Basic Troubleshooting

Solving Hardware Installation Problems

You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. If you install a plug and play device, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home 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 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home , select the Add New Hardware icon in the Control Panel and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. To reconfigure the computer in Windows NT 4.0 after installing new hardware, use the utility provided with the hardware.

Solving Hardware Installation Problems

Problem

Cause

Solution

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

Cable(s) of new

Ensure that all cables are properly

external device are

and securely connected and that

loose or power cables

pins in the cable or connector are

are unplugged.

not bent down.

 

 

Power switch of new

Turn off the computer, turn on the

external device is not

external device, then turn on the

turned on.

computer to integrate the device

 

with the computer system.

When the system advised you of changes to the configuration, you did not accept them.

Reboot the computer and follow the instructions for accepting the changes.

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Getting Started