Diagnosing

Computer System
Activity

COMPUTER
DIAGNOSIS
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System
Computer Diagnosis
Computer diagnosis refers to the process of identifying, analyzing and resolving
issues or problems within a computer system. It involves a systematic
examination of both hardware and software components to determine the root
cause malfunctions, errors or performance issues.

Rules in Diagnosing Computer System

1. Know the facts
 Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
 Continuous learning on computer technology
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
 Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for replacement or sub
assembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

1. Hardware
 Defective hardware components would lead to computer
malfunction.
 Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers
performance.

2. Peopleware
Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.

3. Firmware
Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.
Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

4. Software
Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.

5. ESD (Electro Static Discharge)

Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in
your computer.

6. Electricity
Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated, power surges can
damage computer units.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

• Always check the cables: In case of any device failure, check all
the cables of your computer such as data cables, power cable, internal
circuitry cables and make sure that all these are plugged in and working
fine. Many computer problems are related to an issue in the cables and
connections. The easiest first step you can take to troubleshoot most
problems is to check all related cables and connections.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

Isolate the problem/ Problem Isolation: Problem isolation is a detective work in

which you need to determine what is out of the ordinary by making detailed
observation of what is not working normally and record any information as you
proceed. The information you will be able to gather will help diagnose your computer.
You need to observe wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in smell
or foreign smell, listen to all the sounds, and error codes.

If possible, try to isolate the problem. For example, if you can't get the cursor to move
on the screen, try to determine if the issue is with the mouse. If you have an extra
mouse, you can alternate devices to see if the one plugged in is the issue, or use the
arrow keys on the keyboard to help determine if the mouse is the source of the
problem. When trying to isolate the problem, only make one change at a time.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

Component Isolation:
This section will aid in determining components in your system which
are failing. First, most systems have 3 major components; monitor,
system unit, and printers. Some have multiple external devices. To
troubleshoot, you need to isolate major components which are failing to
operate.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

Take notes about error messages: If your computer gives you error
messages, be sure to write down as much information as possible. If
the basic troubleshooting steps don't work, you may need the
information.

Make notes: Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we can learn

a lot when we face any kind of troubleshooting in our computer. Make
notes including the error messages and their solutions, so that you have
a record on how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

Remember the steps you've taken, or write them down: Once

you start troubleshooting, you will want to remember what you have
done, so you don't repeat yourself. If you can't remember it, then write
it down. If you end up asking someone for help, it will be much easier if
they know exactly which steps you've taken.

Event viewer: In the event viewer, you will find the error or warning
messages associated with any faulty hardware or software.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

 Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your

computer, check it with the other computers so that you can make
sure whether the fault is in the component or not.

 Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the CMOS and

in the device manager of the system and make all the device drivers
up to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.

 Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error in

your computer, determine what was changed before the problem
occurred.
Techniques Diagnosing Computer System

Things to Consider

 Check Hardware Parts. Unseated card. Loose cards could cause

malfunction.

 Check the boot sequence configuration in the advance BIOS (Basic

Input /Output Unit) setup.
 Steps in Diagnosing Computer System
Common PC Problems and solutions

You are working away at your computer when suddenly, up comes an

error message – or worse, your computer comes to a screeching halt. Here
are the common computer problems and solutions that can help you.

1. Check the POST. POST stands for Power On Self-Test. This is

generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after
turning on the power. This appears before the operating system begins to
load.

POST will display any problems found with hardware that makes the
computer unable to boot, POST may also display problems with hardware
that allow the computer to boot, but not operate at its full capacity during
operation.
Steps in Diagnosing Computer System

2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than usual
load time may indicate errors in the hard drive.

3. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced

graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.

4. Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still

effective way of judging how a computer is working. With the computer on and
running, play any decent length audio file (usually above 30 sec). If the audio is
choppy or slow, it usually means that the processor is working at an elevated
level, or there is not enough RAM to run all programs loading. Changing the
startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue associated with
choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mod
Steps in Diagnosing Computer System

5. Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems, especially

Windows, can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly written, or it
may conflict with another process. Windows will usually notify you about devices
that are causing a problem, or have a problem. To check this use the Device
Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control Panel, clicking the System
icon, clicking the Hardware tab, and clicking on Device Manager. Use this to
check and arrange the properties of hardware.

6. Check any newly installed software. Software may require more resources
than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software
starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it
may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.
Steps in Diagnosing Computer System

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy or

sluggish system. If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program is
consuming more resources than the computer can provide. An easy way to
check this is to use the Task Manager, right click on the taskbar select Task
Manager, and click the Processes tab. The CPU column contains a number that
indicates the percentage of CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage
column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.

8. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making

loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose
the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the
CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its
capacity.
Steps in Diagnosing Computer System

9. Run a virus and malware scan. Performance problems can be

caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can
unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus scanner (such
as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus)

10. Check for the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap
F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the
problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating
system itself is to blame.
Diagnosing Computer Network

Things to look for if a PC is connected to the internet or network:

 First check the cable connecting to the network card into the
network hub.
 Check the back of the computer to see if the network card light is
on
 Check the network cable ( use cable tester)
 Check the network HUB (use multi-tester)
Diagnosing Computer Network

Teacher Demonstration:
The teacher will demonstrate on how to diagnose
Activity: Find Me!

1. Using 4 computers diagnose and check the following parts and

components if it is working or not.
2. Identify the problem of the 4 computers
3. Use the sample table below to accomplish the activity
Activity: Find Me!
Computer No. ______
Problem Identified: __________________________________
Parts/Components Working Not Working

AVR

Power Cable

Monitor

System Unit

Motherboard

Power Supply

Memory

Hard drive
Activity: Find Me!

Presentation of Findings
Reflect…

What are the importance of knowing the

different techniques in computer
troubleshooting?
Reflect…

What skills have you learned from the lesson?

Simple Solutions to Common Problems
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Most of the time, problems can be fixed by using simple troubleshooting

techniques, such as closing and re-opening the program.

It's important to try these simple solutions before resorting to more extreme
measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can then try other
troubleshooting techniques, such as reinstalling the software.

Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right

 If a program is running slowly or otherwise isn't working right, the first thing
you should try is closing the program and re-opening it.
 You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it
up again. Some minor problems will work themselves out when you do this.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right

 Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the
software.
 Checking for updates
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Program is Completely Unresponsive

 If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press
(and hold) Control+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task
Manager. You can then select the program that isn't working and
click End Task.
 If you are using a Mac, you can press Option+Command+Esc to
open a similar dialog box.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Power Button Will Not Start Computer
 If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that
it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
 If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. Often, this will
require you to plug a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to make sure it is
receiving power.
 If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You
may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can
also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it is on.
 If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter
into the wall and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you may
need to wait a few minutes and then try again.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

"Non-System Disk or Disk Error" Message
If you get this message when you boot up your computer, it usually
means there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or floppy disk in your
computer, which is interfering with your computer's booting process.
Remove the disk from the drive and restart the computer.

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Windows Shutting Down Message Will Not Disappear
Sometimes Windows will freeze during the shutdown process. If this
happens, the Windows is Shutting Down message screen will stay
active on your screen.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing
 Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not
blocked. Confirm that there is good air flow around the computer.
 Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.

Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

No Picture on the Monitor
 Confirm the computer is turned on. Check the brightness control,
located on your monitor or your keyboard, and make sure it is not
set too low.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

Monitor Goes Blank Periodically
 You may have the screensaver enabled. If the screen saver is
enabled, just move your mouse back and forth and your original
screen will appear.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

No Sound
 Check the volume control on your computer. In Windows, the sound icon
will usually be on the taskbar, and you can also access the sound options in
the Control Panel.
 Most media programs (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) have a
volume control, which will need to be turned up.
 Make sure the speakers are turned on, if using external speakers.
 Make sure external speakers are connected to the correct audio port or a
USB port. If your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output will
usually be green.
 Connect headphones to the correct audio port and determine if sound is
audible from the headphones.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Searching the web for a solution

 Most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take
some time to find them.
 For very difficult problems, a more drastic solution may be
required, such as reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling programs,
or reinstalling your operating system.
 If you're not a computer expert, it's possible that you could make the
situation worse, so it's best to consult a professional if you think a
drastic solution is needed.
Activity

1. Enumerate four rules in diagnosing computer.

2. Give two things to consider in diagnosing your computer and
explain your answer.
3. Give two Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects.
Explain your answer.
4. In your won understanding differentiate problem isolation to
component isolation.
5. What are the importance of knowing the different techniques
in computer troubleshooting?
Activity: Scenario
Background:
John, a high college student, uses his laptop for online classes, gaming, and
occasional video editing. Recently, he has noticed that his laptop is
performing much slower than usual. Applications take a long time to open,
the system frequently freezes, and he experiences lag during online
meetings. John decides to troubleshoot the issue before seeking professional
help.

1. Provide the following:

- Possible Problems

- Possible Solutions