5-6 Problem Solving
Additional Troubleshooting Procedures
This section provides a more detailed approach to diagnostic testing and identification
of a problem and locating its source.
Use the following troubleshooting procedures to help you identify a problem. These
general procedures lead you through the following:
! Preparing the system for diagnostic testing
! Monitoring POST while it is running
! Verifying proper operation of key system LEDs
! Confirming loading of the operating system.

Preparing the System for Diagnostic Testing

To prepare the system for diagnostic testing, perform the following:
Note: Before disconnecting any peripheral cables from the
system, turn off the system and any external peripheral devices.
Failure to do so can cause permanent damage to the system and/or
the peripheral devices.
1. Turn off the system and all external peripheral devices. Disconnect all devices from
the system except the keyboard and video monitor.
2. Make sure the system power cords are plugged into a properly grounded AC outlet.
3. Make sure your video display monitor and keyboard are correctly connected to the
system. Turn on the video monitor. Set its brightness and contrast controls to at least
two-thirds of their maximum ranges (refer to the documentation supplied with your
video display monitor).
4. If the operating system normally loads from the hard disk drive, make sure there is
no diskette in drive A. Otherwise, place a diskette containing the operating system
files in drive A.
5. Turn on the system. If the power indicator LED does not light, refer to “Power
Light Does Not Light” found later in this chapter.