Troubleshooting PC Hardware Problems from Boot Failure to Poor Performance
A unique visual approach to troubleshooting PC hardware problems. Morris Rosenthal creates a visual expert system for diagnosing component failure and identifying conflicts. The seventeen diagnostic flowcharts at the core of this book are intended for the intermediate to advanced hobbyist, or the beginning technician. Following a structured approach to troubleshooting hardware reduces the false diagnoses and parts wastage typical of the "swap 'till you drop" school of thought.
Flowcharts include:
• Power Supply Failure
• Video Failure
• Video Performance
• Motherboard, CPU, RAM Failure
• Motherboard, CPU, RAM Performance
• IDE Drive Failure
• Hard Drive Boot and Performance
• CD or DVD Playback
• CD or DVD Recording Problem
• Modem Failure
• Modem Performance
• Sound Failure
• Sound and Game Controller Performance
• Network Failure
• Peripheral Failure
• SCSI Failure
• Conflict Resolution
Power Supply Failure excerpt:
The first step in power supply diagnostices is determining whether or no the power comes on. How can you tell if the power is on? Can you hear fans turning and drives motors spinning up, see little lights on the front of the CPU case or hear any beeps? If the system case is hot (if you get a shock) pull the plug immediately - you have a ground failure and a short...
Reader Jerry D. Nickerson from Washington State says,"Handy flowcharts with accompaning detailed descriptions. Very logically organized and layed out. It provides you with a structured process for tracking down pc problems. Highly recommended.
"Having a little troubleshooting experience would be helpful, but not absolutely necessary. A fair number of pc problems have very simple solutions. The author does not overlook the obvious(is it plugged in? are all the mute buttons unchecked?) on way to making a proper diagnosis.
"If you are at all serious about providing your own tech support (or support to friends and family), get this book. Money well spent."
Video Failure excerpt:
Most new monitors will display something such as "No signal source", or "Attach video signal", as long as they are healthy, and powered on. These messages should appeareven if the PC or video adapter is dead. This is actually one of the more useful innovations in monitor technology, because it offers definitive proof that the monitor or LCD display is alive and most likely capable of displaying an image if a video signal was present...
Reader R. McAdams from Searcy, AR says,"The cover of this book asks the follow question: Do you know a CPU from a hard drive? Do you? If so, this book is fantastic. In my opinion, the key to diagnosis of any kind is a quick elimination of possible root causes. This book accomplishes that by forcing the reader into yes/no questions. Drawing on his obvious experience, the author uses flowcharts to continually narrow the tech's focus until the answer is apparent. The author takes subconcious deduction and lays it out on the page for anyone to follow. After some time it should become second nature to you as well. The book covers the gamut of hardware issues with a straightforward style. In between the various categories is text related to specific points on the flowcharts. There is some real gems in there. I have no doubt the author earns hourly income many times the cost of this book. Buy it."
Motherboard, CPU, RAM Failure excerpt:
An overheating CPU will cause the system to quickly lock up. Remove the existing heatsink and fan, make sure that the fan is working properly AND that the geometry of the bottom of the heatsink will bring it in full contact with the exposed CPU die or the top of the CPU package. Apply an approved thermal grease or thermal tape before reinsatlling the heatsink. Don't put too much thermal grease or you'll just make a mess...
Reader W. P. Beeler says,"I am a computer repair technician and have found the flow charts very useful when in a hurry or having someone help me. Well worth the money."
More Windows Troubleshooting Articles:
• Troubleshoot Windows with Event Viewer
• System Restore: The Big Undo
• Fixing a Broken Laptop Screen Yourself is Easier Than You Think
• Windows XP's Built-in Help and Support Center
• How to Troubleshoot Your Computer's Mouse
• Troubleshoot With Reliability Monitor
• Run Old Programs in Windows Vista
• Fix Windows 7 Boot Errors
• Why Don't I Get Sound From My PC?
• Fix CD Writer Buffer Underrun Errors
