Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Troubleshooting Your Computer

If sound does not record

∙Try plugging in an external microphone. Your model may not have a built-in microphone.

∙Check the software controls for recording sound: click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Multimedia (or Entertainment), Sound Recorder.

∙In Volume Control, click Options, Properties, and make sure the microphone is enabled in the recording controls.

∙Test the audio with the e-Diagtools diagnostics. See “Testing the Hardware” on page 115.

If you hear a loud high-pitched whine (feedback) from the speakers

∙In the Volume Control, try reducing the Master volume: double-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.

∙In Volume Control, click Options, Properties, and select the microphone option for the playback settings. Then in Volume Control, make sure the microphone is muted.

∙If your model has a built-in microphone, avoid using it and the built-in speakers at the same time.

CD-ROM and DVD Problems

If you can’t boot from a CD or DVD in the CD/DVD drive

∙Make sure the CD or DVD is bootable, such as the Recovery CD or DVD.

∙Make sure the CD-ROM/DVD drive is selected as the boot device—see “To change the boot device” on page 27.

∙Restart the computer: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.

∙Test the DVD drive with the e-Diagtools diagnostics. See “Testing the Hardware” on page 115.

If a DVD plays erratically

∙Dirt or smudges can cause a disc to skip. Clean the disc with a soft cloth. If the disc is badly scratched, it will probably have to be replaced.

∙If you’re playing the DVD on battery power, try changing the power scheme. See the hint under “To play DVD movies” on page 38.

Reference Guide

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