List of Hardware Problems and Fixes
Last modified by Patrick Masson on 2023/02/17 01:52
Possible Hardware Problems
Diagnostic strategies:
Three of the PC models we have worked with so far have had various ways to diagnose errors encountered during their Power On Self-Test, or POST.
- HP Compaq - Red LED that flashes 1-5 times with an accompanying beeping tone, errors diagnosed here.
- Dell Dimension - 4 LEDs on the back with A B C D labels that either light up green, amber, or not at all; error codes listed here
- Dell OptiPlex - 4 LED numbers visible near audio input/output jacks; error codes listed here
Hard Drives:
- The "clicking of death" - Hard drive problem where the hard drive makes a distinct clicking or scraping noise telling that the hard drive is most likely damaged beyond repair. https://acsdata.com/hard-drive-click-of-death/
- Hard drive failure warning - the HP BIOS gave a warning that the hard drive was in danger of failing and should be backed up; no known remedy, symptom of old hard drives
RAM:
- Dell Dimension 2400 - was told via light up LEDs that one of the RAM modules wasn't functioning. Removing it solved the error.
Motherboard/Power Unit: Dell Dimension 2400- unlisted LED code implies that either the motherboard or power unit is malfunctioning
Bios:
- Administrator password blocks Bios changes - either remove the battery or the CMOS jumper (should say CLRPWD or CLEAR or PASSWORD next to it on the motherboard)