Running New Application Software
Problems that occur when you run new application software are usually related to the software. Faulty equipment is much less likely, especially if other software runs correctly.
Checklist
∙Does the system meet the minimum hardware requirements for the software? See the software documentation.
∙Is the software an authorized copy? If not, get one; unauthorized copies often do not work.
∙If you are running the software from a diskette, is it a good copy?
∙If you are running the software from a
∙If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, is the software correctly installed? Were all necessary procedures followed and files installed?
∙Are the correct device drivers installed?
∙Is the software correctly configured for the system?
∙Are you using the software correctly?
∙If the problems persist, contact the software vendor’s customer service representative.
After the System Has Been Running Correctly
Problems that occur after the system hardware and software have been running correctly often indicate equipment failure. Many situations that are easy to correct, however, can also cause such problems; sometimes the problem stems from changes made to the system, such as hardware or software that has been added or removed.
Checklist
∙If you are running the software from a diskette, try a new copy of the software.
∙If you are running the software from a
∙If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, try running it from a diskette. If the software runs correctly, there might be a problem with the copy on the hard disk drive. Reinstall the software on the hard disk, and try running it again. Make sure all necessary files are installed.
∙If the problems are intermittent, there may be a loose cable, dirt in the keyboard (if keyboard input is incorrect), a marginal power supply, or other random component failures.
∙If you suspect that a transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout might have occurred, reload the software and try running it again. (Symptoms of voltage spikes include a flickering video display, unexpected system reboots, and the system not responding to user commands.)
✏NOTE
Random errors in data files: If you are getting random errors in your data files, they may be getting corrupted by voltage spikes on your power line. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms that might indicate voltage spikes on the power line, you might want to install a surge suppressor between the power outlet and the system power cords.
156 | Solving Problems |
