When troubleshooting a PC, what is a good way to analyze the computer problem systematically?
Work in layers.
[A good way to consider a computer problem systematically is to work up or down layers. For example, you can start with checking the power, then the hardware components, then drivers/firmware, then software, then network, and finally user actions]
How can you check to see if you have an invalid partition or file system structure?
Type C: at the command prompt.
[If you type C: at the command prompt, and this produces the error message “Invalid media type”, the disk has no valid file system on it. If it produces the error message “Invalid drive specification”, the drive may have an invalid partition.]
Your computer shuts down every time you plug your external USB optical drive to it. After removing the optical drive, it works fine. What kind of problem could this indicate?
The PSU is underpowered.
[If disconnecting the optical drive solves the problem, the PSU is underpowered and you need to fit one with a higher power rating, or there may be a fault or overload on the peripheral device itself.]
After using an optical drive cleaning kit, what can you determine if your DVD drive is still not able to read CDs at all?
You have a hardware problem.
[Support for CD drives is built into Windows. If your CD drive is not able to read CDs at all, it is likely to be a hardware problem.]
When you bootup your brand-new computer, you hear a single short beep, but the screen is blank. You are using a “known-good” monitor that is connected properly and turned on. What could be the problem?
There is a problem with the graphics card.
[If the screen is blank on bootup but you hear a single beep, check the monitor is turned on and connected properly. Try testing the monitor with a different computer. If the monitor is OK, try replacing the graphics adapter.]
How can you troubleshoot a problem with a single host’s name resolution to a local LAN network?
Run nslookup to query the DNS server.
[If you identify or suspect a problem with name resolution, you can troubleshoot DNS with the nslookup command.]
What is the best solution if a virus has caused damage to the Master Boot Record (MBR) or the GUID (Globally Unique ID) Partition Table (GPT)?
Use the boot disk option in your anti-virus software.
[If a virus damages the Master Boot Record (MBR) or the GUID (Globally Unique ID) Partition Table (GPT), the best way to resolve it is to use the boot disk option in your AV software.]
What is true about RAID hardware configurations?
RAID hardware can be supported by the motherboard.
[A hardware solution means that creating volumes from an array of physical disks is an operation supported by a plug-in controller card or by the motherboard, independently of the installed operating system.]