Solving hardware installation problems

You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware. If you install a plug and play device, Windows automatically recognizes the device and configures the computer. If you install a non–plug and play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new hardware. In Windows, use the Add Hardware Wizard and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board. To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock and/or hot surfaces, be sure to disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool before touching.

Table 7-10Solving hardware installation problems

A new device is not recognized as part of the system.

Cause

Solution

 

 

Device is not seated or connected properly.

Ensure that the device is properly and securely connected

 

and that pins in the connector are not bent down.

 

 

Cable(s) of new external device are loose or power cables

Ensure that all cables are properly and securely connected

are unplugged.

and that pins in the cable or connector are not bent down.

 

 

Power switch of new external device is not turned on.

Turn off the computer, turn on the external device, then turn

 

on the computer to integrate the device with the computer

 

system.

 

 

When the system advised you of changes to the

Reboot the computer and follow the instructions for

configuration, you did not accept them.

accepting the changes.

 

 

A plug and play board may not automatically configure when

Use Windows Device Manager to deselect the automatic

added if the default configuration conflicts with other devices.

settings for the board and choose a basic configuration that

 

does not cause a resource conflict. You can also use

 

Computer Setup to reconfigure or disable devices to resolve

 

the resource conflict.

 

 

USB ports on the computer are disabled in Computer Setup.

Run the Computer Setup utility and ensure that Device

 

available is selected for appropriate USB ports under

 

Security > USB Security.

 

 

 

Computer will not start.

 

 

 

 

Cause

Solution

 

 

Wrong memory modules were used in the upgrade or

1. Review the documentation that came with the system to

memory modules were installed in the wrong location.

 

determine if you are using the correct memory modules

 

 

and to verify the proper installation.

 

 

NOTE: DIMM1 must always be installed. DIMM1 must

 

 

be installed before DIMM3.

 

2.

Observe the beeps and LED lights on the front of the

 

 

computer. Beeps and flashing LEDs are codes for

 

 

specific problems.

 

3.

If you still cannot resolve the issue, contact Customer

 

 

Support.

 

 

 

122 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics