Kow Your PC PDF
Kow Your PC PDF
Know Your PC
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HISTORY OF COMPUTER
The history of computers can be traced back to ancient times when tools like the abacus were used for basic calculations.
However, significant advancements began in the 20th century.
The development of electronic computers emerged in the 1940s, with machines like the ENIAC utilizing vacuum tubes.
The introduction of transistors and integrated circuits in the 1950s and 1960s led to smaller, more efficient computers.
The invention of microprocessors in the 1970s paved the way for personal computers, popularized by products like the Apple
Macintosh and IBM PC.
Graphical user interfaces enhanced usability in the 1980s.
The 1990s saw the rapid expansion of the internet and the World Wide Web.
Mobile computing gained momentum in the 2000s with the rise of smartphones and tablets.
Today, ongoing advancements in areas like cloud computing and artificial intelligence continue to shape the ever-evolving
landscape of computing technology.
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is a machine that can store and process information. Most computers rely on a binary
system, which uses two variables, 0 and 1, to complete tasks such as storing data, calculating
algorithms, and displaying information. Computers come in many different shapes and sizes, from
handheld smartphones to supercomputers weighing more than 300 tons.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system or electronic device. These components are tangible and
can be touched, seen, and manipulated. Hardware is responsible for the execution of software programs and the overall
functioning of the device.
Example: CPU (Central processing unit), memory, motherboard, keyboard etc.
Hardware is classified in two categories as mentioned below:
1. Input device
2. Output device
INPUT DEVICE
An input device is a hardware component or device that allows users to provide data, commands, or information to a computer
or electronic system. Input devices enable users to interact with computers and convey their intentions, which are then
processed and acted upon by the computer's hardware and software.
Here are some common examples of input devices: keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner, microphone, etc.
OUTPUT DEVICE
An output device is a hardware component or device that displays or presents information or data processed by a computer or
electronic system to the user. Output devices convey the results of computations, actions, or interactions in a human-readable
or perceivable format.
Here are some common examples of output devices: monitor, speaker, printer, projector, headphones, earphones, etc.
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SOFTWARE
Software refers to the collection of programs, data, and instructions that tell a computer or electronic device how to perfor m
specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which consists of physical components, software is intangible and consists of code written in
programming languages. It's what allows hardware to be useful and perform various functions.
Example: Operating System, Applications like MS Office, Google Chrome, Antivirus, Adobe Acrobat, Cisco Packet Tracer,
etc.
Software can be broadly categorized into two main types:
1. System software
2. Application software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
This type of software is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware components of a computer system. It includes
the operating system (like Windows, macOS, Linux) that provides an interface for users to interact with the computer, manage
files, and run applications. System software also includes device drivers that enable communication between hardware devices
and the operating system.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software includes all the programs and tools that users interact with to perform specific tasks. These can range
from productivity software (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software) to multimedia software (photo and video
editing, media players) and specialized software for various industries (CAD software for engineers, medical software for
healthcare professionals, etc.).
Software is written by software developers using programming languages. It can be distributed and installed on various
devices, allowing users to utilize the functionalities provided by the software. The quality, functionality, and user experience
of software greatly influence its usability and popularity. Updates and improvements to software are often released to enhance
features, fix bugs, and address security vulnerabilities.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
Computer is made up of several hardware components and these are categorized in 2 categories:
1. Essential components
2. Optional components
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS
a. Cabinet
b. Motherboard
c. Processor
d. RAM
e. Storage (HDD, SSD)
f. Keyboard
g. Mouse
h. Monitor
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
i. Printer
j. Speaker
k. Headphone
l. Scanner
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etc.
List of all these components with basic details is called as computer configuration.
MOTHERBOARD
The spine of the computer is the motherboard, otherwise known as the system board or mainboard. A motherboard is the main
circuit board of a computer or electronic device that houses and connects various essential components. It serves as the central
hub through which all the hardware components communicate and interact. The motherboard provides electrical connections
and pathways that allow data, power, and signals to flow between the different parts of the computer system.
Motherboards come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of computers, from desktops to laptops
and servers. They play a crucial role in determining the compatibility and performance of a computer system, as well as
providing the foundation for hardware expansion and connectivity.
Motherboard are classified by their form factor (design), such as ATX, micro ATX, and ITX.
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a. North bridge
b. South bridge
6. BIOS/UEFI: The Basic Input /Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is firmware
stored on a chip on the motherboard. It initializes the computer's hardware during startup and provides a basic level
of control and configuration.
7. Connectors and Ports: The motherboard has various connectors and ports, such as USB ports, audio jacks, SATA
connectors for storage drives, and more. These allow for connections to peripherals and external devices.
8. Power Distribution: The motherboard contains power connectors that distribute electrical power from the power
supply unit (PSU) to the different components on the board.
9. Clock Generation: The motherboard includes a clock generator that produces timing signals, ensuring that
components operate synchronously at the correct speed.
10. Network Interfaces: Ethernet ports or wireless networking modules enable the computer to connect to networks and
the internet.
11. Audio Components: The motherboard often includes integrated sound processing circuits and audio jacks for
connecting speakers and microphones.
The motherboard's main role is to provide a standardized and organized way for hardware components to interact efficiently.
It routes data, power, and signals between different parts of the computer, allowing them to work in harmony. The specific
layout and features of a motherboard can vary based on its intended use, whether it's a desktop, laptop, server, or specialized
system.
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9. Caches: CPUs often have multiple levels of cache memory. Cache memory stores frequently used data and
instructions, reducing the time it takes to fetch them from slower main memory (RAM).
The performance of a CPU is measured by factors like clock speed (how many cycles it can execute per second), the number
of cores, cache sizes, and architectural features. Different CPUs are optimized for different tasks, with some being more
suitable for general-purpose computing, while others excel in tasks that require heavy computational power, such as gaming,
video editing, and scientific simulations.
MEMORY
Memory refers to the hardware component that stores data and program instructions for the computer to access quickly. It
allows a computer to temporarily hold and manage information that is actively being used or processed. There are different
types of memory in a computer system, each serving a specific purpose:
There are mainly two types of memory:
1. Primary
2. Secondary
PRIMARY MEMORY
Primary memory, also known as main memory or primary storage, refers to the immediate and directly accessible memory in
a computer system that is used to store data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is actively working with.
It is a critical component for the operation of a computer and is responsible for providing fast access to data that the CPU
needs to perform tasks. Primary memory is typically much faster than secondary storage devices like hard drives and SSDs,
but it is also more limited in capacity and is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is turned off.
Example: RAM, Cache memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the main memory of a computer. It provides fast and temporary storage for data and
program instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly while running applications. RAM allows for rapid data retrieval
and manipulation, but its contents are volatile, meaning they are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted.
Cache Memory is a smaller and faster type of memory located closer to the CPU. It stores frequently used instructions and
data to reduce the time the CPU spends waiting for data from main memory. Cache memory helps bridge the speed gap
between the fast CPU and the relatively slower main memory.
SECONDARY MEMORY
Secondary memory, also known as auxiliary memory or external memory, refers to storage devices in a computer system that
provide long-term storage for data, files, and programs. Unlike primary memory (RAM and cache), which is fast but volatile
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(loses data when the computer is powered off), secondary memory retains data even when the computer is turned off. It serves
as a means to store information for extended periods and allows for the preservation and retrieval of data between sessions.
Secondary memory devices are slower to access compared to primary memory but offer much larger storage capacities. These
devices are used for storing the operating system, software applications, user files, and various other types of data. Here are
some common examples of secondary memory devices:
Hard Disk Drives (HDD) use spinning disks coated with magnetic material to store data. They are a traditional and cost-
effective option for high-capacity storage. However, they are relatively slower than modern solid-state drives (SSDs).
Solid-State Drives (SSD) use flash memory to store data, offering significantly faster data access compared to HDDs. They
are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed and reliability, even though they tend to be more expensive per gigabyte.
USB Drives (Flash Drives) use flash memory to store data and are highly portable. They are commonly used to transfer files
between computers and as backup storage.
Memory Cards are used in various devices, such as digital cameras, smartphones, and tablets, for additional storage. They
also rely on flash memory technology.
Optical Discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, store data using laser technology to create tiny pits on the disc's surface.
They are used for data backup, software distribution, and media playback.
Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are specialized secondary storage solutions that connect to a network and provide
centralized storage for multiple devices.
Cloud Storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and
Microsoft One Drive offer convenient storage and synchronization across devices.
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CONTROL PANEL
Use the Control Panel to adjust your computer’s settings. To access the Control Panel, search for it using the
Search box on your taskbar.
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When pinning applications to your Taskbar, those application’s icons will appear along the bottom of your
screen. This allows you to access your most commonly used programs without opening the Start Menu.
PIN AN APPLICATION TO THE TASKBAR
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MULTIPLE DESKTOPS
Windows 10 allows you to create multiple virtual desktops. Multiple desktops are useful for keeping unrelated,
ongoing projects organized.
SETTING UP MULTIPLE DESKTOPS
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FAVOURITES
To quickly access your most commonly visited websites, add them to your Favorites in Edge!
ADDING WEBSITES TO FAVOURITES
ACCESSING FAVOURITES
1. Click on the Star icon in the top right corner of your browser
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CONFIGURING DISPLAY SETTINGS
There are many display options available to you in Windows 10, many similar to those in
Windows 7.
1. Open Action Centre using the icon in the lower right hand corner
2. Click on All Settings
3. Select System from the Windows Settings menu, the Display settings menu will open by
default
4. Configure your display settings to match your preferences
KNOW YOUR PC
If you order any window whether it is window 10 or the latest one that’s window 11. You will receive
a window installation disc along with your brand-new PC. If you don’t receive a DVD disc of window
installation, then still you can install an Operating system on your PC. Let’s look at deep, how to
create window installation media.
Requirement:
You need to download windows of your choice whether it’s 10 or 11. You can download it from the
official website of Microsoft. After you have successfully downloaded the .exe file, please follow the
steps below:
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Select your language, windows edition and PC architecture and click NEXT
Now, you need to select the USB Pen drive and click NEXT
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It’s an optional step to do, like in case you are updating your current operating system to the latest.
You are required to take back up. You can back up your files to Google Drive, Drop Box, One Drive,
USB Flash Drive and other external hard drives. Otherwise, you can leave it as it is.
For a new installation, you don’t need to do anything with this option.
Now, it’s time to insert a media installation (USB or DVD) into your computer. Make sure all the
windows files have been copied to your flash drive.
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As you are ready click on the windows icon and choose the option “Shut down or sign out” and then
“Restart“. As your pc reboot, you need to press F10, F11, F12, or ESC in order to enter the boot
menu. Note: These keys might be different in your computer because every computer is
manufactured differently.
If you own an old computer, you can press F1, F2, F3, or ESC to enter the BIOS (Basic Input Output
System).
In Boot Options Priorities, Select the Boot Option #1. Click it and select the flash drive option.
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5. Install Now
After you select the right USB option for window installation. You will see a screen appearing “Install
now”. Click on “Install now” and continue to the next step.
You must have the windows product key. But it’s okay if you don’t have one right now, you can skip
this step while choosing the option “I don’t have a product key“. But, at the end of the installation,
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it will ask you for the product key. You can find your product key in your email if you have bought it
from Microsoft officially. Or if you have bought it in DVD format, you can find the key in its envelope.
Well, if you don’t have bought it till now you need to buy it for a seamless experience.
Windows operating system comes in two-bit options 32-bit and 64-bit. X86 denotes 32-bit and x64
denotes 64-bit.
“The 32 bit OS can store and handle lesser data than the 64 bit OS. It addresses a maximum
of 4,294,967,296 bytes (4 GB) of RAM. The 64 bit OS, on the other hand, can handle more
data than the 32 bit OS.”
X86 or 32-bit operating system supports only 32-bit software programme.
X64 or 64-bit operating system supports both 32-bit and 64-bit software programme.
So, as per your need. You can choose which version is most suitable for you. If you still don’t know
which version of the operating system to install, then you can go for “Windows 10 Home” mostly
used OS for personal computers. So, after you have decided, which version of OS to install, now click
“NEXT”.
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Before proceeding further, you are required to accept the license terms and then click next to
continue the installation.
Upgrade: This option is useful if you are installing the latest OS to your existing supporting versions
of the operating system.
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Custom Installation: This option is useful if you are installing OS to your brand new or existing
computer, which doesn’t have an OS.
Choose the correct partition where you are going to install your operating system and then click on
“Delete”.
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Choose the drive with unallocated space and click “Next” to continue the installation of windows.
This might take little time to copy data to your hard drive, as it’s done you can move on to the next
step.
12. Remove the USB flash drive and restart your computer.
As you can see, you have successfully installed the operating system to your PC. Now, you can
remove the USB flash drive and restart your computer.
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For setting up windows, you required only a few steps as mentioned below:
Well, it’s possible to clean install or reinstall Windows 10 from an ISO file. Clean installing
Windows 10 from ISO is not vastly different from clean installing Windows 10 from USB or
DVD. The only difference is that we are not going to create bootable media while installing
Windows 10 directly from the ISO file.
Note that you won’t need a product key if you have legally upgraded your current PC from
Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10 and successfully activated it, before clean installing Windows
10 on the same PC. Likewise, if you got Windows 10 preloaded on your PC and activate your
copy of Windows 10, you have nothing to worry about.
When you are prompted to enter a product key during the product installation, click the Skip
button. Your PC will be automatically activated after installing Windows 10 as long as you
have installed the same edition of Windows 10 was activated on your current PC by using the
free upgrade offer.
However, when you clean install Windows 10 on a different PC or newly built PC, you will
have to enter a valid product key.
If at all, Windows 10 is not activated after the clean install or reinstall, use the built-
in activation troubleshooter to fix the issue.
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Here is how to clean install Windows 10 from the ISO image file without having to create a
bootable USB or DVD.
Step 1: If you haven’t downloaded your Windows 10 ISO yet, please follow the instructions
in our download Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft guide to download the ISO image file.
Step 2: On your Windows 10 PC, where you want to perform a clean install of Windows 10,
back up all data as we are going to clean install Windows 10 by removing installed programs
and personal files. So it’s a good idea to backup everything using the right backup solution.
Step 3: Right-click on the Windows 10 ISO image file, and then click Mount option to
mount the ISO image.
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Step 4: Open up This PC, and then open up the newly mounted drive (containing Windows
10 installation files) by right-clicking on the drive and then clicking Open in new
window option.
Step 5: Perform a double-click on the Setup.exe file to launch the Windows 10 Setup.
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Step 6: When you see the following screen, select the first option labeled Download and
install updates (recommended), or you can also choose the option titled Not right now, as
we can always download and install updates after clean installing Windows 10.
If you have selected Download and install updates option, the setup will check for available
updates and download them if available.
Step 7: Next is the user agreement screen where you need to click the Accept button to
accept the license terms to install and use Windows 10.
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Step 8: Once again, the setup might start looking for updates and download them.
Step 9: Once everything is ready, you will see Ready to install screen.
Step 10: Here, select Keep nothing if you want to perform a clean install of Windows 10 by
removing all installed programs and data. We have chosen Keep personal files and apps as
we don’t want to lose installed apps and important data.
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And if you want to keep your data, please select Keep personal files option by clicking
Change what to keep link.
Step 11: Finally, click the Install button to begin installing Windows 10.
Note that although the installation screen shows an “Upgrading” message, it’s actually clean
installing. From here on, follow the straight-forward on-screen directions to complete
installing or reinstalling Windows 10.
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1. Depending on your browser, select Run (in Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (in
Chrome), or Save File (in Firefox).
If you see the User Account Control prompt that says, Do you want to allow this app to make
changes to your device? Select Yes.
2. Your install is finished when you see the phrase, "You're all set! Office is installed now" and an
animation plays to show you where to find Microsoft 365 applications on your computer.
Select Close.
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For executable file, to install the driver, you just need to double-click on the file and follow the on-
screen instructions.
For zip file, you need to unzip it and find the executable file in the archive. If you cannot find an
executable file, you need to install the driver step by step using the “.inf” file.
Following steps are for your reference how to install the driver in this way.
1. Go to Device Manager.
2. Find the device that need to install a driver. (Here let’s take video card for example.)
3. Right-click on the device and select Update Driver Software…
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7. Click Browse… button. Navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded driver file and
browse the .inf driver file.
8. Click OK button then Next button to finish the installation. You might be asked for an admin
password or to confirm your choice.
If you have difficulty in downloading and installing drivers manually, or if you want to save more
time in updating drivers, you can use Driver Easy.
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Driver Easy will scan your computer to detect all problem drivers in several seconds, then give you
new drivers. It has Free version and Paid version. You can use the Free version to update drivers one
at a time. With Paid version, to update drivers, all you need to do is click your mouse 2 times.
1. Click Scan Now button. Then Driver Easy will scan your computer quickly and provide you with
new drivers instantly.
2. Click Update all button. Then all drivers will be downloaded and installed automatically.
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COMMAND Description
cd Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
md Creates a directory.
rd Removes a directory.
dir Deletes one or more files.
del Deletes one or more files.
copy Copies one or more files to another location.
move Moves one or more files from one directory to another directory
more Displays output one screen at a time.
cd.. Displays the name of or changes the current directory
cd\ Directly come out of directory to base drive.
cls Clears the screen.
chkdsk Checks a disk and displays a status report
formet Formats a disk for use with Windows.
shutdown Allows proper local or remote shutdown of machine
help Provides Help information for Windows commands.
hostnam To check the computer name
wmic bios
get
serialnumber To check the serial number of windows pc
perfmon To check the performance of computer
TROUBLESHOOTING
THE COMPTIA TROUBLESHOOTING METHODOLOGY:
Identify the problem
Establish a theory of probable cause
Test the theory to determine the cause
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
Verify full system functionality, and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
Document findings, actions and outcomes
Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these steps to determine what they really mean.
It’s important to recognize that the root cause of specific issues is not always apparent. For example,
a failed login attempt might seem to indicate a username or password problem, when instead the
real issue may be a lack of network connectivity that prevents the authentication information from
being checked against a remote server.
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As troubleshooters, we want to be very careful to ensure we have identified the root cause of the
error, misconfiguration or service interruption before making any changes.
This stage may require significant research on your part. Vendor documentation, your organization’s
own documentation and a good old-fashioned Google search may all be required to provide the
basis for your theory.
One of the main issues that I’ve observed with newer troubleshooters is failing to question the
obvious. In my classes, I rephrase this as “start simple and work toward the complex.” Yes, I am
aware that operating systems, networks and cloud deployments are all very complex. However, that
does not mean that your issue is complex.
I have found over the years that careful note-taking is important at this point. Your notes can include
data copied from websites, web URLs, suggestions from your team members, etc.
Please note, it is not uncommon for experienced administrators to move very quickly and informally
through steps one, two and three. Problems and symptoms are often familiar, making it simple to
predict the likely cause of an error message or failed device.
At this stage, you may find yourself circling all the way back to step one: Identify the problem. If you
test your theory to discover the likely cause and find that you were incorrect, you may need to start
your research all over again. You can check in with users, dig more deeply into log files, exercise your
Google-Fu, etc.
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Once you’re confident you’ve found the fundamental issue, the next step is to prepare to solve the
problem.
If you believe you know the root cause of the troubleshooting issue, you can now plan how to
address it. Here are some reasons to plan ahead before blindly jumping into a course of action:
Once you’ve completed this stage, you’re now ready to do whatever it is you believe you need to do
to solve the problem. These steps may include:
Make sure that you have a rollback plan in place in case the fix you’re attempting does not address
the issue. You must be able to reverse your settings to at least get back to where you began.
In some cases, implementing the proposed fix may be quicker than the research phases that
preceded it. Those research phases are essential, however, to make sure you’re addressing the real
issue and to minimize downtime.
When possible, have the users that rely on the system test functionality for you. They are the ones
that really know how the system is supposed to act and they can ensure that it responds to their
specific requirements.
Depending on the problem, you may need to apply the fix to multiple servers or other devices. For
example, if you’ve discovered a problem with a device driver on a server, you may need to update
the drivers on several servers that rely on the same device.
6. DOCUMENT FINDINGS
Documentation is a pet peeve of mine. It comes from working as a network administrator for an
organization that had zero documentation. I was the sixth administrator the company had hired in
five years, and no one before me wrote down anything. It was a nightmare.
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Documenting your troubleshooting steps, changes, updates, theories and research could all be
useful in the future when a similar problem arises (or when the same problem turns out not to have
been fixed after all).
Another reason to keep good documentation as you go through the entire methodology is to
communicate to others what you have tried so far. I was on the phone once with Microsoft tech
support for a failed Exchange server. The first thing the tech said was, “What have you tried so far?”
I had a three-page list of things we didn’t need to try again.
Such documentation is also useful in case your changes had unintended consequences. You are
more easily able to reverse your changes or change configurations if you have good documentation
on exactly what you did.
For more information on troubleshooting approach visit the URL mentioned below:
https://www.comptia.org/blog/troubleshooting-methodology
TROUBLESHOOTING EXAMPLES
Below are some examples of troubleshooting some common issues:
PC NOT TURNING ON
The PC won’t turn on.
If a power source isn't functional, or if a power strip or an outlet is dead, then the computer cannot
receive electricity from the wall. You can test the power appliance with a known working electrical
appliance (such as a charger, fan, lamp, etc.) in order to determine if the power appliance is faulty. If
an outlet isn't functioning properly, contact an electrician. Otherwise, replace the power appliance.
If there was a power surge, other components will have to be checked since the power surge may
have taken out more than one component.
If the power supply is dead, purchase a new one and follow replacement guide.
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COMPUTER OVERHEATING
The computer overheats. Symptoms may include random restarts and random shutdowns.
BLOCKED VENTS
Blocked vents will not allow the computer to ventilate; cool air won't be taken in and hot air won't
be expelled. Make sure the fan vents aren't blocked by anything. Leave at least 6” of space around
the vents for ventilation.
Remove the dust with either compressed air or by manually removing them and cleaning them. If
you are using compressed air, hold the blades still in order to prevent damage to the fan bearings.
BROKEN FAN
A broken fan can cause a computer to overheat. If a fan is not spinning while the computer is turned
on, replace it.
To fix this, open up the case and locate the heat sinks (example: heat sink). Remove and clean the
heat sinks (do not use water) and replace the thermal paste.
Test the RAM module using memtest. If memtest fails, replace the RAM module(s).
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To test the hard drive, run a S.M.A.R.T. test. If the S.M.A.R.T. fails, the hard drive may be failing. Buy
a new hard drive and replace it.
If the S.M.A.R.T. status is positive, then the issue likely isn't the hard drive. Therefore, attempt to
boot into "Safe Mode."
If booting into "Safe Mode" succeeds, attempt to manually uninstall the most recently installed
programs and drivers. One method to uninstall is to use the Device Manager.
If the Windows 7 Startup Repair fails, attempt to System Restore to an earlier known working date.
FAULTY RAM
Follow these instructions (above).
OVERHEATING COMPUTER
An overheating computer will cause sluggish performance because the components will throttle
themselves in order to prevent damage from excessive heat.
To check temperatures, use the Speed Fan application. Common maximum unsafe temperatures and
throttle temperatures (for performance oriented components and for PCs built or bought within the
last 4-5 years) include:
Adjust your computer's power settings and screensaver to reduce energy consumption
and heat generation.
Avoid blocking the vents and improve airflow by placing your computer in a cool and
well-ventilated environment.
Check the fans and clean them regularly with compressed air to remove dust and dirt.
Reapply thermal paste to the CPU to improve heat transfer.
Use an external cooling system or a cooling pad for laptops to lower the temperature.
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COMPUTER INFECTION
Adware, spyware, malware, trojans, worms, and viruses slow down computers by hogging computer
resources in order to perform their own malicious activities. Perform a system scan with a well-
reputed malware scanner, such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
FAULTY OR NO DRIVERS
Drivers allow your computer to communicate with the audio device. Upgrade (or downgrade) your
current audio driver. Information about your integrated DAC (digital-to-analog converter) / AMP chip
can be found on your respective manufacturer's website.
There are different types of display ports or connectors that can be used to connect a
graphics card with a monitor1. The most common types of digital cables are HDMI, DVI,
and FireWire (ilink or IEEE 1394)2. The different types of display ports or connectors are:
VGA
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DVI
HDMI
DisplayPort (DP)1
If the card requires extra power, make sure the respective power connectors are plugged in.
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FAULTY OR NO DRIVERS
Drivers allow your computer to communicate with the video card. If they aren't installed, the
performance may be bad or the display may be non-existent.
Make sure the video card drivers are installed. To determine the video card, press WINDOWS + R
(the key). Type in "dxdiag" without the quotes, and hit enter. Click on the tab "Display 1" and find
the name. Once you determine the make and model of your Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) or
video card, head to their respective site and download and install the drivers.
Intel Drivers
NVIDIA Drivers
AMD Drivers
For more information on common issues and troubleshooting approach visit the URL mentioned
below:
https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Desktop_PC_Troubleshooting
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KNOW YOUR PC
Are there any signs of power? Does your laptop make any noises or do any lights turn on
when you attempt to turn it on or plug it into a charger? Do you hear fans spinning or does
the display light up?
If there are no signs of power jump to Discharged Battery, then follow up with Video Drivers,
Full Capacitors, Faulty Battery, and Faulty Motherboard.
If you're seeing some signs of power but your computer just won't turn on, you'll want to
pay close attention to how it's showing power.
If everything seems to start as it should, but the screen remains dark, try restarting the
Video Drivers, followed by reseating the RAM. If that doesn't work, you'll likely need to
replace the Screen.
If your laptop is emitting beeps when you try to turn it on, jump straight to Beep Codes—you
should be able to figure out your problem by diagnosing the beep patterns.
If your laptop gets to a boot screen, but won't fully boot the OS or gets hung up on a loading
screen, jump straight to the If Your Laptop Gets to a Startup Screen.
CAUSES
Discharged Battery
Full Capacitors
Video Drivers
Beep Codes
Memory Cards Unseated
Faulty Battery
Faulty Screen
Faulty Motherboard
If Your Laptop Gets to a Startup Screen
BIOS Values
Faulty Hardware
Software Boot Failure
Corrupted Operating System
Corrupted Storage Drive
Related Problems
DISCHARGED BATTERY
Ensure that the laptop isn't just suffering from an empty battery by charging it.
Make sure the laptop charger is plugged into a functional power source with a functional
charger and let the laptop charge for 15 minutes or more.
Hold the power button for 10 seconds to initiate a force restart.
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KNOW YOUR PC
FULL CAPACITORS
If a regular force reset does not work, a hard reset is necessary to drain the capacitors fully. To do
this:
Remove all peripherals, the charger, and the battery. Once everything is removed, hold the
power button down for 60 seconds. This makes the computer attempt to power on and
drain the capacitors and as a result, the built-up static charge.
If your laptop doesn't have an external battery, you can navigate from the laptop’s vendor
page to find a battery replacement guide specific to your model.
Sometimes, you will need to unplug the BIOS battery (CMOS battery) in addition to draining
all power to the laptop.
VIDEO DRIVERS
The computer could still work well, but an error with the video drivers could be preventing your
screen from displaying images properly.
Plug your computer into a separate monitor to test if your computer is outputting anything.
Try a software fix by restarting the video driver. This works in Windows 7 and up.
Use this keyboard shortcut to restart the video drivers: Windows Key + Ctrl (Control) + Shift
+ B.
BEEP CODES
Beep codes and lights are used to diagnose issues computers have when booting. Document these
beeps and light flashes and search this Laptop’s beep code support page for your exact laptop model
to find the beep codes associated.
With the laptop powered off, press the power button and listen for any beeping sounds or
flashing lights on the side of the laptop.
Use the information on laptop vendor’s support page to help diagnose.
Power off the laptop, remove screws, pull RAM out, blow air into the slot, reinsert RAM, and
power on the laptop.
FAULTY BATTERY
It's possible that a faulty battery is preventing your laptop from receiving the power necessary to
power on. If you've already addressed all possible software issues and your device is still showing
zero signs of life, a battery replacement should get your laptop back on its feet.
Navigate to the page for your model of Laptop to find a battery guide that works for you. If
you can't find your particular model, removing the screws on the back, disconnecting the
battery connector, and unscrewing the battery screws should do the trick.
FAULTY SCREEN
If your laptop seems to be functioning totally normally but the screen just isn't displaying anything
(keyboard backlights turn on, you can hear fans running, any power lights or battery status lights
turn on and function as they should), you'll likely want to replace the screen.
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KNOW YOUR PC
Navigate to the page for your model of Laptop to find a screen guide that works for you. If
you can't find your particular model, following a guide for a similar model may still be able to
help you with the process.
Pay close attention to the display cable(s) and any associated connectors as you're
disassembling the laptop. If you notice anything amiss on the cables or connectors
(fraying/cut cables, unseated connections, etc.), replacing damaged cables or reseating
connections may solve the problem without needing to completely replace the display.
FAULTY MOTHERBOARD
After rooting out the battery and charger as issues, the motherboard is the next culprit.
Check out our replacement motherboards and an associated guide for your model of laptop.
BIOS VALUES
Your laptop may be fighting the BIOS settings when powering on. Resetting these settings to their
defaults rids any unwanted boot settings.
To return the BIOS to its default values, press the power button on the laptop and tap the F2
key repeatedly until you see Setup on the screen.
On some models, you will need to use a different key (ESC, delete, etc.) to get into the BIOS
settings.
FAULTY HARDWARE
ePSA, or Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment, is where you can run diagnostic tests. This will give
you a detailed report of hardware issues to narrow your issue down.
Remove any USBs or DVDs that may be preventing the normal boot process.
If your laptop is having trouble booting to Windows, run Diagnostics by pressing the F12 key
repeatedly as you press the power button.
If you are using Windows, boot into Safe Mode to troubleshoot the issue.
Hold the power button for 10 seconds to power off the laptop to boot into Safe Mode. Press
the power button to start the laptop. Do this 2 more times to get Windows to boot into a
recovery environment.
You will see Choose an option at the top of the page. Navigate using the arrow keys to
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Windows will restart and show a menu of options. Choose Safe Mode with Networking. We
need to boot into Safe Mode because it uses a basic driver and will let us view the screen if it
is a software issue.
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KNOW YOUR PC
From here, you should be able to uninstall the corrupt graphics drivers and reboot the
computer back to regular Windows.
The boot partition might have been corrupted. If Safe Mode does not work, Windows will
need to be installed again.
You can try reformatting the drive to start, but you'll need to remove it from the computer, mount it
to a functioning computer, and use Disk Management to reformat the drive. Then you'll want to
install a new Windows partition on the drive before reinstalling it in your laptop.
If reformatting doesn't work, you can replace the drive with a new one. Navigate to the page for
your model of Laptop to find a hard drive or solid state drive replacement guide that works for you.
If you can't find your particular model, following a guide for a similar model may still be able to help
you with the process.
For more information on common issues and troubleshooting approach visit the URL mentioned
below:
https://www.ifixit.com/Troubleshooting/PC_Laptop/Laptop+Will+Not+Turn+On/505262
https://www.ifixit.com/
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