How to isolate issues between hardware and software
<p>It has been one of the dilemma of computer users is to identify what is really
causing the failure in their computer. Often they think that they bought a
defective product since they are getting these kind of errors in the computer.
Having an error on your machine does not mean that the machine is defective or
needs parts replacement. for all we know it might just need some simple
troubleshooting steps to fix the issue. Here is a tip where you would be able
to know if you need to bring your computer to a service shop for parts
replacement or you can try to fix it at home by doing some troubleshooting
steps that would help fix software failure in the computer system.<br />
<br />
On a Windows based operating system, you should always know when the issue
happens. It will help much to observe your computer on how it boots up and what
it does before you get to the desktop screen. Take a note on where and when
exactly the error occurs.<br />
<br /><b>
Power Failure:</b><br />
<br />
This is an issue where there are no lights on the power button of your
computer, whether it is a portable system or a desktop computer. Obviously this
is a hardware failure. surprisingly, discharging the flea power of your
computer sometimes resolves these kinds of issues. Otherwise, you will
definitely need to have a local technician look at your system for parts
replacement.<br />
<br /><b>
Note:</b> flea power is the charged power of our computer system. A computer system
is made up of electronic components such as capacitors which hold electronic
charges. To be able to discharge it, you should disconnect all power source
from your computer and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.<br />
<br />
<br /><b>
POST Failure:</b><br />
<br />
POST is an abbreviation for Power On Self Test. as the name implies, it is the
test that a system goes through to test the basic hardware components needed
for a computer to boot. The components that it tests are as follows: Processor,
BIOS (Motherboard), Memory, keyboard and video card. If there is a POST
failure, the system would give you a black screen with lights on the front
panel. Sometimes it will give you beeping sounds which would normally mean that
you have a memory failure on your system. If you encounter such issue, you will
need hardware technical support to guide you isolate further on what could be
causing the failure.<br />
<br /><b>
Boot Failure:</b><br />
<br />
Boot failure is when the computer is able to complete post. You will be able to
know this if you hear a single beep on your computer. Isolating a boot failure
from a post failure simply requires you to boot to the System
Setup/configuration Screen (BIOS). If you are able to get to the BIOS, that
means all the POST hardware component are good to go. However, booting to the BIOS
differs per system. You just need to do trial and error on the following keys
to tap as you turn your computer on.<br />
<br />
Del<br />
F1<br />
F2<br />
F10<br />
F9<br />
ESC<br />
<br />
To isolate an issue whether it is a software or a hardware issue, you just need
to boot from the BIOS. If you are able to boot from the BIOS, chances are it is
not a hardware failure and needs servicing.<br />
<br />
<p><img src="vincent_von_0.jpg" /><br />
<p><br />
If booting to the BIOS works, to further isolate the issue whether it is the
advanced software, you need to boot to Safe mode. Safe mode is a
troubleshooting state where only the basic applications and drivers are active.
If you are having errors or boot failure, try to boot to Safe Mode. If you do
not encounter the failure in Safe Mode, that means that there are advanced
software being loaded in your operating system that fails. It is just a matter
of knowing what that software is.<br />
<br /><b>
Booting to Safe Mode:</b><br />
<br />
1. turn computer on and tap on F8 before Windows starts.<br />
2. You will be getting the Advanced Boot options. Use the arrow keys to get to
the option for Safe Mode.<br />
<br />
<p><img src="vincent_von_0.png" /><br />
<p><br />
<p><br /><b>
Safe Mode Definitions:</b><br />
<br />
Safe Mode: Just basic software are being loaded. Network drivers are not
included which means no internet connection<br />
<br />
Safe Mode with Networking: Basic software and Network drivers are being loaded.<br />
<br />
note: for Vista or Windows 7, it includes wireless network drivers. This means
that you can still connect to the internet with a wireless connection. In
Windows XP, the wireless driver is not included even if you boot to Safe Mode
with Networking<br />
<br />
Safe Mode with Command prompt: this is a troubleshooting state where you will
be able to utilize DOS based commands.
×