678 Computer Service and Repair
Virus Protection Updates
Virus protection software requires updates on a regular basis. Your virus
protection can fail to protect your system if it does contain the latest virus
definitions. Check the company Web site of your virus protection software for the
latest virus information and updates.
Clean the Physical System
Routinely check and clean the cooling system on the computer. The cooling
system includes the power supply fan(s) and the fans located on critical
components such as the CPU, chipset, memory modules, and video cards. Also,
remove dust accumulations from passive heat sinks located in the same areas.
Dust should be removed using a static-free vacuum cleaner.
Also, be sure to remove dust and debris from keyboards, mouse, and the
screen areas. Do not use chemicals when cleaning the plastic parts of a computer
system or the screen area. First attempt to clean the plastic parts with a dry,
soft, lint-free cloth. Next, try a damp cloth, and as a last resort, you may use a
mild, cleaning solution. Keep water away from electronic components inside the
computer and computer vents. Avoid the use of any harsh chemicals for cleaning
the computer and computer components.
Two Microsoft Web sites provide extensive information that will be very
valuable when troubleshooting computers. The first site, http://support.
microsoft.com, is designed for the average computer user, and the second Web
site, http://technet.microsoft.com, is designed for advanced technicians or IT
professionals. Save both links in your Internet Browser because you will most
likely be using them often to assist you with computer problems.
Summary
✔ Try the simple things first when troubleshooting.
✔ Write down changes made as you progress through the troubleshooting
stages.
✔ A failure during the POST is hardware-related.
✔ The PC-Doctor POST card can be used to detect and analyze system failures
during the POST.
✔ A failure during the loading of the required operating system files and
hardware initialization is usually a sign that there is a corrupt system
operating file or hardware driver file.
✔ A failure after logon is usually a software application or service problem.
✔ Hard drives have a high failure rate because mechanical systems have a
higher failure rate than electronic systems.
✔ You can start the Windows operating system in several different modes,
accessed by pressing [F8] before the Windows logo appears.
✔ Safe mode loads the minimum generic drivers and bypasses
autoexec.bat
and
config.sys, if they exist.
✔ The System Configuration Utility (msconfig.exe) allows users to modify the
system configuration.