Hardware troubleshooting

Question 1

Troubleshooting tools

Answer 1

Event viewer
Power on self test (POST)
Ping test

Question 2

Event viewer

Answer 2

A type of utility software that lists detailed info about an error when one occurs. It can be used to work out how to fix the issue

Question 3

Power on self test (POST)

Answer 3

Check power, memory, hardware and cooling systems are all working properly. Beep codes are used and one beep means no error but multiple means an error has been detected.

Question 4

Ping test

Answer 4

A connectivity test between 2 computers. A message is sent to the computer and waits for a return message known as an echo reply. It can be repeated until the problem is identified from a computer that doesn’t reply

Question 5

Baseline test

Answer 5

A fundamental process for evaluating a system or components initial performance or characteristics

Question 6

Steps to take when an error occurs

Answer 6

1.Try identify problem using the simplest situation e.g. power supply
2.Create a theory about the cause and test it using troubleshooting steps
3.Create a troubleshooting plan and check if the system works after each stage of the plan
4.Create a findings document that explains if and how the problem was fixed for future reference

Question 7

Pieces of information that an IT technician should record when a hardware error has occurred.

Answer 7

The fault itself e.g. system not turning on
System in question
User logged in at the time
Date and time error occurred
Symptoms of issue e.g. slow loading time
Problem history
Backup documentation