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.

■Make 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.

■Before you attach an external device, turn the computer off. When you turn the computer back on it recognises the new device.

■Make sure all options are set properly in the setup program.

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

■Inspect all connecting cables for loose wires and all connectors for loose pins.

■Check that your diskette is correctly inserted and that the diskette’s write protect tab is correctly set.

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.

Analysing the problem

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

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

■Is the operating system configuration set properly? Check the configuration options.

■What 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.

■Do any icons light? Which ones? What colour are they? Do they stay on or blink? Write down what you see.

■Do 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.

Record your observations so you can describe them to your dealer.

Portégé M200

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