>
> 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

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