5.2 Troubleshooting Common Hardware Problems Flashcards
1
Q
POST beeps
A
- POST failures are usually noted with different beep codes
2
Q
Common POST failures
A
- blank screen = bad video card, bad RAM, bad CPU
- wrong BIOS time = bad CMOS/motherboard battery
- attempts to boot incorrect device -> check boot order in BIOS configuration
3
Q
Crash screens (BSOD / pinwheel)
A
BSOD (Windows)
- caused by bad hardware, bad drives, bad applications
- use last known good configuration
- use system restore or roll back drivers
- reseat or remove newly installed hardware
- run hardware diagnostics
4
Q
Black Screen
A
- check if the monitor is connected (both power and signal cables)
- check the input selection on the monitor (HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc)
- if the image/screen is dim, check the brightness controls
- swap the monitor or see if the monitor works on another computer
- no video after Windows loads: restart computer using VGA mode (f8)
5
Q
No Power
A
- use a multimeter to test the power outlet and/or the power supply
- fan spinning but no power to other devices: may be a result of insufficient voltage from power supply
6
Q
Sluggish Performance
A
- open task manager and check for high CPU utilization
- Windows update may be running in the background
- check for available disk space and defrag the hard drive
- laptop may be on power-saving mode
- antivirus may be running scans in the background
7
Q
Overheating
A
- clean your cooling systems (fans, heatsinks, and vents get dusty)
8
Q
Burning Smell
A
- usually an electrical problem
- immediately disconnect from the power source
- let your system cool down and check the motherboard for any damaged components
9
Q
Intermittent Shutdown
A
- restart system and check the Event Viewer
- may be a heat-related issue
- may be failing hardware
- check Device Manager and run diagnostics
10
Q
Application Crashes
A
- check the Event Log
- check the Reliability Monitor: history of application problems
- reinstall the application
11
Q
Grinding Noise
A
- rattling could be caused by loose components
- scraping is most likely a hard drive issue
- clicking is most likely a fan problem
- popping noise can be a blown capacitor
12
Q
Capacitor Swelling
A
- capacitor bulging at the top
- in extreme cases, the whole capacitor cover can pop off
13
Q
Inaccurate System Date/Time
A
- bad CMOS battery
14
Q
Continuous Reboot
A
- where does it reboot? (POST test, OS splash screen)
- did you get any BIOS message?
- bad driver or configuration: f8 and “Boot from last known working configuration”
- try booting from Safe Mode
