Hardware Troubleshooting Tools
The level of troubleshooting most often performed on PC hardware is
exchanging Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). Due to the relative low cost of
computer components, it is normally not practical to troubleshoot failed
components to the IC level. The cost of using a technician to diagnose the
problem further, and repair it, can quickly exceed the cost of the new replacement
unit.
However, a few hardware diagnostic tools can be very helpful in isolating
defective hardware components. These tools include
➤ Software diagnostic disk
➤ Multimeter
➤ Cable tester
➤ POST card
Software Diagnostic Packages
Several commercially available disk-based diagnostic routines can check the
system by running predetermined tests on different areas of its hardware.
The diagnostic package evaluates the response from each test and attempts
to produce a status report for all of the system’s major components. Like the
computer’s self-tests, these packages produce visual and beep-coded error
messages. Figure 3.1 depicts the Main menu of a typical self-booting software
diagnostic package.
exchanging Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). Due to the relative low cost of
computer components, it is normally not practical to troubleshoot failed
components to the IC level. The cost of using a technician to diagnose the
problem further, and repair it, can quickly exceed the cost of the new replacement
unit.
However, a few hardware diagnostic tools can be very helpful in isolating
defective hardware components. These tools include
➤ Software diagnostic disk
➤ Multimeter
➤ Cable tester
➤ POST card
Software Diagnostic Packages
Several commercially available disk-based diagnostic routines can check the
system by running predetermined tests on different areas of its hardware.
The diagnostic package evaluates the response from each test and attempts
to produce a status report for all of the system’s major components. Like the
computer’s self-tests, these packages produce visual and beep-coded error
messages. Figure 3.1 depicts the Main menu of a typical self-booting software
diagnostic package.
A typical software diagnostic main menu
This menu is the gateway to information about the system’s makeup and
configuration, as well as the entryway to the program’s Advanced Diagnostic
Test functions. You can find utilities for performing low-level formats on
older hard drive types and for managing small computer system interface
(SCSI) devices through this menu. In addition, options to print or show test
results are available here, as is the exit point from the program.
The most common software-troubleshooting packages test the system’s
memory, microprocessor, keyboard, display monitor, and the disk drive’s
speed. If at least the system’s CPU, disk drive, and clock circuits are working,
you might be able to use one of these special software-troubleshooting packages
to help localize system failures. They can prove especially helpful when
trying to track down non-heat-related intermittent problems.
If a diagnostic program indicates that multiple items should be replaced,
replace the units one at a time until the unit starts up. Then replace any units
removed prior to the one that caused the system to start. This process
ensures that there are not multiple bad parts. If you have replaced all the
parts, and the unit still does not function properly, the diagnostic software is
suspect.
configuration, as well as the entryway to the program’s Advanced Diagnostic
Test functions. You can find utilities for performing low-level formats on
older hard drive types and for managing small computer system interface
(SCSI) devices through this menu. In addition, options to print or show test
results are available here, as is the exit point from the program.
The most common software-troubleshooting packages test the system’s
memory, microprocessor, keyboard, display monitor, and the disk drive’s
speed. If at least the system’s CPU, disk drive, and clock circuits are working,
you might be able to use one of these special software-troubleshooting packages
to help localize system failures. They can prove especially helpful when
trying to track down non-heat-related intermittent problems.
If a diagnostic program indicates that multiple items should be replaced,
replace the units one at a time until the unit starts up. Then replace any units
removed prior to the one that caused the system to start. This process
ensures that there are not multiple bad parts. If you have replaced all the
parts, and the unit still does not function properly, the diagnostic software is
suspect.
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