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Learning Objective: At the end of this information sheet you are expected to do the following:
1. Differentiate diagnosing and troubleshooting
2. Obtain safety precaution/procedure.
3. Identify techniques in repairing computer system.
4. Identify rules in diagnosing and factors causing computer failure and defects.
Diagnosing Defined
Diagnose comes from the Greek word "diagignosko," meaning "know thoroughly," but used both in Greek and
English as "discern" or "distinguish." Therefore, diagnosing in computer science means the process of identifying
a problem and its cause. It is the first step of every problem-solving process, since without recognizing the issue
you cannot follow the appropriate method to fix it.
Examples of Diagnosing
Diagnosing is a task that both computer technicians (and users with substantial knowledge) and specific
software can undertake. For example, when you cannot run a DVD on your computer, a specialist can tell you if
the problem is on the driver or your software. Antivirus programs can scan the system automatically to
distinguish the route of a problem, while the "Wireless Network Connection Status" window in the Windows 7
operating system has a "Diagnose" button to help you identify problems with the Internet connection.
Troubleshooting Definition
Troubleshooting is the second -- and final -- part of the problem-solving process. After you have identified the
problem, you follow specific steps to fix it. Another, troubleshooting is the task of making repairs in machinery
and technical equipment by a skilled worker. However, troubleshooting can also be the task of specially-
designed applications, such as the "Windows Live Messenger Connection TroubleShooter," where you only need
to press a button and let the program do the rest.
On certain occasions, the term "troubleshooting" correctly explains the whole process. This is when you go
through a trial-and-error process to fix a problem. Computer manuals can have a "troubleshooting" section,
listing a series of problems, along with speculative solutions. For example, for "I have no Internet Connection"
you can get the answer "Turn the router on," followed by other, more complicated tasks. Powering on the
router may not be the issue, but through this trial-and-error process, you cover all possible causes without
having to diagnose the problem first.
Safety First
Before attempting to repair or open up the computer case, you need to be sure to unplug the computer from the
electric source as well as unplugging the power supply from the back of the computer. Bear in mind that the inside
components of the computer can still hold electricity, which can electrocute, and that even a small amount of static
electricity can totally destroy the computer hard drive. Be sure to use extra caution and follow safety procedures every
time that you attempt to repair PCs.
1. Personal Safety
2. Computer Safety
Finally, remember that computers are housed in metal cases for a reason: their components are fragile. Pins can be
bent; capacitors and resistors can be dislodged, and so on. Grip your components by the edges when you remove
them to prevent damaging them in advert3
These steps will help you to identify potentially unsafe conditions on these products:
Check exterior covers for damage (loose, broken, or sharp edges)
Power-off computer. Disconnect the power cord.
The power cord should be the appropriate type.
Insulation on the power cord must not be frayed or worn out.
Remove the cover.
Check for any obvious alteration. Use good judgment as to the safety of any alterations
Check for worn out, frayed or pinched cables.
Check that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have not been removed or tampered with.
1. Peopleware
• Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.
2. Firmware
• Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.
3. Software
• Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.
4. Hardware
• Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.
• Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers performance.
5. ESD (Electro Static Discharge)
• Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in your computer.
6. Electricity
• Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated, power surges can damage computer units.
Here the six common-sense techniques and strategies to solve common computer hardware problems.
Personal computers by design are highly modular. The most effective way to troubleshoot your PC is by isolating the
problem to specific parts by trial and error. In this method you swap compatible components and see if the system works.
Try other components or peripherals on different machines and see if the problem still occurs. Remember also to make
one change at a time. This is a very effective method on locating a PC problem.
Almost 80% of all PC problems are related to cabling and connections. You must ensure that all cables are connected
firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Check if your microprocessor, memory modules,
Video adapters and sound cards are inserted correctly and didn’t “pop-up” during transportation.
Don’t get frustrated and don’t be afraid of the computer problems consider it as the best opportunity to learn. For me
troubleshooting is a fun part of having a computer. Just think of the satisfaction, the knowledge and experience it will give
you after you solve the problem.
If you feel frustrated just leave it for a while, take a minute rest then go back with your fresh ideas to solve the problem
or if it’s too much to handle seek help call someone who can help.
Rule of thumb: You shouldn’t spend more than three hours on the same problem at one time.
Taking down notes will be very helpful. Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages. Those notes will be
valuable if you encounter the same problem. For instance, when you see an unusual blue screen with an error message,
copy the entire message onto a piece of paper. In many situations, that message may point to the right direction in getting
the problem solved quickly.
Hardware settings
Check the hardware settings in the CMOS and in the device manager of the system and make all the device drivers and
up to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.
Don’t be afraid to open and look inside of your computer. It’s OK to look inside your PC There is only 5V and 12V DC voltage
supplied to the components outside the power supply. But always remember to power down and unplug the power chords
before opening your computer.
Learning Objective: At the end of this information sheet you are expected to:
Learning Objective: At the end of this information sheet students are expected to do the following:
1. Identify the P|OST error message, computer display and behavior error.
2. Recognize the problem thru POST message, display and behavior
3. Analyze diagnosing and troubleshooting to be done.
CHECKSUM error Occurs during system startup, it could mean that the system has Disconnect you Replace your battery
System Date not set been restored to default factory settings. motherboard battery for 15 Reset you motherboard
CMOS Failure The problem could also occur due to the depletion of the CMOS seconds and start again,
Invalid Configuration battery. press del to boot BIOS Set
up, then set your date and
time into current, boot
sequence and disable drive
A.
CPU Fan error CPU heat sink not properly installed; Touch the CPU fan and heat Go to your BIOS set up and make sure
CPU is running too hot Missing, insufficient, or excessive heatsink compound; sink if it’s hot, disconnect the that the CPU is in the normal
CPU over temperature error Poor CPU contact between a CPU pin and the CPU socket; two and make it cool temperature, if not set it base on your
BIOS incorrectly reading or reporting the temps (check your BIOS through electric fan. motherboard manual or try to find your
rev level against reasons for any upgrades at the mobo Check into your BIOS if the processor to the following list:
manufacturers site); temperature exceeds into Intel CPU Temps - Haswell
Improper component mounted on the Mobo by the manufacturer normal temp. Idle Temp Normal Temp Max Temp
Core i3-4130 34 to 38°C 50 to 61°C 72°C
that somehow missed the automated inspection & testing phase Core i5-4670K 28 to 35°C 47 to 60°C 72°C
before shipment. Core i7-4770K 34 to 39°C 55 to 65°C 67°C
Intel CPU Temps - Ivy Bridge