UNIT 3:Troubleshooting Fundamentals

Troubleshooting tools – Bootable rescue disk, diagnostic

software, virus detection software, Anti-Static tools, Trouble-
shooting guidelines – Power system, system board, OS &hard
drive, Optical drives, keyboard, Monitor and printer
problems, Surge protection & battery backup, Stand by UPS,
Inline UPS, Line-interactive UPS, and intelligent UPS.

Troubleshooting tools :
The tools which is used in troubleshooting is called troubleshooting tools.
There are various troubleshooting tools, some of them are given below:
1. Bootable rescue disk
2. Diagnostic software
3. Virus detection software
4. Anti-Static tools
1.Bootable rescue disc:
A bootable rescue disk is a bootable storage device, such as a CD, DVD, or
USB drive, that contains a self-running operating system and utilities that
can be used to troubleshoot and repair a computer. Bootable rescue disks
are often used to fix boot problems, recover lost data, or remove malware.
• Bootable rescue disks can be used to boot a computer even if the
operating system is not working properly.
• Bootable rescue disks often contain a variety of utilities that can be
used to troubleshoot and repair a computer, such as disk diagnostic
tools, file recovery tools, and antivirus software.
• It is a type of disc that finds threats and removes without disturbing
the operating system.
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 • Rescue Disk can scan hidden files, system drivers, Master Boot Record
(MBR) and hard drive.
• It is also known as Recovery disc, Rescue Disk and Emergency Disk.
• The ability to be a boot system independent of an internal hard drive is
called bootable rescue disc.
• The rescue disk contains malware and rootkit detection, antivirus
scanning, temporary file cleaners,
• data and driver backups, partition scanning, and even password
crackers.
How to use a bootable rescue disk:

To use a bootable rescue disk, you will need to boot your computer from the
disk. To do this, you will need to change the boot order in your computer's
BIOS or UEFI firmware. Once the computer has booted from the rescue disk,
you will be able to use the tools on the disk to troubleshoot and repair your
system.
Example:
Suppose that your computer is not booting up properly. You can try booting
from a bootable rescue disk to see if you can identify and resolve the
problem. Once you have booted from the rescue disk, you can use the
utilities that are included on the disk to diagnose the problem and attempt
to fix it. For example, you could use a disk diagnostic tool to check for errors
on your hard drive, or you could use an antivirus program to scan for
malware.

2.Diagnostic software
Diagnostic software is a computer program that is used to identify and
troubleshoot problems with a computer system or device. It can be used to
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test hardware, software, and network connectivity. Diagnostic software can
be used by both home users and IT professionals.
Here are some important points about diagnostic software:

• Diagnostic software can be used to identify a wide range of problems,

including hardware failures, software conflicts, and network
connectivity issues.
• These tools can be used to test the functionality of hardware
components, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive
• Diagnostic software can be used to troubleshoot problems with both
desktop and laptop computers, as well as mobile devices.
• Diagnostic software can be used to troubleshoot problems with both
Windows and macOS computers.
• Diagnostic software can be used to troubleshoot problems with both
wired and wireless networks.
It is a software tool used to diagnose problems with a particular set of
hardware devices. Diagnostic software is used to identify problems on
a computer or piece of equipment.

Example: One common example of diagnostic software is a virus scanner.

Virus scanners are used to scan a computer for malware and viruses. If a
virus is found, the virus scanner can remove it

Here are some of the benefits of using diagnostic software:

• It can save you time and money by helping you to identify and resolve
problems yourself.

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 • It can help you to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
• It can help you to keep your computer system and devices running
smoothly and efficiently.
• It can help you to protect your data from malware and viruses.

3.Virus detection software:

• virus (Vital Information Resources under Siege.)detection software,
also known as antivirus software, is a computer program that is used
to detect, remove, and prevent viruses and other malware infections.
• Viruses are malicious programs that can damage or disable computer
systems and devices. Malware is a broader term that encompasses all
types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses,
and spyware.
• Virus detection software works by scanning files and folders for
known malware signatures. A malware signature is a unique identifier
for a specific piece of malware. When the software finds a file that
matches a known signature, it will remove the file.
• Once installed, most antivirus software runs automatically in the
background to provide real-time protection against virus attacks.

• common example of virus detection software is Norton

Antivirus,Windows Defender,McAfee,AVG Anti-Virus,kasperSky

4.Antistatic tools:
Antistatic tools are tools that are designed to reduce or eliminate static
electricity. Static electricity is a buildup of electric charge on the surface of
an object. It can be caused by friction, contact, or induction. Static electricity
can be harmful to electronic components, and it can also cause sparks that
could ignite flammable materials.

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Antistatic tools are made from materials that are conductive, such as metal
or carbon fiber. This allows the static electricity to be dissipated harmlessly
to the ground. Some common examples of antistatic tools include:
• Antistatic wrist straps: These straps are worn around the wrist and
connected to a ground conductor.
• Antistatic mats: These mats are placed on the work surface and
connected to a ground conductor..
• Antistatic tools: These tools are made from conductive materials and
are designed to reduce or eliminate static electricity on the objects
they are used on.
o Some examples of antistatic tools include screwdrivers, pliers, and
tweezers.

Troubleshooting guide lines:

Troubleshooting guidelines are a set of steps that can be used to identify
and resolve problems with a system or device. They can be used to
troubleshoot a wide range of problems, from hardware and software
failures
The systematic trouble shooting approach can be divided into following
steps
1. Symptom observation
2. Symptom analysis
3. Fault diagnosis
4. Fault rectification

OR
Here are some general troubleshooting guidelines:
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 1. Identify the problem. What is the specific problem that you are
experiencing? What are the symptoms of the problem?
2. Gather information. What have you tried so far to resolve the
problem? What changes have you made to the system or device
recently?
3. Isolate the problem. If possible, try to isolate the problem to a specific
component or subsystem. This will make it easier to identify and
resolve the problem.
4. Test your solution. Once you have identified a possible solution, test it
to see if it resolves the problem. If not, try a different solution.
5. Document your solution. Once you have resolved the problem,
document your solution so that you can refer to it later if the problem
occurs again.

Power system troubleshooting:

• Check the power strip or surge protector to make sure it is plugged in
and turned on.
• Check for loose cables in the back of the computer (especially the main
power cable).
• Check the outlet for power problems or try moving the power cable to
a different outlet.
• Try a different power cable.

Troubleshooting the System Board:

• The microprocessor, RAM modules, ROM BIOS, and CMOS battery are
typically replaceable units on the system board.
• Both the microprocessor and the ROM BIOS can be sources of such
problems.

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 • You should check both by substitution when dead system symptoms
are encountered but the power supply is good.

Here are some common system board problems and their solutions:
➢ Computer not booting up: This can be caused by a variety of factors,
such as a faulty power supply, a loose connection, or a corrupted BIOS.
• If the computer is not booting up, try checking the power supply
connections and reseating the memory modules. If the computer
still does not boot up, try updating the BIOS.
➢ Computer crashing or freezing frequently: This can be caused by a
variety of factors, such as a faulty CPU, overheating, or a software
conflict.
• If the computer is crashing or freezing frequently, try checking
the CPU temperature and making sure that the fans are working
properly. You may also need to try updating your drivers or
uninstalling any software that you are not using.
➢ Blue screen of death (BSOD): A BSOD is a critical error that can be
caused by a variety of factors, such as a hardware failure, a software
conflict, or a driver problem.
• If you are getting a BSOD, try restarting the computer in Safe
Mode and running a system scan. You may also need to try
updating your drivers or uninstalling any software that you are
not using.

Troubleshoot a hard drive:

• Open File Explorer and find the disk which has problems.
• Right click on the hard disk with errors.
• Choose Properties.
• Navigate to Tools bar in the Properties window.
• Click on the Check button.
• Select Scan and repair drive to start detecting & fixing.
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 Here are some common hard drive problems and their solutions:
➢ Hard drive not booting up: This can be caused by a variety of factors,
such as a corrupted partition table, a faulty disk controller, or a bad
hard drive.
• If the hard drive is not booting up, try running a system
diagnostic tool to check for errors. You may also need to try
repairing the partition table or replacing the hard drive.
➢ Hard drive making strange noises: This can be caused by a variety of
factors, such as a faulty bearing or a damaged read/write head.
• If the hard drive is making strange noises, it is likely that it is
failing and needs to be replaced.
➢ Hard drive slow or unresponsive: This can be caused by a variety of
factors, such as fragmentation, overheating, or a bad hard drive.
• If the hard drive is slow or unresponsive, try defragmenting the
hard drive and checking the CPU temperature. You may also need
to try replacing the hard drive.

Surge protection and battery backup

A surge protector is a device that diverts excess voltage away from
your electronic devices, protecting them from damage. Battery backup
devices provide power to your electronic devices during a power
outage, so you can continue to use them.

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 When choosing a surge protector or battery backup device for your
printer, it is important to consider the following factors:
• Wattage rating: Make sure to choose a device with a wattage rating
that is high enough to handle the power consumption of your printer.
• Number of outlets: Consider how many devices you need to protect.
Surge protectors typically have multiple outlets, while battery backup
devices typically have fewer outlets.
• Features: Some surge protectors and battery backup devices have
additional features, such as USB charging ports, automatic voltage
regulation, and network protection.
Surge protector example: APC Back-UPS Connect 450VA Tower UPS

Battery Backup:
• A device which provides power to equipment during the absence
of commercial AC with the help of a
• battery is known battery backup’s device.
• UPS is the poplar battery backup device.

• Battery backup: CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA UPS System

UPS:
UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. It is a device that
provides backup power to your electronic devices during a power
outage.

• UPS systems are commonly used to protect hardware such as

computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment or other
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 electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption
could cause injuries
• UPS systems work by converting incoming AC power to DC
power, which is then stored in batteries. When the incoming
power fails, the UPS system automatically switches to battery
power, providing a seamless transition for your electronic
devices.
• Small UPS provide power for a few minutes, while larger UPS
have enough battery for several hours.
• The main parts of a UPS are: rectifier, battery, inverter and
controller
There are four types of UPS:
1. Stand by UPS,
2. Online UPS,
3. Line-interactive UPS, and
4. Intelligent UPS

1.Standby UPS:
• A Standby UPS can detect an electrical failure and switch to
battery power automatically. The standby is also called off-line
UPS.
• They provide surge protection and battery backup.
• The protected equipment is normally connected directly to
incoming utility power.

2.Online UPS:

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 • Online UPS supplies power to the AC load through the Rectifier
and inverter in normal operation. It uses an inverter to supply AC
power during a power failure.
• Therefore, the output power supply always stays ON and there is
no need for switching. Hence, there is no time delay in switching
between its sources.
• There is no interruption in the case of power failure even for a
nanosecond.

3.Line interactive UPS:

• A line-interactive UPS maintains the inverter in line and redirects

the battery's DC current path from the normal charging mode to
supplying current when power is lost.
• It provides power with a 4-6 millisecond break in power when
transferring to battery back-up.
• Here the UPS also monitors the voltage level and balances under
and over voltages.
• Line Interactive UPS are typically used in smaller, less critical
applications, such as PCs, telephone systems, non-critical
networking equipment and small motor loads.

4.Intelligent UPS:
Intelligent UPS systems are designed with line interactive or standby
topology. It offer guaranteed power protection for computers, routers,
modems, and home theater equipment.
• Intelligent UPS is also known as smart UPS.
• It include an LCD status panel, Automatic Voltage Regulation
(AVR), energy-saving Green Power UPS

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• Design, data line protection, and management software to easily
control and monitor your UPS.
• A smart UPS that integrates with your network can provide real-
time status updates, giving you better visibility into device health
and performance

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