Third Quarter - Lesson 2: Testing Installed Equipment/Devices (Components)

Diagnostic Tools (Hardware)

1. Digital Multimeter

2. Loopback Adapter

3. Toner Probe

Diagnostic Tools (Software)

Software tools help diagnose computer and network problems and determine which computer device is not functioning correctly.

Disk Management Tool

It helps detect and correct disk errors, prepare a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted files.

Sample Disk Management Tools (Diagnostic Tools)

1. fdisk

A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive. The FDISK tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been replaced with the Disk Management tool.

2. disk management tool

Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats partitions.

Panoorin ang video na ito kung paano gawin ang proseso na ito: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HgjasKuOBw

3. format

Prepares a hard drive to store information

4. scanDisk or CHKDSK

Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the file system. These tools might also check the disk surface for physical errors.

5. defrag

Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and data.

6. disk cleanup

Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be safely deleted.

7. system file checker (SFC)

A command-line tool that scans the operating system critical files and replaces files that are corrupted.

Test Procedures

A test procedure is a set of steps to guide you through what needs to be done to thoroughly test the installation. It is designed to help you work more effectively and to make sure you test everything that needs testing.

External Visual Inspection

The external visual inspection consists of a quick inspection of the exterior of the computer, the monitor, the keyboard, any peripherals, and cables. While performing the visual inspection, make any necessary corrections. To perform the external visual inspection, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.

2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the computer, the monitor and peripherals, and their power sources.

3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly attached to the proper connectors on the back of the computer. For a PS/2-compatible mouse, the keyboard and mouse interface cable connectors are identical except for their labels. For a serial mouse, the mouse interface cable must be firmly attached to one of the serial port connectors, and its captive screws must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.

4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.

5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port connectors are properly connected. 

Each of the serial and parallel port interface cables must be firmly attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as to the interface connector on the device. The captive screws that secure these connectors at each end of the interface cable must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.

6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached to the video connector on the back panel or to a video expansion card, and also to the connector on the back of the monitor. For proper connection of the video monitor, see the documentation for the monitor.

7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious damage or improper settings. For proper settings of the video monitor controls, see the documentation for the monitor.

8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are sticking. If one or more keys are sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.

9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all controls and indicators, and all user-accessible data storage devices for any signs of physical damage.

Does the inspection reveal any problems?

Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure in "Removing and Replacing Parts." 

No. Proceed to "Observing the Boot Routine." 

Observing the Boot Routine

After you have performed an external visual inspection as described in the previous section, you should boot the system and, while the boot routine is running, observe the system for any indications of problems. To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:

1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the computer. 

2. Check the power supply fan. 

Does the fan run normally? 

• Yes. Proceed to step 3. 

• No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. 

3. Watch the <num lock>, <caps lock>, <scroll lock> indicators on the upper-right corner of the keyboard. After all three indicators flash momentarily, and following a long pause (approximately 30 seconds), the Num Lock indicator should light up and remain on (unless the Num Lock option is set to Off in the System Setup program).

Do these indicators flash on and off within approximately 10 seconds after the boot routine starts?

• Yes. Proceed to step 4.

• No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the troubleshooting procedure indicates that the system power supply is operational, troubleshoot the memory.

4. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:

• Beep codes — A beep code is a series of beeps that indicates an error condition.

• System error messages — these messages can indicate problems or provide status information. 

• Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators — These indicators light up in response to data being transferred to or from the drives. If either of these indicators fails to light up during the boot routine, troubleshoot the diskette drive or hard-disk drive subsystem, as appropriate.

5. Observe the monitor screen for the Diagnostics menu. 

Internal Visual Inspection

A simple visual inspection of a computer’s interior hardware can often lead to the source of a problem, such as a loose expansion card, cable connector, or mounting screw. To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power cables from electrical outlets.

2. Remove the computer’s right side cover. 

3. Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or connectors.

4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press firmly on the top of each chip.

5. Verify that all jumpers are set correctly. 

6. Check all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they are firmly attached to their appropriate connectors.

7. Reinstall the computer cover. 

8. Reconnect the computer and any attached peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.

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