System Recovery and Advanced Maintenance — Short Questions

Troubleshooting steps, including restarting the system, checking physical connections, and addressing simple issues related to software or hardware and to fix common computer problems.
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Ans. Following troubleshooting steps to be followed:

• Restarting the system
• Checking physical connections
• Addressing simple issues related to software or hardware
• Fixing common computer problems

The next step is to learn what actions to take once the issue is resolved. This process is called post-troubleshooting maintenance. It includes additional steps that help the computer continue to work properly and avoid the same problems in the future.

Solving a computer problem is only the first step. The system still needs regular care to continue working properly. Without maintenance, the same issue can happen again, or new problems may appear. Regular maintenance keeps the system stable and prevents future problems. It ensures better performance, longer life, and fewer disruptions in computer usage.

If the computer becomes slow due to full storage, deleting a few files may improve its speed for a short time. However, if unnecessary files are not removed regularly or the system is not updated, the same issue may occur again.

If a computer is not maintained regularly, it may face several problems that affect its performance and reliability. This issue commonly occurs due to a lack of proper maintenance. Poor maintenance can cause frequent crashes, slow performance, overheating, security threats and data loss.

Temporary files, unused programs, and background processes can build up over time. If these are not managed, the computer may become slow and unresponsive.

If important system updates are not installed, the computer may stop working properly. It can freeze, crash, or fail to start.

When the system or apps are not updated, harmful software like viruses can enter the computer more easily.

Without backups, important files can be lost during crashes or hardware failure.

Dust and overheating can damage the hardware components if the system is not cleaned or properly ventilated.

For a system to run smoothly, it is important to monitor its performance regularly. This process is known as system health monitoring.

These tools allow you to:

• Check how much memory and processing power are being used.
• Monitor background applications and services.
• View system warnings and error messages.
• Identify programs that may slow down the computer.

Regular monitoring helps detect small issues before they become serious. By using these tools, users can take timely actions to improve performance and avoid future problems.

Modern operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, include built-in tools that help monitor system activity.

In addition to basic troubleshooting steps, modern operating systems provide built-in tools to help users monitor system performance in more detail. These tools give useful information about the computer's current state and help identify problems related to memory, storage, processing power, and system errors.

1. Task Manager
2. Resource Monitor
3. Event Viewer

It shows real-time information about how the system's processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage (disk) are being used. The Processes tab of the task manager shows all active programs and how much system resources they are using, while the Performance tab displays detailed graphs for CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.

Task Manager is helpful when your computer is slow, or an application stops responding. It allows you to:

• See how much processing power and memory are being used by each program.
• Select a program from the Processes tab of task manager and click End Task to close it if it is not working properly.
• View programs running silently in the background.
• The Performance tab of the task manager shows real-time graphs and data showing how your computer is performing.

Resource Monitor is an advanced system tool in Microsoft Windows that gives a deeper view of how your computer's resources (memory, CPU, and disk) are being used. While Task Manager gives a quick overview, Resource Monitor provides more detailed information about which programs and background services are using system resources.

The key features of Resource monitor are given below:
1. CPU Tab: Shows which processes and services are using the processor
2. Memory Tab: Displays how much memory is used, free, or reserved.
3. Disk Tab: Monitors which programs are reading from or writing to the hard drive.
4. Network Tab: Shows which applications are sending or receiving data over the internet or network.

Event Viewer is also a built-in Windows tool that records detailed logs of system activities. It helps users check for errors, warnings, and important events related to software, hardware, and security.

To open the event viewer the follow the steps:

• Press the shortcut key Windows + R.
• In the dialog box that appears, type the command eventvwr.
• Press the Enter key.

This will vary depending on the activity, but based on the text. Ending unnecessary background programs can improve system performance because it frees up processing power and memory for other tasks, reducing system slowdowns.

In some cases, basic troubleshooting is not enough to fix a problem. The computer may crash, become unresponsive, or fail to start. To handle such situations, operating systems like Microsoft Windows provide special tools known as system recovery options. These recovery options help to restore the computer to a working state without losing important data in most cases.

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the most fundamental drivers and services. It disables unnecessary background programs and startup software, making it easier to fix problems caused by faulty apps or settings.

Safe Mode is useful when:

• The system keeps crashing or restarting.
• A program or driver is causing the computer to freeze.
• You need to scan for malware or uninstall a recent app.

This version of Safe Mode includes network drivers, so you can access the internet. It is helpful when:

• You need to download updates or drivers.
• You want to use online help tools.
• You want to run a cloud-based antivirus scan.
• To enter it, follow the same steps as above and press F5 instead of F4.

• Do not change settings unless you understand their purpose.
• Avoid deleting system files; they may be important for Windows to work properly.
• Use only built-in or trusted tools to fix issues.
• Restart your computer normally after finishing the task.
• Ask for help from your teacher or IT expert if unsure.

System Restore allows you to take your computer back to an earlier state without deleting personal files. It works by using restore points, which are saved versions of your system created before major changes.

A restore point is like a saved snapshot of your system's settings and files. It helps you return your computer to an earlier, working condition if something goes wrong, such as after installing a faulty program or driver. Restore points are made automatically before system updates or driver installations, or manually by the user when it is needed.

To create a restore point manually follow the steps:

• Click the Start button and open the Control Panel.
• Go to System and Security, then click System.
• On the left, click System Protection.
• In the new window, under the System Protection tab, click the Create button.
• Type a name for your restore point (e.g., "Before installing printer driver") and click Create.
• Wait a few seconds for confirmation. Your restore point is now saved.

Bootable recovery media is a USB flash drive or DVD that contains important system files. It helps start the computer from an external device instead of the built-in storage. After starting the system, you can use built-in recovery tools such as:

• Startup Repair to fix problems that prevent Windows from loading
• System Restore to go back to a working state using a restore point
• Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting
• System Reset or Reinstallation to reinstall the operating system if needed

We use this media in such cases where the system includes:

• Safe Mode is not accessible.
• You need to repair or reinstall the operating system.

• MBR is the older system. It supports up to 2 TB of disk size and a maximum of 4 primary partitions.
• GPT is the modern standard. It supports disks larger than 2 TB, allows over 100 partitions, and is required for UEFI-based systems.

• Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
• Find the drive where Windows is installed (usually Disk C).
• Right-click on the disk label (e.g., Disk C), then choose Properties.
• Go to the Volumes tab. Look at Partition Style: It will show either GUID Partition Table (GPT) or Master Boot Record (MBR).

• Insert the USB into the computer.
• Press the Windows key, type Recovery Drive, and open it.
• Check "Backup system files to the recovery drive" and click Next.
• Select your USB drive and click Next (Do not click "Create" in class unless permitted).

The recovery drive will help to restore your computer to a working state and repair problems that prevent Windows from starting.

These early steps are controlled by special built-in software called firmware.

Firmware is built into the motherboard. It is not stored on the hard drive and does not get deleted when the computer is turned off.

Firmware gives the computer basic instructions on how to start.

Firmware is special software stored in hardware memory (usually non-volatile memory like ROM or flash memory). It controls basic computer functions before OS starts. The BIOS/UEFI is an example of firmware.

Two common types of firmware are:
1. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
2. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

BIOS is older firmware software that shows a basic, text-only menu and works with the keyboard only, while UEFI is newer, supports a graphical menu that uses both mouse and keyboard, and larger hard drives.

Boot sector is the first part of a hard disk that contains instructions to start the operating system. BIOS/UEFI reads the boot sector to load the Operating System (OS).

Check if the hardware is working correctly (like RAM, keyboard, and hard drive), finds the boot device (USB, hard disk, etc.) and starts the operating system, and allows users to change system settings like date, time, and boot order

BIOS was first developed in the 1980s, while UEFI is now used in most modern computers because it is faster and more secure.

POST stands for Power-On Self-Test. It checks the most important hardware to make sure everything is working properly.

The computer will beep continuously.

You can restore the system to its original state by selecting "Load Setup Defaults" or "Reset to Default" inside BIOS/UEFI settings.

Boot order means the sequence in which the computer looks for a device to load the operating system.

Enter BIOS/UEFI settings, go to the Boot tab or menu, move your desired device (e.g., USB) to the top of the list, and save changes and exit.

There are two main ways to recover the deleted files:
1. Using built-in tools
2. Using third-party software.

It usually goes to the Recycle Bin and stays there until the bin is empty.

Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the file, and select Restore to bring it back to its original location.

File History is a backup feature that keeps copies of your files at regular intervals and allows recovery of deleted or changed files.

To turn ON file history follow the steps:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, connect an external USB or Hard drive, and select "Add a drive".

Open Tenorshare, select the location, choose file type, click Scan, then select and click Recover to restore files.

It depends on how recently the file was deleted and whether new data has overwritten it.

Files deleted a long time ago may not be recoverable, recovery may fail if the hard drive is damaged or formatted, and files may be permanently lost if the Recycle Bin is empty and no backups were made.

Installing recovery software on the same drive may reduce the chance of successful recovery.

Always check the Recycle Bin first, as it is the easiest and safest way to restore deleted files.

Save it to another folder, e.g., Documents.

It is a software company that develops tools for data recovery, phone repair, and system recovery.

Preventive maintenance means doing simple tasks that help avoid bigger problems in the future. These tasks can improve your computer's speed, keep it secure, and help it last longer.

Just like we take care of our health or maintain our vehicles, computers also need regular attention to keep working properly.

Temporary internet files, system cache, Windows update files, and items in the Recycle Bin.

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that helps remove such files safely.

Software updates, also known as patches, are released regularly by developers to fix bugs, add features, and improve security.

Keeping your system updated helps to protect it from viruses and security threats.

Operating system updates (for Windows, macOS, etc.) and application updates (for programs like browsers, media players, etc.)

Open Settings > Update & Security. Click Check for updates. Install the updates if available.

Windows Defender is the built-in security tool in Windows that protects your computer from viruses, malware, and other threats.

Quick Scan to check common problem areas and Full Scan to check the entire system thoroughly.

Windows Defender also provides real-time protection, which keeps watching your system in the background and alerts you if anything suspicious happens.

A maintenance calendar helps you remember when to clean your system, scan for viruses, or check for updates.

Disk Cleanup helps remove unnecessary files that take up space and may slow down system performance.

The main goal is to avoid bigger problems in the future while keeping the computer fast, secure, and long-lasting.

Keeping proper records is an important part of a computer system's maintenance. It ensures that all actions taken on the system are tracked, making it easier to manage and maintain over time.

Activities such as installing software, fixing issues, or performing updates should be documented. Recording these actions helps in understanding the system's history and future troubleshooting.

Documentation makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot systems in the future. It provides a clear reference of past actions, which helps in identifying patterns or recurring issues.

The main purpose of system documentation is to explain the basics of documenting system maintenance in a simple and practical way. This ensures clarity and efficiency for anyone managing the system.

By keeping track of all actions performed on the system, documentation helps maintain stability, security, and efficiency. It serves as a guide for regular maintenance and problem-solving.