Rules of fault-finding

[ubuysa]

Fans of NCIS (the original one) will know that Gibbs has a set of rules which he lives by. It occurred to me that we might find a set of rules for fault-finding useful (and a bit of fun) so I thought I'd start with my 12. Feel free to add your own, perhaps we can come up with a definitive set?

1. You pack your own parachute (ie. take backups/images before you start messing).


2. Whatever you changed last is likely to be the problem.


3. Ensure you have all appropriate software and driver updates installed.


4. Overheating causes all sorts of issues, keep the fan and vents clean.


5. RAM failure causes all sorts of issues, run Memtest early on.


6. Unplug all external devices and don't auto-start any unneeded applications.


7. Only ever change/update/remove one thing at a time.


8. If the problem isn't where you're looking then it must be somewhere else.


9. Software problems generally generate error codes (eg 0xc000005).


10. Hardware problems generally generate BSODs or no display at all.


11. Software config changes cannot fix hardware problems.


12. When you have done all you can do call PCS.

 

[dogbot]

Last night I wrote this but in the cold light of day - not so good. If I waste more time thinking about it then I would probably forget it. However, others may wish to either add to it or similarly ignore it.

You may fall into one of the following categories
a. You are highly intelligent and use complex 3rd party programs but don't know what the control panel isb. You use the internet for u-tube, facebook etc.
c. You use the fan for drying knickers.
If you are in any of these categories then take the computer to a repair shop.

d. You have built your own computer and know all about Windows.
In this case you will still need to take the computer to a repair shop but it will cost you more money.

However, this guide may help.

1. Have a byte to eat before starting
2. Be houseproud. Clean all dust and cobwebs from the componants with a bucket of water dosed with fairy liquid. Rinse with a high pressure hose and place in the oven to dry. If plastic starts to drip to the bottom of the oven then it is too hot and the processor may be damaged.
3. The computer and yourself need to be adequately earthed. An electricity substation is a good place but make sure you pick the right wire.
4. Spend 3 weeks googling for the information you need that was in the manual that got thrown out with the rubbish after unpacking the computer.
5. If the hard drive is not recognised, it may need to be reinitialised in the bios. There are two choices. The second will trash anything on the drive and usually has a larger button and flashing lights to atract you.
6.

12. Take the computer to a repair shop.

On a final note, if you do not understand the technical aspects behind what I have said then you are not ready to repair your own computer.