How To Repair Most Common Desktop Computer Hardware Problem.


Good Day! Today I am going to show you may technique to diagnose and repair a hardware problem in a desktop computer. As we know if you are already an experience Tech or IT this will be easier for you to diagnose and repair a desktop computer. But if you are new or inexperience technician or IT this will be difficult for you to diagnose a hardware problem. So, how do we start?


Below is an illustration of an old desktop CPU - Intel Pentium 4 with old IDE hard disk.






Nowadays, Computer uses high speed processor such as Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 or Core i9. Also, uses SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) hard disk drive and SSD (Solid State Drive) on its motherboard. Both HDD and SSD use SATA port in the motherboard.


First step.

You must know if the problem is associated with hardware or software.


Here is the list of most common hardware problems.

1. Desktop won't power on.
2. You can hear beeps from your computer.
3. No video on the screen.
4. Noisy sound from the back of the CPU/Tower case - Power supply Fan.
5. Noisy sound from inside of the CPU casing - Hard disk/Hard drive.
6. Turns off instantly when power on.
7. Time and settings goes back to factory defaults after power off or unplug - CMOS Battery.
8. Operating system or windows is very slow during boot up.
9. Systems hangs-up.
10. The screen or monitor has a stripe.
11. Only text is seen in the screen.


Step two.

Narrow your search on the problem. Identify the problem correctly or closely. If you pinpoint the problem exactly you will find it easy to solve. Based your search from the list above. If the problem is not listed pay attention to the detail on what problem is related to. 

Also, remember the components or parts of your desktop computer consist of.

Here is the list of usual desktop computer parts or components to acquire defect or damage.

1. ATX Power Supply
2. Motherboard
3. Memory
4. CPU Fan
5. Power switch
6. Hard disk or hard drive
7. Monitor or screen
8. Monitor cord
9. Monitor video cable like VGA cable, DVI cable or HDMI cable.
10. Power cord.
11. AVR
12. UPS
13. Video card
14. Mouse
15. Keyboard
16. CMOS Battery

Note: I only listed the parts or components in desktop computer that will impact if defective or damage. I did not list the processor it is very uncommon to have a defective or damage processor.

List of computer parts, components and clues if they fail or damage.

1. ATX Power Supply 
     a. Black - out or won't power on.
     b. Turn-off instantly.
     c. Intermittent - Restart frequently or hangs up sometimes.

2. Motherboard
     a. No video.
     b. Won't power on.
     c. Intermittent - Hangs up sometimes or cannot detect memory sometimes.

3. Memory
     a. No video.
     b. Intermittent - Hangs up sometimes.
     c. You can hear beeps.
     d. Restarts frequently.

4. CPU Fan
     a. System is overheating.
     b. Turn off instantly.
     c. Hangs up sometimes.

5. Power Switch
     a. Won't power on.

6. Hard disk or Hard drive
     a. No Windows or operating system.
     b. Noisy sound from hard disk.
     c. Hangs up frequently.
     d. Operating system load very slow.

7. Monitor or screen.
     a. No video.
     b. Stripes on screen.
    
8. Monitor cord - wire with plug that connects to monitor to outlet, AVR or UPS.
     a. No video
     
9. Monitor video cable ex. VGA, DVI or HDMI.
     a. No video.
     b. Monitor displays a message - check video cable.

10. Power cord.
     a. Won't power on.

11. AVR
     a. CPU won't power on.

12. UPS
     a. CPU won't power on.

13. Video card
     a. No video.

14. Mouse
     a. Cursor won't move.
     b. Pointer stuck most of the time.

15. Keyboard
     a. No led lit from caps lock if pressed.
     b. Keys not working properly.
   
16. CMOS Battery
     a. Time and settings goes back to factory defaults after power off or unplug.


Step three.

Let’s assume that you already pin point the problem. Now, it is time for probing. 

How do we probe a problem? Let's replace the part or component to assure that there are no problems other than we pin point. This also assures that we will not fail in diagnosing a problem. Its better if we a have a testing unit available to us. Like, extra power supply, video card, memory or better to have a spare motherboard for testing. Only keep or prepare testing spare parts that is used on present day. Do not buy expensive spare parts or testing unit.


Step four.

Replace part or component if necessary. Sometimes, there are problems no need for replacement because they only need cleaning or tightening. Sometimes, you need to burn-in test your repaired unit to make it sure that it is working properly.


Conclusion: 

This method works for me but still it is up to you on how you act on computer problems and how to solve it fast and accurately. You can use my technique or you can obtain some ideas and combined it with yours. Still it is in our experience and knowledge how we solve any computer problem or trouble. So, much better if we continue to have a work, career or job on this field to acquire more experience. If we want to become expert on any field we must improve our skills or knowledge thru research and study on our chosen career.


Good luck guys! Have a nice day.



Document was last updated: July 6, 2019



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