Troubleshooting Common PC Hardware Problems

Posted on Dec 9, 2024 in Computers

Power Supply Issues

Electrical Problems

  • Peaks: High-voltage fluctuations in a short period.
  • Blackouts: Complete loss of power.
  • Surges: Increased voltage during a half period.
  • Voltage dips: Opposite of a surge, although the peak is rapidly eliminated.

Power Problems Symptoms

  • The PC freezes or restarts for no apparent reason.
  • Failures occur on the hard drive, typing errors, file access errors, etc.
  • Errors occur when transmitting data between nodes on a network.
  • Some internal components fail.
  • The lights dim, and their intensity varies.
  • The PC behaves strangely when you connect a high-consumption device.

Components that Protect the Power Supply

  • Voltage Suppressors: Protect against surges and power spikes.
  • Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS or SAL): Protect the computer against peaks, blackouts, surges, and brownouts.

Memory Check Issues

Situations Where Memory Problems Occur

  • After installing memory: The Power-On Self-Test (POST) check results in 1, 2, or 3 beeps. Ensure that the memory is correctly seated in the module.
  • During the boot process: The memory count is wrong. The BIOS might not recognize all the installed memory, or it may not be compatible.
  • Error message: Your computer displays an error message similar to “Memory address error at xxxxx.” This may be due to a failing memory module or another problem with the motherboard.
  • Software-related memory problems: Rebooting the computer will often solve these problems.
  • Sudden memory problems: If a computer works fine and suddenly begins to have memory problems, disengage and re-fit the memory modules. Check for corrosion on the contacts and connectors for the slot. Overheating may have damaged the computer’s memory.

Microprocessor Problems

Symptoms of Processor Errors

  • The computer will not start.
  • The computer boots but does not start the operating system.
  • The computer stops during the boot process of the operating system, and if it starts, it often crashes when running applications.
  • Your computer suddenly has problems, such as POST parity errors in many devices.
  • The computer freezes after a few minutes of operation.

Microprocessor Overheating

When a computer stops while running, it may be because the processor is overheating. Follow these steps:

  • Turn off the computer.
  • Restart after a few minutes to allow the microprocessor to cool.
  • If the same situation repeats, the processor has not cooled enough and is overheating.

BIOS Settings

  • Check the CPU settings in the BIOS. Verify the microprocessor speed. If it is increased, reconfigure it to the original value.

Motherboard Problems

The motherboard contains most of the system’s processing components. Follow these standards to identify motherboard problems:

  • Check that the connectors are properly connected.
  • Check all components of the motherboard.
  • Check if the motherboard has foreign objects that could cause a short circuit.
  • Verify that all jumpers and DIP switches are set correctly.
  • Inspect all screws on the motherboard. They should have protective washers.

Failure Symptoms

  • The motherboard and the fan start as soon as the power cord is connected, even though the power switch is off.
  • Neither the hard disk nor the processor starts.
  • The computer cannot be shut down by pressing the power switch for several seconds.
  • There is no video signal.
  • The computer does not start, so you cannot enter the BIOS or do anything.
  • If you remove the RAM module, the motherboard does not beep.

Starting Process

  • When the computer is booted, power is supplied to the power supply. The power supply continuously transforms electricity to 12V, 5V, and 3V.
  • The microprocessor initializes, setting all internal registers to 0 and loading the BIOS address as the first instruction.
  • The BIOS starts and performs the following actions:
    • Performs the POST (Power-On Self-Test) to verify that the main components are installed.
    • Transfers control to the graphics card, which displays information from its BIOS.
    • Control is transferred back to the BIOS, which displays information from the manufacturer.
    • Tests the CPU and memory.
    • Detects and shows connected devices, offering the SETUP option.
    • Configures Plug and Play (PnP) devices.
    • Displays a summary of all components from the BIOS.

* The BIOS has a default set of information stored in the CMOS memory on the motherboard. When these parameters are changed in the BIOS SETUP, they are updated and saved.