ACT 123 – BASIC COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR

SECOND SEMESTER

Computer Defined

Computer is general-purpose machine that processes data. The data is

processes according to a set of instructions known as programs. The
computer and all equipment attached to it are called hardware. The
computer is a form of hardware and the programs are known as software.

Hardware Defined

Computer Hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the

digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes
within the hardware.

Basic Components of a Computer

1. Input Devices
A hardware device that sends information into the CPU. Without any
input device a computer would simply be a display device and not
allow users to interact with it, much like a TV. Below is a listing of
different types of computer input devices.

 Digital Camera
 Joystick
 Keyboard
 Microphone
 Mouse
 Scanner
 Web Cam

1.1 The Mouse

A mouse is a small device that a computer user pushes across a

desk surface in order to point to a place on a display screen and to
select one or more actions to take from that position.

Mice first broke onto the public stage with the introduction of the
Apple Macintosh in 1984, and since then they have helped to
completely redefine the way we use computers.

Three Basic Types

1. mechanical: Has a rubber or metal ball on its underside that can
roll in all directions. Mechanical sensors within the mouse detect the
direction the ball is

1
2. optomechanical: Same as a mechanical mouse, but uses
optical sensors to detect motion of the ball.
3. optical: Uses a laser to detect the mouse’s movement. You must
move the mouse along a special mat with a grid so that the optical
mechanism has a frame of reference. Optical mice have no
mechanical moving parts. They respond more quickly and precisely
than mechanical and optomechnical mice, but they are also more
expensive.

Mice connect to PCs in one of several ways:

1. Serial mice connect directly to an RS-232C serial port or a PS/2

port. This is the simplest type of connection.
2. PS/2 mice connect to a PS/2 port
3. USB mice
4. Cordless mice – aren’t physically connected at all. Instead they
rely on infrared or radio waves to communicate with the computer.
cordless mice are more expensive that both serial and bus mice, but
they doe eliminate the cord, which can sometimes get in the way.

Inside a Mouse (optomechanical)

The main goal of any mouse is to translate the motion of your hand
into signals that the computer can use.
1. A ball inside the mouse touches the desktop and rolls when
the mouse moves
2. Two rollers inside the mouse touch the ball. One of the rollers
is oriented so that it detects motion in the X direction, and the
other is oriented 90 degrees t the first roller so it detects
motion in the Y direction. When the ball rotates, one or both of
these rollers rotate as well.
3. The roller each connects to a shaft, and the shaft spins a disk
with holes in it. When a roller rolls, its shaft and disk spin.
4. On either side of the disk there is an infrared LED and an
infrared sensor. The holes in the disk break the beam of light
coming from the LED so that the infrared sensor sees pulses
of light. The rate of the pulsing is directly related to the speed
of the mouse and the distance it travels.
5. An on-board processor chip reads the pulses from the infrared
sensors and turns them into binary data that the computer
can understand. The chip sends the binary data to the
computer through the mouse’s cord.

Mouse Problems and Troubleshooting

2
The Motherboard is the largest component in your PC and the
Central Processing Unit is its brain. But when you input devices go
on the blink, you’ll shut down for a while. When Computer Mice
problems come, we don’t panic as fast when we cannot access our
hard drive.

When you grab your Mouse and either click or roll the buttons and
nothing happens, your computing fun stops. Even though the
mouse is a little input device, you will wish to understand its very
aspect when it dies.

When input device failure occurs, the problem may lie with the
computer’s hardware, the mouse, the OS or the Operating System.

What you should check when mouse failure occurs:

1. NO MOUSE MOVEMENT

First…If the mouse has no movement, first look at the mouse

connection at the rear of the computer. Be sure it is plugged
in completely.

Second…re move the plug and inspect for connectors or pins

that may be broken or bent. The connector is color coded with
green being that of the mouse.

If your mouse uses the USB or Universal Serial Bus connector,

check the connectors for any damage and be sure it is
plugged in.

2. MOUSE STOPPED DURING OPERATION

Should your mouse quit in the middle of computing, save your

work immediately. Press ALT key to access your program and
save your work.

Check connection in the rear to be sure it has not worked

itself loose. If the connection is tight, inspect the mouse
components for dirt.

Remove the retain and trackball inside the mouse. Clean the
Ball with a mild solutions and be sure all residence is
removed. And clean the Ball Cavity with a cotton swab.
Replace the ball and secure it with the retainer.

3
 Connect the mouse to the system unit and boot the computer.
try clicking a program to see if the mouse works. If the mouse
fails, check the device driver for the mouse.

3. MOUSE POINTER MISBEHAVING

This problem may be the result of your computer is affected

by a virus. Use your Anti Virus software to scan your system
for viruses.

A corrupt device driver can also cause the mouse to

misbehave. Check the device driver by opening the Control
Panel, and open System Folder.

Select the device driver tab and use the down arrow key to
scroll down to the mouse. Expand the mouse to see if the
driver is installed.

If you see a yellow icon, the mouse has a problem and you
can try to re-install the device driver. First uninstall the mouse
from Windows and reboot the PC.

After the system reboots, the operating system will find the
mouse and re-install the driver. If you have a wireless or USB
mouse, Re-installing the special software may be in order.

A misbehaving mouse may occur when you install another

device on your system. If this happens, the mouse and new
device may be conflicting with each other by using the same
address.

Unplug any hardware you installed and uninstall any software

recently installed. See if the mouse operates properly.

Use the System Restore utility to set your computer back to a

time when the mouse was working as it should. The Registry
can be the culprit of the mouse behaving badly.

You can connect your mouse to another computer to verify it

is bad. If the mouse works on another system, check the
problems mentioned in the PC’s operating system

MAINTAINING YOUR MOUSE

4
 To keep the mouse performing at its very best, you should
take time to clean the components of your mouse. Regularly
clean the mouse, both inside and out.

Clean the outside of the mouse with rubbing alcohol. This

solution is best since it does not leave any residue. Take time
to clean a small area first, to certain any damage to the
plastic will not occur.

The components inside the mouse to be cleaned are the

Rollers, as well as the Ball. These parts are the most
important to be kept clean and always take great care in
doing so.

Carefully take apart the mouse by turning the retaining ring

counter clockwise to unlock it. Remove the Ball and clean it
with warm water and not alcohol.

1.2 The Keyboard

A keyboard is a peripheral partially modeled after the typewriter

keyboard. Keyboard are designed to input text and characters, as
well as to operate a computer. physically, keyboard are an
arrangement of rectangular buttons, or “keys”. Keyboards typically
have characters engraved or printed on the keys; in most cases,
each press of a key corresponds to a single written symbol.
However, to produce some symbols requires pressing and holding
several keys simultaneously or in sequence; other keys do not
produce any symbol, but instead affect the operation of the
computer or the keyboard itself.

Three Basic Types

1. AT Keyboard has a large AT connector that plugs into the

motherboard, commonly referred to as a DIN-5 (IBM-PC).
2. ATX Keyboard has either a USB or a PS/2 connector. The
PS/2 connector is smaller than the AT and commonly referred
to as PS2 (Mini-DIN-6).
3. USB Keyboard which has a standard USB plug on it.

Parts and Functions of a Keyboard

The key matrix is a grid of circuits underneath the keys. In all

keyboards each circuit is broken at a point below each key. When
you press a key, it presses a switch, completing the circuit and
allowing a tiny amount of current flow trough. The mechanical

5
action of the switch causes some vibrations called bounce, which
the processor filters out. If you press and hold a key, the processor
recognizes it as the equivalent of pressing a key repeatedly.

When the processor finds a circuit that is closed, it compares the

location of that circuit on the key matrix to the character map in
its read-only memory (ROM). A character map is basically a
comparison chart or lookup table. It tells the processor the position
of each key in the matrix and what each keystroke or combination
of keystrokes represents. For example, the character map lets the
processor know that pressing the key by itself corresponds t a small
letter “a” but the Shift and a keys pressed together correspond t a
capital “a”.

A computer can also use separate character maps, overriding the

one found in the keyboard. This can be useful if a person is typing in
a language that uses letters that don’t have English equivalents on
a keyboard with English letters. People can also set their computers
to interpret their keystrokes as though they were typing on a Dvorak
keyboard even though their actual keys are arranged in a QWERTY
layout. In addition, operating systems and applications have
keyboard accessibility settings that let people change their
keyboard’s behavior to adapt to disabilities.

KEYBOARD PROBLEMS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

The keyboard is a simple peripheral and when it does go on blink,

you will be much better off purchasing a new one rather than
considering repairing it, unless the problem is something simple like
a stuck key.

Follow these procedures to resolve common keyboard problems.

Always keep keyboard clean and don’t set anything on the keys.

1. KEYBOARD WILL NOT RESPOND

1st. Restart the computer. this sometimes will resolve a computer
that has froze or locked up during the first boot up. Be sure
nothing has fallen into the keyboard.

2nd. Look behind the system unit and check to see if the cable is
fully inserted into the connector. Check to see if it is in the
keyboard connector and not the mouse connector.

3rd. shut the computer off and remove the cable from the system
unit. Check to see if any pins or connectors have been bent or
broken.

6
 If all pins and connectors are good; Try connecting another
keyboard and restart the computer. if the new keyboard works,
replace the old keyboard.

2. CHECK FOR KEYBOARD ERROR IN WINDOWS

At times, a stuck key on the keyboard will produce error

message. Notice any keyboard errors that may show on the
monitor and look at your computer manual to correct the
problem.

If the new keyboard should fail as well, check the resource

conflicts; click on Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, and
Device Manager Tab in System Properties.

Windows displays your devices attached to your PC. Click the

plus sign and scan the list for the keyboard. If you notice an
exclamation point or a red X beside the keyboard, they keyboard
has a problem.

Now highlight the keyboard, click the remove button, and click
OK in the confirmation window. Close the Device Manager and
restart the computer. The operating system will reconfigure the
keyboard.

3. WINDOWS DID NOT FIX THE KEYBOARD

You have restarted the computer and the keyboard still does not
work. It’s now possible you have a faulty keyboard port. This may
prove true if the second keyboard failed to work on your
computer as well.

Though it rarely happens, an error message will appear if the

keyboard get hot. Stuck keys are also causes of error messages
appearing on your monitor at boot up.

4. POOR KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE

Keeping the keyboard free from dirt and dust, is essential to good
keyboard performance. Liquid spills are common and can be
cleaned with a can compressed air.

Your settings in Windows may also be the culprit in poor

keyboard performance. To check your keyboard performance,
click Start, Settings, Control Panel and Double click keyboard.

7
 On the Speed Tab, you have the option to control the Repeat
Delay, Repeat Rate, and the Cursor Blink Rate. The Repeat Delay
is the delay between the time you press a key and when it
responds.
The Repeat Rate controls just how fast the key repeats after it
begins repeating.

Windows give you the ability to control features of your keyboard

which will boost its performance, allowing you to perform your
tasks quicker.

2. Output Devices
Any peripheral that receives and/or displays output from a computer.
below are some examples of different types of output devices
commonly found n a computer.
1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Sound card
4. Speakers
5. Video card

3. Storage Devices
A storage device is a hardware device designed to store information.
There are two types of storage devices used in computers.

 Primary storage device

A storage location that holds memory for short periods of times.
For example, computer RAM is an example of a primary storage
device

 Secondary storage device

A storage medium that holds information until it is deleted or
overwritten. For example, a floppy disk drive or a hard disk drive
is an example of a secondary storage device.

8
HOW TO CLEAN A COMPUTER’S INSIDES SAFELY

Introduction

Computer fans pull a lot of dust inside the chassis. If undisturbed, the dust
can interfere with ventilation, eventually causing parts to fail. If you have a
service contract that covers maintenance, have your computer taken apart
and professionally cleaned. Otherwise, follow these steps.

Thing You’ll Need

Soft Brushes Soft Rags

Endust for Electronics Dust Masks

Can of Compressed Airs

Steps

Step One: Check your owner’s manual. If the manufacturer has

provided specific instructions follow them

Step Two: Get any supplies you might need: a can of compressed airs,
Endust for Electronics or any household plastic or metal cleaning fluid,
a soft brush (such as a paintbrush) and an anti-static rag, plus a dust
mask if you’re allergic to dust.

Step Three: Shut down the computer.

Step Four: Leave the computer plugged into the surge suppressor.

Step Five: Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.

Step Six: Remove the computer cover (see your owner’s manual for
instructions)

Step Seven: Ground yourself to the computer with any professional

grounding equipment you have. Otherwise, ground yourself by
touching a metal part of the chassis.

Step Eight: Spray compressed air on the fan blades, power supply
chassis, drive chassis and circuit boards.

Step Nine: Gently brush off dust that the forced air didn’t dislodge.

9
Step Ten: Brush any remaining dust out from the bottom of the
chassis.

Step Eleven: Spray Endust for Electronics r another cleaning fluid

onto an anti-static rag.

Step Twelve: Wipe the inside and outside of the cover thoroughly.

Step Thirteen: Replace the cover and reconnect the peripherals

Tips & Warnings

If possible, work in an uncarpeted area.

Be careful not to touch any chips. Touch as little as possible inside your
machine. Static damage (and even oil damage) may cause a failure
months after the incident.

Some sources recommend using a regular or specially electronics

vacuum cleaner. These appliances could cause magnetic damage or
static electricity, or dislodge or inhale poorly secured chips or
components.

10
HOW TO CLEAN A COMPUTER KEYBOARD

Introduction

A grimy appearance is just one reason to clean your computer keyboard. If

dust gets stuck underneath the keys, they might not work properly. And
spilled liquids can be your keyboard’s death knell if not taken care of.

Things You’ll Need

Plastic Keyboard Covers Household Rags

Endust for Electronics Dust Masks

Compressed Airs

Steps

Step One:
Purchase any supplies you need: compressed air (in aerosol can); a soft
rag; Endust for Electronics, or any nonabrasive household cleaning
fluid suitable for cleaning plastic; and a dust mask if you’re allergic to
dust.

Step Two:
Check your owner’s manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific
instructions, follow them.

Step Three:
Shut down computer.

Step Four:
Disconnect the keyboard.

Step Five
Use compressed air to clean between the keys. Spray at an angle to
dislodge dust and grime.

Step Six
Shake loose dust gently out of the keyboard.

Step Seven

11
 If using for Endust for Electronics or another aerosol cleaning fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, spray a small
amount of fluid onto a rag.

Step Eight
Wipe the keys and chassis.

Step Nine
Wait until the keyboard is dry before reconnecting it to the computer.

Step Ten
Reconnect the keyboard and restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

In industrial or other high-dust environments, use a plastic keyboard cover to
protect the keyboard.

If you’ve spilled a large amount of liquid, or if the liquid is sticky, it’s likely
that the keyboard won’t be repairable, although you can certainly try. To be
safest, though, keeps drinks far away from the computer.

If you’ve spilled liquid on the keyboard, turn it upside down after you
disconnect it to let the liquid drain out. If there’s a lot of liquid, or if the liquid
is sticky, wash out the spill with running water. (Do not immerse the
keyboard). Let the keyboard drain for 72 hours.

Do not spray fluids directly onto the keyboard.

12
HOW TO CLEAN THE MOUSE ON YOUR COMPUTER

Introduction

Rubber that rubs off s mouse’s ball onto its rollers and dust rolled in from the
mouse pad needs to be removed periodically.

Things You’ll Need

Computer Mice Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Swabs Paper and Binder Clips

Steps

Step One
Check your owner’s manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific
instructions, follow them.

Step Two
Shut down your computer

Step Three
Disconnect the mouse from the PS2 or serial port.

Step Four
Turn the mouse upside down.

Step Five
Unlock the ball cover ring by turning it in the direction shown by arrow
icons in the plastic. If the mouse has no arrows, push and turn
counterclockwise.

Step Six
Remove the ring and ball.

Step Seven
Rinse the ball with warm water.

Step Eight
Use cotton swab covered with isopropyl alcohol to remove all dust.

13
Step Nine
Carefully scrape the three rollers with a paper clip to remove rubber.

Step Ten
Clean rollers with a swab dipped in alcohol.

Step Eleven
Reassemble mouse when all the parts are dry.

Step Twelve
Reconnect the mouse to your computer

Tips & Warnings

Repeat whenever the mouse stumbles or appears to be slower, or if you find

much rubber on your mouse pad.

14
CHAPTER II. THE COMPUTER CASE

Computer Casing Defined

Computer case (also known as the computer chassis, cabinet, tower box,
enclosure, housing or simply case) is the enclosure that contains the main
components of a computer.

Cases are usually constructed from steel, aluminum, or plastic, although

other materials such as wood, Plexiglas or fans have also been used case
designs. Often made of SECC steel.

Layout

Computer cases usually include sheet metal enclosures for a power supply
unit and drive bays, as well as a rear panel that can accommodate peripheral
connectors protruding from the motherboard and expansion slots. Most cases
have a power button or switch, a reset button, and LEDs to indicate power
status, hard drive usage, and network activity. Some cases include built-in
I/O ports (such as USB and headphone ports on the front of the case). Such a
case will also include wires needed to connect to these ports to the
motherboard.

Case Modding

Is the artistic styling of computer cases, often to draw attention to the use of
advanced or unusual components. Since the early 2000s, some cases have
included clear side panels or acrylic windows so that users can look inside
while it is operating. Modded cases may also include internal lighting, custom
paint, or liquid cooling systems. Some hobbyists build custom cases from raw
materials like aluminum, steel, acrylic, or wood.

Types of Cases

1. Mini Tower

Advantages:

15
 Excellent size which can be placed on top or below of a computer desk.

Disadvantages:
While this case does offer upgradability, it can be filled up much faster
than the Mid-Sized tower.
2. Mid-Size Tower
Advantages:
Excellent case which can fit below and on top of your computer desk.
Plenty of expandability for new devices for businesses, end users, and
advanced users.
One of the most used computer cases found today.

Disadvantages:
None

Recommendations:
This case is an excellent choice for all users and businesses.

3. Full-Sized Tower
Advantages:
Excellent computer for upgradability
Excellent case for a server machine.

16
Motherboard

Functions

 The motherboard takes care of the entire system task in one way or
another. It is a go-between of the system. You find that almost all
components are attached to motherboard in one way or another.
Without the motherboard these system components would be hard
pressed to work.
 As a go-between for the system you want to insure that you buy a
good stable motherboard. Don’t go cheap on this item and get a good
one. The motherboard can make and break a good system.
 When deciding on a case and processors we need to be concerned with
designs.

Designs

Integrated – this design of the motherboard is actually pretty neat and

incorporates most of your components right on the board rather than add in
cards. The bad side to integrated design is that if a component fails you
cannot repair it and the board may have to be junked. This can be an
expensive proposition in the future.

Ex. laptop motherboards

Be aware of a new computer that tends to have many integrated features.

This can be handy but at the same time can cause a lot of headaches. It is
easier to keep everything separate and in its own place.

Non-integrated – this design is what most of us tends to have and is a lot

easier to live with. Most of the components on this board are added in by
expansion cards such as sound, modem, and so on. The good side to this
design is being able to single out one bad component and replace it. But like
the integrated there are a few things that are still integrated on a non-
integrated board you cannot fix. So to be more realistic there is no totally
non-integrated board you cannot fix. If there were it would be much harder
to build a PC.

So when shopping what format should you be connected with? Check out the
next section on formats to get a better idea.

Formats

17
  When it comes to format we all need to pay attention not only to
motherboard format but also case format. The formats used today are
mainly ATX, and the AT. These are the only styles you should worry
about until things change again and there is better alternative.
AT- this is a design that is fathered after IBM and very common. Though
the style is old and not really recommended today. There are many
motherboard manufacturers that still make AT boards for those trying
to save a buck.
Baby AT- The baby AT is a smaller than the AT and is found in many
cloned IBM machines today. Like the AT it is an old style and is slowly
fading out of the ATX.
ATX – this is becoming the standard and a nice motherboard. The
board is modeled after the baby AT design except the board is turned
90 degrees in the case allowing much room for big expansion cards.

Core Components of the Motherboard

 CPU Slot – This slot on the motherboard is used as a Slot 1 or Socket 7

architecture in most concerned with when buying a PC or building. Of
course these are not the only slots available for the PC but are the
most dominant.
 Add in Card Bus’s, PCI, ISA, AGP – these slots make use of the sound
card, Video card, and you common modem. Make sure and buy a
motherboard with at least 1 ISA, 3PCI and 1 AGP slots available.
 Memory Slots – these are commonly found in SIMM (Single Inline
Memory Module) and DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module). Most
motherboards are moving towards the DIMM slot and getting rid of
SIMM architecture. Look for ample amounts of DIMM slots on a
motherboard. Make sure you can add a minimum of 128MB of RAM to
the board.
 Chipset – the chipset come down to what the system can handle.
 Clock
 Ports I/O-some of the most common ports fund on a motherboard are
the serial, parallel, and USB. The USB is the newer member of the
motherboard and is a great step forward.

18