Table 2-1Solving General Problems (continued)

Poor performance is experienced.

Cause

Solution

 

 

 

 

 

Too many applications running.

1.

Close unnecessary applications to free up 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 >

 

 

Accessories > Run (Windows Vista) and type

 

 

msconfig. On the Startup tab of the System

 

 

Configuration Utility, uncheck applications that you do not

 

 

want to launch automatically.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAUTION: Do not prevent applications from

 

 

 

launching at startup that are required for proper

 

 

 

system operation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Add more memory.

 

 

 

 

 

Some software applications, especially games, are stressful

1.

Lower the display resolution for the current application or

on the graphics subsystem

 

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:

A fan may be blocked or not turning.

OR

The heatsink is not properly attached to the processor.

1.Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and the processor cooling fan is running.

2.Open hood, press power button, and see if the processor fan spins. If the processor fan is not spinning, 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 heatsink/fan assembly.

4.Contact an authorized reseller or service provider.

12 Chapter 2 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

ENWW