Troubleshooting

Preliminary checklist

Consider the simplest solution first. The items in this checklist are easy to fix and yet can cause what appears to be a serious problem.

nMake sure you turn on all peripheral devices before you turn on the computer.

This includes your printer and any other external device you are using.

nBefore you attach an external device, turn the computer off. When you turn the computer back on it recognizes the new device.

nMake sure all options are set properly in the setup program.

nCheck all cables. Are they correctly and firmly attached? Loose cables can cause signal errors.

nInspect all connecting cables for loose wires and all connectors for loose pins.

nCheck that the optical disc drive is correctly inserted.

Make notes of your observations and keep them in a permanent error log. This will help you describe your problems to your dealer. If a problem recurs, the log will help you identify the problem faster.

Analyzing the problem

Sometimes the system gives clues that can help you identify why it is malfunctioning. Keep the following questions in mind:

nWhich part of the system is not operating properly: keyboard, disk drives, hard disk drive, printer, display. Each device produces different symptoms.

nIs the operating system configuration set properly? Check the configuration options.

nWhat appears on the display screen? Does it display any messages or random characters? Print a copy of the screen if you have a printer attached. Look up the messages in the software and operating system documentation. Check that all connecting cables are correctly and firmly attached. Loose cables can cause erroneous or intermittent signals.

nDo any indicators light? Which ones? What color are they? Do they stay on or blink? Write down what you see.

nDo you hear any beeps? How many? Are they long or short? Are they high pitched or low? Is the computer making any unusual noises? Write down what you hear.

User’s Manual

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