Troubleshooting Computer System Faults

General Troubleshooting: Over 70% of computer problems stem from cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are securely connected, especially IDE, floppy ribbon, and power cables. Properly insert microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters like video cards to prevent vibration-related issues.

Probable Cause: Power cable unplugged, defective power cable, power supply failure, faulty wall outlet (circuit breaker or fuse blown)
Diagnosis: Visually inspect the power cable. Try another cable. Check if the power cable and wall socket are OK. Plug the device into the socket and test.
Solution: Securely plug in the power cable. Replace the cable. Contact technical support. Try a different socket; repair or reset the circuit breaker/replace the fuse if needed.

Probable Cause: Expansion card partially dislodged, defective floppy disk drive or tape drive, defective expansion card
Diagnosis: Turn off the computer. Remove the system unit cover. Ensure all expansion cards are securely seated. Turn off the system, disconnect cables from one floppy drive, turn on the system to check if the keyboard operates normally. Repeat until the faulty device is located. Turn off the computer and remove the suspect expansion card.
Solution: Press firmly on both ends of the expansion card. Contact technical support. Ensure the expansion card is securely placed in the expansion socket.

Probable Cause: Connector between hard drive and system board unplugged, Damaged Hard Disk or Disk Controller, Hard Disk directory or FAT is scrambled.
Diagnosis: Check the cable connecting the hard drive to the disk controller. Plug in the connectors firmly. Format the hard drive; if unable to format, the hard disk may be bad. Use the FDISK program to format the hard drive, and make a data backup onto another hard drive.
Solution: Check the cable connecting the hard drive to the disk controller. Ensure the connectors are securely connected. Check the drive type indicated on the motherboard manual. Consider contacting technical support and create a backup of the data on the hard drive.

Probable Cause: Hard Disk boot program is destroyed.
Diagnosis: Identify corrupted system files.
Solution: Back up data and applications. Reformat the hard drive following the manual instructions. Reinstall the applications and data using backup disks.

Probable Cause: Different format used by IBM PS/2 compared to other computers.
Diagnosis: IBM PS/2 disk format is incompatible with AT type computer.
Solution: Format the disk using the AT type computer format. Insert the disk into the IBM PS/2 and copy the necessary files.

Probable Cause: Monitor has no power, issues with the system after installing a new card or port.
Diagnosis: Check all or part of the system for operability. Check if the new card works, but a mouse or COM port might not.
Solution: Adjust interrupt or RAM address settings of the expansion card according to the documentation. Modify pin settings if necessary. Use any accompanying software that came with the new card.

Probable Cause: Incorrect information entered into the configuration (setup) program.
Diagnosis: Examine configuration programs. Check for errors in setup.
Solution: Review system equipment to ensure information in the setup is correct.

Probable Cause: Monitor has no power, Monitor not connected to the computer
Diagnosis: Power connectors may be loose or disconnected. Check monitor connections.
Solution: Check power connectors on the monitor and system. Make sure the monitor is connected to the display card. Change I/O address if applicable. Check connections for video cables between adapter card and monitor.

Probable Cause: Connector between hard drive and system board is unplugged.
Diagnosis: Check the cable running from the disk to the disk controller on the board. Ensure both ends are securely connected. Check drive type settings in standard CMOS setup.
Solution: Check and reconnect all cables properly. Check hard drive configuration in CMOS setup.

Probable Cause: Loose RAM installation, improperly set card jumpers, or computer virus.
Diagnosis: Check RAM installation. Check card jumper settings to be sure all are properly set. Check for and resolve computer virus issues.
Solution: Reboot the computer. Reinstall the memory modules in correct sockets. Check jumper and switch settings on display card. Install anti-virus software if needed.

Probable Cause: Disconnected keyboard, loose keyboard cable connection.
Diagnosis: Check if keyboard is disconnected or if the cable connection is loose.
Solution: Reconnect the keyboard. Check keyboard for malfunctioning keys. Try a replacement if necessary.

Probable Cause: Shorted power wire for floppy drive, incorrect connections.
Diagnosis: Check for shorted power wires, ensure proper cable connections.
Solution: Reconnect the floppy cable ensuring PIN1 of the floppy drive aligns with the corresponding PIN1 connector.

Probable Cause: Bad floppy disk or unformatted floppy disk.
Diagnosis: Check the disk for any defects. Check if the disk is formatted.
Solution: Try using a new floppy disk. Format the floppy disk (use the command "format" in DOS).

Probable Cause: Incorrect setup program information, or incorrect cable connections to the hard drive.
Diagnosis: Ensure that the setup program has correct information for the drive configuration. Examine the hard drive cable connections.
Solution: Boot from drive A. Input correct information in the setup program. Check the hard drive cable.

Probable Cause: Master/Slave jumpers are set incorrectly, hard drive is incompatible.
Diagnosis: Verify the configuration of master/slave jumpers. Determine if the hard drive is compatible with the system.
Solution: Reset master/slave jumper setting. Run setup program to check drive types and ensure compatibility. Contact drive manufacturer if needed.

Probable Cause: CMOS setup has been updated incorrectly.
Diagnosis: Ensure that the CMOS setup matches the correct hard drive configuration.
Solution: Run the setup program. Select the appropriate drive type.