COM 214 COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting is a systematic process used to locate the cause of a fault in a computer system
and correct the relevant hardware and software issues. Approaching problem solving using a
logical and n approach is essential to successful resolution. In electronics device like computer
system, the method of trial by error is applied in identifying and finding the possible solution to a
computer system, this is troubleshooting to a layman.
Before commencing troubleshooting, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid damage of
hardware components and data loss. These includes:
1. Uninstalling computer system peripherals.
2. System data backups.
Steps to troubleshooting

1. Identify the problem

2. Establish a theory of probable cause
3. Test the theory
4. Establish a plan (including any effects of the plan)
5. Implement the plan
6. Verify full system functionality and
7. Document everything
Components of a computer system
The computer system is divided into two major parts
1. The hardware part.
2. The software part.
Hardware components if the computer system
This the physical and electronic part of the computer system which we can see or touch. They included:
i. Computer casing
ii. Hard disk
iii. RAM
iv. Cmos battery
v. Central processing unit
vi. CD ROM
vii. Mother board. Etc.
The hardware part of the computer is divided into two, these includes:
a. Internal hardware components.
b. External hardware components. (assignment)
Hardware components description

Mother board: the motherboard is a printed circuit board which other component of computer system
are connected, it interconnects the internal and external hardware components and enabled
communication and power dissemination between the components.
Hard disk drive: this is an electromagnetic storage device that store and retrieves digital data using
magnetic storage with one or more rigid rotating platters coated with magnetic materials
RAM: this is the short term memory of the computer system which retrieves and holds the applications
and files the processor needs temporarily to run at a particular time. The higher the ram, the faster your
computer retrieves data for processing at the same time.
ROM: read only memory is a nonvolatile storage device that store information that can only be read, it
contains the set of codes and instructions needed for the computer to run, it is referred to the firmware
of the computer.

CPU: the central processing unit of the computer system also called the brain of the computer is a
device that executes every given instruction of the system to bring out information as an output. It has
three major parts
i. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
ii. Control unit
iii. Registers or memory unit

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Control Unit: This is the component of the CPU which fetches instructions from main storage,
interprets them, and issues the necessary signals to the components making up the system,
depending on the type of instruction. It controls the actions of the other components so that
instructions are executed in the correct sequence.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): This is the component that performs Arithmetic operations like
(+,-,*,^,/), logical operations like (AND, OR, NOT) and relational operations like (<,>,<=,>=) on data.

Registers: registers are high-speed storage areas where instructions/data are temporarily stored before
execution.

Between any two (2) parts of the CPU is a pathway called internal bus, which allows for the transfer
of binary information between them. On the other hand, the CPU is connected by external buses to
other parts of the computer. A bus is basically a collection of parallel conducting lines (or wires).

The functions of the CPU are as follows:

i. To control the use of main storage to store data and instructions ii. To
control sequence of operations

iii. To give commands to all parts of the computer system iv.

To carry out processing

v. The processor controls the input of data vi.

Its transfer instruction into main storage

vii. Processes the data and then sends the result to output units of various types

INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are set of devices that are used to communicate to the computer. Computers need to
receive data and instructions in order to solve any problem. Therefore, we need to put the data and
instructions into the computer. The input unit consists of one or more input device. The keyboard
and mouse of a computer are the most commonly used input devices. However, there are other
input devices such as Scanner, Light Pen etc.

Key Board
The most common input device is the Keyboard. It is used to input letters, numbers and commands from
the user.
Mouse
Mouse is a small device held in hand and pushed along a flat surface. It can move the cursor in any
direction. In a mouse a small ball is kept inside and the ball touches the pad through a hole at the
bottom of the mouse. When the mouse is moved, the ball rolls. This movement of the ball is
converted into electronic signals and sent to the computer. Mouse is very popular in the modern
computers that use Windows and other Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.

OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are set of devices that are used to get feedback from the computer. When a data is
processed the results are taken from main storage and fed to an output device. The output device
could be a printer or a video display screen. If it is a printer, the information is automatically
converted to a printed form (hard copy). Alternatively, data may be displayed on a screen similar to
that used in a television set (soft copy). Some typical output devices are hereby below:

Visual Display Unit (VDU)

The VDU is the output device that produces temporary output called soft copy on its screen.

There are two common kinds of VDU:

i. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor

ii. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
A CRT monitor looks like a television and consists of a screen and a case to house the electrical
components. The large picture tube inside the monitor is actually the CRT. The front pant of the tube
where output is displayed is the screen. There are two types of CRT monitors:
 i. The monochrome monitor (usually black and white)
ii. Color monitor monitor

A CRT monitor

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel

A LCD Display panel is a thin display screen that does not use the cathode ray tube technology. As the
name implies, it is a flat panel containing a liquid crystal such as mercury. LCD panels are mostly used
in portable computers.

An LCD Panel

Printer
The printer presents information on paper. Such information on paper is called hard copy. All printers
can print out information in form of text, many can produce drawings and graphics and some can
produce color images. There are many types of printer with different technologies. As a result,
printers differ in the mechanisms they use to print out images.

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

The first thing that the BIOS (basic input and output system) does when it boots the PC is to perform
what is called the Power-On Self-Test, or POST for short. The POST is a built-in diagnostic program that
checks the hardware to ensure that everything is present and functioning properly, before the BIOS
begins the actual boot process. It later continues with additional tests such as the memory test and then
it lists any devices that it finds attached to the computer’s internal IDE controller(s) that is seen on the
screen of the monitor) as the boot process is proceeding. A Power-On Self-Test (POST) is an operation
initiated by a computer after it has been turned on but before it boots up the OS. The computer's
firmware BIOS, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or another system carries out this operation
by running a diagnostic testing sequence to determine if the computer's essential hardware is working
properly.

Why are Power-On Self-Tests important?

Power-On Self-Tests are an essential part of system troubleshooting because the boot-up can only
proceed if the software is working correctly; if the software isn't working, the BIOS produces an error
message. This is important because numerous essential programs are loaded when systems boot up.

When a POST is completed successfully, bootstrapping which starts the initialization of the bootup is
enabled. In computing, bootstrap means to boot or load a program, usually an OS onto a computer using
a much smaller initial program. Computers aren't the only devices that use POSTs. Some appliances,
medical equipment and other hardware run similar self-tests after being turned on.

How Power-On Self-Tests work

The way in which a computer carries out the POST process depends on the system's hardware
architecture and installed firmware. Generally, the process verifies the viability of all the hardware
necessary to ensure the OS and applications can run properly. This typically includes the following
devices:

1. Processors,
2. Memory,
3. Storage,
4. Controllers,
5. Keyboard,
6. Pointer device
7. System timer

Definition of terms

BIOS: These are sets of instructions coded in a computer microprocessor that initiates hardware
operations and manage data flow TO and FROM the operating system during system boot up.
ROM: (read only memory). This is a nonvolatile memory that receives data and permanently write them
on a chip which lasts even after the computer is powered off. The data is coded in such a way that it
cannot be over written
IDE: Integrated bus electronic is an electronic interface that enabled a connection between a bus in a
computer motherboard and the computer disk storage devices

Fault diagnosis
Fault diagnosis is the process of tracing a fault by means of its symptoms, applying knowledge, and
analyzing test results. Fault diagnosis of power systems involves identifying the location and cause of
faults occurring in the power system due to lightning strokes and so on. The systems that implement
these functions represent the most practical application of knowledge-based systems in the power
system field.

Different Software Diagnostic Tests for Hardware

These tools are useful in diagnosing a PC to find out the exact issue:

1. Process Explorer.
2. Windows Sysinternals Suite.
3. System Explorer.
4. SIW (System Information for Windows)
5. 5. HWiNFO.
6. Speccy.
7. HDdscan.
8. CPU-Z.
Hardware diagnostics are tests that check the functionality and performance of your hardware
components, such as the CPU, RAM, disk, battery, network, etc. There are two main types of hardware
diagnostics: built-in and external.

Fault Report Forms

To make maintenance easy forms are needed to document systems and corresponding fault. It is a
standardized document or form used to report and document any faults or issues encountered within a
system and system has its own also.

1. PC configuration form use this form when installing or configuring the PC and its expansion
boards.
2. System CMOS sheet use this form to record system
3. BIOS upgrade use this form when planning a BIOS upgrade for your PC.
4. Customer billing a simple time and material form for beginning technicians. How to Complete a
Fault Report Form?
If available, identify the system or equipment affected by the fault and provide its relevant details, such
as make, model, and serial number. Describe any troubleshooting steps taken so far to investigate or
resolve the fault. Include any error logs, diagnostic tests, or actions performed.

Causes of Start Up Failure In Computer

The causes of computer failure to boot up can be broken down into four categories as follows:

1. Bad electrical connection.

2. Power supply failure.
3. Operating system failure.
4. Hardware failure.
Common cause of computer failures
1. Poor Maintenance: One of the most common reasons for computer failure is poor maintenance
2. Power Surges and Spikes: Power surges and spikes are another leading cause of computer
failure.
 3. Hardware Failure
4. Software Glitches
5. Human Error
Computer Beeping Sound
Beep code is the audio signal from a computer when its first power on give the power-on-self-test. Beep
means that it has passed the test successfully or a series of beeps means that something is wrong with
the computer hardware.

Check the Battery

A loose power connection can drain the battery and many computer making beeping noises are only a
warning that power is lost and a shutdown is looming. If the power is solid and the battery is charged up,
move on to more intensive troubleshooting processes.

Why the display is on but several beeps heard

The first thing that the BIOS does when it boots the PC is to perform what is called the Power-On Self-
Test, or POST for short. The POST is a built-in diagnostic program that checks the hardware to ensure
that everything is present and functioning properly, before the BIOS begins the actual boot. It later
continues with additional tests such as the memory test and then it lists any devices that it finds
attached to the computer’s internal IDE controller(s). When a problem is identified with the system
during the POST, the BIOS will normally produce an error message. However, in some cases the problem
is detected so early in the test that the BIOS cannot even access the video card to print the message! In
this case the BIOS will produce a beeping pattern on the speaker to tell you what the problem is. The
exact meaning of the beep codes depends on the type and version of BIOS that you have. The three
most popular types of BIOS are those made by Award, American Megatrends (AMI) and Phoenix. The
beep codes for these BIOS products are described in this part of the troubleshooter. If you are using a PC
made by a company that writes its own BIOS, you will have to consult your owner's manual A single
beep during the boot process, usually right before the BIOS startup screen is displayed, is normal and
does not indicate a failure as long as the boot continues on. Beep codes can be in several different
patterns, depending on the BIOS that you are using. Some BIOSes use very simple beep codes in a
pattern of varying numbers of short beeps, while others may mix short and long beeps. The Phoenix
BIOS is famous for its complicated beep patterns that are actually in up to four groups--one or more
beeps and then a pause, followed by as many as three more patterns

Error Message
Is the information displayed when an unforeseen problem occurs, usually on a computer or other
device. Modern operating systems with graphical user interfaces, often display error messages using
dialog boxes. Error messages are used when user intervention is required, to indicate that a desired
operation has failed, or to relay important warnings (such as warning a computer user that they are
almost out of hard disk space). Error messages are seen widely throughout computing, and are part of
every operating system or computer hardware device. The proper design of error messages is an
important topic in usability and other fields of human–computer interaction.

Common error messages

The following error messages are commonly seen by modern computer users:
 1. Access denied
This error occurs if the user doesn't have privileges to a file, or if it has been locked by some program or
user.

2. Device not ready

This error most often occurs when there is no floppy disk (or a bad disk) in the disk drive and the system
tries to perform tasks involving this disk.

3. File not found

The file concerned may have been damaged, moved, deleted, or a bug may have caused the error.
Alternatively, the file simply might not exist, or the user has mistyped its name. This is most commonly
seen on the internet with outdated links to web pages that no longer exist. On a local computer, this is
more frequent on command line interfaces than on graphical user interfaces where files are presented
and users do not type file names.

4. Low Disk Space

This error occurs when the hard drive is (nearly) full. To fix this, the user should close some programs (to
free swap file usage) and delete some files (normally temporary files, or other files after they have been
backed up), or get a bigger hard drive.

5. Out of memory
This error occurs when the system has run out of memory or tries to load a file too large to store in
RAM. The fix is to close some programs or install more memory.

6. (program name) has stopped working.

This message and similar ones are displayed by several operating systems when program causes a
general protection fault or invalid page fault.

Why does my PC power button light up but not turn on?

1. One possibility is that the power supply is not providing enough
power to the PC.
2. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the motherboard
itself.
3. One of the PC's components is also possibly faulty and needs to be
replaced.
4. A faulty fuse can also cause the problem.

Reason why System does not Switch On

To fix a Windows PC that won't turn on:

1. First try ruling out a faulty power supply or outlet.

2. Try checking for beep codes, display issues, unusual BIOS settings, or troubleshoot the PC in Safe
Mode.
3. Other fixes include disconnecting non-essential devices and checking for loose components and
malware.
4. Sometimes, it could be that the computer is turning on, but there's a fault with the display or
there are some unusual settings that are interfering with the boot sequence. It could even be
the work of a particularly nasty piece of malware.
5. Your computer may also have loose components inside, or you attached a faulty piece of
hardware that malfunctions during startup, leading to a premature shutdown.