Maintenance & Service Guide

Presario 1600 Series

Models: 1650 and 1655

Home Page Notice Preface Product Description Troubleshooting Illustrated Parts Catalog Removal & Replacement Procedures Specifications Pin Assignments Battery Pack Operations

Compaq Diagnostics

Compaq Diagnostics is installed on the hard drive of the computer. Run the Diagnostics utilities when you want to view or test system information and if you have installed or connected devices. If you run Compaq Diagnostics from a diskette, ensure that it is version 10.11 or later.

The Diagnostics menu includes the following utilities:

Computer Checkup (TEST)

View System Information (INSPECT)

Prepare Computer for a Compaq Service Call (RemotePaq)

If you have a problem you cannot solve, run the Diagnostics utilities before you call for support. Run Computer Checkup and select to save the device list to a file and to print or to save the log of errors. Run the View System Information (INSPECT) utility and select to print or to save that information. Have the files or the printed information available when you call for support.

Computer Checkup (TEST)

Computer Checkup (TEST) determines whether the various computer components and devices are recognized by the system and are functioning properly. You can display, print, or save the information generated by Computer Checkup.

Follow these steps to run Computer Checkup:

1.Plug the computer into an external power source. (A low battery condition could interrupt the program.)

2.Turn on the external devices that you want to test. Connect the printer if you want to print a log of error messages.

3.Insert the Compaq Diagnostics diskette in drive A.

4.Turn on or restart the computer. The computer starts from drive A, and the Diagnostics Welcome screen appears.

5.Press Enter to continue. The Diagnostics menu appears.

6.Select Computer Checkup from the Diagnostics menu. A Test Option menu appears.

7.Select View the Device List from the Test Option menu. A list of the installed Compaq devices appears.

8.If the list of installed devices is correct, select OK. The Test Option menu appears.

NOTE: If the list is incorrect, ensure that any new devices are installed properly.

9.Select one of the following from the Test Option menu:

Quick Check Diagnostics. Runs a quick, general test on each device with a minimal number of prompts. If errors occur, they display when the testing is complete. You cannot print or save the error messages.

Automatic Diagnostics. Runs unattended, maximum testing of each device with minimal prompts. You can choose how many times to run the tests, to stop on errors, or to print or save a log of errors.

Prompted Diagnostics. Allows maximum control over testing the devices. You can choose attended or unattended testing, decide to stop on errors, or choose to print or save a log of errors.

10.Follow the instructions on the screen as the devices are tested. When testing is complete, the Test Option menu appears.

11.Exit the Test Option menu.

12.Exit the Diagnostics menu.

View System Information (INSPECT)

The View System Information (INSPECT) utility provides information about the computer and installed or connected devices. You can display, print, or save the information.

Follow these steps to run View System Information (INSPECT) from the Compaq Diagnostics diskette:

1.Turn on the external devices that you want to test. Connect the printer if you want to print the information.

2.Insert the Compaq Diagnostics diskette in drive A.

3.Turn on or restart the computer. The computer starts from drive A, and the Diagnostics Welcome screen appears.

4.Press Enter to continue. The Diagnostics menu appears.

5.Select View System Information (INSPECT) from the Diagnostics menu.

6.Select the item you want to view from the following list:

System

Memory

ROM

Audio

Keyboard

Operating system

System ports

System files

System storage

Windows files

Graphics

 

7.Follow the instructions on the screen to cycle through the screens, to return to the list and choose another item, or to print the information.

Page 25
Image 25
Compaq 1650, Presario 1600 Series, 1655 manual Compaq Diagnostics, Computer Checkup Test, View System Information Inspect

1650, 1655, Presario 1600 Series specifications

The Compaq Presario 1600 Series was a range of laptop computers introduced in the late 1990s, catering to users seeking performance and portability at an affordable price. Among the most notable models in this series were the Compaq Presario 1650 and 1655, which offered a combination of usability and innovative features that appealed to both casual users and professionals.

These laptops were characterized by their sleek design and relatively lightweight build, making them practical for users on the go. Weighing approximately 6.5 to 7 pounds, they were still manageable for regular travel. The displays featured a 15-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 800x600 pixels, a respectable offering for that era, providing clear visuals for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption.

Powering these laptops, users found a choice between Intel Pentium II and III processors, allowing for enhanced performance. With speeds ranging from 300 MHz to 450 MHz, these processors ensured that users could run various applications efficiently, whether for business or entertainment. The Presario 1655 provided options for more advanced graphics with an integrated S3 Savage graphics card, enhancing its capability for 3D applications and casual gaming.

In terms of memory, the 1600 series laptops typically came equipped with 32 MB of RAM, which could be upgraded to accommodate the increasing demands of software and multitasking. Additionally, the units included a hard drive capacity ranging from 4 GB to 12 GB, providing ample storage space for documents, multimedia files, and applications.

Connectivity options were also a significant focus for the Presario 1600 Series. Featuring both Ethernet and modem ports, users could easily connect to networks and the internet. The laptops included USB and parallel ports, catering to a variety of peripheral devices, including printers and external storage solutions.

Another notable aspect of the Compaq Presario 1600 series was its emphasis on multimedia features. The presence of a built-in CD-ROM drive allowed users to access software and media easily, while integrated speakers offered decent audio output for video playback. Some models even came equipped with a 56k modem for dial-up internet access, keeping users connected during an era when internet use was expanding rapidly.

Overall, the Compaq Presario 1600 Series, including the 1650 and 1655 models, represented a significant step in portable computing during the late 1990s. With their combination of performance, portability, and multimedia capabilities, these laptops were well-received and laid the groundwork for future advancements in the laptop industry.