MCGRATH HIGH SCHOOL 

LESSON WORKSHEET
Teacher: Rushell Perry Class: 4 Form
th

Subject:  Information Technology Unit/Module: 

Topic: Computer Fundamentals & Information Processing Sub-Topic: Troubleshooting
Date: Week of November 22, 2021, Week #: 11

WELCOME TO TODAY’S LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

Instructions:  Please carefully read the information below and complete the activities given.

LESSON OBJECTIVES 
Students should be able to: troubleshoot basic computer hardware problems
Lesson 1

Troubleshooting Basic Computer Problems

Several simple problems can occur when using a computer, but a few checks can be performed

to identify the possible cause(s). These checks can determine whether the problem can be

rectified immediately or if there may be a need to seek further technical assistance.

Computer, laptop, or mobile device does not respond when power is turned on

1. Ensure that the power cable is connected to the power connector on the back of the

computer or device and plugged into the electrical outlet.

2. If it is plugged into a power strip or surge suppressor, check that the power strip is

connected to an outlet and turned on.

3. Make sure that the electrical outlet is working. This can be done by testing it with another

device such as the monitor or a printer,

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 4. Briefly bypass surge suppressors, power strips and extension cables in turn, which

connect the computer directly to the power outlet, to verify that the computer turns on.

5. Try using another power cable that is suitable for the device. If the power turns on, then

the cable needs replacing.

Printer Problems

1. Ensure the printer driver is installed on the computer.

2. Ensure that the printer is plugged into a power strip or outlet and the printer is turned on.

3. Check that paper is not stuck in the printer. Open the printer and remove the component

that holds the paper. You may need to remove the ink or toner cartridge to see if paper is

stuck under the cartridge. You may see an error message on the monitor, or the printer

lights may indicate what the error could be.

Printer is receiving power but not printing correctly

1. Ensure the printer contains one or more ink cartridges or that the correct toner is installed.

2. If the print quality is poor, the ink or toner may need to be replaced.

3. Ensure printer settings for ink cartridge alignment paper orientation, margins are

correctly set.

4. If the print quality is low, check the print quality being used-options are provided to set

the quality of print being used from the printer. Draft, Normal and Best are examples of

print quality you may see for an inkjet printer.

5. Some printers use Wi-Fi, so check on the display panel to see if the printer’s Wi-Fi is

connected.

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If no paper is seen when you try to print

1. Ensure no parts of the printer are open.

2. Check that paper is correctly placed in the printer.

3. Verify that the correct data cable is being used, and the cable is connected to the

computer and the printer.

4. Ensure that you have selected the correct printer. Several printers may be installed, and

you must choose the required printer in the print dialogue window.

Printout is Blank

1. Change the ink or toner cartridge.

2. If the problem persists, seek further technical assistance since the nature of the problem

may require an experienced technician or a new printer.

Lesson 2

Monitor Problems

Blank Screen

1. Check the monitor power light- if it is off, then press the button to ensure that the monitor

is turned on. If the power light is on, then the monitor may be in power safe mode. Press

a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

2. Check the monitor cable connections. Check to ensure that the monitor power cable is

connected to an outlet, power strip or surge suppressor. Check the monitor data cable is

connected to the computer correctly.

3. Ensure the electrical outlet is working by testing with another device.

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Screen Difficult to Read

1. Monitor settings may need to be adjusted (such as colour, contrast or brightness).

2. Ensure that no strong sources of magnetism are near to the monitor – such as speakers

and amplifiers.

3. Monitors should be kept away from external power sources such as fans and fluorescent

lamps and radios. These can cause the screen image to appear to vibrate. Nearby power

sources should be turned off to check for interference.

4. Monitors facing bright sources of light such as windows and lights can make the images

difficult to see. The monitor should be turned away from strong light sources.

Battery Problems

For laptops and mobile devices, check the amount of charge in the battery. Move the cursor

arrow over the battery icon while the laptop is connected to the power adapter to view the

remaining charge. The battery may need charging if:

● The laptop or mobile device shuts off when the power adapter is unplugged.

● The device powers off soon after use

● The battery icon indicates that a battery is not detected or found.

Try another cord of the same make and model. If the battery charges, then the power cord may

need replacing.

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