PC Repair Fundamentals
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ObjectivesLearn about tools you’ll need as a
computer support technicianLearn how to develop a preventive
maintenance plan and what to include in itLearn how to work inside a computer caseLearn what happens when you first turn
on a PC before the OS is loaded
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Objectives (cont’d)Learn how to approach and solve a PC
problemLearn how to troubleshoot a failed boot
before the OS is loadedApply these concepts as you use and work
on computersContinually look for additional ways to
improve your own skills and provide better service •
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IntroductionThis lesson helps prepare you to work on
computer hardware inside the classroom lab.
The lesson stresses the importance of putting safety first •
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A task for you:In your notes,
Write down a reason why “safety first” is so important
Share your idea with a table partnerWhen directed, the group will share
your ideas •
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OverviewBasic repair skills
Developing a maintenance planImplementing a maintenance planWorking inside a computer case
Following a sequence of events that occur at startup •
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Overview (cont’d)Intermediate repair skills
Using common-sense guidelines to solve problems
Interviewing a userDetermining if a problem occurs before
or after bootTroubleshooting and solving a problem
of a failed boot •
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PC Support Technician ToolsHelp you maintain a computer Help you diagnose and repair computer
problemsCriteria for choosing tools:
Level of PC support you expect to provide
Amount of money you can spend •
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PC Support Technician Tools (cont’d)Some essential tools:
Ground bracelet, ground mat, or ground gloves
Torx screwdriver setRecovery CD, DVD, or floppy disk for
target OSStore tools in toolbox for PC
troubleshooting •
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Figure 2-1 Basic PC support technician tools
Recovery CDsUsed to boot a systemAlso used to repair and reinstall WindowsPrimary recovery CD sources
PC manufacturer (preferred)Operating system distributor, such as
Microsoft•
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Recovery CDs (cont’d)Some hard drives have a hidden recovery
partitionsA hidden partition can be used to
reinstall WindowsA utility for creating recovery CDs may
be providedAccess hidden utilities by pressing a Fn
key at startup •
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Figure 2-2 Windows Setup CD and Windows Recovery CDs for a notebook computer
Loop-Back PlugsUsed to test various ports
Some port types: serial, parallel, USB, network
How to use a loop-back plugPlug in the loop-back plug Run the software that comes with the
plug •
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Figure 2-3 Loop-back plugs used to test serial and parallel ports
Cleaning Pads and SolutionsVarious types are designed for specific
usesExample: contact cleaner
Cleans contacts on expansion cardsWarning: these solutions may be
flammable and/or toxic •
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Cleaning Pads and Solutions (cont’d)Sources of safety and emergency
instructions:Side of the can of solutionMaterial safety data sheet (MSDS)
Adhere to safety procedures of your employerExample: fill out an accident report (if
required)•
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Figure 2-5 Each chemical you use should have available a material safety data sheet
Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance reduces number of problems
Goals of preventive maintenance plans:Prevent failuresReduce repair costs Reduce downtimes •
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Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance (cont’d)
Goal of disaster recovery plan: manage failures
Some causes of PC failure: heat, dust, spills, viruses•
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When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility Tasks and procedures to prepare for
troubleshootingKeep good backups of data and system
filesDocument all setup changes, problems,
and solutions •
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When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility (cont’d)
Protect the system against viruses and other attacksAlways use a firewall (software or
hardware barrier)Install and run antivirus softwareKeep Windows Updates current
Physically protect your equipment•
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Figure 2-9 Configure antivirus software to scan e-mail and instant message attachments and to download updates automatically
A task for you:Consider:
How is it different when you are the sole person responsible to computer equipment upkeep than when you are called in for a one-time set-up or repair?
When directed, discuss your ideas with the class as a whole
In your notes, write one example of these differences•
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Static ElectricityBuild-up of charge due to absence of
conductorsElectrostatic discharge (ESD)
Due to dissimilar electrical surfaces making contact
Only 10 volts of ESD can damage PC components
Walking across carpet generates up to 12,000 volts
Two types of damage: catastrophic and upset failure •
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Static Electricity (cont’d)Tool and methods for grounding
yourself and the PCGround bracelet, ground mats,
static shielding bags, antistatic gloves
If working inside a monitor, do not ground yourself •
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Figure 2-13 A ground bracelet, which protects computer components from ESD, can clip to the side of the computer case and eliminate ESD between you and the case
How to Troubleshoot a PC ProblemTake on the attitude of an investigatorAvoid making the problem worse through
your own actionsLook at the problem as a learning
opportunityAsk questions until you understand the
problemBelieve that you can solve the problem •
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Steps to Solving a PC ProblemKey advice:
Ask good questions Document the process •
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Steps to Solving a PC Problem (cont’d)Four-step problem solving process:
Step 1: Interview the userStep 2: Back up dataStep 3: Solve the problemStep 4: Verify the fix and document the
solution•
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Figure 2-44 General approach to troubleshooting
A task for you:In your notes:
In your own words:Write a simple explanation of the chart
you just saw •
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SummarySome PC repair tools include:
recovery CDsScrewdriversPOSTcleaning pads and solutions diagnostic cards •
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Summary (cont’d)Preventive maintenance plans extend the
life of a computerFollow an organization’s preventive
maintenance plan, or develop one if it does not exist
Computers present chemical and electrical hazards
Protect components in case from ESD by grounding yourself and the PC •
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Print and Submit your notes
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