Chapter 5.1: Troubleshooting Hardware

Power-On Self Test (POST)

A diagnostic test run by the computer’s BIOS to check major system components before booting the OS

Beep Codes

Audio signals emitted by the BIOS during POST to indicate hardware issues

BIOS Configuration

Firmware settings are used to configure hardware parameters, boot devices, system time, and enable/disable system components

Blank Screen on Boot

A situation where no video output appears during startup, often caused by issues with video cards, RAM, CPU, or BIOS misconfigurations

BIOS Battery (CMOS Battery)

A battery on the motherboard that maintains BIOS settings and the system clock when the computer is powered off

Boot Order

The sequence of devices the BIOS attempts to boot from. An incorrect boot order can lead to startup errors or booting into the wrong devices

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

A criticial Windows error screen indicating a system crash

Startup & Shutdown BSOD

BSOD errors that occur during system startup or shutdown, commonly caused by faulty hardware, drivers, or applications

Safe Mode

A diagnostic boot mode in Windows that loads minimal drivers and services to troubleshoot issues

System Restore / Last Known Good Confiruration

Windows recovery options that revert the system to the previous working state when encountering errors after changes

Hardware Dianostics

Tools provided by the hardware manufacturers to test system components for failures

Proprietary Crash Screens

Application-specific error messages or crash notifications that provide varying levels of troubleshooting information

Help Desk Ticket Documnetation

A record of a technical issue reported by a user; detailed descriptions and screenshots improve the troubleshooting process

Monitor Connectivity

Ensuring that the monitor’s power and signal cables are securely connected to the correct ports

Input Source Selection

The setting on a monitor that selects which input port to display video from

No Power Condition

A scenario where a computer shows no signs of power

Mutimeter Usage

A diagnostic tool to measure electrical output used to test power supplies and circuits

Fans Spin but No POST

Indicates that while power reaches the fans, other components may not be receiving power

Task Manager (Performance Monitoring)

A Windows utility used to view running processes, CPU/memory utilization, and troubleshoot performance issues

Windows Updates

Operating system patches that include security fixes, driver updates, and performance improvements

Disk Defragmentation

A process that reorganizes fragmented data on hard drives to improve read/write efficiency

Power-Saving Mode (Laptops)

A feature that reduces CPU performance and other components to conserve battery life

Overheating

A condition where system components generate excessive heat

Monitoring Software

Software or BIOS utilities used to monitor component temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages

Burning Smell / Smoke

A severe hardware issue indicating electrical failure or short circuits

Random Shutdowns

Unexpected system shutdowns without warning, often due to overheating, failing hardware, or power issues

Event Viewer

A Windows tool that logs system events, errors, and warnings for diagnostic purposes

Device Manager

A Windows interface for managing and troubleshooting hardware devices and drivers

Application Crashes

When an application stops working unexpectedly, often accompanied by error messages or logs in Event Viewer

Reliability Monitor

A Windows tool that provides a visual timeline of system events and stability issues, including application crashes and hardware failures.

Unusual Noises

Definition: Audible signs of hardware failure, such as:

• Rattling: Loose components.

• Scraping/Grinding: Hard drive issues.

• Clicking: Fan malfunctions.

• Popping: Blown capacitors.

Inaccurate System Date/Time

Typically caused by a failing motherboard battery (CMOS battery), leading to loss of BIOS settings on every reboot

Jumper Reset (BIOS Reset)

A method on older motherboards to reset BIOS settings by moving a physical jumper on the motherboard