5.2 – Troubleshooting Computer Hardware: Troubleshooting Common Hardware Problems

During the POST routine, if a critical component like the video card is faulty, how does the system primarily communicate this issue to the user?

A technician encounters a computer that displays an incorrect date and time after being powered off for an extended period. What is the most likely cause of this issue?

Why is it generally ineffective to memorize beep codes for troubleshooting computer startup issues?

A computer displays a blank screen and emits a series of beeps during startup. What initial troubleshooting step should a technician take?

Which of the following components is NOT typically checked during the Power-On Self-Test (POST)?

What is the primary function of the Power-On Self-Test (POST)?

What is the likely impact if the CMOS battery on a computer's motherboard fails?

During a computer startup, you hear a series of beeps but the screen remains blank. What does this indicate?

What immediate action should you take if you smell something burning or see smoke coming from your computer?

If your computer abruptly shuts down without any error messages, what should be your initial troubleshooting step regarding Windows logs?

What does a grinding noise coming from inside your computer most likely indicate?

What is the purpose of using a third-party utility like HWMonitor?

What kind of problem is indicated by an ongoing oscillation or clicking noise inside the computer?

If Windows Explorer repeatedly crashes without providing specific error messages, what tool should you use to find more information about the failures?

Which tool provides a graphical overview of system stability, breaking down failures by application, Windows, and other issues?

What should you do if you suspect that a specific application is causing system instability?

Besides heat, what else might cause a computer to abruptly power down?

What is the likely cause of a popping noise coming from inside the computer?

After encountering smoke, you have removed the power and opened the case; what is the next step?

What should you do if the computer abruptly shuts down due to excessive heat?

Why is it important to vacuum dust from the back of the computer case?

If you suspect a failing component is causing system instability, what should you do after checking Device Manager?

What should you do if you hear a scraping noise coming from the hard drive?

A computer monitor displays a black screen. Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause?

You suspect a monitor issue. What is a quick way to determine if the problem lies with the monitor itself?

After Windows loads, the screen goes black. This could potentially be caused by a driver issue. What troubleshooting step could help confirm this?

Your computer won't turn on - nothing happens when you press the power button. What is the first thing you should check?

Computer fans are spinning, but the system doesn't boot. Where the fans are connected could help narrow down the problem, Why?

If a computer is running slowly, which tool within the operating system can provide insights into CPU utilization by different processes?

A user reports their computer has become unusually sluggish. Task Manager shows low CPU utilization across all applications. What could be a potential cause?

A computer is running slowly. You suspect the hard drive might be the issue. What are two actions you could perform to improve performance related to the hard drive?

A laptop's performance noticeably decreases when it is unplugged from the main power source. What is the MOST likely reason for this behavior?

High temperatures can impact computer performance. Besides the CPU, which other component commonly generates significant heat?

What is the primary purpose of heat sinks in a computer system?

Dust accumulation inside a computer can lead to what major problem?

A computer starts up, but the operating system is very slow to load. What is the MOST likely cause?

Which of the following is NOT a typical function of the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?

What does POST (Power-On Self-Test) primarily check during the computer startup process?

What is the first step you should take when encountering a black screen on a desktop computer?

A user reports that their computer is trying to boot from the wrong drive. Where would you typically configure the boot order?

What does the 'spinning ball of death' (spinning wait cursor) on macOS indicate?

What should you do if a Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appears and disappears too quickly to read?

After installing a new hardware component, a computer begins experiencing frequent blue screen errors. What is a reasonable troubleshooting step?

A computer displays an incorrect date and time after being powered off for an extended period. What is the most likely cause?

If a computer can boot into Safe Mode but not into the normal operating system, what does this suggest?

When troubleshooting a Windows stop error (Blue Screen of Death), which of the following actions is LEAST likely to provide useful information for diagnosing the issue?

A user reports their macOS computer is frequently displaying the spinning wait cursor, causing significant delays. Besides checking for application bugs, what hardware-related issue should be investigated?

Which of the following options is the LEAST effective method for resolving recurring blue screen errors on a Windows computer after basic troubleshooting?

A technician is attempting to troubleshoot a computer that consistently boots to a black screen. They have already checked the power and video cables. What should be the technician's next BEST step?

After installing a new application, a macOS user experiences the spinning wait cursor frequently. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

A computer user encounters a blue screen error immediately after logging in. They are unable to access the Event Viewer through normal means. What is the BEST alternative method to access the Event Viewer?

A technician suspects that a recently installed application is causing the 'spinning ball of death' on a macOS system. What is the MOST direct way to confirm if this application is the root cause?

When faced with a recurring black screen issue on a desktop computer where the monitor and cable connections are verified, which hardware component failure is the MOST likely next suspect?

A technician observes that a computer frequently freezes with no error messages. Which of the following initial troubleshooting steps is MOST likely to provide useful information?

A computer continuously restarts during boot, alternating between displaying BIOS messages and attempting to load the operating system. Which action is the MOST appropriate first step in diagnosing this issue?

A user reports that their computer's date and time are incorrect after each reboot. What is the MOST probable cause?

A technician suspects a capacitor on a motherboard is failing. Which visual sign is the MOST reliable indicator of a failing capacitor?

After installing a new graphics driver, a user's computer freezes frequently with no error messages. What is the MOST likely next troubleshooting step?

A computer is stuck in a reboot loop. The technician disables automatic restarts to view the error message. Which action would be MOST effective in resolving this issue?

A user reports that their system freezes randomly. They mention that they recently ran out of storage space on their primary hard drive. How would you address the situation?

A technician finds that a computer displays an incorrect date and time even after manually setting it. Replacing the CMOS battery does not solve the issue. What could be a potential cause?

A computer restarts unexpectedly. After disabling automatic restart, a blue screen error indicates a memory management issue. What is the FIRST troubleshooting step?

A user reports that the PC freezes randomly. The hard drive light is constantly active. What could be a potential cause?

A technician needs to reset the BIOS configuration on a modern motherboard. Which method will reliably achieve this?

A technician is troubleshooting a computer that freezes intermittently. The technician suspects a hardware issue. Which tools might be needed?

After a recent thunderstorm a computer no longer boots up. Upon inspection, there are no obvious signs of damage. What should the FIRST step be?

While troubleshooting a system that is frequently freezing, a technician notices that the CPU fan is not spinning. What is the MOST likely consequence?

A user reports that their computer freezes whenever they open a specific application. What is the most likely cause?