If you are running the software from a CD-ROM disk, is the disk scratched or dirty?

If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, is the software correctly installed? Were all necessary procedures followed and files installed?

Are the correct device drivers installed?Is the software correctly configured for the system?Are you using the software correctly?

If the problems persist, contact the software vendor’s customer service representative.

The System Has Been Running Correctly

Problems that occur after the system hardware and software have been running correctly often indicate equipment failure. Many situations that are easy to correct, however, can also cause such problems; sometimes the problem stems from changes made to the system, such as hardware or software that has been added or removed.

Checklist

If you run the software from diskette, use a new copy of the software.

If you run the software from a CD-ROM, try a different disc to see if the problem occurs on all disks.

If you run the software from a hard drive, run it from a diskette. If the software runs correctly, there is a problem with the copy on the hard drive. Reinstall the software on the hard drive, and run it again. Make sure all necessary files are installed.

If the problems are intermittent, there may be a loose cable, dirt in the keyboard (if keyboard input is incorrect), a marginal power supply, or other random component failures.

If you suspect that a transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout may have occurred, reload the software and run it again. (Symptoms of voltage spikes include a flickering video display, unexpected system reboots, and failure to respond to commands.)

Note:

If you are getting random errors in your data files, they may be getting corrupted by voltage spikes on your power line. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that might indicate voltage spikes on the power line, you may want to install a surge suppressor between the power outlet and the system power cords.

Solving Problems 161