Hardware Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot hardware, you need to think about the type of problem you are having. Sometimes the suspects are obvious. If the computer has problems making sound, then the problem is likely related to the sound card.

However, if the problem is intermittent, it can be much more difficult to track down. It becomes more important to look for anything that provides clues to the cause of the problem. For example;

Does the problem happen right away when you turn on the computer?
Does the problem only happen after the computer has been on for a while?
Maybe it only happens when you are online?
Does it only happen after running 'heavy' software (like some graphics intensive games)?
Does it seem like it has been a year since you last saw this problem (seasonal)?
- Seasonal problems might occur due to temperature, humidity, or other weather-related issues such as thunderstorms or ground thaw / freeze.

The things that generally cause intermittent problems are Heat and Power Issues. With heat, it may be that the temperature pushes the device outside of it's operating temperature range, or it could cause just enough flexing in the device that a physical problem acts up.

The latter is often the case in older CRT based monitors. Once the monitor heated up all the way, the boards would shift a little bit and bad solder joints would begin causing a problem.