5.2 Troubleshooting Common Hardware Problems Flashcards
1
Q
POST (Power On Self Test)
A
- Test major system components before booting
the operating system
– Main systems (CPU, CMOS, etc.)
– Video
– Memory - Failures are usually noted with beeps and/or codes
– BIOS versions can differ, check your documentation - Don’t bother memorizing the beep codes
– They’re all different between manufacturers
– Know what to do when you hear them
2
Q
POST and boot (Blank Screen)
A
– Listen for beeps
– Bad video, bad RAM, bad CPU
– BIOS configuration issue
3
Q
POST and boot (BIOS time and Setting)
A
– Maintained with the motherboard battery
– Replace the battery
4
Q
POST and boot( Incorrect device)
A
Set boot order in BIOS configuration
– Confirm that the startup device has
a valid operating system
– Check for media in a startup device
5
Q
Crash screens
A
- Windows Stop Error or Blue Screen of Death
- Contains important information
– Also written to event log - Useful when tracking down problems
– Sometimes more useful for manufacturer support
6
Q
Bluescreens and spontaneous shutdowns
A
- Startup and shutdown BSOD
– Bad hardware, bad drivers, bad application - Use Last Known Good, System Restore, or Rollback Driver
– Try Safe Mode - Reseat or remove the hardware - If possible
- Run hardware diagnostics
– Provided by the manufacturer
– BIOS may have hardware diagnostics
7
Q
The spinning ball of death
A
- The macOS X Spinning Wait Cursor
– Feedback that something is happening - The spin starts, but it never stops
– You never get back control of your computer - Many possible reasons
– Application bug
– Bad hardware
– Slow paging to disk - Restart the computer
– There may be details in the console logs
8
Q
Black screen
A
- Is the monitor connected?
– We wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t a common solution
– Check both power and signal cable
* Input selection on monitor - HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc.
- Image is dim - Check brightness controls
- Swap the monitor
– Try the monitor on another computer - No video after Windows loads
– Use VGA mode (F8)
9
Q
No power
A
- No power
– No power at the source
– No power from the power supply
– Get out your multimeter - Fans spin - no power to other devices
– Where is your fan power connected?
– No POST - bad motherboard?
– Case fans have lower voltage requirements
– Check the power supply output
10
Q
Sluggish performance
A
- Task Manager
– Check for high CPU utilization and I/O - Windows Update
– Latest patches and drivers - Disk space
– Check for available space and defrag - Laptops may be using power-saving mode
– Throttles the CPU - Anti-virus and anti-malware
– Scan for bad guys
11
Q
Overheating
A
- Heat generation
– CPUs, video adapters, memory - Cooling systems
– Fans and airflow
– Heat sinks
– Clean and clear - Verify with monitoring software
– Built into the BIOS
– Try HWMonitor
– http://www.cpuid.com/
12
Q
Smoke and burning smell
A
- Electrical problems
– The smoke makes everything work - Always disconnect power
– There should never be a burned odor - Locate bad components
– Even after the system has cooled down
– Replace all damaged components
13
Q
Intermittent shutdown
A
- No warning, black screen
– May have some details in your Event Viewer - Heat-related issue
– High CPU or graphics, gaming
– Check all fans and heat sinks
– BIOS may show fan status and temperatures - Failing hardware
– Has anything changed?
– Check Device Manager, run diagnostics - Could be anything
– Eliminate what’s working
14
Q
Application crashes
A
- Application stops working
– May provide an error message
– May just disappear - Check the Event Log
– Often includes useful reconnaissance - Check the Reliability Monitor
– A history of application problems
– Checks for resolutions - Reinstall the application
– Contact application support
15
Q
Grinding noises
A
- Computers should hum, not grind
- Rattling - Loose components
- Scraping - Hard drive issues
- Clicking - Fan problems
- Pop - Blown capacitor
