PC Troubleshooting: Initial Checks

• Most software-related problems in PCs can be fixed by reinstalling and reconfiguring the software.
• Hardware installation and incompatibility can also cause problems.
• A simple solution should always be sought, regardless of how obvious it may seem.
• There are no magic formulas for computer problems.
• This chapter outlines some guidelines, advice, and suggestions for identifying and addressing potential issues and recommends useful programs.

Initial Checks

• An initial assessment should be performed after PC assembly is complete to prevent problems.
• Ensure the motherboard is securely attached to the chassis and receiving power.
• Verify the microprocessor, heat sink, and fan are properly secured, connected, and are receiving power.
• Confirm memory modules are properly and securely installed in the proper orientation
• Check that the cards are properly inserted into their slots and secured with screws.
• Verify that hard drives, DVDs, CDs, and floppy drives are correctly connected to the power source and motherboard.
• Confirm that the front panel connectors on the chassis are properly connected to the motherboard.
• Before connecting, ensure external connections, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor, are correctly connected.
• The the PC and monitor should be powered.
• Check if all fans are operating, the front panel LEDs light up, and the various units power on.
• The BIOS should emit one beep and display normal boot messages if all components are operating correctly.

Light and Sound Warnings

• A series of beeps may occur by the computer when the PC starts, communicating the system's condition with certain patterns.
• One beep signals everything is fine.
• One, two, or three beeps might indicate a memory issue.
• Multiple causes for memory errors may be; incorrect installation, incompatible memory speed, or a broken memory socket.
• A long beep followed by two or three short beeps might point to a video card issue, in which case, you should ensure the card is firmly seated and try a separate card.
• The computer signals six beeps if there is a keyboard failure.
• Users should first replace the keyboard if it occurs and, if it does not work, then they are advised its port is faulty
• Eight beeps might indicate a video card issue.
• Audible codes may vary depending on the BIOS, therefore consulting the manufacturer's website is advisable for beep codes and error messages.
• The screen may display messages as well as acoustic warnings.
• Error messages should be consulted such as on verification sum errors of from the BIOS.
• If checksum of the ROM BIOS fails, the sole option is to replace the board.
• The battery of the complementary MOS failed (CMOS battery failed). The battery should be changed in this situation
• Message regarding an error regarding keyboard, stating its error or not present.
• Disk failure, such as an disc not found: May occur when a hard disk install fails.
• Verify that the hard disc is connected and set up correctly.
• In case of a failed system: Ensure a boot failure does not occur, and ensure the boot disc is not found.

Common Failures

• Common failures that may occur with computers include the computer does not turn on, nothing appears on the monitor, the computer does not detect the hard drive, the mouse pointer does not move, or the CD or DVD drive does not read discs.

Power Supply Failures

• At least one-third of PC failures are attributable to the power supply. Due to inadequate power supply, problems arise. Standard electrical issues include:
• Spikes: Unexpected high voltage oscillations that are short in duration.
• Blackouts: Complete electricity loss.
• Overvoltages: Voltage increases outside the normal range that are not sudden, but are sustained.
• Voltage drops: Reduction in peak voltage, but rapid elimination, although may last seconds or minutes.
• Potential symptoms of a faulty power supply.
• The PC freezes or restarts for no apparent reason.
• Hard-disc problems, write errors, file access errors are experienced amongst other issues regarding data.
• Transmission issues between network nodes.
• There are internal component failures.
• The lights flicker and vary in intensity.
• When a high drain device is attached, the PC acts oddly.
• Some devices exist to safeguard computer, including:
• Voltage suppressors: Surge energy is diverted by several multi-connectors that safeguard against voltage increases.
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies or UPS: A bigger battery and charger, gives a constant energy stream without power fluctuations.
• Furthermore, personal computers are resistant to spikes, blackouts, increasing and decreasing voltage of the wire

Checking Voltages of the Power Supply

• Determining the range on the multimeter is the first step.
• It must be taken into consideration that the power source will be checking both the direct current, secondly, it should consider measuring 12 V, 5 V, 3.3 V,-12 V, and-5 V.
• The voltage of the power should not exceed 12 V during the measurement.
• Use direct mode for volt current measuring (DCV), to test this
• Disconnect the power cord going to the hard connections will work again, put its black rod within black cables, and place red rod within black cable.
• Display of voltage by the pantila.
• The measurement is correct only when there is consistent reading, and no flux of the voltage is made.
• Verifying voltage on the power supply board involves using its negative connector cable with the red, orange(3.3 V), red(5 V), or yellow(12 V) cables.
• Consulting the motherboard manual provides voltages for every ATX connector pin.

Memory Failure Checks

• Memory problems are challenging to fix and can manifest when starting or executing an application.
• If the start or post process takes one, two, or three beeps when replacing the memory, and there is no picture.
• The memory module is firmly planted in such a dock.
• If the amount of memory is smaller than that should be throughout post-process check or boot
  • BIOS may not correctly identify any installed memory when it might exceed supported capacity.
• In case of an invalid memory display (e.g, displayed with numbers): Problems because of how an application manages memory e.g the blue panels.
• The heat on the processor can cause data loss on harddrives.
• You should reseat the memory modules and see whether corrosion exists in connectors.

Microprocessor Problems

• Replacing the microprocessor serves as the solution when it malfunctions. Cooling, power source, and compatibility cause issues
• Signals of possible fault of the processor:
• The system does not start.
• Loads but won't start OS
• The machine malfunctions when starting the operating system, and if it starts, stops when programs are performed periodically.
• The device has various parity error issues every so often.
• After few minutes use the machine is blocked.
• There is a need to examine cooling and system as well as contact for system at times.
• Overheating of the Microprocessor.
• The computer switches on properly but crashes and fails to accept the touchpad or monitor image, the microprocessor is likely overheating and therefore switched.

Steps when Overheating:

• Switch off PC
• Activate PC for few minutes
• If the problem comes again, switch power off
• Check CPU configuration

Parameters of the BIOS

• The CPU, RAM, as well as chipset settings, must be changed
• Menus of the device depend of system in most cases. There may be personalised parameters

The Motherboard

A number of the parts will be processed after posting; test of BIOS for some computer parts would be verified to see if their function.

Troubleshooting Methods:

• Start testing; check cable condition.
• If the parts are adequately mounted parts, all parts like microprocessor, and some should be adequately connected.
• Inspect the motherboard and make that foreign parts such cable that deactivates the mainboard is avoided.
• Test all jacks/jumpers and make changes to it properly.
• Check parts well; check and make sure that the computer system can be restored to the required levels.

Issues with Floppy Disc, CD, or DVD Readers

• From windows XP in CD-Rom, the disc is not available.
• If issues with discs are found: boot is important.
• The BIOS needs to be formatted then disc to read on.
• A typical defect and the light will appear during that time.

Storage Device Problems

• Check if the system recognises them using the BIOS after setting installed IDE or SATA devices; ensure jumper placements and connections are proper.
• To test, we'll run the setup of files, but test hard; we'll test a new version.
• This also pertains regarding CDs and DVDs
  • CDs or DVDs typically have no concerns if correctly put into to play their tracks but may be problematic through some faults from hardware
  • A lot more might fail
  • They generate noise for use.
  • A damaged disc leads to faults
  • Drive failures to read sectors
  • Re-install is important to handle the matter - Test to make sure that new code can start to prevent virus action – Sector failures that run FDISK commands if broken.
• Error displays. - It also displays faults on the screen - One has to perform a scamdrisk and get through damage to the drives to have it completed

Incompatibilities and Hardware Expansion

• The evaluation of the best parts is of benefit to improve the system.
• The PC parts must be compatible with each other for OS.
• An investigation will have to be conducted to find any devices or programmes that make data to become not compatible with a good system.
• It will have to be looked at and be taken.

Diagnostic Tools

• All PCs have a processor that runs all the tests that help get new performance and it may be a waste of space.
• Applications will be analyzed and data including program apps are being analysed during those times.

Here's The Details

• Aida 64 aids in better diagnostic network equipment.
• Tool analyses all details like system code, the apps running.