Lesson 11 Troubleshooting Core Hardware Fundamentals

Objectives Describe the procedures for isolating failing components. Describe information-gathering techniques that can be used to get more information about a system failure. Describe common troubleshooting tools and their uses. Identify common error codes and suggested recovery procedures. Identify common PC failures and suggested resolutions. Identify common printer failures and suggested resolutions.

Basic Troubleshooting Flow Document the failure. Collect all relevant information. Duplicate the failure. Check for obvious errors. Isolate the failing component. Repair or replace the failing component. Document the resolution. Inform the customer.

Role of Information Questioning users  Open-ended questioning  Closed-ended questioning Documentation  System inventory  Service history  Manufacturer documentation  Commercial press  User groups  Internet

Troubleshooting Tools Screwdrivers Socket Hex drivers Pliers Wire cutters Tweezers Volt-ohmmeter Cleaning supplies Boot diskette Hardware diagnostics IC tool Miscellaneous items

Quick Checks System checks System or device not plugged in System or device not turned on Cable not connected or loose Printer checks Not online Out of paper Out of toner or ink Document in print queue Document paused

POST Error Beep Codes Beep CodeIndicated Error NoneSystem port failure/system did not run POST 1 shortDynamic RAM refresh 2 shortParity circuitry test failure 3 shortFailure first 64 KB RAM or CMOS RAM 4 shortSystem timer failure 5 shortProcessor failure 6 shortKeyboard/keyboard controller/Gate A20 7 shortProcessor virtual mode failure 8 shortVideo display adapter/adapter memory 9 shortROM BIOS checksum 10 shortCMOS RAM register 1 long, 1 shortMotherboard error 1 long, 2 shortVideo display adapter/memory 1 long, 3 shortSystem memory error 1 long, 8 shortVideo display adapter/adapter memory

POST Numeric Error Codes Error ClassIndicated Error 0100Motherboard errors 0200Memory errors 0300Keyboard errors 0400Monochrome display errors 0500CGA display errors ½-inch floppy disk drive errors 0700Math coprocessors (FPU) errors 0900LPT1 errors 1000LPT2 errors 1100COM1 errors 1200COM2 errors 1300Game controller errors. Part 1

Error ClassIndicated Error 1400Printer errors 1700Hard disk driver errors 2400First VGA/EGA errors 2500Second VGA/EGA errors 3000Network adapter errors 4800IBM internal modem errors 7000Phoenix BIOS chipset errors ½-inch floppy disk drive errors 8600Pointing device errors 8900MIDI errors 11200SCSI adapter errors POST Numeric Error Codes Part 2

Common POST Errors Error CodeDescription 0161CMOS power failure, probably caused by a dead battery 0201System RAM test error. Restart to check for transient errors 0301Stuck key, missing keyboard or failing keyboard 1701Hard disk drive not ready or hard disk controller failure ½-inch floppy disk drive or controller failure

Common System Failures Motherboard (system board) Power supply Keyboard and mouse Display monitor Hard disk drive CD-ROM/DVD Memory Modem Adapters Printers

Internal Modem Checks Properly seated Resource assignment conflicts Telephone line Telephone cable

External Modem Checks Plugged in and receiving power Turned on Serial cable attached Telephone line Telephone cable

Common Impact Printer Problems Faint print Streaking Horizontal tearing Missing print/white lines Paper misfeeds

Common Ink Jet Printer Problems Poor print quality Missing dots/white lines Streaking Bleeding Paper misfeeds

Common Laser Printer Problems Streaked/dirty pages Light/incomplete printing Repeating mark or dots Poor print quality Memory overflow Paper misfeed