Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools

Question 1

A fan inside the PSU is making a high pitched noise upon boot, but it dissipates after a few minutes. What should you do?

Answer 1

Replace the PSU (It’s a FRU)

Question 2

A computer receives a parity check error. Which component do you check first?

Answer 2

Memory

Can also be caused by the motherboard or a hardware adapter on the computer

Question 3

What multimeter setting should you use to test the output for a UPS?

Answer 3

AC voltage

Question 4

What might help a user run multiple programs on a computer without needing to install more RAM?

Answer 4

Increase the size of the page file

Question 5

How would you increase the amount of virtual memory in a user’s computer?

Answer 5

Edit the size of the page file in the OS

Question 6

The voltage switch located in the PSU usually includes _____ V and 220 V power

Answer 6

110, 220

Question 7

One day, a user notices their computer does not power on at all. What is the most likely reason for this?

Answer 7

PSU is bad

Question 8

How would you enable a computer to boot from a DVD?

Answer 8

Change the boot order in BIOS

Question 9

A user’s CMOS battery is fully functional, but upon restart, CMOS errors occur each time

Answer 9

The system board jumper settings may be wrong

Question 10

An IBM computer gives one long and one short beep when turned on and does not boot up. What is the most likely culprit?

Answer 10

The motherboard

Question 11

What two specifications should be considered when upgrading a motherboard?

Answer 11

• Form factor

- PSU

Question 12

What should you do to ensure the motherboard recognizes a newly installed CPU?

Answer 12

Update the firmware

Question 13

What is the easiest way to reset a CMOS password?

Answer 13

Use a system board jumper

A CMOS battery can sometimes take a longer time to access and replace

Question 14

What should you do when you get a BSoD that lists a memory location for the error?

Answer 14

Replace the defective memory module

Question 15

What is an early indication that you need to replace a computer’s CMOS battery?

Answer 15

The computer’s internal clock loses time at startup

Question 16

Why is it important to use expansion slot covers? (Two reasons)

Answer 16

• Keep air properly circulating inside the computer

- Keep foreign objects out of the case

Question 17

While looking in BIOS, the option for hyper threading is dimmed. What does this indicate?

Answer 17

The CPU installed in the computer does not support hyperthreading technology

Question 18

A ______ is used for most electrical measurements and for testing continuity. This meter can check voltage, AC or DC ohms, AC circuits, DC circuits, batteries, milliamps, diodes, or capacitors

Answer 18

Volt Ohm Meter (VOM)

Question 19

A computer with an AMI BIOS boots and produces seven short beeps. What component should you check?

Answer 19

CPU, with the issue being most likely related to an improperly seated CPU

Question 20

When installing a new hard drive, what should you do first?

Answer 20

Change the hard drive configuration settings in the computer’s BIOS

If it’s not configured properly in BIOS, the computer may not recognize the drive