PC Maintenance...

PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common
Problems

Techniques, Tools and Instructions

The Device Manager

> Use the Device Manager.
The Device Manager will list all
of the hardware devices
installed on a PC. Any device
with a problem will have a
warning symbol next to it, and
double clicking on that device
would give details and
suggested remedies for the
problem.

Warning symbol

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Disk Management

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Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Disk Defragmenter.
Used to organize files on
the hard drive and
optimize free space,
improving the speed and
performance of the
computer.

Some applications may

fail outright if the disk
becomes too fragmented.

Scanning Disk and Fixing Problems

Checking disk faults:
To check the hard disk for faults
and even repair them if possible:

Right Click on ‘Computer’ 

Click on Disk Management 
Right-click on the disk’s partition
you want to scan  Click Properties
 Click on Tools tab  Check Now

Using command: (Eg. To check and fix errors on partition X: of your hard disk)

<C:\Windows\System32>CD /D X:
<X:>Chkdsk /p /r

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Disk Cleanup
Excess and Unused Files.
Disk Cleanup:
The Disk Cleanup Utility can determine which files on your
> As a hard disk becomes full, the computer’s performance hard drive may no longer be needed and delete those files.
is reduced. In addition to freeing up potentially significant amounts of
> It takes more time to find and access needed files. hard drive space. Using this utility regularly can improve
> Defragmentation is not as successful due to a lack of free system performance.
space to temporarily move files to while they are being
rearranged .
> Therefore, it is wise for a computer user not to keep files
that are no longer needed.

> Files that have been stored in a user’s documents folder

that are no longer needed (such as extra photos or older
versions of documents) should be deleted.

Deleting Browsing History & temporary files

- The browser stores the recent history of the web pages that the user
has viewed,
- This make it easier to find and load these web pages again.
- This stored information can be easily deleted.
- Delete history on browsers
- Browser specific steps

- Delete temporary files that Windows keeps:

Press Windows + R  type %temp%  hit Enter  Delete Files

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Startup Programs
Some programs will automatically put a shortcut in the Startup folder,
forcing the program to automatically launch when you turn the computer
on or log in. Sometimes this is desirable, sometimes not. Either way, this
practice may slow your computer down to various degrees, and with the
program running all the time, may slow down the performance of your
computer.
So, to remove/minimize some of the programs at Startup:

Press Windows + R  type msconfig  Startup  Open Task Manager

 Startup Apps  Select and Disable some of the programs

Software Inventory
Once the hard disk becomes full, a computer’s performance is
reduced. To avoid installing software that are not necessary,
system inventory will require you knowing what software is
needed/wanted on your computer.

Note:
Please use caution when uninstalling software. In order to
reinstall, you will need the original software installation files.

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Protect your PC from cyber-threats or Malware

• The cyber-world is full of threats such as viruses, spyware,
Trojans, Worms and etc.
• can significantly slow down the performance of a computer.

The best ways to prevent virus infections are:

- Keeping antivirus software up to date and running scans on a
regular basis
- Strict policies should be put in place to prevent virus infection
- e.g. prohibiting the use of flash drives, or require flash disk to
be scanned before use.
- prohibition of downloading, since unsuspecting users can
accidentally download malware.
- A firewall may also be used to block dangerous downloads.

UPDATING SOFTWARE
- It is important for a computer user to find and install software
updates in order to have well performing computers.
- Updating software can be done in a variety of ways,
- Automatic Updates,
- Automatic Alerts for Updates
- Manual Updating
- Offline Updating

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Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Overheating
Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer
performance.
 In order to cool down an overheated computer processor, avoid
operating the computer if the case is in an enclosed space. (such as a
drawer or cupboard).
 Also cool the room with fans or air-conditioning.
 Also verify that all of the fans in the computer case are functioning
properly.
Note: Modern computers have safeguards that shut down the system if
a component is overheating.

Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Insufficient RAM
Computer need sufficient RAM to perform the desired functions.
Once the memory is not sufficient, the performance will be slow.
This problem is most likely if the computer is rather old and has had
a newer (and more memory demanding) operating system
installed.

NB.
Check system requirements before upgrading to any new operating
system !

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Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Too many programs running

- Avoid opening too many programs at a time.

- It will reduce the performance of the computer.

Hardware Repair
• Repair means to rectify, to fix the problem either in the hardware or
software. it may also include replacement of a component that is faulty.
• It is an essential part of troubleshooting.
• In finding or analyzing the faults, it can be decided which hardware or
software can be repaired.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS

> Gather together your toolkit: e.g. air blowing machine, screw drivers, software, back up
disk etc.
> Check for power FIRST, before doing anything else.
10 - 15 percent of all computer Issues/Problems emanate from power surge. Check this
BEFORE doing anything else. Check to be sure if the computer is plugged in to an AC
outlet properly.
> Check your external connections to the computer.
Specifically, check the mouse, keyboard, monitor, modem and/or printer cables, making
sure that all are secure and in the right sockets.
> Perform the Power On Self Test (POST)
POST is a set of procedures that a computer runs through each time it is turned on. It
ensures that all of the system's hardware is working properly before trying to load the
operating system. If the computer does not pass POST, it will not boot.
Tip: Make sure the computer turns on. If nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans,
etc.), the computer has a power related issue.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS

> If the computer is still malfunctioning, go ahead then and open the case.
Check to see that all of the cards are fully pressed down into the bus connections, that
any socketed chips are fully pressed into their sockets, and that all cable connections
are fully a]ached. Make sure that the drive cables are a]ached correctly.
> Clean any dust or foreign material out of the case while it is open.
Dust can cause overheating problems and electrical shorts. Sometimes, insects will nest
inside the case as well. All of this needs to be cleaned out before you close up the
case. Take precautions to avoid inhaling excess dust, and consider using protective
eye ware if necessary.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS

> Try to boot the computer to the hard drive, or to a bootable CD/DVD disk if necessary.
Sometimes the hard disk will become corrupted by a user, or by a virus.
> Check the CMOS setup program, and correct any configuration problems.
If the information in CMOS RAM about your PC's configuration has been changed, or if the
battery has died, your computer will not boot correctly, or it will not recognize certain
components.

> Look for unwanted changes.

Someone may have turned the brightness down on a monitor, or the LAN staff may have
changed your PC's configuration without your knowledge (or approval), or an installation
program may have corrupted your software. Look for recent changes in your system's
operation. You may need to run an uninstaller program to remedy software-related
problems.

> Isolate the problem to one piece of hardware, or one software package.

> When all these fails, then consult a professional.

Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs

The computer is unable to start up – If the computer does not turn on when
you press the power button, the following suggestions may help you to
determine why the computer will not start up.

> First of all, check if the computer is plugged in to an AC outlet properly.

> Plug another electrical device into the outlet to be sure that the outlet is
providing adequate power. A surge protector can be used in this case,
because voltage surges can be very damaging to computers and other
electrical components. Then put on the system to perform a POST .
> Acer the POST and it is confirms that, the computer is producing all of the
usual startup sounds and lights, but the monitor is not displaying any
information, perhaps there is a problem with the monitor. Make sure that it is
connected to a power source, and also that the VGA cable is connected to the
computer.

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Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs

The computer screen is blank

If the screen is blank, the computer may not be set to display the image
on the computer screen.
> First, check if the monitor is plugged in to a power outlet and is
connected to the computer securely and make sure the monitor power
button is on.
> If the power light is not on, it means that the outlet is not delivering
power to the monitor. Fixing the power outlet in such cases should help
solve the issue.

Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs

The Blue screen-These errors are often caused by
- Poorly functioning device drivers,
- Hardware problems
(such as memory, power supplies or system overheating),
- Problems with the system software
- The option of System recovery and backup service will restore your PC to an
earlier point of stage. You can perform this action whilst you get a Blue
screen error or sudden system crashes.

NOTE: Backup service is an assurance that your data is safe.

Trouble with video card –
If the power light of the computer and monitor is on and nothing
comes up on the screen when you start your computer then there
must be something wrong with video card. Change its video or the
graphics card with a new one.

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Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs

• OS or some Software is functioning abnormally – If the Operating System
(OS) or some other software is unresponsive or responds abnormally,
Immediate Solution: Restart your computer and run a virus scan.
Note: You should have a reliable antivirus software installed on the computer
to fix this issue.

• Windows do not boot properly – If windows do not boot properly then

you should reinstall windows with the windows recovery disk. Most of the
times, this should help you get rid of the problem.

Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs

The computer is on but not responding – the computer is on but not responding to software
or keyboard commands, then it must be frozen or halted.
Immediate solution:
- Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds,
- it will be turn off.
- Now restart your computer. This should fix the problem.

An external device is not working – If an external device does not function as expected.
Immediate solution:
- turn it on according to Manufacturers instruction;
- be sure that all device connections are secure and receiving electrical power
- Be sure the device is compatible with the operating system.
- And that the correct drivers are installed and updated.

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Problem/Issues

Power on the Computer

Troubleshooting
Does a Cursor
NO Troubleshoot Video
appear? or Power Supply Problem

Flowchart
Yes

Does POST pass NO

successfully Troubleshoot POST error

Yes

Troubleshoot boot device,

Does a Computer
boot successfully?
NO Operating System or
Application loaded in the
Yes Startup folder
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Most common Basic computer Hardware Repairs

Replacing a Power Supply. The power supply failure is a common problem in
our country. This is due to an uneven or “poor” voltage and power surges.

•Replacing a Hard Drive or formatting and installing Fresh OPERATING

SYSTEM.

•Replacing RAM. RAM can fail or can loose from its housing and need to be
reseated. If a computer needs new or additional RAM, it is important to
make sure that the RAM used is compatible with the computer system.
•RAM is very easily damaged by electrostatic charges, so it is very important
for the user to be grounded before picking up RAM. Also RAM should only be
handled by the edges.

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Malicious software
Malicious software are software used to disrupt computer or
mobile operations, gather sensitive information, gain unauthorized
access to private computer systems, or display unwanted contents
(like advertising) without the interest of the user.

These malicious software find its way into:

• Boot sector
• File Allocation Table
• Partition table
• .com and .Exe. Files

Computer Virus
A computer virus is a malicious piece of computer code designed to
spread from device to device.

The harms that computer viruses cause:

Delete files
Change files,
Steal important information,
Load unwanted applications
Send documents via electronic mail (e-mail),
Cripple a machine’s Operating system (OS), the basic software that
runs the computer.

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Virus Warning Signs

- The computer’s performance slows down considerably.
- Programs don’t function as thy should.
- either don’t start, or
- if they start, they stop or do not give the desired output.
- Computer fails to boot
- Files and folders keep disappearing without anybody deleting them.
- The computer crashes or freezes indiscriminately such as program
not responding errors.
- The computer keeps showing out –of -memory space messages or
strange dialog boxes.

Virus Warning Signs

- Programs and windows popping up randomly.
- Disk can not be accessed
- New icons and programs get installed automatically without users installing
them
- Printing doesn't work correctly
- Windows shuts down or restarts unexpectedly.
- A partition in the system disappears automatically.
- File size changes for no apparent reason
- An increase in the number of files on the system when nothing has been added.
- Eg. Creation of a .exe file/folder with same name of an actually existing
file/folder

Solution: Always use an updated virus protection program (Anti-virus,…) and

scan the computer

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A Good Virus Protection Program should:

Scan for viruses:
Should be able to check your drives for viruses, as well as the RAM of your
computer, and detect the presence of a virus.

Clean up the virus:

must be able to get rid of the virus it finds on your computer; otherwise, it is
useless.

Protect your System from viruses:

Must have the ability to load a piece of the program into memory at boot-up
time, to protect you from getting a virus in the first place.

Provide Automatic updates,

Must regularly and automatically check back with the manufacturer for
information on new viruses,

CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts

- Always ensure that the power has been turned off before installing or
troubleshooting any hardware part of the computer.
- Before opening a computer case, always unplug the power cord from your
computer.
- After unplugging the power cord from your case, Hold the power button in for
at least 5 seconds. This will drain any residual electricity from the power supply.
- Always ground yourself to the case frame while touching any inside
components. This can be done by touching the case frame with your bare hand,
or using a clamp-on grounding device made specifically for this purpose
- Keep all liquids away.
- Avoid installing components when the computer is in operation.
- When installing any peripheral or device, always read the installation
instructions that come with the device. Never apply force to try and connect
any plug/device.

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CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts

- When fitting/handling processor on motherboard always wear gloves
- Always choose to shut down you computer by clicking shutdown. Avoid switching of the
power directly from the main switch.
- If electrical power is lost, switch off all computer devices from the mains to avoid any
problems due to power surge.
- Always “eject “USB devices from the operating system before disconnecting them.
- Upgrade the anti-virus regularly.
- Always use UPS(uninterruptible Power supply)-This will keep your computer from crashing
during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage
occurrences.
•Uninstall software by
– “Add / Remove Program” function in Control Panel
– uninstall function of applications

CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts

- Back up data, if possible, before making changes.
- Check to ensure that speakers is not muted through the Control Pane
- Maintaining the Battery for your Laptop
Most laptop batteries will last at least four hours when fully charged. If not maintained,
however, the battery will require charging more frequently. for maximum performance.
Use the battery as your power source until the low battery warning emerges.
Using your laptop with the AC adapter plugged into an electrical outlet will overcharge the
battery. Overcharging decreases the life of the battery. Eventually the battery will be unable to
hold a charge and will require a replacement.
Condition the battery for maximum performance
[Link] the battery – use the battery until the low battery warning emerges.
[Link] the battery – use the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged.
[Link] immediately disconnect the AC adapter from the notebook. The procedure above
insures both maximum performance and long life for the battery

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Backup and Recovery

• TOOLS:
• Windows Backup Options and Utility
• Using Recovery Console
• System Restore

• Other option:
• Download and use Backup and Recovery Software

Windows Backup and Restore

[Link] the Start > control panel

[Link] Control Panel for Backup and Restore,

1. Setup Backup (if needed) > choose destination ….

2. For restore, select another backup to restore from > follow

instructions…

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System Restore
[Link] the Start button, then type control panel in the search box next
to the Start button on the taskbar and select Control Panel (Desktop
app) from the results.

[Link] Control Panel for Recovery, and select Recovery > Open
System Restore > Next.

[Link] the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or

update, and then select Next > Finish.

Installing/Upgrading Operating System

• Understand the Requirements
• Eg. Windows 10 system requirements
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
• Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
• Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800 x 600

• Backing Up data
• Proceed…
• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION GIVEN IN A SEPARATE FILE

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