COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII

Troubleshooting Power
and No Display Problems
A Quick Lesson in Maintaining and Repairing Computer
Systems and Networks in CSS NCII
I. QUICK INFO

Troubleshooting - systematic approach to problem solving that is often used to find and
correct issues with complex machines, electronics, computers and software systems.

General tips in troubleshooting:

Safety First! (Observe Occupational Health and Safety Act).

Prepare all the necessary tools and equipment.
Always check the cables e.g. power chords.
Always check the power source (220V/110V AC power input).
Unplug the power supply when removing or installing hardware such as RAM,
processor and hard disk.
Write down your steps.
Take notes every error messages (POST or Power-On Self Test).
Observe and listen to beeps and noise (Error beep codes, scratching noise).
Always refer to the motherboards user manual.

NOTE: Be familiar to all computer parts and their functions in order to identify the problem
and resolve the probable cause.

II. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

A. No power or computer does not turn on

Probable Cause:
AVR is turned off or damage.
Power cord not connected properly.
Bad power cable.
Damage Power supply or system unit button.
Damage power supply unit.
Incorrect power source input.
Bad battery (for laptop)

Solution:

Turn on the AVR. If it is damaged, replace with a new one.

Check the power source input (110V or 220V).
If pressing the power button doesnt work, short the power pins on the
motherboards F_PANEL section using a flat screw driver (Note: Please
observe safety precautions). Replace the power button of the system unit.
 Check the power cable. Perform continuity test. If no continuity on the other
line, replace power cable.
Test the voltage of the power supply using Multitester. Ratings should be in
12V, 5V and 3.3V. Otherwise, replace the power supply.
If troubleshooting a laptop, remove the battery; connect the charger to the
power outlet and power on. If it is not working, test the voltage output of the
charger. If it is working, replace the battery.

B. No display or black screen on a computer monitor.

Probable Cause:
Monitor is not on.
Computer is asleep.
Connections not properly connected.
Incorrect video input source.
RAM
BIOS Reset.
Bad CMOS Battery.

Solution:

Make sure that the monitor is turned on.

If it is asleep, move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard.
If showing no signal and the led status is orange:
o Check the VGA cable. Make sure it is properly connected.
o Make sure that the correct video source input is selected based on the
cable. (HDMI, VGA, DVI). This is applicable to monitors that support
many types of video input sources such as HDMI.
o Install the RAM properly on the memory slot. Try also to place the
RAM to the other memory slot.
o Remove the RAM and clean the contactors using the eraser. Clean also
the memory slot using a paint brush.
o Get a spare RAM and try. If it is working, replace your old RAM with a
new one.
o Try also to remove the CMOS battery. Remove it from its slot for a
couple of minutes and put back on. This will reset the BIOS back to its
original settings.

If all the above solutions are performed yet the problem is not resolved,
perform the motherboard and CPU troubleshooting guide.