TLE-ICT

COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING

QUARTER 3 – MODULE 7

TECHNIQUES FOR DIAGNOSING COMPUTER

SYSTEM

Prepared by:

GLYNEZ L. PRADO
Teacher III
San Jacinto National High School
 In this self-learning module, you will learn the basic troubleshooting which can help
you in fixing basic computer problems. In this module you will be given techniques that you
can use in diagnosing computer systems.

Techniques for diagnosing computer systems

Computer Diagnosis

Sometimes when the problem with a system is not totally apparent and the problem
may be intermittent, using a basic common diagnostic procedure may help determine what is
wrong. This procedure has a number of steps that, if followed each time, can be of help.

Rules in Diagnosing Computer System

1. Know the facts
• Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
• Continuous learning on computer technology.
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
• Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for replacement or
sub assembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
5. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

People ware

• Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.

Firmware
• Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted. Software
• Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail. Hardware
• Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.
• Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers performance.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge)

Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in your computer.

Electricity
Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated; power surges can damage computer units.

Problem Isolation

Problem isolation is a detective work in which you need to determine what is out of the
ordinary by making detailed observation of what is not working normally and record any
information as you proceed. The information you will be able to gather will help diagnose your

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computer. You need to observe wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in
smell or foreign smell, listen to all the sounds, and error codes.

Component Isolation

This section will aid in determining components in your system which are failing.
First, most systems have 3 major components; monitor, system unit, and printers. Some
have multiple external devices. To troubleshoot, you need to isolate major components
which are failing to operate.

Diagnostics Procedure for ATX Power Supply Failure

1. Determine whether or not the power comes on.
2. Check the switch operation with a Digital Volt Meter on the continuity or resistance
setting.
3. Check the pins if the corresponding voltage are properly regulated to the motherboard.
4. Replace the power supply unit if defective.

ATX Version 1.2 - 20 wire motherboard connector

Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 Pin
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3.3V 3.3V Gnd 5V Gnd 5V Gnd P_OK 5VSB 12V

Oran Oran Blk Red Blk Red Blk Gray Purp Yell

Oran Blue Blk Green Blk Blk Blk White Red Red

3.3V -12V Gnd P_ON Gnd Gnd Gnd -5V 5V 5V

Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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 Flowchart for ATX Power Supply Repair

Warning! You must unplug your ATX power supply from the wall before
working inside the case.

ATX Diagnostic chart

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Things to Consider

There are many devices, parts, cords, and connections on a computer, which means
that there are many possible problems that could arise. In addition, your computer uses a
variety of software, which can also cause problems. However, no matter what the problem is,
you can use the following tips to help you find a solution:

• Always check the cables: Many computer problems are related to an issue in
the cables and connections. The easiest first step you can take to troubleshoot most
problems is to check all related cables and connections.
• Isolate the problem: If possible, try to isolate the problem. For example, if you
can't get the cursor to move on the screen, try
to determine if the issue is with the mouse. If
you have an extra mouse, you can alternate
devices to see if the one plugged in is the
issue, or use the arrow keys on the keyboard
to help determine if the mouse is the source
of the problem. When trying to isolate the
problem, only make one change at a time.
Figure 1. An error message

• Take notes about error messages: If your computer gives you error
messages, be sure to write down as much information as possible. If the basic
troubleshooting steps do not work, you may need the information.
• Remember the steps you've taken, or write them down: Once you start
troubleshooting, you will want to remember what you have done, so you do not repeat
yourself. If you cannot remember it, then write it down. If you end up asking someone for
help, it will be much easier if they know exactly which steps you have taken.

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Most of the time, problems can be fixed by using simple troubleshooting techniques,
such as closing and re-opening the program. It is important to try these simple solutions
before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can then
try other troubleshooting techniques, such as reinstalling the software.
Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right

• If a program is running slowly or otherwise is not working right, the first thing
you should try is closing the program and re-opening it.
• You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it up
again. Some minor problems will work themselves out when you do this.
• Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

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 Figure 2. Checking for updates

Program is Completely
Unresponsive

If a program has become

completely unresponsive, you
can press (and hold)
Control+Alt+Delete on your
keyboard to open the Task
Manager. You can then select the
program that isn't working and
click End Task. If you are using a
Mac, you can press
Option+Command+Esc to open
a similar dialog box.

Figure 3. The Task Manager

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Power Button Will Not Start Computer

Figure 4. Resetting a surge protector

• If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm
that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power
outlet.
• If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. Often, this will
require you to plug a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to make
sure it is receiving power.
• If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on.
You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on.
You can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that
it is on.

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 • If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC
adapter into the wall and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still does not start
up, you may need to wait a few minutes and then try again.

"Non-System Disk or Disk Error" Message

If you get this message when you

boot up your computer, it usually means
there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or
floppy disk in your computer, which is
interfering with your computer's booting
process. Remove the disk from the drive
and restart the computer.

Figure 5. The Non-System Disk or Disk Error

Message
Windows Shutting Down Message Will
Not Disappear

Sometimes Windows will freeze

during the shutdown process. If this
happens, the Windows is Shutting Down
message screen will stay active on your
screen. To finish shutting down the
computer, press and hold the power
button for about 10 seconds, or until the
computer turns off.

Figure 6. The Windows shutdown screen

Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing

• Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked.
Confirm that there is good air flow around the computer.
• Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.

Figure 7. Virus Scanning

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Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

No Picture on the Monitor

• Confirm the computer is turned

on.
• Check the brightness control,
located on your monitor or your
keyboard, and make sure it is not
set too low.
• Check the connections for the
monitor and surge protector,
and make sure the surge protector
is turned on. (Figure 8. Cable plugged into monitor)

Monitor Goes Blank Periodically

You may have the screensaver enabled. If
the screen saver is enabled, just move your
mouse back and forth and your original screen will 
appear. You can change the screensaver settings
by going to your Control Panel (or your System
Preferences if you are using a Mac).

(Figure 9. Opening the Control

Panel )

No Sound
• Check the volume control on your computer. In Windows, the sound icon will
usually be on the taskbar, and you can also access the sound options in the
Control Panel. On Macs, the sound options are found at the top of the screen
or in System Preferences.
• Most media programs (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) have a
volume control, which will need to be turned up.
• Make sure the speakers are turned on, if using
external speakers.
• Make sure external speakers are connected to the
correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer
has color-coded ports, the audio output will
usually be green.
• Connect headphones to the correct audio port and
determine if sound is audible from the
headphones. (Figure 10. Adjusting the sound
volume on a Mac)

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Searching the web for a solution

If you still have not found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask
someone else for help. Try searching the web for the problem that you are having, as
other people may have had similar problems. Also, if you have a friend or family member
who knows a lot about computers, they may be able to help you.

Keep in mind that most computer problems have simple solutions, although it
may take some time to find them. For very difficult problems, a more drastic solution
may be required, such as reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling programs, or
reinstalling your operating system. If you are not a computer expert, it is possible that
you could make the situation worse, so it is best to consult a professional if you think
a drastic solution is needed.

I. True or False: Directions: Tell whether the following statements are correct. Write T if
correct, otherwise F.
______1. In Windows, the sound icon will usually be on the taskbar, and you can also access
the sound options in the Control Panel.
______2. You can change the screensaver settings by going to your Control Panel.
______3. Check for over speeding. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked. Confirm
that there is good air flow around the computer.
______4. If your computer gives you alert messages, be sure to write down as much
information as possible.
______5. Most systems have 3 major components; monitor, system unit, and speakers.
______6. There are many devices, parts, cords, and connections on a computer, which means
that there are many possible problems that could arise.
______7. If you are not a computer expert, it is possible that you could make the situation
worse, so it's best to consult a professional if you think a drastic solution is needed.
______8. You must plug your ATX power supply from the wall before working inside the case.
______9. If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press (and hold)
Control+Alt+F2 on your keyboard to open the Control Panel.
______10. If you get the "Non-System Disk or Disk Error" message when you boot up your
computer, it usually means there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or floppy disk in
your computer, which is interfering with your computer's booting process.
______11. If you cannot get the cursor to move on the screen, do not determine if the issue
is with the mouse.
______12. Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

II. Enumeration: Direction: Enumerate the following:

A. Rules in Diagnosing Computer System
1.___________________
2.___________________
3.___________________
4.___________________
5.___________________
B. 3 major components in component isolation
6.___________________

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 7.___________________
8.___________________

III. Directions: Read and answer the given questions below.

1. Why is searching the web is one of the best options if you still have not found a solution to
your problem? (2pts)
2. If you are not a computer expert, what should be the best thing to do?(3pts)

Part I
1. T
2. T
Part II
3. F
4. F 1. Know the facts
5. F 2. Use your common sense
6. T 3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
7. T 4. Proper assembly and disassembly
8. F 5. Factors Causing Computer Failures and
9. F Defects
6. Monitor
10. T
7. System Unit
11. F
8. Printer
12. T

Part III.
1. It is because other people may have had similar problems already and they shared what
steps they did to solve that specific problem over the internet. Tutorial videos are also readily
available through the net.
2. It is possible that you could make the situation worse, so it's best to consult a professional if
you think a drastic solution is needed.
(*Note: Student’s responses should be relevant to the answers provided.)

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 Name: ________________________________________________________Date: _____________
Grade/Section: _____________ __________________________________Score: _____________

I-Fill in the blanks: Directions: Supply the missing word/s or phrases to complete the following
sentences. Select your answers inside the box.

System Preferences Control+Alt+Delete brightness control working outlet

Non-System Disk or Disk Error Message Control Panel Windows is Shutting Down Message
searching the web Option+Command+Esc surge protector

1. To open the Task Manager, you can press (and hold) _________ on your keyboard.
2. In Windows, the sound icon will usually be on the taskbar, and you can also access the sound
options in the _________________.
3. Sometimes Windows will freeze during the shutdown process. If this happens, the ___________
message screen will stay active on your screen.
4. If you get the _________________ message when you boot up your computer, it usually means
there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or floppy disk in your computer, which is interfering with your
computer's booting process.
5. If you are using a Mac, you can press _________ in the keyboard to open the Task Manager.
6. On Macs, the sound options are found at the top of the screen or in _________.
7. Try _________ for the problem that you are having, as other people may have had similar problems.
8. Check the connections for the monitor and ________, and make sure that it is turned on.
9. If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a ____________.
10. Check the ______, located on your monitor or your keyboard, and make sure it is not set too low.

II-Identification: Directions: Identify what is being asked.

___________1. It is a detective work in which you need to determine what is out of the ordinary
by making detailed observation of what is not working normally and record any
information as you proceed.
___________2. This section will aid in determining components in your system which are failing.
___________3. This can easily damage sensitive components in your computer.
___________ 4. You can check the switch operation using what device to test on the continuity
or resistance setting.
___________5. If your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output will usually be what
color?
III-Performance Task: (10 pts.)
1. Complete the given table by filling out the column for possible solution to the given common
computer problems.
Common Problem Simple solution
Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working
Right
Program is Completely Unresponsive
Power Button Will Not Start Computer
“Non-System Disk or Disk Error"
Message
Windows Shutting Down Message Will
Not Disappear

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 Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting
or Crashing
No Picture on the Monitor
Monitor Goes Blank Periodically
No Sound

References:
Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 9
Learner’s Material
First Edition, 2013

Images used:
https://freepikpsd.com/evaluation-png-transparent-images-2/757419/
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-an-introduction/
https://www.vexels.com/png-svg/preview/157931/curved-check-mark-circle-icon
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hands-holding-letters-red-task-2886016/
http://pngimg.com/download/38183

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