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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.
Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowchart

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