Basic Computer Troubleshooting

If you turn on a PC and the boot-up process halts, giving you the message: "Non-System disk or disk error....Replace and press any key when ready", the problem is likely:

• A non-bootable floppy disk is in the floppy-disk drive and you should remove it

• The hard-drive has failed and you should replace it

• RAM has failed and you should replace it

• A key on the keyboard is stuck and the keyboard should be replaced

If you turn on a PC and the system unit is clearly ON, but the monitor is dark, the problem could be that:

• The monitor is not turned ON

• The monitor is not plugged in

• The monitor is not connected to the PC

• Any or all of the above

If a PC freezes or behaves otherwise erratically, and the system unit is very quiet, the most likely cause is:

• A virus has infected the system

• The hard-drive is almost out of space

• The CMOS RAM is failing

• The power-supply fan has failed and the system is overheating

What should you do if you receive the following message:

Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application...zyvxd.386

Press any key to continue?

• Power the machine OFF, then ON to resync the kernel

• Replace the hard drive

• Start Windows and run Scandisk to reload the missing file(s)

• Press any key to continue loading Windows and, then, either reload the missing file or remove the line in SYSTEM.INI that loads it

What is a GPF?

• A hard drive with insufficient available space

• Part of the Microsoft General Procedures For Windows operating systems

• A Windows General Protection Fault

• All of the above

The physical part of the PC that keeps track of the hardware resources on the system is the:

• ROM BIOS Chip

• CMOS RAM

• Hard Drive

• Power Supply

For ALL PC generations beyond the first, when most PCs are powered OFF, the clock and calendar in the system:

• Continue to function because they are powered by an on-board battery

• Continue to function because they are powered by wind-up spring like a wristwatch

• Cease to function and must be reset after re-boot

• None of the above

What's likely to happen when Windows' System Resources drop below 60%?

• Intel Pentium CPU chips run more efficiently

• Anti-viral applications can safely scan system files

• The system will crash

• The system will overheat

If a user wants to add another adapter card into a PC, the first concern would be:

• Is the card a "Plug-and-Play" card?

• Would there be enough hard-drive space for the driver-software for the card?

• Would the power supply be able to provide enough power for the card?

• Is there a vacant slot available for the card?

Which Windows file loads applications that run when Windows opens?

• AUTOEXEC.BAT

• WIN.INI

• SYSTEM.INI

• Either A or C above