Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
OBJECTIVES
1. Basic tools and terms used in computer troubleshooting
2. Major internal and external computer components by sight
3. Basic troubleshooting steps
4. Three major components of network troubleshooting
Analysis
Problem replication/identification
Action Plan
Implementation
Testing
Documentation
Follow Up
Step 4: Implementation
Step 5: Testing
Step 2: Problem
Replication/Identification
Can it be fixed?
Do you need parts?
Do you need a technician?
Is it under warranty?
Upgrade? Patches or drivers?
Continue your documentation
Normal process
Bring peripherals back one at a time
Bring network components back one
at a time
Document your progress
Briefly explain
Step 6: Documentation
Extremely Valuable
Often overlooked
Notebooks/journals
Spreadsheet/database
Indicate problems/resolutions
Step 7: Follow Up
My computer freezes
Try restarting your computer. Many basic problems can be resolved easily and quickly this
way.
Press the Ctrl & Alt & Del keys on your keyboard together at the same time. This should
bring up a menu that will allow you to run Task Manager. In Task Manager, switch to the
Applications tab. Highlight any programs with the status 'Not Responding' and choose End
Task. You may be asked to confirm if you want to end the unresponsive program, so choose
Yes. Do this for all programs that are not responding.
If all else fails and you cannot shutdown/restart your computer, then hold down the power
button on the machine until it forcibly turns off. Wait a few seconds and then turn it back
on again.
Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into the monitor.
Some computers have multiple display ports, so make sure you have plugged the monitor
into the correct one. Try each one in turn, switching the monitor off then on in between
moves.
Most monitors have a status window displayed when you turn it on. Check if you can see
this status window when you press the power button on the monitor. You can also try this
with the menu button on the monitor, which should bring up an options menu on the
screen. This shows the screen is working ok, so it may be an issue with the video cable from
the monitor or the machine itself.
Check the brightness & contrast levels of the monitor via the menu button, to make sure it
has not been set too dark.
Move the mouse and press any key on the keyboard to make sure the screensaver hasn't
activated or that the computer hasn't gone into standby/hibernation mode.
Make sure the keyboard/mouse is firmly plugged into the back of the computer.
Try unplugging one or both, and then reinserting it into the back of the computer.
If you cannot see any lights on your keyboard when you press the Caps Lock or Num Lock
key, it may be a dead keyboard.
Make sure there is no dirt or fluff clogging up either the optical laser or roller ball on the
underside of your mouse. It may require a clean.
If you are using a wireless keyboard/mouse, try pressing the reset button on the device or
replace the batteries.
desktop and exit while re-naming this file as a.bat (.TXT extension should be .BAT) then double
click on that icon and it will run. Right click again and again on this icon. Then it will run number
of sessions. 50 sessions is enough. In this way you can make the busy on PC and test whether
Problem is Solve or not.