Tools Needed

Many computer problems can be diagnosed and repaired with just a few essential tools, which can be easily purchased as a kit at your local computer store. These kits normally include the following items:

The chip extractor tool is one that you will rarely use, if ever, since modern computers incorporate very few field-replaceable integrated circuit (IC) chips. The tweezers and spring-loaded extractor tool are handy for picking up debris or a fallen screw from a tight spot. Various sized screwdrivers are provided to remove internal modules or to remove the case cover itself. Some case covers are designed to be removed without any tools at all.

There are a few other tools that would add to the convenience of your repair procedure:

Your collection of tools should also incorporate some diagnostic and utility software. Some examples of this would be anti-spyware and anti-virus programs, or diagnostic software that may have been included with some purchased or installed hardware, such as a video or sound card.

However, one of your most essential tools for troubleshooting your computer is a bootable rescue disk. This disk will allow for what is called a ‘clean boot’ – that is, any extraneous drivers and software that are normally loaded at startup will not be loaded. It will also allow you to boot up your computer in the event your hard drive fails.

These disks are generally operating-system specific, and may be available in floppy disk format or as a bootable CD ROM. Regardless of media type, an emergency boot disk is usually included with your purchased system. The bottom line is that you need an alternative way of booting your computer if you are not able to boot to the hard drive.