Basic Computer

Troubleshooting
Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank? What if you can't seem to close an
application, or can't hear any sound from your speakers? Whenever you have a
problem with your computer, don't panic! There are many basic troubleshooting
techniques you can use to fix issues like this. In this lesson, we'll show you some simple
things to try when troubleshooting, as well as how to solve common problems you may
encounter.
Objective:

• The students will Learn how to systematically diagnose and resolve common computer
issues through logical problem-solving methods, such as trial and error and the process
of elimination.
• Recognize and address common issues like blank screens, slow performance, frozen
applications, and sound problems by applying basic solutions such as checking
connections, restarting, or updating software
• Gain the ability to troubleshoot both hardware-related (e.g., monitor, keyboard, cables)
and software-related (e.g., application crashes, slow performance) problems efficiently.
• Learn to gather critical information, such as error messages and system logs, and use
diagnostic tools (e.g., Task Manager, Device Manager, virus scanners) to troubleshoot
and resolve issues with minimal frustration.
Keep in mind
• There are many different things that could cause a problem with your
computer. No matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting will
always be a process of trial and error—in some cases, you may need
to use several different approaches before you can find a solution;
other problems may be easy to fix. We recommend starting by using
the following tips.
Simple solutions to common
problems
• Write down your steps: Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step
you take. This way, you'll be able to remember exactly what you've done and can avoid
repeating the same mistakes. If you end up asking other people for help, it will be much easier
if they know exactly what you've tried already.
• Take notes about error messages: If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to
write down as much information as possible. You may be able to use this information later to
find out if other people are having the same error.
• Always check the cables: If you're having trouble with a specific piece of computer hardware,
such as your monitor or keyboard, an easy first step is to check all related cables to make sure
they're properly connected.
• Restart the computer: When all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing to try. This
can solve a lot of basic issues you may experience with your computer.
Most of the time, problems can be fixed using simple troubleshooting techniques, like closing and
reopening the program. It's important to try these simple solutions before resorting to more
extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can try other troubleshooting techniques.
Using the process of elimination
• If you're having an issue with your computer, you may be able to find
out what's wrong using the process of elimination. This means you'll
make a list of things that could be causing the problem and then test
them out one by one to eliminate them. Once you've identified the
source of your computer issue, it will be easier to find a solution.
Scenario:
• NO DISPLAY
Problem: Power button will not
start computer
• Solution 1: If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to
confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the
power outlet.
• Solution 2: If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To check
your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device, such as a lamp.
• Solution 3: If the computer is plugged in to a surge protector, verify that it is turned
on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on.
You can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it's
working correctly.
• Solution 4: If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC
adapter into the wall, then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you
may need to wait a few minutes and try again.
Problem: Computer running
slowly
• Solution 1: Close and reopen the application.
• Solution 2: Check your Secondary Memory(HDD,SSD & M.2)
• Solution 3: Check the Space on your Storage Devices
• Solution 2: Update the application. To do this, click the Help menu
and look for an option to check for Updates. If you don't find this
option, another idea is to run an online search for application
updates.
• Solution 1: Run a virus scanner. You may have malware running in the
background that is slowing things down.
Problem: Computer is frozen
Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen. When this happens, you won't be able to close the
window or click any buttons within the application.
• Solution 1: Force quit the application. On a PC, you can press (and hold) Ctrl + Alt + Delete (the
Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. On a Mac, press and hold
Command+Option+Esc. You can then select the unresponsive application and click End task (or Force
Quit on a Mac) to close it.
• Solution 2: Restart the computer. If you are unable to force quit an application, restarting your computer
will close all open apps.
• Solution 3: Press and hold the Power button. The Power button is usually located on the front or side of
the computer, typically indicated by the power symbol. Press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10
seconds to force the computer to shut down.
• Solution 4: If the computer still won't shut down, you can unplug the power cable from the electrical
outlet. If you're using a laptop, you may be able to remove the battery to force the computer to turn off.
Note: This solution should be your last resort after trying the other suggestions above.
• Shortcut Task manager: ctrl + shift + esc
Problem: The mouse or
keyboard has stopped working
• Solution 1: If you're using a wired mouse or keyboard, make sure it's
correctly plugged into the computer.
• Solution 2: If you're using a wireless mouse or keyboard, make sure
it's turned on and that its batteries are charged.
Problem: The sound isn't
working
• Solution 1: Check the volume level. Click the audio button in the top-right or
bottom-right corner of the screen to make sure the sound is turned on and
that the volume is up.
• Solution 2: Check the audio player controls. Many audio and video players
will have their own separate audio controls. Make sure the sound is turned
on and that the volume is turned up in the player.
• Solution 3: Check the cables. Make sure external speakers are plugged in,
turned on, and connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your
computer has color-coded ports, the audio output port will usually be green.
• Solution 4: Connect headphones to the computer to find out if you can hear
sound through the headphones.
Problem: The screen is blank
• Solution 1: The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or
press any key on the keyboard to wake it.
• Solution 2: Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
• Solution 3: Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on.
• Solution 4: If you're using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is
properly connected to the computer tower and the monitor.
Assessment
• The class will be divided into 3 groups
• They will be given two computer problems and will have a five-minute
group discussion on how to solve them.
• They are going to write their answers on the board and defend it.