Test procedures
A test procedure is a set of steps to guide you
through what needs to be done
to thoroughly test the installation. It is designed to
help you work more effectively and
to make sure you test everything that needs
testing.
1. Gathering test information. The first step is to run
the tests required by the
procedure and find out what happens. You should record all the
results of your tests
in a log so that you know which pass and which fail, thereby
requiring further action.
2. Validating the test information. The next
step is to check the data you gathered
from the tests to make sure it is correct. This is usually
done by running the tests
again.
3. Responding to test information. This step is important
because you need to be
able to recognize when a test shows problems or is successful. For
example, if ping
is used to test a network connection then ‘Request timed out’ shows the
test was not
successful.
4. Checking specification. The final step is an important end to
testing. You need
to check the specification for the installation to make sure that it has
been met. For
example, if a user requested an upgrade to make their display run at
1920 x 1200,
then the ICT professionalshould check that the graphics card and
screen can do this.
External Visual Inspection
The external visual inspection consists of a quick
inspection of the exterior of
the computer, the monitor, the keyboard, any
peripherals, and cables. While
performing the visual inspection, make any necessary
corrections.
To perform the
external visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.
2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the
computer, the
monitor and peripherals, and their power sources.
3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly
attached to the
proper connectors on the back of the computer.
For a PS/2-compatible mouse, the keyboard and mouse interface
cable
connectors are identical except for their labels.
For a serial mouse, the mouse interface cable must be firmly
attached
to one of the serial port connectors, and its captive screws must be
secure enough to ensure a firm connection.
4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.
5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port
connectors are
properly connected.
Each of the serial and parallel port interface cables must be firmly
attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as
well as to the interface connector on the device. The captive screws
that secure these connectors at each end of the interface cable must
be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.
6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached to the video
connector
on the back panel or to a video expansion card, and also to the
connector on
the back of the monitor. For proper connection of the video monitor,
see the
documentation for the monitor.
7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious
damage or improper
settings. For proper settings of the video monitor
controls, see the
documentation for the monitor.
8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are
sticking. If one or more keys
are sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all
controls and indicators, and
all user-accessible data storage devices for any signs of
physical damage.
Does the inspection reveal any problems?
Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure in "Removing and
Replacing
Parts."
No. Proceed to "Observing the Boot Routine."
Observing the Boot Routine
After you have performed an external visual inspection as
described in the
previous section, you should boot the system and, while the
boot routine is running,
observe the system for any indications of problems.
NOTE: Most of the steps in this procedure require observation of
system
functions and indications, some of which can occur
simultaneously. It may be
necessary to reboot the system several times to complete all of
these steps.
To observe problem indications during the boot routine,
perform the following steps:
1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the
computer.
2. Check the power supply fan.
Does the fan run normally?
o Yes. Proceed to step 3.
o No. Troubleshoot the system power supply.
3. Watch the <Num Lock>, <Caps Lock>, and <Scroll Lock>
indicators on the
upper-right corner of the keyboard. After all three indicators
flash momentarily,
and following a long pause (approximately 30 seconds), the
Num Lock
indicator should light up and remain on (unless the Num
Lock option is set
to Off in the System Setup program).
Do these indicators flash on and off within
approximately 10 seconds after the
boot routine starts?
o Yes. Proceed to step 4.
o No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the
troubleshooting
procedure indicates that the system power supply is
operational,
troubleshoot the memory.
4. During the boot routine, observe the system
for any of the following
indications:
o Beep codes — A beep code is a series of
beeps that indicates an error
condition.
o System error messages — these messages
can indicate problems or
provide status information.
o Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators —
These
indicators light up in response to data being transferred to or
from the
drives. If either of these indicators fails to light up during the
boot routine, troubleshoot the diskette drive or hard-disk
drive subsystem,
as appropriate.
5. Observe the monitor screen for the Diagnostics
menu
Internal Visual Inspection
NOTICE: Before you proceed with the internal visual
inspection described in this
section, ensure that the user has saved all open files and
exited all open
application programs if possible.
A simple visual inspection of a computer’s interior
hardware can often lead to
the source of a problem, such as a loose expansion card,
cable connector, or
mounting screw. To perform the internal visual
inspection, perform the following
steps:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached
peripherals, and disconnect all the
AC power cables from electrical outlets.
CAUTION: Before beginning to work inside
the computer, disconnect the
power supply from the power source and
the power supply cables from
the power supply.
2. Remove the computer’s right side cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly can get
extremely hot during system
operations. Be sure that it has had sufficient
time to cool before
touching it.
CAUTION: When handling the heat sink
assembly, take care to avoid
sharp edges on the heat sink.
3. Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and
heat sink
assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or
connectors.
4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press
firmly on the
top of each chip.
7. Reinstall the computer cover.
8. Reconnect the computer and any attached
peripherals to their power sources,
and turn them on.
