9

Technology and
Livelihood Education 9
(Computer Hardware Servicing)
Quarter 3 – Module 3:
Diagnosing Computer Systems
(Part I)
Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Diagnosing Computer Systems
First Edition, 2020

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 9
Technology and
Livelihood
Education 9
(Computer Hardware Servicing)
Quarter 3 – Module 3:
Diagnosing Computer Systems
(Part I)
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of
the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you
will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
how to diagnose computer systems. The scope of this module permits it to be used
in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The set of modules was designed and written to help you be familiar with the different
concept and develop the different skills required in the specialization Computer
Hardware Servicing. This module particularly focuses on how to plan and prepare
for diagnosis of computer systems errors.

After going through this module, you are expected to plan and prepare for diagnosis
of computer system errors (TLE_ICTCS9DT-IIIa-g-1).

1. Define PC diagnosing and troubleshooting; and,

2. Identify the common PC problems and their solutions.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What I Know

Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement indicates a fact and
FALSE if not. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers
so that you can be sure whether the problem is in the component or not.

2. When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what

was altered before the problem happened.

3. In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software
or hardware can be found.

4. Troubleshooting a computer can help one learn through the different problems or
faults that can be encountered.

5. An auditory test is unconventional, but it is still an effective way of gauging how a

computer works.

6. Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic

cards.

7. Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time is longer than usual.

8. If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call
for a professional to diagnose the hard drive.

9. Malware in the computer may cause performance problems.

10. Tap F8 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST.

Were you able to get all the correct answers? If yes, then that means you
already know much about our topic in this module.

If not, it is alright. Because that means you will learn something new from
this module.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Lesson
Diagnosing Computer
1 Systems

The most frustrating situation computer users may probably run into are when
startup problems occur. This is when the computer won’t boot. Just the same, error
messages constantly appear during a computer’s startup process are very annoying.

This module will give a few tips on how some of the most common problems that
occur right after the computer is turned on can be avoided.

What’s In

Before we proceed to our topic, let us look back at the previous lesson. This will test
if you remember what you learned about the lesson you have finished.

Activity 1: Who Am I

Identify the computer system error being described. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Nothing shows up in the screen and the LED indicator of the monitor is flashing
in yellow color.
2. It will show the processor brand and/or the motherboard brand but suddenly
stops.
3. When the operating system loads, it suddenly stops and waiting for it to load
may take you a lifetime.
4. All that appears in the screen is a list of files in Command prompt style when you
try to go to safe mode.
5. When the operating system loads, a loading sound can be heard, but suddenly
stops. No sound will be heard when you try to play an audio file.

Did you get them all correct? Great job!

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Notes to the Teacher
This module will help guide the students in becoming familiar with Personal Protective
Equipment and its importance in ensuring safety while working with computers.

What’s New

Activity 2: Unscramble Us

Unscramble the set of letters below to form words related to the lesson.

GAINDOSING BLACES
WHERADAR SE T T
RORRE LIART
CCEHK ROMEMY
TALLSIN STEMYS

Check your answer using the key to corrections.

Were you able to decode all of them? Well done! Let us now proceed to our
discussion.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What is It

PC Diagnosing

Here the basic troubleshooting will be discussed.

Trial and error:

When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers so
that you can be sure whether the problem is in the component or not.

Check cables:

In case of any device malfunction, check all the cables of the computer such as power
cable, data cables and internal circuitry cables. Make sure all these are plugged in
properly and working efficiently.

Hardware settings:

Go through the hardware settings in the CMOS and in the device manager of the
system. Make sure all device drivers are up to date and all the cards are properly
plugged in.

Notice changes:

When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what

was altered before the problem happened.

Event viewer:

In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software or
hardware can be found.

Make notes:

Troubleshooting is a big learning option. Troubleshooting a computer can help one

learn through the different problems or faults that can be encountered. Make notes
of them, including the error messages and their solutions. Having a record on how a
certain problem happened and how it was solved will help in future encounters.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
Common PC Problems and solutions

Let us say you are working away from your computer when suddenly, an error
message comes up – or worse, the computer projects a screeching halt. How are you
going to deal with it?

Here are some of the common computer problems and solutions that can be of help.

1. Check the POST.

POST stands for Power On Self-Test. This is usually the first or second thing that
shows up on a computer after turning the power on. The operating system begins to
load after this appears. The POST will display any problems or faults found in the
hardware which makes the computer unable to boot. The POST may also present
problems or faults in the hardware that may allow the computer to boot, but not to
work at its full capacity during operation.

2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system).

Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time takes longer than usual.

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

Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic

cards.

4. Perform an auditory test.

An auditory test is unconventional. But it is still an effective way of gauging how a

computer works. With the computer turned on and running, play any standard
length audio file (usually above 30 sec). If the audio comes out slow or choppy, it
generally means the processor works at an elevated level, or there is no adequate
RAM to run all programs. Changing the startup sound is an effective way to conduct
this test. Another issue linked to choppy sounds is the PIO (Programmed
Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive functions and writes data from
a drive. Transferring to Direct Memory Access (DMA) permits faster reading and
writing, and can occasionally repair choppy audio.

5. Check any newly installed hardware.

Several operating systems, especially Windows, can have conflicts with new drivers.
The driver may be gravely written, or it may struggle with another process. Windows
will commonly send notifications about devices that cause problems, or have faults.
To check this, utilize the Device Manager. To access this, go to the Control Panel,
click on the System icon, click on the Hardware tab, and click on the Device Manager.
Use this to check and organize the properties of system hardware.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
6. Check any newly installed software.

Generally, software requires more resources than the system can allocate. If a
problem or fault shows after a software initiates, most probably, it is caused by the
software. If the problem happens directly upon startup, a software that starts
automatically on boot may cause it.

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption.

The usual problem is a sluggish or choppy system. If a system is choppy, practice

looking into a program if it is consuming more resources than the computer can
offer. An easy way to check this is by using the Task Manager. Right click on the
taskbar, then select the Task Manager. Then, click on the Processes tab. The CPU
column holds a number that shows the percentage of the CPU being consumed by
the process. The Memory Usage column shows how much memory is used by the
process.

8. Listen to the computer.

If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call for
a professional to diagnose the hard drive. Also, listen to the CPU fan. This should go
on a high speed when the CPU works hard, and can be the indicator when the
computer is functioning beyond its capacity.

9. Run a virus and malware scan.

Malware in the computer may cause performance problems. Run a virus scan
regularly to prevent or detect any problems. Use a frequently updated virus scanner
(such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus)

10. Check for the problem in safe mode.

Tap F8 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST (this is applicable on most
systems). If the problem continues in safe mode, surely the operating system itself is
to blame.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What’s More

To check what you have learned from the discussion, answer the following activity.

Activity 3: Loop the word

Look for 10 words related to our discussion from the set of letter below. Words may
be formed horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even backwards. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

M A L W A R E I N S T A L L V

A U A I J M R B R T Y N E S I

B T I O K Y R O M E M M A A R

D R R P L N O C H E C K M C U

E S T E S T R E D O M E F A S

Were you able to match all of them? Very good! Let’s proceed to the next part
of the module.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 What I Have Learned

Let us have a summary of what you have learned today.

Activity 4: I FILL You

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words/phrase. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. The topic of this lesson is all about .

2. I have learned through this lesson that .

3. The terms / ideas I found hard to understand are .

4. I enjoyed learning the terms / ideas about .

5. I am having difficulty with .

What I Can Do

Activity 5: Let’s elaborate

One of the computer units in the computer laboratory was assigned to you to
diagnose its problem. A classmate reported that the screen suddenly turns black
after the OS has loaded. Your teacher asked you to make a simple 5-step plan to
make a diagnosis of the PC.

Write your 5-step diagnosis plan on a separate sheet of paper.

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Q3_TLE(CHS)9_ Module 3
 Assessment

Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement indicates a fact and
FALSE if not. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. When a faulty component is found in the computer, check with other computers
so that you can be sure whether the problem is in the component or not.
2. When a software or hardware error is noticeable in the computer, determine what
was altered before the problem happened.
3. In the event viewer, the warning or error messages linked to any faulty software
or hardware can be found.
4. Troubleshooting a computer can help one learn through the different problems or
faults that can be encountered.
5. A visual test is unconventional, but it is still an effective way of gauging how a
computer works.
6. Reduced or distorted graphics may indicate hardware or driver failures in graphic
cards.
7. Errors in the hard drive may be present if the load time is faster than usual.
8. If the hard drive scratches or makes loud noises, turn off the computer and call
for a professional to diagnose the hard drive.
9. Malware in the computer may cause performance problems.
10. Tap F7 repeatedly to enter safe mode during POST.
References

Information and Communications Technology: Computer Hardware Servicing, K to

12 Basic Education Program Learning Materials for Grade 9, 2013, First Edition

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region III,

Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)

Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan

Telefax: (047) 237-2102

Email Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph