Basic Computer Hardware Troubleshooting 1

Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or

processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a
problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again.
Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a
process of elimination. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores
the product or process to its working state.

Essential Questions

• What are the procedural ways of troubleshooting computer hardware?

Intended Learning Outcome

• Focus and learn the steps in troubleshooting

Diagnostic Task
Answer with YES or NO, if you encountered this computer problems.
1. PC Overheating
2. Blank Monitor
3. Blue Screen of Death
4. PC Beeps
5. Device not recognized
6. Dysfunctional USB Port
Basic Troubleshooting
Hardware troubleshooting processes primarily aim to resolve computer hardware
problems using a systematic approach. The process starts by first identifying the problem and
finding different issues that can cause such a problem and eventually leading to implementing a
solution or alternative. Hardware troubleshooting is generally done on hardware equipment
installed within a computer, server, laptop or related device.
There are many different things that could cause a problem with your computer. No
matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and error —in
some cases, you may need to use several different approaches before you can find a solution.
Some processes within hardware troubleshooting include:

• Removing, repairing and replacing faulty RAM, hard disk or video/graphic card.
• Cleaning dusts from RAM and Video carts slot/ports and from cooling fan.
• Tightening cable and jumpers on motherboard and/or components.
• Software related hardware problems such as device driver update or installation.

Tips for Troubleshooting

Many of the common PC problems have a rather simple solution, and you can fix them
yourself with a few simple steps. There are tips that can help you in troubleshooting situations.
Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step you take. This way, you'll
be able to remember exactly what you've done and can avoid repeating the same mistakes. If
you end up asking other people for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly what you've
tried already. If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to write down as much
information as possible. You may be able to use this information later to find out if other people
are having the same error.
If you're having trouble with a specific piece of computer hardware, such as your monitor
or keyboard, an easy first step is to check all related cables to make sure they're properly
connected. Lastly, when all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing to try. This can
solve a lot of basic issues you may experience with your computer.

Common Hardware Problems

In general, PCs are built with all security measures because all of their sensitive components
and hardware will be housed inside a casing to protect the components from dust and other
harsh elements. However, some common PC hardware problems occur despite the protection.
1. A blank monitor is the most common computer problem. Most people who work with
computers might have dealt with such a non-working blank monitor at least once.
2. The mouse is used for a variety of purposes, such as playing games or opening files,
and moreover, it facilitates easy navigation, thus easy access to your data. The most
common problems related to the mouse include failure to move, connection problems,
freezing on the screen, or damage to the mouse.
3. the keyboard is a vital part of any computer. It not only allows typing, but it also gives
commands as well. However, you might encounter some common potential problems
 with the keyboard that includes keyboards that will not connect to the computer, stuck
keys, broken keyboards, or keyboards where the letters end up jumbled.
4. When you connect your USB camera, your PC might not be able to recognize it and
hence throw errors like “Device not recognized” error. This might be due to the USB
connector problems or the software malfunctioning.
Informative Task
True or False.
1. Hardware troubleshooting processes primarily aim to resolve computer hardware
problems using a systematic approach.
2. The process starts by first identifying the problem and finding different issues that can
cause such a problem and eventually leading to implementing a solution.
3. Troubleshooting is not a process of trial and error.
4. Many of the common PC problems have a rather simple solution.
5. If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to write down as much information
as possible.
6. PCs are built with all security measures because all of their sensitive components and
hardware will be housed inside a casing to protect the components from dust and other
harsh elements.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
PC Overheating
A heating PC slows down the whole system and leads to frequent crashes. Additionally, PC
components may also get permanently damaged due to constant exposure to heat. There are
two main reasons your PC heats up, i.e. either the cooling system isn’t working properly or the
PC is heating to the point your cooling system can’t handle it anymore.
Solutions:

• Check if the fan is working or not

• Avoid blocking the vents
• Clean up the PC
• Reapply thermal paste.
Dysfunctional USB Port
If your USB port stops working, it’s not necessary that it’s broken.
Solutions:

• Restarting the PC is the answer to many problems, and it is a common solution to USB
port problem as well.
• Uninstalling the driver of the USB port will force Windows to reinstall it when you will
restart the PC.
• USB Selective Suspend is a Windows power saving feature that suspends unused or
idle USB ports to conserve power. Sometimes it could stop a USB port from working.
PC keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi
If your Wi-Fi is working fine but your PC keeps disconnecting from it, then your PC’s network
card may not be receiving full power.
Solutions:

• The first step is to go ahead and uninstall the wireless adapter, then restart your system
and let Windows automatically reinstall the adapter to see if this basic solution works.
• The next steps are to run the Network troubleshooter and to uninstall the Network Card
device.
PC beeps
The PC motherboard is smart enough to detect problems and sounds beeps in different rhythms
to tell you. Here is an article on what it actually means when the PC beeps multiple times. If the
PC doesn’t start after the beeps, then it’s usually difficult to solve the problem yourself.
Solutions:

• For out of place RAM:

o Take out the RAM completely and clean any dirt inside the slot using a cotton
bud. Now insert back the RAM and put enough pressure on both ends to ensure
 it is fully inside. Afterward, close the clips and make sure they’re properly locked.
Even a slightly loose RAM will be unable to work.
• For Recently added hardware
o A damaged or wrongly installed hardware component could lead to beeps. Take
out any newly added hardware components and see if it solves the problem. If
the PC works fine afterward, then either get it installed properly or get it fixed.
PC Fans not working
If you notice one or more fans in your PC aren’t working, then it could be due to the dirt inside.
Solution:
You will have to open up the PC and use a compressed air can or a leaf blower to clean up the
fans and other components.
Blue Screen of Death
The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to both software and hardware
problems, but usually, it’s a hardware problem. Whatever the cause, BSOD requires immediate
attention as it’s a sign of a big problem.
Solutions:

• Corrupted drivers
o A corrupt driver may be the cause of BSOD.
o Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run. Here expand each
menu and look for a yellow triangle icon next to each driver. If you find any, right-
click on it and select Update Driver Software to update its driver.
• Too much pressure on the RAM
o If you open too many programs that RAM can’t handle, then it may freeze the
system and show BSOD. For that, you should either stop opening too many
programs or upgrade the RAM.
Summative Task
True or False.

1. Hardware troubleshooting processes primarily aim to resolve computer hardware

problems using a systematic approach.
2. The process starts by first identifying the problem and finding different issues that can
cause such a problem and eventually leading to implementing a solution.
3. Troubleshooting is a process of trial and error.
4. Many of the common PC problems have a rather complex solution.
5. If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to write down as much information
as possible.
6. PCs are built with all security measures because all of their sensitive components and
hardware will be housed inside a casing to protect the components from dust and other
harsh elements.
7. A heating PC speeds up the whole system and leads to frequent crashes.
8. Restarting the PC is the answer to many problems.
9. The PC motherboard is smart enough to detect problems and sounds beeps in different
rhythms.
10. BSOD does not requires immediate attention as it’s a sign of a big problem.