Solving Power Problems
Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table.
Table 8-2 Solving Power Problems
Power supply shuts down intermittently.
Cause | Solution |
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Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some | Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch. |
models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V). |
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Power supply will not turn on because of internal power | Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power |
supply fault. | supply. |
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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 | ||
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Processor thermal protection activated: | 1. | Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and | |
A fan may be blocked or not turning. |
| the processor cooling fan is running. | |
2. | Open hood, press power button, and see if the | ||
OR | |||
| processor fan spins. If the processor fan is not spinning, | ||
The heat sink is not properly attached to the processor. |
| 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 | |
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| heat sink/fan assembly. | |
| 4. | Contact an authorized reseller or service provider. | |
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Power LED flashes Red four times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps four times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)
Cause | Solution | |
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Power failure (power supply is overloaded). | 1. | Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of |
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| the power supply (some models), is set to the |
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| appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on |
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| your region. |
| 2. | Open the hood and ensure the 4- or |
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| supply cable is seated into the connector on the system |
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| board. |
| 3. | Check if a device is causing the problem by removing |
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| ALL attached devices (such as hard or optical drives, |
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| and expansion cards). Power on the system. If the |
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| system enters the POST, then power off and replace |
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| one device at a time and repeat this procedure until |
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| failure occurs. Replace the device that is causing the |
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| failure. Continue adding devices one at a time to ensure |
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| all devices are functioning properly. |
| 4. | Replace the power supply. |
| 5. | Replace the system board. |
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