Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region VII, Central Visayas
DIVISION OF BOHOL
UBAY I NORTHEAST DISTRICT

Subject: TLE-CSS Grade 10 Quarter 3 Week 7

MELCS: Techniques for diagnosing computer systems. (COMPONENTS)
Competency Code: TLE-IACSS9-12CCS-iiia-e-31

Name: _________________________ Section: ___________________ Date: _________________

School: _________________________ District:
_________________________________________

A. Readings/Discussions

Computer Diagnosis

Sometimes when the problem with a system is not totally apparent and the problem may be
intermittent, using a basic common diagnostic procedure may help determine what is wrong. This
procedure has several steps that, if followed each time, can be of help.

Rules in Diagnosing Computer System

1. Know the Facts

 Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
 Continuous learning on computer technology
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
 Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for replacement or sub assembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
5. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects People ware
 Untrained personnel would probably damage program in PC.
6. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects Firmware
 Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.
7. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects Software
Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.
8. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects Hardware
 Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.
 Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computer performance.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge)

Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in your computer.

Electricity

Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated; power surges can damage computer units.

Problem Isolation

Problem isolation is a detective work in which you need to determine what is out of the ordinary by
making detailed observation of what is not working normally and record any information as you
proceed.

Problem Isolation

The information you will be able to gather will help diagnose your computer. You need to observe
wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in smell or foreign smell, listen to all the
sounds, and error codes.
Component Isolation

This section will aid in determining components in your system which are failing. First, most
systems have 3 major components; monitor, system unit, and printers. Some have multiple
external devices. To troubleshoot, you need to isolate major components which are failing to
operate.

Things to Consider

There are many devices, parts, cords, and connection on a computer, which means that there are
many possible problems that could arise. In addition, your computer uses a variety of software,
which can also cause problems.

However, no matter what the problem is, you can use the following tips to help you find a
solution:

o Always check the cables:

 Many computer problems are related to an issue in the cables and connections.
 The easiest first step you can take to troubleshoot most problems is to check all related
cables and connections.
 If possible, try to isolate the problem. For example, if you can’t get the cursor to move on
the screen, try to determine if the issue is with the mouse.
 If you have an extra mouse, you can alternate devices to see if the one plugged in is the
issue, or use the arrow keys on the keyboard to help determine if the mouse is the source of
the problem. When trying to isolate the problem, only make one change at a time.

o Take notes about error messages:

 If your computer gives you error messages, be sure to write down as much information as
possible.
 If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, you may need the information.

o Remember the steps you’ve taken, or write them down:

 Once you start troubleshooting, you will want to remember what you have done, so you
don’t repeat yourself. If you can’t remember it, then write it down. If you end up asking
someone for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly which steps you’ve taken.
 Most of the time, problems can be fixed by using simple troubleshooting techniques, such
as closing and re-opening the program.
 It’s important to try these simple solutions before resorting to more extreme measures. If the
problem still isn’t fixed, you can then try other troubleshooting techniques, such as
reinstalling the software.

o Program Runs Slowly or Isn’t Working Right

 If a program is running slowly or otherwise isn’t working right, the first thing you should try is
closing the program and re-opening it.
 You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it up again. Some
minor problems will work themselves out when you do this.
 Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

o Program is Completely Unresponsive

 If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press (and hold)
Control+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. You can then select the
program that isn’t working and click End Task.
 If you are using a Mac, you can press Option+Command+Esc to open a similar dialog box.
Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 Power Button Will Not Start Computer

 If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is
plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
 If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. Often, this will require you to
plug a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to make sure it is receiving power.
 If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You may have to
reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can also plug a lamp or
other device into the surge protector to verify that it is on.
 If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter into the wall
and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn’t start up, you may need to wait a few
minutes and then try again.

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 “Non-System Disk or Disk Error” Message

 If you get this message when you boot up your computer, it usually means there is a CD,
DVD, USB, flash drive, or floppy disk in your computer, which is interfering with your
computer’s booting process.
 Remove the disk from the drive and restart the computer.
 Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 Windows Shutting Down Message Will Not Disappear

 Sometimes Windows will freeze during the shutdown process. If this happens, the Windows
is Shutting Down message screen will stay active on your screen.
 To finish shutting down the computer, press and hold the power button for about 10
seconds, or until the computer turns off.

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing

 Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked. Confirm that there
is good air flow around the computer.
 Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 No Picture on the Monitor

 Confirm the computer is turned on.

 Check the brightness control, located on your monitor or your keyboard, and make sure it is
not set too low.

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 Monitor Goes Blank Periodically

 You may have the screensaver enabled. If the screen saver is enabled, just move your
mouse and forth and your original screen will appear.
 You can change the screensaver settings by going to your Control Panel (or your System
Preferences if you’re using a Mac).
 Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 No Sound

 Check the volume control on your computer. In Windows, the sound icon will usually be on
the taskbar, and you can also access the sound options in the Control Panel.
 On Macs, the sound options are found at the top of the screen or in System Preferences
 Most media programs (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) have a volume control
which will need to be turned up.
 Make sure the speakers are turned on, if using external speakers.
 Make sure external speakers are connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your
computer has color-coded ports, the audio output will usually be green.
 Connect headphones to the correct audio port and determine if sound is audible from the
headphones.

Searching the web for a solution

 Search the web for the problem that you’re having, as other people may have had similar
problems.
 Also, if you have a friend or family member who knows a lot about computers, they may be
able to help you.
 Most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take some time to find
them.
 For every difficult problem, a more drastic solution may be required, such as reformatting
your hard drive, reinstalling programs, or reinstalling your operating system.
 If you’re not a computer expert, it’s possible that you could make the situation worse, so it’s
best to consult a professional if you think a drastic solution is needed.

A. Exercise 1

Direction: Use the clues below to fill in the crossword puzzle with the correct words. Write your
answers in your notebooks.

1. What does F.R.U. stand for?

2. What does E.S.D. stand for?
3. What does A.C. stand for?
4-6. What are the 3 major components of computer system?
7. If the program is running slowly or otherwise isn’t working right, what solution do we need to
this problem?
8. If a program has become completely unresponsive, what solution do we need to this
problem?
9. If your computer does not start, what solution do we need to this problem?
10. If your computer randomly rebooting or crashing, what solution do we need to this problem?

B. Exercise 2

Direction: Answer the following questions.

1. Why is it need for us to diagnose the computer system?

2. What are the rules in diagnosing computer system?
3. No picture on the monitor, what should you do? Give one solution.
4. No sound on your computer, what should you do? Give one solution.
5. Monitor goes blank periodically, what should you do? Give one solution.

D. Suggested Enrichment/Reinforcement Activity/ies

For more information & to help your more about device drivers kindly visit this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9EmHsMOIKg

References:

Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 9 Learner’s Material First Edition, 2013
www.helpwithpcs.com
http;//en.wikipedia.org
www.micrsoft.com/technet/network
www.google.com