.::IT World Zone::. Blog

How To Troubleshoot Windows Vista

Windows Vista is the new addition to operating system family of Microsoft. As the new operating system has very enhanced and rich features yet it possess some flaws or drawbacks in it. The windows vista has several drawbacks and to troubleshoot those drawbacks and errors following are some tips. These tips will help to overcome the problems faced by the windows Vista users.

Problem One

If windows Vista is slower on your PC on hangs up it is due to the memory problem. Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements as required by Windows Vista. It is recommended that you use 1 GB of Ram but is can be installed on 512 MB of RAM. The second thing is that it will not work on normal processors. You must have a decent processor Dual Core and at least 120 GB of the free space on your hard disk.

Problem Two

If some software or hardware while installation process in windows Vista then use the building utility “Vista analytical tool”
It is installed by default and run automatically during the installation process. If some software has conflicts then don’t install that software it will damage to other data as well. Whenever any software conflicts, or incompatible with windows Vista, check it with analytical tool.

Problem Three

If your Windows Vista is creating a problem after inserting new hardware equipment immediately remove that hardware and see the hardware manual for its configuration and refer to the windows Vista manual to check the compatibility issue.

Problem Four

If you face problems while playing games on windows Vista then check that the required version of direct X version is installed which is compatible with windows Vista. If it is not there then install the new version of direct X. This might solve the problem. If the problem continues, check that you must have installed the graphic card which is compatible with windows Vista.

Problem Five

Call technical support for either the software or hardware that’s causing the problem, or call Microsoft technical support. You can often get pretty good technical support online through their websites.

Problem Six

If you are unable to install and use the Aero even you have the right edition of windows Vista then follow the steps. Following is the minimum requirement for running Aero on windows Vista:

• 1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 128-megabyte (MB) graphics card
• 1 gigabyte (GB) of
• Direct X version 9
• 64 MB of graphics memory to support
• 128 MB of graphics memory to support

How To Troubleshoot A Cisco Router

FACT GATHERING

While troubleshooting a Cisco router you must some of the prerequisite that
are very necessary while troubleshooting process. A Cisco router has very
complex and sophisticated structure and implementation. So before you start
troubleshooting you must study some the key points described below:

• First thing is to make sure that problem lies with the
  router and nature of the problem. Either the problem is on layer 3 protocol or
  it is a process error. Basically a router operates on layer 3 of the OSI
  model. This is a bit confusing when it comes to Arp (Address Resolution
  Protocol) that will cause you many problems on networks if you do not
  understand the infrastructure. Actually ARP works on Layer 2 and resolves the
  MAC address and routing issues.
• Check carefully that whether the problem lies in DNS or
  switch or firewall is a major cause of the problem.
• Check the entire access pint to ensure that they are not
  out of order.
• Spend more time on correct investigation. It will helps
  you in solving the problem efficiently.

Start to Troubleshoot the CISCO Router

Following is the sample topology and now it will helps us for the realization
of the problem.

If some part or segment of the network gets off at router A and D then see if
you could reach the paths or not. The network might get slow because router C
faces the problem and the path or links are to re converge and hence it will
lower the network speed.

Another reason of the slow down is the 56 K link. Check by sending a ping
command to both directions. You can also use remote access to manage workstation
1 of router D’s network.

You can use various tools like Tracert on Windows and for Linux it is Netware
to test in both directions. Check that you must see the path from router A and
from router D.

If you want to ping just go to the Command Prompt and make a Ping from your
local computer to some place away from last router i.e. router D. Now ping the
host such with ip 10.1.4.10.

Routing Table Problems

To show the routing table on windows environment uses the command ROUTE
PRINT. It will verify whether routing is enabled or disabled. Following figure
shows the routing table:

You can clear the routing table as ROUTE DELETE to remove one and force the
routers to relearn the addresses. This is why sometimes rebooting the routers
solve the problem. Another method is to clear the logs stored at the router to
refresh the settings.

Routing table problems include the following.

• Inactive routes
• Unneeded routes
• Black hole routes
• Flapping links Invalid route tables
• Invalid ARP cache causing incorrect IP assignment
• Problems with administrative distance or any other
  settings

How To Troubleshoot A Processor

INTRODUCTION

CPU is the abbreviation of Central Processing System. CPU is sometimes termed as processor. One thing you will be clear in your mind that once a processor is damaged it can not be repaired. To avoid the processor from being burnt or damaged always place a fan on the CPU.

SYMTOMS

First of all you have to find out that what are the symptoms of a dying CPU? A list of classic symptoms is given below that can also be more than just the CPU in some cases.

• Your System does not boot
• System boots but no operating system
• Crashes during startup or during operation
• Errors indicating the problem
• After the minute operation the system lock ups

SOLUTION

If you are facing the above mentioned symptoms then first of all you have to check power supply for lose cables and connections. Be careful and at first step unplug all the switches from the UPS. Just for checking boot up system and see if all runs well this time or not. If not then it is confirmed that there is no UPS and Surge protector problems. But the factor of power supply still lies there. There are many other factors that are yet to be considered.
If the problem is yet there try using the following steps:

1. Unplug the main power to computer.
2. Release cover by unscrewing.
3. Pull off he casing gently be sure no wires should get turned in between.
4. In the system off condition check for extraordinary symptoms like burning or smell.
5. Rid yourself of static electricity by touching the supply.
6. Check for heat sink, CPU as well as FAN that they are working properly.
7. Carefully check that heat sink should not be loose. Ensure that there must not be a seal between the heat sink and fan?
8. Check the CPU in socket by removing the heat sink. ZIP socket must be in locked position. If all things are well put the fan back at the original place.
9. Check that RAM is properly inserted in the RAM slot and it is not disturbing the processor’s operation.
10. Ensure that CPU fan is running properly. Check for noise from the fan. If any noise comes, stop the fan immediately and replace it
11. If the problem continues with the CPU then just check the BIOS setting. The setting should be according the CPU support.
12. Check for the Jumpers and ensure that jumpers are not a hindrance in the CPU’s working.

TROUBLESHOOTING A CRT MONITOR

Some times when your monitor goes bad your immediate thought is to replace that monitor. If you are a bit moderate you try to repair it with a vendor. But before referring to the technician you can have a few tips that might help you fix the problem yourself. First of all make sure you don’t touch the circuit physically as a lethal charge will remain in the monitor for a good amount of time. This is stored in the capacitor. This makes cause you a serious shock. First try to fix it externally
Most of the time the problem lies in the cabling or interference from other devices.

The interference in the monitor’s performance is usually caused by the

• Cabling over length
• Interference From speakers, fans, and telephones
• Uneven Electrical Currents
• Bad connection through cabling

Electric current causes a real damage to whole computer and especially the monitor. Check the surge connector and the power connector of the monitor first. If you conclude that surge connector is causing the problem just plug in the monitor separately. Now in many offices that share same circuit for various devices you can run into some real problems with your monitor. Find a power source for your monitor which is less crowded.

The circuit of the monitor works on a higher voltage than the other computer peripherals do. So a slight drift of the electric current might cause the malfunctioning of the monitor so check for voltages supplied to the monitor.

Other Symptoms
Interference might be the other funny problem that is causing the device to work malfunction. The interference is normally due to fans, speakers, or anything that produces electromagnetic fields around the monitor. Remove or replace the device that is causing the problem.
Another way to avoid the interference is that just remove the monitor from the area where interference is occurring.

More Symptoms

Cable to the monitor might be bad. Try by changing the cable. There should not be any bend or twist in the monitor cable. These cables not only have electromagnetic interference, but also distort the other signals by the monitor too. This usually happens when shielding on the cable is disturbed.
Extra length of the monitor’s cable might cause the problem. It is recommended that cable for a monitor is less than 5′ long and should stay at that. The longer will be the cable the weaker will the signal. Make sure that it is shielded if you do have a cable extender.

How To Troubleshoot A Lan Card

1. If a widows reports for an error after double clicking the network neighborhood icon try to solve it by following steps:
   • Ensure that you are using the correct prescribed set of drivers and software for that LAN card.
   • Ensure that protocols must be bounded and driver is loaded. Check the properties list of the devices to check which of them are marked with an “X” or “!” symbol indicating the problem.
   • Check the NIC with the utilities which comes by default with the card and driver installation kit.
   • Consult to your LAN administrator Diagnose it by installing additional networking software.
2. If the problem continues then follow the steps below:
   • Ensure that cable is installed properly. Check that network cable is attached at both RJ45 connections both adaptor and hub. The maximum distance from adapter to hub must not exceed 100 meters. If the problem persists then use cross over cable or try using a different cable.
   • Verify from the LED Lights on the NIC. Insert the NIC card and connect it with the network. Now check the LED present on the NIC. LED is present near the connection. The meaning of the LED differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Let’s take an example for 3COM 10/100BT dual speed NIC.

1. During BIOS loading the computer hangs up1.
   • Change or reset the BIOS settings.
   • Always try to use a newer version.
2. Connection failed but Diagnostics pass.
   • Always use cat5 wiring at 100BT and ensure that network cable is attached firmly.
   • Connect to a 100BT hub or switch at 100BT.
   • Mention correct frame type in NET.CFG file for NetWare.
   • Ensure that duplex mode setting on the adapter matches the setting on the switch.
3. LED doesn’t light.
   • Ensure that you have loaded the correct drivers.
   • Check for all the connections at the hub or switch and also the adaptor.
   • Try using any another port on the hub or switch.
   • Settings must be matched of adaptor and hub or switch.
   • Use correct type of cable between the adapter and the hub.
4. The adapter stopped working without apparent cause.
   • Use the diagnostics program to troubleshoot that came with the NIC.
   • Remove and reseat the NIC in the slot properly, or try a different slot.
   • The files related to drivers may be corrupt or missing. Reinstall the drivers after removing them.
5. The Wake on LAN (WOL) feature is out of order.
   • Ensure that LAN cable is properly inserted and power is being supplied properly.
   • Check BIOS for its WOL setting, as some computers may require configure for WOL.
   • Make sure that network adaptor is fully attached by using a network cable.