Software Troubleshooting Flashcards
This means that there is a critical error. The troubleshooting steps for this symptom are:
-Make note of the stop code
-Use System Restore
-Roll back drivers or updates
-Remove recently added hardware/software
-Check hardware components/cables
-Run hardware diagnostics, CHKDSK, and malware scan
-Check for overheating conditions
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
This symptom means that there is a boot drive issue; unable to locate a bootable device. The troubleshooting steps for this are:
-Enter BIOS and verify drive is recognized
-Check boot order
-Ensure no USB or other removable media is installed
-Verify physical drive connections
-Run disk diagnostic tools (e.g., CHKDSK)
-Use OS loader repair tools (e.g.,bootrec)
-Replace drive and reimage if necessary
No OS Found
Symptoms are simple glitches, to BOOTMGR is missing, to trouble booting altogether. Try to:
-go to startup tab in task manager and disable startup items one by one, rebooting after each change
-load the system into safe mode to run boot logging
-run start up repair
-may need to check BIOS setting
-consider reimaging
Boot problems
Hardware issues, overheating, or malware. Try to do the following:
-Check system event logs
-Ensure proper cooling
-Ensure stable power supply
-Scan for malware
-Repair Windows
-Reimage
Frequent Shutdowns and System Instability
May be due to high CPU usage, limited RAM, or software issues. To troubleshoot:
-Reboot
-Check Task Manager for resource utilization
-Stop or restart high-usage processes
-Reboot to clear temporary files and reset memory
-Add resources (e.g., increase RAM)
-Uninstall unnecessary applications
-Run SFC to repair system files
Sluggish performance
Symptoms include a memory leak or excessive resource consumption. Troubleshoot by:
-Reboot system to clear memory
-Monitor background processes in Task Manager
-Uninstall, reinstall, or update problematic applications
-Add physical memory (RAM) if needed
-Increase virtual memory for additional capacity
Low Memory Warnings
A condition where a program continuously allocates memory without releasing it, causing reduced system performance or crashes over time as available memory is exhausted.
Memory Leak
When there are conflicts or limitations in the system’s ability to allocate resources to connected USB devices; may arise from too many USB devices competing for limited resources, outdated drivers, hardware limitations, or using an unpowered USB hub. Troubleshoot by:
-Reboot to reset resource allocation
-Use Device Manager to check for errors or warnings
-Update USB drivers
-Verify hardware meets requirements
-Reduce number of connected devices
-Use a powered USB hub if needed
-Add a separate USB controller card
USB Controller Resource Warnings
When this happens, troubleshooting steps are to:
-Open Services utility and restart the affected service
-Roll back recent updates
-Ensure the service has sufficient privileges
-Repair Windows if services continue to fail
Services Not Starting
When this happens, it often indicates software conflicts, corrupted files or compatibility issues. To troubleshoot:
-Check for recent patches or updates
-Roll back updates one at a time
-Uninstall and reinstall the application
Applications Crashing
To troubleshoot this:
-Review and disable unnecessary startup items
-Rebuild the Windows profile
Slow Profile Load
When the system clock falls out of sync with the real time. To troubleshoot this:
-Check network connectivity
-Reboot and check date/time settings
-Verify time zone is correct
Time Drift
Troubleshoot this issue by:
-Checking the network cable connection
-Examine firewall settings
-Verify IP configurations
-Verify network drivers
Unable to access the network
To troubleshoot this:
-Clear the update cache
-verify network connection
-Run a malware scan
-Ensure updates are not being blocked by malware
OS Update Failures
Often a sign of malware. To troubleshoot:
-Run a comprehensive malware scan
-Do not engage with ransomware demands
-restore files from secure backups
Altered System or personal files
To troubleshoot:
-Determine if the alert is normal or suspicious
-Always err to the side of caution
Desktop Alerts
Digital junkmail, often caused by adware or malicious software. To troubleshoot this:
-Run a full antivirus scan
-Use anti-adware tools
Unwanted Notifications within the OS
Scams designed to trick users into thinking their system is infected. Troubleshoot this by:
-determining if the alert is normal or suspicious
-Always err on the side of caution
-Run a full antivirus scan
-Educate other users
False alerts regarding antivirus protection
Likely due to adware or browser hijacker. To troubleshoot:
-Run a full antivirus scan
-Remove malicious browser extensions or programs
-Be careful what you click
Random/Frequent Pop-ups
Warnings appear due to out of date certificates, misconfigured websites, or out of sync system clock. Troubleshoot this by:
-Navigating away from the site
-Exit the browser
-Check system date and time settings
Certificate Warnings
When your browser unexpectedly takes you to another URL. Troubleshoot this by:
-Verifying the URL in the address bar
-Examine the “hosts” file for unauthorized entries
Redirection
functions as a local directory for your computer; a plain text file that maps domain names to IP addresses
Host File
To safeguard from this:
-check the host file often,
-restrict permissions, and
-ensure users understand its role in system security.
unauthorized changes to the host file
First step of the best practice procedures for malware removal
Investigate and verify malware symptoms
