Troubleshooting And Maintenance Fundamentals

TROUBLESHOOTING

FUNDAMENTALS

COMMON TROUBLE CHECKLIST Is your computer plugged in? Have you checked all the cords? How about other connections? Unseated cards Do you have ink or toner on the printer? Have you changed a configuration or

installed some software or device lately? USB insertion does not work Boot sequence problem Reboot

COMMON ERROR MESSAGES My monitor is blacked out.

Solution: make sure the monitor is turned on. Try pressing

the power button on the monitor again. Check to see if it is in sleep mode. Wiggle the

mouse around or press the enter key. If the green light is not in front, check the power

cord connecting the monitor into the outlet. If the green li9ght is on, check the brightness level

by using the buttons on the monitor. Check the cable connection from the monitor into

the computer or the equipment that links your computer to the TV monitor.

If you still have some problems, call your help desk.

I don’t have any soundSolution: Check the cord in the back of the

computer to see if the speakers are plugged into the computer. Plug in your speaker cable and then try adjusting the volume control (the speaker icon) on the task bar. Make sure it is not set to mute. Click on the sliding tab should make a sound. Some speakers have a power plug. Check to see

if the power cord to the speakers is plugged in and the power light on the speakers is on.

Double click on the volume icon on the task bar and the volume control box appears. Make sure the mute button at he bottom is not checked.

My machine is stuck and won’t do anything! When your computer locks up and will not respond to either keyboard strokes or mouse clicks, then your machine is frozen. If you are in the middle of running a particular application and this occurs, try the following: Hold down the Ctrl Key and the Alt Key at the same time

and then tap on the Delete Key. You will be given a dialog box. Look and see if you see in parenthesis by the application you are working on the following words. i.e.: Microsoft Word…(not responding) If you see this, then highlight the name of the application by clicking on it and then select END TASK from the choices in the box below. It may take a few minutes to comply. You may see another box saying the application isn’t responding. Click on END TASK and it will shut down that particular application.

If the Control/Alt/Delete combination doesn’t work, then press the power button on your machine for a few seconds until the power is off. Wait till the green light on your monitor turns amber before turning it on again. This will take about 10-15 seconds. When you reboot, windows should be working well again.

CHECKING OF PERIPHERALS Keyboards

Things to check when your keyboard doesn’t respond. If your machine, when booting, gives off a

constant beeping noise, it is telling you that your keyboard is nor connected or not working. Check the plug to make sure it’s connected securely. Try unplugging it and re plugging it again.

If there is no response, check the indicator light on the keyboard. Is it on? Do the lights respond when you press the caps lock or the num lock key? If not, maybe your keyboard is broken.

Is there a key stuck? Gently pry off the cover and clean it with alcohol.

Mouse If your mouse starts acting erratic, it could be

insufficient memory problem. Reboot and see if that corrects the problem.

If your mouse will only move one way, either vertically or horizontally, your mouse may need cleaning. Shut down your machine and unplug your mouse from the computer. Open the underside of the mouse and remove the ball. If the ball is rubber ball, do not clean it with alcohol. Clean it with a soft cloth. There should be no lubricant placed on a mouse ball. Clean the roller in the body of the mouse with a cotton swab that is slightly damp with alcohol. Replace the ball when the rollers are dry and replace the bottom portion.

Optical mouse need cleaning of its bottom every now and then too.

Printer Printer problems come in a wide variety. Here are things

you may wish to check before calling the helpdesk. Any information you collect will give them clues on what is wrong. Check the cables first. Unplug and re plug the printer into the

computer. Be sure the power cable is plugged in and the outlet works.

Check to make sure the correct printer is selected in the Print Dialog box. If you are on a network, you could be sending the output to a printer in someone else’s room.

Can you print from a different application? Does it only occur with a certain application or is it not working with anything?

Can you print a test page directly from the printer with it unconnected to the computer? Each manufacturer has a special series of buttons to hold down for this self-test. Usually the series will be in the user’s manual.

Reinstall the software. Delete the old drivers first.

A Dead PCFirst check the cable. Unplug it from the

computer and the outlet. Re plug in both sides and try booting it again.

Check the wall outlet. Plug something else into the outlet and see if it works.

Turn the system off and wait 30 seconds and then try again.

Reach behind the machine and see if you feel air blowing out of the power supply. If you do, then you know the machine is getting some power.

Look at the keyboard for the indicator lights being lit up as the machine boots. Report observance to the technical help.

Sometimes the monitor has something to do with the system acting up. Unplug the power cord from the monitor and the wall and re plug it. Unplug the cable from the computer to the monitor and re plug it into the monitor. Try rebooting.

Listen to identify a beeping series if there is one, take note of the kind of beep and report it to the technician.

Turn in all observations to the technician who will service the unit.

Networking These are things to look for if a PC will not

connect to the internet First check to see if the cable connecting the

network card into the network drop is connected to the drop and to the computer.

Check the back of the computer to see if the network card light is on.

Check to see if the site you are trying to pull up is at fault by typing in a common URL to see if it will make it out to that site.

Check to see in anyone else’s machine is having problems. If everyone is, then it could be your entire office or household block having difficulties. Call your ISP.

if the internet connection is off in a particular hallway only, a hub connection could be down or bad.

If there is only one machine having problems and the light on the network card is not on, try plugging another machine that works into that drop. It could be that particular drop is bad, or plug the machine that doesn’t seem to work into a different drop to see if it would work there.

Record all the data and call technical assistance.

MOST COMMON ERROR CODES AND MESSAGES ON THE INTERNET

ERROR MESSAGE MEANING SOLUTION

400 – Bad Request The uniform resource locator (URL) is not accepted or incorrect. The server contacted may be non existent or you are not allowed to access this page.

Make sure the URL you typed is correct

401 – Unauthorized These are sites that require authority to enter. In the US some .gov sites will only allow users coming from .gov or .edu to access ot. Otherwise, no access will be granted.

If you have the authority to access a site, i.e. if you have a password, then use it. Carefully and correctly type it to gain access. Otherwise do not access it if you do not have any authority.


403 – Forbidden This page or document is password protected or your domain is not allowed access

Solution is the same as error number 401

404 – not found The server you are contacting cannot find the document or page you are looking for. It may no longer exist or you typed a wrong URL

Verify the URL that you typed. Try again. If it does not work, try other links on the site which are working just to check if the links do work at all


550 – xxxxxxxxxx is not a known user

This means that you reached the site’s email server but unfortunately either the user is not connected there or there is no user under that name

Check all characters to see if you typed it correctly. Try also email address finding tools to verify if the email address is correct.

Bad File Request The form requested is either not supported by your browser or there is an error.

Try another browser to see if the problem is still there. Otherwise, send an email to the webmaster to notify him of this error.


Cannot add form submission result to bookmark list

This error occurs when a save request is issued and try to bookmark the resulting form. This means that even though it is valid URL, it cannot be reused to put in your bookmark list.

The Save As command to save a page may do the trick instead of book marking immediately. The saved form can be opened again after it is saved then you can add it to your bookmark list.

Connection refused by host

The host server does nor permit your domain to enter. It may be password protected too.

If you have a password, try retyping it slowly again checking each character to try to enter the site.


Failed DNS lookup The URL you typed is not valid and cannot be resolved by the domain name system.

Retype the URL. Try also reloading the page. If both does not work, then maybe DNS really does not exist.

File contains no data

The site does not have web pages on it. This may also show when you access the site as it is being uploaded.

Wait for a while as the page is being uploaded. Try again. If it does not work now, try some other time.


Helper application not found

Sound files, movie, clips, graphics, ZIP archive files, or any other type of file you may be trying to download is not supported by your browser.

Sometimes, there will be a dialog box indicating that a helper application is needed for this file to show up. Download this file to allow your browser to support this file.

Host unavailable This may mean that the server is offline or down for maintenance

Try clicking the Reload button on the toolbar. If it does not work, try again some other time.


Host unknown The server you are contacting is not connected or has lost connection. The URL typed may also be incorrect.

Try clicking on the Reload button. Sometimes, there is a lapse in the internet connection. Try also retyping the URL.

Network connection was refused by the server

This is a generic message to say that the limit of the number of people allowed to connect to a server is too busy

Try clicking the Reload button and hope you can connect. If it is not possible, then try again some other time.


NNTP server error NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol) is the predominant protocol used by computers for managing the notes posted on newsgroups. An NTTP server is a part of your Internet Service Provider’s software, so if this error occurs the software may be malfunctioning or the newsgroup does not exist.



Permission denied The site may be busy or FTP is not allowed when you are connected to an FTP Site for uploading or downloading files.

Observe correct procedure for uploading and downloading files. Keep trying to upload or download. Otherwise contact the site’s webmaster to report this problem.

Too many connections – try again later

You may need to wait for your turn since the limit of the number of connections to this server has been exceeded.



Too many users Webmasters may have set the number of users to a website. It may have reached the limit.

Keep trying. Try clicking Reload button on the toolbar. If it does not work, try again some other time.

Unable to locate host or server

The site is either down or under maintenance. Connection to this server may have been lost.

The internet may have an intermittent problem. Check you r internet connection too and try again. Check also if you have typed a correct URL.


Viewer not found This file type cannot be viewed with your browser.

Try getting the viewer or try loading the file using another browser.

You can’t log on as an anonymous user

This is for connection to and FTP server. Anonymous access is not allowed as indicated.

Try again to connect. Make sure you have the correct username and password.

MAINTENANCE FUNDAMENTALS

TIPS FOR GOOD PC MAINTENANCE Keep a backup Secure passwords Maintain your hard disk Clear the cache Update your anti-virus and anti-spyware

definitions Clean up New equipment Changing start-up programs using

mscongfig

Changing PC registry configuration using regedit

Set power saving options Put PC in well-ventilated area Schedule use of computer for its longer

life Move PC only when it is turned off and

unplugged Delete programs using uninstall utility Treat your computer properly

INSTANT PC MAINTENANCE GUIDE Daily

Update virus and spyware definitionsDo incremental backupReboot upon crash

WeeklyDo a full virus and spyware scanComplete backupPatch upUtility suite

MonthlyClean your PCDefrag

YearlyCheck your programsMake a full diagnostic check

TOOLS TO KEEP HANDY Online Tools

Free online anti-virus scanner Example: symantec, mcafee

Free vulnerability scanner This online scanner help you scan your system to

see if there are any open ports that will allow hackers to enter and get your personal data.

Example: Steve Gibson at www.grc.com/intro.htm Internet Connection tests

Speed test PC Health Checkers

Check if there are parts of your computer dying. http://pcpstop.com

http://www.grc.com/intro.htm

Backup Tools Online There may be computers without CD/DVD

writers to backup your data. Xdrive at www.xdrive.com

Downloads of Utilities from PC World Utilities for testing and fixing your PC

Hardware Tools A small paint brush

Used to brush off the dust Antistatic straps

To protect your computer from static electricity Screwdriver

Philips, standard and torx screwdrivers Pliers and tweezers

Help you pick up small items in the computer Compressed air

Blows away dust Handheld vacuum

Gathers dust in your PC

Installed Software ToolsBoot disk

Microsoft and Linux provides a utility to make a boot disks which can be your first way to get into your computer when it has problems.

Antivirus and antispyware Scanning and clean-up of virus and spyware

round the clock of your computerSuite of utilities

Help you monitor the health of your PCFirewall

Keep bad people away from your computer

Other tootsA pencil eraser

The eraser can be used to rub off the dust on the contact points of the cards

pencil/pen and paper To record anytime errors and also configuration

of the computerEgg carton/tray

This will help keep the screws and small parts of the computer in one place.

MAINTAINING EACH PART OF THE COMPUTER For overall health. Doing maintenance

on your peripherals calls you to turn off the power of your PC.

Check also the surroundings of your computer for sources of moisture and dust

Direct exposure to heat ducts and sunlight must also be avoided for your computer

External CasingFor the casing

Clear the case and its ventilation ducts by wiping it with a cloth or using a dust remover.

For the mouse Clean the bottom of the mechanical mouse by

unscrewing the bottom ring to remove the ball and scrape the gunk on the rollers of the mouse.

For the keyboard Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it to

cleat dust and dirt in between the keys. Blast some compressed air to dislodge those hard to remove dust and dirt. Vacuum the in betweens of the keyboard.

For the monitor Clean the screen of your monitor with glass

cleaner and lint-free cloth.For power sockets

Check out what you plugged to your AVR. Reseat them to refresh their connections. Use cable ties to clean up your cables.

For the CD/DVD media from readers/writers Each disc can be cleaned with the moistened

cloth. Start to wipe from the middle going outwards. Do not wipe in circular motion.

Internal partsFor all the insides

Unplug the power cord before you open the computer. Spray the components with compressed air to dislodge the dust gathered.

For daughter cards Daughters can also be cleaned by unseating

them, cleaning the contact points with some isopropyl alcohol and let dry if they are very old. If the cards are quite new, an eraser will remove the dust that gather at the contact points. A small point brush will brush off the dust at the slot on the motherboard on the daughter card.

For the CMOS A computer’s clock that loses time is an indicator

a CMOS battery falling.For the motherboard

Aside from dusting the motherboard, carefully seat daughter cards, battery and power plugs on the motherboard to be sure not to bend it too much. Check the spacers if they are all in place and not corroded too.

For the wires A tie wire or a simple extra wire can tie the

power supply wires to tidy up. By tidying it up, you will be able to clearly see the insides of the computer and do proper maintenance.

For the floppy /CD/DVD drives Check the power and cable connections to see

that they are fully plugged and the wires of the cable is not broken or connected to corroded parts.

ACTIVITY Differentiate troubleshooting from

maintenance. Discuss how you keep your computer up

and running.

REFERENCE Understanding PC Hardware by

Antoinette Marcelo

HOW TO SETUP DUAL BOOT SYSTEM Decide which disk partitions you want each

operating system installed on. Step 2 After deciding which partitions will hold which OS

(Operating System), insert your first OS setup disc and restart your PC.

Step 3 Follow any on-screen instructions provided to

"Press any key now..." This will begin your OS's setup procedure.

Step 4 Follow your first OS's installation instructions and

be sure to designate which partition that OS is to be installed to during setup.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5017430_set-up-dualboot-computer.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

Step 5 Finalize your OS and make sure it is

operating as you intended. Step 6 Insert the installation disc for your

second OS and restart your computer. Step 7 Follow any prompts to "Press any key

now..." This will begin the second OS's setup procedures.

Step 8 Follow the second OS's installation

instructions making sure to pick a different partition than your first OS for installation.

Step 9 Finalize your second OS installation and

log in to ensure setup went as planned. Step 10 Remove all OS setup discs and restart

your computer.

Step 11 After you restart you will be prompted to

choose which OS you wish to log into each time you restart your computer from that point on.

Step 12 Choose an OS you wish to log in to and

proceed to your daily computing tasks.

Tips & WarningsSetting up two separate operating systems

can be a very time consuming task. Be sure to set aside 2 to 4 hours depending on the speed of your computer.

Never attempt to install two operating systems onto the same partition as they will simply overwrite or corrupt each other. For dual booting, always setup you OS from a fresh restart; never from inside the OS itself. Not restarting and installing will simply force an upgrade and waste your time.

Precautions Before creating a multiple-boot

configuration with Windows XP and another operating system, review the following precautions: Before attempting to create a multiple-boot system, be sure to back up your current system and all data files.

Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume. Microsoft does not support installing multiple operating systems on the same volume.

If you have only one volume on your computer, you have to reformat and repartition your hard disk to contain multiple volumes before you begin creating a multiple-boot configuration, unless you are simply installing another copy of Windows XP.

Do not install Windows XP on a compressed drive that was not compressed using the NTFS compression utility.

You have to use a different computer name for each operating system if the computer is on a Windows 2000 or Windows XP secure domain.

Install the operating systems in the following order: MS-DOS Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows MeWindows NT Windows 2000 Windows XP

Note You can only install a single instance of Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me in a multiple-boot configuration. You cannot configure a computer to multiple-boot Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me because each of these platforms use the same boot file. For example, you can use Windows 95, Windows 2000, and Windows XP, but you cannot use Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows XP.

You have to install Windows XP only after installing MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me to prevent these operating systems from overwriting the Windows XP boot sector and the Windows XP startup files.

Education

Troubleshooting And Maintenance Fundamentals