best pc diagnostic tool?

[substance]

Im need to get a tool that will allow me to diagnose a computer and figure out what componant would be causing a problem in a computer. there are soo many different tools out there, and they are all expensive as hell. Anyone have any personal expierience with any particular brands, or know exactly what i should get? Like what would a computer repair shop use when someone brings in a computer with a hardware issue that needs to be fixed?

 

[Budman]

The best tool is sitting between the keyboard and the chair.

With that and good phillips screwdriver you can pretty much do anything.

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: Budman
The best tool is sitting between the keyboard and the chair.

With that and good phillips screwdriver you can pretty much do anything.

I agree completely. As for specific software or something it depends on what you discover. ie: For dead (or dying) HDs perhaps it's best to get SpinRight (or try the freezer trick etc....) for RAM or General instabilty MemTest86 is likely the best place to start. etc etc.... I could go on but it really depends on how well you as a technician can trouble shoot and what method/steps you follow.

Thorin

 

[dkozloski]

I have been in the field for about 40 years and I can't recall a single problem I found with"diagnostics" that couldn't be found more readily with the seat of your pants.

 

[aircooled]

I remember when I first got into computers, thinking there was some utility on a floppy that would diagnose all the problems. On my quest for this "golden floppy" I soon realized that I must learn how to troubleshoot.

 

[OZEE]

Originally posted by: Budman
The best tool is sitting between the keyboard and the chair. With that and good phillips screwdriver you can pretty much do anything.

I was going to say the best diagnostic tool is the one between your ears -- but you've said the same thing.

It's common sense, splitting the problem into workable parts, eliminating things you know aren't the problem... And actually, there's an awful lot of extremely good help here at AT when you've hit your limits.

 

[moonshinemadness]

Start with the bare minimum and work up from there, like the others said, philips screwdrivers rule!

 

[substance]

yea, ive never had problems troubleshooting computers before. But using my head, and troubleshooting, takes soo long, if i only get paid for a couple hours. I was hopin maybe there was some good software out there to test certain componants. I got Memtest-86, but for other componants what software is recomended? Also i have the Old A+ certification, maybe i should take the new one?

 

[thorin]

SpeedFan is another useful utility that can get your Temps, FanSpeeds, and check SMART info on HDs.
PCIList is also useful for getting information about the system.
You should download all the latest HD diagnostics from the HD manuf's (WD, Maxtor, IBM, Seagate, etc....)
A FreeWare/OpenSource Virus Scanner is always helpful.
etc.....

Thorin