This document discusses preventative maintenance and safety precautions for computer hardware. It covers topics like preventative maintenance tasks, cleaning internal components, inspecting components, and troubleshooting processes. It also addresses potential hardware hazards, electrostatic discharge precautions, and establishing a safe work environment and procedures for tool use. The overall goal is to provide guidance on properly maintaining computer equipment to prevent issues, ensure technician safety, and establish structured repair processes.

1. Chapter Two
Hardware Maintenance and Safety
Precautions

2. 2.1. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance is a regular and systematic
inspection, cleaning, and replacement of damaged parts,
materials, and systems.
• Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to locating the
cause of a fault in a computer system.
• Troubleshooting is a learned skill.
• Not all troubleshooting processes are the same, and technicians
tend to refine their own troubleshooting skills based on
knowledge and personal experience.

3. The Purpose of Preventive Maintenance
• Reduce the possibility of hardware or software
problems by implementing a preventive
Maintenance Plan based on at least two factors:
• Computer location
• Computer use
• Benefits of Preventive Maintenance are:
• Reduced computer down time and repair costs.
• Increased data protection.
• Extended life of the components.
• Increased equipment stability.
• Preventive Maintenance can be divided into:
• Hardware maintenance
• Software maintenance

4. Preventive Maintenance Tasks
• Hardware Maintenance
• Check the condition of cables, components, and peripherals.
• Repair or replace any components that show signs of excess
wear.
• Keep components clean to reduce the likelihood of overheating.
• Software Maintenance
• Verify current version.
• Review security, software, and driver updates.
• Update virus definition files.
• Scan for viruses and spyware.
• Remove unwanted programs.
• Scan hard drives for errors.
• Defragment hard drives.

5. Clean the Case and Internal Components
• An important part of hardware preventive
maintenance is to keep the computer case and
internal components clean.
• The amount of dust and other airborne
particles in the environment and the habits of
the user determine how often to clean the
computer components.
• Regularly cleaned or replaced air filters in the
building in which the computer is used will
significantly reduce the amount of dust in the
air.

6. Clean ….
• When dust accumulates inside the computer, it
prevents the flow of air and reduces the cooling of
components.
• Several components are important to keep clean:
– Heat sink and fan assembly
– RAM
– Adapter cards
– Motherboard
– Fans
– Power supply
– Internal drives

7. Clean ….
• To remove dust from the inside of a computer, use
a combination of :
– Liquid Cleaning Compounds
– Clean or Soapy Water and a Damp Cloth
– Denatured Alcohol
– Glass Cleaner
– Fabric Softener
– Cleaning Contacts and Connectors
– Erasers
– Non-Static Vacuums
– Compressed Air
– Lint-Free Cloths

8. Clean ….
• Regular cleaning also gives you a chance to inspect
components for loose screws and connectors.
• Look for things that might cause a problem later and
correct them, such as the following:
– Missing expansion slot covers that let dust, dirt, or living
pests into the computer
– Loose or missing screws that secure adapter cards
– Missing cables
– Loose or tangled cables that can pull free from the case
• If you use a cleaning product, do not spray it directly on
the case. Instead, put a small amount onto a cleaning
cloth or a duster and wipe the outside of the case.
• When cleaning the LCD display screen of a laptop, do
not use glass cleaner at all. You will melt the screen!

9. Inspect Internal Components
• The best method of keeping a computer in good
condition is to examine the computer on a regular
schedule.
• This is a basic checklist of components to inspect.
– CPU heat sink and fan assembly
– RAM connections
– Storage devices
– Adapter cards
– Screws
– Cables
– Power devices
– Keyboard and mouse

10. The Troubleshooting Process
• Follow an organized and
logical procedure.
• Eliminate variables one at a
time.
• Troubleshooting is a skill
that is refined over time.
• The first and last steps
involve effectively
communicating with the
customer.
Step Troubleshooting Process
1 Identify the Problem
2 Establish a Theory of Probable
Cause
3 Test the Theory to Determine
Cause
4 Establish a Plan of Action to
Resolve the Problem and
Implement the Solution
5 Verify Full System Functionality
and, if Applicable, Implement
Preventive Measures
6 Document Findings, Actions, and
Outcomes

11. Data Protection
• Before troubleshooting problems, always follow
the necessary precautions to protect data on a
computer.
• If unsure that a backup has been done, do not
attempt any troubleshooting activities until the
following are verified:
• Date of the last backup
• Contents of the backup
• Data integrity of the backup
• Availability of all backup media for data restore
• If no backup can be created, ask customer to sign
a release form.

12. Troubleshooting Process Steps
• During the troubleshooting
process, gather as much
information from the customer
as possible, but always be
respectful.
• Use the following strategy
during this step:
1. Start by using open-ended questions to
obtain general information.
2. Continue using closed-ended (yes/no)
questions to get relevant information.
3. Document the responses in the work
order and in the repair journal.
4. Verify the customer’s description by
gathering data from the computer
using applications such as:
• Event Viewer
• Device Manager
• Beep Codes
• BIOS Information
• Diagnostic Tools

13. Troubleshooting Steps …..
Step 2 - Establish a theory of probable cause
• Create a list of the most common reasons why the error would occur.
• Start with the easiest or most obvious causes at the top.
– Device is powered off
– Surge protector is turned off
– Power switch for an outlet is turned off
– Loose external cable connections
– Non-bootable disk in floppy drive
– Incorrect boot order in BIOS
Step 3 – Test the Theory to Determine cause
• Determine the exact cause by testing the theories of probable cause one at a
time, starting with the quickest and easiest.
• After identifying an exact cause of the problem, determine the steps to
resolve the problem.
• If the exact cause of the problem has not been determined after all theories
have been tested, establish a new theory of probable causes and test it.

14. Troubleshooting Steps …..
Step 4 – Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the
Problem and Implement the solution
• After the exact cause of the problem is
determined, establish a plan of action to resolve
the problem and implement the solution.
• Sometimes quick procedures can determine the
exact cause of the problem or even correct the
problem.
• If a quick procedure does not correct the problem,
further research is needed to establish the exact
cause.
• Divide larger problems into smaller problems that
can be analyzed and solved individually.

15. Troubleshooting Steps …..
Step 5 – Verify Full System Functionality and,
If Applicable, Implement Preventive
Measures
• Verify full system functionality and implement any
preventive measures if needed.
• Ensure that you have not created another problem while
repairing the computer.

16. Troubleshooting Steps …..
Step 6 – Document Findings, Actions, and
Outcomes
• Discuss the solution with the customer
• Have the customer confirm that the problem has been solved.
• Document the process:
• Problem description
• Steps to resolve the problem
• Components used in the repair

17. PC Common Problems and Solutions
• Storage device problems - loose or incorrect
cable connections, incorrect drive and media
formats, and incorrect jumper and BIOS settings.
• Motherboard and internal component
problems -incorrect or loose cables, failed
components, incorrect drivers, and corrupted
updates.
• Power supply problems - faulty power supply,
loose connections, and inadequate wattage.
• CPU and memory problems - faulty
installations, incorrect BIOS settings, inadequate
cooling and ventilation, and compatibility issues.

18. 2.2. Component Protection and Storage
• You need to protect Your computing
environment from any kind of power surge, or
power sags, as either of these events can cause
severe damage to your system.
• Many things outside the control of normal
folks cause sags and surges, such as electrical
brownouts and blackouts, spikes on the
electrical grid, lightning, and electromagnetic
interference.

19. Characteristics of a Safe Workplace
• Clean, organized, and properly lit workspace
• Proper procedures for handling equipment
• Proper disposal or recycling of components
containing hazardous materials
• Safety guidelines
– Most companies require reporting any injuries,
including description of safety procedures not
followed.
– Damage to equipment may result in claims for
damages from the customer.
– Types of safety guidelines: General, Electrical, Fire

20. Types of Interference
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• Buildup of an electric charge resting on a surface
• 30 volts of static electricity can damage a computer component.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
• Intrusion of outside electromagnetic signals in a transmission media, such
as copper cabling
• Sources can be: Man-made, natural events, climate or any source designed
to generate electromagnetic energy.
• Power Fluctuation
• Voltage in a computer that is not accurate or steady
• Blackouts, brownouts, noise, spikes, power surges
• Power Protection Devices
• Surge suppressor
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Standby Uninterruptible Power Supply (SUPS)
• Online Uninterruptible Power Supply (OUPS)
• Standby Power Supply (SPS)

21. Power Fluctuation
• The following types of AC power fluctuations can
cause data loss or hardware failure:
– Blackout - Complete loss of AC power
– Brownout - Reduced voltage level of AC power that
lasts for a period of time
– Noise - Electrical interference from generators and
lightning
– Spike - Sudden increase in voltage that lasts for a very
short period and exceeds 100% of the normal voltage
on a line
– Power surge - Dramatic increase in voltage above the
normal flow of electrical current

22. Power Protection Devices
• To help shield against power fluctuation issues, use power
protection devices to protect the data and computer
equipment:
– A surge suppressor helps protect against damage from surges
and spikes.
– A surge suppressor diverts extra electrical voltage on the line to
the ground.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) helps protect against
potential electrical power problems by supplying electrical
power to a computer or other device.
– Standby Uninterruptible Power Supply (SUPS)
– Online Uninterruptible Power Supply (OUPS)
• Standby Power Supply (SPS) helps protect against
potential electrical power problems by providing a backup
battery to supply power when the incoming voltage drops
below the normal level

23. 2.3 Potential Hazards and Proper Safety Procedures
• While power issues can cause damage to your
PC
– many hazards can injure the technician, such as
high-voltage shocks or electrical fires.
• You need to make yourself aware of these
hazards and of ways to prevent them from
occurring.

24. High-Voltage Equipment
• The capacitors in PC
– power supplies,
– monitors, and
– laser printers carry very high voltages that can
easily cause severe bodily injuries.
• In most cases high-voltage equipment usually
marked by a bright yellow warning sticker
• Whenever you work with a piece of high-voltage
equipment, always make sure
– the device is unplugged and
– you have removed your anti-static wrist strap

25. Power Supplies
• Whenever you work on your computer, you need to make
sure it is unplugged.
• When it comes to power supplies, though, even unplugging
them does not make them safe to fix.
• It is extremely risky even to open the case of a Power
supply, because the capacitors can hold a serious charge
even when the power supply is unplugged.
• If you must work on a power supply, make sure you remove
your anti-static wrist strap and discharge the capacitors on
the power supply.
• A little static electricity won't bother a power supply at all,
but the metal resistor in the strap can attract voltage (or,
more importantly, current (amperage)) and
• lead to bad things-massive jolts through your body can kill,
so be careful!

26. Monitor
• Never open a monitor unless you know exactly
what you are trying to accomplish.
• The capacitors in a typical PC monitor also
carry extremely high voltages even when
unplugged.
• never wear your anti-static wrist strap when
working on a CRT to avoid the possibility of
the voltages being transferred to your body
front the CRT

27. Fire
• Most of us will never experience a PC fire, but we may
experience an electrical fire in our homes.
• It is important that you realize that just as smoke can
harm you, it can also harm your PC and its components.
• If you do experience a computer fire, or any electrical
fire for that matter, never, ever throw water on it,
• because throwing water on an electrical fire can cause
the electrical current to travel up the water and straight
into you!
• Instead, if you experience an electrical fire, make sure
you use a type C or a type ABC fire extinguisher

28. 2.4. Electrostatic Discharge Precautions and Procedures
• Dust and ESD are the two main enemies of
your computer.
• To maintain your computer and to prolong the
life of components, you need to know about
– the effects of ESD and
– how to protect your computer from those effects.

29. ESD …
• How ESD Is Apparent or Hidden
• A prime example of ESD, or electrostatic
discharge,
– is the small shock you receive when you walk across a
carpeted floor and then touch an object or a person.
• The electrical discharge doesn't do you any lasting
damage, but such a seemingly harmless shock
will destroy computer components
• In fact, even discharges well below the level that
you can feel will still damage or destroy PC
components-and you won't even know!

30. ESD …
• Hidden ESD
• A real concern, and another good reason to clean
your computer regularly is that
– the dust buildup on PC components can cause an
electrical charge that you probably will not be aware of
at the time.
• In most cases, you will not even be aware that
– a problem exists until a component begins to behave
intermittently, and
– by that point it will be extremely difficult or
impossible to pinpoint the original source of the
problem.

31. ESD …
• Catastrophic ESD
• causes a computer component to fail
immediately.
• When it occurs, it will be obvious,
– To remove the component and replace it with a
new one, and
– it most likely will not affect any other components

32. ESD …
• Common ESD Protection Devices
• Many devices are available that can help to
protect your system from the effects of ESD
– anti-static wrist and ankle straps
– anti-static mats,
– anti-static floor mats,
– anti-static bags, and
– anti-static sprays.

33. 2.5. Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use
The workplace should have safety guidelines to
follow to:
– Protect people from injury
– Protect equipment from damage
– Protect the environment from contamination

34. Characteristics of a Safe Workplace
• Clean, organized, and properly lit
workspace
• Proper procedures for handling equipment
• Proper disposal or recycling of components
containing hazardous materials
• Safety guidelines
• Most companies require reporting any injuries, including
description of safety procedures not followed.
• Damage to equipment may result in claims for damages
from the customer.
• Types of safety guidelines: General, Electrical, Fire

35. Procedures to Protect the Environment
• Computers and peripherals contain materials
that can be harmful to the environment.
• Protect the environment by responsibly disposing
and recycling:
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Fact sheet
summarizing information about material identification,
including hazardous ingredients that can affect
personal health, fire hazards, and first aid
requirements.
• Proper Disposal: Comply with policies that specify
the procedures for disposing different materials such as
batteries, monitors and used printer kits.

36. Tools for the job
Skilled use of tools and software makes the
job less difficult and ensures that tasks
are performed properly and safely.
• Hardware Tools
• ESD Tools
• include antistatic wrist strap and antistatic mat
• Hand Tools
• include various screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, hex drivers, wire
cutters, tweezers, part retriever, and flashlight
• Cleaning Tools
• include soft cloth, compressed air can, cable ties, and parts organizer
• Diagnostic Tools
• include Digital multimeter, loopback adapter, Toner Probe and POST
card
Hardware Tools

37. Software Tools
Disk Management Tools
• FDISK
• Format
• Scandisk or CHKDSK
• Defrag
• Disk Cleanup
• Disk Management
• System File Checker (SFC)
Protection Software
Tools
• Windows 7 Security Center
• Antivirus program
• Antispyware program
• Window 7 Firewall program
Organizational Tools
•Notes
•Journal
• History of repairs
• Internet Reference

38. Proper Tool Use
Safety in the workplace is everyone's
responsibility.
Before cleaning or repairing equipment,
check to make sure that tools are in good
condition.
• Proper use of an antistatic wrist strap can prevent ESD
damage to computer components.
• CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are
repairing a monitor or CRT.
• Proper use of an antistatic mat transfers static electricity
away from equipment to a grounding point.
• Proper use of hand tools.
• Proper Use of Cleaning Materials.
• CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the
device from the power source.

39. 2.6. Assembly/Disassembling a Computer
Assembly/Disassembling a Computer