Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

POST code beeps

errors in the Power On Self test are associated with hardware components required to successfully boot the system. cause of these could be problems with BIOS configuration or hardware.

failure to boot

failure could be a hardware or software issue, depending on what stage the boot process gets to before it happens. check for BIOS settings for removable devices such as USB drive. cables and connectors can also cause the problem.

flickering image

happens when there are damaged cables or a damaged connection port on the PC.

intermittent device failure

hardware is usually responsible for this, in the form of a bad hardware installation, overheated components, hardware going bad, or hardware not fully connected to motherboard.

refer to manufacturer resources

if you have trouble knowing exactly what to take apart or you just want some extra info, always consult manufacturer documentation.

read/write failure

indicates a dying hard drive and could happen if the read/write head crashes.

drive not recognized

indicates a hardware issue with one of the drives. failed component, data corruption issue, or an error in BIOS settings.

APIPA/link local address

indicates an issue reaching the DHCP server.

tracert

indicates the number of hops (routers) between two points on a network.

streaks and blurs

inkjet: clean print heads laser: check for scratched photosensitive drum

low RF signal

interference from other wireless devices or signal strength configuration can cause signal problems.

dim image

irregularity often has something to do with brightness settings on the display or with adapter issues.

local connectivity

issue could be caused by having an APIPA address or various issues with IP address assigned.

dead pixels

issue is typically related to the hardware, or the monitor itself. replacement of display is usually necessary to correct it.

ghost images

laser printer optical drum not cleaned properly. ghost or "shadow" from previous drum rotation.

netstat

list of network statistics about current network conditions on your PC is produced by this command.

nbstat

lists NetBIOS statistics about current network conditions on your PC. also get info from other devices on the network

bootrec

located in System Recovery Tools, allows you to repair boot files (such as MBR) used in loading an operating system. helpful in isolating trouble with startup issues.

intermittent connectivity

loose cabling connections may be responsbile.

color prints in wrong print color

low ink in one cartridge

faded prints / blank pages

low toner or ink

SSID not found

message could be the result of an offline wireless access point or an SSID that's disabled.

OS not found

message indicates a software issue with loading the operating system.

slow transfer speeds

overloaded connection or router or a virus on local a PC can be the cause of these.

diskpart

partitioning your hard drive within Windows is possible using this tool. help manage volumes and disks.

no power

power outlet or power supply issues are usually the cause of this.

no connectivity (printer)

powered on? user intervention required. wired cabling / wireless settings.

backed up print queue

print server not working. print spooler crash. (restart spooler > change recovery options)

RAID not found

problem could be caused by issues with the RAID controller or the management software.

creased paper

problems in the paper path. check paper weight.

overheating

problems with the fan, heat sink, dust accumulation, or something blocking the air circulation can all cause a device to overheat.

compressed air

provides a high-pressure force of air to clean out components of your printer, and other computer hardware. usually made of fluorocarbon gas that is typically compressed inside an aluminum bottle. best to do this outside in an open area, so that toner particles or paper dust won't make a mess inside the office.

nslookup

query a DNS server about the name or IP address of a device

oversized images and icons

resolution of the monitor does not match the system settings, this can be the result.

access denied (printer)

security tab > print > manage this printer > manage documents

printer spooler

service in the operating system manages the printing in the background. can be stopped or restarted, if you are having trouble sending print jobs to the printer.

overheat shutdown

shutdown of this sort could be due to problems with the video card or blocked airways for ventilation.

VGA mode

similar to Safe Mode but for display issues. PC boots with the minimum video drivers in use, which is helpful for troubleshooting.

toner vacuum

specialized vacuum can be used for removing toner dust from inside your printer. includes a special filter and is anti-static, so that it won't damage any components in the printer.

distorted image

system settings on your OS may be responsible for a distorted image. refresh rate or resolution may be at fault.

limited connectivity

the APIPA address may be the cause of this.

blank screen on boot-up

BIOS or CMOS battery issues can be the root of this problem. Also check video signals.

IP conflict

IP addresses must be unique to each network. conflicts can occur when addresses are statically assigned.

S.M.A.R.T. errors

Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology includes multiple error categories known as SMART statistics. can proactively see issues before a drive fails completely.

unable to install printer

drivers are important OS updates. user must have proper rights. check printer driver (32 vs 64)

printer maintenance kit

a common kit used for performing maintenance on laser printers. typically includes several replacement parts, such as new feed rollers, toner and fuser units.

defragmentation tool

allows you to defragment your hard drive, which can improve access times to files. helps place files as continuous pieces of information, instead of having that information broken up in several places. SSD should never be defragmented

net

allows you to manage various services and network-related tasks.

burning smell

bad capacitor or a burned-out hardware piece.

garbled characters on paper

bad printer driver / wrong model. incorrect page description language (PCL or PostScript?). bad application. check with a test page.

smoke

blown capacitor.

loud noise

can be a result of loose hardware or issues with hard drive.

loud clicking noise

can be caused by a mechanical failure within the drive itself.

attempts to boot to incorrect device

can be caused by a problem with the boot settings within the BIOS.

fans spin - no power to other devices

can be caused by a problem with the motherboard. check power supply.

unexpected shutdowns

can be caused by hardware that's failing or by adding new hardware that's incompatible.

system lockups

can be caused by something freezing up the operating system, such as a bad system or application process, or by using old software or driver versions. maxed out RAM can also cause a lockup.

no image on screen

can happen if there is a cabling issue, or a connection is not seated properly.

RAID stops working

can happen in any RAID array that does not mirror data. usually caused by one of the drives failing.

slow performance

can indicate that a drive has already failed or that there are errors on the drive files. may also be issues with virtual memory.

indicator lights

can inform you of certain problems going on with computer hardware, or tell if there is activity or power coming from a certain connection point. consult the computer's documentation for more information about this.

paper jam

careful when removing

proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)

caused by faults in the OS system files.

burn-in

caused when images stick on the screen and become permanent parts of the display. It could be caused by stuck pixels.

no output (printer)

check the printer (getting power? run a test print) check connectivity (print a test page, check direct connection, try across network, tests OS/network/drivers/spoolers) check other applications (print from a different program)

paper not feeding

check the tray pickup rollers (part of kit)

netdom

command allows management of certain aspects of Active Directory in business environments.

FORMAT

command is used on new partitions to install the file system.

CHKDSK

command is used to perform a check on the file system. if any errors are found, it can also correct them for you.

ping

command is used to test the reachability of a network endpoint.

no connectivity

could be a physical connectivity issue, such as an unplugged cable.

artifacts

could be caused by problems with the adapter or video drivers.

continuous reboots

could be related to BIOS problems or OS problems. problems with a bad driver may also be responsible.

color patterns are incorrect

damaged cables, or a damaged connection port on the PC, may be responsible for this malfunction.

distended capacitors

defective capacitor from manufacturer.

use appropriate hand tools

devices often have their own specialized set of tools. be sure to use the right one as to not damage parts.

document and label cable and screw locations

document what you are doing as you are taking apart device. include locations of all parts & label any pieces that you remove.

BIOS time and settings resets

these indicate a problem with the BIOS CMOS battery.

laser printer output smudges everywhere

toner not fused to paper may not be hot. fuser problem.

organize parts

use organization bins to sort and store all of the various parts when disassembling.

ifconfig

used in Apple and Linux environments. displays network adapter configuration information.

ipconfig

used in Windows. displays network adapter configuration information.

power supply tester

used to directly test power supply voltage. plugs in directly to the power supply and gives a reading of the voltages coming out of it.

POST card/USB

used to provide status messages while the system is booting. useful on motherboards that do not have an LCD display built in for this purpose or to diagnose boot issues.

loopback plugs

used to test physical connections on your computer. connections can be serial or ethernet/network. plugs are specially wired to transmit and receive a signal to themselves, simulating an active connection.

multimeter

used to troubleshoot power issues. can give voltage readings for AC and DC and check continuity across wiring.

distorted geometry

variance could be caused by display settings, video card issues, or magnetic interference.