Computer Maintenance Guide

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT 2018
ADVANCED TROUBELESHOOTING METHODS

PART 1 HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying and correcting problems. The best
troubleshooters are usually people who have been exposed to most problems. They
have seen different types of problems and their solutions. Therefore, if they run into a
particular problem, they might see it before and can quickly address the problems.
Most of the solutions are quite simple, so you don't have to be a technical expert to
work with your PC in good condition.
Troubleshooting is the process of diagnosing the source of a problem. It is used to fix
problems with hardware, software, and many other products. The basic theory of
troubleshooting is that you start with the most general (and often most obvious)
possible problems, and then narrow it down to more specific issues. Every technician
[computer users] has his or her own way to troubleshoot. Some people use their
instincts while others need an advice from other people. But let us see a common
troubleshooting method.
POINT 1. GATHER INFORMATION

you can get more detail information about the problem of the computer from the user/
customer that brings to you. So gathering information from the user is more crucial.
Ask the customer the following questions to define the problems:
 Can you tell me something about the problem?
 What did you do to your computer lastly [Before it stopped working]?
 How often does this happen? Have you installed new software Have you deleted
some files?
 Have you added a new hardware device?
 Have you made any other changes to the computer recently?
POINT 2. CHECK THE POWER AND CABLE CONNECTORS

Look for Simple Solutions First
Look for easy solutions before you start to tear apart hardware or run
complex software diagnostic routines. Nothing is more aggravating than
spending several hours running detailed troubleshooting procedures, only
to discover that restarting a computer or flipping a switch is all that was
needed to fix the problem. Some time cable connectors may be affected or damaged
and entry us in many complexity, so it is important to check all power cables. The
thing we must do is:
 Check the power line.
 Check the wall outlet power.
 Check the power sockets.
 Check the cables.
 Is it plugged in?
 Is it turned on?
 Is the computer ready to accept command from the user?
 Open the case covers and Reset chips and cables.
MTU, Information Technology 1 compiled by L.T & A.A

 ESD
ESD stands for electrostatic discharge. ESD happen when two objects of dissimilar
charge (for example, man and the computer components) contact each other. This
charge can damage the computer components like CPU, RAM, Motherboards, cards
and other electronic components.
To prevent ESD, simply touch the metal part of the case (power supply) in every
movement while working inside the computer. Or use anti-static wrist strap.
POINT 3. CHECK IF THE ERROR IS USER'S ERROR
 Because the user cannot print.

 Because the user cannot save the files
 Because the user cannot run application etc.
 If the user is wrong, show him \ her how to use the computer.
POINT4. RESTART THE COMPUTER

This process is called a "cold boot" (since the machine was off or cold when it started).
A "warm boot" is the same except it occurs when the machine is rebooted using
{CTRL+ALT+DELETE}.
NOTE: -Reboot can solve or show the problem. Rebooting doesn't work, try to power
down the system completely, and then power it up
POINT 5. DEFINE IF THE PROBLEM IS A HARDWARE OR SOFTW

RERELATED
Is it a start-up problem?
Is it windows problem?
Is it a program problem?
Is it a device problem?
Start-up problem: An error occurs before or during boot process.

Window Problem: An error occurs with window system itself.
Program Problem: An error occurs with a specific program.
Device Problem: An error occurs with a specific piece of hardware parts.

POINT 6. FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND SOLVE IT!
If the problem is hardware related, determine which component is failing and try to
solve the problem (use advanced troubleshoot process). If the problem is software
related; determine which is corrupted or missed and try to solve the problem(use
software maintenance tool such as clean-up, window update, disk
Defragmentation ...) .
REPLACEMENT METHOD
When you troubleshoot, make one change at a time is my favorite troubleshooting
method). If the change does not solve the problem, change it back to its original state
before making another change.
For example, you may have trouble on your monitor. If you can get another monitor,
attach to your system and try it. If the other monitor works, you know that the
problem is with your monitor. But if the other monitor does not work, change it back
to its original state and try to find other possible causes.
Common hardware problems and their solutions:
 Mouse  Hard disk

 Keyboards  Sound card
 Power supply  Modem card
 Motherboard  Monitors
 Main memory
Mouse problems and solutions

Problem: The mouse may hang up or may not move in the correct way due to dust.
[Doesn’t work properly]
Solution
 Clean the mouse [mechanical mouse]:
 Shutdown the PC.
 Remove the mouse cable from its connection at the back of your PC.
 Turn the mouse upside-down and remove the securing screws from the mouse
case.
 Remove the mouse ball from the cavity.
 Clean the cavity and the mouse ball with proper available materials. [ use dry
cloth]
 Look inside the mouse housing. You will see the two perpendicular bars. Use
your finger nail to scrape along each bar, removing any dirt.
 Reconnect the cable to the computer.
 Turn ON the PC and see that if it is activated.

Problem:
The new PS/2 or serial mouse doesn't work when plugged on the system running
Windows XP.
Solution
 Restart the system.
 Plug the new mouse firmly.
 Restart the PC.
 The new mouse will be active.
 Else-use a replacement method.
Generally for mouse issue:
Check if the mouse is securely plugged into the computer. If not, plug it in
completely.
Check to see if the cord has been damaged. If so, the mouse may need replacing.
If you are using a cordless mouse, try pushing the connection button on the underside
of the mouse to reestablish a connection.
Clean the mouse, especially on the bottom
Keyboard problems and solutions
Problem:
While working on PC, something (liquid) Spilled in to the keyboard.
Solution:
Remove the keyboard cable from its connection at the back of the PC. Do not wait!!
You need to cut power to the device in order to avoid a possible short circuit.
Shutdown the PC using the mouse [start>turn off computer ...].
Tip the keyboard upside down and drain out as much of the liquid as you can.
Try to dry the inside part of the keyboard properly by using blow dryer or direct
sunlight.
Reconnect the keyboard cable to the computer.
Power up the computer and manipulate the keyboard to assure proper functioning.
Problem: Some keys on the keyboard don't work.

Solution
 For the current help:
 Use On-Screen Keyboard. [Win XP]
 To open On-Screen Keyboard: click on Start, point to Programs, point to
Accessories, point to Accessibility, and then click On-Screen Keyboard. Then you
can use the mouse to type any text.
OR
Turn OFF the PC and Remove the keyboard cable from its connection at the back of
the PC.
 Turn the keyboard upside-down and remove the securing screws properly.

 Select the key that you want to remove. Just be careful not to damage the other
key.
 Clean or adjust the sit of the key properly.
 If you remove multiple keys, be sure to return them to their proper seats.
 Make sure· that the keyboard is dry while cleaning.
 Replace the cover.
 Reconnect the cable to the computer.
 Boot up the PC and check that if activated.
Generally for keyboard issue
Make sure the keyboard is connected to the computer. If not, connect it to the
computer.
If you are using a wireless keyboard, try changing the batteries.
If one of the keys on your keyboard gets stuck, turn the computer off and clean with a
damp cloth.
Use the mouse to restart the computer.
CPU problems and trouble shootings:
Problem: Both the CPU and power supply fan work Properly but the system shows a
blank screen.
Solution
The CPU might be damaged. Use the replacement method.
CPU problem Possible causes:
 Overheating.
 Static discharge.
 Bent or Broken pins.
General symptom of CPU
The system fails to Boot (start).
Black Screen.
The system boots, but the operating system (windows) fails to load.
The system locks-up or dies after several minutes of operations.
The system says "hardware monitor error ..... "
General symptom of RAM

The system refuses to do another task until you close some windows program.
Slow down in operation.
The system freezes.
Creates [shows] the ghost and crashes pictures on the screen.
General Troubleshooting
Check the virtual memory.
Check the capacity of your RAM.
Use the replacement method.
Run any memory diagnostic software that is supplied by your computer manufacturer.

Problem:
The system displays blank screen with a long [multiple] beep sounds.
Solution:
The memory is not installed correctly [or the RAM is absent] .
Press the RAM firmly on the motherboard.
Or there's a problem with your memory or motherboard.
Else-Use the replacement method.
Problem
Some PC shows 200 series error any error (from 200-299) code during the
POST(Power Off Self Test) process.
Solution
Any number starting with 2 usually indicate memory-related problem. Check the
memory setting into the BIOS set on
Use the replacement method
Problem:
A PC shows memory size error
Solution
Memory size error always (usually) hap] after memory has been added. Running
BIOS setup program will allow the system recognize the memory and the error should
away. If the system is out of memory, add a memory stick (RAM) to increase the
memory capacity.
Problem
A PC shows memory parity error that halts the system operation
Solution
If you get a parity error message, write down any memory address information that
appears. If the problem occurs again, then the RAM is bad. Replace the RAM]
General power problems
The general power problems can be categorized in three types:

1) Power Quality problem
Possible causes:
EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference] .
Variable rate [frequency] from the power line.,
2) Too much power
Possible causes:
Power spike [for few milliseconds].
Power surge [for several seconds].
3) No-enough power
Possible causes:
Power sag [for few milli second]
Brownout [if sag lasts for longer than a second]
Blackout [a complete of power failure]

Protection against power problems
You can use the following devices for proper

 Line conditioner
 Stabilizer
 Surge suppressor
 UPS
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows your computer to
keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. It also
provides protection from power surges.
A power line conditioner functions as a voltage regulator and line conditioner to
adjust under- and over voltages, maintaining smooth 120V nominal output. Because
optimal voltage is maintained by power conditioning, the life of your sensitive
electronics is extended and they keep working at their best.
A surge suppressor (sometimes optimistically called a "surge protector") is a device
inserted in the alternating current ( AC ) utility line and/or telephone line to prevent
damage to electronic equipment from voltage "spikes" called transients. A more
accurate term for this type of device is "transient suppressor." A typical surge
suppressor is a small box with several utility outlets, a power switch, and a 3-wire
cord for plugging into a wall outlet.
Voltage Stabilizer: is an electrical appliance which is designed to deliver a constant
voltage to a load at its output terminals regardless of the changes in the input or
incoming supply voltage. It protects the equipment or machine against over voltage,
under voltage, and other voltage surges.
Problem
Monitor's power indicator lights but no power lights on the system unit.
Solution
Check the system unit's power connection.
Check your power supply DC volt outlet.
Use a replacement method for power supply.
Check also the motherboard.
Power supply symptoms

 Fan noise sounds rough or louder than usual.
 Fan noise is absent altogether.
 The power supply chassis is unusually hot to touch.
General troubleshooting methods
Check the power cable.
Check the power supply [you can use a Multi- meter to test electronic components].
Check the power outlet voltage.
Replace the power supply unit.
Problem
A PC accidentally reboots or shutdown

Solution
Check your power line.
Make sure that your power supply is rated [watt" to handle all the peripherals that it
powers [30Owatt or above is better]
Check the power supply fan movement. • Use a replacement method.
Motherboard problems and trouble shootings:

Problem
The PC shows 100 series error (any error from 100- 199) code and freezes the system.
Solution
Any number starting with 1 usually indicates system board problem.
Check the system board (motherboard)
Use a replacement method.
Problem
The power supply works properly' but no movement of the CPU fan and the display
shows black screen.
Solution
The system board power connector is plugged correctly or the motherboard failure
might cause this problem.
Symptom: - hard disk failure message on black screen

Troubleshooting :
 Your hard drive is not hooked up right.
 Check the power cable for hard drive.
 Check the data (IDE) cable.
 Check the BIOS setting for hard drive and CD-ROM drive. [usually configured
AUTO]
 Check the jumper (MASTER \SLA VE) setting.
 Else-the hard drive has failed. If you can get another hard drive that works, plug it
in and see if it corrects the problem (replacement method).
Symptom: - boot failure message troubleshooting

Your hard disk can't start windows. It might have gone bad, or you might have a
computer virus. Re-installation of the operating system may solve the problem.
Problem: The PC's hard disk is busy
Solution
 Check the viruses.
 Run the system maintenance·· tasks [disk defragmenter, disk cleanup, scandisk.]
 Is the hard disk's Light indicator [on the PC's front case] blinking constantly? If
so, your PC doesn't have enough memory. So, add more RAM

Problem
On POST (power on self test) routine, the system freezes and shows "no boot device
available" message on the screen
Solution
 Remove any floppy disk from the floppy drive so that the boot process can
continue.
 Check the IDE cables connectors.
 Check the jumper of the hard disk\CD drive.
 You have a bootable Hard disk partition but forget to set it active. [Reconfigure
the hard disk setting]
Problem
Some systems show 1700-1799 error code on the screen during the POST routine.
Solution
Hard disk problems. The hard disk geometry might not be set correctly, or the hard
disk contains a bad controller.
Use the replacement method.
Problem
The system shows "drive not found" or not boot device available" at boot time.
Solution
 Check the connectivity first.
 Check the jumper setting for the HDD\ CD-ROM.
 Check the cable connection.
 Adjust the CMOS setting to 'Auto' detection.
Problem
The system shows "no operating system" or "missing operating system" error message
during boot process.
Solution
 Make sure the CMOS setting detects the hard disk properly.
 The hard disk might have a corrupted or missing, file.
 Backup the data and re-install the operating!" system.
Sound card
Sound card usually built-in the motherboard and is used to give sound through the
speakers.
Problem: No sound from the Computer
Possible cause:
 Software related problem.
 Speaker connection failure.
Solution
 Check your speaker and its connection.
 Check the volume control in the windows system
 Check the driver software for the sound card.

Problem: No sound from the CD drive

Solution
 Check the disc into another system.
 The audio cable connecting the CD drive to Sound card is detached. Therefore,
unplug off] the PC and reattach the audio cable to sound card.
 Run any sound card diagnostic software.
 Use the replacement method.
Modem card
In order to connect· the computer ·to the Internet connection, you must have a modem
card between the motherboard and Telephone line.
Problem: Modem cannot dial and "no Dial tone" message appears on the monitor
Solution
 Check the phone card connection.
 Make sure the jack on the modem labeled "line" is connected to phone line wall
jack.
Monitor problems and trouble shootings:

General display problem
Incorrect configuration. [Check the brightness and contrast control]
Adapter might not be seated properly in II II expansion slot.
Cable between the CPU and monitor may loose or fail.
Software related problems.
Failure in monitor s display electronics and in monitor's power supply.
Incompatibility between software and display adapter.
Common symptom: and Troubleshooting
Problem: No display.
Solution:
 Check the power to monitor.
 Check the brightness control on the monitor.
 Check the data cable between the monitor and the video port on the system unit.
Problem: When the system turns on, it sounds a single beep and shows the disk
activity (light flashes) but the display is blank.
Solution:
 The computer is starting normally but the monitor doesn't display anything. Just
use the following simple method.
Methods
Shutdown the PC [unplug the power cable] and press down the video card firmly,
restart the PC. Is the monitor turned on? If not, check the monitor power connector.
If the problem is on the monitor, use the replacement method.
Also check the connection (data cable) between the video card and the monitor.

Your adapter hardware may not work, so use the replacement method.
Problem
The Monitor shows only one bright vertical line in the center of the screen
Solution
The monitor is unable to drag the ray (beam) to the horizontal side.
There is a -problem on the horizontal section of the monitor circuit board.
This symptom may also be the horizontal deflection' coil or its connection opened.
However, unsolder the horizontal transistor from its board and measure it by using a
multi-meter. [Usually Done by an electronics expert]
Problem: The Monitor shows only one bright horizontal line in the center of the
screen.
Solution
 The monitor is unable to pull the beam to the vertical the vertical side
 There is a problem in the vertical section [vertical IC].
 Cable between the CPU and monitor might fail or disconnected.
 Display adapter fault.
 Supply to vertical section is missing.
 Vertical deflection coil or its connection IS opened.

Problem: The Monitor shows only one bright point in the center of the screen
Solution
The monitor is unable to pull the beam to horizontal and vertical side of the monitor.
Check the horizontal transistor and vertical IC.
Problem: No Power light appears on the Computer (Monitor &. System Unit) and
there is no display on the screen.
Solution
 Check the power line from the wall outlet.
 Check the adapter sockets.
 Check the power cables.
 Check that the system unit's power supply is plugged into the wall outlet (adapter
socket)
 Check that the monitor is plugged into the wall outlet (adapter socket).
 Check the system unit's ON\ OFF switch.
 Check the monitor's ON\OFF switch.
Problem: Still black screen, no power light and no fan sounds.

Solution
Both the system unit and the monitor not getting power properly.
 Is it plugged in?
 Is the wall outlet power working?
 Or Computer's power supply has gone bad
Problem: System unit's power lights, fan sound and no power light on the monitor.
Solution
 Check the monitor power connection.
Problem: Both the monitor's and the system unit's power lights but no picture on the
screen.
Solution
Note: The red power light on the monitor indicates 'no signal’ has been sent to the
monitor through the monitor's data cable, and the green light indicates: that the
monitor has received a signal from the CPU.
 Check if the monitor brightness and contrast is on accurate setting.

 Re-attach the data cable. The data (video) cable that connects the monitor to the
video card may be unplugged.
Problem: Still the monitor and computer system Power lights came on but there is
no picture on the screen.
Solution
 Reset the video card firmly. [Don't forget ESD]
 The video cable (pins) might fail. [So check it]
 The video card might fail. [Replace it]
 The monitor might fail.
Problem: A PC shuts down and reboots without warning.
Solution
 Fluctuation in voltage would cause sudden restart or shutdown.
 Heat problem could cause restart after a few minutes of operation.
 Check the power supply fan.
 Check the CPU cooling fan.
 Check also the thermal compound [grease] between the CPU chipset and heat
sink.

PART 2 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE
Clean up our hard disk
Unnecessary files on your hard disk take up disk space and can slow down our
computer. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and
removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need. Check the
integrity of files and folders and scan the hard disk surface for physical errors.
Consider using them at least once a month and also whenever a sudden loss of power
causes the system to shut down.
Start-computer-select drive(C or D) right click-general-Disk cleanup.
Managing accounts: An administrator account is automatically created when

Windows XP is installed. But in window 7/8/10 request during installation the
operating system to assign admin account but it is no mandatory. For security
purposes, change this name as soon as possible. This privileged account should only
be used to manage the computer — it should not be used as a daily account. People
have accidentally made drastic changes while using the administrator account instead
of a regular user account. Attackers seek out the administrative account because it is
so powerful.
Create a user account when prompted during the installation process. Unlike the
administrator account, user accounts can be created at any time. A user account
has less permission than the computer administrator. For example, users may have
the right to read, but not modify, a file.
Step.Start=>control panel =>Add or Remove user account=>create new account.
Q1.what is the difference b/n user account and administrator account in operating
system.
Q2.what is the difference b/n operating system user account and BIOS user
account?
Q3. What is the difference b/n BIOS security like administrator password, System
password and HDD password describe briefly?

How to update windows?
Start => right click computer => windows Update.
Describe how to manipulate operating system files

After you have installed Windows, you may want to make changes to the
configuration. The following applications are used extensively for post-installation
modifications:
 Start-up folder: Some programs will automatically put a shortcut in the start-up
folder, forcing the program to automatically launch where the computer is on or
log in. This may slow the performance of out computers. To verify if there are
program in start up folder that is automatically launched without our desire, do
the following
All programs=>start-up or
Start=>run=> type ‘msconfig’ then press enter.
 Msconfig – This boot configuration utility allows you to set the programs that
will run at startup and to edit configuration files. It also offers simplified control
over Windows Services.
Start-run-type msconfig-startup.
Manipulate items on the desktop
Once the operating system has been installed, the desktop can be customized to suit
individual needs. A desktop on a computer is a graphical representation of a
workspace. The desktop has icons, tool bars, and menus to manipulate files. The
desktop can be customized with images, sounds, and colors to provide a more
personalized look and feel.
Desktop Properties
to customize the GUI interface of your desktop, right-click the desktop and choose
Properties. The Display Properties menu has five tabs: Themes, Desktop, Screen Saver,
Appearance, and Settings. Click any of these tabs to customize your display settings.
Desktop Items
There are several items on the desktop that can be customized, such as the Taskbar
and Recycle Bin. To customize any item, right-click the item and then choose
Properties.

Start Menu
On the desktop, the Start menu is accessed by clicking the Start button. The Start
menu displays all of the applications installed in the computer, a list of recently
opened documents, and a listing of other elements, such as a search feature, help
center, and system settings. The Start menu can also be customized.
 Appearance and Themes – applets that control the look of windows:

o Display.
o Task bar and Start menu.
o Folder options.
o Task bar.
START-right click-property.
 Remove unwanted application. – remove programs and windows

components safely by using different specification. I.e. Size, last update,
manufacturer etc.
 Step start-control panel-program-right click-uninstall.
 Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options –to change settings based on
your location and language:
o Date and time
o Regional and language options.
 Device Manager
The Device Manager allows you to view all of the settings for devices in the
computer. A common task for technicians is to view the values assigned for the
IRQ, I/O address, and the DMA setting for all of the devices in the computer.
And check all driver in this option if the driver plink yellow there is some
problem .To view the system resources in the Device Manager, use the
following path:
Start - Control Panel -System and security- Hardware and sound -

Device Manager.
Or
Start-computer (right click)-manage-system tool-Device Manager.

Task Manager
The Task Manager allows you to view all applications that are currently running and
to close any applications that have stopped responding. The Task Manager allows you
to monitor the performance of the CPU and virtual memory, view all processes that
are currently running, and view information about the network connections. To view
information in the Task Manager, use the following path:
CTRL+ALT+DEL > Task Manager-end task. OR
Right click on task bar=> start Task manager
Event Viewer
The Event Viewer logs a history of events regarding applications, security, and the
system. These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool. To access the Event
Viewer, use the following path:
Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer.
Upgrading the Operating System
1. Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive to start the upgrade process.
Select Start > Run.
2. In the Run box, where D is the drive letter for the CD-ROM, type
D:\i386\winnt32 and press Enter. The Welcome to the Windows XP Setup
Wizard displays.
3. Choose Upgrade to Windows XP and click next. The License Agreement
page displays.
4. Read the license agreement and click the button to accept this agreement.
5. Click Next. The Upgrading to the Windows XP NTFS File System page
displays.
6. Follow the prompts and complete the upgrade. When the install is complete,
the computer will restart.
Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating

systems
Preventive maintenance for an operating system includes organizing the system,

defragmenting the hard drive, keeping applications current, removing unused
applications, and checking the system for errors.

Create a preventive maintenance plan
The goal of an operating system preventive maintenance plan is to avoid problems in

the future. You should perform preventive maintenance regularly, and you should also
record all actions taken and observations made. Some preventative maintenance
should take place when it will cause the least amount of disruption to the people who
use the computers. This often means scheduling tasks at night, early in the morning,
or over the weekend. There are also tools and techniques that can automate many
preventive maintenance tasks.
Preventive Maintenance Planning

Preventive maintenance plans should include detailed information about the
maintenance of all computers and network equipment, with emphasis on equipment
that could impact the organization the most. Preventive maintenance includes the
following important tasks:
 Updates to the operating system and applications

 Updates to anti-virus and other protective software
 Hard drive error checking
 Hard drive backup
 Hard drive defragmentation
System Utilities
There are several utilities in Windows that help maintain system integrity. Two
utilities that are useful tools for preventive maintenance are:
Schedule a task
Some preventive maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, and doing minor
repairs. Some preventive maintenance uses application tools that are either already in
the operating system or can be loaded onto the user's hard drive. Most preventive
maintenance applications can be set to run automatically according to a schedule.
The task scheduler allows you to create all kinds of automated tasks in Windows.
You can schedule a program to run at a specific time interval, a message to be
displayed when something happens and so on.
You can go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administrative Tools ->
Task Scheduler.
Backup the hard drive

Just as the system restore points allow the restoration of OS configuration files,
backup tools allow the recovery of data. You can use the Microsoft Backup Tool to
perform backups as required. It is important to establish a backup strategy that
includes data recovery. The organization's requirements will determine how often the
data must be backed up and the type of backup to perform.
It can take a long time to run a backup. If the backup strategy is followed carefully, it
will not be necessary to back up every file at every backup. It is only necessary to
make copies of the files that have changed since the last backup. For this reason, there
are several different types of backup.
Normal Backup
A normal backup is also called a full backup. During a normal backup, all selected
files on the disk are archived to the backup medium. These files are marked as having
been archived by clearing the archive bit.
Copy Backup
A copy backup will copy all selected files. It does not mark the files as having been
archived.
Differential Backup
differential backup backs up all the files and folders that have been created or
modified since either the last normal backup or the last incremental backup. The
differential backup does not mark the files as having been archived. Copies will be
made from the same starting point until the next incremental or full backup is
performed. Making differential backups is important because only the last full and
differential backups are needed to restore all the data.
Incremental Backup
an incremental backup procedure backs up all the files and folders that have been
created or modified since either the last normal or incremental backup. It marks the
files as having been archived by clearing the archive bit. This has the effect of
advancing the starting point of differential backups without having to re-archive the
entire contents of the drive. If you have to perform a system restore, you would have
to first restore the last full back up, then restore every incremental backup in order,
and then restore any differential backups made since the last incremental backup.
Daily Backup
Daily backups only back up the files that are modified on the day of the backup. Daily
backups do not modify the archive bit.

To access the daily backup utility on a Windows XP Professional system, use the
following path:
Start -control panel-system and security >backup your computer-set Backup
Restore backup to your computer.
Start -control panel-system and security-restore backup from backup-manage

space-browse-select backup media.
Backup Media
There are many types of backup media available for computers:
 Tape drives are devices that are used for data backup on a network server drive.
Tapes drives are an inexpensive way to store a lot of data.
 The Digital Audio Tape (DAT) tape standard uses 4 mm digital audiotapes to
store data in the Digital Data Storage (DSS) format.
 Digital Linear Tape (DLT) technology offers high-capacity and relatively
high-speed tape backup capabilities.
 USB flash memory can hold hundreds of times the data that a floppy disk can
hold. USB flash memory devices are available in many capacities and offer
better transfer rates than tape devices.
Create Virtual memory.
A computer can address more memory than the amount physically installed on the
system. This extra memory is actually called virtual memory and it is a section of a
hard disk that's set up to emulate the computer's RAM. Change the size of virtual
memory If you receive warnings that your virtual memory is low, you'll need to
increase the minimum size of your paging file. The main visible advantage of this
scheme is that programs can be larger than physical memory. Virtual memory serves
two purposes.
First, it allows us to extend the use of physical memory by using disk.
Second, it allows us to have memory protection, because each virtual address is

translated to a physical address.
1. Open System by clicking the Start button right-clicking Computer,

and then clicking Properties.
2. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings
3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory, click Change.
5. Clear the automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
6. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you
want to change.
7. Click Custom size, type a new size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) or
Maximum size (MB) box, click Set, and then click OK.
How to Clear Virtual Memory?
Start>All Programs>Administrative Tools>Local Security Policy. This will open

up the Local Security Policy options window.
In the left hand pane, click on the Local Polices Folder and then click on the Security
Options folder. In the right hand pane, locate an option titled Shutdown: Clear
Virtual Memory Page file. Right click on this option and choose Properties.
Or
Your virtual memory is free up or clean up automatically during shut down your
system use the following command or steps(through window registry) ..
Virtual memory can be found in the file named PageFile.sys. It is important to clean it
regularly to avoid risk of crash or error message!
Steps to clean the virtual memory;
 Open "run" and type regedit

 Search for HKey_Local_Machine/System/Current Control
Set/Control/Session Manager/Memory Management
 Right click on ClearPageFile At Shutdown and put value to "1"
This will clear your virtual memory each time you shut down your computer.
How to remove virtual memory in our computer?
As we mention the above virtual memory is virtual created by cutting some

amount space from HD and assign to RAM so after a week or a year if we get
physical RAM, We must insert physical RAM and avoid or turn of virtual
ram created before.
Step 1. Click the Start button and right click on Computer and select
Properties.
Step 2. Click Advanced System Properties.
Step 3. Click Settings under the Performance heading.

Step 4. Advanced tab click Change under the Virtual memory heading.
Step 5. Uncheck the "Automatically manage paging file size for all
drives" box.
Step 6. With the drive to disable virtual memory, select No paging file.
Step 7. Select OK for the menus.
Step 8. Select Restart Now to apply the changes and disable virtual
memory.
How to fix wired connection in our computer?
Computer networks equip computers and other electronic devices to exchange data. It
is what allows you to connect to the internet, send emails, print wirelessly, and share
files. If they are experiencing problems connecting to a computer network, you can
try to fix, bypass, or troubleshoot common issues yourself before consulting a tech
expert or check hardware component.
Step1.click starts and type cmd and enters.
Step 2. Diagnosing IP Addressing Problems type in cmd ipconfig and check the
computer assign Ip address or not.
Step 4.if the computer have ip address type ping-[server address e.g 8.8.8.8]-enter if
Step5. Fixing IP Addressing Issue.
A.start-control panel-network and sharing center-change adapter setting-right click

local area connection-Diagnose or Disable then enable.
B a.start-control panel-network and sharing center-change adapter setting-right click
local area connection-property-double click internet protocol version 4-select use the
following ip address and fill ip address statically then ok.
Alarm shut down.
Create a shutdown timer for Windows
To create a shutdown timer manually, open Command Prompt and type the command
shutdown -s -t XXXX. The "XXXX" should be the time in seconds you want to elapse before
the computer shuts down. For instance, if you want the computer to shut down in 2 hours, the
command should look like shutdown -s -t 7200.

OR
Start-Run->type this command shutdown –s –t XXX.
XXX is seconds.
Or
Open your PC's Start menu.

Type c o m m a n d p r o m p t into the "Search" field.
Right-click Command Prompt.
Click RUN as administrator.
Type s h u t d o w n – s - t X X X into Command Prompt.
Q4.how to shut down our computer by using bat files?
Disk defragmentation
In order to understand why defragging works, it is important to understand how

data is stored on your hard drive. When data, such as a file, is stored on a hard
drive the operating system attempts to store that file in one section of contiguous,
locations that are connecting without a break, space. When you have a new hard
drive, storing data in contiguous spaces is not a problem. As you use the hard
drive, though, files will be deleted from it and small pockets of space will be
created on your hard drive.
To solve this problem, software developers developed a type of program called a

Disk Defragmenter. A defragmenter is an application that reorganizes the data on
your hard drive's partitions in such a manner that the files are stored in as much
contiguous space as possible. The defragmenter will search your hard drive
partition and move data from one location to another location, so that the files
stored there are one contiguous piece, instead of being spread throughout multiple
locations on the hard drive's partition. This allows the programs and data to run
more efficiently and quickly as the operating system does not have to read from
multiple locations.
Start-computer-select drive(C or D) right click -tool=>Defragment now.

How to hide or unhide folders and files
The main advantage of hiding using the attrib command is that when we click on the
show hidden files option in Windows then the file or folder isn't shown.
For hiding files and folders we need to use a procedure.
Step 1: Open the command prompt.
Step 2: Now go to the drive where your folder is stored in the drive. Let's use my new
folder (A) stored in the E: drive then I type:
E.g. E: Then press Enter as in the following,
Step 3: Now to hide the folder we need to type in the following command:
E:(drive_name where your folder exist) attrib folder name +s +h +r
Now you see the advantage of this command. Open your drive and check that your
destination folder will not be there since it is now hidden.
Step 4: Now type in the following command to unhide the folder:
E :( drive name where your folder exist) attrib folder name -s -h –r.
Or
Alt+R+right click-hide or read only.
How to enable or disable the Microsoft Windows Firewall?
The Windows Firewall is designed to help keep unauthorized users from accessing
files and resources on your computer. A firewall is a must-have if you're concerned
about your computer's safety.
Unfortunately, the Windows Firewall is far from perfect and can sometimes cause
more harm than good, especially if there is another firewall program installed.
Don't disable the Windows Firewall unless you have a good reason but if you have
another security program performing the same functions, feel free.
Follow the few steps below to disable the Windows Firewall in any version of
Windows.

Open Control Panel

Select the System and Security link.
Choose Windows Firewall.
On the left side of the Windows Firewall screen, select Turn Windows Firewall on
or off.
Select the bubble next to Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended).
Click or tap the OK button to save the changes.
WINDOWS REGISTRY,SOME BASIC UNDERSTANDING

The window registry is a central database of all configuration settings for most of the
applications installed on the computer. Windows stores all its settings in this
“Registry” itself. The Windows Registry Editor allows us to configure many hidden
settings for windows and other applications installed, which are not accessible by the
interface of the particular software itself. You can easily manipulate and modify the
values of registry and improve the PC’s performance. However, do it carefully,
because modify the right setting and your computer gets a boost, modify the wrong
one and you end up with a non-booting system
To edit registry, we can use “Windows Registry Editor”, which is preinstalled in
Windows itself. It can be launched by using the command “regedit” in the “RUN”
dialog box, which can be launched by pressing “Windows key+R”. On start-up,
“Windows Registry” will show up the following five root entries.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_USERS
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
All the settings given above are not stored in a single file. They are spread across
multiple files in logical groups called “hives”. The combination of hives makes
“Windows Registry” . The values are stored here in binary format. That means only
“1” and “0” is used here. “1” means “yes”, whereas the value “0” represents
“no”. Let us
look into the details of these settings.
1.HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT: It is abbreviated as HKCR. This part of registry is used
for storing file associations and information about the applications registered for
handling different data types.
2.HKEY_CURRENT_USER:This is abbreviated as HKCU. This sub-tree contains the
user profile for the user who is currently logged on. This profile contains environment
variables, personal program groups, desktop settings, network connection,
application preference etc. a new HKEY_CURRENT_USER sub-tree is created each
time a user logs on. The data for this sub-tree comes from the profile of current user.
This sub-tree provides easier access to the data. The values can be viewed and
changed accordingly to your desire.
3.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE:It is abbreviated as KHLM. This sub-tree contains
information about local computer system, including hardware and operating system

info, such as “bus type, system memory, device driver etc..”. The settings in this
section are arranged as “Company/Product/Version” format. Thus settings for
Microsoft‟sown applications will be found in “HKLM-Software-Microsoft”. The
settings can be modified accordingly.
4.HKEY_USERS:This key contains the configuration of each user. It has one sub-key
for each user after the user‟s “Security ID”(SID).
5.HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG:This part of Registry contains the information that is
generated during the runtime. Apart from the command “regedit”, advanced registry
modification can be done using the “Microsoft Management Console”, which can be
launched by using the command “mmc” in Run dialog box. In addition, you can
launch „Group Policy Editor‟ by using the command “gpedit.mmc”. This allows
you to configure your computer‟s “policies” such as password strength restriction
etc.
Editing the Registry
The Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE) is included with most version of Windows
(although you won't find it on the Start Menu) it enables you to view, search and edit
the data within the Registry. There are several methods for starting the Registry Editor,
the simplest is to click on the Start button, then select Run, and in the Open box type
"regedit", and if the Registry Editor is installed it should now open and look like the
image below.
An alternative Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) is available for use with Windows
NT/2000/XP, it includes some additional features not found in the standard version,
including; the ability to view and modify security permissions, and being able to
create and modify the extended string values REG_EXPAND_SZ &
REG_MULTI_SZ.
Cleaning the Registry
Although it's possible to manually go through the Registry and delete unwanted
entries, Microsoft provides a tool to automate the process, the program is called
RegClean. RegClean analyzes Windows Registry keys stored in a common location in
the Windows Registry. It finds keys that contain erroneous values, it removes them
from the Windows Registry after having recording those entries in the Undo.Reg file.
At last I would like to say that Windows Registry is a very vast database. Do not
modify or manipulate anything, if you exactly don’t know what you are doing!
Computer maintenance is an expert what we govern through our life. Means you can’t
make you self as a man that have more experience it needs repetitively trial. What I
have raised in this is not more enough you must have reach more information from
internet and have knowledge of computer maintenance and troubleshoot/

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COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT 2018

ADVANCED TROUBELESHOOTING METHODS

POINT 1. GATHER INFORMATION

POINT 2. CHECK THE POWER AND CABLE CONNECTORS

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POINT 3. CHECK IF THE ERROR IS USER'S ERROR

 Because the user cannot print.

POINT4. RESTART THE COMPUTER

POINT 5. DEFINE IF THE PROBLEM IS A HARDWARE OR SOFTW

Start-up problem: An error occurs before or during boot process.

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POINT 6. FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND SOLVE IT!

Common hardware problems and their solutions:

 Mouse  Hard disk

Mouse problems and solutions

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Keyboard problems and solutions

Problem: Some keys on the keyboard don't work.

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CPU problems and trouble shootings:

General symptom of RAM

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General power problems

The general power problems can be categorized in three types:

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Protection against power problems

You can use the following devices for proper

Power supply symptoms

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Motherboard problems and trouble shootings:

Symptom: - hard disk failure message on black screen

Symptom: - boot failure message troubleshooting

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Problem: No sound from the CD drive

Monitor problems and trouble shootings:

Common symptom: and Troubleshooting

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Problem: Still black screen, no power light and no fan sounds.

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PART 2 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

Clean up our hard disk

Start-computer-select drive(C or D) right click-general-Disk cleanup.

Managing accounts: An administrator account is automatically created when

Step.Start=>control panel =>Add or Remove user account=>create new account.

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How to update windows?

Start => right click computer => windows Update.

Describe how to manipulate operating system files

Manipulate items on the desktop

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 Appearance and Themes – applets that control the look of windows:

 Remove unwanted application. – remove programs and windows

 Step start-control panel-program-right click-uninstall.

Start - Control Panel -System and security- Hardware and sound -

Start-computer (right click)-manage-system tool-Device Manager.

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CTRL+ALT+DEL > Task Manager-end task. OR

Right click on task bar=> start Task manager

Upgrading the Operating System

1. Open System by clicking the Start button right-clicking Computer,