Solving power problems

Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table.

Table 8-2Solving power problems

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

A fan may be blocked or not turning.

 

the processor cooling fan is running.

2.

Open hood, press power button, and see if the

OR

 

processor fan spins. If the processor fan is not spinning,

The heat sink is not properly attached to the processor.

 

make sure the fan's cable is plugged onto the system

 

board header.

 

3.

If fan is plugged in, but is not spinning, then replace the

 

 

heat sink/fan assembly.

 

 

 

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

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

Power failure (power supply is overloaded).

1.

Check if a device is causing the problem by removing

 

 

ALL attached devices. Power on the system. If the

 

 

system enters the POST, then power off and replace

 

 

one device at a time and repeat this procedure until

 

 

failure occurs. Replace the device that is causing the

 

 

failure. Continue adding devices one at a time to ensure

 

 

all devices are functioning properly.

 

2.

Replace the power supply.

 

3.

Replace the system board.

 

 

 

Solving hard drive problems

Table 8-3Solving hard drive problems

Hard drive error occurs.

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed.

1.

Right-click Start, click Explore, and right-click on a

 

 

drive. Select Properties then select the Tools tab.

 

 

Under Error-checking click Check Now.

 

2.

Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad sectors. If

 

 

necessary, reformat the hard disk.

 

 

 

114 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics