When gathering symptoms for perceived hardware problems, a troubleshooter
should physically inspect or ask for physical inspection of the devices using
the senses of hearing, sight, smell, and touch. Physical symptoms may be
related, but not limited, to the following:
- Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from radio and television transmitters,
or the introduction of portable devices that create EMI to the area
- Indicator lights of a NIC or networking device
- Cable connections, the crimping of connectors and the physical state of
connection sockets
- Incorrect seating of modules and cards
- Burning smells from insulating material which has melted, or of burnt out
components
- Overheating due to cooling fan malfunction