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A+ Certification Exam Notes : Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power

Common symptoms and possible causes for motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power related problems are as explained below

Power-on self-test (POST) beeps: POST beeps indicate an issue with hardware, such as a failed component or incompatible hardware. Check the motherboard manual to determine the specific cause of the beep code.

Proprietary crash screens (blue screen of death [BSOD]/pinwheel): These screens indicate a software or hardware issue, such as a driver conflict, corrupted system files, or faulty hardware. Try booting into safe mode and running system diagnostics.

Black screen: This may be caused by a faulty graphics card, RAM, or power supply. Check the connections and try replacing components one by one.

No power: Check the power supply for damage or loose connections. If the power supply is working, it may be an issue with the motherboard or CPU.

Sluggish performance: This may be caused by insufficient RAM, a virus or malware, or a failing hard drive. Try running a virus scan and disk cleanup, and consider upgrading the RAM.

Overheating: Overheating can be caused by a failing fan or clogged air vents. Check the fans and clean out any dust or debris.

Burning smell: A burning smell may indicate a component that has failed or is about to fail, such as the power supply or motherboard. Shut down the computer immediately and check for damage.

Intermittent shutdown: This may be caused by overheating, a failing power supply, or failing hardware. Check for dust or debris clogging air vents, check the power supply connections, and run system diagnostics.

Application crashes: Application crashes can be caused by faulty RAM, a failing hard drive, or outdated drivers. Try updating drivers and running a disk check.

Grinding noise: A grinding noise may indicate a failing hard drive or fan. Check the connections and replace the component if necessary.

Capacitor swelling: Swollen capacitors can cause issues with power delivery to the motherboard or other components. Check the motherboard for any visible signs of damage and replace the affected components.

Inaccurate system date/time: This may be caused by a failing CMOS battery. Replace the battery and reset the system clock.

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays

Some frequently encournterd troubleshooting steps for problems with storage drives and RAID arrays based on common symptoms:

Light-emitting diode (LED) status indicators:

  • Check the manufacturer's documentation for the meaning of the LED status codes

  • Replace the drive if it is indicating a failure or fault

Grinding noises:

  • Power off the system immediately to avoid further damage

  • Check for any physical damage or debris on the drive or in the system

  • Replace the drive if it is making a grinding noise

Clicking sounds

  • Power off the system immediately to avoid further damage

  • Check for any physical damage or debris on the drive or in the system

  • Attempt to recover data from the drive using data recovery tools

  • Replace the drive if it continues to make clicking sounds

Bootable device not found

  • Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to make sure the drive is recognized and configured properly

  • Check the cabling and connections between the drive and the motherboard or RAID controller

  • Check for any errors or failures in the RAID array configuration

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools

Data loss/corruption

  • Attempt to recover data from backups or using data recovery tools

  • Check for any physical damage or debris on the drive or in the system

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools

  • Replace the drive if it has failed or is causing data loss/corruption

RAID failure

  • Check the RAID controller and drives for any faults or errors

  • Attempt to rebuild the RAID array if possible

  • Replace any failed drives in the array

  • Restore data from backups if necessary

Self-monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) failure:

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools

  • Replace the drive if it is reporting a S.M.A.R.T. failure

Extended read/write times

  • Check for any disk errors or fragmentation that could be slowing down performance

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools

  • Consider upgrading to a faster drive or using a RAID array for improved performance

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools to measure IOPS

  • Consider upgrading to a faster drive or using a RAID array for improved IOPS

Missing drives in OS

  • Check the cabling and connections between the drive and the motherboard or RAID controller

  • Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to make sure the drive is recognized and configured properly

  • Check for any errors or failures in the RAID array configuration

  • Test the drive with manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or third-party tools


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