Table 2-1Solving General Problems (continued)

There is no sound or sound volume is too low.

Cause

Solution

 

 

System volume may be set low or muted.

1. Check the F10 BIOS settings to make sure the internal

 

 

system speaker is not muted (this setting does not affect

 

 

the external speakers).

 

2.

Make sure the external speakers are properly connected

 

 

and powered on and that the speakers' volume control is

 

 

set correctly.

 

3.

Use the system volume control available in the operating

 

 

system to make sure the speakers are not muted or to

 

 

increase the volume.

 

 

The audio device may be connected to the wrong jack on the

Ensure that the device is connected to the correct jack on the

rear of the computer.

rear of the computer.

 

 

 

Poor performance is experienced.

 

 

 

 

Cause

Solution

 

 

Processor is hot.

1. Make sure airflow to the computer is not blocked. Leave

 

 

a 10.2-cm (4-inch) clearance on all vented sides of the

 

 

computer and above the monitor to permit the required

 

 

airflow.

 

2.

Make sure fans are connected and working properly

 

 

(some fans only operate when needed).

 

3.

Make sure the processor heatsink is installed properly.

 

 

Hard drive is full.

Transfer data from the hard drive to create more space on the

 

hard drive.

 

 

Low on memory.

Add more memory.

 

 

Hard drive fragmented.

Defragment hard drive.

 

 

Program previously accessed did not release reserved

Restart the computer.

memory back to the system.

 

 

 

 

Virus resident on the hard drive.

Run virus protection program.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

ENWW

Solving General Problems 11