DIT 0120 PC Troubleshooting and Repair

First Year Semester II

Section 1
A. BIOS/UEFI related problems
If BIOS/UEFI chip fails
Symptoms: Nothing on the screen after POST(Power On Self Test)
Remedy/Solution
For the socket mounted BIOS/UEFI chip replace
For the embedded BIOS/UEFI chip replace motherboard or
Buy a new computer

If BIOS/UEFI hangs
Symptoms: Pressing any key to access BIOS/UEFI will have no effect, PC will not
proceed to booting after BIOS/UEFI screen
Remedy/Solution
Reset the BIOS/UEFI by using the provided jumper in the motherboard
Consult BIOS/UEFI manufacturer for more information.

If CMOS battery fails

Symptom: Computer looses booting sequence including date and time
Remedy/Solution
Replace CMOS battery with a replica battery
Reconfigure CMOS

If CMOS battery short circuits

Symptom: Computer may behave as if BIOS/UEFI has failed.
Remedy/Solution
Remove the shorted battery, turn ON the PC if it works
Replace shorted battery with a replica one

If SATA Mode is set to wrong mode:

Symptoms: OS will try to load but will flash blue screen and restart the PC, this loop
will repeat itself continuously. Equally in the case of installing OS it will prompt no
HDD
Remedy/Solution
There are several SATA modes depending on the type of HDD installed in the
PC, so the correct mode should be set in the BIOS to correspond with the
installed SATA and OS. Adhere to the practical on SATA Mode.
First mode is IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) / ATA (Advance Technology
Attachment) SATA, second mode is AHCI (Automatic Host Controller Interface)
third mode is RAID. Fourth mode is compatibility
The later OS and SSD works well with AHCI mode
The older OS works well with IDE/ATA and compatibility mode

If UEFI booting is set to Legacy BIOS

Symptoms: The signed OS may not boot
Remedy/Solution
Set correctly the controller booting BIOS to UEFI for the currently
installed OS
UEFI has its own securities they may not allow none signed OS to boot

in the same current machine

The controller booting BIOS must always be set correctly for the current
boot requirements (as demonstrated in the practical session)

If system UEFI is set to secure boot

Symptoms: The system will only boot with signed OS, other booting devices will not
work. In the case of Microsoft Windows, the system will work with windows boot
manager only no other drive will work.
Remedy/Solution
Remove secure boot to allow other booting devices such as BD/DVD and
attached USB drives (as demonstrated in the practical session) including
installing other OSs
It is best to use Compatibility Support Module (CSM). It provides
compatibility support for traditional legacy BIOS their devices and OS..
This allows the booting of an operating system that requires a traditional
BIOS support.

B. RAM related problems

If All RAM in the modules fail

Symptoms: Blank screen for the system depending on system RAM for display and
BIOS/UEFI screen for the system with desecrated(independent) video card with its
RAM.
Remedy/Solution
Replace all RAM modules with replica modules such that RAM
speed/Frequency should be the same or higher, RAM type should be the
same that is DDR1,2,3 RAM capacity per slot should not be exceeded.
Equally ram orientation such as one with memory chips on one side or
one with memory chip on both sides as demonstrated in the practical
session speed should be the same or high.
Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) SIMM is a memory module
with 72 or 30 pins, as shown in Figures and . SIMMs are considered
legacy components and can be found in older machines. SIMMs with 72
pins can support 32-bit transfer rates and 32-pin SIMMs can support 16bit transfer rates.
Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) DIMM is a memory module
with 168 pins as shown in Figure . DIMMs are commonly used today and
support 64-bit transfer.
Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) RIMM is a 184-pin memory
module that uses only the RDRAM, as illustrated in Figure . Smaller
modules called SO-RIMM have a 160-pin connector. Some systems
require that RIMM modules be added in identical pairs while others
allow single RIMMs to be installed.
You can have memory modules with memory chips on single side and on
both sides. Equally pins are on both sides even if the memory chips are
mounted on both or single side. SIMM mostly have one side of pins
redundant, not used.

RAM pin configuration

The different pin configuration for DDR RAM Modules
-172-pin Micro DIMM, used for DDR SDRAM
-184-pin DIMM, used for DDR SDRAM
-200-pin SO-DIMM, used for DDR SDRAM and DDR2 SDRAM
-204-pin SO-DIMM, used for DDR3 SDRAM
-214-pin MicroDIMM, used for DDR2 SDRAM
-240-pin DIMM, used for DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM and FBDIMM DRAM

RAM speed indicators/specificationfor DDR1

-PC-1600, DDR-SDRAM memory module specified to run at 100MHz
using DDR-200 chips, 1.600 GByte/s bandwidth per channel.
-PC-2100, DDR-SDRAM memory module specified to run at 133 MHz
using DDR-266 chips, 2.133 GByte/s bandwidth per channel
-PC-2700, DDR-SDRAM memory module specified to run at 166 MHz
using DDR-333 chips, 2.667 GByte/s bandwidth per channel
-PC-3200, DDR-SDRAM memory module specified to run at 200 MHz
using DDR-400 chips, 3.200 GByte/s bandwidth per channel.

DDR2 has PC2-3200, PC2-4200, PC2-5300, PC2-6400, and PC2-8500

DDR3 has PC3-8500, PC3-10600, PC3-12800 (See below table)
DDR, or Double Data Rate, memory is the result of double pumping. DDR can perform memory
transfers at twice the FSB speed!. This in turn increases efficiency and performance of entire system
As time goes on technology improves. While DDR was popular 5 or 6 years ago, DDR2 has taken its
place with DDR3 becoming more and more popular everyday and other technologies are daily
emerging . As the memory technology improves the speed doubles, which means better performance as
mentioned above. Not only does it become faster, but more energy efficient as well. DDR required 2.5
volts to operate. DDR2 requires only 1.8 volts and DDR3 only 1.5 volts.

DDR Memory
MT/s Millions of Transfers per
FSB in Mhz
Second
100
200
133
266
166
333
200
400
DDR2 Memory
MT/s Millions of Transfers per
FSB in Mhz
Second
100
400
133
533
166
667
200
800
266
1066
DDR3 Memory
MT/s Millions of Transfers per
FSB in Mhz
Second
133
1066
166
1333
200
1600

Peak Bandwidth in
MB/s
1600
2100
2700
3200
Peak Bandwidth in
MB/s
3200
4200
5300
6400
8500
Peak Bandwidth in
MB/s
8500
10600
12800

DDR Name

PC Name

DDR-200
DDR-266
DDR-333
DDR-400

PC-1600
PC-2100
PC-2700
PC-3200

DDR Name

PC Name

DDR2-400
DDR2-533
DDR2-667
DDR2-800
DDR2-1066

PC2-3200
PC2-4200
PC2-5300
PC2-6400
PC2-8500

DDR Name

PC Name

DDR3-1066
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1600

PC3-8500
PC3-10600
PC3-12800

Other RAM related problems during OS operations

HIMEM.SYS has problems loading.

Computer appears inoperative and does not boot.

Windows program is unstable or programs are freezing.

After pressing power ON/OFF button

POST errors may appear in the case of shorted RAM module or burnt module.

POST errors/beeps may appear in the case of oxides RAM terminals

Section 2
General PC Problems
A. Symptom

In a desktop there is no power light, no fan running, and no boot

activities operation at all. It appears that the PC is
completely dead.
Probable causes

1 It appears that the PC has no electricity

Proposed Remedy
Before you open the case, make sure the PC power
plug is plugged into the wall socket outlet or in the
UPS. In case the UPS is in use then make sure the
power cable is connected properly in both ends
Next, check power from the wall outlet or power
srip/extension or both. Be sure there is power in the
building, turn on/off lights
If power is available, then the likely problem is the
computers power supply. If not the problem will be the
power switch in the PC.
Open the case and test the power supply outputs.
Swapping out power supplies is generally more cost
effective than fixing a broken one. If it has failed
replace with one of the same capacity as elaborated in
the computer lab practicals.

2 Switch problem

Check the on off switch at the rear of the PC for proper

operation. Use multimeter to check switch operation.

3 Power cord problems

Check power cord, replace.

4 Fused in the plug is open

Check fuse in the plug, if open replace

5 BIOS Jumper set to wrong position (Reset)

BIOS/UEFI chip failure

Move jumper to the correct position, replace

BIOS/UEFI chip or replace motherboard

B. Symptom

The power light (LED) is on and the fan is running, but there is no
activity. The system appears dead
Probable causes

1 POST OK but no other function of a PC, no

display nothing going on, PSU problems

Proposed Remedy
Check the power supply for a power good signal. The
power good signal is sent back to the BIOS system to
signal that the power supply is on and ready.
The signal back should be approximately 5 volts. Pin 1
is usually the power good pin. Pull the connector back
just far enough to check for 5 volts (+/1 volt). If the
power is very low, there may not be sufficient voltage
to power up the system.

2 ATX connector not properly inserted

The power output does not have to be completely dead

to affect start-up.
If the power good signal checks out, check the
connection from the power (ATX Connector)
supply to the motherboard. Re-seat (unplug, then plug
in again) this connector.

3 Some errors with CPU insertion

Try disassembling and reassembling the CPU.

Sometimes the CPU is not making a good electrical
contact. CPUs operate on fairly low voltages. A slight
oxidation buildup on one of the CPUs pins that is
operating at 3.3 volts is sufficient to render the CPU
dead. Cleaning the oxidation will bring it back

4 Motherboard failure

If you perform all of the listed operations and the

system still fails to activate, probably a culprit is
motherboard.

5 RAM failure

Check RAM for oxidation and corrosion on the pins,

RAM normally can short-circuit
Replace with replica RAM

6 HDD, ODD or FDD controller board short circuited One of the drive controller has a short, it draws more
current, remove first then replace
7 Processor cooling system is loose

Check for properly mounted processor cooling system

8 Processor cooling fan failure

Some systems will not work if the processor cooling

fan removed or has failed.

C. Symptom

The system tries to boot. There are two or more beeps, and then
nothing (no video). The fan is running, and there is a power light.
Probable causes

1 Mostly is RAM or BIOS related problem,

sometimes missing connection to the monitor can
cause this problem in some systems

Proposed Remedy
Make sure the monitor is plugged in correctly (both the
data plug and the power cord). Check the video card.
Try re-seating the card.
If those actions do not help, try to decode the beep
error code. If you have the manual that came with the
motherboard, start there. Newer manuals are often on
the CD as opposed to the traditional paper booklet.
If there is no manual, look up the BIOS chip
manufacturer on the Internet. First, copy all information
from the BIOS chip or motherboard and then head to
the manufacturers Web site you should get help. Read
forums on the problem your having

2 RAM problems

Then the beeps means that there is a problem in the

system RAM. Remove RAM and re insert them back at
least to make proper contact with the motherboard in
case of oxidation.
Swap RAM modules between slots otherwise replace
RAM.

D. Symptom

The system tries to boot, and then nothing (no video). The fan is
running, and there is a power light.

Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 The system boots up you hear moving fan and

Make sure the monitor is plugged in correctly (both the
drive movement and then above symptom appears data plug and the power cord). Check the video card.
Try re-seating the card.
If there is no manual, look up the BIOS chip
manufacturer on the Internet. First, copy all information
from the BIOS chip or motherboard and then head to
the manufacturers Web site you should get help. Read
forums on the problem your having
2 If there is signal in the monitor/screen up to the
end of CMOS contents.

It means that there is a problem in the system RAM.

Remove RAM and re insert them back at least to make
proper contact with the motherboard in case of
oxidation.
Swap RAM modules between slots otherwise replace
RAM.

3 CMOS battery shorted

Remove CMOS battery and reboot the PC, if

everything OK then buy new replica battery and
replace.
If it does not work, leave the PC without CMOS battery
for one hour for the sake of resetting CMOC contents
or use available reset jumper or button.

4 Drive failure

Remove all drives reinstall one after another then

reboot computer for each case to find out what is
causing trouble.

E. Symptom

Setup error indicated on the screen during boot up sequence

Probable causes

1 This is probably a CMOS setup problem

Proposed Remedy
Due to new hardware installed, the setup error may
occur ratify as necessary.
Remove the new hardware first, then
Reset CMOS contents to its default settings.

E. Symptom

The PC powers on, but there is no drive activity.

Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 This is probably a CMOS setup problem

Make sure that the drive is listed in the CMOS

contents

2 Power supply problem

Check if the power supply cable is properly plugged

into the hard disk drive socket at the rear.

3 Compatibility

Check the motherboard manual for the compatible

drive.

4 Drive is defective

Replace the drive

F. Symptom

There is normal boot activity, lights and sounds, but no video .

Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 Something wrong with the display system

Make sure the monitor is plugged in correctly (both the

data plug and the power cord). Check the video card.
Try removing and re seating the card in its slot.

2 Monitor is defective

Try using another monitor if it works on the same PC

then you have a defective monitor.

3 RAM problem

Sometimes defective RAM may cause the display not

to display any signal. Replace RAM

G. Symptom

Hard drive SATA Mode problems, the PC loads up to CMOS flashes

blue screen and then restart.

Probable causes
1 SATA Mode set to wrong mode

Proposed Remedy
Make sure SATA mo for the current OS installed in the
PC. This has been demonstrated in the class.

LAPTOPS
Mostly as above
H. Symptom

There is normal boot activity, lights and sounds, but no video

Probable causes

1 Something wrong with the display chip (GPU)

Proposed Remedy
Apparently the NVIDIA GPU chip has detached from
the motherboard. The solution for this is to bake up the
laptop in its carries bag for few hours and the chip pins
will establish contact with the motherboard again. Turn
on laptop, leave it on and close it up in its carrier back
for two hour.
Otherwise to solder back the GPU is a very risky.

I. Symptom

There is normal power when plugged into the wall socket, once
removed no power
Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 Battery has failed

Replace with the replica type

2 Charging circuit has failed

Replace motherboard

J. Symptom

There is faint display on LCD but with external monitor OK

Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 Lid down button has failed

Make sure the lid down switch operates correctly

2 Converter has failed

Try swapping converter if it works replace

3 Fluorescent lamp has failed

Replace with the correct type (replica)

K. Symptom

Laptop powers on and then off, it remains off after a while powers
on and off again.
Probable causes

Proposed Remedy

1 Something wrong with the cooling system

Check fan for any movement if none move it to

observe its movement. If stiff, replace it if normal check
its power supply.

2 Thermistor has failed, that is locked to normal

temperature.

Most likely a motherboard has to be replaced.

Otherwise replace thermistor.

L. Symptom

Laptop does not turn on flashes lights then off

Probable causes
Proposed Remedy

1 Something wrong with the system RAM

Remove one after another, swap for check up, then

replace