Hardware Repair: Computer Hardware Troubleshooting Tips and Tools

The computer hardware includes devices such as the mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner, etc. All are machines, and can at some or the other time fail to function. However, you can perform some basic computer troubleshooting tips to make them functional. If they don't seem to work with the troubleshooting tools, you need to send them for hardware repair. Let's discuss some of the computer troubleshooting tips that can generally be used.


Monitor
If the monitor is not working, using the computer is useless as you can't view what you are doing. If it's not displaying the content, the first thing you need to do is to ensure that it has been turned on by pressing the on/off button. The next thing you have to do is to check if the cable which connects the computer monitor and the CPU is connected properly. If not, connect it in a proper manner, or remove and plug it in again. Also make sure that the cord which is used to power the monitor is plugged in the UPS the right way. If this doesn't function the monitor, you need to check both the cables turn by turn on a different monitor which is in working condition. If the other monitor doesn't work with any one of the cords, that cable needs to be replaced. If the other monitor works with both cords, there is possibly a problem in your monitor. If you are unsuccessful in starting your monitor, you may turn off the PC, restart it in few minutes, and then check whether the monitor is working or not. When all efforts fail, a professional technician should be consulted.

Keyboard
The keyboard is also an important part of the computer, without which you are unable to perform several PC tasks. The keyboard should be kept away from dust for its proper functioning. If it doesn't work, you first need to check its connection with the CPU. If the connection is fine, and still it's nonfunctional, simply try to connect it to another PS/2 socket, or USB port (in case of a USB keyboard). In case of wireless keyboards, special drivers are needed to be installed in the computer for proper functioning. Ensure that such drivers are installed. Also make a point to check whether the drivers are updated. Hold the keyboard in an inverted manner and remove the dust or debris which is hampering the proper working of a key or a set of keys. You can also remove dust with the help of a vacuum cleaner or an air compressor.

Mouse
If the cursor on the screen is not moving in a smooth manner, you need to check for dust or any residue on the trackball rollers which enable the computer to accurately identify the movement of the mouse. Remove the rear mouse cover which will let the ball come out, clean the trackball if needed, remove the dust or residue, put the ball in again, and finally put the cover back. Check whether this works. If the cursor doesn't move at all, check whether the mouse is correctly connected to the CPU. If it's a USB mouse, try to use a different USB port. There can also be possibilities of a virus, if the mouse pointer doesn't work in an acceptable manner. Run an anti-virus software and delete the virus as soon as possible. Also check if the mouse drivers are corrupted, if yes, reinstall them.

Printer
If the printer doesn't work, there is a possibility of a paper jam which normally occurs if the papers are not placed in the tray in a right manner. In case of bigger printers, you may need to open various printer parts to get to the place where there is a paper jam. This exclusively has to be done by a professional printer technician. Don't use tools to remove the paper jam as some components may get damaged during the process. If the printer doesn't turn on, the power cord may be loose, and needs to be plugged in properly. The cord which connects the printer to the computer also needs to be checked.

These are some of the very common computer hardware troubleshooting steps which can be followed before taking the PC to a professional hardware repair shop.