Table 10-1Solving General Problems (continued)

Poor performance is experienced.

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

Too many applications running.

1.

Close unnecessary applications to free up memory.

 

2.

Add more memory. Some applications run in the

 

 

background and can be closed by right-clicking on their

 

 

corresponding icons in the task tray. To prevent these

 

 

applications from launching at startup, go to Start >

 

 

Run (Windows XP) or Start > All Programs >

 

 

Accessories > Run (Windows 7) and type msconfig.

 

 

On the Startup tab of the System Configuration Utility,

 

 

clear applications that you do not want to launch

 

 

automatically.

 

 

 

Some software applications, especially games, are stressful

1.

Lower the display resolution for the current application

on the graphics subsystem

 

or 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

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.

 

4.

Contact an authorized reseller or service provider.

 

 

 

Solving General Problems 253