study unit-introduction to pc repair

Study Unit

Introduction to PC RepairReviewed By

William J. Scannella

All terms mentioned in this text that are known to be trademarks or service markshave been appropriately capitalized. Use of a term in this text should not beregarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

About the Reviewer

William Scannella has more than 25 years’ experience in the

PC and Information Technology industry. He has worked as

a help-desk analyst, desktop support technician, software

tester, and systems analyst. He has developed print and

online documentation and training for in-house developed

and off-the-shelf systems. Mr. Scannella has a master’s

degree in Technical Writing from Miami University of Ohio.

Copyright © 2011 by Penn Foster, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright maybe reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic ormechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copy-right owner.

Requests for permission to make copies of any part of the work should be mailed to Copyright Permissions, Penn Foster, 925 Oak Street, Scranton,Pennsylvania 18515.

Printed in the United States of America

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Personal computers, or PCs, have

become extremely popular in the

industrialized world. In all types of

businesses and for people of all levels

of education, the PC has provided vast

information and computing power.

Today’s personal computer has more

computing power than the large

room-filling mainframe computers common in the 1960s.

In addition to educational and business use, PCs have also

found a permanent place in many homes. Some homes even

have more than one personal computer. In such homes, it’s

likely that everyone in the family knows how to use a PC. In a

family, PCs are used for a variety of tasks such as keeping

track of finances, storing recipes, corresponding with friends

and relatives, and learning about topics of interest. Since

information on just about anything, from aardvarks to the

zodiac, can be accessed, the personal computer has some

use to every family member.

When you complete this study unit, you’ll be ableto

• Name the various types of employment available to thePC repair technician

• Describe how to obtain a PC for use in PC Repair

• List the various types of computer retailers and discussthe characteristics of each

• List the basic steps for unpacking, setting up, using, andtroubleshooting a computer system

• Identify the tools and test equipment associated with PCrepair and explain their purpose

• Describe the features of a typical workshop or workplacefor PC repair and maintenance activity

• Recognize the importance of safety and the safety concernsassociated with PC repair activities

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THE PC REPAIR TECHNICIAN 1PC Repair 1Your Goals 3

OBTAINING A PC 6PC System Requirements 7Obtaining an Older-Model PC 8Getting Familiar with Your PC 8Your Own Personal PC 9Purchasing a New PC 9

BASIC SETUP AND OPERATING PROCEDURES 15Unpacking Your System 16Location 17Setup 18Warranties 18Getting Started 19Solving Computer Problems 20Other Operating Problems 22When Errors Occur 23Getting Help 25

TOOLS OF THE TRADE 28Introduction to Tools 29Additional Tools 32General Tool Information 39Test Equipment 41Diagnostic Software 43

SETTING UP SHOP 45Selecting a Location 45Workshop Organization 46Security 47Safety 48Setting up Your Workshop 50

GLOSSARY 53

SELF-CHECK ANSWERS 59

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THE PC REPAIR TECHNICIANBefore getting involved in the technical aspects of the per-

sonal computer, we need to cover some preliminary topics.

We’ll start with a brief discussion of the different types of

PC repair technicians and look at typical employment oppor-

tunities associated with PC repair. Next, we’ll discuss how PC

Repair will fit your needs, whether you’re just beginning to

learn about PC repair or you’re already involved in PC repair

and want to improve your skills.

PC RepairBecause of the vast number of PCs used in businesses,

educational institutions, and homes, there will always be

PCs in need of repair. Although there are many PC users,

the large majority of users seldom know the first thing about

repairing them.

PC repair may take the form of physically repairing or replac-

ing a physical component (called hardware), or it may involve

working with programs (called software) and data to enable

the PC to run properly. Therefore, as a PC repair technician,

you’ll need to understand all facets of PC operation, including

both hardware and software (Figure 1).

There are many reasons for learning PC repair and many

employment opportunities for the PC repair technician. In

some cases, a person may want to learn about PC repair only

as a hobby or as a way to maintain and upgrade his or

Introduction to PC Repair

Remember to regularly

check “My Courses”

on your student

homepage. Your

instructor may post

additional resources

that you can access

to enhance your

learning experience.

Introduction to PC Repair2

her own PC. For example, Mary’s 16-year-old daughter,

Anna, has complained in the past about not wanting to

watch the same old movies on TV and missing movies she

really wants to see. Mary decides to give Anna a DVD drive

for her birthday, so she can watch movies on her computer

whenever she wants. With a little bit of PC repair knowledge,

Mary can surprise her daughter by installing the new drive

into Anna’s computer herself.

Others may wish to open their own PC repair business or

perhaps gain employment in an established PC repair shop.

In addition, small companies as well as large corporations

need PC repair technicians and support staff. Repair techni-

cians are needed to install, repair, upgrade, and maintain

the PCs that are found on almost every employee’s desktop.

Support staff are needed to address PC operational problems

as well as install, upgrade, and maintain large PC networks,

which interconnect PC users.

Take Reed, who once worked in a routine job on a shipping

dock earning just above minimum wage. After reading a

brochure that caught his eye, Reed enrolled in a PC

FIGURE 1—Software iscontained on CDs orDVDs, while hardwareconsists of the physicalcomponents that makeup your computer.

Introduction to PC Repair 3

Maintenance Technology program. Though Reed really

didn’t know much about computers, the materials he

received were self-paced and written to meet his abilities

and comprehension level. The more he learned, the more

confident he became. Eventually, after hard work and

support from his instructors, Reed enrolled in additional

programs and became an A+ Certified PC Technician. With

his new credentials, he was promoted to the Information

Technology Department of his company, where he takes care

of office equipment and computers and earns more money

than he ever had. In addition, Reed’s success in the PC

Maintenance Technology program sent him on his way to

beginning his CompTIA Net+ certification. Soon he’ll be an

assistant network administrator.

From the different types of PC interests and employment

requirements, you can see how different people may be con-

cerned with various aspects of PC maintenance and repair.

For example, a hobbyist who maintains only his or her own

PC may have little or no interest in learning about network-

ing. On the other hand, a person working in the computer

operations and support department of a large corporation

may be focused almost exclusively on networking.

Therefore, depending on your particular situation, you may

be concerned with only certain aspects of PC repair. However,

even if you have only a particular interest in something at

this time, it’s definitely to your advantage to have an under-

standing of all related PC repair topics.

Your GoalsThere are many different reasons why you’re interested in PC

Repair, and these reasons vary according to your individual

goals. What are your goals, and how can you reach them?

Well, perhaps you’ve just finished school and are considering

a career in PC repair. Or, maybe you’re a professional who

already works in another field, and you’re interested in a

career change. Either way, we believe that you’ll find PC

Repair to be both informative and useful. It’s designed to fit


the needs of both beginners and more advanced students.

The topics are approached in a step-by-step manner, so

you can learn correctly from the beginning without feeling

overwhelmed. You’ll also learn about the many career oppor-

tunities in PC repair, and how you can seize one of those

opportunities for yourself.

If you’re already employed in the PC repair field, you may

be interested in upgrading your skills or in obtaining profes-

sional certification. Maybe you feel that you need to brush up

on your knowledge of the latest computer upgrades or learn

about new antivirus software.

If you work on PCs as a hobby, perhaps you would like to

take your hobby one step further and start your own PC

repair business. Imagine being able to earn money doing

something that you enjoy! For many people, it’s a lifelong

dream to work at a job they truly love. You may decide to

start your own PC repair business, either as a full-time or

part-time enterprise. With a little effort and the willingness

to learn, you’ll be well on your way to owning a successful

business.

Perhaps you’re not looking for a career in PC repair at this time,

but would simply like to become a more informed consumer.

Well, having knowledge is like having money in your pocket.

For example, many of us have looked at new PCs at electronics

stores and been confused by the technical terms seen on their

displays. What exactly are you buying? Knowing about PCs can

help you judge the quality of a PC so that you’ll understand

exactly what you’re buying (and maybe even help you get a

great deal). You could also use your skills to help relatives,

friends, and neighbors when they’re purchasing PCs.

Maybe you would like to be able to maintain and repair your

own PC (Figure 2). Even if you don’t wish to do your own

repairs, you’ll be able to make sure that someone else is

doing the job properly (without overcharging you). A strong

knowledge of PC repair can also make you feel more confident

when a problem occurs. Many PC problems can be solved

quickly and easily without asking someone for help, if you

have the know-how.


It’s important to remember

that today all successful

professional PC repair techni-

cians have one thing in

common—training. Because of

the complex, high-tech sys-

tems that are used in today’s

computers, you probably

wouldn’t be able to learn how

to fix PCs properly without

some formal training. To prop-

erly repair a PC, you must

thoroughly understand how all

the components work and how

they work together.

This doesn’t mean that a per-

son can’t learn to make

repairs to his or her own PC.

However, it’s important to

remember that today’s PC

repair technicians (no matter

how or where they choose to apply their skills) are highly

skilled workers who have learned their trade through formal

training.

Take a few minutes now to complete Self-Check 1.

FIGURE 2—Some people learn PC repair to work on their owncomputers.


OBTAINING A PCJust as you would be leery of taking your automobile to a

mechanic who has read about auto repair but never lifted a

wrench, you can’t be expected to perform PC repair without

having ever worked on a PC. It’s suggested that you don’t

use your own personal PC to practice repairs involving opening

the system unit or making changes to system parameters.

Self-Check 1

At the end of each section of Introduction to PC Repair, you’ll be asked to pause and

check your understanding of what you’ve just read by completing a “Self-Check” exercise.

Answering these questions will help you review what you’ve studied so far. Please complete

Self-Check 1 now.

1. True or False? A PC repair technician needs to understand both hardware and software.

2. What employment opportunities are available to the PC repair technician?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. Which one of the following individuals might be interested in learning about PC networking?

a. Owner of a small PC repair shop

b. Member of PC support staff for a large company

c. Amateur PC hobbyist

Check your answers with those on page 59.


PC System RequirementsThe absolute minimum PC hardware setup for running

Windows XP that you’ll need is

• Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster

(300 MHz is recommended)

• At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is

recommended)

• At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the

hard disk

• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (optical) drive

• Keyboard and a Microsoft mouse or some other compatible

pointing device

• Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)

or higher resolution

• Sound card

• Speakers or headphones

The minimum requirements to run Windows Vista on your PC

that you’ll need is

• 800 megahertz (MHz) processor and 512 MB of system

memory

• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space

• Support for Super VGA graphics

• CD-ROM drive

To run Windows 7 on your PC, you’ll need

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)

processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver


Obtaining an Older-Model PCThere are several ways in which you might locate a PC. One

way is though an acquaintance who has upgraded to a newer

model and still has the old PC stashed away. You might also

check the classified ads in your local newspaper. Finally,

check the yellow pages in your phone book for stores that

buy and sell used PCs and equipment. However you obtain

your PC to work on, be sure that it’s in good working order.

Before buying the PC, check it over carefully for obvious

physical damage. If the case is damaged, there’s a good

chance that the hard drive or some other internal device may

be inoperable. Check the condition of the power cord and

examine the ports (connectors) for damage. Turn the PC on

and verify that it boots up properly. If any external devices

are currently attached or available that can be attached,

ensure that the PC can access them. Finally, be sure to

obtain the original manuals for the PC that you purchase.

Any PC you buy should include an operating system, either

already installed or on an accompanying licensed CD or DVD.

For instance, Microsoft Windows operating systems are copy-

righted software products. Proof of ownership lies in possessing

a unique licensed software registration code, normally printed

on the CD or DVD jacket or accompanying documentation. If

you’re installing the operating system yourself, you’ll see

screens displayed asking you to accept default values or

answer questions toward customizing features. One of the

screens is called an End User License Agreement (EULA). Here

you’re asked to read and accept the manufacturer’s limited

liability, software usage limitations, and copyrights. You

must accept this agreement to proceed in the installation. As

the installation continues, you’re asked to input the licensed

product registration code. Possessing this unique code shows

that you’re the legal owner of the software.

Getting Familiar with Your PCAfter you’ve obtained a PC to use in your PC Repair activi-

ties, examine its manuals. Most PCs come with installation

instructions, an operating guide, a technical reference manual,


and troubleshooting information. These may be separate docu-

ments or combined into one or more manuals. Leaf through

the manuals to learn more about your PC and become familiar

with the types of information available.

It’s important to save all of your PC documentation. Whereas

other documentation can provide only general information, the

manufacturer’s documentation that goes with your PC provides

specific information about that particular PC. Your PC docu-

mentation can help you resolve problems during setup, install

new hardware and software, and identify operating failures.

Your Own Personal PCIn addition to an older PC to work on, you’ll also need a good

PC with Internet access. This PC will be used to perform

research using the Internet and to perform operating system

and software related activities. Chances are that you probably

already have a PC that you can use for this purpose. However,

if your PC is an older model, you may consider using your

current PC to work on and purchase a new model. One of the

benefits of upgrading is that you’ll have a chance to compare

older and newer technologies and differences in operating

systems.

Purchasing a New PCShould you decide that this is a good opportunity to replace

your system, the following information will assist you in

shopping for a computer. If you don’t intend to buy a new

computer at this time, use the following information to get a

basic understanding of how computer systems are marketed.

You’ll also learn some of the advantages and disadvantages

associated with each type of computer retailer.

Keep in mind that even though some manufacturer names are

well known, their systems may be primarily proprietary. This

means that any parts to be replaced will have to be supplied by

that manufacturer. This may substantially increase the expense

of a working PC. Some proprietary manufacturers include Dell,

IBM, SONY, and Hewlett Packard (Figure 3).


Advertisements

Start by reading the ads in newspapers, magazines, catalogs,

and store flyers. You’ll find out what’s available and get a

general idea of what components may be bundled with sys-

tems. You’ll also have a ballpark estimate of the price range

for the type of system you want.

Ask your friends and acquaintances where they bought their

computers and how they feel about the price, quality, and

service. Notice the ads on television and radio. If you happen

to find a computer fair, you may want to attend for the experi-

ence. Computer fairs usually have many vendors competing for

your business with reduced prices on software and systems.

However, these fairs aren’t as common as they once were and

are usually located in densely populated areas where a large

number of potential customers are available. Even if you don’t

want to buy a computer at such an event, you can get lots of

information by looking, listening, and asking questions.

Just remember that you’re the expert on what you want and

need. Other people have their own opinions and you can lis-

ten to them, but you must make the final decision about

what’s best for you.

Stores

Many types of stores sell computers. You can visit a computer

dealer, a computer superstore, an electronics store, a depart-

ment store, a discount store, a local box maker (a business that

FIGURE 3—Purchasing a proprietary system, such as this one by Dell,means that any replacement parts must be purchased from Dell as well.


assembles computers from purchased parts); or you can order

your computer through the mail. Computer sellers offer wide

varieties of price, selection, stock, and service.

Computer dealers. A computer dealer is generally a small

to medium-size store that stocks a limited number of brands

of computers and other equipment. Competition has driven

many of these dealers out of business. The advantage of a

computer dealer is the knowledgeable sales staff, who will

often provide demonstrations of different systems and soft-

ware. You can often receive training and support services

through computer dealers. Prices at computer dealers may

be higher than those at other stores, and the selection of

computers may be limited. However, visiting a computer

dealer helps you to collect information and gather advice

even if you don’t ultimately purchase your computer there.

Computer superstores. Computer superstores are like

warehouses—they’re big and they offer many different com-

puter systems and computer add-on products. You can

usually get a good price on hardware, software, peripherals,

and other supplies. You should be able to see demonstrations

of systems similar to the one you’re interested in purchasing,

and you may be able to get service, support, and training

from personnel at the store. Sales staff in computer super-

stores may not be as knowledgeable as those at a computer

dealer. Therefore, if you buy at a superstore, be sure that the

system you’re considering has all of the features you want.

Don’t assume the salesperson knows what you need.

Mail-order vendors. Mail-order vendors generally advertise

in computer magazines and on the Internet. Many top-rated

companies began as mail-order companies, but now sell

through retail stores as well. Other companies remain strictly

mail-order businesses.

Mail-order companies can offer good prices because they

don’t have the overhead of storefronts and warehouses.

They offer preconfigured systems, but will also put together

a system to meet your exact specifications. Your computer

generally arrives with all purchased software installed so

that you just unpack it and plug it in (Figure 4).

Mail-order companies typically have a liberal return policy,

but if you purchase a computer through the mail, use a

credit card to pay for the system. Then if you have problems

receiving the computer, the credit card company can help you

mediate the dispute.

If you purchase your system by mail, you won’t be able to try

it out first. And even if the company has a help line you can

call, you don’t have the option of local training, support, or

service.

Electronics stores. Electronics stores stock all kinds of

products: washers, dryers, stereos, TVs, and computers. You

can browse around and possibly find a bundled system that

suits your needs perfectly. Check the advertisements in your

local newspapers before you go to an electronics store so that

you have an idea of their prices and the kinds of computers

they sell.

There are two main disadvantages to purchasing a computer

at an electronics store: the sales staff probably won’t be

especially knowledgeable about computers, and you may not

be able to get your computer serviced or repaired though the

store. Find out who fixes your computer if you return it to

the store for repairs. If you must ship the computer some-

where for repair, ask who pays the shipping costs. Ask what


FIGURE 4—Mail-order companies will send a new computer to your door, be it a preconfigured systemor one built to your specifications.


happens if your new computer won’t boot up when you get it

home. Will they exchange it for a new one immediately, or

will you have to wait while they send it out for service?

Other stores. Local department stores usually carry at least

one brand of computer system. Generally they sell computers

as is with whatever software, operating system, memory, and

peripherals are offered in their ads. A discount warehouse

store (such as Sam’s Club), a discount retail store (such as

Wal-Mart), and an office supply store (such as Staples) also

have a limited selection of computer systems. Usually such

stores sell the systems as bundles, so they won’t make any

changes to the configuration. To meet any special needs you

may have, you’ll have to make those changes yourself.

You’ll probably get a reasonably priced system at any of

these stores, but be sure you’re getting a quality system.

Since these stores generally don’t have expert salespeople,

you must know your needs and what you’re looking for. In

addition, you won’t get after-sale support such as training

and service. In general, ask the same questions that you

would ask at an electronics store.

Though discounted prices may be a lure to purchase from a

mail-order vendor, take extra care in finding out their ship-

ping costs and policies. How are your items to be shipped?

How are they tracked? What rights do you have if items are

received damaged or not received at all? Lastly, to get the

true price or your PC, consider shipping costs. Sometimes

hidden shipping costs or handling fees can make your PC

purchase more expensive than you initially figured.

Computer makers. Local computer makers, or box makers,

purchase components and put together computers. You can

order the system you want built to your specifications, but it

won’t be a name-brand computer, and some of its parts may

be nonstandard. These types of computers are often referred

to as clones. For example, using the original IBM PC as a stan-

dard, other manufacturers once produced computers that

appeared and functioned like the IBM. Though systems today

are much more sophisticated and complex, the term “clone”

still refers to a generic PC. Parts may be nonstandard, but

they’re less expensive and usually more available. In addition,

because parts are nonproprietary, functioning components


from multiple nonworking PCs can be combined to build a

working system. Usually, a box maker’s prices are low, because

the company has few advertising and overhead costs.

Check with people in your area who have bought from com-

puter makers. Ask them how well their computers work,

since you won’t find information about these computers in

magazines or comparative surveys. You probably won’t get

many training options from a computer maker, but be sure

to check on service options.

Other sources. With all the choices provided and some

imagination, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a usable

PC to practice with. You may wish to look at online auctions,

PC-refurbishing Web sites, local recycling or secondhand

stores, the Salvation Army, and even police auctions. Always

remember to verify that you’re purchasing a working operating

system or a licensed accompanying CD.


BASIC SETUP AND OPERATINGPROCEDURESWhether you’ve obtained an older-model PC or purchased

a new PC, you’ll need to set it up, check it out, and get

acquainted with its use prior to beginning any practice

repairs.

Self-Check 2

1. When buying a used computer, what must you make certain that it has?

__________________________________________________________

2. Where should you look to buy a new computer system if you want to be able to select particu-lar system features?

__________________________________________________________

3. What type of store would most likely be able to give you a good demonstration of systemoperation and software?

__________________________________________________________

4. If you buy specific software with your system, what service will a mail-order vendor usually provide that you won't find offered by a local discount or department store?

__________________________________________________________

5. True or False? The main advantage of buying a computer at a discount warehouse or retailstore is on-site warranty service and repair.



Unpacking Your SystemIf you’ve obtained a used PC, you probably don’t need to

unpack it unless you were fortunate and the previous owner

retained the original packing boxes. However, whether you

have a new system or a used system, unpack everything

right away and carefully check to be sure you’ve received

all of the equipment you bought. If something is missing,

contact the previous owner or vendor right away.

On new systems, pay particular attention to the unpacking

instructions. Often, the initial instructions are printed on the

box. Save all of the paperwork—invoice, warranty information,

manuals, packing slips. Record the serial numbers of all system

components and keep them with the other papers. Serial num-

bers are easier to find before you hook everything up and settle

the system into place (Figure 5). Keep the invoice and packing

slips as part of your permanent records since they usually

contain specific information about the computer, like how much

memory and what kind of processor it has. The invoice also

contains a record of each component purchased, plus the date

and place of purchase. This information may be important for

service and warranty purposes. Notice whether the paperwork

includes numbers to call with questions or for assistance. If so,

keep that information handy.

FIGURE 5—Locate andrecord the computer’sserial numbers beforeyou hook up all the components.


In addition to the paperwork, you should also try to save

the packing boxes and packing materials such as Styrofoam

blocks and cardboard cutouts. Sometimes it’s difficult to find

the space to store these bulky items; however, it’s important

to save them if possible. The original packing materials will

provide your system with the optimum physical protection if

you must return your system for service, move your system

to another location, or store your system for a period of time.

LocationThe first step in setting up your computer is to pick a good

location with plenty of space for all of the components. Be

sure that cables can reach the various components where

you want to locate them. And make certain the power cord

can reach a power source. A power strip is a convenient

accessory that provides many receptacles and can protect

your computer from electrical surges (Figure 6).

Check the ventilation of the area in which you plan to locate

the system. A computer generates a lot of heat, so you

should position the components so that plenty of air can cir-

culate around them.

Check the lighting of the area. You won’t be comfortable with

a glare of light directly on the monitor screen, but you’ll need

adequate lighting to work comfortably.

FIGURE 6—A power strip protects a computer fromelectrical surges, and provides many convenientreceptacles.


SetupComputers usually come with very simple pictorial setup pro-

cedures. Generally, the first steps involve connecting the

keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the ports on the back of

the system unit. Sometimes, the ports on the system unit

are labeled with the name of the item to be attached, or

may show an icon (or image of an item), or are color-coded

to match the color of the connector that attaches to the port

(Figure 7). If your system unit contains no indicators and the

setup instructions aren’t available, check the shape of the

connector of each cable to determine which port corresponds

to it.

The final step is to connect your system components to the

power strip. System units, monitors, and printers usually

have separate power cords.

WarrantiesIf you’ve purchased a new system, be sure to complete and

submit the warranty registrations for all system components.

Usually, you must include the component serial numbers on

the warranty. Remember to also record those numbers for

yourself.

Be sure to save all the warranty information. At the time of

purchase, you’ll probably be familiar with warranties, but

after several weeks or months you may forget what’s covered

and for how long. If anything goes wrong with your system,

FIGURE 7—Components areconnected via ports locatedin the back of the systemunit.


you can refer to this information to determine whether the

problem is covered by warranty. But you can do that only if

you’ve saved the warranty information and recorded on it

essential data like the date of purchase and the serial num-

ber of the component.

Getting StartedNow that your computer has been set up, turn on the com-

puter and monitor. Check to see that the system boots and

everything is working properly. If there’s no power, check

to see that all components are plugged into the power strip

and that the power strip is plugged in and turned on. If the

system doesn’t boot properly, refer to your computer docu-

mentation or call the vendor for assistance. If the monitor is

powered on but there’s no display, check to ensure that the

contrast and brightness controls are properly set. Most likely

everything will be fine and you’ll be ready to begin learning

to work with your new computer.

If the PC has an operating system that you’re not familiar

with, begin by getting acquainted with its use. Starting

at the desktop, check the icons to see what software is

installed (Figure 8). Examine the features and content of

the desktop such as the taskbar and Start button. Go to the

Help function and use it to learn about the layout and use

of the operating system. After you’ve learned how to use the

FIGURE 8—The software currently installed on a PCis designated by the iconson its desktop.


operating system, access the appropriate windows to display

the hardware and software details of your system, such as

the amount of memory and the attached devices.

If you’ve purchased a used system to perform the physical

activities in your practice repairs, check the system thor-

oughly to ensure that it’s in good condition and working

properly. It’s important that you know when your PC is

operating properly so that when you perform your exercise

activities, you’ll know with certainty that your PC is restored

to normal operation.

If you’ve purchased a new system and relegated your old

computer to being your PC for practice, you’ll want to learn

to use your new PC as quickly as possible. This includes get-

ting all of your personal software installed on the new

system and getting connected to the Internet.

Solving Computer ProblemsAs you learn PC repair, you’ll learn in detail how to diagnose

and repair the personal computer and its components.

However, here are some general troubleshooting techniques

that may be used to resolve many common problems.

Safety

The following are some basic safety precautions to follow

whether you’re a novice or a trained PC repair technician.

These precautions apply at all times, whether you’re installing,

upgrading, troubleshooting, or repairing a system.

• Don’t use plug adapters that defeat ground connections.

• Don’t remove equipment grounds. Ensure that your PC

and all components are properly grounded.

• Don’t tamper with safety devices such as interlock

switches that are designed to remove power when

certain areas are opened.

• Don’t work inside the computer case while the computer

is running. If you must open the computer case, turn

off the system power and unplug all cords from wall


outlets before removing the cover. Put on an antistatic

wrist strap before working on any part of the computer

(Figure 9). Note: In Figure 9, the wrist strap is seen

attached to the dominant hand for illustration purposes.

As you’ll learn later in the study unit, the wrist strap is

generally worn on the nondominant hand.

• Never open a monitor or any power supply, even when

the power is off.

Booting Problems

If there’s a problem when the computer is booting up, there’s

a good chance that an error message will indicate the source

of the problem. Occasionally, a system stops during the boot-

ing process because it can’t detect the presence of a device,

such as the keyboard or mouse. In this case, the system

usually displays a message saying that the device can’t be

found. If this occurs, the problem is usually due to a discon-

nected or loose cable.

Windows boot errors can arise for a variety of reasons such

as missing or damaged initialization files. You have several

options when your computer won’t boot. The CD containing

the original version of Windows is bootable: that is, you can

start the system by inserting the CD into the optical drive

FIGURE 9—Wearing an antistatic wrist strap protects the PC from damage that can result from static electricity.


and attempting to restart. You can also use a Windows Start

Up diskette: a floppy disk that contains the software neces-

sary to start the machine. This option presumes, of course,

that your computer is equipped with a floppy drive. (Note:

While floppy disk drives still have some limited uses, espe-

cially with legacy computer equipment, they’ve now been

superseded by USB flash drives, external hard disk drives,

CDs, DVDs and memory cards.)

Other Operating ProblemsUntil you’re qualified as a PC repair technician, there are

certain procedures you can follow in an effort to resolve

computer problems. The following are some general guide-

lines to help you resolve problems you may encounter with

your system.

• If a peripheral such as a mouse or keyboard has worked

in the past but stops working, the first thing you should

check is the cable connection. Be sure the cables are

firmly seated in their proper receptacles (Figure 10).

• If any error messages appear on the screen, write them

down. Check your system documentation for a section

on troubleshooting. This section should contain a list

of various error messages and recommend solutions.

FIGURE 10—Check allcable connections uponfirst encountering a problem.


• Write down a description of everything you do when

attempting to fix a problem. Note both what you do

and the results.

• Resist the temptation to experiment. If the remedies

suggested in your system documentation haven’t worked,

you should probably seek professional assistance. Making

random changes to the computer system may only make

things worse. The more settings and controls you change,

the more difficult it will be for a technician to determine

what was wrong with your system in the first place.

Depending on whether the system you’re having difficulty

with is a new system or a used system you’ve obtained for

this course, there are different avenues for obtaining help.

When Errors OccurAn error may be communicated by a message on the screen

or by a series of beeps. In this section, you’ll find the most

common error messages, error codes, and beep codes. More

detailed information will be found in later sections. Keep in

mind that these codes sometimes vary by motherboard

manufacturer, system BIOS, or PC vendor. Check specific

supplier documentation for the most accurate information.

As mentioned earlier, since you may be learning this material

for the first time, it may be a good idea for you to have a

knowledgeable person help you, initially, when troubleshooting

a PC. Certain complex problems should be solved only by a

PC technician. Always ask for help before moving internal

cables, modifying hardware, or changing settings. It’s very

easy to damage a computer if you’re not sure what you’re

doing!


Common Error Messages

DISK BOOT FAILURE. The boot sequence is set up in CMOS

to look for a set of startup files on the hard drive. It’s also

possible to designate the optical drive as the first in the

sequence. The error message means that a bootable system

couldn’t be found.

If booting from the optical drive, check for a non-system disk.

If the drive is empty, check that the hard drive has power,

that the cable is plugged in correctly (noting the red strip

or Pin 1) and that any required jumpers are set correctly.

KEYBOARD ERROR OR NO KEYBOARD PRESENT. The

system couldn’t find a keyboard connection, or a key was

depressed and caused an error. Sometimes this can occur

when one tries to enter the CMOS or Windows setup screen

and presses the ESC or F8 key too early. Check that the key-

board cable is securely plugged into the keyboard port—not

the mouse port. Newer computer cases use color-coding to

24

Common Error Codes

100–199

System Board (Motherboard)

200–299

Memory

300–399

Keyboard

400–499

Monochrome Video

500–599

Color Graphics Video

600–699

Floppy Drive

900–999

Printer Port

1700–1799

Hard Drive or Fixed Disk

7300–7399

3½" Floppy Drive


help avoid mistakes, but older ones may not. If the error

persists, check that the keyboard pins aren’t bent on the

cable or at the port. If the keyboard is working properly

(which you can establish by trying it on another machine),

the port on the motherboard may be bad. Replacing this port

isn’t recommended for a beginner. However, you may wish

to try a USB keyboard if it’s supported by the motherboard.

Know that a USB keyboard is inactive until the Windows

operating system loads the USB driver. This means that

you won’t be able to answer questions or handle errors

that require a keyboard at the booting phase.

Beep Codes

There are hundreds of POST beep codes, and they differ as

per BIOS or system board manufacturer (AMI, Award, Phoenix,

IBM, Asus, Compaq). Some use a series of short beeps, some

use combinations of long beeps followed by short ones, and

some may run in a pattern of single beep–four beeps–single

beep. See your specific system board manufacturer or vendor

documentation for the actual codes on your computer. The

best beep to hear is a single short one. This typically means

that the system booted fine.

Getting Help

Guidance over the Phone

If you’re the original owner of the system, your computer

system’s registration card should tell you how to contact

customer support. Most likely, the card will list a telephone

number you can call.

Once you do need service, you’ll realize the value of having

registered your system either through the mail or online.

When you contact customer support, you may be asked for

serial numbers, purchase dates, and other information to

confirm that you’re a registered customer whose purchase is

still under warranty. If the help desk has your registration

information on file, it will be that much easier to get the

support you need.


If you ever do call for support, be prepared to be placed on hold

for a while. At such times, a speaker phone may come in handy

since it will free up both your hands so you can work on other

things while waiting for the help desk to pick up. When you’re

finally connected with a technician, you should be able to reach

your computer while you’re discussing the problem. The techni-

cian may ask you to perform some tasks while on the phone.

Once again, a speaker phone would be helpful.

Help on the Web

Numerous Web sites can assist you in solving PC hardware

or software problems. Some may answer specific questions

for free, but most charge a fee. Most have a searchable

database of FAQs, or frequently asked questions, and topical

indexes. Know that the uniform resource locators (URLs),

or Web addresses, of these sites sometimes change or are

discontinued. You can use search engines such as Google

(www.google.com) and Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) to find

information about manufacturers, specific devices, operating

system functionality, BIOS settings, or configuration data.

Below are some helpful sites for information or help in

answering PC questions. All are free, but some may require

you to become a member and log in to gain access to their

information.

http://www.computing.net/

http://www.microsoft.com/

http://www.msn.com/

http://www.free-ed.net/

http://www.pcworld.com/

http://tutorials.freeskills.com/

http://www.techimo.com/

http://www.ehow.com/

http://whatis.techtarget.com/

http://www.phoenix.com/

http://www.ibm.com (IBM Corporation)

26


Returning the System

If you have to return your system for warranty work, be sure

to package it carefully and insure it through the shipping

company. The following are the steps you should follow when

preparing your system for mailing.

1. Collect the original shipping containers and packing

materials.

2. Remove any disks from the disk drives.

3. Power down the system unit and monitor.

4. Remove the power cable from the wall outlet or power

bar.

5. Disconnect all other cables and cords.

6. Package the components in the shipping containers in

the same manner as they were received. Check each

item off your inventory sheet as you repack the compo-

nents.

You should also prepare the system in this same way if you’re

ever moving it to an entirely new location or if you’re going to

put the components in storage for any great length of time.

Calling a Repair Technician

If your system is out of warranty and you can’t resolve the

problem yourself using the system documentation or other

technical help sources, you may need to seek the aid of a PC

repair technician. Check your local newspaper for ads or use

the phone directory to find a repair technician. You may

want to check with friends that have previous experience

with PC repair services for their recommendations. In most

cases, you’ll probably have to deliver your PC to the repair

service and pick it up when the repair is complete. If the

repair technician travels to your home to make the repair, be

prepared to pay more and accept the possibility that the

problem is something that can’t be fixed immediately due to

lack of parts or some other reason.


TOOLS OF THE TRADENow that you’ve learned how to obtain a PC and set up a

work area, we’ll describe the basic tools you’ll need for PC

repair. Following the information on tools we’ll give you some

guidelines for purchasing and using your tools. Next, we’ll

discuss test equipment, including the multimeter, RS-232

28

Self-Check 3

1. List two advantages of using a power strip with your computer.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. What will happen if the keyboard isn’t connected to the system unit when the computeris turned on?

__________________________________________________________

3. Identify some places where you can get technical information to assist you in troubleshootingyour computer.

__________________________________________________________

4. Give some instances where your saving your original computer packing boxes may be useful.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

5. True or False? If your computer doesn’t boot up when the power is turned on, you must reinstall the Windows operating system completely.



minitester, and power-on diagnostic card. We’ll then conclude

with a brief description and information about obtaining

diagnostic software.

Introduction to ToolsBecause PCs are modularized, there are relatively few tools

required for maintenance and repair. Figure 11 shows a few

basic tools that should be in every PC repair technician’s tool

kit. These tools will allow you to remove the PC system case

from the frame and to do most hardware upgrades and repairs.

Screwdrivers

Phillips screwdrivers and common slotted screwdrivers match

the vast majority of screws found in personal computers. These

screwdrivers should have long handles that enable you to reach

screws in deep and narrow recesses. For PC repair, a set of #0,

#1, and #2 Phillips screwdrivers, along with 1/8- and 3/16-inch

slotted screwdrivers, will handle most of your needs.

The Torx screwdriver is used for screws having a star-shaped

hole in the head of the screw. Don’t confuse this with the

Phillips screw and screwdriver. The Torx screwdriver allows

you to apply more turning force (torque) to the screw than

the slotted or Phillips screwdrivers. Common sizes of Torx

screwdrivers for PC repair are T8, T10, and T15.

FIGURE 11—These toolswill allow you to makemost PC repairs andupgrades.


Nut Drivers

Nut drivers are convenient screwdriver-type tools used on

small hex-head screws. Nut drivers are more convenient than

wrenches to turn hex-head screws because they’re much eas-

ier to use and faster. Often, you’ll find that hex-head screws

also have a slot for a conventional screwdriver. However, it’s

best to use a nut driver because you can apply more force

and the tool is less likely to slip. You’ll normally find that

hex-head screws are used to hold the pressed-steel PC case

to the frame.

Tweezers

Tweezers are extremely useful for retrieving and installing

small parts. As you’ll see when you open your PC, there are

many places where you can drop a small part and not be

able to reach it with your fingers. You may also find tweezers

helpful for placing a part in position, such as inserting a

small screw into a poorly accessible hole. Other common

uses for tweezers are to place jumpers and to straighten

bent pins in a connector.

Parts Retriever

A parts retriever, also called a parts holder, is a tool that can

pick up and hold parts. When you press the spring-loaded

plunger on the top of the parts retriever, three wire claws

extend from the opposite end (Figure 12). When you place

the claws over a part and release the plunger, the claws

retract to grasp the part.

If you’ve never used a parts retriever, you may feel clumsy

the first time you use it, but you’ll find it very useful in

your repair activities. Parts retrievers come in various sizes.

A small retriever is usually all you’ll need for PC repair.

However, longer parts retrievers are available.

30


Ratchet

A ratchet driver (Figure 13) is a very convenient tool similar to a

screwdriver. An assortment of different-sized Phillips, slotted,

and Torx screwdriver and nut driver bits can be snapped onto

the end of the ratchet driver for use. In addition to being con-

venient, what makes this tool handy is the ratchet mechanism.

FIGURE 12—When youpress the top of theparts retriever, clawsextend from the bottom.Releasing pressure onthe top allows the clawsto retract.

FIGURE 13—RatchetDriver

The ratchet mechanism allows you to continue to tighten or

loosen a screw by turning the handle back and forth without

removing the driver from the screw or repositioning your

hand to regrip it between turns. A ratchet driver usually

comes with a set of various sizes and types of bits.

Antistatic Wrist Strap

An antistatic wrist strap is an important part of your tools

(Figure 14). The purpose of the wrist strap is to prevent you

from building up a static charge that can damage sensitive

electrical components in the PC. Before working on a PC,

wrap the strap around your nondominant wrist (left wrist if

you’re right-handed, right wrist if you’re left-handed). Next,

attach the clip to a grounded metal object other than the

computer or a peripheral. Be sure to always use an antistatic

wrist strap when you’re working on a PC and it will soon

become second nature.

Additional ToolsIn addition to the basic tools we’ve described, there are

several other tools that, although they’re not necessary, can

make your job easier. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a full-

time repair technician, your level of involvement in PC repair

will affect your need and desire for the following tools.


FIGURE 14—Alwayswear an antistatic wriststrap when working ona PC.


Screw Starter

A screw starter is a tool that allows you to start screws in

poorly accessible places. Unlike tweezers, which allow you

to merely set a screw in the hole, the screw starter holds a

screw by the head so that you can insert it into the hole and

turn it to engage the first few threads. A screwdriver can then

be used to finish tightening the screw.

If you’re loosening a screw that’s located where you can’t

easily grab it, you can use the screw starter to turn it the last

few turns and remove it before it comes loose and falls into

an inaccessible area.

Screw starters can be either mechanical or magnetic. For

PC repair, use only the mechanical type. Don’t put anything

magnetic near a computer.

Flashlight

For working on a PC, room lighting often doesn’t provide

enough light inside the system unit case. A small flashlight

is often needed for additional light to install, remove, or find

small parts. There are several different types of flashlights

that you might find useful. A flexible-neck flashlight allows

you to bend the lighted tip around corners. A clip-on flash-

light allows you to attach the light to your work to free up

both hands. If most of your work is at a workbench, you

might prefer a plug-in work light. A plug-in work light may

have a flexible neck or clip-on attachment to position the

light over your work.

Magnifiers

On occasion, you may need to work with a small part or

examine the detail of a part. A magnifying glass will let you

view better detail with a lot less eyestrain. A variety of magni-

fying glasses are available in different styles, sizes, and

strengths (Figure 15). Some magnifiers have a small lens or

“bubble” within the primary lens that offers a higher level of

magnification. Other magnifiers have a battery-powered light

to light up the object being viewed. If you work primarily at a

workbench, a lamp magnifier, which may set on the table or

clamp to an object, may be a good choice.

Mirror

Another tool to help your vision when working on a PC is

a mirror. A small mirror such as a dental mirror (Figure 16)

can be used to look around corners where you can’t see. A

common use of the mirror is to locate a lost screw or small

part that may have dropped behind or under another

component.


FIGURE 16—A dental mirror lets you look intodifficult to see places.

FIGURE 15—A pocketmagnifier (left) or a magnifier with a light(right) will help you seesmall parts.


Long-Nosed Pliers and Wire Cutters

If you’re fairly active in repairing PCs, sooner or later you’ll

need a pair of long-nosed pliers and wire cutters (Figure 17).

Some types of long-nosed pliers have a wire cutter on one

side at the base of the jaws. However, it’s better to have a

separate small wire cutter that will allow you to use the tip

of the tool to cut or snip a wire in tight places. Both tools

should be relatively small for working on PCs. Also, be sure

to buy tools with plastic-dipped handles. The coated handles

are comfortable to use and will give you some protection

against electrical shock.

Hemostatic Forceps

Hemostatic forceps (Figure 18) are great for holding parts

while freeing up your hands. The forceps have jaws like those

on a small pair of pliers. Scissor-like handles have a locking

mechanism that holds the jaws closed until you release

them. Although originally a medical tool, the forceps, and,

incidentally, the dental mirror we previously discussed, are

easily found aids used in many types of jobs.

FIGURE 17—Long-Nosed Pliers and Wire Cutters

The Internet

You’ve already learned how to use the Internet to access

our Web site for program information. The Internet is also

an invaluable tool when it comes to locating manufacturer’s

information, software updates, device drivers, diagnostic

information, and other resources related to PC repair and

upgrades.

Cleaning Devices

Some computer problems can be avoided—and your system

may function better—once you institute a routine of cleaning

and computer maintenance. It’s recommended to clean your

system every three to six months, depending on the environ-

ment. Dirt, dust, grime, and cigarette smoke can cause

various contact and heating problems.

Because PCs have cooling fans, air is constantly moved

through the system case. Over time, a lot of dust can build

up on components. Therefore, when you open a PC for repair,

the first order of business may be to clean it up so that you

can see what you’re doing.

If you’re a full-time PC technician, a vacuum cleaner may be

a good investment. If you normally spend most of your time

at the customer’s site, you’ll probably want something small

and portable. For your workbench, you may want a larger


FIGURE 18—Althoughoriginally designed as amedical tool, hemostaticforceps are handy forholding small parts.


vacuum with more capacity. If you spend time at both your

shop and at the customer’s site, you may want a midsized

vacuum that’s useful in both places (Figure 19).

The computer case can be cleaned with a damp, lint-free

cloth, either with or without a mild detergent. Never use

chemical solvents, because they can scratch or otherwise

mark the plastic finish. Wipe away any dust that would

impede airflow around the power supply or other fans.

Make sure the power is turned off, remove the case access

panel (sometimes the whole case comes off), and observe the

internal area of the PC. Use compressed air to blow dirt or

dust off the processor and motherboard (Figure 20). Especially,

clean around the power supply fan, which helps circulate

air within the case to cool components. Always hold the can

upright—never sideways or upside down. Compressed air

contains a heavier-than-air chemical that resides at the

bottom of the can. Allowing this chemical to spray out by

holding the can incorrectly can harm electrical components.

FIGURE 19—A canister-type vacuum cleaner isuseful in the shop and atthe customer’s site.


Another alternative to compressed air is using a vacuum

cleaner suitable in size and capacity for the job. Remember

to check that cables and power cords are still securely

plugged in after using either a compressed air can or

vacuum blower.

The optical drive can also be cleaned with compressed air.

However, be careful not to touch anything inside the drives.

Sometimes these devices need their heads cleaned. For this,

it’s recommended that you use a CD cleaning kit. Heads and

optical readers are delicate and aligned to operate properly.

Bumping them accidentally may cause them to malfunction.

The mouse case can be cleaned like the computer case.

Sometimes a ball-type mouse won’t operate properly if

there’s excess dirt on its rollers. These rollers are connected

to switches and turned by the ball. Excess dirt or grime causes

them to slip or turn incompletely. First, remove the bottom cir-

cular panel by rotating it. Then take out the ball and clean it

with alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Inside the mouse, you’ll gen-

erally see three small rollers. Lightly clean them with alcohol

using a foam swab. You can clean optical mice by simply run-

ning a damp cloth around the optical laser.

Spilled food or drinks between the keys of a keyboard may

cause them to stick. To clean a keyboard, you can turn it

upside down and gently shake it first. Then, if necessary,

run blow compressed air between the keys. Further cleaning

with a foam swab and alcohol may also be necessary.

38

FIGURE 20—Using Compressed Airto Clean the Motherboard


The monitor screen may be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and

glass cleaner (Figure 21). However, you must be careful to

spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not on the screen or into the

monitor case. Use a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth to clean

the monitor case. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) aren’t built

the same as monitor screens; for one thing, they’re not made

of glass. Thus, you should never spray cleaner onto an LCD

screen or use paper towels or rough cloth that can scratch its

surface. A dry, lint-free cloth with or without alcohol may be

used to eliminate dust, dirt, and fingerprints.

General Tool InformationOne tool we failed to mention, which should be in every PC

repair tool kit, is the paper clip. When unbent and formed

into various shapes, the paper clip can serve many functions.

For example, you can use it to set a DIP switch, insert it into

a D-sub connector hole for testing with a multimeter, pull a

sticky jumper from a pair of pins, and retrieve debris from a

keyboard or other hard-to-reach area. In addition, attaching

a paper clip correctly to the right jumpers of a CMOS battery

and waiting a few minutes can clear the CMOS data back to its

original settings. On a simpler note, a paper clip can also be

inserted into a small hole in the front panel of an optical/DVD

FIGURE 21—Wipe the monitor witha lint-free cloth.


drive to manually open the drive tray. A collection of different-

sized paper clips is a valuable and extremely cheap addition

to your tool kit.

Buying Tools

When selecting tools, buy ones of good quality. This is espe-

cially true if you’re making your livelihood from PC repair

and using your tools every day. Quality tools will last much

longer and be worth the extra cost. We’ll also discuss several

other items and pieces of equipment you’ll want to consider

adding to your shop or tool kit. At that time, you’ll also have

a better feel for PC repair and an idea of what tools might be

appropriate for you.

Using Your Tools

One way of ensuring that your tools and the PC that you’re

working on remain in good condition is to use your tools

properly. Always use the right tool for the job. For example,

be sure to use the correct type and size screwdriver to pre-

vent damaging screw heads. Also, be sure to use each

tool only for its intended purpose. Never use a screwdriver

for prying. Keep your tools clean and organized for easy use.

A good tool caddy

or pegboard is a

good organizer for

the workshop

(Figure 22). A

portable tool kit or

tool case is good

for off-site jobs.

One last word

about tools before

we move on. Be

sure that none

of your tools are

magnetic or become

magnetized.

Magnetism can

damage computersFIGURE 22—A tool caddy helps keep your tools organized.


and disks. Always check your tools, especially any new tools

you acquire, to ensure they’re not magnetized. You can use a

simple piece of iron or steel such as a small nail or screw to

check each tool. If the nail or screw is magnetically attracted to

the tool, keep the tool away from your computer. Immediately

demagnetize the tool and verify that it’s no longer magnetic

before using it, or replace the tool.

Test EquipmentIn addition to the mechanical tools we’ve just discussed,

there are other types of tools that are also important. These

tools may be categorized as electronic tools. Electronic tools

give you the means to check for the proper operation of elec-

trical devices and components. In the following paragraphs,

we’ll introduce you to a few of these tools.

Multimeter

A multimeter is an instrument that tests the voltage, current,

and resistance of an electrical circuit (Figure 23). Two leads

attached to the multimeter connect the meter to the electrical

circuit under test. A selector switch allows you to choose

what characteristic to measure and the meter range. An indi-

cator on the multimeter shows the value of the characteristic

being measured. Most newer multimeters have a digital read-

out indicator like the one shown in Figure 23.

As PC technology progresses, there’s less and less need to use a

multimeter for troubleshooting. Today, components don’t pro-

vide convenient test points and often aren’t repairable. For

this reason and because it’s faster and cheaper to replace

a defective part, a multimeter is used just to determine

whether a part has failed. The multimeter is a tool you’ll

need, but don’t expect to use it on a daily basis.


POST Diagnostic Card

A POST diagnostic card (or board) can be a valuable tool for

a PC repair technician. When you turn your computer on, it

performs a power-on self test (called POST). If the computer

doesn’t complete the power-on process (boot up) to where the

normal operating system prompt or software logo appears on

the screen, a failure has occurred. If the boot-up procedure

fails, a POST diagnostic card may be of significant value in

determining the problem, providing the boot process has

proceeded far enough to produce an error code.

The POST diagnostic card is placed into an open slot in the

PC system board (Figure 24). When the PC is turned on, LED

indicators on the card indicate power status and display an

error code to indicate the nature of the failure. In addition,

other indicators display the amount of voltage the PC is

receiving from its power supply.

FIGURE 23—A multimeter helps you troubleshoot a variety of electrical devices.


Diagnostic SoftwareThe last type of tools we’ll discuss fall into a category

called diagnostic software. After the computer has booted

successfully, diagnostic software can be used to monitor

system performance and diagnose problems.

There’s a wide variety of diagnostic programs available.

Some programs diagnose all components, while others

troubleshoot only specific components. Some diagnostic

software is available as separate, or stand-alone, programs.

In addition, operating systems such as Windows also have

basic diagnostic and maintenance programs built in.

When selecting a diagnostic software package, make sure

it can be periodically upgraded at little or no cost. Some

diagnostic software packages provide many tools needed to

recover lost data, monitor system resources, and safeguard

the system.

FIGURE 24—A Typical POSTDiagnostic Card


Self-Check 4

1. What three types of screwdrivers are commonly used by a PC repair technician?

__________________________________________________________

2. Name some tools that you might use to hold a part.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. Explain whether it’s better to use a magnetic or mechanical screw starter for PC repair.

__________________________________________________________

4. The POST diagnostic card is used to troubleshoot failures during _______.

5. True or False? A multimeter is used to monitor system performance.



SETTING UP SHOPYour PC repair shop or workplace may be any one of a number

of locations. If you’re a hobbyist or intend to start a small busi-

ness, your workplace will likely be a room or specific area set

aside in your home. If you’re employed as a PC repair techni-

cian, you’ll probably be provided with a workbench or other

area depending on your assigned responsibilities. In the follow-

ing workplace description, we’ll focus primarily on creating a

home workshop for PC repair. However, a large part of the

information presented here also applies to PC workplaces in

general, including your work area if you’re employed as a PC

technician.

Selecting a LocationThere are several considerations in selecting a location for your

shop. First, the area should be clean, dry, and well lit. It

should be located so that PCs and components can be easily

transported in and out of the area. It shouldn’t be located

where equipment entering or leaving the shop must be carried

up and down stairs, or through narrow doorways and aisles.

The minimum-sized work area will contain enough space for

your workbench; shelves for your books, catalogs, and refer-

ence materials; a cabinet for spare parts; and space for tools

and test equipment. Figure 25 shows a simple layout. Your

basic need for space will increase depending upon the number

of PCs you expect to have in for repairs at any one time and

on the quantity of spare parts you stock due to the size of

your business. Remember to leave yourself enough elbow

room to work and move equipment in and out easily.

When determining your shop location, you must also

consider electrical power. Enough power outlets should be

available and located near your workbench. The power at the

power outlets should be clean; in other words, appliances

such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or furnace

motors shouldn’t be on the same circuit you’re using for

repair work. Make sure to install a power conditioner to filter

or smooth out any power spikes from nearby appliances.


Workshop OrganizationThe manner in which you lay out your work area will play

a large part in determining your working efficiency and sus-

ceptibility to accidents. First, arrange your tools within reach

on a pegboard, tool holder, or tool caddy. You should always

return tools to their proper storage location when not in use

so that you can find them when needed.

Always keep your workbench clean. It’s annoying to bring in

a piece of equipment and have no place on the workbench

to set it. It’s equally annoying to be reassembling a piece of

equipment and find extra parts such as screws and washers

on the bench mixed in with the parts you need to use. The

best way to avoid a cluttered workbench is to avoid the temp-

tation to set things on the bench, even for a minute, if you

don’t intend to leave them there.

One last note about organization pertains to the storage of

objects. Store smaller and lighter objects either up high or

down low. Always store heavier objects on shelves or surfaces

that are about waist height—your back will thank you when

it comes time to lift and move them. Never store heavy objects

up high on a bookcase shelf. If you move items out of lower

areas of the bookcase, the weight of the objects stored up

high can cause the bookcase to tip over.

FIGURE 25—This simpleshop layout provides amplestorage and workspace.


SecuritySecurity is important for any PC repair facility, whether it’s

in the home or in a room set aside in the confines of a large

company. PCs are prevalent enough today that PCs and their

components are useful and easily peddled commodities.

If located in the home, your PC workshop should be secured

whenever it’s not in use. Not only do you have your tools,

parts, supplies, and test equipment, but you also have other

people’s property to think of. The same may also go for the

area or room in a large company that contains PCs and

components such as networking cards. Many well-meaning

people think nothing of “borrowing” cards or components to

repair or upgrade their PCs at work. Then, when you need

a part, it’s gone.

To maintain control and security of your equipment and

supplies, as well as the property of your customers, you

should always keep accurate records (Figure 26). A good

log should identify each item and include its serial number,

if applicable. If the item is a PC, the identification should

include a complete description containing the manufacturer

and features such as the number and types of drives and

the amount of memory. Be sure that you also identify which

computer belongs to which customer.

FIGURE 26—Maintaining accurate recordsis an essential part of PC repair.


SafetySafety begins with a clean and uncluttered work area. Floors

should be clear of objects that can cause you to fall while

transporting equipment into and out of the shop. Some PC

components, such as the old CRT monitors, are quite heavy

and awkward to move. Be sure to lift heavy equipment properly

using your legs and not your back.

Eye protection should always be available for use when per-

forming any activity where chemicals, parts, or debris can fly

into your eyes. Always wear eye protection when using any

type of compressed air or sprays for cleaning components.

Electrical Hazards

In your shop, ensure that the power outlets are properly

grounded, especially if you’re using existing outlets in an

older building. Check that all equipment power cords are

in good condition and provide proper grounding for the

equipment. Avoid wearing loose jewelry or other conductive

apparel such as rings and watches with metal bands when-

ever you work around electrical equipment.

The CRT monitor and the power supply in a PC can be danger-

ous. Even if the power cord is disconnected, capacitors in the

monitor and PC power supply can hold an electrical charge.

Power supplies and CRT monitors contain capacitors, which

act as electrical storage devices. Power supplies typically gener-

ate 250 watts to 400 watts of power for use by the computer

system.

WARNING

Never open a display monitor or

power supply case unless you have

experience working with high-voltage

equipment.


The power in a capacitor leaks away slowly after you shut

down the system. This makes it a hazard well after your PC

is turned off. CRT monitors can be even more deadly, storing

up to 20,000 volts of electricity and sometimes taking days to

fully discharge. Never make repairs on these kinds of units

unless you have experience and training in discharging them.

Also, never wear an ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap

when working on these devices. Wrist straps are used to dissi-

pate static electricity harmful to components that use 12 volts

or less. The strap grounds you and discharges static electricity

from your body to protect electronic components. However, if

you’re grounded when working on a CRT monitor or power

supply, the shortest path of discharge for the extremely high

voltage of these devices will be through you. Power levels of

this magnitude can be lethal.

Fire Safety

Because you’re working primarily with electrical equipment

and occasionally with some cleaning materials, you need to

be aware of fire safety. The proper type of fire extinguisher

should be conveniently located in your PC repair work area.

Be sure to locate the extinguisher away from any likely spots

that a fire may develop so that you can always get to the

extinguisher.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies

fires as three types:

• Class A, which consists of normal combustible materials

such as wood and paper

• Class B, which consists of flammable liquids such as oil,

gasoline, and kerosene

• Class C, which consists of fires due to electrical causes

Fire extinguishers are labeled with symbols as to the type or

types of fires they’re intended to extinguish (Figure 27).

Extinguishers for Class A fires have the letter A inside a

triangle. Extinguishers used to fight Class B fires have

the letter B inside a square. Class C fire extinguishers are

identified by the letter C inside a circle. A good choice for

your home shop is an extinguisher that carries all three

designations.


Setting up Your WorkshopWhen maintaining, upgrading, and repairing a PC, you’ll need

an area in which to work.

Your particular situation will determine the type of work area

that you’ll need. For example, if you’re a hobbyist, you may

want to set up a permanent area with minimal equipment. If

you’re working for a business or planning to work for a busi-

ness outside of your home, you may want to set aside only a

temporary work area with minimal equipment. If you intend

to start your own business, you’ll be more interested in set-

ting up a permanent work area with a complete set of tools

and equipment.

Now is a good time to begin setting up a work area that’s

right for you. Use what you’ve learned about workshops to

set up an efficient and safe work area.

FIGURE 27—This fireextinguisher is effec-tive on Class A, B, andC fires.


Self-Check 5

1. What are three primary considerations for selecting a location for a PC repair workshop?

__________________________________________________________________________

2. A fire fueled by wood or paper is considered a _______ fire.

3. What three main pieces of furniture are commonly needed in a PC repair workshop?

__________________________________________________________________________

4. Briefly describe how you would store small and large objects, respectively, in your work area.

__________________________________________________________________________



NOTES

Each field of study has its own unique history and unique

terms. The field of personal computers and their mainte-

nance is no different. Understanding these technical terms

will lay a foundation of knowledge and help you comprehend

more complex information later on.

A-Drive A default letter assigned by the operating system to

represent the floppy drive.

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) A company that manufac-

tures processors comparable to Pentium and Celeron.

binary A system comprised of two states, “on” or “off,”

represented by the numbers 0 and 1, respectively.

BIOS (basic input-output system) Contains the minimum

functions to start your computer and display information

on the screen, enabling an operating system to run.

boot In most cases, the term “boot” is used to signify a

computer’s complete, successful loading of its operating

system.

bus Wires through which data is transmitted from one part

of a computer to another. You can think of a bus as a

highway on which data travels within a computer.

byte Equal to eight bits. “Bit” stands for binary integer. (See

Binary.)

cache A high-speed temporary storage mechanism.

CD Compact disk.

CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) A compact

disk that’s used with a computer as opposed to an audio

system. CD-ROMs hold large amounts of data, but this

data can’t be altered or modified.

CD-R (compact disk recordable) A CD that you can add

data to, or write.

CD-RW (compact disk rewriteable) A CD that you can

write, erase, and rewrite as desired.

CPU (central processing unit) By definition, a CPU is the

computer’s processor. Commonly, though, you’ll find that

many people use it to specify the main enclosure of the

computer, or system unit, which contains the motherboard,

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processor, hard drive, CD-ROM drives, expansion cards,

and other components. Processor speeds are measured in

megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz).

CRT (cathode ray tube) A technology that’s used in television

screen and computer monitors.

defrag Short for defragment.

defragment A process used to reallocate data on a disk

(usually a hard drive) so that parts of a file are in sequen-

tial order on the disk, enabling faster performance.

DIMM (dual inline memory module) A type of board that

holds units of memory, called chips. Unlike SIMMs (see

below), DIMMs have a 64-bit data path to their chips,

making them faster than SIMMs. The majority of memory

sold today is based on DIMMs.

DMA (direct memory access) A technique used to transfer

data directly from the main memory to a device, avoiding

the CPU. This makes some data operations faster.

DVD (digital video disk) Typically used to store full-length

movies, a DVD can typically hold up to 17 gigabytes of

data.

ethernet A LAN architecture that supports speeds up to

1000 megabits-per-second.

FAT (file allocation table) A table that the operating system

uses to locate files on a disk. Due to fragmentation, a file may

be divided into many sections that are scattered around the

disk. The FAT keeps track of all these pieces.

FDISK A DOS program that enables you to partition your

hard drives.

flash memory A special type of memory that can be erased

and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time.

Many modern PCs have their BIOS stored on a flash mem-

ory chip so that it can be easily updated if necessary. Such

BIOS is sometimes called a flash BIOS.

floppy disk A storage media that has a storage capacity

maximum of 2.88 MB. The most common floppies are 1.44

MB. Floppies are very inexpensive, but the technology is

old and getting to be inadequate for most people.

Glossary54

Glossary 55

format The process of preparing a disk for reading and

writing. When you format, the operating system erases

the FAT and tests the disk to ensure that it’s reliable.

GB (gigabyte) Equal to 1024 megabytes.

GHz (gigahertz) A gigahertz is equal to 1000 megahertz,

and represents 1 billion cycles per second.

hard drive A magnetic disk on which you can store com-

puter data. Hard drives hold more data and are faster

than floppy disks. (Hard drives can hold anywhere from

10 gigabytes up to the terabyte [trillion bytes] range.)

input device Any device that sends data to the computer.

Common input devices are keyboards, mice, and scanners.

Internet Short for Internetwork, a global network that

connects millions of computers.

I/O (input-output) Refers to the function of devices

involved.

IRQ (interrupt request line) Hardware lines over which

devices can send interrupt signals to the microprocessor.

IRQ conflicts used to be a common problem when adding

expansion boards, but the plug-and-play specification has

removed these conflicts in most cases.

jumper A small plastic plug with a metallic interior for

bridging pins on the backs of CD-ROM drives, hard drives,

or expansion boards. A jumper will change a device’s

parameters, such as when a hard drive is changed from

primary master to secondary slave.

KB (kilobyte) Equal to 1024 bytes.

LCD (liquid crystal display) Technology used in computer

monitors. LCD monitors are typically much thinner than

CRT monitors. They also offer a clearer image and practically

no eyestrain.

MB (megabyte, “meg”) Equal to 1024 kilobytes.

Glossary56

memory Internal storage areas in the computer. The term

“memory” identifies data storage that comes in the form of

chips, and the word “storage” is used for memory that

exists on tapes or disks. Moreover, the term “memory” is

generally used as shorthand for physical memory, which

refers to the actual chips capable of holding data.

modem A device that can communicate with other devices

using phone lines. Most people use a modem to connect

to the Internet. Modem stands for “modulation emulator.”

monitor A device that displays text and graphics that are

sent from the computer using the video card.

mouse An input device that’s usually used to move a cursor

on the screen.

NIC (network interface card) Device that enables a computer

to communicate with other computers over a network.

NTFS (New Technology Files System) The file system that

the Windows NT operating system uses for storing and

retrieving files on a hard disk.

output device Any device that’s capable of representing

data coming from the computer. Common output devices

are monitors, printers, and plotters.

OS (operating system) Software that controls the computer

and enables you to run other software. Common OS’s are

Windows, Unix, Mac OS, and Linux.

power supply Converts AC power from your electrical outlet

to DC power that your computer uses.

processor See CPU.

RAM (random access memory) A type of temporary memory

that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory

that can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.

RAM is the most common type of memory found in comput-

ers and printers. It’s referred to as volatile memory because

it loses its contents when the power is turned off.

Glossary 57

ROM (read-only memory) Memory that, once written to,

can’t be overwritten. Older BIOS chips used ROM, but

most newer computer have a Flash BIOS.

RJ-11 Type of jack used by telephones.

RJ-45 Type of jack used by network cards and other

network-related devices.

SIMM (single inline memory module) A type of board that

holds units of memory, called chips. SIMMs have only a

32-bit data path to their chips, making them slower than

DIMMs. SIMMs are hardly used anymore, being both

slower and more expensive than DIMMs.

sound card An expansion card or board, used to enhance

multimedia sound. A sound card allows one to record with

a microphone, manipulate the saved sounds, and output to

PC speakers.

system board Also called the motherboard, the system board

holds the processor and contains connectors for hard

drives and floppy drives. It also has expansion slots for

expansion cards.

terabyte Equal to a trillion bytes.

USB (universal serial bus) An external bus standard that

supports speeds up to 480 megabits-per-second.

video card A device that sends data to a monitor. Video

cards may contain features and memory to enhance visual

display. Many newer motherboards have sound and video

built onto the motherboard itself and require a separate

expansion card.

warm boot Booting or starting the computer by pressing

the restart button or by hitting the CTRL-ALT-Delete keys

simultaneously. The computer is on and running at the time.

Glossary58

NOTES

Self-Check 1

1. True

2. Establish your own PC repair business; work as a tech-

nician in a PC repair shop; provide PC maintenance and

support in a small company or large corporation

3. b

Self-Check 2

1. An operating system or an accompanying licensed CD

2. Mail-order vendors, computer makers (box makers)

3. Computer dealer

4. A mail-order vendor will often preload software onto

your system.

5. False

Self-Check 3

1. A power strip provides multiple electrical outlets near

your computer for plugging in the system unit and other

devices. It also protects your computer and devices from

electrical power surges.

2. The computer won’t complete the booting process.

3. You can get technical information from your computer

documentation, by calling customer support, or from the

manufacturer’s Web site.

4. The original packing boxes may be used to return the

system for service, to move the system, or to store the

system.

5. False

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Self-Check Answers60

Self-Check 4

1. Phillips-head screwdriver, slotted screwdriver, and Torx

screwdriver

2. Tweezers, parts retriever, screw starter, long-nosed

pliers, and hemostatic forceps

3. Mechanical, because magnetism can damage computers

and disks

4. the power-on or boot up process

5. False

Self-Check 5

1. The area should be clean, dry, and well lit.

2. Class A

3. Workbench, bookshelves, and parts cabinet

4. Small objects can be stored at any height. Larger or

heavier objects should be stored on shelves or surfaces

at approximately waist height.

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