682 Computer Service and Repair
4. Using a specific workstation designated for experimentation by your
instructor, try several of the following tests:
✔ Remove the data cable from the hard disk drive and boot the system
to observe any error messages.
✔ Perform a complete PC backup using Windows Vista. The backup
utility is located at
Start | All Programs | Maintenance | Backup and
Restore
Center.
✔ Run
regedt32
in Windows XP and Windows Vista and inspect the
contents of the registry. Do not make any changes to any of the
contents.
✔ Open the
Problem Reports and Solutions
in Windows Vista located at
Start | All Programs | Maintenance | Problem Reports and
Solutions.
After opening the utility, explore the features available, but be careful
not to select the
Clear solution and problem history
option.
5. Visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site and look at all the available features
for technicians.
6. Visit the following Web sites and look at the information about BIOS beep
codes:
✔ www.ami.com
✔ www.phoenix.com
✔ http://bioscentral.com
7. Visit the Dell Advanced Troubleshooting Web page at http://support.dell.
com/support/edocs/systems/dim2300C/advanced.htm and look at the
information provided to assist with troubleshooting Dell Computers.
8. Run the Windows Vista Memory Diagnostics Tool (mdsched.exe) from the
command prompt.
Interesting Web Sites for More Information
http://bioscentral.com
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2300C/advanced.htm
http://support.microsoft.com
www.ami.com
www.bioscentral.com/postcodes/awardbios.htm
www.computerhope.com/beep.htm
www.configsafe.com
www.pc-doctor.com
www.phoenix.com
www.sysinternals.com
www.winternals.com