UC-8

Applying Problem -Solving Techniques

to Routine Malfunction
MODULE DESCRIPTION:

• This module defines the competence required to apply

problem solving techniques to determine the origin and
plan for the resolution of a routine malfunction.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the module the

trainee will be able to:
• LO1 Identify problems
• LO2 Determine fundamental/root cause of problems
• LO3 Recommend solutions to problem
Introduction
• One of the first steps in troubleshooting a computer problem
(or any other programmable system problem) is to determine
whether the problem is due to a hardware failure or to faulty
software
• Examples of problems
• Hardware
– Malfunctioning memory modules
– Worn connectors
– Cooling/ventilation issues
• Software
– Driver incompatibilities
– Viruses/Malware
– Construction problems, bugs
Problems have symptoms
Computer problems troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting is:
– the process of figuring out how to solve a computer problem.
– the process of identifying and correcting problems.

Troubleshooting methods

• Starting point for troubleshooting : Some people use their instincts

while others need an advice from other people.
– But let us see a common troubleshooting method.
• If you want to be a good troubleshooter, just follow the procedures
detailed in this slide
Step 1. Gather information
• 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?
Step 2. Check the power and cable connectors

• 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
ESD
• ESD stands for electro static 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
Step 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
Step 4. Restart the computer

• The process of turn your computer completely off using

the "Shut down" function and then turn it back on 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 through the menu option or
the keystroke combination {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
Step 5. Define if the problem is a hardware or software related

• Is it a startup problem?
• Is it windows problem?
• Is it a program problem?
• Is it a device problem?
Classification of problems:

– Startup problem: an error occurs before or during

boot process.
– Windows problem: an errors occurs with windows
system itself.
– Program problem: an error occurs with a specific
program.
– Device problem: an error occurs with a specific
piece of hardware parts
Step6 . Find out the problem and solve it!
• If the problem is hardware related, determine
which component is failing and try to solve the
problem.
• If the problem is software related; determine
which is corrupted or missed and try to solve
the problem.
Step 7. Replacement method

• When you troubleshoot, make one change at a

time is the favorite troubleshooting method.
– If the change does not solve the problem, change
it back to its original state before making another
change.
Common hardware problems and their solutions:

• Mouse • CD-ROM
• Keyboard • Power supply
• Main memory • Sound card
• CPU • Modem card
• Motherboard • Monitors
• Hard disk
1.Mouse

• A mouse is pointing device which selects and moves the

item on the screen. The main goal of any mouse is to
translate the motion of the hand into signals that the
computer can use.
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.
Solution
• Restart the system.
• Plug the new mouse firmly.
• Restart the PC.
• The new mouse will be active.
• Else-use a replacement method.
Wireless mouse
1. Make sure it is turned on and that there is a
power indicator. The power switch for a
mouse is often found on the bottom of the
mouse.
2. Make sure the wireless receiver is within
range and is not blocked by another object.
3. Replace batteries
2.Keyboard

• The keyboard is most useful part of

the computer .
• It can not be thought the computer
without the keyboard.
• It is used in most application as an
input device.
• The keyboard is an integral part of the
computer.
Troubleshooting

• "Keyboard Not Found" Message

– The keyboard is not plugged into the computer
securely. Unplug it and plug it back in and the
problem should go away.
• Key Is Stuck
– If a key does not work or is stuck in the down
position, try to remove it with a CPU "chip puller"
tool. These simple "L" shaped tools are great at
pulling out keys. Once the stuck key pulled out; try
to stretch the spring to "reanimate" its action.
2.Keyboard

• Computer Isn't Taking Inputs From Keyboard

– Ensure that the keyboard is plugged into the keyboard
jack and not into the mouse jack. If the keyboard was
unplugged, plug it back in and reboot the computer.
– If the keyboard still doesn't work on boot-up, power
down the computer and try to borrow a friend’s known-
good keyboard for troubleshooting. Plug the new
keyboard up and boot up the computer. If the new
keyboard works, the old keyboard is bad and needs to be
replaced.
– If the known-good keyboard doesn't work, check the
BIOS to make sure it sees the keyboard. It should say,
"Installed." If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard, then
the problem must be in the keyboard port.
Keyboard is plugged into Mouse Port

– Many mice and keyboards today use a PS/2 connector. If the

keyboard is plugged into the mouse port (or vice versa),
follow the below steps.
– Shut down the computer and plug the keyboard into the
keyboard port. The keyboard port is usually marked with a
"keyboard" symbol. Plug the mouse into the mouse port
(usually marked with a mouse symbol).
– Reboot the computer; the keyboard should work now. If
keyboard doesn't work, check the BIOS to make sure the
BIOS recognizes the keyboard.
– If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard but it still doesn't work,
certainly the problem with the keyboard port
• 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.
3.CPU
• Causes of Processor Failure
– There are two primary causes of processor failure: processor
overheating and voltage surges.
– Overheating is the root cause of more than 95 percent of all
processor failures.
– Voltage surges that destroy a processor are comparatively
rare, but sometimes happen when a power supply unit gets
old enough to send voltage surges.
– Most BIOS settings will let you take the temperature of your
processor at system boot up.
– There are a number of utilities that will relay this information
into Windows as well; in general, if your processor is running
in excess of 60 C (140 F), it's in danger of damaging itself.
CPU
• General symptom of problem on CPU
 The system fails to Boot (start).
– If you boot up your machine and nothing happens – not
even any beeps that indicate a POST test is running --
processor failure is one of two possible causes; the other is a
motherboard failure. You can isolate the possible causes by
opening the case; there are LEDs that will light up when the
power is turned on. If these LEDs are lighting up but the
machine is refusing to POST, the likely cause is a processor
failure.
 Blue Screen
– A "System Abort" blue screen is most likely hardware-
related. Consistently getting a Windows blue screen isn't a
sure-fire indicator of a processor failure, but it's something
to consider.
CPU
 System Starts And Immediately Shuts Down
• This is a failure mode that's more definitively a case of the
processor failing.
• Motherboards have temperature sensors on the processor,
and when the processor exceeds a given temperature range,
the motherboard will shut down to prevent damage to the
processor.
• This is also the simplest diagnostic to confront without
having to do systematic component replacement -- remove
the heat sink from the processor, clean off the old layer of
thermal compound with a razor blade, apply a new layer, re-
seat the heat sink and try again
CPU
• Computer Freezes During Work
– Another symptom set of a processor failure
symptoms happens after you've reached the
operating system:
– The mouse freezes on the screen and the system
becomes completely unresponsive, usually with a
series of short beeps when you attempt to enter
anything with the keyboard.
– This can be a symptom of the central processor
failing -- or it could be symptomatic of the graphics
card processor failing.
CPU

Problem
• Both the CPU and power supply fan work Properly
but the system shows a black screen.
Solution
• The CPU might be damaged. Use the replacement
method.
Causes
• CPU problem Possible causes:
– Overheating.
– Static discharge.
– Bent or Broken pins.
 4.RAM
• General symptom of RAM Failure
– Degrading performance: If you’re computer boots
up, but slowly diminishes in performance through
the day to the point where it slows down to a crawl,
it’s likely you have a RAM problem.
– Blue screen: If you’re computer blue screens and
white text flashes directly after, defective RAM can
be the cause of this issue. It’s a slightly annoying
warning sign because that text flashes so fast you
can’t read it, so it’s difficult to determine any
possible error codes from that.
 General symptom of RAM Failure
• Missing RAM: Windows might show that you have less
RAM than you actually have seated.
• This can usually be solved by re-seating the RAM or
switching the slots the RAM sits in, but if not, this could
indicate that you need a replacement stick.
– Random restarts: When your computer randomly restarts,
that could indicate a RAM problem, too.
• Particularly if it happens almost immediately after your desktop
initializes.
– Keep in mind that random restarting could also be because of
a hard drive or SSD problem.
• It’s also worth noting that sometimes computers just randomly
restart, but if it becomes a frequent thing, that’s when you should
start looking for a problem.
 General symptom of RAM Failure
• File issues: Random corruption of files across your
system could indicate a bad RAM problem, too.
• This can worsen over time and eventually, the file
structure of your hard drive will be compromised to the
point where you can’t boot up the computer anymore.
• Now, the last two above reasons don’t necessarily
mean you have bad RAM
• Crashes during heavy duty programs such as 3D
Gaming, benchmarks, Photoshop, Flash maker, and etc.
• Distorted graphics on monitor.
• Failure to POST or Boots during CPU start up.
General symptom of RAM Failure
• Reasons Behind Memory Problems:
– Excessive heat can cause this problem. Sometimes,
Your CPU may become over heated and cause
RAM or other hardware problems.
– Memory module may have problem
– Power surges also may cause RAM problem as well
as any other component damage
Diagnose RAM on Windows

• Windows actually has a built-in tool for memory

diagnostics.
– You just need to hit WIN + R to launch the tool, then
type mdsched and hit Enter.
• As an alternative, you can use Memtest – a
program with more than a 20-year history that’s
considered to be one of the best tools for testing
RAM.
• If you discover that your RAM is defective, the
only solution is to replace it.
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 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]
 5.Motherboard
• A motherboard is a multi-layered printed circuit board.
• Copper circuit paths called traces that resemble a complicated
roadmap carry signals and voltages across the motherboard.
• Layered fabrication techniques are used so that some layers of a
board can carry data for the BIOS, processor and memory buses
while other layers carry voltage and ground returns without the
paths short-circuiting at intersections.
• The insulated layers are manufactured into one complete,
complex sandwich. Chips and sockets are soldered onto the
motherboard.
 Motherboard Failure symptoms
• Motherboard failures can be similar to the ones the power supply
has,
• Everything powers on but you can't see a live screen
• Computer turns on for just a few seconds then turns off
• Some peripherals work others don't
• System shuts off randomly
• Prolong your motherboard life: To keep your motherboard
running effectively for years, just make sure your computer is clear
of dust.
• Also there are two things that can be done to try to save your
motherboard; these things can be done whenever your BIOS fails to
register a new component and you are sure it's the motherboard:
– Check the cable connections
– Reset the CMOS
– Update the BIOS
 WARNING SIGNS
• In most cases, there are some early warning signs when a
computer part is going bad.
• Here are some things to look out for with your motherboard:
– Motherboard doesn’t recognize/show peripherals plugged in
– Peripherals will stop working for a few seconds or more
– Slow boot ups could indicate that your motherboard is going
bad, though it could be other components as well
– Computer won’t recognize flash drives or monitor sometimes
shows strange lines (particularly relevant if you have onboard
video on your motherboard).
– Motherboard doesn’t POST (Power On Self Test).
– Burning smell or burn marks anywhere on the motherboard itself.
– Bulging or Leaking capacitors
 Reasons why a motherboard fails
• Below are some of the common reasons why a motherboard
can stop working:
– Overheating.
– Fan failure. Dust can accumulate very fast in fans causing them to
fail. Make sure that you clean the fans inside the tower at least once
every year.
– Too much dust in the system. Dust, like heat, can shorten
component lifespan and the motherboard in general. Try your best to
clean the inside of your computer regularly.
– Smoke.
– Accidental drop that subjects components to unnecessary shock.
– Aging.
– Power surges or unstable voltage.
– Force or pressure
 Motherboard… Cont
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
incorrectly or the motherboard failure might
cause this problem.
6.Power related problems
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].
• A very short pulse of energy on a power line. Power spikes
can contain very high voltage up to and beyond 6000 volts –
but usually last only a few milliseconds
– Power surge [for several seconds].
• A power surge is a temporary increase in voltage on a power
line. Surges typically have less voltage than power spike but
last much longer
3) No-enough power

• Possible causes:
– Power sag [for few milli second]
• is a short duration reduction in voltage which can be
caused by a short circuit, overload or starting
of electric motors
– 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
power usage
– Line conditioner
– Stabilizer
– Surge suppressor
– UPS
• N.B ups means Uninterruptible Power Supply. The UPS is
also known as battery backup
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

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.
7.Hard Disk
• 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) or SATA cable.
• Check the BIOS setting for hard drive and CD­ROM 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 or SATA 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 reinstall the operating!" system.
 8-CD Drive
General
• A CD is a fairly simple piece of plastic.
• The CD Drive has the job of finding and reading the data stored as
bumps on the CD. Considering how small the bumps are, the CD
Drive is an exceptionally precise piece of equipment.
• The drive consists of three fundamental components:
1. A drive motor spins the disc. This drive motor is precisely controlled
to rotate between 200 and 500 rpm depending on which track is being
read.
2. A laser and a lens system focus in on and read the bumps.
3. A tracking mechanism moves the laser assembly so that the laser's
beam can follow the spiral track. The tracking system has to be able to
move the laser at micron resolutions.
• The fundamental job of the CD Drive is to focus the laser
on the track of bumps.

Troubleshooting
• The types of problems found in a CD player can be
classified into several categories:
• Mechanical problems such as dirt, lack of lubrication,
wear, worn-out rubber parts, dirty switches, or physical
damage can all cause failure with CD-ROMS.
• Electrical Adjustments; coarse tracking, fine tracking,
focus, laser power.
• Power problems such as lack of 12volt or 5 volt input, or
failure of the power supply can be repaired.
• Bad connections such as broken solder on the pins of
components that are stressed like limit or interlock
switches, or audio or power jacks, internal connectors
that need to be cleaned and reseated, broken traces on
flexible cables, or circuit board damage due to a fall
all can cause failures of CD-ROMS.
• Electrical Component Failure such as a power surge
or a lightning strike may damage components in the
power supply.
• Some common problems are stated below.
 Problem: CD-ROM is totally dead.

Possible causes:
• Bad DC voltage connector from power supply.
• Bad connections or faulty component in power
supply or blown fuse.
• Defective microcontroller.
Problem: CD-ROM is operational but there is no
display or partial display.
Possible causes:
• Burned out back-light bulb.
• Bad connections to display panel (totally dead or
erratic).
• Bad solder connections on display panel.
• Bad power supply.
Problem: CD-ROM ignores you.
Possible causes:
• Bad connections to one or more buttons or sets of
buttons.
• Microcontroller failed to reset properly.
• Missing/bad voltages from power supply.
• Defective microcontroller or other logic.
 Problem: Drawer does not close (or open)
completely.
Possible causes:
• Worn, stretched, oily, flabby, belt.
• Dirty mechanism or gummed up lubrication.
• Foreign object like toy, rock, or runaway disc
blocking drawer.
• Stripped gear or other mechanical damage.
Problem: Gear timing is messed up. Disc is not recognized displaying 'disc', 'error', etc.
Possible causes:
• Disc loaded upside-down.
• Dirty, scratched, or defective disc.
• Dirty or damaged objective lens.
• Loading (mechanical) not completed reliably.
• Damaged lens suspension or damaged lens cover preventing free movement.
• Dirt, gummed up lubrication, or damage in sled drive mechanism.
• Dirty/defective limit switch or sensor.
• Defective spindle motor.
• Spindle table height incorrectly set.
• Bad component in optical pickup.
• Cracks in ribbon cable to optical pickup.
• Faulty power supply, electronics, or control logic.
• Bad connections including missing/erratic optical deck shield.
 9.Modem

General
• A modem is communication device which exchange
information via internet. It is either connected by
telephones line or leased lines.
• Modem is abbreviation of ‘Modulator – Demodulator’.
It modulates the signal goes from the computer and
demodulates the signal coming to the computer.
• The modem may be internal or external. An internal
modem is inserted into the PCI slot which gets power
from the computer and the external modem is just like
a small box placed on the desk and has its own power
cord.
Trouble shooting

• The modem performing poorly.

– The driver for the modem may be a wrong one for that type.
– Reinstall the driver. It will certainly eliminate the problem.
• The modem can’t establish the connection.
– Check the username and password.
– Make sure that the telephone cable is connected properly.
– If the pulse dialling is not supporting then change it with tone
dialling.
– Uncheck the check box against the ‘wait for dial tone.’
• The modem is operating very slowly.
– It may be possible that there is a traffic at the
server-end and it can’t response the request made
by the user.
– The quality of the line may be poor.
 10.LAN CARD

• LAN card – Network Interface Card physically connects a

computer to a network and controls the flow of
information between the computers and the network.

Troubleshooting
• The network is not accessed.
– Check the software installed for the card into the device
manager by opening the property page of the ‘My
computer’. Reinstall the driver.
– Press ‘F5’ key to know the system that something is
changed.
• There are no any computers in the ‘Network
neighbourhood list’.
– Double click the ‘Network neighbourhood’ icon on the
desktop.
– Check the resulting list for computer.
– Click the ‘Entire network’ icon.
– Check the workgroup and the network component installed.
– Check the protocol and client for network.
– The cable may be not connected properly.
– Restart the computer, it may solve the problem.
11.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.
 12.Monitor
Monitor problems and trouble shootings:
General display problem
– Incorrect configuration. [Check the brightness and
contrast control]
– Adapter might not be seated properly in AGP
expansion slot.
– Cable between the CPU and monitor may loose or fail.
– Software related problems.
– Failure in monitors display electronics and in monitor's
power supply.
– Incompatibility between software and display adapter.
• Common symptom: No display.
Troubleshooting
• 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.
– 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 unavailable 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
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.
• Use the replacement method.
Problem
• Still the monitor and computer system Power lights
came on but there is no picture on the screen.
Solution
• Reseat 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.
• Use the replacement method.
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/white 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.
Basics of Printers Troubleshooting

Printer definition
• It is an electro-mechanical device that is used to put information from the
computer onto paper.
• a printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer
and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard size sheets of
paper.
• Printers vary in size, speed, sophistication, and cost.
• In general, more expensive printers are used for higher-resolution color
printing.
Printer Languages
• Printer languages are commands from the computer to the printer to tell
the printer how to format the document being printed.
• These commands manage font size, graphics, compression of data sent to
the printer, color, etc
Printer qualities
Color:
• Color is important for users who need to print pages for
presentations or maps and other pages where color is part
of the information.
• Color printers can also be set to print only in black-and-
white.
• Color printers are more expensive to operate since they
use two ink cartridges (one color and one black ink)
Resolution: Printer resolution (the sharpness of text and
images on paper) is usually measured in dots per inch (
dpi ).
• Most inexpensive printers provide sufficient resolution
for most
Speed: If you do much printing, the speed of the printer
becomes important.
• Inexpensive printers print only about 3 to 6 sheets per
minute. Color printing is slower.
• More expensive printers are much faster.
Memory: Most printers come with a small amount of
memory (for example, one megabyte ) that can be
expanded by the user.
• Having more than the minimum amount of memory is
helpful and faster when printing out pages with large
images or tables with lines around them
Types of printers

1. Impact printer
2. Non impact printer
1.Impact Printer
• Impact printers worked something like an automatic
typewriter, with a key striking an inked impression on
paper for each printed character.
– Examples of impact printer dot matrix printer and
passbook printer
• The dot-matrix printer was a popular low-cost
personal computer printer.
• It's an impact printer that strikes the paper a line at a
time.
• It has a print head that cost as that of the printer
and it has also a heat sink that controls the heat
• Dot matrix mostly used in governmental offices
• It is an old printer that is currently out of use due
to the following three main reasons.
– Highly noisy
– Poor quality
– Very slow
2.Non impact printer
• There are two common types of non impact printers Inkjet
[color] and Laser Jet printers.
• The Inkjet printer uses an ink cartridge where as the LaserJet
printer uses a toner [black powder] cartridge
• Laser jet printer
• Is a common type of computer printer that rapidly produces high
quality text and graphics on plain paper.
• Is a printer that uses a laser to produce an image on a rotating
drum before electro statically transferring the image to paper.
• Is a printer that uses a laser and the electro photographic method
to print a full page at a time.
• The laser "paints" a charged drum with light, to which toner is
applied and then transferred onto paper
TONER CARTRIDGE SECTION
• Toner
– Powdery substance
• Waste tanker:
– It is part of drum unit
– It is a toner hopper for used toner
Laser printer image troubleshooting

Symptom: white image

Possible Causes:
• Opc (drum) problem
• Laser writer problem
• Lose contact to the magnetic sleeve
• Lose contact to the transfer unit
• Out of toner.
• Incorrect software setup.
Troubleshooting
• Replace the toner cartridge.
• Re-install the printer driver. [start> Device and printer
> select" add printer" and follow the wizard]
Symptom: -black image
• Possible Causes:
• Primary charger failure
• Fuser film
• Cleaning blade
Problem
• While printing, the computer displays a message: "
there was an error writing to LPT 1"
Solution
• Check the printer connection.
• Remove and re-attach the cable, then restart your PC.
• Make sure it is turned on and online.
• Check the printer in device manager.
Paper jams or skewed printing

Possible Causes:
• Paper not loaded squarely.
• Too much paper loaded into the tray .
• Mechanical problem that do not allow the movement of
the cartridge such as motors
Solution for paper jams
• Visualize the problem.
• Check the paper feeder.
• Service the entire part of the printer.
THE END!