At the risk of sounding like a "me too", I agree with Bob and Dan.

A keen eye, a logical mind, and a solid understanding of
the sequence of events that occur during a "cold boot"
are the best tools.

A large supply of substitute parts isn't necessary,
but it sure does help <grin>.

Jim Meagher

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Ellis" <[log in to unmask]>


> >
> > At 12:57 PM 06/06/2000 , Rob Elsworth wrote:
> > >What do you folks use for diagnostic software when trying to
> > >troubleshoot hardware problems?
> >
> > I used different diagnostic software packages regularly for a long time
> > and finally discontinued.   I found that the software took more time to
> > use than just a practical sense approach to troubleshooting a PC.  There
> > is nothing that a diagnostic software package can do, except possibly
> > Ram testing, that will save the average PC technician an time.
> >       Bob Wright
> >The NOSPIN Group
>
>
> I tend to agree with Bob on this.  I tried several packages, and they were
a
> waste of time for me.  They either did not tell me anything, or they told
> what my suspicion was.  So they pretty much sit on my shelf.
>
> I like norton utilities for checking hard disks, but don't like to have it
> installed.  Other wise, the equipment I tend to use most are a POST card,
> and my memory tester.  My other techs tend to follow suit.
>
> When doing any testing, I tend to remove averything from the system except
> what I have to use to duplicate the problem.  Throw in a different
harddrive
> with the same os, then a different os.  Same trouble, then its on the
> motherboard.  Test the ram and still have problems, put in a known good
> motherboard/processor. Granted my testing tends to rely on hardware, and I
> happen to have the equipment.
>
> As with any trouble shooting, common practical methods tend to work best,
> eliminate what does work, and isolate the trouble.
>
> Dan
>
>                   Visit our website regularly for FAQs,
>                articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more
>                   http://nospin.com - http://nospin.org
>

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