Objectives :

1. Know the different beep codes and error codes.

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 they're 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
more 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 computer 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 of 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?
1.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…

1 Everything on the screen is frozen and the keyboard and mouse are not responding .
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 not the Num
Lock light goes on and off. If it doesn’t, the computer is completely locked up. You’ll have
to REBOOT the computer. If the light does go off and on, wait a minute before giving up
hope. It may come back to life on its own.

2 Pressing Alt + F4
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 reboot.
3 The “Blue Screen” has appeared.

The dreaded “Blue Screen of Death”. There’s not a lot to be done except to reboot the
machine. If it keeps occurring, this is an indication of a major problem with the computer.

4 The computer is on, but there is no sound.

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 or the connection to the computer.

6 CTRL-ALT-DEL
When you press the Ctrl-Alt-Delete buttons 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 reboot.
7.Rebooting can do wonders.
Don’t just pull the plug!
A simple 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 turn the computer off manually with the
power switch. Hold the power button 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 are as follows.
BEEP DESCRIPTIO
N
1 Short Beep Normal POST, computer is ok.

Continuous Beep RAM Problem

One Long and Three Short Beeps. 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 power at 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
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
Make sure power
Power cable is Visually inspect
cable is securely
unplugged. power cable.
plugged in.
Defective power Visual inspection,
Replace cable.
cable. try another cable.
Power cable and
Contact technical
Power supply wall socket are OK,
support
failure. but system is still
dead.

Faulty wall Use different socket,

Plug device into
outlet;circuit repair outlet, reset
socket know to work
breaker or fuse circuit breaker or
and test.
blown. replace fuse.
System inoperative. Keyboard lights are on, power indicator lights are lit,
and hard drive is spinning.

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

Turn off computer. Take
Expansion card is Using even pressure on
cover off system unit.
partially dislodged from both ends of the expansion
Check all expansion cards
expansion slot on the card, press down firmly on
to ensure they are
motherboard. expansion card.
securely seated in slots.
Turn system off.
Disconnect the cables
from one of the floppy
drives. Turn on the
Defective floppy disk Contact Technical
system, check to see if
drive or tape drive. Support.
the keyboard operates
normally. Repeat until
you have located
defective unit.
Turn computer off. Make sure expansion card
Defective expansion card. Remove an expansion is secure in expansion
card. socket.
System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy
disk drive.

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

Check cable running form

When attempting to run the
disk to disk controller on the
FDISK utility described in
Connector between hard board. Make sure both ends
the HARD DISK section of
drive and system board are securely plugged in;
the manual you get a
unplugged. check the drive type in the
message, INVALID DRIVE
Standard CMOS Setup (in
SPECIFICATION.
your motherboard manual).

Format hard disk; if unable

Damaged Hard Disk or Disk
to do so, the hard disk may Contact Technical Support.
Controller.
be defective.

Run the FDISK program,

Backing up the hard drive is
format the hard drive(See
Hard Disk directory or FAT extremely important. All
HARD DRIVE section of
is scrambled. Hard Disks are capable of
manual). Copy your backup
breaking down at any time.
data back onto hard drive.
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
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
Back up data and
applications files.
Reformat the Hard
Drive as described in
Hard Disk boot A number of causes
the Hard Drive
program has been could be behind
section of the
destroyed. this.
manual. Re-install
applications and
data using backup
disks.
 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 any
salvageable data. Then
do a low level format,
Use a file by file partition, and high
backup instead of an level format of the
A number of causes
image backup to hard drive( see Hard
could be behind this.
backup the Hard Disk section of your
Disk. 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

Format disk in the AT
The IBM PS/2 uses a IBM PS/2 disk format type computer insert
different format than will not work in an AT disk into the IBM PS/2
other computers. type computer. and copy the files you
wish.
After install an expansion card (network card, tape drive card, etc.) the
system no longer works properly.

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

Change the interrupt or
RAM address on the new
expansion card. See the
All or part of the system
documentation that came
may be inoperable. The
with the new card in order
No power to monitor. new card may work but a
to change pin settings.
mouse or COM port may
many expansion devices
not work.
come with proprietary
software that will assist you
in doing this.
 Screen message says "Invalid Configuration" or "CMOS Failure.”

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

Incorrect information Review system's
Check the configuration
entered into the equipment. Make sure
program. Replace any
configuration (setup) correct information is in
incorrect information.
program. setup.

Screen is blank.
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
Check the power
connectors to monitor
and to system. Make
Power connectors may
sure monitor is
No power to monitor. be loose or not plugged
connected to display
in.
card, change I/O address
on network card if
applicable.
Monitor not connected
See instructions above.
to computer.
Network card I/O
See instructions above.
 System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk
drive.

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

When attempting to run Check cable running
the FDISK utility form disk to disk
described in the HARD controller on the board.
Connector between
DISK section of the Make sure both ends are
hard drive and system
manual you get a securely plugged in;
board unplugged.
message, INVALID check the drive type in
DRIVE the Standard CMOS
SPECIFICATION. Setup (in your
Problem
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
Reboot computer. Re-install
memory, make sure that all
Memory problem, display memory modules are installed in
card jumpers not set correct sockets. Check jumper and
correctly. switch settings on display card.
See display card section for
information of settings.
Use anti-virus programs
Computer virus. (McAfee/PC-cillin, E-port, etc) to
detect and clean viruses.
Screen goes blank periodically.
PROBABLE
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
Screen saver is Disable screen
Keyboard failure.
enabled. saver.
PROBABLE
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
Reconnect
keyboard. Check
Keyboard is
keys again, if no
disconnected.
improvement,
No color on screen. replace keyboard.

PROBABLE
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
If possible, connect
monitor to another
Faulty Monitor.
system. If no color,
replace monitor.
CMOS incorrectly Call technical
set up. support.
Error reading drive
A:
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
Bad floppy disk. Try new floppy disk.
Floppy disk not Format floppy
formatted disk(type ENTER)

C: drive failure.
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
Boot from drive A:
SETUP program does using DOS system
not have correct disk. Input correct
information. information to SETUP
program.
Hard Drive cable not Check Hard drive
connected properly. cable.
Cannot boot system after installing second hard drive.

PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION

Master/Slave
Set master /Slave
jumpers not set
jumpers correctly.
correctly.
Run SETUP program
and select correct
Hard Drives not
drive types. Call drive
compatible / different
manufactures for
manufacturers.
compatibility with
other drives.
Missing operating system on hard drive.
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CMOS setup has Run setup and select
been changed. correct drive type.
Keyboard is locked, no keys function.
PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
Keys jammed or
Replace keyboard.
defective.

Keyboard is locked, no keys function.

PROBABLE
DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION
CAUSE
Keyboard is locked. Unlock keyboard
Video Cards & Display issues.

When loading, your

computer follows Is there a
logo?
•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.

•The primary Master is a Hard

Drive as shown by the arrow,
and the secondary Master is a
DVD Drive in the picture
above
•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 a slot that causes the problem. Trying different IDE ribbon
cables or power wire for the hard drives or checking the RAMs one by one on all the slots, can
help in identifying damaged parts or slots.
•Verify that the heatsink is in full contact with the CPU. CPUs not connected to heatsinks heat
up in a matter of seconds crashing, or turning the computer off.
•If this does not work, take the motherboard out of the casing. Sometimes there is a short
between the motherboard and the case. 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. If you 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: