Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer

Systems
Diagnosing and troubleshooting computer hardware error is a process of
determining the cause of error and applying the appropriate fix to eliminate the
error.

Troubleshooting Techniques
It is best practice that we use all the possible software program like antivirus
diagnostics and utilities in troubleshooting computer defects before we start
troubleshooting the hardware component. Most computer defects are caused by
software, hardware or both, displaying the same trouble such as computer hang, no
display, no sound etc.
Troubleshooting should be done in a logical and systemic manner. It is logical that
we check for software errors before troubleshooting the hardware component.
We say that troubleshooting is systemic when we examine and test first, those are
easy to handle without using instruments like visual inspections and use of software
utilities.

Software Troubleshooting Steps

For any defects on the computer display like computer having intermittent gap
black and others. You may try to follow the steps:
1.Restart the computer by pressing the reset button or pressing the CTRL+ALT+DEL
key simultaneously at least twice (If not OK, do step 2)
2.Use bootable Disk, CD or USB medium to determine if the computer is operational.
If Computer response to any command then the hardware is ok (do step 3), if the
computer does not respond go to the Hardware Troubleshooting section.
3.Use antivirus program (if not cured do step 4).
4.Use utility program (if not cured do step 5).

5.Backup the needed files and documents then re-install a new operating system (if
not ok go to Hardware Troubleshooting section).

Hardware Troubleshooting Steps

1.Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and
prepare the
materials and equipment to be used. You may try
to follow the steps:
2.Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
3.Remove the cover/casing of the computer using the proper
tools.
4.Remove clean and re-insert the memory module
with proper orientation and alignment at least twice (if not ok,
do step 4).
5.Replace the memory module with a known good and
compatible memory module. If this does not work ,do step 5.
6.Remove, clean and re-insert video card with proper orientation
and alignment at least twice (if not ok, do step 6).
1. 6.Swap video card with a known good and compatible video
card (if not ok, do step 7).
2. 7.Remove, clean and re-insert CPU with proper orientation
and alignment at least twice (if not ok, do step 8).
3. 8.Swap CPU with a known good and compatible CPU (if not
ok, do step 9)
9.Replace the motherboard.

What is a Hard Disk Drive?

The Hard Disk Drive commonly referred to as hard disk is the main storage device
of a computer system; it is located inside the system unit. The hard drive is where
we install our operating system, applications, and store your documents.

Types of Hard Disk Drive connection interface

IDE - stands for Integrated Drive Electronics is a 40 pin interface that connects the
hard disk to the mother board.

IDE Hard Drive

SATA

- Serial ATA or SATA connectors are the next generation hard drive
technology, it will replace hard drives using IDE connectors.

SATA Hard Drive

What you will need?

1.Philips screw driver
2.Anti static wrist strap
3.Anti static mat
4.SATA Interface cable
5.SATA power cable or adapter

6.Users system manual that comes with your

computer.

HOW TO REMOVE A HARD DISK FROM THE SYSTEM

UNIT

NOTE: Use the appropriate PPE. For this demonstration we will use
a hard disk with SATA connection interface

Procedure:
1.Shut down the computer, unplug the power
cord from the power outlet and remove the
power cord from the system unit.
2.Remove the side cover of the system unit,
both sides.
3.Disconnect the SATA interface cable from
the hard disk.
4.Disconnect the SATA power cable from the
hard disk.

5.Using a Philips screw driver, remove any

screw holding the hard disk.
6.Remove the hard disk out of the case.

HOW TO INSTALL A HARD DISK INTO A SYSTEM

UNIT
Procedure:
1.Shut down the computer, unplug the power cord from the power outlet and
remove the power cord from the system unit.
2.Remove the side cover of the system unit, both sides.
3.Insert the hard disk into a free hard disk bay.
4.Screw the hard disk into the casing.
5.Connect the SATA power cable into the hard disk; make sure that it is firmly
connected.
6.Connect the SATA interface cable into hard disk; make sure that it is firmly
connected.
7.Put the side cover back into place.

How test if the hard disk is properly installed

One way of determining if you properly installed the hard disk is by checking if the
BIOS have detected your newly installed hard disk.
Procedure:

1.Power on the computer.

2.Press the delete key while the computer is booting up to access the BIOS setting.

NOTE: Refer to your systems manual on how to access the BIOS setup.

1.Go to the Hard disk detection menu.

2.If you installed your hard drive correctly you should be able to see your newly
installed hard disk.
3.If the BIOS is unable to detect your hard drive, repeat the how to install your hard
disk drive to the system unit procedures.
4.Exit the BIOS setting.

How to Install a Hard Disk into the System Unit