Computer Troubleshooting

Introduction

Troubleshooting is a very complicated process. In this course we will attempt to cover the very basics of what makes the computer work in the first place. We will look at some of the following items;

What are the steps the computer performs to get started?
What kinds of tests does the computer perform automatically?
What are the common parts inside of a computer?
What precautions do we need to follow?
What types of software can we use to test our system?

Preparing the Work Area

Anytime you are taking something apart, you should keep track of where each part came from. When dealing with computers, you may have many small parts such as screws, circuit jumpers, etc..

It will be a good idea to have a number of small cups to place these parts into so that they do not roll away. It is good to keep them separated based on where they came from as not all screws are the same. They may look very similar, but the small differences may be very important. Some examples of good containers are as follows;

Medication Bottles
Egg Carton
Small bowls or cups

As you remove each part from a computer, you will need somewhere to put the part. Make sure you have a large, clean work surface. You should avoid stacking the parts as they are taken out as they can scratch each other.

Make sure you take Static Electricity into consideration as you set up your workspace. Static can cause additional problems that may not show themselves till much later. A Static Mat, and a wrist strap, can go a long way to protecting your equipment.

If you have a digital camera, it may be a good idea to take photos are you take the computer apart. These can be useful in case you get confused when putting the computer back together.

Gather all of the tools you need together in advance. The less you have to leave the work area the better. In addition to interrupting your concentration, moving around can generate more of a static electricity risk. Some tools you may want to have are as follows;

A standard set of screwdrivers
- You can use a multi-head screwdriver, but these tend to have a thicker shaft than a regular screwdriver. Sometimes you will need a longer, narrower screwdriver to get at remote screws.
- You should have multiple types of screwdrivers available, but the types needed, in order of likelihood that you will need it are as follows; Phillips (cross-head, Straight-edge, Torx (often used by Compaq), and Nut Drivers).
Needle-nose pliers
Documentation
- You should have anything that documents the computer hardware. This may have been included with the computer itself, or may have come with any upgrades that have been installed.
- If you already have an inventory of the parts inside your computer, should should have that handy.

Divide and Conquer

One of the most important skills that you will need when troubleshooting, is the ability to divide the system up into smaller sections. If you can track the problem down to a specific section, it becomes easier to diagnose, and to repair. The first major division you should try to make is the difference between Hardware and Software. The Hardware category includes all of the physical pieces that make up the system. Basically, if you can touch it, it is hardware. The Software category is made up of all of the instructions that the computer follows to perform tasks. One way to think about this is as follows; your brain is hardware, but your thoughts are software.