COMMON CAUSE OF ERRORS

1) USER GENERATED
2) HARDWARE
3) SOFTWARE
 DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE

Programs can do most of the work in

determining which PC component is
defective.
 DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS
INCLUDES;

1) POST/Power-On Self Test

2) Manufacturer supplied diagnostics
software
3) Aftermarket diagnostic software
 POST/Power-On Self Test

 Operates whenever any PC is

powered up (switched on).

 A series of program routines hidden

in the motherboard ROM-BIOS chip
that tests all the main system
components at power-on time.
 POST/Power-On Self Test

 POST is executed before the

computer loads the operating
system.
 Provides error or warning messages
whenever a faulty component is
encountered.
 If the POST encounter a problem
severe enough to keep the system
from operating properly,
 POST/Power-On Self Test

it halts boot up of the system and

produces an error message that often
leads you directly to cause of the
problem.
 POST detected problems are
sometimes called fatal errors.
 WHAT IS TESTED

 Whenever you start up your

computer, it automatically performs
a series of tests that check the
primary components in your system.
 WHAT IS TESTED

 CPU
 ROM
 Motherboard support circuitry
 Memory
 Major peripherals (such as an
expansion chassis) are tested.
 THREE TYPES OF OUTPUT
MESSAGES

1) Audio Codes
2) Display-Screen Messages
3) Hexadecimal Numeric Codes
 POST Audio Error Codes

 POST audio error codes usually are

audio codes consisting of a number
of beeps that identify the faulty
component.

If your computer is functioning

normally, you hear one short beep when
the system starts up.
 POST Audio Error Codes

 If a problem is detected, a different

number of beeps sound -sometimes
in a combination of short and long
beeps.

These BIOS – dependent codes can vary

among different BIOS manufacturers.
 POST Visual Error Codes

 POST also displays on the system

monitor the test of a system memory.
 The last number displayed is the
amount of memory that tested
properly.
 I/O Port Codes

A lesser-known feature of the POST is

that at the beginning of each POST, the
BIOS sends test to a special I/O port
address.

These POST codes can be read only by

a special adapter card plugged into one
of the system slots.
 I/O Port Codes

These cards originally were designed to

be used by the system manufacturers
for burn-in testing of the motherboard
during system manufacturing without
the need for a video display adapter or
display.
 I/O Port Codes

When one of these adapter card is

plugged into a slot, during the POST
you see two digit hexadecimal numbers
flash on a display on the card. If the
system stops unexpectedly or hangs,
you can just look at the two-digit
display on the card for the code
indicating the test in progress during
the hang. This step usually identifies the
failed part.
 USING THE PROPER TOOLS

To troubleshoot and repair PC systems

properly, you need a few basic tools.

The basic tools that should be in

every troubleshooter’s toolbox are:
 USING THE PROPER TOOLS

 Simple hand tools for basic

disassembly and reassembly
procedures, including a flat blade
and Phillips screwdrivers (both
medium and small sizes), tweezers,
an IC extraction tool, and a parts
grabber or hemostats.
 USING THE PROPER TOOLS

 Diagnostics software and hardware

for testing components in a system
 A multi-meter that allows accurate
measurement of voltage and
resistance.
 Chemicals, such as contact cleaners,
component freeze sprays, and
compressed air for cleaning the
system.
 USING THE PROPER TOOLS

 Foam swabs, or cotton swabs if

foam isn’t available
 Small wire ties for “dressing” or
organizing wires.