Module 02

Troubleshooting Lab

Master the art of diagnosing and fixing hardware & software issues.

What is Troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is a systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving computer problems. It is NOT guessing. It is a logical approach.

The 6-Step Methodology (Memorize This!)

1. Identify

Ask user, Observe symptoms, Check errors.

2. Theory

Hardware or Software? Recent changes? Overheating?

3. Test

Diagnostics, Safe Mode, Swamp components.

4. Plan & Fix

Repair, Replace, Update, Reinstall.

5. Verify

Restart, Test app, Stress test.

6. Document

Write down the problem, cause, and fix.

Hardware Failure Symptoms

CPU

Overheating causes random shutdowns.

RAM

Faulty RAM causes Blue Screens (BSOD) & Crashes.

Storage

Bad sectors cause slow boot & freezing.

PSU

Fault causes No Power or Random Restarts.

Drivers: The Hidden Culprit

A driver is software that lets the OS talk to Hardware. Without it, hardware is useless.

Symptoms

  • Wi-Fi not showing
  • No Sound
  • Low Res Display
  • ⚠️ Yellow Bang in Device Manager

The Fix

  1. Open Device Manager
  2. Find device with ⚠️ warning
  3. Right click -> Update / Rollback
  4. Best: Download from Manufacturer Site
Scenario: Wi-Fi missing after format? -> Download Network Driver from laptop support page on another PC and install via USB.

Common Problems & Solutions

Boot Problems

  • No Power: Check Cable, Adapter, RAM seating.
  • No Display: Check Monitor, Reseat RAM, Reset BIOS (CMOS Battery).
  • No Boot Device: Hard disk fail, OS Corrupt, Wrong Boot Order in BIOS.

Slow Performance

Causes

HDD (Old), Low RAM, Startup Apps, Malware.

Fixes

Upgrade to SSD (Best fix), Add RAM, Disable Startup Apps, Clean Install Windows.

Overheating

Symptoms: Fan noise, Lag, Shutdown.

Fix: Clean dust in fans, Replace Thermal Paste, Use Cooling Pad.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Windows crash screen. Common Causes: RAM fault, Driver conflict, Corrupt OS.

Fix: Note Error Code -> Safe Mode -> SFC Scan -> Driver Rollback.

Network Issues

  • Restart Modem
  • Check Drivers
  • Flush DNS

Virus / Malware

  • Popups? Slow?
  • Run Antivirus
  • Reset Browser

Advanced & Preventive

Advanced Tools

  • Safe Mode: Loads OS with minimal drivers.
  • Event Viewer: System logs for errors.
  • CHKDSK: Checks disk health.

Preventive Maintenance (Best Practices)

✅ Regular Dust Cleaning

✅ Keep Drivers Updated

✅ Backup Important Data

✅ Monitor Temperatures

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