A PC technician suspects a hardware component is defective. What is the simplest way to test the component?

A PC technician suspects a hardware component is defective. What is the simplest way to test the component





a. swap it with a similar part


b. test the voltage with a VOM meter


c. connect the PC to oscilloscope


d. reinstall the drivers

A PC technician suspects a hardware component is defective. What is the simplest way to test the component?
A. Swap it,(With a known good part!)


(Good point Bill. I don't do housecalls, they bring it to me!)
Reply:a. Swap it with a known good part. According to the great computer guru and author Mark Minasi, the first rule of troubleshooting anything is "do the easy stuff first..."
Reply:This really depends on what the piece of hardware is. I would first try option d: reinstall drivers. If that doesn't work for you, try a: swap with similar part. Not too sure about b and c though.
Reply:HELLO,


Most people do not have computer tools and tester available at home.


SURE THING:


1. Go to your computer website, click on desktop/laptop whatever you have, then on next page ENTER your Computer Model number into the search field. STEP BY STEP TROUBLESHOOTING IS AVAILABLE HERE MOST TIMES.


2. If your computer is STILL UNDER WARRANTY....then call and DISCUSS your problem with the available TECH


,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,...


STEPS YOU MIGHT TRY AT HOME FIRST:


%26gt; START


%26gt; ALL PROGRAMS


%26gt; PC HELP %26amp; TOOLS


%26gt; HARDWARE DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS





NOW RUN THE AVAILABLE TESTS. TELLS A LOT.
Reply:Usually "a". This would depend on the component and what tools you have available to test with, but it could be "a" or "b". Most components the answer would be "a", but it's often easier to test power supplies with a meter than to "hang" a spare power supply on the side of the system. I carry a multimeter with me, but don't carry spare power supplies.





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Liza - Sound advice if your computer will get to the manufacturer's web site, but if the likely defective hardware component affects your ability to boot up, or browse the web if you can boot (that would include about 90% of potential hardware problems) then you won't be able to do that.
Reply:Simplest.........a. swap !