Table 7-1Solving General Problems (continued)

Poor performance.

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

 

3.

Make sure the processor heat sink is installed properly.

 

 

Hard drive is full.

Transfer data from the hard drive to create more space on the

 

hard drive.

 

 

Low on memory.

Add more memory.

 

 

Hard drive fragmented.

Defragment hard drive.

 

 

Program previously accessed did not release reserved memory

Restart the computer.

back to the system.

 

 

 

 

Virus resident on the hard drive.

Run virus protection program.

 

 

Too many applications running.

In Windows 8:

 

1.

On the Start screen, right-click, and then select the All apps

 

 

icon.

 

2.

Under Windows System, click Run.

 

3.

Type msconfig, and then press Enter.

 

4.

On the Startup tab of the System Configuration Utility, clear

 

 

applications that you do not want to launch automatically,

 

 

and the click OK.

 

 

 

Some software applications, especially games, are stressful on

1.

Lower the display resolution for the current application or

the graphics subsystem.

 

consult the documentation that came with the application

 

 

for suggestions on how to improve performance by

 

 

adjusting parameters in the application.

 

2.

Add more memory.

 

3.

Upgrade the graphics solution.

 

 

Cause unknown.

Restart the computer.

 

 

 

Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED flashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps two times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing).

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

Processor thermal protection activated:

1.

Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and the

A fan may be blocked or not turning.

 

processor cooling fan is running.

2.

Open the access panel, press the power button, and see if

OR

 

the processor fan (or other system fan) spins. If the fan does

 

 

The heat sink is not properly attached to the processor.

 

not spin, make sure the fan cable is plugged onto the

 

system board header.

 

 

 

3.

If fan a plugged in and not spinning, replace it.

 

 

 

66 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics