1.

Introduction

Troubleshooting is an approach to locate the cause of faults in a computer system. Not all
troubleshooting experiences are the same since technicians acquire this skill based on their
knowledge and personal experience.

That is why as a computer technician, you must be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of

the computer concepts since your approach to solving a problem may rely heavily on your
own knowledge.

2. Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is the regular and systematic inspection, cleaning, and

replacement of worn parts, materials, and systems.

It is done to prevent failure of parts, materials, and systems by regularly checking whether
all parts are in good working order.

Purpose of Preventive Maintenance

 Preventive maintenance reduces the probability of hardware or software problems by

systematically and periodically checking hardware and software to ensure proper
operation.
 Regular preventive maintenance ensures minimal system failure. When there are
fewer failures, less troubleshooting will be done, thus, saving an organization time
and money.
  Preventive maintenance can also be done by upgrading certain hardware or software
such as a hard drive that is making a noise, upgrading insufficient memory, and
installing new software updates for security and reliability.

3. Conducting Maintenance

First and foremost, maintenance is important in reducing hardware and software issues.
With this, computer downtime and repair costs are reduced.

Preventive maintenance depends on the needs and specifications of the equipment. For
example, a device exposed to a dusty environment such as a construction site would need
more maintenance as compare to an office environment.

High traffic networks such as those used in schools would require more extensive
scanning and removal of malicious software and unwanted files.

Do take note that it is important to create documentation for any type of preventive
maintenance, so that you can also check how often do certain hardware and software issues
occur.

Besides these, here are more reasons why maintenance should be conducted:

 Increased data protection

 Extended device life
 Increased equipment stability
 Reduced repair costs
 Reduced equipment failure.

4. Hardware Maintenance
Maintenance for computer hardware can be done by regularly checking cables,
components, and peripherals.

Regular cleaning of components should also be done to reduce overheating. Replacement

of damaged components due to excessive wear should also be conducted.

The following is a guide on conducting hardware maintenance:

o Remove dust from fans.

o Remove dust from the power supply.
o Remove dust from components inside the computer.
o Clean the mouse and the keyboard.
o Check cables.

5. Software Maintenance

Software maintenance can be done by making sure that updates are current. Follow
the policies when installing programs, operating system, and security updates.

Testing is done to ensure that minimal problems will be encountered when updating the
software and hardware.

Here are some simple tasks when conducting software maintenance:

 Review and check security updates.

 Review and check software updates.
  Review and check driver updates.
 Update anti-virus files.
 Scan for viruses and malware.
 Remove unused and unwanted programs.
 Scan hard drives.
 Defragment hard drives.

6. Troubleshooting

Although troubleshooting varies and can be modified depending on case and experience,
it requires an organized and logical approach when handling computers and components.
Doing so will ensure that the process is in systematic order.

Make sure to ask the right questions, test the right hardware, and examine the correct data
in order to detect the issues and resolve them.

Troubleshooting is honed over time. Every time an issue is resolved, skills on

troubleshooting are also improved. Through troubleshooting experience, one would be able
to know the steps needed to resolve an issue quickly.

The following is a simple process guideline which can also be modified depending on the
situation:

 Explain the purpose of data protection.

 Identify the root of the problem.
 List probable causes of the issue.
 Test the theory to determine the exact cause.
 Plan the course of action to resolve the issue.
 Implement the solution.
 Check the system functionality.
 If applicable, implement preventive measures.
 Create documentation of findings, action, and outcomes.

7. Data Protection
Before troubleshooting, follow the necessary precautions in order to handle computer
hardware and software properly.

Repairs such as hard drive replacement and operating system installation are very
delicate and may put computer data at risk.

Make sure to prevent data loss when attempting repairs.

8. Practicing Caution

Data protection is one of the first steps of troubleshooting.

Computer data must first be protected before starting any work on a client or customer’s
computer.

A technician can be blamed or held liable if data loss occurs because of improper data
handling.

9. Backing Up Data
Backup is the copy of data on a computer or hard drive that is saved to an external media
such as a DVD, CD, or flash drive.

In an organization, back-ups are routinely done—may it be daily, weekly, or on a monthly

basis. This is to ensure that the organization’s data are protected and are readily available.

If unsure whether a backup has been done, do not conduct troubleshooting activities on a
client’s computer.

Make sure to verify the following with the customer first:

 Date of last backup

 Content of backup
 Data integrity of the backup – Data integrity is the maintenance of the accuracy and
consistency of the data. It is making sure that the data can be properly retrieved or
restored in its optimum quality.
 Availability of backup media for data restoration

1. Introduction

A properly maintained computer gives higher speeds, may it be via RAM or on the Internet,
regardless of hardware set-up and configurations. This lesson will give some tips on how to
maintain computer systems and networks over time.

2. Routine Maintenance

Clean browsers.

Use the computer’s Disk Cleanup Utility included in the Windows System. In the same way,
you can also download third party, freeware programs such as CCleaner to do the clean-up
for you.
Search and delete spyware and viruses from the device.

Third party softwares like AVG Anti Virus can be used for maintenance. Or use the Windows
Security built in on Windows 10 devices.

Defragment the hard drive routinely to keep the device running smoothly.
Uninstall programs that are no longer used.

Delete files that are no longer needed. The freer space a computer has, the faster it will
perform. The computer’s performace will increase.

Remove startup programs.

Use the msconfig command in the RUN command prompt to open up a window that will
allow you to uncheck startup programs that are no longer used.

Doing this will improve start up and boot down times a lot. Third party softwares such as
CCleaner can also be used for this purpose.
Use your computer’s disk management systems.

For Windows, select Performace and Maintenance. Choose “Rearrance items on your hard
disk…” and “Free up space on your hard disk.” Or simply run Disk Cleanup.

3. Maintenance Basics

How to Perform Disk Clean Up:

1. Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Clean Up

2. Select Drive to Clean Up > Click Ok

3. Check all items that need to be removed > Click Ok

How to Clear Internet History

1. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Click Internet Options

2. Click "Clear History"

3. Click Ok

How to Clear Internet "Temporary Internet" Files

1. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Click Internet Optons

2. Click "Delete Files"

3. Check "Delete All Offline Content"

4. Click Ok

How to Run Scan disk and Disk Defragmenter without Interruption:

1. Start Menu > Run > In Run, type "MSCONFIG", then click Ok MSCONFIG will appear.

2. Select "Selective Startup"

3. Uncheck "Load Startup Group Items". Click Ok.

4. Click Yes to Restart Computer Upon Restart.

5. Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Click Display

6. Select the "Screen Saver" tab.

7. Change the Screen Saver Drop menu to "None". Click Ok.

Then Perform Scan Disk,

Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scan Disk
After Scan Disk, Perform Disk Defragmenter

Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter > Select which
disk to Defragment. Click Ok.

After Disk Defragmenter

Start Menu > Run > In Run, type "MSCONFIG", click Ok. MSCONFIG will appear. Select
"Normal Start Up', click Ok. Click Yes to Restart Computer Upon Restart

Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Click Display

Select the "Screen Saver" tab.

Change the Screen Saver Drop menu to "None". Click Ok.

4. Tips on Maintaining Hardware

(1) Always run your computer on an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

It is an electrical apparatus that gives emergency power when a computer’s main power fails.
This will help protect the device from electric surges. Phone lines for modems and cat 5 or cat 6
network lines also need surge suppression as they can and will take out your network card or
modem in an electric storm.

(2) Open up your computer.

Dust can accumulate in your computer in less than a year, depending on how dusty your
house. Check every few months.

Make sure to follow proper computer assembly and disassembly.

(3) Be careful when plugging peripherals to the computer.

Ports can be easily damaged when mishandled. These repairs can be quite costly.

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we are looking at how we are going to diagnose faults that we may find in the
computer systems. We may need to identify and isolate these issues especially when the
hardware that is having a problem is hard to identify.

It is an essential skill especially when we are troubleshooting computers where the user
does not know exactly what went wrong.
2. Identifying and Isolating Faults

The following are the different ways to diagnose a computer system problem. Make
sure to familiarize yourself with these as you will be making use of these when others would
not work.

1. Power On Self Test (POST)

This stands for Power On Self Test. After turning on the computer’s power, this will be the
first screen that will appear before the operating system loads. The POST will display any
problems found in the hardware that prevents the computer to boot or not operate in its
full capacity during operation.

2. Operating System Load Time

If the operating system takes to load than usual, there may be errors in the hardrive.

3. Graphic Problems

Check whether the computer graphics are good after the operating system loads. Reduced
graphics may indicate that there are hardware failures with the graphic cards.

4. Perform an auditory test

Play a short audio clip. When the audio is lagging, it means that the processor is working at
an elevated speed. It could also mean that there is no longer enough RAM to keep
programs loading.

Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue associated with
choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode.

This affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA allows
for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.
5. Check for newly installed hardware

Most operating system, especially Windows, can experience conflict with new drivers.
However, Windows would usually notify you about drivers that may be causing the issue.
This can be checked through Windows Device Manager.

Control Panel > Click System Icon > Click Hardware Tab > Click on Device Manager

Use this to check and arrange hardware properties.

6. Check for newly installed software

New software requires more resources than the system provides. If problem occurs after the
software starts, it is most likely caused by the software.

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption

This is the most common cause of why a computer lag. Check the computer’s Task
Manager, click

8. Check if hard drive is making scratching or making loud noises

Should this occur, turn off the computer and diagnose the harddrive. If the CPU fan comes
off at high speed when the CPU is working hard, it means that the computer is working hard
beyond its capacity.

9. Run a virus and malware scan.

Third party software applications can be used.

10. Check problems while running safe mode.

Safe mode can be activated by repeatedly tapping F8 during POST. If the issue still occurs
even while still in safe mode, then it is an issue of the operating system.

3. Troubleshooting Network Connection Problems

To try troubleshooting a network connection problem, try these steps:

1. From the notification area, right click the network icon to open Troubleshoot Problems.
Click Diagnose and Repair.

2. Make sure that all cables are properly connected.

3. If trying to connect to another computer, make sure that the computer is turned on and
that file and printer sharing is enabled on the network.

4. If the problem occurred after installing the new software, check the connection settings if
it has been changed.

4. Basic Network Troubleshooting

Take note that there are various network configurations, operating systems, setup, etc.
The following information may not apply to all networks or all operating systems.

1. Verify that the network adapter is properly installed and detected by the
computer with no conflicts.
 2. Open the Device Manager to verify if there are no errors. “Network adapters”
should be present for each network adapter installed in the computer.
3. If the network adapter is read as an “Other device”, it means that the network card
was not properly installed in the computer.
4. Let the operating system re-detect and install the Network card by removing the
network adapter and any other conflict devices from Device Manager and then
reboot the computer.
5. If the operating system re-detects the card, but not the drivers, download the
network adapter drivers from the computer manufacturer or the network card
manufacturer.

5. Verify Connections (Part 1)

Wired Network

Verify that the network cable is properly connected and make sure the LEDs next to the network
jack are properly illuminated.

For example, a network card with a solid green LED light indicates that the card is connected
and can receive the signal. If the green light is flashing, it means that data is being sent or
received.

If there are no lights or the lights are orange or red the card may be bad, not connected properly,
or that the card is not receiving a signal from the network. If you are on a small or local network
and have the capability of checking a hub, switch, or router verify that the cables are properly
connected and that it has power.

If after checking the connections the LED indicators appear bad, the network adapter, port, or
cable may be defective.

Wireless Network

If you are using a device with a wireless network, like a laptop, make sure that the device has a
Wi-Fi button and it is turned on. If the button is turned on, make sure that your device is
connected to the network. The correct password must be entered when connecting to protected
WiFi networks.

Adapter functionality

Verify that the network card can ping itself using the ping command. Users can ping the
computer from a Windows command line. Unix and Linux users can pung from the shell. Ping
the card or the localhost, type either:

ping 127.0.0.1 or ping localhost

Typing either will get replies from the network card. If an error occurs and the transmission fails,
it means that the network card was not properly installed to the computer, has incorrect drivers,
or the card itself is bad.

Connect to the router

After checking the steps and that your network has a router, check if your computer can connect
to the router by following these steps:

1. Determine the routers address – Use the ipconfig command (or ifconfig command for
Linux), determine the router’s address by looking at the Gateway address.

2. Open the Windows command line.

3. From the command prompt type ipconfig and press enter.

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection: Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : computerhope.com.

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.103 Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0 Default
Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

The Default Gateway is the address of your router. The Default Gateway is the address of your
router.

Most home routers have a gateway address that starts with 192.168 like the address shown
above.
Assuming your gateway address is 192.168.1.1 attempt to ping the router to see if it can send and
receive information by running the below command.

ping 192.168.1.1

4. If you get replies form the router, it means that the connection is good and you can skip
to the next step. If there are no replies, it means that the router was not set up correctly. Reset
the router to make sure that it is not a problem with the router. Reset the router by following
these steps:

a. Turn off the computer and leave it off for a few minutes.

b. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.

c. Leave the power cables disconnected for 1- to 15 seconds then plug in the modem and router
again.

d. Finally, turn the computer again and repeat this step to see if the router can be pinged.

5. If the router cannot still be pinged, turn the computer off again and connect the
computer to the router using cables instead of the wireless option. If it still does not work,
contact the router manufacturer for additional support or replacement.

6. Verify Connections (Part 2)

Firewall

If possible, disable the firewall to make sure that the firewall is not causing network problems. If
the computer still utilizes the firewall, make sure that the required ports are open especially the
HTTP port.

Internet is not working

If you’re still able to ping the router, but you still cannot connect to the Internet, it’s either the
router is improperly configured or the ISP is having issues.
If the Internet has been working properly, but suddenly stopped working, give it a few minutes to
make sure that it is not a temporary outage. If the problem is not yet addressed after a few
minutes, follow these steps:

a. Turn off the computer and leave it off for a few minutes.

b. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.

c. Leave the power cables disconnected for 1- to 15 seconds then plug in the modem and router
again.

d. Finally, turn the computer again and repeat this step to see if the router can be pinged.

If after following the above steps the Internet is still not working, open the Windows command
line and run the below command.

ping google.com

Running the command will get a reply from Google. If you get a reply, this means that the
computer is working, if not, there may be a problem with the Internet browser because your
router or modem is not reaching the Internet.

Try using other browsers such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. If you have a router, make
sure that DHCP is enabled and that the WAN or Gateway adress is the proper ISP address.

If problems still occur, contact the ISP to make sure that the problem is not on their end and if
they could assist you to other special configurations.

Additional troubleshooting

Another method of determining network issues is to use the tracert command. It is the command
prompt command that is used to show several details about the path that a packet takes from the
computer or device you’re on to whatever destination you specify.

It gives an overview of each device a packet travels over a network and gives an idea where a
problem exists in or outside your network.

To use this command, you must be at the command line and type one of the below commands
depending on your operating system.

tracert google.com

or
traceroute google.com

If run successfully you should begin to see each hop between the computer and network devices.
When the connection fails, determine what device is causing the issue by reviewing the
traceroute listing.

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we are looking at the different techniques and strategies in solving common
computer hardware issues as well as other common troubleshooting and repair techniques.

Please take note that these lessons only give a basic overview and rundown on what the
computer might run into but remember that issues may come and it is up to you, the
computer technician, to find a way to solve the problem.

2. Solving Common Hardware Issues

The following are the techniques and strategies that you may perform when you are trying to
solve hardware issues

Trial and Error

Try isolating the problem to a specific component by trial-and-error. Trial and error basically
means trying and trying again until you find what the problem is. In this technique, it is
unavoidable to make mistakes; hence, the "error" in trian and error.
To perform this in hardware issues, you can try swap compatible components with each
other. Or try different peripherals. Make one change at a time, but make sure to be careful
since this can be harmful if you are recklessly removing components.

Check cable issues

More than 70% of all computer problems are due to cabling and connections. Make sure
that all cables are connected properly.

Make sure that all the necessary wires from the power supply give electricity to the different
computer components. Again, always consult the manual since this can differ depending on
the manufacturer.

Document Computer Issues

In order to avoid the same issues in the future, always document when you are
troubleshooting. Components that you have repaired several times may likely be more
prone to issues and problems.

That is why you should address this with the proper protocols so that in the future, you
could keep track of which hardware are very old or will need replacement soon.

3. Viruses

A virus is a destructible executable program that infects the other programs in the system
and spreads by replicating itself.

This type of programs can damage the victim's computer program.

This is made by malicious programmers and programmed to spread without one's
permission and knowledge.

Viruses can:

 Corrupt files

 Slow down computer speed

 Cause the system to hang frequently

 Delete or hide various files

Viruses can come from:

 Infected CDs, DVDs, etc

 Email

 Browsing infected sites

 Downloading files from the internet

4. Removing Viruses

To remove these viruses, you can buy an antivirus software or use your operating system's built-
in antivirus software such as the Windows Defender.

A full system scan is recommended to make sure that your computer is clear of any viruses that
are present. Make sure to perform a full scan every so often (e.g. once a week).

There are two methods of eliminating viruses:

1. Removing the virus

When the virus can be easily identified and removed without affecting other files, then the
antivirus removes it from the host place

2. Quarantine

This is performed when the virus cannot be easily removed from the file. Usually the removal of
the virus means that the complete file is also removed. For this case, the virus is not removed by
rendered inactive by moving it into the antivirus' quarantine.

5. Types of Viruses

SBoot viruses

These viruses infect floppy disk boot records or master boot records in hard disks. They
replace the boot record program (which is responsible for loading the operating system in
memory) copying it elsewhere on the disk or overwriting it. Boot viruses load into memory if
the computer tries to read the disk while it is booting.

Examples are Form, Disk Killer, Michelangelo, and Stone virus.

Program viruses

These infect executable program files, such as those with extensions

like .BIN, .COM, .EXE, .OVL, .DRV (driver) and .SYS (device driver). These programs are loaded
in memory during execution, taking the virus with them. The virus becomes active in
memory, making copies of itself and infecting files on disk.

Examples are Sunday and Cascade virus.

Multipartite viruses

A hybrid of Boot and Program viruses. They infect program files and when the infected
program is executed, these viruses infect the boot record.

Examples are Invader, Flip, and Tequila virus.

Stealth viruses

These viruses use certain techniques to avoid detection. They may either redirect the disk
head to read another sector instead of the one in which they reside or they may alter the
reading of the infected file’s size shown in the directory listing. size given in the directory.

Examples are Frodo, Joshi, and Whale virus.

Polymorphic viruses

A virus that can encrypt its code in different ways so that it appears differently in each
infection. These viruses are more difficult to detect.

Examples are Involuntary, Stimulate, Cascade, Phoenix, Evil, Proud, and Virus 101 virus.

Macro viruses

A macro virus is a new type of computer virus that infects the macros within a document or
template. When you open a word processing or spreadsheet document, the macro virus is
activated and it infects the Normal template.

Examples are DMV, Nuclear, and Word Concept virus

1. Introduction
In this lesson, we are looking at the different testing and method procedures when we are
assessing and inspecting computer systems and networks.

Knowing how to handle and maintain components is an essential step. Your job as a
computer technician does not end with just assembling or connecting a network - it extends
as well to make equipment stable for use for efficiency.

2. Testing the Hard Drive

A bad hard drive can cause more issues to your computer.

The following steps will ensure that hard drive errors can be addressed before it makes
serious damages to the unit itself. Take note that the following issues can be caused by a
much bigger issue other than a bad disk drive such as:

1. Errors when reading, copying, moving, or deleting data on the computer

2. Extremely slow system.

3. Operating system unable to boot.

4. Random error or computer randomly boots

Software Solutions

The following shows a list of software programs that can be used to test the computer’s
hard drive for errors:
• Scandisk

• Chkdsk

• Testdisk

• Hitachi Drive Fitness Test (DFT)

• Seagate Sea Tools

• HDD Health

• Ultimate Boot CD

Replacing the Hard Drive

If the hard drive is bad or is generating SMART error (A S.M.A.R.T. error is a predictive
indicator that there will be a drive failure.) If you get a S.M.A.R.T. error, it means that you
have to back-up since you would need to replace the hard drive soon. If the computer is
relatively new, the hard drive may still come under a warranty.

3. Testing the Power Supply Unit

Some programs such as SpeedFan can help monitor the voltage and power supply to
computer fans; however, there is no software utility to test the integrity of computer power
supplies.

It is recommended to replace the Computer Power Supply if it is no longer usable.

It is also wise to check how much wattage your computer really requires. You can do this
online at a PSU Wattage Calculator. This is to provide a more efficient electricity usage when
checking your PSU.
4. Testing the Memory

The following are some indicators that your computer’s memory may already be bad:

1. The computer does not boot and a beeping sound is hear.

2. There are random computer crashes causing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), General
Protection Fault Error Messages, Illegal Operations, Fatal Exceptions, etc.

3. Computer randomly reboots

4. Windows or other program installation failure.

Take note that before testing your memory, make sure that you have removed recently added
new memory to make sure that it is not the cause of the issue.

Software Solutions

Several software programs are available to test computer hardware, including computer
memory. These include:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic Tools

It can be accessed on Windows Vista and Windows 7. Simply search for “Memory” on the
Start Search Bar. Doing so will open the Memory Diagnostics Tool. Two options will appear:
(1) Restart Now and Check for Problems and (2) Check for problems next time I start my
computer. Simply choose one of these options to run a memory test on your preferred time.

• Memtest86

An x86 compatible, free memory tester

• DocMemory
A software that can be used to check the computer’s memory

There are other software programs that can be used to check your computer’s memory.

Some are used at computer service centers or may be issued by the company you are
working for.

Other software programs that can be used are:

• PC-doctor

• PC Diagnostics

• Ultra X

Swap and Remove Memory

If there is an available compatible memory from another computer, you can try swapping
the memory into the computer to check whether it is the issue.

If the memory works in another computer without any issues, there may be a problem with
the motherboard, PSU, or other hardware issue.

Replace Memory

If computer memory is completely bad already, replace it with a new one.

5. Testing the Motherboard and CPU

A bad computer motherboard or CPU can cause different issues on a computer.

Below are some of the issues that you may encounter due to a computer with bad
motherboard and CPU:

1. The computer does not boot, but instead gives a beep code.

2. The computer randomy crashes causing General Protection Fault error messages, illegal
operations, Fatal exceptions, etc.

3. The computer suddenly reboots.

Here are some recommendations to test the computer’s motherboard and CPU:

Visual Hardware Check

Check the computer motherboard if there is a presence of bulged or blown capacitors.

Check if there is a slight bulge on the top of each capacitor. If the capacitor is leaking, it can
be an indicator that it has already blown. Blown capacitors are likely caused by motherboard
issues in the computer.

Once the CPU is removed, check for bent pins on the side that are inserted into the
motherboard. If there is a bent pin, it is most likely the cause of the computer’s CPU issues.

It is possible to replace a blown or bulging capacitor, but it will require precision soldering
to install the capacitor.

Bent pins on a CPU can be bent back into place, but make sure to be very careful because
the pin might break off when trying to bend it back into place. If the pin breaks off, the CPU
will definitely need to be replaced.
If you are done with the visual hardware check and there seems to be no obvious issues,
there may be an issue with the software.

Software and Hardware Solutions

Here are some software programs that you can use to test your computer’s motherboard
and CPU. However, take note that problems related to the motherboard and CPU have a
wide variety of complexity; thus, these programs may not detect every possible failure.

• Hot CPU Tester – This tester includes a burn-in feature for new computers or computers
with new motherboard or CPU.

• Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool – This can be used for computers running on Intel
processor. It is a free utility for testing a variety of Intel processors.

• PC-doctor – A good, but quite pricey software used by service centers and technicians to
diagnose computer hardware issues including motherboard issues.

• Ultra-X – A collection of products that can be used to test computer hardware, including
the motherboard.

Replacing the Motherboard and CPU

After you are done with the visual hardware check and software/hardware check and it was
determined that one or both can no longer be used, then it is already time to replace the
motherboard and the CPU. There is typically no easier or cheaper alternative to fixing the
motherboard or the CPU.

6. Testing the Optical Drive

Before testing this, make sure that multiple discs do not work in the drive. If only one CD or
DVD is causing the problem, consider that it can be an issue with the CD and not the CD/DVD
drives.

A bad disc drive can cause a variety of issues to your computer. Here are some issues that are
caused by a bad drive:

1. Errors when reading CD or DVD.

2. CDs or DVDs may not play the audio or video properly.

3. CD or DVD programs may not install or may encounter errors after being installed.

Here are some recommendations to test your computer’s CD ROM and DVD drive:

Software and Hardware Solutions

The most common issue that CD ROMs and DVD drives is caused bu dust and dirt making it
unable for the drives to read discs. You can use a CD/DVD Drive Cleaner kit to help clean the
disc drive. These can be purchased in many office supply stores and electronic stores. Some
software tools that can be used are:

• CD Roller – Program that can be used to rest CD/DVD drivers as well as recover data from
CDs and DVDs

• CD Check – Another program that can be used to check CD drives (no DVD compatibility)
and can also recover data from damaged disks.

• CD/DVD Diagnostic - Diagnostic programs from InfinaDyne that is not only capable of testing
a drive and disc, as well as recover data from disks that have gone bad.

Replace the Disc Drive

After trying various software and hardware solutions and the disc drives still appear to be bad, it
is highly recommended to replace the disc drives.

7. Testing the Network

After setting up network switches, cables, and configuration, verify whether the
computer network is functional.

Here are some steps that you can do to check your computer connection:

Check physical connections

Check whether the little red or green light next to the RJ-45 port is lit on every computer.
Check this light both on the computer itself and on the switch or router the computer is
plugged into.

If the light is not on, you may have a connection problem—most likely a poorly connected
cable.

Verify that you can log on

Try logging on to each of your network computers using a valid domain user account.

Check the network configuration

Launch the Command Prompt then enter the command ipconfig / all and press Enter. This
command will give out lines of information. In order to make sure that your computer
network is working properly, make sure that this line is present:

IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . .: 192.168.1.125 (Preferred)

If this line does not show, check that your IP Configuration is set correctly and the DHCP
server is working.

Verify that computers can ping each other

You can try using the ping command from the command prompt to make sure that all
computers on the network can contact one another. Make sure that the TCP/IP is up and
running by having the computer ping itself. Launch the Command Prompt and type ping
localhost. The prompt will indicate whether the ping was successful.