Essential PC Hardware and Software Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues and Solutions
1. Hiding the WLAN ID
To hide your WLAN ID from wireless clients, disable the broadcast of the SSID on the access point.
2. CPU Upgrades and Thermal Compound
When upgrading a CPU, always apply thermal compound between the new CPU and the heat sink/fan.
3. Managing Startup Programs in Windows
After installing Windows, use the Msconfig utility to select programs that run at startup.
4. Default Windows 7 File System
The default file system used during a fresh installation of Windows 7 is NTFS.
5. Laptop User Verification
While not commonly used for user verification, a biometric device (such as a fingerprint scanner) would be used on a laptop to verify the identity of a user.
6. Protecting Wireless Equipment from RFI
To protect wireless network equipment from RFI, remove cordless telephones from the area.
7. Consequences of Incorrect Boot Order
Setting an incorrect boot order in the system BIOS can lead to:
- The computer displaying an ‘Invalid Boot Disk’ error after POST.
- The computer displaying a ‘Missing NTLDR’ error after POST.
8. Best Internet Connection for a Branch Office
For a branch office in a metropolitan area, DSL often provides the highest bandwidth and reliability at the lowest cost.
9. Purpose of an Antistatic Wrist Strap
Technicians wear antistatic wrist straps to prevent damage to electronic components inside the computer.
10. Cleaning Network Adapter Contacts
Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts on a network adapter.
11. BIOS and Operating System Instructions
The BIOS searches for operating system instructions on the active partition of the hard disk.
12. BIOS Indication of Hardware Failure
A computer may emit a pattern of beeps indicating the failing device when a hardware failure is detected by the BIOS.
13. Identifying Port Types (Refer to Missing Exhibit)
Assuming the exhibit showed a USB port and a network port, the answers would be USB and Network.
14. Purpose of RAID Adapters
RAID adapters are used to connect multiple storage devices for redundancy or speed.
15. Troubleshooting Sound Card Driver Issues
Check the Device Manager to investigate sound card driver problems.
16. Troubleshooting Windows 7 Startup Failure
If Windows 7 fails to start, boot from a Windows 7 installation media and access the System Restore utility.
17. Creating a New Hard Drive Partition
Use the Disk Management tool to create a new partition on a hard drive.
18. Releasing System Resources from an Unresponsive Application
Use the Task Manager to force the release of system resources from an unresponsive application.
19. Booting Using Last Known Good Configuration
Press the F8 key during the boot process to start a Windows PC using the last known good configuration.
20. The C: Drive in Windows
The C: drive in Windows commonly refers to the first primary partition.
21. Selecting a Video Adapter
Consider the expansion slot type when selecting a new video adapter, in addition to performance and price.
22. Troubleshooting a Freezing Computer
If a computer consistently freezes after a few minutes, the CPU fan may not be functioning, leading to overheating.
23. Proper Disposal of Laptop Batteries
Refer to local environmental regulations for information on proper disposal of old laptop batteries.
24. Configuring Boot from CD-ROM
Configure the PC to boot from a CD-ROM in the BIOS settings.
25. Disposal of Fiber Optic Cable Waste
Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for proper disposal methods for hazardous waste created during fiber optic cable termination.
26. LAN Choice for a Classroom
Ethernet is a commonly implemented wired LAN technology suitable for a classroom.
27. Sharing Monitor, Mouse, and Keyboard Between Two Computers
A KVM switch allows sharing of a monitor, mouse, and keyboard between two computers.
28. Default SSH Port Number
The default TCP destination port number for SSH connections is 22.
29. Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
If a computer can ping workstations on the same subnet but not remote ones, the default gateway may be incorrect.
30. Removing Dust from Inside a Computer
Use compressed air to remove dust from inside a computer.
31. Restoring Protected System Files
Use the command sfc /scannow to restore protected system files with known good versions.
32. Simplifying Workstation IP Configuration
DHCP can simplify the task of IP configuration for workstations.
33. Layers in the TCP/IP Reference Model
The four layers in the TCP/IP reference model are: application, transport, internet, and network access.
34. Addressing Slow Computer Performance
Running Disk Defragmenter can improve the performance of a slow Windows 7 computer.
35. Understanding IP Address 169.254.33.16
An IP address of 169.254.33.16 indicates that the computer cannot communicate outside its own network. This is an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address.
36. Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Issues
When troubleshooting wireless connections:
- Verify in the laptop software whether any wireless networks are detected.
- Try moving the laptop to different places to see if a signal can be detected.
37. Replacing Existing Memory
When replacing memory, the new memory should be as fast or faster than existing memory.
38. Network Media for Environments with EMI
Fiber optic cabling is recommended for environments with high electromagnetic interference.
39. Connecting Branch Offices to Headquarters
A WAN (Wide Area Network) is required to connect branch offices to corporate headquarters across geographical distances.
40. Importance of Documentation in Troubleshooting
Documentation of the problem and its solution is crucial to avoid repeating repair processes.
41. Identifying DVI Connectors (Refer to Missing Exhibit)
This question requires a visual exhibit to identify DVI connectors.
41.bis. Modifying Router Boot Location
A network administrator can modify the following on a router to specify the Cisco IOS load location:
- The startup configuration file
- The configuration register value
42. Characteristics of a Windows 64-bit Operating System
Key characteristics of a Windows 64-bit operating system include:
- Enhanced program performance due to improved memory management.
- Ability to recognize more than 128 GB of RAM.
- Additional security features.
43. Example of PC Virtualization
Running an instance of Windows Vista within a Windows 7 operating system is an example of PC virtualization.
44. Next Step After Resolving a Computer Issue
After resolving a computer issue, the next step is to document the findings, actions, and outcomes.
45. Hardware Preventive Maintenance Plan
A hardware preventive maintenance plan should include a strategy to schedule and document routine maintenance tasks.
46. Identifying the Problem in Troubleshooting
When a user reports a problem, the first troubleshooting step is to identify the problem by gathering information and asking clarifying questions.
47. Troubleshooting a Computer that Will Not Boot
After verifying basic issues, two recommended troubleshooting actions for a non-booting computer are:
- Remove unnecessary peripherals.
- Use the Last Known Good Configuration.
48. Standard Interface for Hot-Swapping Peripherals
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the standard interface that allows hot-swapping of peripherals.
49. Importance of Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is crucial because it helps protect computer equipment against future problems.
50. Distance Limitation of UTP Cabling
The distance limitation of a single data run for UTP cabling without adding networking devices is 330 ft (100 m).