Table D-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 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.

System does not power on and the LEDs on the front of the computer are not flashing.

Cause

Solution

 

 

System unable to power on.

Press and hold the power button for less than 4 seconds. If the hard drive LED turns green, then:

1.Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply on some models, is set to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region.

2.Remove the expansion cards one at a time until the 5V_aux light on the system board turns on.

3.Replace the system board.

118 Appendix D Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

ENWW