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Troubleshooting Basics

The document outlines a systematic approach to troubleshooting problems with computers and electronics, detailing a cycle that includes identifying the problem, gathering information, developing a solution, and verifying its effectiveness. It provides practical tips for basic troubleshooting, such as checking cables and restarting devices, as well as methods to speed up computer performance and recover lost data. Additionally, it categorizes common user support problems and emphasizes the importance of documentation and training in resolving issues.

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iradukundaschemaghislaine
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8 views

Troubleshooting Basics

The document outlines a systematic approach to troubleshooting problems with computers and electronics, detailing a cycle that includes identifying the problem, gathering information, developing a solution, and verifying its effectiveness. It provides practical tips for basic troubleshooting, such as checking cables and restarting devices, as well as methods to speed up computer performance and recover lost data. Additionally, it categorizes common user support problems and emphasizes the importance of documentation and training in resolving issues.

Uploaded by

iradukundaschemaghislaine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Troubleshooting Basics

Troubleshooting: a systematic approach to problem-solving that


is often used to find and correct issues with complex machines,
electronics, computers or software.
Troubleshooting Basics
Troubleshooting is a cycle. It starts with identifying the problem.
After the problem is identified, information has to be gathered to
begin defining the causes. Next, a solution is developed and
implemented. Finally, it is verified that the solution worked. If the
problem is resolved, the troubleshooting cycle ends with
documenting the solution. If the problem is not resolved, then the
cycle starts over and the process repeats until a solution is found.
Start

Identify the problem

 Gather infor defining the


causes
No Yes
 Develop a solution and
implement

End
Before calling technical service and paying for
"help," take a look at your computer yourself.
Some checks may help you solve simple
hardware and software problems.
Things You'll Need
1. Restart the computer. Many software problems will correct
themselves when you do.

2. Check your cables. Keyboard not working? Make sure it's


plugged in. Mouse not responding? Make sure it's plugged in.

3. Check the electric power. Plug a lamp into the same power
outlet that's connected to your computer to make sure the outlet is
working.
Cont…
4. Make sure the system unit and monitor are plugged in.

5. Disconnect peripheral devices (such as a printer or external Zip


disk) and restart the computer.

6. Listen for unusual sounds. Is the cooling fan running? Is the hard
drive making noises?
Cont…
7. Look inside the computer for wires/cables that aren't plugged in
all the way or other faulty connections.

8. Start the computer from an external start-up disk, such as the


system software CD that came with your computer.

9. Scan for malware and viruses: Computer viruses and malware


can cause various problems, from system slowness to the inability
to start the operating system.
Cont…
10. Update drivers or the install latest patches

Hardware manufacturers frequently release updated device drivers


and firmware to keep their hardware compatible with technology
changes. If you're encountering a hardware issue, make sure that
the latest drivers for that device are installed.
PC Troubleshooting Guide
There are some basic techniques that you should be aware of them.
If you encounter a slow boot up problem, there are some basic tips
required that can increase the speed of your computer and solve
your PC/laptop problems.
How to Speed up the Computer
1. Windows Defragmenter utility: You can use this utility by
using this path Start > Programs > Windows Administrative
Tools > Disk defragmenter. This is built-in utility in Windows
operating systems and this will automatically analyze the empty
disk space on the hard disk and defragment and all scattered
files.
2. Shutdown Unnecessary programs: By using this path Start >
Run > Msconfig > Startup, you can close/disable all unwanted
programs at the Windows startup and this will automatically
increase the windows loading time and speed of the computer
will also be increased.
Cont…
3. Increase RAM: By increasing the RAM in your system you can
get exceptional fast speed of your computer.

4. Disk Cleanup: By using the disk clean up utility Start >


Programs > Windows Administrative Tools > Disk clean up utility,
you can delete unwanted programs and files from your computer
and this will be helpful in increasing the speed.
Cont…
5. Empty Recycle Bin: When you delete a file or a folder form your
computer it first goes to the recycle bin and it covers the disk area of your C
drive. It is imperative, to delete all the files and folders from the recycle bin
and you will get the space of C drive for reusability.

6. Delete Temporary Files: Delete the temporary files and cookies from
your computer to get the better speed. You can do this like Internet browser >
Settings & More > History> Clear Browsing data > here you can delete all
the temporary internet files.
How to Troubleshoot the Computer?
1. Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your
computer, first of you check it with the other computers so that you
can make sure whether the fault is in the component or not.

2. Check 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 the cables are plugged in and working
fine.
Cont…
3. Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the device
manager of the system and make all the device drivers are upto date
and all the cards are plugged in properly.

4. Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error


in your computer, determine what was changed before the problem
occurred.
Cont…
5. Event viewer: Use the event viewer utility by going to Start >
Administrative tools > Event viewer. In the event viewer you will find the
error or warning messages associated with any faulty hardware or software.

6. Make notes: Troubleshooting is 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
that how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it.
User support problems usually fall into one of the following
categories:
Hardware failure: This could actually be a failed component - a
bad motherboard or hard drive, or it could be a matter of an
unplugged cable, a router or modem that needs to be recycled.

Software issue: This would include the operating system,


something affected by a Windows update, an application update, or
an actual software bug.
Cont…
User-created problem: This is where a user might unintentionally
disable something, change something, delete something.

Training or documentation: Often times there is no real problem,


per se, except for a lack of knowledge or understanding about
something. In these cases, it might be that training is needed or
documentation needs to be updated.
Data Recovery Tips
Accidental loss or deletion of the critical data of your organization
can cause big problems for you and for your company. If you are a
system administrator or a hardware technician and responsible for
your company’s data, it is your duty to equip yourself with the great
system restore and data recovery utilities and if you are empty
handed and you encounter such problems, there can be big financial
loss for your company in case of completely removal of data and
wastage of precious time.
Resolutions
1. Use some good data recovery utilities such as File recovery, Recovery My
Files, and a free utility Handy Recovery.

2. If you are responsible for the data and system administrations, use backup
drives devices and regularly take backups of your server’s data.

3. Use UPS and diesel generators if power failure occurs regularly in your
area because sudden shutdown can crash your server and other systems.

4. Make a clean humid and dust free environment for your server room.
Backup drives devices

UPS
Scenario:
Let's say you're trying to print out invitations for a birthday
party, but the printer won't print.

Problem 1:
Power button will not start computer
Problem 2:
An application is running slowly

Problem 3:
An application is frozen

Problem 4:
All programs on the computer run slowly
Problem 5:
The computer is frozen

Problem 6:
The mouse or keyboard has stopped working

Problem 7:
The sound isn't working
Problem 8:
The screen is blank

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