SECTION 1: SOFTWARE ISSUES
A. Incompatibility Issue
1. Problem Description
Occurs when software cannot properly run because it is not compatible
with the operating system, hardware configuration, or other installed
programs.
2. Symptoms
Installation failure
“This app cannot run on your PC” error
Program crashes immediately
Display errors or missing features
3. Solutions
Step 1: Check system requirements
Right-click This PC → Properties
Verify OS version, RAM, system type
Step 2: Use Compatibility Mode
Right-click program → Properties
Compatibility tab → Select older Windows version
Step 3: Install correct 32-bit or 64-bit version
Step 4: Update Windows
Tools Needed:
Windows Compatibility Mode
System Information
Internet connection
B. Corrupt Driver Issue
Problem Description
A driver is software that allows hardware to communicate with the
operating system. If corrupted or outdated, hardware will malfunction.
Symptoms
Yellow warning in Device Manager
Printer/Wi-Fi/Sound not working
“Driver not found” error
Solutions
Step 1: Update Driver
Windows + X → Device Manager
Right-click device → Update Driver
Step 2: Reinstall Driver
Uninstall → Restart computer
Step 3: Download official driver from manufacturer
Tools Needed:
Device Manager
Internet
C. Unrecognized USB (Software Side)
Problem Description
The system detects USB insertion but cannot access or read it.
Symptoms
“USB device not recognized”
USB appears in Device Manager but not File Explorer
Error sound when connecting
Solutions
1. Try different USB port
2. Update USB drivers
3. Use Disk Management to assign drive letter
4. Scan USB for malware
Tools Needed:
Device Manager
Disk Management
Antivirus
D. Malware / Virus
Problem Description
Malicious software that damages files, steals information, or slows
system.
Symptoms
Slow performance
Pop-up ads
Unknown programs
Files encrypted
Solutions
1. Disconnect internet
2. Run full antivirus scan
3. Remove threats
4. Enable firewall
5. Update OS
Tools Needed:
Antivirus software
Windows Defender
Firewall
E. Program Running Slowly
Problem Description
Software responds slowly due to insufficient system resources or
background processes.
Symptoms
Delayed response
Freezing
High CPU/RAM usage
Solutions
1. Close background programs (Task Manager)
2. Increase RAM
3. Clean temporary files
4. Reinstall program
5. Update software
Tools Needed:
Task Manager
Disk Cleanup
F. Software Crashes
Problem Description
Program unexpectedly stops and closes.
Symptoms
“Not Responding”
Sudden shutdown
Error messages
Solutions
1. Restart PC
2. Update software
3. Reinstall application
4. Increase virtual memory
5. Scan for malware
Tools Needed:
Task Manager
Installation file
G. Security Vulnerability
Problem Description
Weakness in software that hackers can exploit.
Symptoms
Unauthorized access
Data breach
Suspicious login activity
Solutions
1. Install updates/patches
2. Enable firewall
3. Use strong passwords
4. Install antivirus
5. Enable two-factor authentication
Tools Needed:
Windows Update
Security software
H. Installation Problem
Problem Description
Software fails during installation process.
Symptoms
Setup stops halfway
Error code displayed
Missing installation files
Solutions
1. Run installer as Administrator
2. Disable antivirus temporarily
3. Ensure enough disk space
4. Download fresh copy
Tools Needed:
Installation file
Administrator access
I. Application Not Responding
Problem Description
Program freezes and does not respond to user commands.
Symptoms
Frozen window
Cannot click buttons
System lag
Solutions
1. End task in Task Manager
2. Restart system
3. Update program
4. Reinstall if needed
Tools Needed:
Task Manager
SECTION 2: HARDWARE ISSUES
A. Black Screen
Problem Description
The monitor shows no display even though the system is powered.
Symptoms
Blank screen
No BIOS
Fans running
Causes
Loose cable
RAM issue
GPU failure
Power supply issue
Solutions
1. Check cables
2. Reseat RAM
3. Test another monitor
4. Check PSU
Tools: Screwdriver, spare monitor, multimeter
B. Incompatibility (Hardware)
Problem Description
New hardware not compatible with motherboard or system.
Symptoms
Device not detected
Boot failure
Causes
Wrong CPU socket
Unsupported RAM type
Solutions
1. Check motherboard specifications
2. Update BIOS
3. Install compatible hardware
Tools: Manufacturer manual
C. Overheating
Problem Description
Internal components exceed safe temperature.
Symptoms
Random shutdown
Loud fan noise
Causes
Dust
Faulty fan
Poor ventilation
Solutions
1. Clean dust
2. Replace fan
3. Apply thermal paste
Tools: Compressed air, screwdriver
D. Unrecognized USB (Hardware Side)
Problem Description
USB port physically damaged.
Symptoms
USB not detected
Loose port
Causes
Broken port
Motherboard damage
Solutions
1. Test other ports
2. Replace USB port
3. Use external USB hub
E. Slow Performance (Hardware)
Problem Description
System slow due to hardware limitations.
Symptoms
Slow boot
Lagging
Causes
Low RAM
Old HDD
Weak CPU
Solutions
1. Upgrade RAM
2. Replace HDD with SSD
3. Upgrade CPU
F. Hard Disk Problem
Problem Description
Storage device failing.
Symptoms
Clicking sound
File corruption
Causes
Bad sectors
Physical damage
Solutions
1. Backup data
2. Run CHKDSK
3. Replace drive
G. Random Shutdown
Problem Description
Computer turns off unexpectedly.
Symptoms
Sudden power off
Causes
Overheating
Power supply failure
Solutions
1. Check PSU
2. Clean system
3. Replace faulty components
H. Frozen Screen
Problem Description
System display stops responding.
Symptoms
Mouse not moving
Keyboard not responding
Causes
RAM issue
Overheating
Software conflict
Solutions
1. Restart system
2. Check RAM
3. Update drivers
I. Motherboard Issues
Problem Description
Main circuit board malfunction affecting entire system.
Symptoms
No power
No display
Beeping sound
Causes
Power surge
Physical damage
Burned capacitor
Solutions
1. Check power connections
2. Inspect for burnt components
3. Replace motherboard
Tools: Multimeter, screwdriver
SECTION 3: TOOLS TO SPEED UP A COMPUTER
A. Disk Defragmenter
1. Tool Description
Disk Defragmenter is a built-in Windows tool used to reorganize
fragmented data on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
Over time, files become fragmented (stored in scattered pieces across the
disk). This makes the computer slower because the system takes longer
to read files.
Defragmentation rearranges these file pieces so they are stored closer
together, improving performance.
Note: This tool is mainly useful for HDD, not SSD.
2. Purpose
Improves system speed
Reduces file access time
Organizes fragmented data
Enhances overall performance
3. Steps to Use Disk Defragmenter
1. Click Start Menu
2. Search: Defragment and Optimize Drives
3. Open the tool
4. Select the drive (usually C:)
5. Click Analyze
6. Click Optimize
7. Wait until process completes
4. Tools/Requirements
Windows Operating System
Administrative privileges
HDD (not SSD recommended)
B. Disk Cleanup
1. Tool Description
Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility that removes unnecessary files such
as temporary files, recycle bin files, system cache, and old update files.
Over time, these files take up storage space and slow down the
computer.
2. Purpose
Frees up disk space
Improves system performance
Removes temporary files
Clears recycle bin
Deletes system cache
3. Steps to Use Disk Cleanup
1. Open This PC
2. Right-click Local Disk (C:)
3. Click Properties
4. Click Disk Cleanup
5. Select files to delete (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.)
6. Click OK
7. Confirm deletion
Optional Advanced Step:
Click Clean up system files to remove old Windows update files.
4. Tools/Requirements
Windows OS
Administrative access
C. Windows Update
1. Tool Description
Windows Update is a built-in Microsoft feature that downloads and
installs system updates, security patches, and performance
improvements.
Updates fix bugs, close security vulnerabilities, and improve system
speed.
2. Purpose
Improves security
Fixes system bugs
Enhances performance
Updates drivers
Protects against malware
3. Steps to Use Windows Update
1. Click Start
2. Open Settings
3. Click Update & Security
4. Select Windows Update
5. Click Check for Updates
6. Download and Install updates
7. Restart computer if required
4. Tools/Requirements
Internet connection
Windows OS
Administrator privileges
GROUP MEMBERS:
KIDUS THOMAS
CHRISTIAN ZELALEM
NATHAN YOSEPH
NATHNAEL MEHARRI
NATHNAEL GIRMAYE
WEHIB SIMON
DIAMOND ACADEMY
ICT PRACTICAL EXAM
The Complete Guide
to Computer
Hardware and
Software Solutions