Core Hardware Fundamentals
Lesson 11
Troubleshooting
Objectives
Describe the procedures for isolating failing components.
Describe information-gathering techniques that can be used
to get more information about a system failure.
Describe common troubleshooting tools and their uses.
Identify common error codes and suggested recovery
procedures.
Identify common PC failures and suggested resolutions.
Identify common printer failures and suggested resolutions.
Basic Troubleshooting Flow
Document the failure.
Collect all relevant information.
Duplicate the failure.
Check for obvious errors.
Isolate the failing component.
Repair or replace the failing component.
Document the resolution.
Inform the customer.
Role of Information
Questioning users
 Open-ended questioning
 Closed-ended questioning
Documentation
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System inventory
Service history
Manufacturer documentation
Commercial press
User groups
Internet
Troubleshooting Tools
Screwdrivers
Socket
Hex drivers
Pliers
Wire cutters
Tweezers
Volt-ohmmeter
Cleaning supplies
Boot diskette
Hardware diagnostics
IC tool
Miscellaneous items
Quick Checks
System checks
System or device not
plugged in
System or device not
turned on
Cable not connected or
loose
Printer checks
Not online
Out of paper
Out of toner or ink
Document in print queue
Document paused
POST Error Beep Codes
Beep Code
Indicated Error
None
System port failure/system did not run POST
1 short
Dynamic RAM refresh
2 short
Parity circuitry test failure
3 short
Failure first 64 KB RAM or CMOS RAM
4 short
System timer failure
5 short
Processor failure
6 short
Keyboard/keyboard controller/Gate A20
7 short
Processor virtual mode failure
8 short
Video display adapter/adapter memory
9 short
ROM BIOS checksum
10 short
CMOS RAM register
1 long, 1 short
Motherboard error
1 long, 2 short
Video display adapter/memory
1 long, 3 short
System memory error
1 long, 8 short
Video display adapter/adapter memory
POST Numeric Error Codes
Part 1
Error Class
Indicated Error
0100
Motherboard errors
0200
Memory errors
0300
Keyboard errors
0400
Monochrome display errors
0500
CGA display errors
0600
5 ½-inch floppy disk drive errors
0700
Math coprocessors (FPU) errors
0900
LPT1 errors
1000
LPT2 errors
1100
COM1 errors
1200
COM2 errors
1300
Game controller errors.
POST Numeric Error Codes
Part 2
Error Class
Indicated Error
1400
Printer errors
1700
Hard disk driver errors
2400
First VGA/EGA errors
2500
Second VGA/EGA errors
3000
Network adapter errors
4800
IBM internal modem errors
7000
Phoenix BIOS chipset errors
7300
3 ½-inch floppy disk drive errors
8600
Pointing device errors
8900
MIDI errors
11200
SCSI adapter errors
Common POST Errors
Error Code
Description
0161
CMOS power failure, probably caused by a dead battery
0201
System RAM test error. Restart to check for transient errors
0301
Stuck key, missing keyboard or failing keyboard
1701
Hard disk drive not ready or hard disk controller failure
7301
3 ½-inch floppy disk drive or controller failure
Common System Failures
Motherboard (system board)
Power supply
Keyboard and mouse
Display monitor
Hard disk drive
CD-ROM/DVD
Memory
Modem
Adapters
Printers
Internal Modem Checks
Properly seated
Resource assignment conflicts
Telephone line
Telephone cable
External Modem Checks
Plugged in and receiving power
Turned on
Serial cable attached
Telephone line
Telephone cable
Common Impact Printer Problems
Faint print
Streaking
Horizontal tearing
Missing print/white lines
Paper misfeeds
Common Ink Jet Printer Problems
Poor print quality
Missing dots/white lines
Streaking
Bleeding
Paper misfeeds
Common Laser Printer Problems
Streaked/dirty pages
Light/incomplete printing
Repeating mark or dots
Poor print quality
Memory overflow
Paper misfeed