Lab - Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
Introduction
In this lab, you will diagnose the cause of various hardware problems and solve them.
Recommended Equipment
A computer with an operating system installed.
Scenario
You must solve hardware problems for a customer. You might also need to troubleshoot hardware connected
to the computer. Make sure you document all the problems and the solutions.
There are several possible errors. Follow through the lab, solving one problem at a time until you can
successfully start the computers and all devices are fully functional. You may need to ask the instructor for
hardware when needed.
Instructions
• Start and log in to the computer.
a. Start the computer.
Question:
Did the computer boot successfully?
YES
b. If the computer started, log on with an account with administrative privileges. Test all internal and external
hardware devices.
Question:
Did all devices operate properly?
YES
c. If the computer successfully started and all devices are fully functional, you have successfully solved all
hardware problems. Hand the lab to your instructor.
• Troubleshoot the hardware problem.
If you could not successfully start the computer and all devices are not fully functional, continue
troubleshooting the problem.
Answer the following questions after each problem is solved.
Questions:
1. What problem did you find?
Type your answers here.
2. What steps did you take to determine the problem?
Type your answers here.
3. What is causing the problem?
Type your answers here.
4. List the steps taken to fix the problem.
Type your answers here.
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Lab - Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
Diagnosis Solution
The computer is not starting loss of power Plug it in and leave it to charge
• Power cord not for a few hours.
connected proper Verify the power cord is
connected to the back of the
• Third-party hardware computer, and that the cord is
plugged into a power outlet.
• Bad power cable • If any computer hardware was
recently added, we recommend
• Incorrect power supply you temporarily disconnect or
remove it to ensure that it's not
• Bad battery causing your issue.
• Verify the cable supplying power
to your computer is not bad or
damaged by using a different
one.
• Verify the power supply meets the
requirements of your
motherboard, processor, and
video card.
• Purchase a new battery.
The computer is on but the • The monitor is turned • Check the power supply to the
screen is blank OFF or the cables are monitor and the cables
disconnected. connecting the monitor to the
computer.
• Recent Hardware
Changes. Corrupt • Uninstall al recent added
drivers for any recently hardware and try to restore the
installed hardware can system to the previous point.
crash the system. To
get rid of the corrupted • Press the proper key to open your
drivers BIOS, you can choose "Last
known good configuration" to go
• BIOS - the Binary back to the last known safe
Operating System may shutdown state.
be corrupted
• Try an upgrade operating system.
• Corrupted OS
(operating system)
Your computer is slower than Running out of RAM • Delete unnecessary files
normal (Random Access • You should sort programs by their
Memory) memory use and close the ones
Running out of disk that you don’t need.
drive space (HDD or
SSD) • Disable startup programs that
you do not need
Too many background
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Lab - Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
programs • Scan for malware and viruses
Too many startup
programs
Malware or viruses
A lot of strange noise coming • Screw lose • check all the attachments;
from your computer screws, gaskets, and grommets.
• Power Issues If there are any screws loose,
tighten them. Replace any worn
or missing gaskets and
grommets.
• Check for the connection, if
each part is securely connected
to the power supply.
Computer keeps restarting • RAM Issues • Remove the RAM from its slot.
Make sure you clean that spot
• Faulty Power Supply before placing the RAM back in.
• Overheated Processor • Remove the existing power
supply. You must then replace it
• Virus Infection with another one that you know is
in good condition
•
• Make sure you clean the fan of
the processor and any
surrounding parts as well. Also
check if the processor fan is
working properly.
• Reformat the computer hard
drive.
Keyboard, mouse, printer or Problems with the port Delete a device from the Device
other peripherals aren’t Manager and then reboot your
working properly USB standard don’t computer. Once your PC is up
match and running again, install the
device driver.
Blocked keys or
sensors Newer USB devices may not run
on old USB ports. Most of them
would need a 3.0 cable for high-
speed processing. If the USB port
and device are incompatible,
attached peripherals will not work.
Dirt blocking the keys or sensors
prevents PC peripherals from
responding to commands.
Regardless of how much you
click on a mouse or press a key,
nothing will happen if contact is
not established.
PC blue screen of death • New Programs/ • Delete any recently installed
Drivers programs or drivers that precede
a BSOD on the off chance that
• Old programs or they directly or indirectly caused
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Lab - Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
drivers the STOP code.
• Corrupt system files • If an update or patch fixing the
BSOD is available, go ahead and
• Viruses/ Malware install it, otherwise uninstall the
updates in question.
• BIOS • Scan your system thoroughly to
get rid of viruses and malware.
• Update the outdated BIOS to
latest to get rid of this STOP
code.
When you power on a Some cables are not Check all cables connected to
computer, you hear two beeps connected the computer and make sure
and the computer never they are fully plugged in. Inspect
completely boots Due to internal each cable and securely connect
components or tighten cables as required.
Ensure that internal hardware
added to your computer recently,
such as additional memory or a
video card, is installed correctly.
Turn off the computer, then
remove and re-insert the new
hardware ensuring that each
component is firmly seated in its
slot.
Look up "POST beep codes" and
diagnostic meanings that apply
to your computer. If the beep
code points to a problem with the
motherboard, you may need to
replace the board. If the code
indicates a defective component
but the component is working, a
defect on the motherboard may
be causing an incorrect beep
code.
When turning on their Poor power supply You need to check that the airflow
computer, they hear the power Overheating around it is not hindered.
supply fan, but the computer Failed components Change power outlet.
does not boot. Check the peripherals
Computer continuously reboots • Drivers and Viruses Select the “Safe Mode” boot
after power on and never option, then press the “Enter”
reaches the operating system. key. Wait a few minutes for the
computer to boot into Windows
Safe Mode. If your computer
boots into Safe Mode
successfully, launch your anti-
virus application and do a full
system scan. If you can connect
to the Internet in Safe Mode,
update the virus patterns before
running the system scan.
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Lab - Troubleshoot Hardware Problems
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