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What is first thing to do to Diagnosed a computer?

Check the POST. POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before the operating system begins to load. The POST will display any problems found with hardware that makes the computer unable to boot, POST may also display problems with hardware that allow the computer to boot, but not operate at its full capacity during operation.

 

Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than usual load time may indicate seek errors (or other errors) in the hard drive.

 

Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.

Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still effective way of judging how hard a computer is working. With the computer on and running, play any decent length audio file (usually above30 secs). If the audio is choppy or slow, it usually means that the processor is working at an elevated level, or there is not enough RAM to run all programs loading. Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue associated with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA allows for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems, especially Windows, can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly written, or it may conflict with another process. Windows will usually notify you about devices that are causing a problem, or have a problem. To check this use the Device Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control Panel, clicking the System icon, clicking theHardware tab, and clicking on Device Manager. Use this to check and arrange the properties of hardware.Check any newly installed software. Software may require more resources than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy or sluggish system. If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program is consuming more resources than the computer can provide. An easy way to check this is to use the Task Manager, right click on the taskbar select Task Manager, and click the Processestab. The CPU column contains a number that indicates the percentage of CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its capacity.Run a virus and malware scan. Performance problems can be caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus) and a commonly updated malware scanner (such as Spybot Search & Destroy).  

Check for the problem in safe mode. As a last ditch effort, check the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating system itself is to blame.

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Question added by Regidor Pabuaya , Pipe Fitter , EEI CORPORATION
Date Posted: 2015/08/07
allan alcantara
by allan alcantara , General Supervisor , SAMAMA GROUP OF COMPANIES

you must be refresh and scan your computer to diagnosed it for whatever problem...

RAM to be checked first to diagnose the computer

LJ Javier
by LJ Javier , CNC and Large Format Printer Technician , Sign View

Turn ON the Computer and observe.

Eugene Portuguese
by Eugene Portuguese , Computer Technician , Yujin Internet Cafe

The First thing to do to diagnose a computer is to use our senses, sense sight, hearing, touch, smell.

Mohamed chouchene
by Mohamed chouchene , Administrative Assistant and computer Support technician , Self factory

there is a big line and big deference between computer alive or not responding . or died

 for alive computer problemes will be in software 

if computer responding 

so problemes will be 

Ram - Harddisk  Sata cables - Graphique card

But if the computer not responding (complitely died) so the problem will be on 

- power supply

- motherboard

- power cables

so u must tell us about about the stuation

Lorelie Mondragon
by Lorelie Mondragon , Web Developer/Graphic Designer , Accenture, Inc.

for what scenario?

for troubleshooting what scenario?

Francis Jr Simbajon
by Francis Jr Simbajon , Associate Marketer , C-ONE TRADING CORPORATION

No Matter what is causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process on all aspects of trial and error.

It is advisable to write down first your steps. This way you may able to remember what you've done and to repeating the same mistake and ends up on other people for help. Take down notes on the errors for your referrences then, check all the cables connected if it is properly inserted or connected. Then, restart your computer.

If the computer is working before and the problem is the computer does not turn on but has no light then, try to check the connection first from your electrical outlet down to the the cables connected to your computer. 

Ashraf Thaikkat
by Ashraf Thaikkat , Machinery Maintenance Supervisor , Ministry of Education

Check the Power and restart the PC will FIX most of the silly issues.

Emerson Esmeralda
by Emerson Esmeralda , Network Administrator

Click this link for more infor about computer basics ----> http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics//print

Violeta Estrella
by Violeta Estrella , Volunteer Staff , FILIPINO INSTITUTE

To diagnose a computer it should be checked the hardware and its processors

Ali yassen mohamed
by Ali yassen mohamed , فنى لحام رابع , الشركة المصرية للمطارات

Check all the device's connections and the quality of the Ram and Hard Disk

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