6. Troubleshooting Flashcards
What are the first two steps in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology?
(1) Identify the problem, (2) Establish a theory of probable cause.
What is the purpose of a POST (Power-On Self-Test)?
Checks hardware components during boot to ensure they are functioning correctly.
What tool is used to test electrical outlets and cables?
Multimeter.
What is a common fix for a frozen computer?
Restart the computer, check for software conflicts, and update drivers if needed.
What is the purpose of Safe Mode in Windows troubleshooting?
To start Windows with minimal drivers and services for diagnosing issues.
What is the function of Event Viewer in Windows?
Displays system, application, and security logs to help diagnose problems.
What is the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?
A critical system error in Windows indicating a hardware or software failure.
How can you resolve a slow network connection?
Check cables, restart the router, or troubleshoot network settings.
What is a common fix for application crashes?
Update or reinstall the application and check system compatibility.
What is the difference between a hard reset and a soft reset?
A hard reset restores factory settings, while a soft reset restarts the device.
What is a loopback plug used for?
Tests the functionality of network ports and NICs.
What is the purpose of the ping command?
Tests connectivity to a specific IP address or domain.
What does a “No Boot Device Found” error mean?
The system cannot detect a bootable drive.
How can you troubleshoot a non-responsive touchscreen?
Clean the screen, restart the device, or calibrate the touchscreen.
What is the purpose of Task Manager in troubleshooting?
Monitors and manages running processes and resource usage.
How can you diagnose a failing hard drive?
Use disk-checking utilities, listen for unusual noises, or check SMART status.
What tool is used to check memory errors?
MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic.
What should you do if a printer is not printing?
Check for paper jams, ensure it’s connected, and verify driver installation.
How can you resolve overheating issues in a PC?
Clean dust from fans, check airflow, and replace thermal paste if necessary.
What is the purpose of the tracert (or traceroute) command?
Diagnoses the path packets take to reach a destination.
What is a symptom of a failing power supply?
System instability, unexpected shutdowns, or failure to power on.
How do you resolve Wi-Fi connectivity issues?
Restart the router, update drivers, and reconfigure Wi-Fi settings.
What is the purpose of Device Manager in Windows?
Manages hardware drivers and checks for device conflicts.
What does a “Disk Full” error indicate, and how do you resolve it?
The storage drive is out of space; delete unnecessary files or add more storage.
How do you troubleshoot a computer that won’t power on?
Check power cables, test the power supply, and ensure hardware components are seated properly.
What is the troubleshooting process?
The troubleshooting process involves identifying the problem, establishing a theory of the cause, testing the theory, implementing a solution, verifying the fix, documenting the process, and following up to ensure the issue is fully resolved.
What is the purpose of a POST (Power-On Self-Test)?
To check hardware components and ensure they are functioning correctly during startup.
What is the command to check system information in Windows?
msinfo32
How can you test the network connection on a computer?
Use the “ping” command to check connectivity to other devices.
What is the purpose of an event log in Windows?
To record system and application events, helping to identify and troubleshoot problems.
How do you check the health of a hard drive?
Use tools like CHKDSK or third-party software like CrystalDiskInfo.
What is the function of the Task Manager in Windows?
Monitors processes, performance, and manages running applications.
How can you troubleshoot a slow computer?
Check for running background processes, disk space, or insufficient RAM.
What is the first thing you should check if a printer isn’t printing?
Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the network or computer.
What is a common solution when a computer screen is blank?
Check the cable connections and ensure the display is powered on.
What should you do if a user reports that their computer is freezing?
Try restarting the system, checking for software conflicts, and updating drivers.
What is a common cause of network connectivity issues?
Incorrect IP address settings or network cable problems.
How do you troubleshoot software crashes?
Check for error messages, review the event log, and ensure that all updates are installed.
What is the purpose of the System Configuration tool (msconfig) in Windows?
To manage startup programs and services to troubleshoot system performance issues.
How can you resolve a “device not found” error?
Check if the device is powered on and properly connected, and update device drivers.
What tool can you use to diagnose hardware problems?
Use diagnostic tools like MemTest86 for RAM and manufacturer-specific tools for hard drives.
How do you fix a “No boot device found” error?
Check the boot order in BIOS, verify that the hard drive is connected, or check the boot drive for failure.
What is the first step in troubleshooting a network outage?
Verify the physical connections and ensure the network adapter is working properly.
What is the function of the Windows Event Viewer?
To monitor and log system events that may help in identifying issues.
How do you resolve slow network speeds?
Check for network congestion, update drivers, or replace damaged cables.
How can you troubleshoot a faulty power supply?
Check the power cable, ensure the power supply is receiving power, and test the system with a known good power supply.
What could cause a computer to suddenly shut down?
Overheating, power supply failure, or faulty hardware components.
How do you troubleshoot a Bluetooth connection issue?
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, check device pairing, and ensure no interference.
How do you fix issues with a Wi-Fi connection?
Check for signal interference, update drivers, or reset the router.
What tool can you use to test network cables?
Use a cable tester to check for continuity or wiring issues.
What is a common fix for a computer that won’t turn on?
Check power connections, verify the power supply, and inspect the motherboard for damage.
What should you do if a user can’t access a shared network drive?
Check permissions, ensure the network drive is mapped correctly, and verify the network connection.
How do you resolve a slow boot time?
Disable unnecessary startup programs, clean up the disk, and check for hardware issues.
What does “blue screen of death” (BSOD) indicate?
A critical system error or crash caused by hardware or driver issues.
What is the purpose of the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool?
To check for memory (RAM) errors that could cause system instability.
How can you troubleshoot issues with external peripherals (e.g., printer, keyboard)?
Check cables, power sources, drivers, and device compatibility.
What is the cause of overheating in a laptop?
Dust accumulation in cooling fans or malfunctioning fans can prevent proper airflow.
How do you fix a corrupted user profile in Windows?
Create a new user profile and transfer files from the corrupted profile.
What is the purpose of Safe Mode in Windows?
It starts Windows with minimal drivers and services to troubleshoot system issues.
How do you troubleshoot a printer showing as “offline”?
Check the printer’s connection to the computer or network, and restart the printer.
What is a common solution for a computer with no sound?
Ensure the audio driver is installed and check the audio settings.
How can you check for malware on a system?
Run a full system scan using an antivirus or anti-malware tool.
What is the purpose of a clean boot in Windows?
To start Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to isolate software conflicts.
How do you resolve a “disk full” error?
Delete unnecessary files, clear cache, or move data to another drive.
What is the function of the Windows Device Manager?
To manage hardware devices and check for conflicts or driver issues.
What can cause slow performance after a Windows update?
Outdated drivers, insufficient system resources, or software conflicts.
How do you fix a network connection issue on a laptop?
Check the network adapter, reboot the router, and verify wireless settings.
What is a good first step when troubleshooting a malfunctioning application?
Restart the application and check for software updates or patches.
How do you troubleshoot a Mac that won’t boot?
Check the hardware, reset the SMC or NVRAM, and boot into recovery mode.
What is the best way to fix file system errors in Windows?
Run CHKDSK to check and repair disk errors.
How do you fix a “no signal” issue on a monitor?
Check the video cable, ensure the monitor is powered on, and check display settings.
What should you check if a computer is running slowly?
Check CPU and memory usage in Task Manager and disable unnecessary processes.
How can you fix issues with a mobile hotspot?
Check the mobile data connection, ensure correct settings, and restart the hotspot.
What does a “hard drive not detected” error indicate?
It could indicate a faulty drive, damaged cables, or incorrect BIOS settings.
How do you troubleshoot an unresponsive touchscreen?
Restart the device, clean the screen, or perform a factory reset.
How can you test a faulty RAM stick?
Use MemTest86 or replace each RAM stick individually to isolate the faulty one.
What should you do if a user can’t log in to their computer?
Check the username and password, reset the password if necessary, and ensure the user account is not locked.
What is the cause of network dropouts?
Interference, faulty cables, or incorrect network configuration.
What is the first step to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues?
Verify the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and check the wireless network settings.
How can you fix an “unable to connect to the network” error?
Check for IP address conflicts, verify the router settings, and reboot the router.
What should you do if the system is stuck on the BIOS screen?
Check for hardware issues, reseat the RAM and CPU, and clear the CMOS.
How do you resolve a problem with a wireless mouse or keyboard?
Replace the batteries, check the USB connection, or pair the devices again.
How do you fix the “Windows cannot find…” error message?
Verify the file path, ensure the file exists, and check for malware that might have deleted it.
What is a common cause of the “inaccessible boot device” error?
Corrupted boot files, a failing hard drive, or incorrect BIOS settings.
How do you troubleshoot an app crashing on a smartphone?
Clear the app’s cache, update the app, and restart the device.
What is a solution for fixing a slow booting Mac?
Disable unnecessary startup items and check for software updates.
How do you resolve a DNS error?
Check DNS settings, restart the router, or flush the DNS cache using the “ipconfig /flushdns” command.
What is a common solution for a computer with a black screen?
Check the display, verify the power supply, and restart the system.
How do you resolve a device manager error?
Update the device drivers, reinstall the device, or check for hardware conflicts.
How do you troubleshoot problems with a Bluetooth headset?
Check the Bluetooth pairing, ensure the device is charged, and verify that the audio output is set to Bluetooth.
How do you fix a “no Wi-Fi networks found” error?
Restart the Wi-Fi router, ensure the wireless adapter is enabled, and check for software issues.
How do you resolve a “page file” error in Windows?
Increase the virtual memory (paging file) size or clear temporary files.
How do you fix a laptop with no display?
Check the screen brightness, reconnect the display cable, and check for hardware issues.
What is the purpose of a system restore point?
To revert a system back to a previous state in case of system errors or software problems.
How do you troubleshoot a device not being detected by Windows?
Check device connections, update or reinstall drivers, and ensure the device is powered on.
What is the first step to take when a laptop’s battery isn’t charging?
Check the power cable, verify the battery is properly seated, and test the charger.
How do you fix a device that’s showing “Insufficient Storage” on Android?
Clear cache, uninstall unnecessary apps, or move files to external storage.
What should you do if a computer is running out of disk space?
Delete unnecessary files, move data to external storage, or use disk cleanup tools.
How do you resolve a device with intermittent Wi-Fi connection?
Check for interference, update network drivers, and ensure the router is functioning correctly.
What is a common fix when a website won’t load?
Clear browser cache, check the internet connection, and verify the DNS settings.
