Solving power problems
Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table.
Table
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 | ||
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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 | |
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| heat sink/fan assembly. | |
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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 | |
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Power failure (power supply is overloaded). | 1. | Check if a device is causing the problem by removing |
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| ALL attached devices. Power on the system. If the |
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| system enters the POST, then power off and replace |
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| one device at a time and repeat this procedure until |
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| failure occurs. Replace the device that is causing the |
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| failure. Continue adding devices one at a time to ensure |
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| all devices are functioning properly. |
| 2. | Replace the power supply. |
| 3. | Replace the system board. |
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Solving hard drive problems
Table
Hard drive error occurs.
Cause | Solution | |
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Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. | 1. | |
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| drive. Select Properties then select the Tools tab. |
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| Under |
| 2. | Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad sectors. If |
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| necessary, reformat the hard disk. |
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114 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics