Chapter 10: Hardware Troubleshooting

Labs you will perform in this chapter:

• Lab 10.1: Using a Multimeter

• Lab 10.2: Creating a Boot Disk

• Lab 10.3: Booting to Safe Mode

In this chapter, we will cover some basic tools used in troubleshooting a computer. The first tool we will discuss is the multimeter. This tool can help ensure that the proper voltages are delivered to a device. If the wrong voltage is applied, the device may be overworked or not have enough power to function properly.

Next we will discuss how to create a boot disk. A good boot disk lets you gain access to a system, should the boot files become corrupt. Many issues can be resolved after the system can be booted properly.

The last tool we’ll explore is included with the Windows operating systems. Safe mode is a mode of operation that includes only the minimum devices needed to get the system working. Once in the system, you have the ability to enable or disable devices. You can also uninstall or update device drivers. After you have made the appropriate changes to the system, you should be able to boot normally.

Note

For more information, see Chapter 10 of David Groth’s A+ Study Guide (Sybex, 2003).