How to diagnose any computer issue AKA Computer Repair 101

[DFresh892001]

Was it plugged in? Lol

[MrMac5150]

DO A UPDATE ON WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THAT

BOARD YOU WERE TROUBLESHOOTING IN THE VIDEO

[DefconComputers]

@MrMac5150 It was the motherboard

[iaagg]

No, in my humble opinion the power supply is spiking (reading a short in the circuit and shutting off) because of a short on a standoff or some other metal to board connection under the board. The fan just turning for a second and stopping is the clue you needed to pay attention to.

[Rymat23]

No offense to the person who made this video, but it was not informative at all. I have been in the IT Industry for over 10 years and I think this video was a partially helpful although it was not very practical. My next step after gathering the history that lead up to the computer not powering on, would be to check the connections as stated, but my very next thought would have been to test the power supply, then the PS, HDLED, wires. Bad motherboard issues don't usually exhibit no power symptom

[ipandrei]

Thanks for the video. It was really helpfull for a person like me who had almost no idea how TroubleShoot a PC.

[sbizkit08]

I really liked the "50%rule" that you talked about. I was just wondering if a POST card would have helped in this situation, I am sure you would know better than I would, but my thinking would be, maybe you were getting the wrong beep code for some reason? Although I beleive in this case, you assuming ESD is spot on. Thanks 4 the video. Oh yeah, if I could mention 1 thing, It does no good to argue with stupid people on here, as you know, they just drag u down and beat u with experience. :-)

[Cadmannn]

He never even took out the board to test it out of the case.DUHH

[rimtech45]

your pc is a mes mate that does not help in tying to find problems tidy it up

[basiccomputerhelp]

@theleMBeleht wow really, in my experience less than 5% of all computer problems is due to a wrong place standoff or screw, even when they transfer the case. I also read your other comments, kind of lets me know that you don't do computer work as a job, maybe as a hobby. Judging by the way you worded your other comments, if you didn't do this as a hobby, you're probably one of those computer techs and my customers don't like going to because you make them feel like they are stupid.

[MisterD1950]

Great video.Save time and start with substitute power supply.90 percent of computer problems I have experienced have been due to cheap Chinese power supplies. The $7-12 dollar varieties.

We all know there are copy cats in China.Stuff looks good but isn't. Computer stores are selling it now ! Some manufacturers put it in their cheap computers.

[x89codered89x]

THank you for sharing.



[kk75410]

kkkkkkkkkkkkkk



[bigcasey1995]

Hey what if something is broken on your motherboard. Do you replace the hole motherboard or do you fix the part that was broken?

[rediconAoC]

I got a trick for you that you might not have considered. When you narrow a short down to the Mobo/CPU and don't want to risk sacrificing another CPU, Take your current CPU out of the Mobo and wrap the CPU in a sheet of thin foam and rubber bands like they do with shipped OEM processors, Then, keeping the heatsink fan plugged in (If there are no diagnostic lights of course). It won't boot, but you can test the mobo for power by turning on the system and seeing if the processor was the culprit.

[WhoCaresFU]

Thank you for wasting my time you MF

[DefconComputers]

@WhoCaresFU Thanks for showing you have the intelligence of a rock.

[kk75410]

@WhoCaresFU ur such an awful man

[axmadnew]

It is best to understand clearly I mean thanks

[pvanberkum]

Your a tool!!! You don't know crap about diagnosing computers.

[DefconComputers]

@pvanberkum If you know so much why are you watching this video.

[basiccomputerhelp]

@pvanberkum Watching this video, and as a computer repair tech myself, He did everything right. I only have a issue with his title of the video.

[TheMoleMan95]

Sometimes I get computers that do the same thing but have no chance of ESD having of occurred is to change the CMOS battery. It's amazing how many computers wont boot with a dead CMOS battery.

[stephensoliven]

hey man! can you help me with my pc? the problem is my pc turns on but after a few minutes it will suddenly turn off by itself but the thing is the cpu fan psu and all are still turning and on? but the monitor show nothing. even if i restart it and enter the bios the video will suddenly disappear. I overclock my cpu quite some time like 4 months before this happens I even reset the cmos. but I still got the same problem plss help me thnx in advance

[Danchezify]

Methodology tips are okay. At about 6:17 poor vocabulary choices. Avoid the word, "stuff." Everything has a proper term. "It's not this stuff, it's not this stuff."

[hilltop7]

Did you try reseating the processor or check cmos clear cmos??

[Mrdubstep589]

i thought this was very helpful thank you but no offense at all your voice is boring and its hard to watch 10 minutes of a very interesting thing but hard when your voice is just so monotone

[AlwaysLearningTech]

Aup, quick question: Do you know a descent, reliable website to learn how computer hardware works? I don't really want to use Wikipedia, because it kinda confuses me most the time. Would you or anyone else recommend something? Thank and great video!

[rhythm2007mc]

Hi Can you help me out pleaes? I just reinstalled windows vista 32 sp2 and I cannot install the ethernet drives or lan drives. Reltek error comes up. The pc is basically in sleep mode that is stopping me from installing drivers. I have google it, but only suggestions are to take it apart wich I don't want 2 do. Do you know a fix. I had an idea of transfering user account from my mums laptop with same vista. Will this work, or do you know hw to get it out of sleep mode?? Cheers :)

[hakersification]

Hey man, nice video ! Can I have your e-mail ? I would like to ask some questions. Thanks!

[37474748]

I would say or check in that case standoffs. I'm betting one of them on the wrong place rather kept the board from boot or fried it. Try on table I say.

[Dave86413]

heyy

[KoyoTea]

holy shit jump it green and black

[KoyoTea]

I do alot a pc repairs I spend 5 minutes or less trouble shooting this is not for the average person unless your realy know what your doing u can make it worse too lol

the idiot fried it 

[HelmetVanga]

@KoyoTea how do u do it that fast in 5 min??? would like to hear it

[KoyoTea]

why dont us just test the dam power supply first

[09fod]

1: what did it smell like 2: what did the back of the mother bord look like was there dark patches near any of the smds ?

[DefconComputers]

@09fod A bit hard to explain what burnt electronics smell like, when it happens. It's been awhile, but I don't remember any burnt spots on this board. I think it was just a zap from the customer fiddling with it. But I have seen where the board gets burn spots, and sometimes burns the case as well. Those are easy to diagnose.

[eparada26]

lol, intuition and a calculator.. Some good explaining to the client that he will spent 300.00 to fix it and Dell has a deal for 250.00 :) Great!! video buddy..

[MRBIGGIEMAC]

first thing you do in this case is test power supply then remove the mother board screws and lift the board up put a piece of card board behind the board or remove it and place on card board on a counter and see if its ground out on the case or a bad ground caseor missed plugged the wires or connectors lol them are four of the most common problems of noobs switching cases no stabdoffs

[droghorn3]

ALWAYS MAKE SURE? ANY ELECTRICAL DEVICE IS UNPLUGGED AND

NOT GETTING ANY POWER AND/OR THE BATTERY HAS BEEN

REMOVED BEFORE YOU TRY TO REPAIR IT

[droghorn2]

Always make sure any electrical device is unplugged and

not getting any power before you try to repair it.

[droghorn2]

@droghorn2

ALWAYS MAKE SURE ANY ELECTRICAL DEVICE IS UNPLUGGED AND

NOT GETTING ANY POWER BEFORE YOU TRY TO REPAIR IT

[BassPounderX]

i wacthed this even tho im experinced in computers and yea cpu and motherboard should always be the first thing you think of based on what u know about the system already

[coolcar77]

I NEED SOME HELP!!

the only way to get my computer to boot is using this way

using a paperclip to connect the green wire on my powersuply atx 24 pin connector to a groun on the connector to get my powersuply to start how do i get my computer to start by itself

ie what is wrong with my motherboard

so what can i do no matter what i do the power button i have switched the mother bord signel has stoped working what can i do

[aschris87]

flat head screwdriver and bridge the bi@ch :)...

[3D8n52DmV37EI6oHeX]

this guy probably screw Mobo directly to the case.. w/o special stands

[DefconComputers]

@3D8n52DmV37EI6oHeX I've seen computers like that, and people ask me why their new board does'nt work.

[livinmax]

i was trying to install a new ram on my lanovo desktop and i had to make room so i unplugeg the wire that is connected to the power button and i forgot where it goes and i need help please help me please

[DefconComputers]

@livinmax There is a group of pins for the power switch, power light, and reset button. Very often the power switch leads are right beside or across from the reset button leads, so that might help you. Hard to say without seeing it.

[livinmax]

@DefconComputers can you please do a video for me plaese i don't have my computer please it deos'nt work anymore

[DefconComputers]

@livinmax Each board is different in the pin out so it might not be too helpful for you.

There should be a cluster of like 8 or 12 pins together towards one of the corners of the board.

Sometimes if you carefully read around it, it might be printed on it to identify it. Otherwise you can try the connector in one of those empty spots and try turning it on.

[bobbysam232]

sub'd :D!

[XanALaOM00]

you are probably right about the Motherboard being the problem... however... you should've still looked at the CPU to make sure Pins are stable and present.

but ya... I agree... Bad motherboard

[DefconComputers]

@XanALaOM00 Correct a bad CPU can cause a similair problem, however if your computer just up and does'nt turn on one day the CPU is likely fine with all pins intact. The motherboard was replaced in this particular system and it ran fine.

[Loshatube]

@XanALaOM00

why not check stand up screws that mobo goes on. :-)

[EpicHawk]

Thanks for the video man! Thanks for sharing!

[blissinthemix]

why dont you do a vid on the way hp clip of the pins to reset the bios 

[DefconComputers]

@blissinthemix I'll add it to my list of videos to make.

Thanks,

[KUW77]

Thank you for your time to help others.

[DefconComputers]

@KUW77 It's not problem I do it because I know how hard it is to find good information.

[icececedor1]

After loading xp I get a blue screen with an error of atidvai on it what does this mean?



[DefconComputers]

@icececedor1 Without doing any research on that, based on the "atidvai" I would suspect the graphics card drivers, or the card itself are damaged or corrupt.

Try booting up in safemode, if that works then install a new set of drivers. If not (or the drivers fail) take a look at the physical graphics card and see if you can spot any blown capacitors on the board, and try reseating the graphics card.

[316308]

@icececedor1 I got the same problem with my dell latitude c600 (laptop). it has a problem with file atidvai.. i think it is problem with my graphic card.. ati mobility. I dont know how to fix it! please help!!

[rondcruz]

Hello! I'm pleased the way you demonstrate, it's clear and easy to understand, and the topic is very interesting, Thank you and more power!

[DefconComputers]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.

[beerrunner81]

Why not just put in another power supply and see if that fixes the problem? Then move on to a different area. I did that in the past and it worked. Just a thought.

[DefconComputers]

@beerrunner81 It's best to test the power supply first, as you could go through and connect a perfectly good power supply to a bad computer and burn it out as well.

[Britec09]

Nice video maybe put a reminder about grounding issues on the video, dont think you mentioned it in video 5*****

[DefconComputers]

Thanks, I'll add a notation in somewhere about that. Hard to cover everything in that 10 min window.

[Britec09]

@DefconComputers Yeah I know its very hard to cover everything, if you get partnership you can make longer videos, I subscribed to your channel by the way, dont forget to check out my channel, all tech related vids.

[DefconComputers]

@Britec09 I subbed. I'm still waiting for YouTube to approve my application. I'm thinking about submitting it again since it's been over a month now.

[Britec09]

No dont submit again just wait, I am still waiting for mine. did you subscribe to my channel?

[flatoutguitarist617]

the same thing happened to me when i built my computer, i took me 2 days to realize that i forgot one of the screws that screws the motherboard to the case -_-

[DefconComputers]

Alot of people forget that grounding issues can cause a system not to start up as well. Sometimes people put a standoff in the case where there shoud not be one, and the computer won't even start up, it will look like a bad board, or processor issue until you take it out and re-check the mounting holes.

[MrMaleBee]

Hello sharkhead7854,

I had the same thing happen, did all the checks that I could, I even opened up the power supply to see if it was overheating (DO NOT TRY AT HOME KIDS) even sending it in 2 times, to 2 different repair places but still :( I found that the problem would happen ever 6months after total System Reboot. I figured out the store (BB) tht I bought it @loaded a "Trial Version" of Windows Vista but sold it as Full Ver and pocketed the money.

I am now running Win7 that I $4

[DefconComputers]

Are you sure they just did'nt activate that copy of windows? Sometimes you just have to punch the product key back into it and it will activate fine.

Your running Win7 now, and it runs faster anyware =)

[sharkhead7854]

*sigh* As familiar as I am with virtual computer repair, I'm stumped. My computer shuts off as if I've unplugged it while doing completely random tasks. Reformatting by disk, opening picture files, opening internet explorer, etc. it's the same things that shut it off. I've even put the hard drive in another computer, but it works fine. It's the physical and virtual computer both doing it. Any ideas? :(

[DefconComputers]

A sudden shutdown like that could be any number of things. Like MrMaleBee said, check for overheating issues, that is very common for that. Test your power supply, make sure it is well within acceptible ranges (I have a vid on doing that). Make sure the power supply is adequete for the system (Don't use a 300w PS with a system that has 4 hard drives and a nice vid card running).

[syko77]

Give us the internet and we all think we are a computer repair man lol

[DefconComputers]

I've done computer repair for about 20 years now. This process of diagnosing is the best way to pinpoint a problem, and alot of new people starting never learn this and replace parts at random.

[whiskeyify]

don't consider myself a computer expert, but worked for several years in a electronic repair shop.

when we first got started in pc repair we paid people who know the business to come and help us out, and then I started doing a lot of the repairs myself.

[syko77]

If the board is bad then why dont you use all your smarts and figure out what circuit is bad. sounds like someone is in computer repair when he shouldn't be.

[DefconComputers]

I don't bother with what part of the board is bad because it's not cost effective for me, or my customers to fix system motherboards. I identify the problem in the system and replace it to keep costs down for both me and the customer.

[syko77]

YOur wasting all your time, try another power supply first, because yoru main problem you already know has to do with no power! then rip everything off the board and start plugging them back and trying it each time.much much faster. then you know everything is plugged in right because you did it. i would never waste my time messing with other peoples builds. same with installing a car radio if they already touched it dont ask me to fix it your mess.

[DefconComputers]

I'm not sure you watched the video all the way. I mention testing of the power supply and that it was'nt the power supply alone to cause the issue. I also mention the process of narrowing down the issue, which involves the removal of add in cards.

When you run a repair shop you can be given a system that has been through all kinds of hell, and be asked to fix it. Work is work, and any good tech can work through a mess like this no problem.

[whiskeyify]

I'm sure you are a pro, but it's just that this video is a little confusing to a newbie.

You should take it one step at a time, first show what was done with the power supply, did you unplug it and try another one?

In other words show each step of the troubleshooting process.

[DefconComputers]

Well I mention doing those things. The goal of this video is the troubleshooting logic process. 1. Listening to the customer. 2. Cutting the problem is half until you pinpoint the issue 3. If one and two don't work use experience and intuition to pinpoint the cause.

I have videos on testing power supplies, and all that good stuff, which I mention as well.

[DefconComputers]

I added a comment to make it clear that this is for the logistical process of diagnosing.

[whiskeyify]

really it's not hard, you have only a few things that you can replace.

a power supply, memory, processor or motherboard, much easier than troubleshooting a dead tv which has a lot more components.

[whiskeyify]

I would start with the power supply, I use a power supply tester you can get them for $15 or so.

Or just pull the power supply and take it to a shop and ask them to do it.

I would then remove all cards, unplug hard drives etc and see if you can boot up to the bios screen. I've seen the power switch break on E-machines but usually you can feel it's broken when broken when you press it.

[DefconComputers]

I basically describe that same process here. I believe I did mention that I tested the power supply, and even tried a new power supply in the system. The board was bad, and I replaced the power supply as well due to the voltages I got from it when power was initially applied as a precaution.

[BuckeyeSparky]

I hate working on pcs when people have there cords all over the place.

[dellson21]

thanks man this helped lots :P 5/5

[DefconComputers]

Glad it could be of help