This presentation is intended to assist you in troubleshooting basic problems that can occur with hardware and software.

NOTE: This presentation contains action buttons to move to the next or the previous slide so you can view it at your own pace.

It is important that you become familiar with the connection points on the computer. Not all computers will be arranged in this exact configuration but all will contain these major connections. The sites for failure on a computer system are anywhere a connection is made. Power is the most critical so if a component does not function, when turned on, always check to see if the cord is secured at the component and is plugged into an active electrical outlet. If you are having any problem with any components i.e. monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, or scanner make sure it is connected properly to the computer and to a power source. Some USB devices receive their power from the computer and do not require a separate electrical plug. The final slides of this presentation list step by step courses of action for specific issues.

Serial PortsSerial ports are a legacycomponents that are nolonger used.

Parallel Port (LPT-1)

This is a port utilizedfor connection to printers.They are now used much less with the addition of USB ports on modern printers.

PS2 Ports

These ports are used formouse and keyboardConnections. Keyboards arenormally coded by the colorblue and mice by the colorgreen. Newer mice and keyboards are now usingUSB connections.

PS2 Connector

USB components can be disconnected and reconnected with the computer powered up. PS2components cannot. You must restart the computerafter unplugging them.

USB Ports

USB ports are now the mostpopular connection used on the modern PCs. Most components are utilizing them including mice, keyboards, printers,scanners, cameras, and more. The biggest advantagein using them is that theycan be disconnected and reconnected without rebooting the computer.

USB Connector

Network Cable Connection

This is for the network cable. When the connection is workingproperly there will be twolight visible where thecable connects to the PC.If both lights are not illuminated check to makesure the other end of the cable is plugged into the wall or floor socket.

Audio Input/Output

Audio Out – Speakers & Headphones

Auxiliary Audio In

Microphone In

Monitor Connection (RS-232)

RS-232

There is a correspondingconnection on the backof the monitor.

Uninterruptable Power Supply(UPS)

The UPS is only intended to supply enough power to the computer, during a power outage, for it to be shut down correctly. It will notsupply enough power to keep it running during a extended outage. To turn the unit on check to make sure the unit is plugged into a wall or floor outlet. Then press the power button. If the power light does not light, there is a built in circuit breaker to prevent excessive current from reaching the computer, check to see that the breaker is set.

Problem: Computer operations. i.e., links or shortcuts are missing, mapped drives are not available, printers are not displayed, computer is frozen and applications fail to respond, and so on and so forth

 REBOOT

Troubleshooting Quick ReferenceTroubleshooting Quick Reference

Problem: Computer does not startup when power button is pushed Suggested Course of action:

Is the power button light on the tower illuminated?Are the lights on the keyboard illuminated?

 Check cable connections and power sources:

(1) check the power cable connection at the back of the computer and at the power supply

(2) check the power supply power cable connection at the wall or floor socket(3) is the power supply turned on?(4) is the circuit breaker switch set?

Problem: The keyboard or mouse do not respond Suggested course of action:(1) determine if they are USB or PS2 connectors(2) if USB check the connection at the tower(3) if PS2 , turn the computer off and check the connection then restart the computer

Problem: Monitor does not display Suggested course of action:(1) is the computer on?(2) check the power cable connection at the back of the monitor and at the power supply(3) check the video cable connection at the back of the monitor and at the back of the tower(4) is the power supply turned on?(5) is the circuit breaker switch set?

Problem: Printer will not print (1)For a local printer connected directly to your computer, is the printer turned on and plugged into a power source (?)(2)check the data connections USB or Parallel on the printer and on your tower

(1) For a networked printer, is the printer turned on and plugged into a power source (?)(2) check the network cable on your computer to see if it is secure and plugged in both at the computer and the wall outlet

Problem: Miscellaneous Printer Problems Most printer problems will be displayed as a notification on the printers screen i.e. paper jams, low ink. Paper jams need to be cleared by lifting the cover on the printer or the paper tray and looking for paper lodged inside it.