3.1 - CompTIA A+ Core 2

Blue screen of death (BSOD)

• Causes of startup/shutdown BSODs: Bad hardware, bad drivers, or bad applications.

• Fixes for startup/shutdown BSODs: Use a Last Known Good Configuration, Windows System Restore. You can also use Windows Safe Mode. Also, try to reseat/remove hardware if possible, and run hardware diagnostics.

Degraded performance

• Fix for degraded performance (Task Manager): Check for high CPU utilization and I/O (Processes tab).

• Fix for degraded performance (Windows Update): Install the latest patches and drivers.

• Fix for degraded performance (Disk space): check the disk for available space and defrag (use Disk Defragmentation/dfrgui.exe).

• Fix for degraded performance (Power-saving mode): Check if this feature is enabled - saving power can lead to CPU throttling.

• Fix for degraded performance (malware): Use an AV/anti-malware tool to scan for potential threats and remove any detected malware.

Boot issues

• Common boot error types: “Operating system missing/not found”, “Boot loader replaced or damaged.”

• Fixes for boot errors: Check BIOS settings to ensure the correct boot order is selected, check boot drives to remove unnecessary installation media, use Windows Startup Repair, or modify the Windows Boot Configuration Database.

• Windows Boot Configuration Database (BCD): Database that stores boot configuration settings. Accessible via Windows Recovery Console, or BCEdit in Windows Registry editor.

Frequent shutdowns

• Causes for frequent shutdowns: Overheating/high CPU usage - this can be due to faulty hardware components like a failing power supply, improper ventilation, application instability, or malware infections.

Services not starting

• Common service not starting errors: Device not starting, “One or more services failed to start.”

• Fixes for service not starting errors: Check Device Manager/Event Viewer for drivers that may need to be replaced. (sfc in the Command line), or application service (reinstall the application).

Applications crashing

• Fixes for application crashing: Check Windows Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc), and/or Windows Reliability Monitor (Control Panel → Security and Maintenance). Also, try reinstalling the application or contacting the app’s support.

Low memory warnings

• Low memory warnings: Errors that indicate your computer is low on memory (RAM).

• Fixes for low memory warnings: Close unnecessary applications to free up RAM (Task Manager → Processes), increase the size of the page file (virtual memory), or consider upgrading your RAM if hardware limitations persist.

USB controller resource warnings

• USB controller resource warnings: Errors that occur when USB devices are unable to communicate effectively due to insufficient system resources (i.e., insufficient number of available USB endpoints).

• USB controller warning (fix): Move the device to a different USB interface, or match the USB interface to the USB device (USB 2.x interface to USB 2.x device/drive).

System instability

• Fixes for system instability: Run a full Windows diagnostic, a hardware check (e.g., storage/memory), run System File Checker (sfc), and an AV/anti-malware scan.

No OS found

• Fix for “No OS found” error: Check BIOS settings/boot order to ensure the correct operating system is used for booting, also check for proper cable connections (Molex/SATA).

Slow profile load

• Fix for slow profile load: Disable unnecessary startup programs and services, and clear temporary files, also fix connection to a remote DC instead of a local DC, and fix latency issues with the domain controller.

Time drift

• Fix for time drift: Enable automatic time setting in Windows settings: Settings → Time & language → Date & time