CHAPTER FOUR

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Computer maintenance is subdivided into two broad parts, namely Preventive maintenance
and Curative (Corrective) maintenance.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The act of regularly scheduled checks on the computer hardware or software to help ensure it
continues to operate properly. Below is a list of some preventive maintenance steps you can take
with your computer or computer hardware.

1. Dry Cleaning your computer hardware.Avoid spilling water or liquids on it.

2. Downloading and installing the latest drivers for your hardware.
3. Downloading and installing the latest updates for your computer software.
4. Verifying you have the latest anti-virus protection updates on your computer.
5. Running disk software utilities such as Defrag and ScanDisk on your hard drive.
6. Deleting unused programs or other files on your computer.
7. If you don't turn off your computer it may be good to reboot your computer every few
months, unless the computer is a critical computer such as a computer server.

8. Backing up the system:Maintaining a good set of backups is a critical part of

preventative maintenance. Traditional backup applications such as BackUpMyPC do
only one thing, but they do it very well. They are fast, flexible, have robust compression
and verification options, support nearly any type of backup media, and allow you to
define standard backup procedures using scripting, detailed file selection criteria.
9. Disk imaging applications.Disk imaging applications, such as Acronis True Image
produce a compressed image of your hard drive, which can be written to a hard drive or
other storage media with appropriate volume. Although they are less flexible than a
traditional backup application, disk imaging applications have the inestimable advantage
of providing disaster recovery features. For example, if your hard drive fails and you
have a current disk image, you needn't reinstall Windows and all your applications
(including the backup application) andyour data. Instead, you simply boot the disaster
recovery disc andyour system will be back to its original state in minutes rather than
hours.
 10. Install Ad-blocking software. Although most banner ads and pop-ups are not malicious,
they are annoying. And some ads contain links to malicious sites where merely clicking
on a link or even simply viewing the page may install malware on your system via a
"drive-by download." Using ad-blocking software minimizes the problem. We may use
Ad Blockbut there are many alternatives, including Privoxy,WebWasherand AdSubtract.

11. Secure Internet Explorer.Unfortunately, it's impossible to remove Internet Explorer

completely from a Windows system. IE is dangerous just sitting there on your hard drive,
even if you never run it. You can minimize the danger by configuring IE to be as secure
as possible. To do so, run IE, choose Tools Options Security tab. Select each security
zones, click the Custom Level button, choose "High security" from the drop-down list,
and click the Reset button. Repeat the process for each security zone. Once you have
done that, Internet Explorer is pretty much unusable, but it is at least as secure as it's
possible for it to be.

CURATIVE MAINTENANCE
Curative (Corrective) maintenance is a form of system maintenance that is performed after a
fault or problem emerges in a system, with the goal of restoring operability to the system. In
some cases, it can be impossible to predict or prevent a failure, making this type of maintenance
the only option. In other instances, a system can require repairs as a result of insufficient
preventive maintenance, and in some situations, people may opt to focus on corrective, rather
than preventive, repairs as part of a maintenance strategy.

The process of corrective maintenance begins with the failure and a diagnosis of the failure to
determine why it appeared. The diagnostic process can include a physical inspection of a
system, the use of a diagnostic computer to evaluate the system, interviews with users, and a
number of other steps. It is important to determine what caused the problem in order to take
appropriate action and to be aware that multiple failures of components or software may have
occurred simultaneously.

Maintenance Tool Kit

Computer maintenance is a job that requires particular tools. The most common tools for this
purpose are usually kept together in a Case called a Computer maintenance Kit. Various types of
Kits exist with varying contents and at varying prices.

The most important items to be expected in a Kit include:

• Screwdriversof appropriate types, shapes, and sizes

• D-SUB insertion/extraction tool
• Locking pliers
• Long nose pliers
• Mini torch
• Inspection mirror
• Precision wire stripper
• Rotary coaxial cable stripper
• Straight forceps
• Soldering iron
• Solder wick
• Tweezers
• Blow brush
• crimp tool

• Adjustable wrench

Some Common Computer faults and Remedies

As they become more sophisticated and diverse, computers also present an ever-growing range of
issues to frustrate their users. With a practically unending number of possible configurations and
hardware combinations, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of a problem unless you
have a very good knowledge of the inner workings of your system. However, while there are many
possible problems and a multitude of possible causes, there are some common computer issues
which most of us face on occasion. The following takes a look at some of the most common
problems on desktop and laptop computers running Windows and provides you with some things
to try before approaching a technician if necessary.
1. Computer Won’t Turn On
Assuming that you have double-checked the power cable and switches, yet your computer still
won’t turn on, it could be a critical hardware fault to blame. Try the following.
▪ Try a different power point or try another appliance in the same power point to determine
whether or not the computer itself is at fault.
▪ Open up your computer and make sure that the components are properly seated in their
sockets. Things like loose memory sticks and add-in cards will usually prevent the computer
from turning on. Components can become dislodged after a move, particularly in the case of
desktops. Before touching any printed circuit boards, be sure to ground yourself by touching
a metal surface first.
▪ Determine whether or not there has been a short circuit. Thoroughly examine the inside of the
computer to see if there are any burned out components. If there are, they will need replacing.
Things like power surges, overheating, water damage, dust and lightning strikes can all cause
a short circuit.
2. Display Truncated or Low Resolution
If you notice a problem with your display once Windows has started up, it is most likely due to a
problem with your graphics card drivers or settings.
▪ Determine the make and model of your graphics card and download and install the latest
drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.
▪ Ensure that your display is running at its native resolution. All flat-screens have what is called
a native resolution which is the one that they are optimally viewed at. To change your screen
resolution, right-click on the desktop, click “Screen resolution” and choose the recommended
setting from the dropdown box.
3. No Sound from Speakers
Assuming your speakers are correctly plugged in and turned on, sound-related problems are also
most likely to be associated with the drivers.
▪ Determine whether or not your sound card driver is causing the problem. If you see a red
overlay on the volume icon in your system tray, there is most likely a problem with the driver.
Determine the manufacturer and model of your sound card and download and install the latest
drivers for it.
▪ Right-click on the volume icon in the system tray and click “Playback devices.” Ensure that
the right sound device is selected as the default device.
4. Computer Crashes before Windows Launches
There are many reasons why Windows may fail to start, but most of them can be fixed easily
enough unless you have fallen victim to an especially bad malware attack or your hard disk is
damaged somehow. Try the following if Windows fails to startup and/or presents you with ablue
screen error message on boot.
▪ Mash the F8 key as soon as you turn on the computer. In Windows 8, this should bring you to
the new recovery mode. In older versions of the operating system, the screen will look quite
different, though it serves the same purpose. Launch your computer in Safe Mode. In Windows
8, click “Troubleshoot” followed by “Advanced options” then “Windows Startup Settings.”
Click “Restart” and choose Safe Mode when the computer restarts.
▪ Open your antivirus program, ensure that it is up-to-date and run a complete scan of your
system to remove any possible malicious software infections.
▪ Use System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier time before the problem first
occurred. You can also run System Restore from the recovery screen rather than booting up
intoSafe Mode.
5. Computer Running Slowly
There are literally countless reasons for a computer to run slower than it should do, but here are
some of the most common causes and ways to fix them.
i. Uninstall unused programs
When you buy a new PC the chances are there are a load of programs pre-installed onto it. Old
PCs can simply accumulate these over time. Most of these you'll never use and some of them
can often run in the background without you knowing, slowing your computer down in the
process.
To remove these click "Start" then go to "Control Panel" then click "Programs and Features" and
scroll through the list, uninstalling the ones you never use.
If you're unsure what should stay or go, use PC Decrapifier - a free piece of software that
recommends what is worthwhile or not.
ii. Delete temporary files
Whenever you use internet Explorer all your browsing history remains in the depths of your PC.
The same thing happens when you install something. It's like never throwing away the
packaging when you buy a new TV and by doing so it'll free-up space on your system. To get rid
of all this clutter open "My Computer", select your main drive, click the "Windows" folder then
open the folder inside that is called "Temp".
Use your mouse to right-click on the folder, and in the "View" options, choose "Details". Once
this is done, select all the files that are older than the current date and press the delete key. Then
go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop and empty it.
iii. Install a solid state drive
If your PC takes an age to turn on and be ready for action your hard drive might be the fault.
Typically they have loads of moving components and can take a long time to fire up. A solid
state drive uses flash memory (like a massive USB stick) and can read data a lot quicker
therefore speeding up your start-up.
iv. Get more hard drive storage
No matter if you keep your computer tidy, if your hard drive becomes too full, it will affect the
speed of your PC. If you use your system for processor-heavy tasks, such as recording video and
media the likelihood will be that your drive will get chokka before you know it. Nowadays you
can get mega storage drives over 1TB which is good for thousands of HD movies.
v. Stop unnecessary start ups
Whenever you switch on your PC some programs will automatically start to run in the
background. Things like Skype and Spotify are guilty of this. All the applications running will
use your computer's memory so ditch the ones you don't need running.
To do this click Start and type "Run". In the box that appears type "msconfig" and a box will
appear, at the top click the "Startup" tab listing all the applications that run when your computer
starts up. Either manually untick the ones that are unnecessary or click "disable all", but be sure
to keep vital things like antivirus going.
vi. Get more RAM

Have you noticed when you try to work on several applications at once, such as email, internet,
and word your computer has a minor stroke when flicking between them? This is because you
don't have enough RAM. This is memory used by your PC to run the programs and can be easily
upgraded (and quite cheaply) if you know where to look.
vii. Run a disk defragment
Don't be scared by the description, it's essentially a way to optimize your hard drive's efficiency.
To do this go to "My Computer", right-click on the hard drive and select "Properties". Under the
"Tools" tab there should be an option to "Defragment Now".
viii. Run a disk clean-up
Spring clean your whole system using this built-in tool which looks for unnecessary large files.
To perform this click "Start" then go to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk
Cleanup
ix. Vacuum out the dust
Target
If you open up your PC and you won't believe how much dust gets sucked into it through the
cooling fan. Dust can clog airflow, which is vital to keeping your system temperature down and
if it overheats, its performance will slow.
Use a vacuum on a low setting to clean out the insides, but ensure the PC has been off for at
least 30-minutes and it's disconnected from the mains. Also, go easy when you're poking around
in there as you could dislodge some important cables.
▪ Ensure that your computer is not overheating. Your computer’s interior should be kept free of
dust. Components should be cooled with adequately large heat sinks and working fans.
Installing a case fan can also help.
▪ Open your antivirus software, ensure that it is up-to-date, and run a full scan of your computer
to get rid of any possible malware infection which may be slowing your computer down.
▪ Optimize your hard disk performance by running Disk Defragmenter and Disk Clean-up. Both
of these tools are accessible by right-clicking on your hard disk in “My Computer” and
clicking “Properties.
6. Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)
All your computer may need is for you to reboot it. This STOP error appears on your screen for
a variety of reasons: failing hardware, damaged software, corrupt DLL files, problems with
drivers and more. The remedy for a blue screen of death depends on the original problem.
7. Missing DLL File
Dynamic-Link Library (DLL) files house information for your operating system on how to
perform certain functions. Occasionally, your computer loses DLL files or something damages
them. When your PC can't read the particular DLL file, it doesn't know how to respond in
certain situations. You may have a missing or corrupt DLL file if you receive an error message
every time you perform a certain function, such as saving. If your computer problems are
stemming from missing and damaged DLL files, you can restore them by downloading them
back onto your PC.
8. Applications That Won't Install
If you're having trouble with an application not installing, it may be because your computer
doesn't have enough hard drive space. If this is the case, you need to free up some space. You
can free up some hard drive space by getting rid of files and folders you don't need. These may
be temporary files, duplicate files or data for software you've uninstalled.
9. Abnormal Applications Behavior
Computer problems that involve applications acting strangely. For instance, your Word
document will no longer show the top margin . You just can't see it on your monitor. If this is
happening, you may want to restart your computer. Conducting an internet search for the type of
problem you're experiencing or consulting your user manual may help you as well.
 10. Using System Repair Software
If you have computer problems, system repair software may help you fix them. Most of these
applications can repair operating system problems that lead to the Blue Screen of Death. They
can also replace missing or damaged DLL files. System repair software can also free up space
you need for another application, and it can optimize your computer so it runs faster. It may
even identify problems you're having with applications, but it depends on the software you use
and the application that's having problems.
Windows’ System Configuration Tool lets you disable programs and services that automatically
start when you boot your computer. Once you’ve made all your changes, click OK and restart
the computer. It should boot up quicker and be noticeably faster.
11. Machine keeps restarting
Hardware problems are hard to diagnose and solve. First, confirm that you aren’t just getting the
latest wave of Windows updates, which can automatically restart your computer during
installation. Then work on updating all of your critical system drivers. Your graphics card,
motherboard, and network card drivers are crucial.
Sometimes it can be viruses or adware, sometimes it can be overheating. Modern computers
have safeguards that shut down the system if a component is overheating, which can be the
cause of frequent restarts when you’re running resource-intensive programs or video games.
12. Pop-up ads appearing on desktop
If you’re not running your Web browser and are still getting pop-up ads on your desktop, you’ve
most likely installed adware—a program that displays unwanted ads. Although benevolent
adware exists, most of the time adware is up to no good. InWindows 7, Add-ons, also known as
ActiveX controls, browser extensions, browser helper objects, or toolbars, can improve your
experience on a website by providing multimedia or interactive content, such as animations.
However, some add-ons can cause your computer to stop responding or display content that you
don't want, such as pop-up ads.
If you suspect that browser add-ons are affecting your computer, you might want to disable all
add-ons to see if that solves the problem.
To disable all add-ons temporarily
Click the Start button, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then Internet Explorer (No
Add-ons).
If disabling all add-ons solves the problem, you might want to use Add-on Manager to disable
all add-ons permanently and then turn on add-ons only as you need them. To disable an add-on,
follow the steps below.
To disable add-ons in Add-on Manager we may also Open Internet Explorer by clicking the
Start button. In the search box, type Internet Explorer, and then, in the list of results, click
Internet Explorer.
Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons.
Under Show, click All Add-ons.
Click the add-on you want to disable, and then click Disable.
Repeat step 4 for every add-on you want to disable. When you are finished, click OK.

Start up beeps and sound error messages

Beep codes are used by the BIOS(Basic input/Output system) during the POST(Power on self test)
to report certain initial system errors.If you're hearing beep codes after you turn your computer
on, it typically means that the motherboard has encountered some kind of problem before it was
able to send any kind of error information on the monitor.
How To Troubleshoot Beep Codes
1. Power on the computer or restart it if it's already on.
2. Listen very carefully to the beep codes that sound when the computer begins to boot.
Restart your computer if you need to hear the beeping again. You're not likely to make
whatever problem you have worse by restarting a few times.
3. Write down, in whatever way makes sense to you, how the beeps sound.
Important: Pay close attention to the number of beeps, if the beeps are long or short and
if the beeping repeats or not. There is a big difference between a "beep-beep-beep" beep
code and a "beep-beep" beep code.
This is all important information that will help determine what issue the beep codes are
representing. What steps you take to solve a particular beep code will differ depending
on the BIOS manufacturer.Choose the correct beep code troubleshooting guide below
based on your motherboard BIOS manufacturer:
A) AMIBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by American Megatrends (AMI). Many
popular motherboard manufacturers have integrated AMI's AMIBOS into their systems.
Other motherboard manufacturers have created custom BIOS software based on the AMIBIOS
system. The beep codes from an AMIBIOS-based BIOS may be exactly the same as the true
AMIBIOS beep codes below or they may vary slightly. You can always reference your
motherboard's manual if you think this might be an issue.
Note: AMIBIOS beep codes are short, sound in quick succession, and usually sound
immediately after powering on the PC.
1 Beep
A single beep from an AMI based BIOS means there has been a memory refresh timer error.
The solution is often to replace the RAM in the computer.
2 Beeps
Two beeps means there has been a parity error in base memory. This is an issue with the first
64KB block of memory in your RAM. The solution is usually to replace the memory.
3 Beeps
Three beeps means there has been a base memory read/write test error. Replacing the RAM
usually solves this AMI beep code.
4 Beeps
Four beeps means that the motherboard timer is not working properly. A hardware failure with
an expansion card or the motherboard itself could be the cause of this beep code.
5 Beeps
Five beeps means there has been a processor error. A damaged expansion card, the CPU, or
the motherboard could be prompting this AMI beep code.
6 Beeps
Six beeps means that there has been an 8042 Gate A20 test error. This beep code is usually
caused by an expansion card that has failed or the motherboard that is no longer working.
7 Beeps
Seven beeps indicates a general exception error. This AMI beep code could be caused by an
expansion card problem, a motherboard hardware issue, or a damaged CPU. Replacing the
faulty hardware usually fixes the cause of this beep code.
 8 Beeps
Eight beeps means that there has been an error with the display memory. This beep code is
usually caused by a faulty video card. Replacing the video card usually clears this up.
9 Beeps
Nine beeps means that there has been an AMIBIOS ROM checksum error. Literally, this
would indicate an issue with the BIOS chip on the motherboard. However, since replacing a
BIOS chip is sometimes impossible, this AMI BIOS issue is usually corrected by replacing
the motherboard.
10 Beeps
Ten beeps means that there has been a CMOS shutdown register read/write error. This beep
code is usually caused by a hardware issue with the AMI BIOS chip. A motherboard
replacement will usually solve this problem, although it could be caused by a damaged
expansion card in rare situations.
11 Beeps
Eleven beeps means that the cache memory test has failed. Some piece of failing hardware is
usually to blame for this AMI BIOS beep code.
B) AwardBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by Award, now owned by Phoenix
Technologies. Many popular motherboard manufacturers use Award's AwardBIOS in their
systems.
Other motherboard manufacturers have created custom BIOS software based on the AwardBIOS
system. The beep codes from an AwardBIOS-based BIOS may be the same as the original
AwardBIOS beep codes (below) or they may vary a little. You can always reference your
motherboard's manual if you to be sure.
Note:AwardBIOS beep codes sound in quick succession and usually immediately after
powering on the PC.
1 Short Beep
A single, short beep from an Award based BIOS is actually an "all systems clear" notification. In
other words, this is a beep code you want to hear and that you've probably been hearing each
time your computer comes on since the day you purchased it. No troubleshooting necessary!
1 Long Beep, 2 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by two short beeps indicates that there has been some kind of error with
the video card. Replacing the video card is usually the most you'll have to do to fix this one.
1 Long Beep, 3 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by three short beeps means that either the video card isn't installed or
the memory on the video card is bad. Reseating or replacing the video card will typically fix the
cause of this Award beep code.
1 High Pitched Beep, 1 Low Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A repeating high pitched / low pitched beep pattern is an indication of some kind of CPU
problem. The CPU could be overheating or malfunctioning in some other way.
1 High Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A single, repeating, high pitched beeping sound means that the CPU is overheating. You'll need
to figure out why the CPU is getting too hot before this Award beep code will go away.

Important: Turn your computer off immediately if you hear this beep code. The longer your
CPU is running hot, the higher the chance that you'll permanently damage this expensive part of
your system.
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All Other Beep Codes
Any other beep code pattern you hear means that there has been some kind of memory problem.
Replacing your RAM is the most you'll need to do to fix this problem.

C) PhoenixBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by Phoenix Technologies. A

majority of modern motherboard manufacturers have integrated Phoenix
Technologies' PhoenixBIOS into their systems.
Several custom implementations of the PhoenixBIOS system exist in many popular
motherboards. The beep codes from a Phoenix-based BIOS may be exactly the same as the true
Phoenix beep codes below or they may vary. You can always check your motherboard manual
to be sure.
Note: PhoenixBIOS beep codes are short, sound in quick succession, and usually sound
immediately after powering on the PC.
1 Beep
A single beep from a Phoenix based BIOS is actually an "all systems clear" notification.
Technically, it's an indication that the Power OnSelf Test is complete. No troubleshooting
necessary!
1 Continuous Beep
One continuous beep isn't an officially listed Phoenix beep code but I know of several instances
of this occurring. In at least one case, the solution was to reseat the CPU.
1 Short Beep, 1 Long Beep
One short beep followed by one long beep. Bad RAM to be replaced.
1 Long Beep, 2 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by two short beeps indicates that there has been a checksum error. This
means that there is some kind of motherboard issue. Replacing the motherboard should fix this
problem.
1-1-1-1 Beep Code Pattern
A 1-1-1-1 beep code pattern most often indicates a problem with the system memory. This
Phoenix BIOS issue is usually corrected by replacing the RAM.
1-2-2-3 Beep Code Pattern means that there has been a BIOS ROM checksum error. Literally,
this would indicate an issue with the BIOS chip on the motherboard. Since replacing a BIOS
chip is often not possible, this Phoenix BIOS issue is usually corrected by replacing the entire
motherboard.
1-3-1-1 Beep Code Pattern on a PhoenixBIOS system means that there has been an issue while
testing the DRAM refresh. This could be a problem with the system memory, an expansion
card, or the motherboard.
1-3-1-3 Beep Code Pattern means that the 8742 keyboard controller test has failed. This
usually means that there is a problem with the currently connected keyboard but it could also
indicate a motherboard issue.
1-3-4-1 Beep Code Patternon a PhoenixBIOS system means that there is some kind of issue
with the RAM. Replacing the system memory usually fixes this problem.
1-3-4-3 Beep Code Pattern indicates some kind of issue with the memory. Replacing the RAM
is the usual recommendation for solving this problem.

Duties of system maintenance officials

Computer maintenance technicians/Engineers install, maintain and support information
technology equipment, such as computers, printers, networks, software and servers. They work in
company IT departments supporting internal users, or the service departments of IT manufacturers
and distributors, where they support customers. By providing prompt, efficient service to IT users,
computer technicians/Engineers help companies benefit from their investment in information
technology.
Qualifications
Qualifications for this role vary. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science or
information science is usually preferable. For other positions, an associate degree or vocational
qualification may be sufficient.
Product Knowledge
Excellent product knowledge is essential for this job. Technicians can improve their knowledge
of specific systems by taking courses run by IT companies. Some companies offer certification to
technicians who complete training programs. Technicians must also keep up to date with changing
product or service information by reviewing manufacturers’ service bulletins and product
announcements.
Installation
Installing or upgrading IT equipment is an important part of the job. Technicians must be able to
work quickly and efficiently to minimize disruption to users and maintain organizational
productivity. They must be aware of compatibility issues when they install new operating systems
or application software, for example. Technicians must also be able to demonstrate the operation
and features of new products or systems to ensure that users do not encounter problems after an
installation or upgrade.
Problem Solving
Computer technicians/Engineers need good analytical and problem solving skills to repair IT
equipment or solve operating problems. They must be able to use diagnostic tools and support
databases to identify the source of problems, which could be caused by hardware, software or
network components, and make the necessary repairs or adjustments.
Support
To provide support to users who are encountering problems, computer technicians/Engineers must
have good interpersonal skills. They may have to deal with users who are under stress or who have
limited technical knowledge. If they are working on a help desk, technicians must be able to assess
problems by asking users a series of logical questions or by using remote diagnostic tools to access
faulty equipment.
Administration
Technicians/Engineers need good administrative skills. They must record details of faults and
solutions to help IT managers track the performance of different types of equipment. Documenting
faults also helps to build the IT department’s knowledge of service issues, helping to speed up
problem resolution in the future.

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT BREAKDOWN DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR

“Troubleshooting” in Electrical and Electronics Engineering refers to the art of diagnosing the
origin of faults in Electronic and electrical components, devices or circuits In this section we will
use AVO Meter (Ampere-Voltage-Resistance Meter) or Multimeter. (Digital/Analog) to test the
continuity or resistance of the following components.
General Precautions

• Disconnect the power source before checking, servicing, repairing or installing electrical
equipments and devices.
• Always, Select the higher value in Digital or Analog Multimeter, and then, gradually
reduce it to the proper value.
• Never try to work on electricity without proper guidance and care
• Read all instructions and cautions and follow them strictly.

• Cable and Wires

• Switch/Push Buttons
• Fuse
• Capacitors
• Resistors

Cable and Wires

To check if the cable and wires are in good condition or broken, we perform the continuity
test. For this purpose, take Multimeter and select “Resistance” i.e. rotate the knob to the “Ω”
position). Connect Multimeter testing cables to the appropriate ports on the meter.

Now put on the meter and connect both terminals, i.e. both naked ends of the cable/wire with the
AVO or Digital Multimeter Terminals. If the meter reading shows “0 Ω”, it means Cable/Wire is
in “Good Condition”. On the other hand, if meter reading is “Infinite”, it shows the cable/wire
may be defected or broken. So you need to replace it with a new one.

Switch/Push Buttons

Use the same method (mentioned above for checking the cable and wires)…to perform this
method correctly, you will need to apply this method in both cases (ON & OFF positions)
on switches and push buttons. In other words, first apply this method on switches/push buttons
and then “Push” the push button and perform the same method again.

At first attempt, if meter reading is “Zero” and in the second attempt, the meter reading is infinite,
it means Switch/Push button is in good condition. If Multimeter reading is “Zero” or “infinite” in
both attempts, it means switch is in short circuit or continuity connection is broken and you should
replace it with a new one.
Fuse

To verify Fuse condition, i.e. is “Fuse” in good condition or damaged? … We perform the same
method i.e. continuity test as mentioned above. In short, if the meter reading is “Zero” it means
Fuse is in good condition. If Multimeter reading is infinite, it means Fuse may be broken or blown.
So you should replace it with a new one immediately.

Capacitor

Check a Capacitor By a Digital Multimeter

1. Make sure the capacitor is discharged (Disconnected from circuit for about 5 minutes).
2. Read the capacitance value on the outside of the capacitor. The unit for capacitance is
the farad, which is abbreviated with a capital “F.” You may also see the Greek letter mu
(µ), which looks like a lowercase “u” with a tail in front of it. (Because the farad is a large
unit, most capacitors measure capacitance in microfarads; a microfarad is a millionth of a
farad.)
3. Set your multimeter to its capacitance setting.
4. Connect the multimeter leads to the capacitor terminals. Connect the positive (red)
multimeter lead to the capacitor anode lead and the negative (black) lead to the capacitor
cathode lead. (On most capacitors, especially electrolytic capacitors, the anode lead is
longer than the cathode lead.)
5. Check the multimeter reading. If the capacitance reading on the multimeter is close to
the value printed on the capacitor itself, the capacitor is good. If it’s significantly less than
the value printed on the capacitor, or zero, the capacitor is dead.

Resistor
To check if the Resistor is in good condition or broken, select “Resistance”. Now connect both
ends of resistor with the Multimeter Terminals. If the meter reading shows the exact value of
resistance or with a percentage tolerance, it means Resistor in “Good Condition”.
For Example, 1kΩ = 1000Ω with a 5% tolerance will show the reading near about 950Ω to
1050Ω. On the other hand, if meter reading is “Infinite”, it shows the Resistor may be defected
or broken and open. So you need to replace it with a new one (exact value).