PC Repair Fundamentals

1

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

2

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 •

3

IntroductionThis lesson helps prepare you to work on

computer hardware inside the classroom lab. 

The lesson stresses the importance of putting safety first •

4

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 •

5

OverviewBasic repair skills

Developing a maintenance planImplementing a maintenance planWorking inside a computer case

Following a sequence of events that occur at startup •

6

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 •

7

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 •

8

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 •

9

10

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•

11

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 •

12

13

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 •

14

15

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 •

16

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)•

17

18

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 •

19

Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance (cont’d)

Goal of disaster recovery plan: manage failures

Some causes of PC failure: heat, dust, spills, viruses•

20

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 •

21

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•

22

23

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•

24

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 •

25

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 •

26

27

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 •

28

Steps to Solving a PC ProblemKey advice:

Ask good questions Document the process •

29

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•

30

31

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 •

32

SummarySome PC repair tools include:

recovery CDsScrewdriversPOSTcleaning pads and solutions diagnostic cards •

33

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 •

34

Print and Submit your notes

35