Information and Communications

Technology
Computer Hardware Servicing 9

CONDUCT TEST ON
THE INSTALLED
COMPUTER
 What I Need to
Know
After going through this
module, you are expected
to Learn about:
1. TESTING INSTALLED EQUIPMENT /
DEVICES
2. The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing installed
hardware components and other peripherals
3. Software Tools
4. Disk Management Tools
5. Test procedures
6. External Visual Inspection
 TESTING INSTALLED
EQUIPMENT / DEVICES
Good understanding of the health
and safety regulations
 report any accidents
 take reasonable care of your own health
and safety when moving heavy components
 not cause any electrical hazards
 make sure that workstations meet safety
requirements.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose equipment

 Digital multimeter is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests
the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components. A
digital multimeter displays the information on an LCD or LED.
 Loopback adapter, also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of
computer ports. The adapter is specific to the port that you want to test.
 Toner probe, is a two-part tool. The toner part is connected to a cable at one end
using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Software Tools
Like hardware tools, there are a variety of software
tools that can be used to help technicians pinpoint
and troubleshoot problems. Many of these tools are
free and several come with the Windows operating
system.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
Software tools help diagnose computer and
network problems and determine which computer
device is not functioning correctly. A technician
must be able to use a range of software tools to
diagnose problems, maintain hardware, and protect
the data stored on a computer.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
FDISK
A command-line tool that creates and deletes
partitions on a hard drive. The FDISK tool is not
available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been
replaced with the Disk Management tool.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
Disk Management Tool
Initializes disks, creates partitions, and
formats partitions.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
Format
Prepares a hard drive to store
information.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
ScanDisk or CHKDSK
Checks the integrity of files and folders on a
hard drive by scanning the file system. These
tools might also check the disk surface for
physical errors.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
Defrag
Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow
faster access to programs and data.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
Disk Cleanup
Clears space on a hard drive by searching
for files that can be safely deleted.
 The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing
installed hardware components and other
peripherals
 Disk Management Tools
The following are some disk management tools:
System File Checker (SFC)
A command-line tool that scans the
operating system critical files and replaces
files that are corrupted.
 Test procedures
 A test procedure is a set of steps to
guide you through what needs to be
done to thoroughly test the installation.
It is designed to help you work more
effectively and to make sure you test
everything that needs testing.
 Test procedures are created in-house and
could include these steps:
Gathering test information
 The first step is to run the tests required by the procedure
and find out what happens. You should record all the results
of your tests in a log so that you know which pass and which
fail, thereby requiring further action.
 Test procedures are created in-house and
could include these steps:
Validating the test information
 The next step is to check the data you gathered from the
tests to make sure it is correct. This is usually done by
running the tests again.
 Test procedures are created in-house and
could include these steps:
Responding to test information
 This step is important because you need to be able to
recognize when a test shows problems or is successful. For
example, if ping is used to test a network connection then
‘Request timed out’ shows the test was not successful.
 Test procedures are created in-house and
could include these steps:
Checking specification
 The final step is an important end to testing. You need to
check the specification for the installation to make sure that it
has been met. For example, if a user requested an upgrade
to make their display run at 1920 x 1200, then the ICT
professional should check that the graphics card and screen
can do this.
 External Visual Inspection
 The external visual inspection
consists of a quick inspection of
the exterior of the computer, the
monitor, the keyboard, any
peripherals, and cables.
 External Visual Inspection
To perform the external visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.
2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the computer,
the monitor and peripherals, and their power sources.
3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly
attached to the proper connectors on the back of the computer.
• For a PS/2-compatible mouse, the keyboard and mouse interface
cable connectors are identical except for their labels.
• For a serial mouse, the mouse interface cable must be firmly attached
to one of the serial port connectors, and its captive screws must be secure
enough to ensure a firm connection.
4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.
 External Visual Inspection
To perform the external visual inspection, perform the following steps:
5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port
connectors are properly connected.
• Each of the serial and parallel port interface cables must be firmly
attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well
as to the interface connector on the device. The captive screws that
secure these connectors at each end of the interface cable must be
secure enough to ensure a firm connection.
6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached to the video
connector on the back panel or to a video expansion card, and also to the
connector on the back of the monitor. For proper connection of the video
monitor, see the documentation for the monitor.
 External Visual Inspection
To perform the external visual inspection, perform the following steps:
7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious damage or
improper settings. For proper settings of the video monitor controls, see
the documentation for the monitor.
8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are sticking. If one or
more keys are sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all controls and
indicators, and all user-accessible data storage devices for any signs
of physical damage. Does the inspection reveal any problems?
if Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure in "Removing and
Replacing Parts."
If No. Proceed to "Observing the Boot Routine."
 Observing the Boot Routine
NOTE: Most of the steps in this
procedure require observation of
system functions and indications,
some of which can occur
simultaneously. It may be necessary
to reboot the system several times to
complete all of these steps.
  Observing the Boot Routine
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:
1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the computer.
2. Check the power supply fan. Does the fan run normally?
if Yes. Proceed to step 3.
if No. Troubleshoot the system power supply.
3. Watch the <Num Lock>, <Caps Lock>, and <Scroll Lock>
indicators on the upper-right corner of the keyboard. After all
three indicators flash momentarily, and following a long pause
(approximately 30 seconds), the Num Lock indicator should light
up and remain on (unless the Num Lock option is set to Off in
the System Setup program).
  Observing the Boot Routine
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:
Do these indicators flash on and off within
approximately 10 seconds after the boot routine starts?
if Yes. Proceed to step 4.
if No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the
troubleshooting procedure indicates that the system
power supply is operational, troubleshoot the
memory.
  Observing the Boot Routine
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:
4. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the
following indications:
 Beep codes — A beep code is a series of beeps that indicates
an error condition.
 System error messages — these messages can indicate
problems or provide status information.
 Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators — these
indicators light up in response to data being transferred to or
from the drives. If either of these indicators fails to light up during
the boot routine, troubleshoot the diskette drive or hard disk
drive subsystem, as appropriate.
  Observing the Boot Routine
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:

5.Observe the monitor screen for the

Diagnostics menu.
 Internal Visual Inspection
 A simple visual inspection of a
computer’s interior hardware
can often lead to the source of a
problem, such as a loose
expansion card, cable
connector, or mounting screw.
  Internal Visual Inspection
To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and
disconnect all the AC power cables from electrical outlets.
CAUTION: Before beginning to work inside the computer,
disconnect the power supply from the power source and the power
supply cables from the power supply.
2. Remove the computer’s right side cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during
system operations. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool
before touching it.
CAUTION: When handling the heat sink assembly, take care to
avoid sharp edges on the heat sink.
  Internal Visual Inspection
To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:
3. Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and
heat sink assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or
connectors.
4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press
firmly on the top of each chip.
5. Verify that all jumpers are set correctly.
6. Check all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they
are firmly attached to their appropriate connectors.
7. Reinstall the computer cover.
8. Reconnect the computer and any attached peripherals to their
power sources, and turn them on.
 quiz
Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and
write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. LETTERS ONLY!
1. It tests the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components.
a. digital multimeter b. loopback adapter c. toner probe d. Management Tool
2. Also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of computer ports.
a. digital multimeter b. loopback adapter c. toner probe d. Management Tool
3. It is connected to a cable at one end using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips.
a. digital multimeter b. loopback adapter c. toner probe d. Management Tool
4. A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive.
a. FDISK b. Disk Management Tool c. Format d. Defrag
5. Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats partitions.
a. FDISK b. Disk Management Tool c. Format d. Defrag
6. Prepares a hard drive to store information.
a. FDISK b. Disk Management Tool c. Format d. Defrag
7. Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the file system. These tools
might also check the disk surface for physical errors.
a. FDISK b. ScanDisk or CHKDSK c. Format d. Defrag
 quiz
Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and
write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. LETTERS ONLY!
8. Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and data.
a. FDISK b. ScanDisk or CHKDSK c. Format d. Defrag
9. Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be safely deleted.
a. FDISK b. Disk Cleanup c. System File Checker d. Defrag
10. A command-line tool that scans the operating system critical files and replaces files that are
corrupted.
a. FDISK b. Disk Cleanup c. System File Checker d. Defrag
11. It is a series of beeps that indicates an error condition.
a. Beep codes b. System error messages c. Format d. test procedure
12. These messages can indicate problems or provide status information.
a. Beep codes b. System error messages c. Format d. test procedure
13. It is a set of steps to guide you through what needs to be done to thoroughly test the installation.
a. Beep codes b. System error messages c. Format d. test procedure
 quiz
Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and
write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. LETTERS ONLY!
14. The first step is to run the tests required by the procedure and find out what happens.
You should record all the results of your tests in a log so that you know which pass and
which fail, thereby requiring further action.
a. Gathering test information b. Validating the test information
c. Responding to test information d. Checking specification.
15. The final step is an important end to testing. You need to check the specification for
the installation to make sure that it has been met. For example, if a user requested an
upgrade to make their display run at 1920 x 1200, then the ICT professional should check
that the graphics card and screen can do this.
a. Gathering test information b. Validating the test information
c. Responding to test information d. Checking specification.