CHAPTER 23 PC MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

	Introduction :
	Maintaining the computer ensures better computer performance thereby increasing the performance of the system. It is recommended to clean the different computer components at regular intervals to keep the in good working conditions.
23.1 Maintaining the Hard Disk Drives
	A computer is like any other machine that requires regular maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures higher performance of the system.
	23.1.1 Scanning your disk
	Scanning your disk enables you to check a particular volume for file system errors. File system errors indicate bad sectors on the volume. In addition, scanning the disk also enables you to recover the bad sectors.
	Best practices
	1. Ensure that all the files on the volume are closed when you scan your disk. If the any files are open during the scanning operation a message is displayed prompting you to reschedule the disk checking for the next time when you restart the computer.
	Hands on exercise
	To scan your disk : 1. Open My Computer. 2. Select the drive which is to be checked for errors. 3. Select File _ Properties to open the Local Disk Properties dialog box. 4. Click the Tools tab. 5. Click the Check Now button. The Check Disk dialog box is displayed.
	Check Disk Dialog Box
	The options available in the Check Disk dialog box are : _ Automatically fix file system errors - Indicates that the operating system repairs the file-system errors found during disk checking. _ Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors - Indicates that the operating system repairs file-system errors found during disk checking, locates bad sectors, and recovers readable information. 6. Select the Automatically fix file system errors check box. 7. Click the Start button.
	23.1.2 Working with Chkdsk
	Chkdsk is a command line utility to maintain your hard disk. The Chkdsk command checks the disk for errors based on the file system, displays the status report, and attempts to repair errors. The most common errors detected by Chkdsk are lost clusters, cross-linked files, or allocation errors. It also reports memory usage and availability statistics.
	Syntax :
	chkdsk [volume :][[Path] FileName] [/f] [/v] [/r] [/x] [/i] [/c] [/l[ :size]] Where, _ volume - Indicates the drive letter or volume name. _ [Path] FileName - Indicates the location and name of a file. _ /f - Fixes errors on the specified disk. _ /v - Displays the name of each file located on the disk. _ /r - Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. _ /x - Dismounts the volume. Use with NTFS file system only. _ /i - Reduces the time needed to run chkdsk by performing a less vigorous check of index entries. Use only with NTFS. _ /c - Reduces the time needed to run chkdsk by skipping the checking of cycles within the folder structure. Use only with NTFS. _ /l[ :size]- Modifies the size of the log file. Use only with NTFS.
	Best practices
	1. To specify multiple files for chkdsk operation, use wildcard characters such as * and ?. 2. If you enter the chkdsk command without any parameters, it will check the disk for errors and display the status report. It does not fix the errors. To fix the errors use the chkdsk command with the /f parameter. 3. When you use the /f parameter, ensure that the disk is locked. If chkdsk cannot lock the drive, a message appears prompting you to check the drive the next time you restart the computer.
	Hands on exercise
	To check and fix errors on E drive : 1. Log on with administrative rights. 2. Type cmd in the Run dialog box to open the command prompt. _ Ensure that all the files located on the C drive are closed. Type chkdsk e :/f at the command prompt. After checking and fixing the errors chkdsk displays a report .
	Chkdsk Status Report for a FAT32 Disk
	Type exit at the command prompt. To check and fix errors on D drive with NTFS file system : 1. Log on with administrative rights. 2. Type cmd in the Run dialog box to open the command prompt. 3. Type chkdsk d : /f /c at the command prompt. After checking and fixing the errors the chkdsk displays the following report .
	Chkdsk Status Report for a FAT32 Disk
	4. Type exit at the command prompt.
	23.1.3 Working with Disk Cleanup Utility
	Sometimes the performance of the computer starts slowing down, your files take a longer time to open, save, or close. One of the reasons is that, there could be unused files, deleted files, or temporary Internet files on your hard drive that are no longer required and are occupying space on the hard drive. The Disk Cleanup utility enables you to determine which files are no longer required on the hard drive and delete the same. This process enables you to free space on your hard drive. Using the disk cleanup utility you can remove the following files safely from your hard drive : _ Windows temporary files _ Temporary Internet files _ Downloaded program files from the Internet _ Files and folders in Recycle Bin _ Optional Windows components that you are not using _ Installed programs that you no longer use
	Best practices
	1. Click the More Options tab on the Disk Cleanup dialog box to delete optional Windows components and Installed programs that you no longer use. 2. Click the View Files button on the Disk Cleanup dialog box to view the files before deleting
	Hands on exercise
	To delete the temporary Internet files and downloaded program files: 1. Select Start _ Programs _ Accessories. 2. Select System Tools _ Disk Cleanup. The Select Drive dialog box is displayed.
	Select Drive Dialog Box
	3. Select the C hard drive from the Drives drop-down box. 4. Click OK. The Disk Cleanup utility analyzes the selected drive to determine the amount of drive space that be cleared. The Disk Cleanup dialog box is displayed.
	Disk Cleanup Dialog Box
	The Disk Cleanup dialog box displays the various files and their corresponding file size on the hard drive. 5. Ensure that the Downloaded Program Files and Temporary Internet Files check boxes are selected. 6. OK. A message box is displayed prompting you to confirm the deletion of the selected files .
	Confirmation Message Box
	7. Click Yes.
23.2 Maintaining the I/O Devices
	Input output devices refer to the external components that are attached to the system. Input devices include keyboard, and mouse. Output devices include monitor, speakers, printers, and scanners. Just as you maintain internal components of a system, you need to maintain the external devices too. Proper maintenance of these devices not only ensures trouble free service from the devices but also enables you to increase the life of the devices. Maintaining a device involves cleaning the devices. Inefficient functioning of devices can be one of the indicators for users to clean their computer devices.
	23.2.1 Mouse
	Mouse is the one of the most handled device while working with the computer. The chances of the mouse getting dirty therefore increases to a great extent. You must clean the mouse when it does not move smoothly or if the mouse clicks do not work at the first go.
	Best practices
	1. Unplug your computer before starting to clean the mouse. 2. Unplug the mouse from the system case. 3. Use a lint free cloth to clean the mouse. 4. Use isopropyl alcohol any other suitable cleaning fluid to clean the mouse. If alcohol is unavailable, then a damp cloth will be sufficient to clean the surface of the mouse.
	Precautions
	1. Do not drop the mouse. 2. Do not pour alcohol or any other cleaning fluids directly on the mouse or mouse ball. 3. Never try to clean the mouse ball with any sharp objects.
	Hands on exercise
	To clean the mouse : 1. Turn the mouse upside down and turn the cover in the anticlockwise direction to remove the cover on the backside. _ The arrows at the bottom of the cover indicate which way the plate comes off. 2. Remove the mouse ball.
	Removing the Mouse Ball
	Plastic Plate Mouse Ball 3. Clean the mouse ball with a lint free cloth, which is dampened with small amount of alcohol. 4. You can use tweezers to remove any dirt stuck on the wheels (also called rollers) inside the mouse and then clean the inside of the mouse.
	Cleaning the Inside of Mouse
	5. Wipe off any dirt present on the cover of the mouse.
	Cleaning the Mouse Cover
	6. Place the mouse ball back in the mouse and close the mouse cover. 7. Connect the mouse cable back to the system case. 8. Plug in the computer and restart your computer to check whether the mouse is connected properly. _ Also make sure that you clean the mouse pad.
	Troubleshooting Mouse
	If the mouse is slow or erratic, clean the mouse and see if the problem is solved. If not, start the computer and perform the following steps : 1. Click Start _ Settings _ Control Panel. 2. Double-click Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box is displayed.
	Mouse Properties Dialog Box
	3. Click the Motion tab and make the required settings.
	Motion Tab
	_ Mouse Properties dialog box is of the Windows 2000 Professional operating system. The dialog box may differ with the operating system. If the mouse is not responding, then perform the above steps to clean the mouse or change the mouse settings. If you face the same problem again, then perform the following steps : 1. Unplug the mouse cable 2. Check the mouse cable is damaged or twisted 3. Restart the computer after plugging the mouse cord If problem persists, swap the mouse with another computer and check whether the mouse is working fine. If it is working fine on the other computer then the mouse port may be damaged, else the mouse may be defective.
	23.2.2 Keyboard
	Keyboard is also prone to dust and dirt. It is recommended to clean the keyboard occasionally to keep the keyboard in working condition. Keyboard keys generally get dirty because of dust and natural oils from your fingers while using it. Often food particles and office stationery such as paper pins get stuck between the keys of the keyboard. You can adopt two methods to clean the keyboard, such as basic cleaning and intensive cleaning.
	Best practices
	1. Unplug your computer before starting to clean the keyboard. 2. Unplug the keyboard from the system case. 3. Use lint free cloth to clean the keyboard. 4. Use isopropyl alcohol or any other suitable cleaning fluid to clean the keyboard. If alcohol is unavailable, then damp cloth will be sufficient to clean the surface of the keyboard. 5. You can also use cotton buds or a vacuum cleaner or flat tip screwdriver for thorough cleaning. 6. Keep a note of the positions of all the keys on the keyboard.
	Precautions
	1. Do not drop the keyboard. 2. Do not bang or pound the keyboard to remove the particles stuck between the keys of the keyboard. 3. Never try to clean the keyboard with any sharp objects.
	Hands on exercise
	To clean the keyboard (basic cleaning) : 1. Switch off the computer and unplug the keyboard from the system case. 2. Hold the keyboard upside down and gently tap the keyboard to get rid of all the dirt stuck in between the keys. _ You can also press the keys of the keyboard while holding it upside down to remove the dirt stuck between the keys. You can also use the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust or dirt particles. 3. Dip a cotton bud into the cleaning fluid and use the cotton buds to clean the sides of the keys.
	Cleaning the Keyboard
	4. Dampen the lint free cloth and clean the surface of the keyboard. 5. Connect the keyboard cable to the system case. 6. Start the computer and check whether the keyboard is functioning properly. _ Don't use the steps of intensive cleaning on laptops, or with mechanical keyboards that have a spring under each key and can be identified by a distinctive click when you press down. To clean the keyboard by removing the keys (intensive cleaning) : 1. Switch off the computer and unplug the keyboard from the system case. 2. Remove all the screws from the back of the keyboard. 3. Open up the keyboard. 4. Remove the keys of the keyboard. Do not forget to note the position of the keys that you are removing from the keyboard. 5. Clean the keyboard and the individual keys with a lint free cloth dampened with cleaning fluid. 6. Put all the keys back to the original positions. 7. Attach the screws back on the keyboard. 8. Connect the keyboard to the system case. 9. Start the computer to check that the keyboard works.
	Troubleshooting Keyboard
	Some times, computer displays keyboard error. This type of error mostly occurs when the connection or the configuration of the keyboard is faulty. Using cotton bud to clean keyboard To solve this problem : 1. Check both the ends of the connection of the keyboard to the computer. 2. Turn the keyboard over and hit gently to dislodge any dirt or hair stuck beneath the keys. 3. Check the internal connections from the keyboard port to the motherboard. Do not try to force the connection, as it can damage the motherboard. 4. Switch the keyboard with another computer and see if it works. Switch the power off when doing this. 5. Make sure that you have not pressed any key when the system is starting up. This will cause the keyboard to register an error. 6. If the keyboard still does not work, it is possible that the keyboard controller on the motherboard is faulty. In this case, you must locate the keyboard controller on the motherboard and examine it for any signs of damage. 7. If the keyboard controller is damaged, you may have to replace it or the entire motherboard. 8. If the keyboard controller looks fine, check its connection to the motherboard. The connection must not be loose. If the keys on the keyboard seem sticky, it is possible that the keyboard is dirty. If you eat or drink around the computer, you may drop substances onto the keyboard. You can clean a keyboard by blowing compressed air under the keys. This will remove any dry particles stuck underneath. It will also dry any spilt liquid. If you spill any sticky liquid on the keyboard, compressed air will not help much. In this case, the best option is to clean the keyboard using the intensive cleaning method.
	23.2.3 Monitor
	Monitor is one of the output devices. It provides the visual feedback of the processes happening with the system. It is recommended to clean the monitor so better user performance. A clean monitor enables you to see the output clearly without any strain to your eyes. The right method of cleaning the monitor depends on the type of monitor you are using.
	Best Practices
	1. Unplug your computer before starting to clean the monitor. 2. Unplug the monitor from the system case. 3. Use lint free cloth to clean the monitor. 4. Use isopropyl alcohol or any other suitable cleaning fluid to clean the monitor. 5. Turn on the system when the monitor is completely dry. 6. Do not spray the cleaning fluids directly on the screen. Instead dampen the lint free cloth and the wipe off the screen. 7. You can also use paper towels in place of the lint free cloth. Avoid using paper towels for cleaning LCD screen. 8. Use special LCD cleaning cloths to clean LCD screens. They can be an excellent investment. 9. Stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom
	Precautions
	1. Handle the monitor with care. 2. Do not jerk the monitor too hard. 3. Do not use sharp objects or scrubbers to clean the monitor screen. 4. Never open the monitor casing as it contains electric voltage and can cause a shock. 5. Keep your fingers and sharp objects away from LCD screens since they are vulnerable to damage and scratches. 6. Never use strong cleaners such as ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners, which can cause the surface to yellow and become brittle. 7. Do not use paper towels on an LCD screen as they can scratch the screen. 8. Do not pick up any old rag, as dirt particles in the rag can scratch the surface of the screen. 9. Obstructed monitor vents can cause the monitor to overheat.
	Hands on exercise
	To clean the monitor : 1. Switch off the system and unplug the main supply. 2. Unplug the monitor from the system. 3. Take a clean lint free cloth and dampen it with isopropyl alcohol. 4. Wipe off the dust from the screen of the monitor starting from the top moving to the bottom of the screen. 5. Clean the surface of the monitor with the damp cloth. Do not pour the cleaning fluid directly on the monitor. 6. Allow the monitor to dry after cleaning and only when it is completely dry connect the monitor cables to system case.
	Troubleshooting Monitors
	The display picture appears too bright or too dark when there is a problem with the brightness or contrast. 1. Adjust the brightness settings using the control on the front panel. 2. Adjust the contrast settings using the control on the front panel. 3. Switch the lights off to check that the brightness problem is not caused due to the lighting in the room. 4. Try using an antiglare screen. The display picture does not appear on the screen if the monitor is not receiving signals from the system. 1. Press a button on the keyboard or move the mouse to wake the system if it is in the standby mode. 2. Switch the monitor off and then switch it back on. 3. Increase the brightness and the contrast. 4. Press the power supply cable and the signal cable firmly in the sockets. 5. Reboot the system. 6. Use the POST of the monitor to check that the monitor is working. 7. Troubleshoot the video adapter. The monitor setting specifies the way that the picture is displayed on the monitor screen. These settings can be changed using buttons from the front panel of the monitor. 1. Check if the settings are locked. Refer to the user manual to unlock the settings. 2. Check if the settings are set at the maximum or minimum limit. The display picture appears wavy when there is some strong electrical or magnetic field disrupting the monitor. 1. Relocate devices that emit strong magnetic fields such as speakers, and mobile phones that are kept near the monitor. 2. Connect the monitor to different power supply socket. 3. Change the location of the monitor.
	23.2.4 Scanner
	A dirty scanner may cause the images to distort. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the scanner glass clean and free from any kind of dust or dirt.
	Best practices
	1. Use a vacuum cleaner to blow out any loose dust particles or pieces of paper. 2. Use antistatic cleaning cloth to clean the surface of the scanner. 3. Use any specialized optical surface cleaning fluid. If not available, you can use a mild glass cleaner also. 4. First dampen the lint free cloth with the cleaning fluid and then use the cloth to clean the scanner.
	Precautions
	1. Do not drop the scanner. 2. Make sure that the scanner is completely dry before connecting it back to the system.
	Hands on exercise
	1. Unplug the computer. 2. Unplug the scanner from the system case. 3. Clean the scanner with the lint free cloth dampened with cleaning fluid. 4. Make sure that the scanner is dry before connecting it back to the system. Your scanner may stop scanning documents and images for no apparent reason. This problem can be caused due to a variety of reasons. 1. Confirm that the power is on and the scanner is also turned on. The power indicator light must be glowing. 2. If there is no power in the scanner, swap the power cable with another one. If the scanner works, the power cable is faulty. 3. Try a test scan to ensure that there is problem with the installation or configuration of the computer. A successful test scan will also indicate that the operating system recognizes the scanner. 4. Try connecting another device to the power outlet. If that device does not work, the power outlet does not have power. 5. Ensure that the document or image to be scanned is placed face down on the glass. 6. When a scan is going on, the light nest to the on/off switch blinks. Wait till the light stops blinking before lifting the scanner lid. Try connecting the scanner to another compatible computer to see if it works. If the scanner works fine, then the problem lies with your computer. If you have a USB scanner attached to your computer, you may come across problems like nonaccessibility. This problem can arise due to a number of factors such as loose connections. 1. Check the power display on the scanner. If the scanner has a power on/off switch, turn it on. 2. If the power light does not come on, check the power cord of the scanner. Replace it with another power cord and see if the scanner is working. 3. Also, check the power outlet by connecting another device to it. 4. Check the USB port on the back of the computer to check if the cable is connected securely. 5. If you have multiple USB devices, you may need a powered USB hub for powering the devices. 6. Restart the computer and try to work with the scanner. If the scanner does not function still, contact the scanner manufacturer.
23.3 Maintaining Storage Devices
	Storage devices enable you to store and transfer data between the computer and different storage media such as floppy disks and CDs. The different devices that you use to store data include floppy drives; zip disk drives, CD drives, tape drives, and DVD drives. You must perform regular maintenance of the different storage devices to ensure that they work well. Proper maintenance will ensure trouble-free working for a long time.
	23.3.1 Maintaining Floppy Drives
	The floppy drive is the one of the oldest storage devices used by PCs. It must be handled with care to avoid data transfer problems. Floppy drives are continuously exposed to the outside atmosphere. As a result, these devices have a greater chance of getting damaged because of contamination by dust and dirt particles. Your floppy drive can be affected by usage of damaged or dirty floppy disks. Hence, you must be careful about using floppy disks that are dirty or corrupted.
	Best practice
	1. Treat the floppy disks with care and do not touch the recording surface. This will create an imprint of oil and dust on the floppy. 2. Do not leave floppy disks exposed to heat or light for a long time. 3. Do not bend a floppy disk be exerting too much pressure. 4. Avoid keeping disks near magnetic fields. Devices like air conditioners, heaters, and monitors have strong magnetic fields around them, which can damage the disk. 5. Be careful not to spill substances on a floppy disk. 6. Keep the floppy drive covered as far as possible. 7. Use the floppy drive in frequent intervals.
	Hands on exercise
	You have to use a floppy cleaning kit to clean the read write head of a floppy. The kit will comprise of a hard cleaning floppy and a cleaning solution. To clean the floppy read/write head : 1. Take the head cleaning floppy. 2. Put a couple of drops of the cleaning liquid on the head cleaning floppy disk 3. Insert the head cleaning floppy disk in the floppy drive. 4. Run the floppy disk drive by reading the head cleaning floppy from Windows Explorer.
	23.3.2 Maintaining CD-ROM Drives
	You must clean the CD-ROM drive because a dirty CD-ROM drive can cause read errors while reading a CD. These read errors could cause problems while installing software or running programs from the CD.
	Best practice
	1. Note down all the connections and positions of various parts of the CD drive on a paper.
	Hands on exercise
	To clean the CD-ROM drive : 1. Start your computer and pause it on POST. Note that you do not allow it to boot the operating system. 2. Eject the tray of the CD drive. 3. Shut down the computer and unplug the main power cords to the system and its peripherals. 4. If there is a "front plate" on the tray, remove it by pressing two notches on the bottom side and slide it upwards. 5. Slide the tray back into the drive, but keep it a little open. 6. Open the system casing. 7. Touch a blank metal part of the inner casing to equalize any static electricity. 8. While still regularly touching the metal, take off the cables from the offending CD-R/RW drive. 9. Unscrew the screws, or unlock the sliders who are holding the drive in the shaft and pull the whole drive out of the system casing. 10. Unscrew any screw which is holding the drive casing together. 11. Take off the Face plate and take apart the metal lids of the drive casing. _ You have to be a little careful while taking off the Face plate because the notches on the Face plate can easily break. 12. If there is a "bridge" above the laser lens, check how it is held into place and flip it backwards or remove it. 13. You can dip one end of a cotton bud in a CD lens cleaning liquid and place it on the laser lens that is exposed. _ Do not apply more pressure than just the feeling that you are in contact with the lens. Otherwise you will damage the lens surface and the Voice coil positioning system, resulting in a non-working unit. 14. Now turn the cotton tip in any direction as if you are fastening or loosening a screw for a few full turns. 15. Immediately, dry it with a new cotton tip or the other cotton edge in the same way, but with no liquid applied. If the verified lens appears to be dry and nicely shining again, reverse all the steps you have done so far to put the CD drive back together. 16. If completely rebuilt and reconnected, leave the system casing open and reconnect all the power cords. 17. Start your computer and boot the OS using a bootable CD to check if the drive will read a CD. 18. If OK now, you can fasten all the screws you had previously taken out and close the system.