COMPUTER

TROUBLESHOOTING 2
COURSE CODE: COM226

COMPILED BY: A.O. URHOLE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEEK 1- 2 .SERIAL, PARALLEL AND USB PROBLEMS
WEEK 3-4 . TO UNDERSTAND PRINTERS FAILURE
SYMPTOMS PROBLEMS
WEEK 5-6 . TO UNDERSTAND MODEM AND DAIL-UP
FAILURE SYMPTOMS PROBLEMS
WEEK 7-8 . TO UNDERSTAND COMMON WINDOWS
START-UP FAILURE SYMPTOMS
WEEK 9-10 . TO UNDERSTAND ILLEGAL OPERATIONAL
FAILURE SYMPTOMS
WEEK 10-11 .TO UNDERSTAND VIRUS PROTECTION
UTILITY FAILURE SYMPTOMS.
WEEK 12-13 . TO UNDERSTAND NETWORK FAILURE
SYMPTOMS.
WEEK 14-15 .TO UNDERSTAND EXTERNAL DEVISES
FAILURE SYMPTOMS.
WEEK 1- 2 .THIS WEEK LEARNING OUTCOME.

TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF SERIAL, PARALLEL AND USB

PORT FAILURE

SERIAL PORTS: In computing, a serial port is a communication

interface through which information transfers in or out one bit at a
time .It allows PC to transmit or receive data one bit at a time.

PARALLEL PORTS: It’s a type of interface that allows connection

between PC and devices, and can send or receive several bits of data
simultaneously.
USB: It means universal serial bus that allows multiple devices to be
connected with the PC .it supports data transfer rate of 12MBPS.

TROUBLESHOOTING PORTS PROBLEMS

Generally, there are five possible causes for a problem with a device
connected to an I/o port.

Even a minor port problem can become a major issue. And without the
skills and know-how to identify and resolve a port problem, a business
could suffer due to ineffective connection.
Here’s a closer look at five common port problems, along with ways to
resolve/remedy such issues:

1. Incorrect Communication Parameters

The most common cause of serial port communication problems is

incorrect communication parameter settings. To operate correctly it is
essential that both devices are set up with the same communication
parameters, which includes baud rate, parity, number of data bits, and
number of stop bits.

2. Incorrect communication Cable

Is a serial cable connected between a PC and a serial port? If a user uses

the wrong cable, he or she will be unable to establish a connection.

A serial port serves as a physical connector on the back of a computer

that allows for the input and output of data, and there are two different
types of serial port connectors: 9-pin and 25-pin. As such, the correct
cable and/or adapter is necessary to ensure the proper connection at
all times.

3. Bad Serial Cables

What happens if a serial cable is not working properly? This issue can
limit data transmission and retrieval but can be easily fixed by replacing
the serial cable.

In many cases, a loose cable may simple need to be reconnected to a

serial port. But in other situations, an ineffective cable will need to be
replaced immediately, especially if the serial port is functioning
properly.

4. Software Conflicts

A software driver may result in a non-working serial port. If this driver is

not installed properly or is not compatible with a serial port, it may
cease to perform.

Re-installing the affected drivers can help a user overcome this

problem. In addition, a user may be able to alter the serial port settings
to ensure this issue is fully resolved.

5. And finally, the port might be disabled. When a port is disabled, no

data communication between the PC and the connected device on that
port can occur. Enabling the port solves this type of issue.
WEEK 3-4

TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF PRINTERS FAILURE

There are many problems that could prevent a printer from working
properly. These common factors include driver problems, software
problems, hardware problems and overuse.

HP PRINTER

DRIVER PROBLEMS:A device driver is a software that facilitates

communication between the operating system and the device. If a
printers driver is malfunctioning or its not installed, the printer will not
respond. A printer with no installed driver will show up in DEVICES AND
PRINTER with exclamation mark next to it. Installing the appropriate
printer driver solves this problem.

SOFTWARE PROBLEMS: STUCK PRINT SPOOLER, When a document is

printed, the file is temporarily stored on the computer. The printer
retrieves the job when its ready and prints the document. Sometimes,
the windows print spooler service gets stuck, and the job that is sent to
the printer will not print, the printer will not respond in any way.
Restarting the spooler services usually resolves the problem. Click
“START” type “services”(without quotes)in the box and click printer
spooler and click restart.

OVERUSE :Most printers have monthly recommended page volume.if

one exceeds the recommendation as contained in the user manual by
the manufacturer .one will eventually encounter paper jamming and
internal parts such as paper pick up rollers will fail much quicker than
they normally would

CONSUMABLES ISSUE: Most printers would stop working when they

are out of paper, ink or toner, or if the printer detects an issue with the
ink or toner cartridge. When this occurs, an error message or notice
blinking GREEN or AMBER lights on your printer.

PAPER JAM / CAUSES

1 Paper loaded incorrectly

2 Paper rollers are damaged

3 Loading papers that are torn, dirty or damped

4 The paper tray is loaded with more than one type of paper

5 An object is obstructing the path of the paper.

6 paper added to the tray while the printer is printing.

 SENDING PRINT JOB(S) TO THE WRONG PRINTER: If more than one
printer is installed, always make one a default printer or you select the
right printer before sending the print job .

TROUBLESHOOTING HARDWARE ISSUES

Make sure the printer is plugged in , powered and ready to print. You
could also check if the usb interface is disabled ,if disabled then
enabling it will solve this issue. One may also check the usb cable. If the
cable is bad then replacing it with a working one will solve this problem.
WEEK 5-6

TO UNDERSTAND MODEM FAILURE SYMPTOMS PROBLEM

CAUSES OF MODEM/DIAL-UP FAILURE.

What is a Modem?: Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a

hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive
information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device
converts ("modulates") digital data to an analog audio signal, and
transmits it over a telephone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is
received, the modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital
signal.

A dial-up is a connection that is being established when two devices are

connected to an internet service provider using PSTN(Public switch
telephone network).A dial-up connection can be initiated manually or
automatically by the computer Modem.

CAUSES OF FAILURE

1. Low signal
2. Bad cable
3. Poor configuration
4. Faulty hardware
5. After 5 mins of inactivity ,the modem disconnects itself.
6. Make sure incoming calls are turned off as call waiting disconnects
a modem.
7. A modem can be damaged by electrical surge, overheating and
aging
8. Improper software installation.
 MODEM FAILURE REMEDY

You should check an internal modem using the same basic sequence as
any other I/O card. First, check its hardware and software
configuration, check the system for conflicts, and check for correct
drivers.

Improper software setup is the most common cause of modems not

working when they are first installed. Inspect any cabling connections
to see that they are connected correctly and functioning properly, and
test the modem's hardware by substitution.
WEEK 7-8

TO UNDERSTAND COMMON WINDOWS START-UP FAILURE AND

SYMPTOMS / CAUSES.

The causes of start-up problem or failure to boot up can be

categorized into four areas.

1 Bad electrical connection

2 Power supply failure

3 Operating system failure

4 Hardware failure

BAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

This category includes…..

1 Bad connection between the a memory module and the

motherboard.

2 Bad connection between the video card and the motherboard

3 Loose cables

CORRECTION / REMEDY

Memory card/ module need to be reseated. It’s a common cause of

boot failure that a memory module is not properly connecting with the
motherboard. if one of the many pins on the module fail to connect in
the motherboard slot, the computer will not start. Take power cord out
the back of the computer and open the case. Remove the memory and
clean it with a soft rag then reseat it in the slot. The bad electrical
contact occurs as a result of corrosion or dust getting between the
electrical contacts .Reseating works in many cases.

LOOSE CABLES

Moving computers around could cause cables to loose contacts with

hardware devices preventing the system to start-up. Re-attaching them
each in turn should solve this of failure.

POWER SUPPLY FAILURE

If the computer is powered on and nothing comes up, that’s no fan ,no
lights ,nothing happens, the power supply may have failed. Replacing
power supply unit should solve this type of failure. When replacing the
power supply unit, the wattage of the new one should be considered.
Do not replace it with a lower wattage.

OPERTING SYSTEM (OS) FAILURE

Generally, if a computer fails to start and the hardware is not a fault,
its most likely to be an essential file that the operating system need to
start is corrupt or missing. The two most probable causes of this are (1)
The hard drive is old and beginning to fail and or (2) An infestation of
the computer with malicious software . If it’s a matter of a missing files
or files that do not read, then running a software called SPINRITE can
solve missing files problems. SPINRITE will often repair files and make
them readable again.following a scan and repair by SPINRITE .one may
be lucky to get the operation system boot up again, then take
immediate step to back up the entire hard drive. For virus attack. Get
an antivirus to solve malicious software out the computer or formatting
the system could solve this problem.
 HARDWARE FAILURE
Hardware failure refers to a malfunction within the electronic circuits
or electromechanical components (disks, tapes) of a computer system.
Recovery from a hardware failure requires repair or replacement of the
offending part. Contrast with software failure. Some of the hardware
that could be replaced due to failure are (1) motherboard (2) Processor
(3) video card (4) cooling fans (5) processor etc.
WEEK 9-10: TO UNDERSTAND ILLEGAL OPERATIONAL
FAILURE SYMPTOMS.
What is an illegal Operation? An illegal operation is a command a
computer cannot execute or does not understand .The computer will
return an error message to the user,probably alerting the user that it
has failed to execute a command/instruction, and that the program will
be terminated by the operating system. A number of things can cause
an illegal operation.

THE CAUSES/REMEDY OF ILLEGAL OPERATION

When the operating system or computer processor receives
instructions from a program it does not recognize and cannot process,
it may issue an Illegal Operation command. Below are the reasons why
an Illegal Operation happens on a computer.

Illegal Operation
THIRD-PARTY PROGRAMS
Third-party programs running in the background are one of the more
commonly found reasons for Illegal Operations. If the Illegal Operation
is happening when running a game or program close all other open
programs and third-party program running in the background.

ERROR IN PROGRAM CODING

Verify the program causing the Illegal Operations is compatible with
your version of Windows. Also, check with the developer to see if any
patches or updates are available. There's no such thing as a perfect
software program, and it is common for multiple patches and updates
to be released during a program's life cycle.

DATA IS NOT BEING READ PROPERLY FROM SOURCE

When running a program or game from a CD and you receive an Illegal
Operation, verify the CD is clean.

If you are running a game from a floppy diskette or another removable

disk drive, verify the disk has no physical errors by running ScanDisk.

Installing a program or game on a hard drive that has errors.

Make sure the drive is error free by running ScanDisk and Defrag on the
drive.

If errors exist on the hard drive, they cause the program or game to run
improperly and can cause Illegal Operations.
CORRUPT FILES
Corrupt, bad, or missing files can cause Illegal Operations. Try
uninstalling and then reinstalling the program causing the Illegal
Operation to verify that any corrupt, bad, or missing files are replaced
or repaired during the reinstallation.

MEMORY MANAGERS
If you are running a memory manager, we recommend you temporarily
disable or uninstall this program to verify it is not causing the Illegal
Operations.

BAD, INCORRECT, OR OUTDATED VIDEO DRIVERS

Bad, incorrect, or outdated video drivers can cause Illegal Operations
when moving the mouse, highlighting, or when high demands are
placed on the video card. Try decreasing the resolution to make sure
your current settings are not causing the problem.

If, after adjusting the video settings, you still encounter the same issue,
verify the computer is utilizing the latest video card drivers.

COMPUTER VIRUS
Because computer viruses and other malware load into memory and
can improperly modify files, they can cause Illegal Operations. Make
sure an antivirus protection utility is installed on the computer and that
it is up-to-date.
ADDED HARDWARE
If new hardware was recently installed (e.g., computer memory) in the
computer, it or any drivers installed may be conflicting with other
computer hardware. Temporarily remove any new hardware and the
software associated with it to make sure it is not causing the problem.

BAD MEMORY, INVALID BITS OR PHYSICALLY BAD

MEMORY
Bad memory can cause Illegal Operations. If you have recently added
memory to the computer, remove the memory to make sure it is not
causing the problem. If no memory was recently added and you tried all
the recommendations above, test your computer memory.

CORRUPTION OR PROBLEM WITHIN WINDOWS (OS)

Because Windows controls the memory operations and all system
operations, if any part of Windows is corrupt, it can cause Illegal
Operations. If you tried all the suggestions above, and you continue to
experience illegal operation, then reinstalling Windows would solve
the issue.
WEEK 10-11: TO UNDERSTAND VIRUS PROTECTION
UTILITY FAILURE SYMPTOMS.
DEFINITIONS OF VIRUS, PROTECTION AND UTILITY.

A computer virus is a malicious software that when executed ,

replaces itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its
own code. It could also be seen as a program or piece of codes that is
written deliberately to confuse the operating system or any other
programs not to operate as intended by the programmer and they can
run against ones wish.

Protection means defense, preservation, safe keeping, safe guarding

etc while UTILITY means usefulness,advantage, benefit , value, help or
the state of being useful, profitable or beneficial.

Nothing can quite ruin your day like finding out your computer has a
virus.

Even before you’re aware of a virus infecting your computer, you may
be dealing with frustrating symptoms. These symptoms can be either
obvious or discreet, but are generally always harmful.

If you suspect that your computer has been infected with a virus, it is
important that you act quickly to address the problem before it gets
any worse.

Some viruses will cause damage to more than your computer and may
be used to obtain personal information about you or even, to steal your
identity. For these reasons it is important to have a good understanding
of common computer virus symptoms.
 SYMPTOMS
If your computer has a virus, it will likely show certain symptoms
which will indicate that it has a virus, as well as, what type of virus it
may be.

Here is a list of 20 computer virus symptoms or indicators that your

computer may have a virus.

1. Your Computer Slows Down

One of the most common computer virus symptoms is slow down. You
can know that your computer has been affected by malware if your
operating system, computer applications, and internet speed begin to
slow down. If you note such a tendency and you’re not running heavy
applications or programs, there may be cause for alarm.

2. Crashing

Computer virus could make a system crash. They do this by showing

BLUE SCREEN more often .then its obvious that your computer is not
not operating well and it should be checked.

3 .Pop-ups

One of the most annoying computer virus symptoms is characterized by

unwanted pop-ups. If these unexpected pop-ups appear on your
system, know that your computer has probably been affected by
spyware/virus/malware.
 4 Hard Drive Malfunction

In case you have discovered that your hard disk is exhibiting unusually
high activity even when you aren’t using it, consider checking for
malware. However, hard disk malfunction can also be caused by
hardware failure.

5. Running Out of Storage Space

Computer virus symptoms can be triggered by numerous malicious

software through different methods. This type of virus replicates or
duplicate itself thereby occupying more memory space.

6.Unwanted Programs or Messages That Start Automatically

Some of the warning signs that you should be suspicious about include:

Windows shutting down suddenly without reason

Programs opening or closing automatically

Strange windows as you power on your system

Message from windows that you lost access to your drive

7. Disabled Security Solution

In case your antivirus doesn’t seem to work or if your update module all
of a sudden is disabled, make sure that you check what has happened
as soon as possible. There are some types of malware that are built to
disable computer security solutions and leave your machine
defenseless.
 8 . Sending Strange Messages Automatically

The first step is to confirm whether the messages were sent from your
account. However, if you discover that you weren’t the sender, then
the messages were sent by an uncontrollable application.

9.Unusual Network Activity

Sometimes you may not be connected to the internet, and you aren’t
running any applications that can connect themselves to the internet,
but you still observe high network activity. Such computer virus
symptoms can be confirmed by using a good antivirus.

10. Applications

If you have tried to start applications from the start menu or desktop of
your computer and nothing happens, then your computer may be
infected.

11.Error Messages

Your computer will know when something is wrong even before you do.
One of the noticeable computer virus symptoms includes messages
that warn you of missing files.
12.Advertisements

Ads are common when browsing. However, when you see them when
not browsing, this could be a sign of a virus.

13.Hardware and Accessory Problems

In case you have problems with your computer display, for instance
color problems or mixing pixels, this can be an indication of malware in
your computer. Sometimes network printers also malfunction if they
become infected.

14.Sent Emails

Viruses can be spread via emails. Therefore, if you note that there are
emails in your outbox that you never sent or you receive suspicious
emails from a friend, they may be infected.

15.Computer Malfunction

Computer viruses can cause your computer to do all kind of strange

things. When your computer starts to open files on its own, or acts like
keys have been clicked, then you may be experiencing computer virus
symptoms.
16.Affected Applications

Some viruses are created to affect some applications, and as a result

your computer may fail to run such applications until they are
reinstalled.

17.Blocked From Antivirus Sites

If your computer has been infected by malicious viruses, your computer

may be prevented from accessing antivirus sites. Viruses attack
browsers and may inhibit them from using the internet normally.

18.Gibberish Dialog Boxes

If your computer opens up many dialog boxes on your screen all at

once, this can be a sign of malware. Most of the dialog boxes show
gibberish messages that aren’t easily decoded.

19.Slow Startup

If your computer suddenly experiences a slow startup most likely it has

become infected. There is the typical time your computer takes before
it starts and you can note when your computer starts slower than
usual.
20.Printer Issues

If your printer seems to have a mind of its own and randomly prints
documents, you could possibly be dealing with a virus.

How to Protect Yourself from a Computer Virus

There are a lot of preventative measures that you can take to protect
your computer from catching a virus. Using anti-malware and anti-virus
software are among two of the most common preventative measures
used. Also maintain a backup of your files to minimize the potential
permanent damage of a computer virus or malware ,which could
corrupt or delete your files.

Firewalls can be helpful in preventing Virus/Malware attacks. It is also

wise to always be very cautious when opening emails or clicking on
suspicious links, websites, or pop-ups.

If you suspect your Computer already has a Virus :

Start your computer in safe mode and run an anti-virus scan of your
entire computer.

Refer to your computer software supplier’s customer support team to

see if they offer any tools or resources to extract the virus from your
computer.

Be sure to delete all of your temporary files in safe mode.

Use Malware software to scan for additional threats to your computer
and security.
WEEK 12-13 :TO UNDERSTAND NETWORK FAILURE
SYMPTOMS
What is a computer network? A computer network is a group of
computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are
LINKED together through communication channels to facilitate
communication and resource sharing among a wider range of users .

A computer network
CAUSES OF NETWORK FAILURE/REMEDY

Downtime caused by network problems has a major impact on your

business. Tackle these leading causes of network problems to minimize
business and financial impact.

1. Misconfiguration

Misconfiguration is the cause of as many as 80% of unplanned outages.

Reduce the change of making mistakes by using automation to deploy
changes rather than relying on setting parameters manually. Test all
configurations in a lab environment before making changes on your
production devices.

2. Security breaches

Security failures and allowing unauthorized traffic can bring down a

network due to excess load. Make sure you have appropriate security
controls in place to keep intruders from overloading your network.

3. Old equipment

Every obsolete, unsupported device is a potential threat to your

network’s functioning. Be proactive in planning upgrades and replacing
out-of-date equipment.

4. Human error

Perhaps the leading cause of outages are unintentional mistakes. Along

with configuration errors, people make mistakes that can be as simple
as pulling the wrong plug or not knowing the proper procedure. Avoid
these errors through proper staff training and proper documentation,
including labels on all devices.
5. Incompatible changes

These aren’t misconfigurations or configuration changes made in error;

these problems arise when a change you intend doesn’t work properly
alongside your other equipment. Avoid these problems through testing
changes and new devices in a lab setting before placing them in
production. You’ll also reduce these issues if you have good records of
your current devices and settings to help you identify incompatibilities
in advance.

6. Hardware failures

Any device can fail; make sure you perform maintenance and apply
patches as needed to keep devices up to date and reduce the risk. You
can also reduce the impact of any device failure by building in
redundancy to prevent a single point of failure from disrupting the
whole network.

7. Power failures

Have backup power supplies to prevent a power outage from shutting

you down. Connect redundant devices to different power circuits to
ensure a single circuit outage doesn’t shut down a service entirely.

You can avoid many of these errors by keeping good records and
reducing the amount of manual work your team performs with
automation. Monitoring and performing preventative maintenance go a
long way to minimizing the risk of equipment failures that bring down
your network.
COMMON NETWORK ERROR MESSAGES SOLUTIONS

If your network connection is not configured properly or suffers a

technical failure, you will often see some error message displayed on
the screen. These messages give helpful clues to the nature of the
issue.

1 A Network Cable Is Unplugged

This message appears as a Windows desktop balloon. If the connection

is wired, you may lose access to the network, if a cable is unplugged or
bad cabling issues. CHECK CABLES

2 IP Address Conflict (Address Already in Use)

If a computer is set up with a static IP address that's being used by

some other device on the network, the computer (and possibly also the
other device) will be unable to use the network.

An example is two or more devices using the IP address 192.168.1.115.

In some cases, this problem can even occur with DHCP addressing.

3 The Network Path Cannot Be Found

Updating the TCP/IP configuration can resolve this issue when trying to
access another device on the network.

You might see it when using the incorrect name for the network
resource if the share doesn't exist, if the times on the two devices are
different or if you don't have the right permissions to access the
resource.
4 Duplicate Name Exists on the Network

After starting up a Windows computer connected to a local network,

you may encounter this error as a balloon message. When it occurs,
your computer will be unable to access the network.

You may need to change the name of your computer to resolve this
problem.

5 Limited or No Connectivity

When trying to open a website or network resource in Windows, you

may receive a pop-up dialog error message that starts with the words
"limited or no connectivity."

Resetting the TCP/IP stack is a common solution to this problem.

6 Connected With Limited Access

A technical glitch in Windows can cause this error message to appear

when making certain types of wireless connections, which is why
Microsoft provided a fix for it in a service pack update for Windows
Vista systems.

You might still find this error in other versions of Windows too, though.
It can also occur on a home network for other reasons that might
require you to reset your router or connect and then disconnect from
the wireless connection.
7 "Unable to Join Network Failure" (error -3)

This error appears on the Apple iPhone or iPod touch when it fails to
join a wireless network.

You can troubleshoot it the same way you would for a PC that cannot
connect to a hotspot.
WEEK 14-15: TO UNDERSTAND EXTERNAL DEVICS FAILURE
SYMPTOMS

EXTERNAL DEVICE - COMPUTER DEFINITION

Any peripheral device that is not housed inside the computer cabinet.
Monitors, keyboards, mice and printers are inherently external devices;
however, drives, network adapters and modems may also be external
devices.

Anything that can be plugged into a computer from the outside can be
counted as an external device. For laptops, the AC power supply unit is
an external device. The computer operates fine without it, but once you
plug it in, you charge the battery.

Desktop computers always need you to plug in an external display,

keyboard, mouse, and usually speakers. These are all external devices.

USB Flash Drives, Portable Hard Drives, Ethernet Cables, even

headphones are all external devices.

EXTERNAL DEVICES FAILURE AND THEIR REMEDY

The computer mouse

1 Standby Mode and Battery. If you just got a new mouse and realize it
is not working, check if it is equipped with a standby mode. Some new
models just need to be clicked on a first time in order to be taken off
their sleeping state. Then you can use it as usual.

Also, if you use a wireless mouse, try to clean the battery connections
and check if the battery is not going week. If you use a wired mouse,
just try to unplug and re-plug it as it could just be a problem of dirt or
debris stuck in the port. Cleaning can do wonders!

A
computer mouse

2 Is The Mouse Pointer Movement Not Smooth?

If the cursor movement of your mouse is not smooth, it is most likely

caused by a dusty sensor area or a dirty surface on which you use the
mouse. Again, do wonders by cleaning and sweeping both these parts.
Remember to always use soft cloth without any chemicals, soapy water
will do just fine.

Also, note that glossy surfaces such as glass or varnished wood, it can
interfere with the good functioning of your mouse, especially if it works
with laser and optical technology. Always use a good mouse mat or pad
to optimize your mouse efficiency.

3 Is Your Mouse Cursor Frozen?

It happens that the mouse cursor just freeze and stops working. In that
situation, the problem is usually cause by an overworked computer
rather than a faulty mouse. Try to close some applications running in
the background of your computer. Sometimes you might not even be
aware they are active.

If it is not, try to reboot your computer to see if it restores the good

functioning of your mouse. Sometimes closed applications need the
computer to be restarted in order to fully stop using its power.

4 Is Your Mouse Simply Not Working At All?

Now if the above solutions did not resolve your issue, the problem
could be caused by either software or hardware related issues.

Software issue

Try to reinstall your mouse driver. It might just have crashed. It could
also be that the last update downloaded automatically by your PC was
not compatible. This might also need your computer to be restarted.

Hardware issue

Check your cables, connections and ports. A bad wiring, faulty USB or
PS/2 port or bad IR wireless receiver could be the cause of your
troubles. Try other devices on your ports to make sure they are working
properly.
Is Your Mouse Movement Too Fast Or Too Slow?

Be reassured, this is not a serious trouble. It just comes from a bad

adjustment. To solve this, just follow these few steps:

Go into the « Control Panel »,

Choose « Hardware and Sound »,

Select « Mouse Options »,

Click on the « Pointer Options » tab.

There you can adapt the speed of your cursor movement according to
your likes.

Do You Struggle Double Clicking Properly?

Here again, we are not speaking about a proper issue but just an
adjustment problem. Same as for the speed of the cursor movement,
go to the mouse options into the control panel but this time, click on
the « Button » tab. There you will be able to choose the speed level of
the double click feature.

THE HARD DRIVE

Hard drive failure is one of the most common and frustrating problems
for computer users, but it’s also one of the easiest problems to recover
from. If you do suspect that your hard drive has failed, your first course
of action should always be to turn off your system. Your second should
be to get a free consultation from a professional data recovery
COMPANY
The Specific Causes Of Hard Drive Failure

Hard disk drives (or HDD) are mechanical. Most are based on a “spindle
and platter” system that works much in the way a record player does.
The arm reads the data on the platter, and your system uses it for
pretty much everything on your computer.
The second type of hard drive, and one that has become extremely
popular, is the Solid State Drive or SSD. This type of hard disk uses an
electrical cell grid to write data directly to a memory module, exactly
like the RAM in your system. These drives read and write data
extremely quickly and are a key reason why today’s computers are so
fast.

Now, the key cause of failure for either an HDD or an SSD is one thing:
mechanical failure.

For HDD drives, this means the spindle and platter system may be
wearing out or losing precision due to age or heavy use.

For SSD drives, the “blocks” to which data is written do wear out. They
can only be written to a certain number of times, and then, without
warning, your drive is dead.

Some other key causes include:

Excessive heat – Either form of drive will fail if used continually in a very
hot environment or improperly cooled computer system

Water Damage – These are electronics, and one of life’s harshest

equations is Water + Electronics = Damage.

Static Electricity – A dry environment can make for high amounts of

static electricity.

Lightning or power surges – A mass shock to your computer system can

quickly spell the end of a hard drive.
High Magnetic Fields – Magnets and hard drives of any kind are a bad
mix.

Impact – The parts inside a hard drive are very sensitive. Dropping a
drive or laptop can cause immediate hard drive failure.

Internal electronics could be damaged.

The Specific Causes Of External Hard Drive Failure

External or portable hard drives are even more susceptible to damage

than internal or laptop hard drives. This is essentially because they are
small, usually poorly padded within their case, and can be dropped at a
moment’s notice.

So essentially, all of the causes of internal hard drive failure are the
same for external, with a specific focus on Impact or Environmental
Hazard. This means that it can be dropped on the ground. Immersed in
water.Burned in a fire. It can more easily be affected by a powerful
magnet. They can be thrown across the room by a toddler.

Basically, an external drive is more risky than those in a PC or laptop, so

saving as little “critical data” on them as possible is always a great idea.
 THE KEYBOARD

Common Keyboard Problems & Solutions

The keyboard is a vital link between a computer user and the screen. If
the keyboard stops working, that does not necessarily mean you need
to replace it. Users can solve some common keyboard problems.

Hardware

If keys stick or certain keys become unresponsive, dust and dirt are
likely causes. Turn the keyboard upside down to try to release the dirt
trapped inside. If that doesn't fix the problem, use compressed air to
spray a jet of air between the keys, releasing any debris.
A computer keyboard

SOFTWARE

Keyboard layouts, set by the operating system, use different alphabets

and accented letters for different languages. If you type a key and the
wrong letter or symbol appears, your system may be using the wrong
keyboard layout. Change the keyboard layout preferences back to your
desired layout.

SETTINGS : Laptop computers often have a "number lock" setting that

turns a section of the keyboard into a numeric keypad. If some letters
on your laptop keyboard produce numbers instead, check that you
haven't turned on this setting by mist

CD ROM DRIVE

Short for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, a CD-ROM is an optical disc

that contains audio or software data whose memory is read-only. A CD-
ROM Drive or optical drive is the device used to read them. CD-ROM
drives have speeds ranging from 1x to 72x, meaning it reads the CD
roughly 72 times faster than the 1x version. As you would imagine,
these drives are capable of playing audio CDs and reading data CDs,
including CD-R and CD-RW discs
 A CD ROM DRIVE

CAUSES OF FAILURE AND REMEDY

Symptoms

1 CD ROM drive cannot be accessed and the light does not go on.

Remedy : Check that the power and controller cables are securely

attached to the drive.

The operating system may not be configured to use or "see" the drive.

If it never worked, verify that the jumpers on the drive are

set correctly.

2 CD ROM drive cannot be accessed but the light does go on.

Remedy: The CD may be damaged or unreadable.

Try removing and reinserting the disk.

 Try cleaning the CD.

If it never worked, verify that the jumpers on the drive are

set correctly.

3 The drive drawer does not open .

REMEDY :
Press the button once and wait at least a minute.

In Windows, go to "My Computer", right click on the

CD-ROM drive and choose "Eject" from the menu.

With the computer unplugged, you can open most CD-

ROM drawers with a pin. Poke it, as straight as possible, into the
hole and push with moderate force to force the drawer open a half
inch. Now pull the drawer the rest of the way open. If the problem
persists, check that the power connector and controller cable are
securely connected to the drive.

A CD may be jammed or broken inside the drive. Access

may require the removal of the drive's outer case. If this is

necessary, it is very likely that the drive will have to be replaced.

4 Spinning sound is heard and then stopping repeatedly

REMEDY:
The CD may be damaged or unreadable.

Try removing and reinserting the disk. Try cleaning the CD

REPLACING A CD ROM DRIVE

Incase the CD ROM drive needs replacement, The procedure for
replacing a CD ROM drive is as follows:

1 Remove the side covers of the PC and remove the defective CD ROM .

2 Adjust the jumpers on the back of the CD ROM .

3 Replace the new CD ROM drive by sliding it in to the bay.

4 Connect the power supply cable to the CD Rom drive .

5 Connect the ribbon cable.

6 Connect the audio cable (if necessary) to the drive. Connect the other
end of this audio cable to the sound card.

7 Secure the drive in to the drive bay and replace the computer cover.

8 Power up the computer.

WHAT IS RAM?

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a way for your computer to store

temporary data, rather than in a cache or permanent storage. Storage,
often wrongly referred to as memory, is permanent data stored on a
hard drive or solid state drive. A CPU cache is a small amount of often-
needed memory that is stored on a CPU chip. Both the RAM and CPU
cache are temporary data stores that are cleared when your computer
is turned off.
Memory problems are less common than other computer problems
because memory sticks have no moving parts and thus fewer points of
failure. However, due to this many RAM problems go undiagnosed.
Memory usually will last longer than other computer components so
manufacturers offer longer warranties for it than other parts. If you buy
brand name memory it will likely have a lifetime warranty.

MEMORY. Random-access memory (RAM)

SYMPTOMS OF A RAM PROBLEM

When you first turn on your computer it runs fine, but as you go about
your business you notice that its performance diminishes. By lunch
time, websites take minutes to load and local programs run at a snail's
pace. This type of gradual deterioration of PC performance, especially
with memory-intensive programs, may be caused by a RAM problem.
Your computer randomly restarts while you are in the middle of
something or freeze sporadically. It may also reboot almost
immediately upon opening the desktop. This could be a sign of faulty
RAM.

A blue screen with white text flashes before restarting. Blue-screen

errors are annoying because you don't even have a chance to read the
error message. Bad RAM is one thing that cause them.

Files—particularly ones you frequently access and save—seem to be

inexplicably corrupted. RAM issues can lead to this problem, which can
worsen over time. The file structure of your hard drive may slowly
degenerate and you will no longer be able to boot your machine.

Your attempts to install a new program repeatedly fail for unknown

reasons. You try to reinstall the operating system, but keep getting odd
error messages.

There are certainly a variety of problems that could cause the issues
above, but faulty RAM is an often-overlooked root cause of inexplicable
issues. If you have one or a combination of the above problems you are
likely facing a memory issue.

WHAT CAUSES MEMORY DAMAGE?

Power surges can damage most computer components, including RAM.

You should plug your computer and other expensive electronics into a
surge protector.

Before you handle any parts in your computer, make sure you ground
yourself by touching a piece of grounded metal to discharge static
electricity. Electrostatic discharge can damage your computer.
Excessive heat can cause RAM and other parts to wear out over time.
Individual components can overheat, or heat from one component can
cause damage to adjacent parts.

If you have overclocked any part of your computer incorrectly, it may

cause damage in the form of excess heat.

Your memory module may have some fault that passed through quality
control and worsened over time. This is the most likely cause behind a
damaged RAM.

It is also possible that the memory module is fine, but one or more
memory slots on your motherboard are defective, hindering the RAM's
performance. The defect may even be so bad that it damages the
memory stick.

DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM

If the symptoms started after you recently added more memory, the
new module could be faulty. This seems obvious, but any time a
problem begins after making a change, first check to see if the change
caused the problem.

Your computer may produce multiple beeps or a continuous beep when

you turn it on. These beeps can indicate many different problems,
including being a symptom of bad RAM. Beep codes vary depending on
the manufacturer of your BIOS.

If you are an advanced user, there are diagnostic programs that can
help you figure out if you have a memory problem. Your computer may
have one pre-installed by the manufacturer or you can download a
third-party program. The Windows Memory Diagnostic by Microsoft is
also good if you suspect memory problems on a Windows PC.

If the above programs indicate your memory sticks are functioning, but
you still suspect a RAM problem or if you need to find which memory
module is the problem, you can try removing the modules and placing
them in different slots.

Installed RAM

What installed memory modules look like.

Memory modules, pictured in the image above, are small circuit boards
that lay perpendicular to the motherboard.

FIXING THE PROBLEM BY REMOVING MEMORY

To remove a RAM module you need to press the tiny levers on each
end to release it.

Test each of your memory modules one at a time to find which ones are
bad. When you find the sticks that are bad you can order replacements.
It is possible all the memory modules are damaged if your computer
experienced a serious power surge.

If all the memory modules appear bad, then the problem is likely with
the memory slot itself. Try testing each memory module in each of the
memory slots to find if one of the slots is faulty. To fix a faulty slot you
would need to replace your motherboard.

When replacing a module, make sure the indention on the bottom is

lined up correctly with the slot and then press it in until you hear the
levers snap. Note that some levers do not make a snapping sound.
REFERENCES

JAN , P(2019) https://turbofuture.com/computers/5-Symptoms of a

RAM Problem and How to Fix It

Mitchell, B (2019) www.lifewire.com