5.2 - Troubleshooting Common Hardware Problems

Question 1

What is the purpose of the POST (Power-On Self-Test)?

Answer 1

To ensure all main system components (CPU, video, keyboard, memory) are available and working properly.

Question 2

What happens if the POST detects a problem?

Answer 2

The system will emit a series of beeps and may display error messages on the screen.

Question 3

Why does the system emit beeps during POST errors?

Answer 3

In case of a video issue where screen messages can’t be displayed, beeps provide feedback on the problem.

Question 4

Do you need to memorize different beep codes for the A+ certification?

Answer 4

No, different manufacturers use different beep codes; refer to the motherboard documentation.

Question 5

What might a blank screen with POST beeps indicate?

Answer 5

Possible issues with the video adapter, memory, CPU, or BIOS configuration.

Question 6

What causes a system to display an incorrect date and time during boot?

Answer 6

A depleted or faulty battery on the motherboard affecting the BIOS.

Question 7

What should you check if your system tries to boot from the wrong drive?

Answer 7

Check the boot order in the BIOS configuration and ensure the correct drive is set as the primary boot device.

Question 8

What should you do if a USB drive is causing boot issues?

Answer 8

Remove the USB drive and restart the computer.

Question 9

What is a Windows Stop Error?

Answer 9

A fatal error also known as the ‘Blue Screen of Death,’ indicating a serious system issue.

Question 10

Where can you find details about a Windows Stop Error if the screen disappears quickly?

Answer 10

In the Windows Event Viewer.

Question 11

What should you do if a Windows blue screen error is persistent?

Answer 11

Contact the hardware manufacturer or refer to Microsoft’s website using the stop code for troubleshooting.

Question 12

What are some reasons for a Windows blue screen error?

Answer 12

Bad hardware, incompatible drivers, or malfunctioning applications.

Question 13

What is Safe Mode useful for?

Answer 13

Diagnosing problems by loading minimal drivers, helpful if the system won’t boot normally.

Question 14

What is the ‘Spinning Beach Ball of Death’ in macOS?

Answer 14

A cursor indicating the system is busy and the process must complete before regaining control.

Question 15

What should you check if your monitor displays a black screen?

Answer 15

Ensure all cables are properly connected, and check the monitor input settings.

Question 16

What might cause the screen to go black after Windows loads?

Answer 16

Possible driver issues; try starting Windows in VGA mode.

Question 17

What could indicate a power issue if the computer doesn’t turn on?

Answer 17

Check the power supply, power cables, and use a multimeter to test for power.

Question 18

What is the POST process useful for when diagnosing power issues?

Answer 18

To identify problems with the motherboard or other components during startup.

Question 19

What tool can help diagnose a sluggish operating system?

Answer 19

Task Manager to check CPU utilization and processes.

Question 20

What can cause an operating system to slow down?

Answer 20

High CPU utilization, storage drive issues, lack of free space, or background processes like Windows Update.

Question 21

What should you do if you smell burning or see smoke from your computer?

Answer 21

Disconnect from the power source immediately to prevent further damage.

Question 22

How do you troubleshoot a computer that suddenly goes black with no warning?

Answer 22

Check the Event Viewer for logged errors, inspect system temperatures, and verify hardware components.

Question 23

What might cause a system shutdown due to heat?

Answer 23

Blocked airflow, malfunctioning fans, or heat sinks.

Question 24

What utility helps monitor system stability over time in Windows?

Answer 24

Reliability Monitor provides a graphical overview of system performance and failures.

Question 25

What should you suspect if you hear grinding noises from your computer?

Answer 25

Potential hard drive failure, loose components, or an obstruction in a cooling fan.

Question 26

How can you identify a failing capacitor on the motherboard?

Answer 26

Look for bulging or leaking capacitors on the motherboard.

Question 27

What steps should you take if your system freezes with no error message?

Answer 27

Check hardware indicators, recent changes, resource utilization, and run hardware diagnostics.

Question 28

What is a potential cause of a computer continuously restarting?

Answer 28

Configuration issues in BIOS, faulty drivers, or failing hardware.

Question 29

What does an incorrect date and time on startup usually indicate?

Answer 29

A failed motherboard battery that needs replacing.

Question 30

Does removing the motherboard battery reset the BIOS on modern computers?

Answer 30

No, BIOS settings are stored in flash memory; you need to short a jumper to reset.