CHAP 4

• Preventive maintenance is used to reduce the probability of hardware or software problems by systematically and periodically checking hardware and software to ensure proper operation.
• Preventive maintenance tasks include checking the condition of cables, components, and peripherals, cleaning components to reduce the likelihood of overheating, repairing or replacing components that show signs of abuse or excess wear, and removing dust from fan intakes, the power supply, components inside the computer, the mouse and keyboard, and loose cables.
• Preventive maintenance also involves verifying that installed software is current, following the policies of the organization when installing security updates, operating system updates, and program updates, and using the tasks listed as a guide to create a software maintenance schedule that fits the needs of your computer equipment.
• Some benefits of preventive maintenance include increased data protection, extended life of the components, increased equipment stability, reduced repair costs, and reduced number of equipment failures.
• Troubleshooting requires an organized and logical approach to problems with computers and other components.
• Evaluate the problem and implement the solution by verifying that the AC outlet is supplying the correct power, making sure that the power connections are properly connected to the motherboard, checking all other cables, and ensuring that the processor and RAM are installed properly.
• Faulty components that would cause a system not to boot and not to have any lights or fans include the processor, motherboard, power supply, power cord, and video card.
• You can also test each component in a known-good system to see whether the component is working or faulty.
• After the problem has been solved, close with the customer to show that the computer is fixed and is working properly.
• After checking the easy items, you may have to dig deeper because you suspect a faulty component.
• To figure out which item is faulty, you will need to swap each of these items one by one until you find the faulty component.
• It is important to document the steps that you took in identifying the problem and implementing the solution.
• A logical approach to troubleshooting allows you to eliminate variables in a systematic order.
• Asking the right questions, testing the right hardware, and examining the right data help you understand the problem.
• This helps you form a proposed solution.
• Troubleshooting is a skill that you will refine over time.
• Troubleshooting involves gathering data from the customer, verifying the obvious issues and trying quick solutions first, gathering data from the computer, and documenting the process.
• The purpose of data protection is to ensure that data on a computer is not lost or corrupted during repairs.
• If lights are on or the fans are on, it is most likely not a power problem.
• If the computer does not turn on, there is not much more data that can be gathered from the computer itself.
• If a computer will not boot, the first step is to gather data from the customer, including whether it has ever worked, when the last time it worked, if any changes have been done to the system, if any maintenance has been done on the system, and if there are any lights on or the fan is running.
• If a backup has not been done, do not attempt any troubleshooting activities until you check with the customer.
• The problem-solving process involves evaluating the problem and implementing the solution, documenting the process, protecting data on a computer, verifying data backups, and troubleshooting.
• A liability release form should contain at least the following information: permission to work on the computer without a current backup available, release from liability if data is lost or corrupted, and description of the work to be performed.
• Before troubleshooting problems, it is important to follow necessary precautions to protect data on a computer.
• Each time you solve another problem, you will increase your troubleshooting skills by gaining more experience.
• If a Cisco device is not detected in Windows Device Manager, it can be due to a faulty serial cable, need to enable the serial port in the BIOS setup program, need to reboot the Cisco device, need to detect hardware devices in Windows, or need to reinstall Windows.
• After gathering information from the customer, the next two things to try are to verify the obvious issues and gather information from the computer.
• If a computer is unplugged, it can cause the monitor to be blank and none of the fans to spin.
• Bad AC power can cause a computer to reboot often.
• An overheating processor can cause a computer to reboot often.
• Before troubleshooting a computer problem, it's important to gather information from the customer, such as whether the computer is still under warranty, if any new software has been installed recently, where it was purchased, and if any other changes have been made to the computer recently.
• A software upgrade or a RAM upgrade can cause a computer to reboot often.
• If a computer's BIOS chip, CMOS battery, hard drive, or Windows need to be replaced, it can cause the incorrect date and time to be shown when the computer is first turned on.
• To gather information from the computer, you can use Windows Event Viewer, Device Manager, listen for beep codes or look for error messages on the screen, run diagnostic software, or connect to the Internet and look for problems concerning the make and model of the computer in question.
• A power outage can cause a computer to reboot often.
• You will learn how and when to combine, as well as skip, steps to reach a solution quickly.
• The troubleshooting process is a guideline that you can modify to fit your needs.
• The troubleshooting process consists of the following steps: Gather data from the customer, verify the obvious, try quick or less intensive solutions first, gather data from the computer, and propose a solution.