Troubleshooting: Definition, Types and How it Works

Have you ever experienced problems with network, software, hardware, or other computer-related components? This is indeed quite troublesome and can interfere with work productivity. Of the many alternatives, troubleshooting is one approach you can take to solve the problem.

Troubleshooting has different types and methods depending on the source of the problem. Troubleshooting will identify, evaluate, and review the source of errors on computer devices. Therefore, this activity should not be done haphazardly.

Definition of Troubleshooting

According to TechTarget, troubleshooting is a systematic approach to find and solve problems. The constraints or problems referred to are usually complex, for example errors in computer equipment, networks, software systems, and so on. Troubleshooting activities aim to ensure that the system can operate normally again.

When troubleshooting, a computer technician will usually adopt a problem isolation approach. The approach is carried out by collecting information related to the constraints that occur. Call it like reduced functionality of a component or unwanted behavior.

Based on the information that has been collected, the technician will remove or eliminate a number of components that are suspected of causing the error. The goal is to determine whether the problem still exists or has disappeared. In addition, this step is also useful for identifying component incompatibility problems.

The troubleshooting methodology is basically finding the general cause of a problem and isolating it so that it can be examined. That way, technicians can diagnose problems and implement clear solutions.

Troubleshooting type

Technically, there are two types of troubleshooting that you need to know about, namely forward and backward. Here’s an explanation:

1. Troubleshooting forward

As the name implies, forward troubleshooting is a technique used to detect problems from the start of the computer assembly. This type of troubleshooting is usually used by people who are used to assembling computers. Checks are carried out before the computer is turned on or given electricity. For example, checking the power supply and power socket, installing RAM, and so on.

2. Troubleshooting backwards

Troubleshooting backwards is a technique used to detect problems on the computer after it is turned on. This technique is widely used because problems appear more often after the device is turned on. For example, the floppy disk cannot be read, the CPU button does not work, and so on.

The types of troubleshooting are based on the cause of the problem. Among them are as follows:

• Bad usage habits

Bad habits of users can reduce the performance and performance of the device. Examples include opening multiple applications at the same time or using an overclocked device. The troubleshooting effort to overcome this is to restart or leave the computer turned off for 10 to 20 minutes.

• Poor design factor

As a user, you certainly feel uncomfortable if the computer you are using is poorly designed. For example port placement is unusual and careless, where this has the potential to cause cable and USB installation errors. Error entering the port will be detected by the computer and raises a warning in the form of a dialog box.

• Accidental error

Users may accidentally make mistakes that affect system performance. For example pressing many keyboard keys together so that the cursor cannot move. The troubleshooting effort for this problem is by restarting.

• Poor system quality

Constraints can also occur as a result of poor quality of the system itself. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the problems that occur vary depending on the system. To solve the problem, you should follow the default manual from the brand in question.

How Troubleshooting Works

Computer problems often occur when our computer devices are being used. The following is how to work from troubleshooting in solving some of the problems experienced by computers.

1. Gather information

The first way troubleshooting works is to collect all information related to the problem. This information can contain the loss of the ability of certain components or unwanted changes occur. This step aims to identify obstacles as well as understand how to overcome them.

2. Describe the problem

Comprehensively describing the problem will help the troubleshooter find the root of the problem. There are several things that must be considered, such as symptoms, time, components, and conditions when an error occurs. This will reveal which components are still safe and experiencing problems.

3. Determine the cause of the problem

At this stage, troubleshooters generally use a split-half approach or isolate the problem through a process of elimination. This method is especially effective when the device has a system with a number of parts in series. Each part will be tested individually until the source of the problem is found.

4. Create and test the solution

After the root of the problem has been found, the next step is to create and develop a plan to overcome the problem. The hypotheses or plans made are then tested until a solution is identified. If all else fails, troubleshooting must be repeated from the previous stage.

5. Implement the solution

When a problem is understood and identified, the next step is implementing a solution. At this stage, the troubleshooter must repair, adjust, or even replace the component causing the problem. Retesting is also needed to ensure that the problem has actually been fixed.

6. Analyze the results

Sometimes, a solution even creates new problems in other components. Analysis of troubleshooting results is a form of anticipation of the potential for new problems to occur. Therefore, the troubleshooter must monitor and ensure changes made do not affect the performance of the system or other connected components.

7. Documenting the process

Documenting the troubleshooting process is the final step that can be taken. Even though it technically has nothing to do with the repair process, it will help other troubleshooters when they encounter similar problems.

Network Troubleshooting Steps

To carry out network troubleshooting, there are several methods and steps to follow in order to solve the problem properly and quickly. Come on, see the network solution description below for more information.

1. There is an exclamation mark

The first step that you need to do is to make sure that there is a yellow exclamation mark in your system systray area or in the lower right corner of the computer. If your computer has such signs, it means that your computer cannot connect to the Internet. To fix it, follow these steps:

• Enter section “control Paneland take your pick “Network or Network and Sharing Center“.
• After that, open it by clicking the section “change Adapter Settings“.
• Right click on the section “Wireless Network Connections” then choose “Properties“.
• The next step is to click 2 times on the section “Internet Protocol Version 4“.
• If so, you can see Windows which will display the details of the IP address on the computer.
• Please clear all IP address by choosing “Obtain an IP Address Automatically“.
• Click “OK“ and wait until the IP address that comes from the DHCP server hotspot appears.
• Next, pay attention wireless connection icon on system has changed. The computer can be used when the yellow exclamation mark is gone.

2. There is a problem with the laptop’s Wi-Fi card

If the first step fails, there may be a problem with your computer/laptop WiFi card. Problems like this are common drivers faulty computer hardware. To solve network troubleshooting problems it, open the menu DeviceManager. To do this, follow these steps:

• Right click on the section “my computersthen choose “manager“.
• Choose “Device manager“.
• Pay attention in section “network Adapters” and right-click “hardware Wi-Fi” on the computer, then click “Uninstall“.
• When it is detected system drivers then it can be automatically installed again.
• Then right click and select “Scans for Hardware Change” so that the system can be detected and reinstalled.
• If device manager has been closed, the Wi-Fi hotspot will return automatically so that the internet can be used normally.

3. Restart the modem

The third option that you can try is torestart modems or routers your internet. Internet problems can sometimes be caused by system or hardware related modem errors. Reboot might be a solution torestart system as before. You can restart from the physical button routers or restart from the application.

4. There is a netcut user attack

Netcut is software that cuts the internet connection when connected to a public network, such as a hotspot network. So your connection can be lost at any time, the cause is from the netcut application used by other users.

To overcome this you can change your IP and use protective software, such as anti-netcut or anti-ARP. In this way, the cause of the computer’s Wi-Fi not being connected can be handled properly.