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What are common indicators of power issues in a PC?
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Signs include the computer not turning on, sudden shutdowns, restarts, and no front panel lights or fan activity.
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How do you test the power source for a computer?
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Plug a known-good device (like a lamp) into the wall socket to check for socket faults and ensure other equipment in the area is working.
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What steps should be taken when inspecting power connections?
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Verify that the PSU cables are connected to both the PC and the wall socket, and ensure all power switches are on.
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How can you test a computer's power cable and fuse?
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Replace the power cable with a known working one and test the fuse with a multimeter.
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What should you do if the computer still doesn't power on after initial checks?
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Disconnect non-essential components, like the graphics card, to check for a possible underpowered PSU or faulty device.
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How can a power supply unit (PSU) be tested for faults?
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Use a multimeter or a power supply tester to check the PSU’s voltage output.
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What safety precautions should be observed when dealing with PSU issues?
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Never open the PSU. Turn off the system immediately if you notice smoke, fire, unusual smells, or noises.
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What is the POST process, and what does it do?
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The Power-On Self-Test (POST) checks the hardware required for booting when the computer starts up.
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What might indicate a POST issue if the computer has power but does not start?
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No display on the screen, no beeps, and power is present (fans spinning).
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What troubleshooting steps should be taken for POST problems?
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(a)Consider any recent changes, like failed firmware updates. (b)Check all cable connections. (c)Remove and test devices one by one to find a faulty component. (d)Test the power supply. (e)Verify CPU and firmware function.
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What do different POST beep codes indicate?
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One short beep: Normal POST, system OK.
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Two short beeps: POST error; error code should display on screen.
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No beep: Possible power supply, motherboard, or onboard speaker fault.
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Continuous beep: Memory module/controller issue.
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Repeating short beeps: Power supply or motherboard fault.
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One long and one short beep: Motherboard issue.
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One long, two or three short beeps: Video adapter error.
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Three long beeps: Keyboard issue (stuck key).
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What does the system do if no valid boot device is found?
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Displays an error and stops booting.
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What should you check when troubleshooting boot issues?
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(a)Ensure no media is in removable drives that could interfere with booting. (b)Confirm the correct boot device order in system settings. (c)Check if fixed disks have power and verify data cable connections. (d)Ensure motherboard drive ports are enabled.
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What are common signs of boot sector issues, and how can they be fixed?
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Signs include “Boot device not found” or "OS not found" errors. Use an antivirus boot disk or OS setup disk to repair the boot sector.
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What does a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows indicate?
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Possible issues like memory faults or driver problems, often due to software errors.
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What error indicators do macOS and Linux use?
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macOS displays a spinning pinwheel, while Linux shows a kernel panic or "Something has gone wrong" message.
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What are common hardware symptoms indicating issues?
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System lockups, random shutdowns, continuous reboots, BSODs, and application crashes.
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What steps should you take if overheating is suspected?
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(a)Check if the CPU fan is connected and functioning. (b)Ensure the heat sink is properly attached to the CPU. (c)Clean and reapply thermal paste if necessary. (d)Cover case holes with blanking plates to maintain airflow.
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What might cause physical damage to computer components?
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Drops, spills, improper handling, bent pins, dirt in ports, ESD, electrical spikes, or overheating.
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What is "chip creep," and how do you fix it?
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Chip creep refers to components becoming loose due to temperature changes. Fix by reseating the components.
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What diagnostic tools and software can be used for troubleshooting hardware issues?
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Use manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools found in firmware setup utilities, physical inspection, or software testing for confirmation.
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How can environmental factors affect computer performance?
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High temperatures, excessive dust, or poor ventilation can cause overheating and component failure. Keep the system in a cool, clean area with good airflow.