Internship Cheat Sheet — Friday: Diagnostic Software & Utilities

🔹 ChromeOS Built-In Tools

• Diagnostics App → Test CPU, memory, and battery health.
• Powerwash (Factory Reset) → Wipes device, fixes many software issues.
• Recovery Utility → Create a bootable USB to reinstall ChromeOS.
• Why these matter: They’re officially supported by Google → safest first steps before deeper troubleshooting.

🔹 Windows Built-In Tools

• Device Manager (Win + X) → Check drivers, hardware recognition, yellow warning = driver issue.

• Event Viewer → See detailed error logs. Look under “System” and “Application.”

• SFC (System File Checker)

  sfc /scannow
  
  

  Scans for corrupted Windows files and repairs them.

• CHKDSK (Check Disk)

  chkdsk C: /f /r
  
  

  Checks for disk errors and bad sectors.

• Why these matter: They’re standard A+ troubleshooting tools → show up on tests and in real repair jobs.

🔹 Recommended 3rd-Party Tools (Safe + Common in Shops)

• HWMonitor → Shows temps, voltages, fan speeds. Detects overheating.
• CrystalDiskInfo → Check hard drive/SSD health (SMART data).
• MemTest86 → Bootable RAM test utility.
• Malwarebytes → Quick, reliable malware scans.
• Why these matter: They fill gaps in Windows/ChromeOS built-ins and are recognized by CompTIA and industry techs.