hardware/networking troubleshooting

Question 1

Troubleshooting steps

Answer 1

1. Identify the problem
2. Establish a theory of probable cause
3. Test the theory
4. Establish a plan
5. Verify full functionately
6. Document findings/actions/outcomes

Question 2

a. RAID cant be found

b. RAID stops working

Answer 2

1. RAID controller has failed (replace the RAID)
2. BIOS settings are incorrect (reconfigure the BIOS)
3. The external RAID controller is not receiving power (check power connection)
4. RAID controller has failed
5. RAID controller is not receiving power

Question 3

A pc exhibits slow performance

Answer 3

1. the pc doesn’t have enough RAM (add more mem)

2. the pc is overheating (clean the fan or add addtional fans)

Question 4

The pc does not recognize a removable external drive

Answer 4

1. USB port has already too many devices attached to supply adequate power (remove some devices or attach external power to devices)
2. The OS doesnt have the correct drivers for that particular removable external drive (download the correct driver for the drive)

Question 5

after updating the CMOS firmware, the PC will not start

Answer 5

the CMOS firmware did not install properly

(1. obtain a new CMOS by checking the manufacturer’s mobo website
2. if the mobo has two CMOS chip, use the other one
3. restore the original firmware)

Question 6

The pc reboots without any warning message, lock ups or error message or BSOD

Answer 6

1. RAM is failing (check each RAM functionality)(reset to the factory default settings of the mobo)
2. CPU multiplier/voltage are set too high (lower)
3. FSB is too high (low the FSB)

Question 7

after upgrading from a single-CPU to a multi-CPU, the pc runs slow and the task manager doesnt display the new CPU

Answer 7

1. The BIOS doesnt recognize the the multicore CPU

update the CMOS firmware to support the multicore CPU