Desktop Computer Troubleshooting Hardware

*refer to discussion and previous outline*

Viruses

USB hide virus

1. Go to Start -> Run -> cmd.

2. Go to your pen drive, memory cards or mobile phone directory.

3. Type del *.lnk (to delete all link files in the directory)

4. Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d e:*.*

Note: e= your drive

Free-Antivirus Suggestion

Free Avast Home Anti Virus

Note: Set all the settings in high priority

Malwarebytes

Note: does not need to be registered However, the free version does not act as real time
protection. This is a powerful anti virus.

Data Recovery from Empty/Erased Drives

EaseUS data recovery software (commercial software).

System Restore
 System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows the user to revert their
computer's state (including system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings)
to that of a previous point in time, which can be used to recover from system malfunctions or other
problems. First included in Windows ME, it has been included in all following desktop versions of
Windows released since, excluding the Windows Server. In Windows 10, System Restore is turned off by
default and must be enabled by users in order to function.

In prior Windows versions it was based on a file filter that watched changes for a certain set of
file extensions, and then copied files before they were overwritten. An updated version of System
Restore introduced by Windows Vista uses the Shadow Copy service as a backend (allowing block-level
changes in files located in any directory on the volume to be monitored and backed up regardless of
their location) and allows System Restore to be used from the Windows Recovery Environment in case
the Windows installation no longer boots at all. (wikipedia)

3 Ways to Test your RAM with Microsoft Windows Memory Diagnostic

Unfortunately knowing when you have RAM memory inside your PC that has developed problems isn’t
as straightforward as you might think. It can manifest itself in many different ways and problems with
your computer which don’t seem in the remotest bit connected with RAM, could in fact turn out to be
just that.

A computer that fires into life and then sits at a black screen and doesn’t do anything else is a common
symptom of a bad module which needs taking out or replacing. A Windows install that keeps failing
while unpacking files from the disc could also be due to a memory error. Even problems relating to disk
read errors which sound the furthest thing from memory issues as you could imagine, can be caused by
errors coming from the memory.

Testing your RAM for errors is something you can easily do because there are a few
free tools around that can help you out, and all that’s needed is for you to run the
program and let it check all your internal memory. Here’s a few different ways you can
test your RAM for errors.

1. Microsoft’s Windows Memory Diagnostic

This Microsoft memory testing tool is a bit old coming from 2003 but because the
method of testing memory is the same today as it was back then, it still works. While
being quick and easy to use, the diagnostic includes a comprehensive set of memory
tests and a number of advanced options for the more experienced users.

The tool downloads as an executable, and when you run it, you’re given the choice of
creating a bootable floppy or an ISO image that you can then burn to a CD.

Simply boot from the created disc and the tests will begin automatically. This will take
several minutes to complete and time depends on the amount and speed of the
installed memory. Any errors that might appear mean there are potential problems
reading the memory. Letting the tests complete 1 full cycle should be enough to
determine if there are any problems.
Pressing “P” to pause the test and then “M” will show the advanced menu where you
can change the tests performed, alter the cache settings, and also choose to show
errors by memory module which will help identify the RAM module at fault if you have
more than 1 installed.
There is one limitation to the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility which is it only scans
the 1st 4GB of any installed memory and anything above that will be ignored.

Download Microsoft Windows Memory Diagnostic

2. Memtest86+

This open source memory diagnostic tool is a branch from the original Memtest86 and
is probably the most used free memory testing program around today. There is support
for most of the latest hardware and this tool is known to be one of the most accurate
and robust at detecting memory errors.

Memtest86+ can be run on your machine three different ways; from a bootable floppy
disc, a bootable ISO image which you can burn to a CD, or perhaps the most useful
option for today’s PC’s is an executable installer that writes Memetest86+ directly on to
a USB stick.
Like the Microsoft memory diagnostic tool, the time Memtest86+ takes to complete the
test depends on your hardware specification and usually 1 full pass will be sufficient to
detect any issues. Pressing “C” brings up the configuration menu from which you can
select specific tests, memory range, and an ECC memory mode,
For those who don’t want to waste a whole CD or use a USB stick just for Memtest86+
because it’s only a few hundred KB in size, you’ll be pleased to know it’s included in the
popular Hiren’s BootCD.
Download Memtest86+

3. Windows Vista and 7 Built in Memory Diagnostic

This memory testing tool is not quite as comprehensive as something like Memtest86+,
but is useful enough to get a fair idea if you have serious memory errors. It’s readily
available in Windows Vista and 7 and users can invoke the tool in 1 of 3 different ways.

#1 If you’re already in Windows, go to Start or press the Win key and type mem into the
search box. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool should show in the results, and you
can then run it by pressing Enter. A window will pop up asking if you want to reboot now
and run the tool or run the tool at the next reboot. Simply choose your preferred option
and the next time windows boots it will run the diagnostic test.
#2 If you’re not in Windows, the next time you boot press F8 after the BIOS screen to
get to the Advanced Boot Options (Safe Mode selection) screen. Press Escape and
then the Tab key to select “Windows Memory Diagnostic”, then press Enter to start the
test.
#3 The Memory Diagnostic is also present on the Windows DVD and the System
Recovery media disc. It’s available from the System recovery Options window and is the
same tool accessed from in Windows that asks to reboot now and test, or test at next
reboot.
The diagnostic test is pretty quick and defaults to 2 passes, although F1 will take you to
the options screen where you can run more basic or more advanced tests, or configure
more test passes.
Read More: https://www.raymond.cc/blog/test-your-ram-with-microsoft-windows-memory-
diagnostic/

Checking Hard Disk

In windows: use Hard Disk Essentials (preferred) etc.

In ubuntu, search disk

Note: S.M.A.R.T (ok) provides the assessment of health of the HDD.

Note: Bad Sectors = the damaged part of the disk, which is either made by software, or a
physical defect.
CAT5 /6 wiring diagram

Straight-through, Crossover, and Rollover Wiring

When talking about cable pinouts we often get questions as to the difference in Straight-through,
Crossover, and Rollover wiring of cables and the intended use for each type of cable. These terms
are referring to the way the cables are wired (which pin on one end is connected to which pin on the
other end). Below we will try shed some light on this commonly confused subject.
Straight-Through Wired Cables

Straight-Through refers to cables that have the pin assignments on each end of the cable. In other
words Pin 1 connector A goes to Pin 1 on connector B, Pin 2 to Pin 2 ect. Straight-Through wired
cables are most commonly used to connect a host to client. When we talk about cat5e patch cables,
the Straight-Through wired cat5e patch cable is used to connect computers, printers and other
network client devices to the router switch or hub (the host device in this instance).

Crossover Wired Cables

Crossover wired cables (commonly called crossover cables) are very much like Straight-Through
cables with the exception that TX and RX lines are crossed (they are at oposite positions on either
end of the cable. Using the 568-B standard as an example below you will see that Pin 1 on
connector A goes to Pin 3 on connector B. Pin 2 on connector A goes to Pin 6 on connector B ect.
Crossover cables are most commonly used to connect two hosts directly. Examples would be
connecting a computer directly to another computer, connecting a switch directly to another switch,
or connecting a router to a router.Note: While in the past when connecting two host devices directly
a crossover cable was required. Now days most devices have auto sensing technology that detects
the cable and device and crosses pairs when needed.
Rollover Wired Cables

Rollover wired cables most commonly called rollover cables, have opposite Pin assignments on
each end of the cable or in other words it is "rolled over". Pin 1 of connector A would be connected to
Pin 8 of connector B. Pin 2 of connector A would be connected to Pin 7 of connector B and so on.
Rollover cables, sometimes referred to as Yost cables are most commonly used to connect to a
devices console port to make programming changes to the device. Unlike crossover and straight-
wired cables, rollover cables are not intended to carry data but instead create an interface with the
device.
Compiled by: Julius Xander P. Jacoba For: InfiniTech Training Center

InfiniTech Instructor IT Support Class

Reference:

https://www.computercablestore.com/straight-through-crossover-and-rollover-wiring

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Restore