hardware troubleshooting Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the first step in the general troubleshooting process?
Identify the problem: Gather information from user, identify symptoms
Understanding the symptoms is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
What does ‘Establish a theory’ involve in troubleshooting?
Consider probable causes based on symptoms
This step is about hypothesizing potential reasons for the issues identified.
What is the purpose of the ‘Test the theory’ step?
Confirm the cause of the problem
Testing helps validate or refute the initial hypothesis.
What should be included in the ‘Document findings’ step?
Record problem, solution, and steps taken
Documentation helps in future troubleshooting and knowledge sharing.
Fill in the blank: Always back up data before making _______.
changes
Data backup is a critical precaution in troubleshooting.
What are common checks for power issues during troubleshooting?
- Check wall outlet
- Check power cable
- Check PSU switch
These basic checks can often resolve power-related problems.
What does a ‘No POST’ condition indicate?
Check power supply, CPU, RAM, motherboard
POST failures can indicate hardware issues that need immediate attention.
True or False: POST beep codes should be ignored when troubleshooting.
False
POST beep codes provide valuable information for diagnosing hardware issues.
What are symptoms of power supply problems?
- No power
- Intermittent power
- Random reboots
- System instability
- Burning smell
Recognizing these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis of power supply issues.
What indicates a potential drive failure in hard drives?
S.M.A.R.T. errors
S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics help predict drive failures before they occur.
Fill in the blank: If a system won’t boot, the CPU may not be _______.
seated properly
Proper seating of the CPU is crucial for system functionality.
What is a common testing technique for RAM issues?
Use memory diagnostic tools (Memtest86+, Windows Memory Diagnostic)
These tools help identify faulty memory modules.
What should be checked if a graphics card has no display?
- Check connections
- Reseat card
- Check power connectors
Ensuring proper connections can resolve many display issues.
What are common printer issues that need troubleshooting?
- Not powering on
- Not detected
- Paper jams
- Print quality issues
Addressing these common problems can lead to effective printer maintenance.
What environmental factors should be considered during troubleshooting?
- Dust/debris
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Power quality
- Ventilation
- Interference
Environmental conditions can significantly impact hardware performance.
What tool can be used for testing voltages?
Multimeter
A multimeter is essential for diagnosing electrical issues in hardware.
What is the significance of using ESD protection?
To prevent damage from electrostatic discharge
ESD protection is critical for maintaining hardware integrity during handling.
What should be done if a laptop displays overheating symptoms?
Check for dust buildup, fan failure, blocked vents
Overheating can lead to hardware failure if not addressed promptly.
Fill in the blank: A good practice is to change only one _______ at a time during troubleshooting.
component
Changing one component at a time helps isolate the cause of the issue.
What should be done if a device is not detected?
- Check connection
- Try different port
These steps can quickly resolve detection issues.
What is a common symptom of a failing SSD?
Performance degradation
Regular monitoring can help catch SSD issues before total failure.
True or False: It’s safe to ignore manufacturer resources for known issues.
False
Manufacturer resources can provide crucial insights into troubleshooting specific hardware.
