Computer Servicing

Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems

Diagnosing and troubleshooting computer hardware error is a process of determining the cause of error and applying the appropriate fix to eliminate the error.

Troubleshooting Techniques

It is best practice that we use all the possible software program like antivirus diagnostics and utilities in troubleshooting computer defects before we start troubleshooting the hardware component. Most computer defects are caused by software, hardware or both, displaying the same trouble such as computer hang, no display, no sound etc.

Troubleshooting should be done in a logical and systemic manner. It is logical that we check for software errors before troubleshooting the hardware component.
We say that troubleshooting is systemic when we examine and test first, those are easy to handle without using instruments like visual inspections and use of software utilities.

Software Troubleshooting Steps
For any defects on the computer display like computer having intermittent gap black and others. You may try to follow the steps:

1. Restart the computer by pressing the reset button or pressing the CTRL+ALT+DEL key simultaneously at least twice (If not OK, do step 2)
2. Use bootable Disk, CD or USB medium to determine if the computer is operational. If Computer response to any command then the hardware is ok (do step 3), if the computer does not respond – go to the Hardware Troubleshooting section.
3. Use antivirus program (if not cured do step 4).
4. Use utility program (if not cured do step 5).
5. Backup the needed files and documents then re-install a new operating system (if not ok – go to Hardware Troubleshooting section).

 Hardware Troubleshooting Steps

Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and prepare the materials and equipment to be used. You may try to follow the steps:

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the cover/casing of the computer using the proper tools.
3. Remove clean and re-insert the memory module with proper orientation and alignment at least twice (if not ok, do step 4).
4. Replace the memory module with a known good and compatible memory module. If this does not work ,do step 5.
5. Remove, clean and re-insert video card with proper orientation and alignment at least twice (if not ok, do step 6).
6. Swap video card with a known good and compatible video card (if not ok, do step 7).
7. Remove, clean and re-insert CPU with proper orientation and alignment at least twice (if not ok, do step 8).
8. Swap CPU with a known good and compatible CPU (if not ok, do step 9)
9. Replace the motherboard.