Sprint 1.1 Systematic Troubleshooting PDF

Sprint 1.1 Systematic Troubleshooting Unit 1 Technology, IP and Security DigiChamps | Level 10 Troubleshooting is a systematic way to figure out how to fix a problem. The objective is to evaluate why something does not perform as expected and describe how to fix the issue. Let’s con...

Sprint 1.1 Systematic Troubleshooting Unit 1 Technology, IP and Security DigiChamps | Level 10 Troubleshooting is a systematic way to figure out how to fix a problem. The objective is to evaluate why something does not perform as expected and describe how to fix the issue. Let’s consider the story of Ahmad. Ahmad is a high school student. One day, his desktop suddenly shut down and was unresponsive. As it was essential for his ongoing studies, Ahmad needed to fix the issue as soon as possible. He took the following approach to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. First, Ahmad observed that the desktop did not respond at all when he pressed the power button. No lights, sounds, or display got activated. This indicated a problem in either receiving or delivering power or a hardware component failure. 2 3 4 5 Ahmad checked the desktop's power source. He checked if it was working by plugging in another device. He made sure the power adapter was securely connected to both the outlet and the desktop, with no visible damage. He also reconnected the power adapter and tried to start the desktop. When all this did not work, Ahmad inspected the internal hardware components. He carefully opened the desktop and checked for any loose or improperly connected cables, like the power button cable. He also re-fixed the RAM modules one by one to ensure proper connection. Even after checking the power delivery and internal components, Ahmad's desktop did not start. At this point, he realized the issue was most likely due to a failed system board or other complex problem, best diagnosed by a professional technician. Ahmad decided it was time to take the desktop to an authorized service center. 6 By systematically troubleshooting the power source, performing a hard reset, and inspecting internal hardware, Ahmad eliminated common problems before determining that he needed an expert’s help to resolve the issue. 7 Systematic troubleshooting approach 8 Systematic troubleshooting approach To effectively resolve an issue, it is vital to understand the core concepts of systematically diagnosing and fixing the problem. This can be achieved by following a sequential process that addresses the issue in an orderly and organized fashion. Mentioned below is a broad outline of the steps to be followed in systematic troubleshooting. Step 1: Identify the problem. Gather all the relevant information about the issue; including when it started, symptoms observed, and any error messages. Check available documentation and online resources for additional details. Clearly define the problem statement. 9 Step 2: Establish a hypothesis about the cause. Based on the problem identified, list all the probable causes that can lead to the observed issue. Use trial and error to narrow down the potential causes. Reduce the problem area by progressively isolating the potential causes. Step 3: Propose solutions. Propose solutions based on the hypothesized cause of the issue, starting from the simplest to the most complex. Solutions should directly address the probable cause identified and aim to resolve the issue. Step 4: Test the solution. Test the proposed solutions to verify if the hypothesized cause is correct and if the solution resolves the issue. Repeat Step 2 if all solutions fail. Develop new hypotheses and solutions to test. 10 Step 5: Verify and monitor the solution. After implementing a verified solution, monitor the system to ensure no new issues arise and the solution continues to address the root cause. Step 6: Document the process. Documentation is essential and must be maintained throughout the systematic troubleshooting of an issue. It involves recording every relevant detail at each step which helps in resolving the current problem and aids future troubleshooting efforts. The documentation can use formats like tables, flowcharts, written descriptions, or a combination of these to capture the end-to- end troubleshooting methodology. Let’s see how implementing this systematic troubleshooting approach helps in resolving specific issues. 11 12 Resolving internet connectivity issues 13 Resolving internet connectivity issues Losing internet connectivity is a frequent issue. To troubleshoot systematically, follow the steps given below: Step 1: Check if the device or network is the problem. The first step to troubleshooting the network issues is to check if the other devices connected within the network are having a similar issue or if the issue is device-specific. If the issue is device-specific, the device or the connected hardware might be faulty. Step 2: Restart networking equipment. If the issue is not device-specific, the reason might be the networking equipment. Sometimes, the network devices may not be able to reconnect after a power outage or due to some temporary software problems. To resolve such issues, unplug the router for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This will reset the network devices. 14 Step 3: Inspect cables and connections. If the issue is device-specific, ensure all cables are securely plugged in. Replace the ethernet cables if possible. Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of connectivity problems. Step 4: Contact your internet service provider. If the issue persists, contact your internet service provider and report the issue for further help. 15 Adjusting computer settings to improve performance 16 Adjusting computer settings to improve performance Sometimes a computer can run slowly due to incorrect settings. In such cases, the following things need to be checked: Step 1: Scan for malware. The most common reason for the low-quality performance of a computer is malware. Run antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious software which may have affected your computer. Step 2: Update software and drivers. Make sure the operating system and all the components have the latest updates. Outdated software and drivers can cause performance issues. 17 Step 3: Clean up disk space. Lower disk space can impact computer speed. Temporary files may occupy a major part of your computer affecting its performance. Use built-in tools to delete temporary files and free up space. Step 4: Limit startup programs. Startup programs are applications that automatically start whenever the operating system boots. So you need not run those programs manually. However, too many startup programs can slow down a computer. Disable unnecessary programs that start automatically when the computer boots up. 18 Checking compatibility for new hardware or software 19 Checking compatibility for new hardware or software Problems arise when installing new hardware or software. Let’s consider an example of a printer. If you are having trouble installing a printer, follow the steps mentioned below: Step 1: Check system requirements. Check with the user guide if your computer meets the minimum hardware and software requirements to install the printer. These include the operating system and resources like disk space, memory, software, or specific device ports. 20 Step 2: Download the appropriate drivers. You need to install the correct drivers depending on the make and model of the printer. Incorrect or outdated drivers are a top source of compatibility issues. To install the latest drivers, go to the printer manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers designed especially for your printer model and your operating system. Step 3: Test and troubleshoot. Once the driver for the printer is installed successfully, print a test page. If there are any problems, refer to the printer manual or contact online support to troubleshoot. They can help determine whether the problem is with the drivers, connection, or the printer itself. 21 22 Migrating data to a new device 23 Migrating data to a new device When transitioning to a new smartphone, data transfer can be complicated. To migrate data successfully, follow the steps mentioned below: Step 1: Backup your data. Before proceeding with the data migration, backup your data to a cloud service or external storage device to avoid data loss in case anything goes wrong during the process. Step 2: Use built-in transfer tools. Many devices offer tools to automate data transfer. Use these tools whenever possible to wirelessly transfer data between devices. 24 Step 3: Manually transfer files. For any data not moved automatically, manually transfer files like documents, photos, videos, and music using a USB cable and a computer. Step 4: Double-check the data. Once the data transfer is complete, verify that all important data, accounts, apps, photos, and files are present on the new device and working properly. Make sure nothing was lost or left behind during the migration process. 25