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Program/ Course:
Computer System Servicing NC II
Unit of Competency: Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer
System
Module:
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting of
Computer System

INTRODUCTION:
This module contains information and suggested learning activities on
Computer Hardware Servicing NCII.
Completion of this module will help you better understand the
succeeding module on configuring and maintaining computer systems.
This module consists of 4 learning outcomes. Each learning outcome
contains learning activities supported by instruction sheets. Before you
perform the instructions read the information sheets and answer the self-check
and activities provided to as certain to yourself and your teacher that you have
acquired the knowledge necessary to perform the skill portion of the particular
learning outcome.
Upon completion of this module, report to your teacher for assessment to
check your achievement of knowledge and skills requirement of this module. If
you pass the assessment, you will be given a certificate of completion.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the module you should be able to:
LO1. Formulate plans and prepare for diagnostic procedure for computer
systems
LO2. Diagnose faults and other defects of computer systems
LO3. Replace and provide remedies for defective computer parts
LO4. Test run system and networks
ASSESMENT CRITERIA
Refer to assessment criteria o learning outcomes # of this module.
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1. Plans and proceedings conform to the job requirements are formulated.

2. OHS policies are carried out along with the job requirements
3. Coordination with the teacher concern and client is taken into
consideration before any implementation is carried out.
4. Required materials for the job are obtained and validated against the
requirements of the task.
5. Appropriate tools equipment and testing devices are requested before the
proper operation and safety.
6. Computer system network defects are confirmed against job requirements.
7. Standard procedures for fault and problems-diagnosing are done
according to requirements.
8. Emergency procedures are put under control accordance with the
established procedures.
9. Accidental events or conditions are responded according to the
established standard operating procedures.
10. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used.
11. Necessary corrections and improvements or adjustments are executed
with the approval of the client and the teacher in charge.
12. Discarding or replacement of defective components /parts abiding with
environmental laws and regulations is carried out.
13. Accidental events or conditions are responded to according to the
established standards and procedures.
14. OHS standards are considered in the choice of equipment.
15. Test run the computer system is executed for ensuring safe operation.
16. Accidental events or conditions are responded to according to
established standards and procedures.
17. An accomplishment report is submitted to teachers concerned in
compliance with the subject requirements.

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TECHNICAL TERMS
Fuse Protective device against power surges
Firmware- is a combination of hardware and software, it is a program integrated on a
chip.
Defrag- process of reorganizing and rewriting files.
Form factor - a standard size and shape of computer subsystem
People ware -the persons using the computer in the goal of finding solutions to a
better and improved daily life. These can range from the basic word-processing to the
more advanced system programming.
Hardware - the physical and tangible component of electronic data processing. These
are the monitors, keyboard, mouse, all input/output devices, as well as
internal memory system.
Software - the intangible element composed of programs that instruct computers what
to do.
Electricity - a form of energy comprising certain charge particles, such as electrons
and protons.
Power - is the rate in which electric energy is fed or taken from a device measured in
watts.
Voltage - is the term used to designate electric pressure that exists between two
points.
PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
BOOT - is the process of turning on the computer unit.
CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor

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BIOS - Basic Input/Output System

DOS - Disk Operating System
ROM - Read Only Memory
POST - Power On Self Test
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
UTP cable Unshielded Twisted Pair cable
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
VGA Video Graphic Adapter
USB Universal Serial Bus
CPU Central Processing Unit
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
RAM Random Access Memory
DIMM Double In-line Memory Module
I/O Input/Output

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Date:
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Program course
Unit of Competency
Module
LO.1 Title

: Computer System Servicing NCII

: Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer
System
: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting of Computer
System
: Formulate Plans and Prepare for Diagnostic
Procedure for Computer Troubleshooting

Assessment Criteria:
1. Plans and proceedings that conform to the job requirements are
formulated.
2. OHS policies are carried out along with the job requirements
3. Coordination with the teacher concerned and client is taken into
consideration before any implementation is carried out.
4. Required materials for the job are obtained and validated against the
requirements of the task.
5. Appropriate tools equipment and testing devices are requested before the
proper operation and safety.
6. Computer system network defects are confirmed against job requirements.
Resources:
Equipment/Facilities
Server
Computer peripherals
Desktop computers
Glasses
Mask
Gloves
Anti-static wrist strap
USB Flash drive

Date:
Versions

Tools & Instruments

Multi-tester
Diagnostic software
Appropriate software
Assorted pliers
Assorted screw drivers
Soldering gun
Allen key

Supplies & Materials

Connectors, RJ45
Adaptors
Bus wires and cables
Appropriate software
Computer storage
media

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INFORMATION SHEET 1.1

Plan and Preparing Diagnostic Procedure
PC Diagnosing
Probably the most frustrating problem computer users
run into are startup problems, where your computer
wont boot. Equally annoying are error messages you
constantly run into during your computers startup
process. In this module you will be given a few tips on
how you can avoid some of the most common problems
that happen right after your computer turns on.

Troubleshooting Plan for Personal Computers

How to Troubleshoot the Computer?
Here you will learn the basic troubleshooting methods of your computer.

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Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your computer,
check it with the other computers so that you can make sure whether the
fault is in the component or not.
Check cables: In case of any device failure, check all the cables of your
computer such as data cables, power cable, internal circuitry cables and
make sure that all these are plugged in and working fine.
Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the CMOS and in
the device manager of the system and make all the device drivers are up
to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.
Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error in your
computer, determine what was changed before the problem occurred
Event viewer: In the event viewer, you will find the error or warning
messages associated with any faulty hardware or software.

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Make notes: Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we can learn a

lot when we face any kind of troubleshooting in our computer. Make
notes including the error messages and their solutions, so that you have
a record on how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it.

Sample Diagnostic Plan

List down all possible components to be checked based on the symptoms.
Symptoms: Dead Computer Monitor

Good

Defective

Remedy

AC outlet
AVR
AVR fuse
Monitor Power Cable
Monitor Switch
Power Supply

Common Trouble for Computer Units

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1. Double check the power connections.

2. Voltage Regulator and power supply could cause power failure in the
computer unit.
3. Check the power cords and cable connectors in your computer unit.
4. Unseated card. Loose cards could cause it to malfunction.
5. Do you have ink or toners in your printer? Check the ink
toners/cartridges in your printers.
6. Check the boot sequence configuration in the advance BIOS (Basic
Input/Output Unit) setup.

Diagnosing Network Connection

These are the things to look for if a PC will not connect to the internet or
network.

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First check the cable connecting to the network card into the network
hub.
Check the back of the computer to see if the network card light is on
Check the network cable
Check the network HUB

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Networ
k HUB

Netwo
rk
cable

Network
card

OPERATION SHEET 1.1

Diagnostic Plan
Equipment, Tool, Materials:
Equipment
Computer unit
Tools
Multi-tester
Philip Screw driver
Materials
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Bond paper
Ruler
Pencil/Eraser

Diagnose a Computer Power Supply

Create a diagnostic plan for troubleshooting a power supply with the use
of the following tools, materials and equipment.
You will be assessed using the following criteria
Evaluation:
CRITERIA

Rating

1. Sequence of steps in diagnosing is followed.

20%

2. Observance of safety precautions.

20%

3. Appropriate tools are used in diagnosing.

30%

4. Creating a diagnostic plan for troubleshooting.

30%
100%

INFORMATION SHEET 1.2

Tools for Testing Computer System
Tools and equipment play a vital role in troubleshooting; it helps the user to
determine the errors found in your computer hardware and network.
Tools used to test hardware problems:
1. Screw drivers-is used to install and remove screws in your computer unit.

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2. Pliers and tweezers- is used for picking small parts in your computer
unit.

3. Soldering iron- is primarily used for connecting terminals in your power

supply and circuit board with the use of a soldering lead.

4. Anti-static wrist strap, mat and spray- are used to eliminate electrostatic
discharge in your work area.

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5. Lens cleaner-is used for cleaning optical media, such as DVD-ROMS and
CD-writers.

6. Thermal paste-is a paste used for heat dissipation for your processor.

Network Troubleshooting Tools

1. LAN Tester is a device used to test the network connection..

2. Crimping tool- is a device used to crimp the RJ45 connector to the UTP
cable.
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Self Check 1.1

Place your answers on your notebook:
1. Enumerate the six tools used for troubleshooting.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
2. Enumerate the two network troubleshooting tools.
a.
b.

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Program course
Unit of Competency
Module

LO#2

: Computer System Servicing NCII

: Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer
System
: Diagnosing and Troubleshoot of Computer
System
: Diagnose Computer and Other Defects
Faults of Computer Systems

Assessment Criteria:
18. Standard procedures for fault and problems-diagnosing are done
according to requirements.
19. Emergency procedures are put under control accordance with the
established procedures.
20. Accidental events or conditions are responded according to the
established standard operating procedures.
21. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used.
Resources:
Equipment/Facilities
Server
Computer peripherals
Desktop computers
Glasses
Mask
Gloves
Anti-static wrist strap
USB Flash drive

Date:
Versions

Tools & Instruments

Multi-tester
Diagnostic software
Appropriate software
Assorted pliers
Assorted screw drivers
Soldering gun
Allen key

Supplies & Materials

Connectors, RJ45
Adaptors
Bus wires and cables
Appropriate software
Computer storage
media

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INFORMATION SHEET 2.1

Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment includes:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Safety Precautions
Preventive Maintenance
Protective Devices
Accident Reports

Safety precautions
Proper preparation is the key to a successful built. Before you begin, make sure
that you have the tool you will need, and secure a clear well-lit workplace.
Gather all the components youll be using and unpack them at the same time.
Find a dry, well-ventilated place to do your work, you should choose an area
without carpets, because it tends to create static electricity. Always keep in
mind that personal protection is one of the traits of a good technician.
Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance is keeping something in working order. It includes repair,
testing, adjusting, and replacing parts of a computer or a peripheral.
Types of Preventive Maintenance

Active
Passive

Active this is carried out before problems develop in a computer unit.

Passive this is carried after problems have developed in the computer unit.

Personal Protective Devices

1. Anti-Static Devices
2. Power Surge Protector Devices

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Anti-Static devices
These are the devices used to protect computer units from electro static
discharge.

Anti-static Wrist Strap

Anti-static Mat

Anti-static Bag

Power Surge Protector Devices

An appliance designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. A surge
protector attempts to regulate the voltage supplied to an electric device by
either blocking or by shorting to ground voltages above a safe threshold.

Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR)

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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Accident reports
Forms used to give specific details with regards to the accidents happed in the
laboratory during experiments.
Accident reports contain the following details:
Name of the person injured
Date and time of the accident
Type of injury
First aid given
Action taken to prevent further accidents

Accident report sample form

Form No:

Date:
Accident Report Form

Rm. No:

Name:

Yr/Sec:

Type of Injury

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Cause of Injury

Remedy

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INFORMATION SHEET 2.2

Techniques for Diagnosing Computer System

Techniques for diagnosing computer system
1. Computer Diagnosis
2. Rules In Diagnosing Computer System
3. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects
4. Problem Isolation
5. Component Isolation
Computer Diagnosis
Sometimes when the problem with a system is not totally apparent and the problem may be
intermittent, using a basic common diagnostic procedure may help determine what is wrong.
This procedure has a number of steps that, if followed each time, can be of help.
Rules in Diagnosing Computer System
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1. Know the facts

Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
Continuous learning on computer technology.
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for
replacement or subassembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Peopleware
Firmware
Software
Hardware
Static(ESD)
Electricity

Peopleware
Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.
Firmware
Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.

Software

Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.

Hardware

Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.

Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers performance.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge)

Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in your
computer.

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Electricity
Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated, power surges can
damage computer units.
Problem Isolation
Problem isolation is a detective work in which you need to determine
what is out of the ordinary by making detailed observation of what is not
working normally and record any information as you proceed. The information
you will be able to gather will help diagnose your computer. You need to
observe wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in smell or
foreign smell, listen to all the sounds, and error codes.

Component Isolation
This section will aid in determining components in your system which are
failing. First, most systems have 3 major components; monitor, system unit,
and printers. Some have multiple external devices. To troubleshoot, you need to
isolate major components which are failing to operate.
Figure 1. Computer system connections

OPERATION SHEET 2.1

Faulty Connection of Computer Peripherals
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Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

System unit,
Monitor,
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Power plugs
AVR

Common Connection Errors

Given with the different equipments, diagnose and identify common connection
errors messages and symptoms in computer system.

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation:
CRITERIA
1. Sequence of steps in diagnosing is followed.

Rating
40%

2. Observance of safety precautions.

20%

3. Standard procedures in diagnosing are

performed.

40%
100%

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Program course
Unit of Competency
Module
LO.3 Title

: Computer System Servicing NCII

: Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer System
: Diagnosing and Troubleshoot of Computer System
: Replace and provide remedies for defective
computer parts

Assessment Criteria:
1. Necessary corrections and improvements or adjustments are executed
with the approval of the client and the teacher in-charge.
2. Discarding or replacement of defective components/pats abiding with
environmental laws and regulations is carried out.
3. Accidental events or conditions are responded to according to the
established standards and procedures.
4. OHS standards are considered in the choice of the equipment.

Resources:
Equipment/Facilities
Server
Computer peripherals
Desktop computers
Glasses
Mask
Gloves
Anti-static wrist strap
USB Flash drive

Date:
Versions

Tools & Instruments

Multi-tester
Diagnostic software
Appropriate software
Assorted pliers
Assorted screw drivers
Soldering gun
Allen key

Supplies & Materials

Connectors, RJ45
Adaptors
Bus wires and cables
Appropriate software
Computer storage
media

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INFORMATION SHEET 3.1

Proper Replacement of Components or Parts
Computer Parts Replacement
Replacing computer parts and peripherals you need to consider the following
factors:
1. Compatibility of the component or part
2. Consider the component specification
3. Components form factor
Compatibility of the Component
When replacing computer parts you should check if it is compatible with your
unit. Double check on your computer manual if the component you are
replacing is compatible or not with the unit because this may lead to system
crash.
Component Specification
This focuses on the specification of the component. Check if the voltage rating,
current rating, memory size and frequency matches your computer unit.
Form factor
The components manufacturer should be considered. Check if the unit you are
trying to repair or upgrade is generic or branded units. Branded units have
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their own set of components compatible only to their units, while genetic types
can be used only to generic type of units.

List of Components Commonly Replaced in a Computer System

Memory- is technically any form of electronic storage; it is used most often to
identify fast, temporary forms of storage. It is commonly called RAM (Random
Access Memory).

Video Cards- is also referred to as a graphics accelerator, is an item of

personal computer hardware whose function is to generate and output images
to a display.

Network Interface Card is also known as LAN card. A PC interface to

network cabling. It is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow
computers to communicate over a
computer network

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Hard disk drive is a fixed computer storage medium

Motherboard is also known as the mainboard. It contains circuits that

perform various functions.

Processor is also known as CPU or the Central Processing unit

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General Safety Tips and Reminders

Observe good housekeeping in the area of the machines during and after
maintenance.
Place removed covers and other parts in a safe place, away from all
personnel, while you are servicing the machine.
Dress for the Job
Keep your tool case away from walk areas so that other people will not
trip over it.
Do not wear loose clothing that can be trapped in the moving parts of a
machine. Ensure that your sleeves are fastened or rolled up above your
elbows. If your hair is long, use hair net or hair cap.
Insert the ends of your necktie or scarf inside clothing or fasten it with a
nonconductive clip, approximately 3 inches from the end.
Do not wear jewelry, chains, metal-frame eyeglasses, or metal fasteners
for your clothing.
Remember: Metal objects are good conductors
After service, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground
wires. Replace any safety device that is worn out or defective.
Finally, reinstall all covers correctly before returning the unit to the
customers.
Electrical safety
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Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables can be

hazardous. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, disconnect the
attached power cords, telecommunications systems, networks and modems
before you open the server/workstation covers, unless instructed otherwise in
the installation and configuration procedure.
Precautions
Disconnect all power before:
Performing a mechanical inspection
Working near power supplies
Removing or installing main units
Before starting work on the machine, unplug the power cord.
Never assume that power has been disconnected from a circuit. First,
check that it has been powered-off.
Always look carefully for possible hazards in your work
Moist floors
Non-grounded power extension cables
Power surges.
If an electrical accident occurs:
Use caution
Switch off power
Send another person to get medical aid
Safety Inspection Guide
1. These steps will help you to identify potentially unsafe conditions on
these products:
Check exterior covers for damage (loose, broken, or sharp edges)
Power-off computer. Disconnect the power cord.
The power cord should be the appropriate type.
Insulation on the power cord must not be frayed or worn out.
Remove the cover.
Check for any obvious alteration. Use good judgment as to the
safety of any alterations.
Check for worn out, frayed or pinched cables.
Check that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have
not been removed or tampered with.

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INFORMATION SHEET 3.2

Adjustments, Modifications and Upgrading

Upgrading Your Computer Components

To upgrade means to change some parts with faster and better performing
ones. These parts may even cost less and more powerful.
Commonly Upgraded Computer Parts:
Monitors- replaced old CRT monitors to new LCD monitors.

Optical drives- old

commonly replaced
DVD writers.

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cd-rom drives are

with DVD-ROM and

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Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced with faster and high
capacity hard drives.

Keyboards and mouse- keyboards and mouse are commonly replaced with
optical mouse and wireless keyboards.

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RAM (Random Access Memory)- upgrading the computers memory or RAM

speeds up the performance of the computer

Video cards- upgrade computers graphics card to improve the computers

performance in terms of graphics and games.

Processors- replacing the possessors increases the data processing speed.

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Modem- installing a modem enables your computer to connect to the

internet.

How to Speed up the Computer

1. Defragmenter utility: Automatically analyzes the empty disk space on the
hard disk and defrag all scattered files.

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2. Shutdown Unnecessary programs: Close all unwanted programs at the

Windows startup and this will automatically increase the windows loading time
and speed of the computer will also be increased.

Close the
unnecessary
programs

3.Increased memory: increasing the memory in the system will result to

exceptional speed of your computer.

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4. Disk Cleanup: You can delete unwanted programs and files from your
computer and this will be helpful in increasing the speed.

5. Empty Recycle Bin: Delete all the files and folders from the recycle bin and
you will get the space of C drive for reusability.

Memory Upgrade
To make your computer faster you can upgrade its memory, here are the steps
in upgrading your computers memory
1. Remove the memory modules from the slot.

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2. In Fig 1.2 the notches we have marked as A

are used for the ejector clip on the DIMM slot.
The notches we have marked as B are used to
align the memory module with the DIMM slot key
C as shown in Fig 1.3.
In Fig 1.3 you can see the ejector clips (D), using
your finger, push these into the down position as
shown in Fig 1.3 this allows the memory to be
inserted.
3. Now you are ready to install the module,
ensuring the notches line up with the keys
gently but firmly push the memory into the slot
until it is seated fully(see Fig 1.4), the ejector
clips should rise to the vertical position as shown
in Fig 1.5.
4. Now your memory is installed. Be sure you
haven't loosened any cables while working and
also ensure that the memory module is fully
seated and the ejector clips are in the vertical
position.

Video card Upgrade

Installing the video card
Next take the video card (hold it by the edges) and line it up with the slot
paying careful attention to the alignment notch, when it is aligned correctly
press gently but firmly until the card is seated fully and evenly into the slot (see
fig 1.3).
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When you are happy that the card is firmly in place, insert the fixing screw
fig 1.4 and check to make sure you haven't loosened anything during
installation.
Replace the case cover and reconnect the mains power.
When you reboot your machine Windows (or other OS) should find the card
automatically, it may then ask you to insert the disk/CD that came with your
video card, insert the CD and follow the on-screen instructions to install the
video card driver.
Hard Drive Upgrade
The first thing to do (after removing the case covers) is to locate the drive bay
where the hard drive will go (see fig 1.3 below).
In our example in fig 1.3 above we have a drive
already in the bay so you can see more clearly
where it should be situated.

The next step is to attach the IDE and power cables.

In fig 1.4 below you can see a standard IDE Cable, note there are 3 connections
(notice the difference in distance between the connectors), connection A plugs
into the motherboard and then the slave and master connections are used for
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IDE devices such as hard drives, if you are only installing one drive or the new
drive is to be the master then use the master connector, if the drive is to be the
slave then use the slave connector.
The IDE cable will be marked down one side with a red or black strip, this
denotes Pin 1, match this with the Pin 1 indicator on the back of the hard
drive.
The power cable you will find in your case
attached to your power supply, you can see an
example below in fig 1.5

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OPERATION SHEET 3.1

Hardware Upgrade
Tool, Materials, and Equipment
Tools
Philip Screw Deriver
Anti-static wrist strap
Anti-static mat
Equipment
Network Card
Network Card Upgrade
Given the tools and materials, upgrade your computer by installing a
network card.
You will be assessed using the following criteria
Evaluation:
CRITERIA

Rating

1. Observance of safety precautions

30%

2. Appropriate tools are used in upgrading

30%

3. Necessary improvement and adjustment are done

in terms up upgrading.

40%

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100%

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Program course
Unit of Competency
Module

LO.4 Title

: Computer System Servicing NCII

: Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer System
: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting of Computer
System
: Test-run the computer system

Assessment Criteria:
1. Test-run of the computer system is executed for ensuring safe operation.
2. Accidental events or conditions are responded to establishe standards
and procedures.
3. An accomplishment report is submitted to teachers concerned in
compliance with the subject requirements.
Resources:
Equipment/Faciliti
es
Server
Computer
peripherals
Desktop computers
Glasses
Mask
Gloves
Anti-static wrist
strap
USB Flash drive

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Tools & Instruments

Supplies & Materials

Multi-tester
Diagnostic software
Appropriate software
Assorted pliers
Assorted screw drivers
Soldering gun

Connectors, RJ45
Adaptors
Bus wires and cables
Appropriate software
Computer storage
media
Cable tie

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INFORMATION SHEET 4.1

Testing Computer System
Three Major Components of Computer System:
Hardware
Software
Firmware
Test Your Hardware
Checking your computer hardware and its peripherals
1. Computer Monitor and its peripherals
Monitor and interface cables
Video card
Monitor power cable

Interface cables

Video cardsLO4.Test-run computer system

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Monitor power
cable

2. Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard connector
Mouse Connector
Keyboard connecter

Mouse connector

3. I/O port and devices

Connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device
A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device
A faulty peripheral device
Incorrect settings in the System Setup program
Incorrect settings in the system's configuration files

Fault
I/O
port
logic on the
system
board

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SerialI/O
ports
circuit board

Parallell ports

4. Power supply
Power cord
Fuse
Power cord

Fuse

Power plug

Power supply
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Testing Your Software

Check the different software installed in the computer.
1. Operating system
Run live updates for your operating systems to get the latest
patches and protection for your OS.
Run registry scanners to check the OS registry configuration

2. Application Software
Check
for
updates

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live

3. Anti-virus software
Run anti-virus program
Check for virus signature updates
Check for spyware updates

Test Your Firmware

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Firmware- a combination of hardware and software integrated on a chip.

How do you test your firmware?
Example: Check for the correct configuration on your firmware, you can
accomplish this by configuring the BIOS in the computer

Sample Accomplishment Report Form

Task to be accomplished
Hardware component testing

Working
properly

Status
Not working
properly

Working
properly

Status
Not working
properly

Software testing

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OPERATION SHEET 4.1

Testing a Computer Unit
Equipment, Tools, and Materials:
Tools
Multi-tester
Screw driver
Equipment
Computer unit
Monitor
Keyboard and mouse
Power cables
Materials
Bond paper
Ruler and Pencil
Hardware Testing and Documentation
Test the following computer peripherals and equipment with the use of the
tools provider. Document your testing with the use of an accomplishment form.

Assigned Task
Hardware component testing

Condition
Working
Not working
properly
properly

Computer monitor

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Power supply
Keyboard
Mouse

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation:
CRITERIA

Rating

1. Sequence of steps in testing is followed.

20%

2. Observance of safety precautions.

20%

3. Appropriate tools are used in testing.

30%

4. Creating a accomplishment report.

30%
100%

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INFORMATION SHEET 4.2

Enumerating unpredicted events
Error Beep codes
When a PC is first switched on or reset it performs a special diagnostic test
called a POST (Power-On Self Test), to check all of the components in the PC
the POST program sends out a signal to each device initializing each device's
built-in self test procedure.
The POST test is a two stage process:
1. First it will check all of the basic components including among other things
the system clock, the processor, RAM, the keyboard controller and the Video
2. After the video has been tested the BIOS
will
then indicate any errors encountered by
displaying either a numeric code or a text
message on the screen.
When a device fails the first part of the POST,
the
BIOS will send a series of beeps from the PC's speaker (internal) to inform the
PC user that there is a problem, these beeps are coded allowing the user to
diagnose the troublesome component.
When the POST has been completed successfully the PC will make a short
beep to let the user know everything is as it should be.
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Three major brands of BIOS chip

1. AWARD BIOS
2. Phoenix BIOS
3. AMI BIOS
Each type of BIOS chip has it own error code
AMI BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES
Indicator
Error message
1 Beep
Memory refresh
failure
2 Beeps
Memory parity error

Solutions
Check memory
Check memory

3 Beeps

Memory read/write
error

Check memory

4Beeps

Motherboard timer
not functioning
Processor error

Replace
motherboard
Replace processor

6 Beeps

Gate A20/keyboard
controller failure

Replace
motherboard

7 Beeps

Processor exception
interrupt

Replace processor

8 Beeps

Display memory
read/write failure

Replace video card

9 Beeps

ROM checksum
error

Replace BIOS
chip/Motherboard

10 Beeps

CMOS shutdown
read/write error

Replace BIOS
chip/Motherboard

11 Beeps

Bad cache memory

Replace cache
memory

5Beeps

Phoenix BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

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Phoenix BIOS beep codes are a series of beeps separated by a pause, for
example:
beep --- beep beep --- beep --- beep beep would be 1-2-1-2
Indicator
1-1-4-1

Error message
Cache error

1-2-2-3

BIOS ROM
Checksum

1-3-1-1

DRAM test rate

Check DRAM

1-3-1-3

Keyboard controller
test
RAM failure

Check keyboard
controller
Check memory

1-3-4-3

RAM failure data

bits of low memory
bus

Check memory

1-4-1-1

RAM failure data

bits of high memory
bus

Check memory

2-1-2-3

ROM copyright
notice

Check ROM

2-2-3-1

Test for unexpected

interrupt

1-3-4-1

Solutions
Check cache
memory
Check BIOS ROM

AWARD BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Indicator

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One long beep and

two short beeps

Video error

Replace video card

Two short beeps

Non-fatal error

Reset RAM, Check

other components.

OPERATION SHEET 4.2

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Error codes
Equipment, Tools, and Materials:
Tools
Screw drivers
Anti-static wrist strap

Equipment
Computer unit

Memory Error Codes

Given the tools and equipment, identify the memory error code by removing
the module in the computer unit

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation:
CRITERIA

Rating

1. Observance of safety precautions.

30%

2. Appropriate tools are used in testing.

30%

3. Identifying the error code.

40%
100%

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Self Check 4.1

Place your answers on your notebook:
Answer the following questions
1. What does the acronym POST stand for?
2. Three types of BIOS chip? Enumerate the three common brands of Bios
Chip?
3. Identify the following error codes:

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1-2-2-3
1-3-4-1
2-1-2-3
1-1-4-1
1-3-1-1

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