TLE-ICT

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
SERVICING
QUARTER 3 – MODULE 5

DIAGNOSING COMPUTER SYSTEM

 In this self-learning module, you will learn the basic troubleshooting which can help you in
fixing basic computer problems. In this module you will be given a few tips on how you can avoid
some of the most common problems that happen right after your computer is turned on.

DIAGNOSING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

PC Diagnosing
Probably the most frustrating problem computer users run into are startup problems, where
your computer won’t boot. Equally annoying are error messages you constantly run into during
your computer’s startup process.
Here you will learn the basic troubleshooting.
 Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your computer, check it with the
other computers so that you can make sure whether the fault is in the component or not.
 Check cables: In case of any device failure, check all the cables of your computer such as
data cables, power cable, internal circuitry cables and make sure that all these are plugged
in and working fine.
 Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the CMOS (Complementary metal–
oxide–semiconductor) and in the device manager of the system and make all the device
drivers up to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.
 Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error in your computer,
determine what was changed before the problem occurred.
 Event viewer: In the event viewer, you will find the error or warning messages associated
with any faulty hardware or software.
 Make notes: Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we can learn a lot when we face
any kind of troubleshooting in our computer. Make notes including the error messages
and their solutions, so that you have a record on how a certain problem occurred and how
did you solve it.
Common PC Problems and solutions
You are working away at your computer when suddenly, up comes an error message –
or worse, your computer comes to a screeching halt. Here are the common computer
problems and solutions that can help you.
Steps
1. Check the POST. POST stands for Power On Self-Test. This is generally the first or
second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before the
operating system begins to load. The POST will display any problems found with hardware
that makes the computer unable to boot, POST may also display problems with hardware that
allow the computer to boot, but not operate at its full capacity during operation.
2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than usual load time may
indicate errors in the hard drive.
3. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics may indicate
driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.
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 4. Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still effective way of
judging how a computer is working. With the computer on and running, play any decent
length audio file (usually above 30 sec). If the audio is choppy or slow, it usually means that
the processor is working at an elevated level, or there is not enough RAM to run all programs
loading. Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue associated
with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive
reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to Direct Memory Access (DMA) allows for
faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.
5. Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems, especially Windows,
can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly written, or it may conflict with another
process. Windows will usually notify you about devices that are causing a problem, or have a
problem. To check this use the Device Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control
Panel, clicking the System icon, clicking the Hardware tab, and clicking on Device Manager.
Use this to check and arrange the properties of hardware.
6. Check any newly installed software. Software may require more resources than the
system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software starts, the software is
causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by software that
starts automatically on boot.
7. Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy or sluggish system.
If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program is consuming more resources than
the computer can provide. An easy way to check this is to use the Task Manager, right click on
the taskbar select Task Manager, and click the Processes tab. The CPU column contains a
number that indicates the percentage of CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage
column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.
8. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises, shut off
the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this
comes on a high speed when the CPU is working hard and can tell you when the computer is
working beyond its capacity.
9. Run a virus and malware scan. Performance problems can be caused by malware on
the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus
scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus)
10. Check for the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during
POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that
the operating system itself is to blame.

I. Direction: Arrange the following steps by labeling the spaces before the number 1-10
to show the correct order in identifying common computer problems and solutions.
1. Check any newly installed software.
2. Run a virus and malware scan.
3. Notice the load time of the OS
4. Check RAM and CPU consumption.
5. Perform an auditory test.
6. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises
7. Check the POST
_______8. Check for the problem in safe mode

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 9. Check any newly installed hardware.
10. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded
II. Acronyms
Direction: Complete the following acronyms
1. RAM
2. POST
3. DMA
4. OS
5. CPU
6. PC
7. PIO
8. CMOS

III. Directions: Read and answer the given questions below.

1. To check about devices that are causing a problem, or have a problem, what steps will I do? (2pts)
2. What are the steps in checking RAM and CPU consumption? (3pts)

Name: Date:
Grade/Section: Score:

I- True or False: Directions: Write T if the statement is True, otherwise write F.

1. The CPU column contains a number that indicates the percentage of CPU the process is
consuming. The Memory Usage column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.
2. A shorter load time may indicate errors in the hard drive.
3. To enter safe mode, tap F9 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems).
4. Performance problems can be caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan
can unearth any problems.
5. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still ineffective way of judging how a computer is
working.
6. Increased graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.
7. An easy way to check the computer of being sluggish is to use the Task Manager, right
click on the taskbar select Task Manager, and click the Menu tab.
8. The POST is generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after turning
on the power.
9. Make notes including the error messages and their solutions, so that you have a record on
how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it.
10. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by hardware that starts
automatically on boot.

II- JUMBLED WORDS: Directions: Jumble the letters to get the word/words being described.
1. When you notice a software or hardware error in your computer, determine what was
changed before the problem occurred. CONTIE SGCAHNE
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 2. When you find a faulty component in your computer, check it with the other
computers so that you can make sure whether the fault is in the component or not. AIRLT ADN
OERRR
3. You will find the error or warning messages associated with any faulty hardware or
software. ENTVE WVIREE
4. In case of any device failure, check the data cables, power cable, internal circuitry
cables and make sure that all these are plugged in and working fine. CCKHE LESABC
5. Jot down including the error messages and their solutions, so that you have a record
on how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it. KEAM STONE

III- Performance Task: (10 pts.)

1. Complete the given table by filling out the column for possible solution to the given
common computer problems.

Computer Problem Possible solution to the problem

hardware that makes the computer unable
to boot
a longer than usual load time
Reduced graphics
the audio is choppy or slow
operating system is conflicting with new
drivers

problem begins after software starts

choppy or sluggish system
hard drive is scratching or making loud
noises
malware on the computer
problem persists in safe mode

References:

Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 9

Learner’s Material
First Edition, 2013

Images used:
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