UNIT- V
EXPLAIN COMPUTER HARDWARE RELATED PROBLEMS
Computer hardware-related problems refer to issues that arise from the physical
components of a computer system. These problems can affect the functionality,
performance, or usability of the machine, and can be caused by wear and tear,
faulty components, improper installation, overheating, or power issues.
Here's a detailed explanation of the common types of computer hardware
problems, including symptoms, causes, and general solutions:
1. Power Supply Problems (PSU)
Symptoms:
Computer won’t power on.
Random shutdowns or restarts.
No fan movement or indicator lights.
Causes:
Faulty or dead power supply.
Power surges or electrical faults.
Loose power connections.
Solutions:
Check power cable and wall outlet.
Try a known-good power supply.
Use a multimeter or PSU tester.
2. RAM (Memory) Issues
Symptoms:
Frequent crashes or blue screen errors (BSOD).
Slow system performance.
System fails to boot or beeping on startup.
Causes:
Faulty RAM modules.
Improper installation.
Incompatible or mismatched memory.
Solutions:
Reseat RAM modules.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86.
Replace with compatible RAM.
3. Hard Drive / SSD Failures
Symptoms:
Slow file access or system boot.
Clicking or grinding noises (HDD).
“Boot device not found” or file read errors.
Causes:
Mechanical wear (HDD) or flash memory failure (SSD).
Corrupted data or bad sectors.
Loose or damaged SATA/Power cables.
Solutions:
Use CHKDSK or CrystalDiskInfo to scan health.
Backup important data immediately.
Replace the drive if failure is imminent.
4. Overheating
Symptoms:
Loud fan noise.
System randomly shuts down or throttles performance.
CPU or GPU temperature warnings.
Causes:
Dust buildup in fans or heatsinks.
Malfunctioning cooling system.
Poor airflow or thermal paste degradation.
Solutions:
Clean internal components with compressed air.
Reapply thermal paste to CPU/GPU.
Ensure fans are working and airflow is sufficient.
5. Motherboard Issues
Symptoms:
No POST (Power-On Self-Test) or beeping.
Connected hardware not detected.
Burning smell or bulging capacitors.
Causes:
Power surge damage.
Faulty chipset or traces.
Physical damage or short circuits.
Solutions:
Visual inspection for damage or bulging capacitors.
Test with minimal configuration (CPU, 1 stick RAM).
Replace motherboard if no response.
6. Graphics Card (GPU) Problems
Symptoms:
No display or distorted screen.
Artifacts or flickering in games or video.
Crashes when using graphics-intensive apps.
Causes:
Faulty GPU or VRAM.
Overheating or driver conflicts.
Loose PCIe connection.
Solutions:
Reseat or test GPU in another system.
Monitor temps with tools like GPU-Z.
Update or reinstall drivers.
7. Peripheral & I/O Device Failures
Symptoms:
Keyboard, mouse, or printer not working.
USB ports unresponsive.
Audio not functioning.
Causes:
Driver issues or hardware failure.
Faulty ports or cables.
Device not recognized due to power issues.
Solutions:
Test devices on another computer.
Reinstall or update drivers.
Replace faulty peripherals.
8. CMOS Battery Failure
Symptoms:
BIOS settings reset after shutdown.
Wrong system time and date.
Boot errors (e.g., “CMOS checksum error”).
Causes:
Dead CMOS battery (usually CR2032 coin cell).
Long-term power disconnection.
Solutions:
Replace the CMOS battery.
Reconfigure BIOS settings.
Summary Table
Problem
Key Symptoms Common Fix
Type
Power
No boot, no lights/fans Check/reseat cables, replace PSU
Supply
Run memory tests, reseat/replace
RAM BSOD, crashes, boot errors
RAM
Backup, scan with CHKDSK,
Hard Drive Slow load, no boot, strange noises
replace if needed
Loud fan, shutdowns, poor Clean system, fix cooling, apply
Overheating
performance thermal paste
Visual check, minimal boot, replace
Motherboard No POST, no power, beeps
if dead
Graphics Reseat GPU, monitor temp, reinstall
No display, flicker, crashes
Card drivers
Peripherals Device not working Test ports/devices, reinstall drivers
CMOS
Time resets, BIOS issues Replace battery, reconfigure BIOS
Battery
IDENTIFY HARDWARE MAINTENANCE TOOLS
Here is a list of essential hardware maintenance tools, categorized by type and use
case:
1. Basic Hand Tools
These are commonly used to open computer cases and handle internal components
safely.
Tool Purpose
Screwdrivers Opening cases, securing components
Anti-static wrist
Prevents static electricity damage
strap
Tweezers Handling small jumpers or screws
Nut drivers Loosening/tightening hex nuts inside hardware
Flashlight Illuminating inside tight spaces in cases
Cable ties Managing internal cabling
2. Electrical Testing Tools
Tool Purpose
Multimeter Testing voltage, continuity, and PSU outputs
Power supply tester Checks output voltages of PSU connectors
Circuit tester Verifies functionality of power cables or sockets
3. Cleaning Tools
Tool Purpose
Compressed air can Removes dust from fans, heat sinks, ports
Isopropyl alcohol
Cleans thermal paste, contacts safely
(99%)
Soft brush Loosens dust on motherboards and cards
Lint-free cloth Cleaning screens and surfaces
4. Diagnostic & Monitoring Tools (Software-Assisted)
Tool Purpose
POST card (PCI/USB) Displays diagnostic error codes during boot
Monitors temperature, voltage (e.g., HWMonitor,
Hardware monitoring software
SpeedFan)
BIOS/UEFI tools Built-in diagnostics for memory, drives, etc.
5. Peripheral Maintenance Tools
Tool Purpose
Printer cleaning kit Cleans print heads and rollers
Optical drive cleaning disc Cleans laser lens inside CD/DVD drives
6. Safety and Handling Tools
Tool Purpose
Anti-static mat Surface for safe hardware work
Toolbox or organizer Stores and organizes tools securely
Gloves (non-conductive) Optional, for grip and hygiene
EXPLAIN PROCEDURES TO USE HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
TOOLS
Using hardware maintenance tools properly ensures safe, effective repair and
upkeep of computer systems. Below is a detailed explanation of the procedures to
use various hardware maintenance tools, categorized by their purpose.
1. Procedures for Using Basic Hand Tools
Screwdrivers (usually Phillips)
Use: Opening cases, securing or removing internal components.
Turn off the computer and unplug it.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap.
Use the correct size screwdriver to remove side panels or component screws.
Keep screws in a container to avoid losing them.
Anti-Static Wrist Strap
Use: Prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive parts.
Attach one end to your wrist.
Clip the other end to a grounded metal part of the computer case.
Wear the strap throughout the entire repair or upgrade session.
Cable Ties / Zip Ties
Use: Organizing internal cables for airflow and neatness.
Bundle loose wires together without pulling too tightly.
Secure cables out of fan paths or sharp metal edges.
2. Procedures for Using Electrical Testing Tools
Multimeter
Use: Testing voltage, continuity, and power issues.
Set the dial to the correct mode (DC voltage, continuity, etc.).
Test PSU outputs by probing the corresponding pins.
For continuity: touch both probes to either end of a wire or fuse—beep
means it’s intact.
Power Supply Tester
Use: Verifying PSU output voltages.
Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard.
Plug PSU connectors into the tester (24-pin, 8-pin, etc.).
Turn on the PSU and read the voltage results on the tester's display.
3. Procedures for Cleaning Tools
Compressed Air Can
Use: Removing dust from fans, heatsinks, and internal components.
Hold the can upright to avoid moisture release.
Spray short bursts into fans, vents, and keyboard crevices.
Avoid spinning fans while spraying—use a pen to hold them in place.
Isopropyl Alcohol (99%)
Use: Cleaning thermal paste or contacts.
Dampen a lint-free cloth or cotton swab.
Gently clean old thermal paste from CPUs/GPUs before reapplying new
paste.
Allow it to dry completely before reassembly.
Soft Brush
Use: Loosening dust without scratching components.
Gently brush away dust from circuit boards, expansion slots, and fans.
Avoid static build-up—prefer anti-static brushes if possible.
4. Procedures for Diagnostic Tools
POST (Power-On Self-Test) Card
Use: Diagnosing motherboard or startup failures.
Insert the POST card into a PCI/PCIe slot.
Power on the system; error codes will display on the card.
Match codes with the motherboard manual to identify issues.
Hardware Monitoring Software (e.g., HWMonitor)
Use: Monitoring temperature, voltage, and fan speeds.
Download and install the tool.
Run the program to view real-time sensor data.
Look for high temperatures, low voltages, or failing fans.
5. Peripheral Cleaning Tools
Printer Cleaning Kit
Use: Cleaning printheads and paper rollers.
Turn off and unplug the printer.
Use supplied swabs and solution to wipe printheads and rollers.
Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid damage.
Optical Drive Cleaning Disc
Use: Cleaning internal lens of CD/DVD drives.
Insert the disc into the optical drive.
The disc will spin and brushes will clean the lens.
Do not use force; follow disc instructions.
6. Safety and Handling
Anti-Static Mat
Use: Provides a static-safe workspace.
Place the mat on a flat surface.
Connect the mat's ground wire to a metal part of the computer case or wall
outlet ground.
Place components on the mat when working.
Tool Organizer
Use: Keeping tools in one place and avoiding clutter.
Store screwdrivers, brushes, and testers neatly.
Label compartments for easy access during maintenance.
Best Practices
Always power off and unplug the computer before opening the case.
Wear anti-static protection (wrist strap or mat).
Keep a repair log for professional maintenance tracking.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tools and methods.
USE SOFTWARE TOOLS TO TROUBLESHOOT COMPUTER
HARWARE PROBLEMS
Using software tools to troubleshoot computer hardware problems is a practical and often
non-invasive way to detect, analyze, and sometimes fix issues. These tools can identify hardware
malfunctions such as failing hard drives, overheating CPUs, bad RAM, or unstable power supply
outputs.
Below is a detailed guide on how to use software tools to troubleshoot computer hardware
problems, organized by hardware component:
1. RAM (Memory) Issues
Tool: Windows Memory Diagnostic
How to Use:
1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
2. Choose to restart the computer and check for memory problems.
3. The system reboots and scans RAM.
4. After the scan, results appear on the desktop (or Event Viewer).
Purpose: Detects faulty RAM modules or memory errors.
2. Hard Drive / SSD Problems
Tool: CHKDSK (Check Disk Utility)
How to Use:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
3. Restart the PC to allow the scan.
Purpose: Detects and repairs file system errors and bad sectors.
Tool: CrystalDiskInfo
How to Use:
1. Download and install from CrystalDiskInfo.
2. Launch the tool to view drive health and SMART data.
Purpose: Shows drive status, temperature, read/write errors.
3. Overheating and Thermal Issues
Tool: HWMonitor / Core Temp
How to Use:
1. Install the software and launch it.
2. Monitor CPU/GPU temperatures and voltages in real time.
Purpose: Detects overheating or cooling system failure.
4. Power Supply Problems
Tool: OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool)
How to Use:
1. Download and run OCCT.
2. Use the Power Supply test to stress the system.
3. Monitor voltage drops and stability.
Purpose: Identifies unstable voltages or PSU failure symptoms.
5. Motherboard / POST Issues
Tool: POST Code Display in BIOS or via Diagnostic LEDs
How to Use:
1. Some BIOSes show error codes on-screen or via beeps.
2. Use the motherboard manual to interpret codes.
Purpose: Detects CPU, RAM, or chipset-level failures.
6. Peripheral and USB Port Testing
Tool: USBDeview
How to Use:
1. Run USBDeview to list all connected USB devices and ports.
2. Check for malfunctioning or unrecognized devices.
Purpose: Diagnoses faulty USB ports or connected devices.
7. General Hardware Diagnostic Tools
Tool: HWiNFO
How to Use:
1. Install and open the tool in sensor-only mode.
2. Monitor live hardware performance, temperature, and errors.
Purpose: In-depth monitoring of all system hardware components.
Tool: Dell, HP, Lenovo Hardware Diagnostics (Brand-Specific)
How to Use:
1. Visit your PC manufacturer’s support site.
2. Download and run their diagnostic utility.
Purpose: Automatically scans for hardware faults specific to your device.
Summary Table
Hardware Tool Key Function
RAM Windows Memory Diagnostic Scans for memory errors
Hard Drive CHKDSK / CrystalDiskInfo Checks bad sectors and SMART data
CPU/GPU Temps HWMonitor / Core Temp Monitors temperature and voltage
Power Supply OCCT Stress test and PSU stability check
Motherboard BIOS/POST Codes Diagnoses boot-level failures
USB Ports USBDeview Analyzes connected USB devices
General Hardware
