Mood:  don't ask

60% CHANCE OF REVIVING A DEAD MOTHERBOARD

When we find out that our motherboard is defective, the common thing we do is to buy a replacement. With these easy and simple tips, you can save a lot of bucks.

Here's how you do it.

1.        First we need some tools like:

-          SOLDERING IRON/GUN (100watts or more), you can buy this at the electronics store.  Make sure that its tip is pointed.

-          DESOLDERING SUCTION, You can buy this at the electronics store.

-          NAIL NIPPER; borrow from a parlor shop if you have to.

-          THUMB FORCEP (choose the thinnest tip).  You can buy forceps at the electronic and DIYS stores or borrow from a surgeon.

-          LEAD "1mm diameter" or choose the thinnest.

-          Magnifying lens - You can find this at the bookstore or optical clinic.

2.       Now we're ready to start. Bear in mind to handle the motherboard on its edges only.

-          Place the MB on the table. Using the magnifying glass, inspect for cold solder (those that are loosely soldered), loose and detached terminals then get your soldering gun and RESOLDER it. Add some lead if needed.

-          Since the pins/terminals are too near from each other (ex: IC pins), there's a tendency of shorting nearby pins during the soldering process.  Now use the desoldering suction to remove bulk leads on the terminals. The nipper is used to cut excess leads surrounding a pin. 

-          Use the forceps not your hand (unless you are Chris Evans). The forceps is used to hold in place the pin during the soldering process.

-          Check both back and front of motherboard for loose terminals.

Cold solders are factory defects, which the Quality Inspector missed. Loose or detached terminals are from mishandling or because of excess heat; the lead melts and snaps from the board.

This is a simple and tough job; all you need is just a little patience.

It's easy man, Just that, RESOLDER it!

Nurse's Reminder: In working with this simple and tough job, always maintain proper body mechanics to prevent muscle strain.

Mood:  crushed out

HOLD YOUR MONEY, DON'T CALL YOUR PC DOCTOR JUST YET

There are instances that people panic just because they think their computer is destroyed just because it won't turn on, and they immediately bring their computer to the repair shop or call a repair man.  Not just once have I done a home service, only to find no problem.  So please check on the following first:

1.       Is the computer plugged to the power source? It might have missed your mind that you have unplugged it, or a rat might be playing around and tripped off the cable that's why it was unplugged.

2.       Is there a power failure or outage?

3.       See if the pushbutton switch is stuck. It could be that there's a build-up of dirt around the button, or your naughty kid inserted something on it.

TIPS:

1.       When assembling a new computer, replacing parts or upgrading. Always check for COMPATIBILITY. Always read the manual. This is to save money, time, and effort.

2.       Check if your computer is still under warranty. Do not attempt to open your CPU or monitor, this might invalidate the warranty. Besides you paid for it so bring your PC to the store where you bought it and let them handle the problem.

3.       When installing modules to the motherboard, make sure that you do not scratch the motherboard.

4.       Handle your installation CD/DVD's with care & keep it in a smooth and clean surface to prevent scratches.

5.       Handle modules only by their edges to prevent static electricity which might damage the semiconductors.

6.       If you are using Windows, REMEMBER that there is a SYSTEM RESTORE. It helps a lot in most cases when your software got messed up. This is because you can have a chance to rewind your configuration to the time that your system was working fine.

7.       Don't eat in front of the computer.

8.       Regular cleaning inside and out of the CPU to prevent dust build-up. Use vacuum cleaner and soft brush (1" or  ½" paint brush is good). If you use a compressor, be sure to remove first the clock battery before blowing and dry it properly before powering up.

9.       When you like to format your HDD and reinstall your OS. Back-up only your important documents. If possible do not back-up programs or executables, you might include the virus in your back-up files. I recommend using USB flash drives for back-up storage not CDR. Use CDR or DVDR only if you're sure your PC is 100% virus free, otherwise the virus stays with your files in the CD/DVD.

10.   If you suspect a hardware problem in your laptop or notebook, better bring it to the service center.

Mood:  crushed out

1. CPU turns on (all led lights, no beeping sound) and Blackout monitor

a.       Monitor led does not light (the led is beside the switch). There is no power entering into your monitor. Check the power cables.

b.      Monitor light is steady green or orange but blackout. Your monitor might be busted.

c.       If Monitor light is orange or blinking (the light is beside the switch). The monitor might not be connected to the CPU. Check for the monitor‘s cable going to the video card.

d.      The monitor is defective. Repair or replace monitor.

1. Computer is running slower than before

a.       There are too many files in your Hard disk. Try optimizing your system by removing unnecessary files. If you are using windows, use disk cleanup or defrag.

b.      Too many processes are running. Uninstall programs which you no longer need or add physical memory.

c.       Computer is infected with a virus. Have your computer diagnosed and cleaned with the AV of your choice.

d.      Format your HDD and reinstall everything. Back-up your important files (extra precaution during backing-up of programs or executables, you might be including virus files)

Mood:  crushed out

1. Computer HANGs or RESTARTS on its own.

a.       Probably a computer VIRUS.  Remove the virus or scan and clean your computer with the Antivirus of your choice.

b.      Your operating system is corrupted. You need to repair it but reinstallation is the best solution.

c.       The software or process you are running is corrupted or might not be compatible to your operating system. Reinstall the software.

d.      Hardware defect like Memory and Video Card so you should check on these. Try reinserting these hardware.

e.      Defective ATX Power Supply. Have it replaced or change with higher wattage.

f.        CPU overheating.

Solution:

- There's a build-up of dust in the heat sink so detach the fan and heat-sink then clean.

- The CPU fan is not turning or turning slowly - Clean the fan and put motor oil (not cooking oil) or grease on the bearing. The bearing is at the center of the fan covered by a rubber or a hard plastic. Replace the fan if it still doesn't turn. I recommend high quality cooling fan with at least 5000 RPM.

- If you had overclocked the CPU, reduce the overclock speed. Better you configure within the rated limits.

g.       Check the Video Card, if the fan is not turning then do solution above.

h.      Hard Disk (HDD) overheating. Put extra cooling fan above your hard disk.

1. BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH

a.       Reinsert the Memory (DIMM), Video Card, PCI Modem, Network adapter and Sound Card.

b.      In most cases, hardware is the problem such as defective memory (Note: Do not ever combine different memory modules such as combining DDR 300 with DDR 400. As much as possible use the same brand and same memory type).

c.       Motherboard is defective - then change your motherboard (Note: for compatibility of your existing hardware use same motherboard specifications.)

d.      In least cases, the Video Card is defective.

e.      Operating System is corrupted (common in windows). This maybe caused by improper shutdown, virus, bad installation. Reinstalling your OS  is the best solution. (OS should be clean or original copy, not repacked, ripped or cracked)

f.        Drivers are not compatible (Video and Audio driver incompatibility). To solve this in windows, start computer in SAFE MODE then remove them from the Device Manager and uninstall the drivers in Add Remove Programs.

g.     Appears after overclocking any component. Better configure within rated limits. (Warning: Overclocking which can result to excess heat can damage the motherboard.)