Chapter three
Troubleshoot and solution
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2 Troubleshooting
is a systematic approach to locating the cause
of a fault in a computer system.
is the process of figuring out how to solve a
computer problem.
Troubleshooting process
Effective troubleshooting
uses techniques to
diagnose and then fix
computer problems.
A series of logical steps
speeds up the
troubleshooting process.
Rarely will simply guessing
potential solutions for a
problem work.
Troubleshooting is a
cycle.
3
Identify the Problem
This step should provide a clear problem statement
that defines the problem as a set of symptoms and
associated causes.
This is done by identifying the general symptoms and
then determining the possible causes that could
result in these symptoms.
The outcome of this step should be a written set of
ideas and possibilities.
4
Gathering Information
The information gathered here will be used to
develop a solution to the problem.
A technician will be able to make better
decisions when the problem has been
accurately described.
5
Developing a Solution
The technician will assess the gathered data
and its definition.
The technician will use experience, logic,
reasoning, and common sense to develop a
solution.
6
Implementing the Solution
The technician attempts their solution through
hands-on manipulation of the computer
components, which might be hardware and
software.
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Is the Problem Resolved?
The technician is responsible for verifying that the
system is operating correctly.
If the system is operating properly, then the
troubleshooting cycle ends successfully.
If the system is not running correctly, the
troubleshooting cycle will continue.
If the technician needs more information, go back
to identifying the problem (step one).
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Documenting the Solution
It is important to always document all the
changes that were introduced to the system as
a result of solving one problem.
This record can be the starting point for
troubleshooting any future problems.
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10 PC Common Problems and
Solutions
Storage device problems - loose or incorrect cable
connections, incorrect drive and media formats, and
incorrect jumper and BIOS settings.
Motherboard and internal component problems -
incorrect or loose cables, failed components,
incorrect drivers, and corrupted updates.
Power supply problems - faulty power supply, loose
connections, and inadequate wattage.
CPU and memory problems - faulty installations,
incorrect BIOS settings, inadequate cooling and
ventilation, and compatibility issues.
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Common problems and Solutions
Issue: if a Program is not responding
Push the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time.
Then, start the Task Manager, highlight the program’s
name, and hit the End Task button.
Perform a hard reboot by simply pressing the on/off
button. This action should only be critical error. This
process could cause data loss or corruption.
Once the computer is responding again, run a virus
check.
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Issue: The keyboard is not working.
Make sure the keyboard is connected to the
computer. If not, connect it to the computer.
If you are using a wireless keyboard, try changing the
batteries.
If one of the keys on your keyboard gets stuck, turn the
computer off and clean with a damp cloth.
Use the mouse to restart the computer.
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Issue: When water, coffee, or
liquid spills on keyboard/ laptop
Turn off the laptop and disconnect it from its
power source immediately
remove the battery if possible
Ground yourself before touching
Unplug all external hardware
Place a towel on a flat surface
Wipe up any obvious liquid
Let your laptop dry
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Issue: New hardware or software is
working incorrectly.
Verify your computer meets the requirements of the
program or utility.
Uninstall and install the program.
There could be a conflict with another installed
program.
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Issue: The mouse is not working
correctly.
Check if the mouse is securely plugged into the
computer. If not, plug it in completely.
Check to see if the cord has been damaged. If so, the
mouse may need replacing.
If you are using a cordless mouse, try pushing the
connection button on the underside of the mouse to
reestablish a connection.
Clean the mouse, especially on the bottom.
16 Issue: The computer is slow
Restart your computer.
Verify free hard drive space. a window showing how
much free and used space you have. If you need to
recapture space:
Empty your recycle bin
Images and videos take up a lot of space,
Remove temporary files from the Internet
Uninstall unused programs
Perform a disk cleanup
Run Defragment disk
Check the update of your antivirus and run full scan
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Issue: The PC freezes or shuts
itself off unexpectedly
The system may be overheating because of
inadequate cooling.
Check that all cooling fans are clean and working
properly.
May be dry CPU cooling liquid.
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Issue: The screen is black
and completely blank
Check that the monitor is turned on. Most have a light
to indicate power and another to indicate that it is
receiving a signal from the PC.
check the brightness level by using the buttons on the
monitor.
Check that the video cable's connectors are securely
and properly fastened to the graphics card and on
some models to the monitor.
Check that no pins are bent or missing from the
connector.
Unplug the PC and make sure the graphics card is
securely and properly installed into its slot.
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Issue: monitor text or resolution
is the wrong size (unreadable),
The colors don't look right
The resolution is not set correctly in Windows
The monitor may have controls that allow you to
adjust the size and position of the display
You may need to install a different or updated driver
for your graphics card and/or monitor.
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Issue: It makes a squealing
or unusual loud noise
fan need to be cleaned, it may be touch some cable,
it may be failing.
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Issue: the screen is blue
Home Work
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.
DESCRIPTION
BEEP
1 Short Beep Normal POST, computer is ok.
Continuous Beep RAM Problem
One Long and Three Short Beeps Indicates a video error
has occurred
Repeating short beeps Power supply failure
Two beeps Unspecified problem; read message on
screen for further details (such as
keyboard error, drive misconfiguration)
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Tips: speed up your PC
Login safe mode
Delete Temp files
Run disk cleanup and defragment your system drive
Increase the virtual Memory (paging file)
Run system maintenance tool
Run windows memory diagnostic tool
Enable fast stratup (for laptop)
Disable unnecessary services
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Tips: top windows
diagnostics software
Hiren boot
Cclener
Repair registry
Hard Disk Sentinel
