Computer Trouble Shooting: Nightmares Versus Challenges

1
Computer Trouble Shooting Nightmares Versus
Challenges

• Windows-based

• Macintosh-based

By Ernest Lewis, CTAP, Kern County, Level III
TechMentor
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Proficiency 1.2

• Create a troubleshooting checklist on steps to
  take when
• Printers or other peripherals do not work
• The computer does not connect to the network
• Applications do not load
• The computer does start up
• The computer does not shut down
• Create a list of file names, software or other
  methods that can be used to assist
  troubleshooting computers.

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Common Problems

• Windows-based
• No Power
• Will Not Boot
• Weird or No Images on Screen

• Macintosh-based
• No Power
• Question Mark Flashing (Will Not Boot - Sad
  Computer Icon
• Extension Problems
• Screen Appears Discolored

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• Macintosh-based
• See Windows-based Suggestions.

• Windows-based
• No Power - (Outside)
• Check the power cord and/or surge protector.
• Check all switches (zero is off and one is on).
• No Power - (Inside)
• Check Main Power Cable to Motherboard.
• Check Transformer.

5

• Windows-based
• Will Not Boot
• Check to see if a non-system disk is in the
  floppy drive (A).
• Make sure that a bootable floppy is handy.
• Press F8 or the control key and choose Safe Mode.
• Reinstall system only if there is no other hope.

• Macintosh-based
• Will Not Boot
• Turn off extensions and try again (hold down the
  Shift key at startup).
• Have a current systems disk handy (CD and/or
  floppy).
• Inspect the status of the hard drive with the
  disk utility file that is provided with the OS
  disk.

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Macintosh-based Will Not Boot (continued) Clear
the PRAM by pressing the Apple key, option, P,
and R keys at the same time. Check the computers
battery condition. Reinstall new system folder if
necessary.
PRAM Parameter RAM (battery memory) helps
maintain the date and time. Note If you use a
network connection at your school and/or office,
you will have to set AppleTalk back to Ethernet.
The default setting returns to Printer after the
PRAM is cleared.
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• Windows-based
• Weird or No Images on the Screen
• Check connections.
• Make certain the the correct video driver is
  installed.
• Check to see if you have enough video memory to
  display a given screen size or amount of colors.
• Check monitor settings.
• Check video card and/or video card slot.
• Use the Help application in Windows.

• Macintosh-based
• Weird or No Images on the Screen
• Check connections.
• Check monitor settings.
• Check video card and/or video card slot.
• Tap on the space bar to see if the computer is
  sleeping.

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Trouble Shooting Help on the Web Windows
-based Microsoft Product Support Services at
lthttp//support.microsoft.com/directory/gt. Everyt
hing Computers Trouble Shooting Guide at
lthttp//www.everythingcomputers.com/troubleg.htmgt
.
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• Trouble Shooting Help on the Web Macintosh-based
• Apple Care Support Site Index lthttp//www.info.ap
  ple.com/siteindex.tafgt
• Mac help from Computer Hope lthttp//www.computerh
  ope.com/appletr.htmgt
• MacFixIt lthttp//macfixit.pair.com/gt

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Quick Suggestions

• Do not be afraid to make a mistake but use common
  sense.
• Research the Web for answers to your questions.
• Check locally for computer classes. CTAP is an
  excellent resource. Also, one can call CompUSA
  at [phone].
• De-static yourself before working on electrical
  items. This can be done by discharging yourself
  on the units case prior to working on it or,
  preferably, by wearing a special copper wrist
  band that is attached to the units case.
• Avoid wearing only socks and plastic shoes on a
  carpeted surface. Static will surely build.
• Join a computer club, such a KIPUG, Kern
  Independent PC Users Group - see
  lthttp//www.kipug.orggt for details.

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Quick Suggestions continued

• Visit How Stuff Works at lthttp//www.howstuffworks
  .com/gt to gain a theoretical knowledge and the
  like.
• Keep abreast of the ever-changing computer field
  by studyingPC World Online at lthttp//www.pcworld
  .com/gt.
• Investigate new and old technologies on Cnet.com
  at lthttp//home.cnet.com/gt.
• Take a peek at Frank Condrons World OWindows at
  lthttp//www.worldowindows.com/win98.aspgt.
• Take a gander at the official site for Mac OS at
  lthttp//www.apple.com/macos/gt.