Tatenda David Gondwe – 190066

Computer Hardware and Software Examination

Question Two
a) Motherboard components
1) CPU socket.
2) CMOS Battery.
3) RAM memory slots.
4) Northbridge (4 right) and Southbridge (4 left).
5) SATA ports.
6) IDE port.
7) ATX 24-pin power connector.
8) ATX12V 4-pin power connector.
9) Case fan header.
10) Front-panel cable headers.

b) Blue screen error windows operating system

i. Hardware error: Stop error.
ii. Four possible causes of the above hardware error
a. Incompatible or defective hardware or software.
b. Viruses.
c. Improper installation of any hardware program.
d. Faulty memory.
iii. Five possible ways to fix the above hardware error
a. Scanning for viruses and malware. A full PC scan can remove the virus
infection and stop the stop error from occurring again.
b. Checking that the RAM is connected properly to the motherboard.
Most stop errors are Memory module related so checking if RAM is
connected properly and seated firmly to the motherboards and also
checking that compatible RAM sticks are being used.
c. Obtaining updates before reinstalling hardware or software and
Starting the computer in Safe Mode, then uninstalling the previous
hardware or software installed.
d. Checking out the memory and hard drive for any errors. A faulty hard
drive can produce stop errors and this indicates that the hard drive is
starting to wear out and might fail or it may have bad sectors.
e. Running Microsoft Fix IT. This Microsoft tool can automatically
troubleshoot and detect errors and it applies any fixes and this tool is
obtained from the Microsoft website.

c) Back-pane of a laptop
a. Labelling the components A, B, C and D
A. RAM.
 B. Hard drive.
C. CMOS Battery.
D. Wi-Fi card.
b. The component which stores the operating system: B which is the Hard drive.

d) Identifying the following hardware problems and the possible solutions

Hardware Problem
Operating system not found
BIOS time and settings
reset
Blank screen on start-up
Possible Problems Solutions
• The BIOS is failing to
detect the Windows
installation hard drive.
• The BIOS settings are
set incorrectly.
• The hard drive is
damaged.
• The wrong partition is
set active instead of the
right one which contains
the Master Boot Record.
• The CMOS battery is
damaged.
• The contacts in the
CMOS battery’s
compartment may have
become loose.
• Malware infection.
• BIOS chip could be
faulty.
• Connection problems
with the monitor or
screen.
• A graphics card fault.
• LCD failure.
• A hardware fault.
• Checking if the hard
drive is being detected
by the BIOS.
• Resetting the BIOS to
default settings.
• Testing hard drive
problems in the BIOS
diagnostics to see
whether the hard drive is
damaged or not.
• Setting the partition
containing the boot files
active.
• Replacing the CMOS
battery with a new one.
• Checking the CMOS
battery holder contacts if
they have become loose
and if they are, gently
pull the contacts out or
tighten.
• Checking the computer
for malware and
removing it if
discovered.
• Replacing the BIOS
chip.
• Checking the cables and
connections by
unplugging and
reconnecting the video
cables, trying different
cables or trying a
different monitor.
• Switching out the
graphics card.
• Replacing the LCD with
a new one.
• Trying a BIOS/UEFI
reset and checking the
boot order.
No sound
Failure to print a document
• Audio driver is • Uninstalling and
corrupted or reinstalling the audio
incompatible. driver.
• A Sound card fault. • Replacing the faulty
• Audio settings not sound card.
configured correctly. • Checking volume mixer
• Tiny obstacles such as settings in the audio
dust, in the headphone settings of the computer.
jack that may stop the • Cleaning the headphone
headphones from jack with a cotton swab.
working properly.
• The printer might not • Installing the printer’s
have the drivers for it to drivers and software.
perform tasks. • Refilling cartridges or
• Low ink. purchasing new ones.
• Paper jammed in the • Opening the access
mechanism. panel and pulling out the
• Loaded print queue. crumpled paper.
• Clearing the print queue.