PC Repair Fundamentals 1

Objectives Learn about tools you’ll need as a computer support technician Learn how to develop a preventive maintenance plan and what to include in it Learn how to work inside a computer case Learn what happens when you first turn on a PC before the OS is loaded 2

Objectives (cont’d) Learn how to approach and solve a PC problem Learn how to troubleshoot a failed boot before the OS is loaded Apply these concepts as you use and work on computers Continually look for additional ways to improve your own skills and provide better service 3

Introduction This lesson helps prepare you to work on computer hardware inside the classroom lab. The lesson stresses the importance of putting safety first 4

A task for you: In your notes, Write down a reason why “safety first” is so important Share your idea with a table partner When directed, the group will share your ideas 5

Overview Basic repair skills Developing a maintenance plan Implementing a maintenance plan Working inside a computer case Following a sequence of events that occur at startup 6

Overview (cont’d) Intermediate repair skills Using common-sense guidelines to solve problems Interviewing a user Determining if a problem occurs before or after boot Troubleshooting and solving a problem of a failed boot 7

PC Support Technician Tools Help you maintain a computer Help you diagnose and repair computer problems Criteria for choosing tools: Level of PC support you expect to provide Amount of money you can spend 8

PC Support Technician Tools (cont’d) Some essential tools: Ground bracelet, ground mat, or ground gloves Torx screwdriver set Recovery CD, DVD, or floppy disk for target OS Store tools in toolbox for PC troubleshooting 9

10 Figure 2-1 Basic PC support technician tools

Recovery CDs Used to boot a system Also used to repair and reinstall Windows Primary recovery CD sources PC manufacturer (preferred) Operating system distributor, such as Microsoft 11

Recovery CDs (cont’d) Some hard drives have a hidden recovery partitions A hidden partition can be used to reinstall Windows A utility for creating recovery CDs may be provided Access hidden utilities by pressing a Fn key at startup 12

13 Figure 2-2 Windows Setup CD and Windows Recovery CDs for a notebook computer

Loop-Back Plugs Used to test various ports Some port types: serial, parallel, USB, network How to use a loop-back plug Plug in the loop-back plug Run the software that comes with the plug 14

15 Figure 2-3 Loop-back plugs used to test serial and parallel ports

Cleaning Pads and Solutions Various types are designed for specific uses Example: contact cleaner Cleans contacts on expansion cards Warning: these solutions may be flammable and/or toxic 16

Cleaning Pads and Solutions (cont’d) Sources of safety and emergency instructions: Side of the can of solution Material safety data sheet (MSDS) Adhere to safety procedures of your employer Example: fill out an accident report (if required) 17

18 Figure 2-5 Each chemical you use should have available a material safety data sheet

Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance Preventive maintenance reduces number of problems Goals of preventive maintenance plans: Prevent failures Reduce repair costs Reduce downtimes 19

Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance (cont’d) Goal of disaster recovery plan: manage failures Some causes of PC failure: heat, dust, spills, viruses 20

When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility Tasks and procedures to prepare for troubleshooting Keep good backups of data and system files Document all setup changes, problems, and solutions 21

When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility (cont’d) Protect the system against viruses and other attacks Always use a firewall (software or hardware barrier) Install and run antivirus software Keep Windows Updates current Physically protect your equipment 22

23 Figure 2-9 Configure antivirus software to scan and instant message attachments and to download updates automatically

A task for you: Consider: How is it different when you are the sole person responsible to computer equipment upkeep than when you are called in for a one-time set-up or repair? When directed, discuss your ideas with the class as a whole In your notes, write one example of these differences 24

Static Electricity Build-up of charge due to absence of conductors Electrostatic discharge (ESD) Due to dissimilar electrical surfaces making contact Only 10 volts of ESD can damage PC components Walking across carpet generates up to 12,000 volts Two types of damage: catastrophic and upset failure 25

Static Electricity (cont’d) Tool and methods for grounding yourself and the PC Ground bracelet, ground mats, static shielding bags, antistatic gloves If working inside a monitor, do not ground yourself 26

27 Figure 2-13 A ground bracelet, which protects computer components from ESD, can clip to the side of the computer case and eliminate ESD between you and the case

How to Troubleshoot a PC Problem Take on the attitude of an investigator Avoid making the problem worse through your own actions Look at the problem as a learning opportunity Ask questions until you understand the problem Believe that you can solve the problem 28

Steps to Solving a PC Problem Key advice: Ask good questions Document the process 29

Steps to Solving a PC Problem (cont’d) Four-step problem solving process: Step 1: Interview the user Step 2: Back up data Step 3: Solve the problem Step 4: Verify the fix and document the solution 30

31 Figure 2-44 General approach to troubleshooting

A task for you: In your notes: In your own words: Write a simple explanation of the chart you just saw 32

Summary Some PC repair tools include: recovery CDs Screwdrivers POST cleaning pads and solutions diagnostic cards 33

Summary (cont’d) Preventive maintenance plans extend the life of a computer Follow an organization’s preventive maintenance plan, or develop one if it does not exist Computers present chemical and electrical hazards Protect components in case from ESD by grounding yourself and the PC 34

Print and Submit your notes 35