Commissario
Welcome to my general troubleshooting guide. The aim of this guide is to help you quickly identify any potential fault with your PC and/or any components. You'll find help in the following areas:
General - System stability problems, boot failure, complete outage.
Hard Disk Drives - Identify hard drive problems.
Memory - How to check for memory problems
PSUs - How to check that your PSU is functioning correctly
Graphics Cards - Verify your card is working
The guide is always on going and your input would be greatly appreciated i.e. Questions and Answers, Useful links or anything I've missed. Please either post your comments in the thread or email me. Which ever is easier for you.
Hope this helps - thanks for looking.
General Troubleshooting help
Whether you’ve switched on your PC for the first time or your PC one day decides no to play, the thought of having to diagnose a suspected fault can be daunting.
The first thing to do is not to panic and stay calm. Clear your head, in most cases, errors are often found quicker on a clearer mind.
The second thing is to remember that diagnosis is a process of elimination. Make a test plan and/or a check list of what you intent to do and make one change or test at a time. This makes deduction much easier and also helps to explain to others what you have already tried if you seek help elsewhere.
Here’s a few troubleshooting tips to get you through:
Your PC is dead. Nothing comes on
Follow steps 1 to 4 in the Check list below.
If everything appears to be in place and the PSU is functioning as expected, then your problem is looking more like the motherboard isn’t distributing the power correctly and is likely to be faulty.
If this is a new build, did you remember to fit the motherboard on to motherboard risers? Motherboard risers prevent contact with metallic services in the case, preventing a short. If you have screwed the motherboard on to the case directly, it’s bad news I’m afraid.
PC Won’t start, but there’s a green light on the motherboard / Fans Spin
At least there is some Power to the PC. Follow steps 4 to 6 in the Check list below.
As above, is the everything appears ok with the connections and the PSU, then it’s looking like a faulty motherboard.
The PC starts but then immediately shuts down.
Follow steps 3 to 8 and 11 in the check list below
The PC starts but then hangs or restarts as soon as Windows starts
Follow steps 4 to 7 in the check list below
I get a Blue Screen as soon as windows starts
The dreaded Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) occurrence when the system recognises a problem. BSOD normally show a meaningless message such “irql_not_less_or_equal” for example. Google this message or visit Microsoft Technet for assistance.
In this case, the problem is normally memory related : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc957609.aspx
If that’s no help, then you could use the debugging tool:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818501
If no joy from either, check you basic hardware for faults. Follow steps 4 to 8 in the check list below.
Great, I’m in Windows but everything seems to be incredibly slow
Make sure your BIOS setting are set correctly. Your system could be running a “fail safe” mode. Change this to “Optimised” if available.
Check the CPU is correctly identified and that it shows the correct speeds. If the motherboard was shipped before the release of the CP then your motherboard BIOS will need to be updated. See item 7 in check list.
Follow steps 4 to 10 in the check list below
The Temperatue readings in the BIOS are slightly higher than in windows?
This is normal. The BIOS doesn't activate any power saving features like it does in when in Windows. For a true reflection on your system temps, use CPUID HW monitor under both idle and stress.
Check for Software updates though.
After playing a game for a while, the system just shut down (unexpected shutdown)
As soon as you start playing games, then the system goes in to load. It could be the system isn’t stable using the current settings.
Check the CPU is correctly identified and that it shows the correct speeds. If the motherboard was shipped before the release of the CP then your motherboard BIOS will need to be updated. See item 7 in check list.
Then follow steps 4 to 11 in the check list below
The PC appears to boot but I get nothing on the screen
If you can, check your system on another monitor and check the monitor cable too. It sounds obvious but this does get often this gets overlooked.
If your monitor displays only a few colours, it could be that the pins on the cable are bent and are not making contact. Swap the cable for a know working one to eliminate the any connection problems.
Check the video card is seated correctly in the correct slot (check motherboard manual ) and is receiving power if needed. Most modern cards require one or more 6/8pin PCi-e power connections so make sure the graphics card has all power connectors connected. If it has sockets for two power connectors, they BOTH need plugging in.
Lastly, either swap for a the video card for a known working one or test in another compatible machine if you can
I get strange red lines across my screen
Check first that your Video Card drivers are up to date. See item 10 in check list.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue then the problem is likely to be faulty video RAM. Either swap video card for a known working one or test in another compatible machine if you can.
System does not keep date or time
This is likely to be a dead or dying CMOS battery which powers the BIOS settings. The battery is located on the Motherboard and is normally a disk type battery . These are commonly CR2032 which can be purchase from any watch repair or hardware store. If you have just bought a second hand motherboard, I always recommend changing before use.
Follow steps 6 and 7 in the check list below
If the problem persists, then it maybe a faulty BIOS. You can have these replaced but it might be expensive. If the motherboard is warranty you be able to arrange a replacement through the RMA process.
The PC starts but then emits a series of bleeps?
Small consolation but at least the system identifies that there is a problem. The series of bleeps corresponds to an error code depending on the manufacture of the BIOS, a bit like Morse code.
Make a note of the short-long bleeps and cross reference them with ether your Motherboard manual or by checking the www.bioscentral.com. You’ll need to know the make of your BIOS. This will be displayed on the top line as the PC boots.
Common faults are:
RAM not inserted correctly, not working or is missing – Please see “Troubleshooting Memory” guide.
CPU Fan not attached or undetected – Make sure you have attached the CPU fan to the CPU_FAN header or adjust the settings in the BIOS. If the fan is rotating less than the expected warning value, then you will get errors.
CPU not detected or not working. Check your BIOS recognises the CPU installed. You may need to adjust CPU speeds manually or update the BIOS software. Check the motherboard manufactures website for BIOS updates. These are frequently updated to accommodate new CPU releases.
Video card not inserted correctly or is not working. Make sure the card is inserted correctly and has the right power connections if applicable – please see “Trouble Shooting Video Cards” Guide.
The Check List
1. Check the obvious - This may seem daft but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who forget even the basics. Make sure the power cable is plugged in to the wall socket and is switched on. Swap the power lead for a known working one if you have one. Make sure the PSU is switched to an ON position
2. Power Connection - Make sure you have both the 24-pin ATX and 4pin or 8pin supplementary power supplies securely connected to the motherboard. Reseat if necessary.
3. Front Panel Connections - Check that the front panel “Power On” cable is connected to the correct front-panel header on the motherboard. If you suspect a faulty switch or cable, then you can test this by “Shorting” the two pins with a flat head screw driver. If the PC starts with the screw driver but not with the front panel cable or switch then it would appear the front panel cable/switch is faulty. Likewise, check the “Reset” connector. If this is shorting, it can cause shutdown/restart problems.
4. PSU - Assuming that the basic power connections are in place and working, your next step is to test your PSU. Read through my “How to check if your PSU is working” guide for a step-by-step guide.
5. Memory - Check for if your problem is memory related. Refer to “Trouble shooting Memory” guide.
6. Reset the CMOS. Either remove or replace the CMOS battery or set the jumper setting to “Clear”. Refer to motherboard manual.
7. BIOS - Check for BIOS Updates. Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website for latest BIOS updated. Sometimes this can resolve a number of issues. Refer to your motherboard manual for details on updating your BIOS.
8. Hard Disk Drives. Refer to “Troubleshooting Hard Drives”
9. Check for latest chipset drivers. Visit the manufacturers website for latest downloads. It is also ways recommended that chipset driver are installed before any other drivers. If you have changed motherboard to a different chipset, it’s highly recommend that you re-install windows to avoid driver confliction.
10. If you are experiencing display/video card problems, then check for latest video drivers before doing anything. Visit the manufacturers website for latest downloads. If the problem you are encountering only occurred since an update, then roll the drivers back to last know working configuration. Make sure you use DriverCleaner between uninstalling the new and old as this will clean the registry and therefore eliminate any driver corruption.
If you are still experiencing display problems still occur then checkout Troubleshooting Video Card problems
11. Check for overheating. Your system will have a built in thermal cut out should temperatures rise above a limit as specified in the BIOS or EFI. Under no circumstances change this setting. The cut out is there to protect your hardware from permanent damage. Instead check the systems idle and load temperatures. Download and install HWMonitor run whilst you have nothing running (idle). If the System and CPU temperatures are too high at idle, then there’s no room for movement when the system’s loaded with heavier applications. Check the motherboard/CPU manufactures website for guidelines and recommendations or seek advice from the forums.
If the idle temperatures look ok, then you need to be a little more aggressive in your testing and put the system under load. Use a torture test, such as PlayTool Prime95 and monitor the temperatures. If you see the temperatures rise to high and the system cuts off, then you may have hit the temperature ceiling as specified in the BIOS.
Review your systems cooling making sure there is adequate “fresh” airflow and the orientation of your fans is correct. Reset your CPU making sure you have applied the correct amount of thermal Instrument Material.
Updates:
27.07.11 - PC restarts maybe temperature related - section 11 added and updated
General - System stability problems, boot failure, complete outage.
Hard Disk Drives - Identify hard drive problems.
Memory - How to check for memory problems
PSUs - How to check that your PSU is functioning correctly
Graphics Cards - Verify your card is working
The guide is always on going and your input would be greatly appreciated i.e. Questions and Answers, Useful links or anything I've missed. Please either post your comments in the thread or email me. Which ever is easier for you.
Hope this helps - thanks for looking.
General Troubleshooting help
Whether you’ve switched on your PC for the first time or your PC one day decides no to play, the thought of having to diagnose a suspected fault can be daunting.
The first thing to do is not to panic and stay calm. Clear your head, in most cases, errors are often found quicker on a clearer mind.
The second thing is to remember that diagnosis is a process of elimination. Make a test plan and/or a check list of what you intent to do and make one change or test at a time. This makes deduction much easier and also helps to explain to others what you have already tried if you seek help elsewhere.
Here’s a few troubleshooting tips to get you through:
Your PC is dead. Nothing comes on
Follow steps 1 to 4 in the Check list below.
If everything appears to be in place and the PSU is functioning as expected, then your problem is looking more like the motherboard isn’t distributing the power correctly and is likely to be faulty.
If this is a new build, did you remember to fit the motherboard on to motherboard risers? Motherboard risers prevent contact with metallic services in the case, preventing a short. If you have screwed the motherboard on to the case directly, it’s bad news I’m afraid.
PC Won’t start, but there’s a green light on the motherboard / Fans Spin
At least there is some Power to the PC. Follow steps 4 to 6 in the Check list below.
As above, is the everything appears ok with the connections and the PSU, then it’s looking like a faulty motherboard.
The PC starts but then immediately shuts down.
Follow steps 3 to 8 and 11 in the check list below
The PC starts but then hangs or restarts as soon as Windows starts
Follow steps 4 to 7 in the check list below
I get a Blue Screen as soon as windows starts
The dreaded Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) occurrence when the system recognises a problem. BSOD normally show a meaningless message such “irql_not_less_or_equal” for example. Google this message or visit Microsoft Technet for assistance.
In this case, the problem is normally memory related : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc957609.aspx
If that’s no help, then you could use the debugging tool:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818501
If no joy from either, check you basic hardware for faults. Follow steps 4 to 8 in the check list below.
Great, I’m in Windows but everything seems to be incredibly slow
Make sure your BIOS setting are set correctly. Your system could be running a “fail safe” mode. Change this to “Optimised” if available.
Check the CPU is correctly identified and that it shows the correct speeds. If the motherboard was shipped before the release of the CP then your motherboard BIOS will need to be updated. See item 7 in check list.
Follow steps 4 to 10 in the check list below
The Temperatue readings in the BIOS are slightly higher than in windows?
This is normal. The BIOS doesn't activate any power saving features like it does in when in Windows. For a true reflection on your system temps, use CPUID HW monitor under both idle and stress.
Check for Software updates though.
After playing a game for a while, the system just shut down (unexpected shutdown)
As soon as you start playing games, then the system goes in to load. It could be the system isn’t stable using the current settings.
Check the CPU is correctly identified and that it shows the correct speeds. If the motherboard was shipped before the release of the CP then your motherboard BIOS will need to be updated. See item 7 in check list.
Then follow steps 4 to 11 in the check list below
The PC appears to boot but I get nothing on the screen
If you can, check your system on another monitor and check the monitor cable too. It sounds obvious but this does get often this gets overlooked.
If your monitor displays only a few colours, it could be that the pins on the cable are bent and are not making contact. Swap the cable for a know working one to eliminate the any connection problems.
Check the video card is seated correctly in the correct slot (check motherboard manual ) and is receiving power if needed. Most modern cards require one or more 6/8pin PCi-e power connections so make sure the graphics card has all power connectors connected. If it has sockets for two power connectors, they BOTH need plugging in.
Lastly, either swap for a the video card for a known working one or test in another compatible machine if you can
I get strange red lines across my screen
Check first that your Video Card drivers are up to date. See item 10 in check list.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue then the problem is likely to be faulty video RAM. Either swap video card for a known working one or test in another compatible machine if you can.
System does not keep date or time
This is likely to be a dead or dying CMOS battery which powers the BIOS settings. The battery is located on the Motherboard and is normally a disk type battery . These are commonly CR2032 which can be purchase from any watch repair or hardware store. If you have just bought a second hand motherboard, I always recommend changing before use.
Follow steps 6 and 7 in the check list below
If the problem persists, then it maybe a faulty BIOS. You can have these replaced but it might be expensive. If the motherboard is warranty you be able to arrange a replacement through the RMA process.
The PC starts but then emits a series of bleeps?
Small consolation but at least the system identifies that there is a problem. The series of bleeps corresponds to an error code depending on the manufacture of the BIOS, a bit like Morse code.
Make a note of the short-long bleeps and cross reference them with ether your Motherboard manual or by checking the www.bioscentral.com. You’ll need to know the make of your BIOS. This will be displayed on the top line as the PC boots.
Common faults are:
RAM not inserted correctly, not working or is missing – Please see “Troubleshooting Memory” guide.
CPU Fan not attached or undetected – Make sure you have attached the CPU fan to the CPU_FAN header or adjust the settings in the BIOS. If the fan is rotating less than the expected warning value, then you will get errors.
CPU not detected or not working. Check your BIOS recognises the CPU installed. You may need to adjust CPU speeds manually or update the BIOS software. Check the motherboard manufactures website for BIOS updates. These are frequently updated to accommodate new CPU releases.
Video card not inserted correctly or is not working. Make sure the card is inserted correctly and has the right power connections if applicable – please see “Trouble Shooting Video Cards” Guide.
The Check List
1. Check the obvious - This may seem daft but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who forget even the basics. Make sure the power cable is plugged in to the wall socket and is switched on. Swap the power lead for a known working one if you have one. Make sure the PSU is switched to an ON position
2. Power Connection - Make sure you have both the 24-pin ATX and 4pin or 8pin supplementary power supplies securely connected to the motherboard. Reseat if necessary.
3. Front Panel Connections - Check that the front panel “Power On” cable is connected to the correct front-panel header on the motherboard. If you suspect a faulty switch or cable, then you can test this by “Shorting” the two pins with a flat head screw driver. If the PC starts with the screw driver but not with the front panel cable or switch then it would appear the front panel cable/switch is faulty. Likewise, check the “Reset” connector. If this is shorting, it can cause shutdown/restart problems.
4. PSU - Assuming that the basic power connections are in place and working, your next step is to test your PSU. Read through my “How to check if your PSU is working” guide for a step-by-step guide.
5. Memory - Check for if your problem is memory related. Refer to “Trouble shooting Memory” guide.
6. Reset the CMOS. Either remove or replace the CMOS battery or set the jumper setting to “Clear”. Refer to motherboard manual.
7. BIOS - Check for BIOS Updates. Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website for latest BIOS updated. Sometimes this can resolve a number of issues. Refer to your motherboard manual for details on updating your BIOS.
8. Hard Disk Drives. Refer to “Troubleshooting Hard Drives”
9. Check for latest chipset drivers. Visit the manufacturers website for latest downloads. It is also ways recommended that chipset driver are installed before any other drivers. If you have changed motherboard to a different chipset, it’s highly recommend that you re-install windows to avoid driver confliction.
10. If you are experiencing display/video card problems, then check for latest video drivers before doing anything. Visit the manufacturers website for latest downloads. If the problem you are encountering only occurred since an update, then roll the drivers back to last know working configuration. Make sure you use DriverCleaner between uninstalling the new and old as this will clean the registry and therefore eliminate any driver corruption.
If you are still experiencing display problems still occur then checkout Troubleshooting Video Card problems
11. Check for overheating. Your system will have a built in thermal cut out should temperatures rise above a limit as specified in the BIOS or EFI. Under no circumstances change this setting. The cut out is there to protect your hardware from permanent damage. Instead check the systems idle and load temperatures. Download and install HWMonitor run whilst you have nothing running (idle). If the System and CPU temperatures are too high at idle, then there’s no room for movement when the system’s loaded with heavier applications. Check the motherboard/CPU manufactures website for guidelines and recommendations or seek advice from the forums.
If the idle temperatures look ok, then you need to be a little more aggressive in your testing and put the system under load. Use a torture test, such as PlayTool Prime95 and monitor the temperatures. If you see the temperatures rise to high and the system cuts off, then you may have hit the temperature ceiling as specified in the BIOS.
Review your systems cooling making sure there is adequate “fresh” airflow and the orientation of your fans is correct. Reset your CPU making sure you have applied the correct amount of thermal Instrument Material.
Updates:
27.07.11 - PC restarts maybe temperature related - section 11 added and updated