Computer Repair & Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshooting & Repairing PCs

The application of deductive techniques in solving computer system problems is called “troubleshooting”. Effective and efficient troubleshooting involves gathering of clues, investigation, and applying deductive reasoning needed to isolate a problem. Once the cause of a problem is known, you can follow a process of analyzing, testing, and substituting good components for each suspected bad component to find the specific part that has failed. Good deductive reasoning is used to isolate a failure to a particular group of components or chips. Then, circuit analysis is used to reduce the problem to a specific component.


The primary objective of troubleshooting is to restore to normal operation malfunctioning computer systems within reasonable time, cost, and effort.


Basic Requirements in Troubleshooting Computers:
1. Adequate background in electronics
2. Adequate background in computer systems hardware architecture and organization
3. Knowledge in computer systems hardware components and interconnection
4. Knowledge in computer systems operation
5. Knowledge in the use of test instruments and equipment
6. Knowledge in computer programming is an advantage, but not required

Skill Levels in Troubleshooting Computers
1. Peripheral level skill (the ability to locate a defective peripheral)
2. Card level skill (the ability to locate a defective card or circuit board)
3. Component level skill (The ability to locate a defective component or IC)

General Steps in Computer Troubleshooting & Repair
1. Don’t Panic
2. Observe Conditions (including visual inspection)
3. Use Your Senses
4. Clean & reset the connections & system unit
5. Retry
6. Assume a Problem
7. Use correct technical reference data
8. Symptom Analysis
9. Diagnose to a section (fault identification)
10. Localize to a stage (fault localization)
11. Isolate to a failed part (fault isolation)
12. Use correct equipment and software to aid in repair
13. Repair
14. Test and verify


CAUTION: Modifying and removing components from the circuit boards in your system may void the manufacturer’s warranties.

CAUTION: Discharge static electricity present in your body before troubleshooting or repairing any part of your computer system.

CAUTION: Uninformed repairs can cause more damage.