses. They infect
This is performed when the virus cannot be easily
program files and when the infected program is
removed from the file. Usually the removal of the
executed, these viruses infect the boot record.
 Examples are Invader, Flip, and Tequila virus. In this lesson, we are looking at the different testing
and method procedures when we are assessing
and inspecting computer systems and networks.

Stealth viruses Knowing how to handle and maintain components

is an essential step. Your job as a computer
These viruses use certain techniques to avoid
technician does not end with just assembling or
detection. They may either redirect the disk head to
connecting a network - it extends as well to make
read another sector instead of the one in which they
equipment stable for use for efficiency.
reside or they may alter the reading of the infected
file’s size shown in the directory listing. size given in
the directory.
TOPIC 1: Testing the Hard Drive
Examples are Frodo, Joshi, and Whale virus.
A bad hard drive can cause more issues to your
computer.

Polymorphic viruses The following steps will ensure that hard

drive errors can be addressed before it
A virus that can encrypt its code in different ways so
makes serious damages to the unit itself.
that it appears differently in each infection. These
Take note that the following issues can be caused
viruses are more difficult to detect.
by a much bigger issue other than a bad disk drive

Examples are Involuntary, Stimulate, Cascade, such as:

Phoenix, Evil, Proud, and Virus 101 virus.

1. Errors when reading, copying, moving, or
deleting data on the computer
2. Extremely slow system.
Macro viruses 3. Operating system unable to boot.
4. Random error or computer randomly boots
A macro virus is a new type of computer virus that
infects the macros within a document or template. Software Solutions
When you open a word processing or spreadsheet
document, the macro virus is activated and it infects The following shows a list of software programs that
the Normal template. can be used to test the computer’s hard drive for
errors:
Examples are DMV, Nuclear, and Word
Concept virus. o Scandisk
o Chkdsk
o Testdisk
o Hitachi Drive Fitness Test (DFT)
LESSON 3: Inspecting and Testing Computer
o Seagate Sea Tools
Systems and Networks
o HDD Health
Introduction o Ultimate Boot CD
Replacing the Hard Drive Take note that before testing your memory, make
sure that you have removed recently added new
If the hard drive is bad or is generating SMART memory to make sure that it is not the cause of the
error (A S.M.A.R.T. error is a predictive indicator issue.
that there will be a drive failure.) If you get a
S.M.A.R.T. error, it means that you have to back-up Software Solutions
since you would need to replace the hard drive
soon. If the computer is relatively new, the hard Several software programs are available to test

drive may still come under a warranty. computer hardware, including computer memory.
These include:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic Tools

TOPIC 2: Testing the Power Supply Unit
It can be accessed on Windows Vista and
Some programs such as SpeedFan can Windows 7. Simply search for ―Memory‖
help monitor the voltage and power on the Start Search Bar. Doing so will
supply to computer fans; however, there open the Memory Diagnostics Tool. Two
is no software utility to test the integrity of computer options will appear: (1) Restart Now and
power supplies. Check for Problems and (2) Check for
problems next time I start my computer.
It is recommended to replace the Computer
Simply choose one of these options to run
Power Supply if it is no longer usable.
a memory test on your preferred time.

It is also wise to check how much wattage your

• Memtest86
computer really requires. You can do this online at a
PSU Wattage Calculator. This is to provide a more An x86 compatible, free memory tester
efficient electricity usage when checking your PSU.
• DocMemory

A software that can be used to check the

TOPIC 3: Testing the Memory computer’s memory

The following are some indicators that There are other software programs that can be
your computer’s memory may already used to check your computer’s memory.
be bad:
Some are used at computer service centers or
1. The computer does not boot and a beeping may be issued by the company you are
sound is hear. working for.
2. There are random computer crashes
causing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), Other software programs that can be used
General Protection Fault Error Messages, are:
Illegal Operations, Fatal Exceptions, etc.
3. Computer randomly reboots • PC-doctor
4. Windows or other program installation • PC Diagnostics
failure. • Ultra X
Swap and Remove Memory Check if there is a slight bulge on the top of each
capacitor. If the capacitor is leaking, it can be an
If there is an available compatible memory indicator that it has already blown. Blown capacitors
from another computer, you can try swapping are likely caused by motherboard issues in the
the memory into the computer to check computer.
whether it is the issue.
Once the CPU is removed, check for bent pins on
If the memory works in another computer the side that are inserted into the motherboard. If
without any issues, there may be a problem there is a bent pin, it is most likely the cause of the
with the motherboard, PSU, or other hardware computer’s CPU issues.
issue.
It is possible to replace a blown or bulging capacitor,
Replace Memory but it will require precision soldering to install the
capacitor.
If computer memory is completely bad already,
replace it with a new one. Bent pins on a CPU can be bent back into place,
but make sure to be very careful because the pin
might break off when trying to bend it back into
TOPIC 4: Testing the Motherboard and CPU
place. If the pin breaks off, the CPU will definitely
A bad computer motherboard or need to be replaced.
CPU can cause different issues on a
computer. If you are done with the visual hardware check and
there seems to be no obvious issues, there may be
Below are some of the issues that you may an issue with the software.
encounter due to a computer with bad motherboard
and CPU:

1. The computer does not boot, but Software and Hardware Solutions

instead gives a beep code.

Here are some software programs that you can use
2. The computer randomy crashes
to test your computer’s motherboard and CPU.
causing General Protection Fault error
However, take note that problems related to the
messages, illegal operations, Fatal
motherboard and CPU have a wide variety of
exceptions, etc.
complexity; thus, these programs may not detect
3. The computer suddenly reboots.
every possible failure.

• Hot CPU Tester – This tester includes a

Here are some recommendations to test the burn-in feature for new computers or
computer’s motherboard and CPU: computers with new motherboard or CPU.

Visual Hardware Check • Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool – This

can be used for computers running on
Check the computer motherboard if there is a
Intel processor. It is a free utility for testing
presence of bulged or blown capacitors.
a variety of Intel processors.
 • PC-doctor – A good, but quite pricey Here are some recommendations to test your
software used by service centers and computer’s CD ROM and DVD drive:
technicians to diagnose computer
hardware issues including motherboard Software and Hardware Solutions

issues.
The most common issue that CD ROMs and DVD
• Ultra-X – A collection of products that drives is caused bu dust and dirt making it unable
can be used to test computer hardware, for the drives to read discs. You can use a CD/DVD

including the motherboard. Drive Cleaner kit to help clean the disc drive. These
can be purchased in many office supply stores and
electronic stores. Some software tools that can be
used are:
Replacing the Motherboard and CPU
• CD Roller – Program that can be used to
After you are done with the visual hardware check rest CD/DVD drivers as well as recover
and software/hardware check and it was data from CDs and DVDs
determined that one or both can no longer be used,
then it is already time to replace the motherboard • CD Check – Another program that can
and the CPU. There is typically no easier or be used to check CD drives (no DVD
cheaper alternative to fixing the motherboard or the compatibility) and can also recover data
CPU. from damaged disks.

• CD/DVD Diagnostic - Diagnostic

programs from InfinaDyne that is not only
TOPIC 5: Testing the Optical Drive capable of testing a drive and disc, as well
as recover data from disks that have gone
Before testing this, make sure that
bad.
multiple discs do not work in the drive.
If only one CD or DVD is causing the
problem, consider that it can be an
issue with the CD and not the CD/DVD drives. Replace the Disc Drive

A bad disc drive can cause a variety of issues to After trying various software and hardware
your computer. Here are some issues that are solutions and the disc drives still appear to be
caused by a bad drive: bad, it is highly recommended to replace the
disc drives.
1. Errors when reading CD or DVD.
2. CDs or DVDs may not play the audio or
video properly.
3. CD or DVD programs may not install or may
encounter errors after being installed.
TOPIC 6: Testing the Network computer ping itself. Launch the Command Prompt
and type ping localhost. The prompt will indicate
After setting up network switches,
whether the ping was successful.
cables, and configuration, verify
whether the computer network is
functional.

Here are some steps that you can do to check your

computer connection:

Check physical connections

Check whether the little red or green light next to

the RJ-45 port is lit on every computer. Check this
light both on the computer itself and on the switch
or router the computer is plugged into.

If the light is not on, you may have a connection

problem—most likely a poorly connected cable.

Verify that you can log on

Try logging on to each of your network computers

using a valid domain user account.

Check the network configuration

Launch the Command Prompt then enter the

command ipconfig / all and press Enter. This
command will give out lines of information. In order
to make sure that your computer network is working
properly, make sure that this line is present:

IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . .: 192.168.1.125

(Preferred)

If this line does not show, check that your IP

Configuration is set correctly and the DHCP server
is working.

Verify that computers can ping each other

You can try using the ping command from the

command prompt to make sure that all computers
on the network can contact one another. Make sure
that the TCP/IP is up and running by having the