What are some of the advanced hardware troubleshooting techniques that you use for complex or rare issues?
Hardware troubleshooting can be challenging, especially when you encounter complex or rare issues that are not easily solved by the usual methods. Sometimes, you need to apply some advanced techniques that can help you diagnose and resolve the problem more effectively. In this article, we will share some of these techniques that you can use for different types of hardware issues, such as power, memory, storage, and network.
A multimeter is a handy tool that can measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity in electrical circuits. You can use it to test the power supply, the battery, the motherboard, and other components that rely on electricity. For example, you can check if the power supply is delivering the correct voltage to the motherboard, or if the battery is holding enough charge. You can also use it to detect short circuits, loose connections, or faulty wires that can cause power issues.
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A multimeter is definitely a handy tool to keep around when troubleshooting electrics but please be sure to understand the risks of opening electronic devices. Components such as power supplies contain capacitors inside that even when powered off can hold an electrical charge which can shock and cause physical harm. Furthermore, one should understand the sensitive nature of some electronics such as around a processor sockets as a static shock or bent pin can cause further irreversible damage. When used properly, a multimeter can be an valuable tool for troubleshooting.
A bootable diagnostic tool is a software that can run independently from the operating system and perform various tests on the hardware. You can use it to check the memory, the storage, the CPU, the GPU, and other components for errors, performance, and compatibility. For example, you can use MemTest86 to test the RAM for defects, or CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of the hard drive. You can also use it to access the BIOS or UEFI settings, which can help you troubleshoot boot issues.
A network analyzer is a software that can capture and analyze the traffic that flows through a network. You can use it to troubleshoot network issues, such as slow speed, packet loss, latency, or security. For example, you can use Wireshark to monitor the network activity of your device, or PingPlotter to trace the route and the response time of a network request. You can also use it to identify the source and the destination of the network traffic, which can help you isolate the problem.
A logic probe is a device that can measure the logic level of a digital signal in a circuit. You can use it to troubleshoot logic issues, such as incorrect output, faulty logic gates, or corrupted data. For example, you can use it to verify if the output of a logic gate matches the expected result, or if the data transferred between two components is accurate. You can also use it to compare the logic level of a signal with a reference voltage, which can help you determine if the signal is high or low.
A thermal camera is a device that can detect and display the temperature of an object using infrared radiation. You can use it to troubleshoot thermal issues, such as overheating, cooling, or ventilation. For example, you can use it to locate the hot spots on the motherboard, the CPU, the GPU, or other components that generate heat. You can also use it to check the efficiency of the cooling system, such as the fans, the heatsinks, or the liquid cooling.
A documentation system is a method that can help you record and organize the information related to the hardware troubleshooting process. You can use it to troubleshoot communication and customer service issues, such as unclear instructions, missing details, or inconsistent feedback. For example, you can use it to document the symptoms, the causes, the solutions, and the results of the hardware issue. You can also use it to communicate with the customer, the vendor, or the support team more effectively.
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I have found that a Knowledge Article Database within your ticketing system can assist in troubleshooting issues that had been previously documented. This means that it is imperative to document and note as much as possible while fixing issues because when future techs search out a keyword that relates to a problem you solved, the phrase “Fixed the issue” does not help anyone. It helps to use common phrases that customers and other techs are using instead of technical jargon. Today I searched the word “bowtie” instead of the technical name and received over 300 results that allowed me to find the best solution for an issue that I was dealing with.
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First thing I recommend is just the analyst's base approach to whatever it is being analyzed for fault. That they remember the basics, don't trust just one pair of eyes on the logs, it's all just logic puzzles. I learned to troubleshoot in the Air Force. It all comes down to knowing what the general expectations of a thing are, what it needs to function, and what it's not doing or doing too much of. This seems like laughable advice. I cannot count the number of times that someone troubleshooting before I get it, had not checked the basics. Thus finding the issue to be elusive. For jets, you just need heat, fuel, air, and spark. Everything depends on those things happening. Then it is simply a matter of looking at each piece.
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