This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to notify any party
beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and we
will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Dichiarazione di conformità
sintetica
Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M.
275 del 30/10/2002
Si dichiara che questo prodotto è
conforme alle normative vigenti e
soddisfa i requisiti essenziali richiesti
dalle direttive
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e
1999/05/CE
quando ad esso applicabili
Short Declaration of conformity
We declare this product is complying
with the laws in force and meeting all
the essential requirements as specified
by the directives
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with sufficient
lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet before
operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static bag,
ground yourself properly by touching any safely grounded
appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to remove the static
charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the rear
side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board on the
edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the case after
installation. Loose parts will cause short circuits which may
damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
The operating temperatures of the computer should be 0 to
45 degrees Celsius.
To avoid injury, be careful of:
Sharp pins on headers and connectors
Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit
G41-M7
1.2 Package Checklist
; Serial ATA Cable x2
; Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1
; Installation Guide x1
; Fully Setup Driver DVD x1
Note: The package contents may be different due to the sales region or models in which it was sold.
For more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or sales
representative.
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Motherboard Manual
1.3 Motherboard Specifications
SPEC
LGA 775
Intel Core2Duo / Core2Quad /
CPU
FSB Support 533 / 800 / 1066 / 1333 MHz , FSB533 only support DDR2-533
Chipset
Super I/O
Main Memory
Graphics GMA X4500 Max Shared Video Memory is 256MB
SATA Connector x4 Each connector supports 1 SATA devices
Front Panel Connector x1 Supports front panel facilities
Front Audio Connector x1 Supports front panel audio function
CPU Fan Header x1 CPU Fan power supply (with Smart Fan function)
System Fan Header x1 System Fan Power supply
Clear CMOS Header x1 Restore CMOS data to factory default
USB 2.0 Connector x2 Each connector supports 2 front panel USB ports
Power Connector (24pin) x1 Connects to Power supply
Power Connector (4pin) x1 Connects to Power supply
G41-M7
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
Back Panel
I/O
Board Size 182 (W) x 235 (L) mm
OS Support Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8
VGA port x1
LAN port x1
USB 2.0 Port x4
Audio Jack x3
Connects to PS/2 Keyboard
Connects to PS/2 Mouse
Connect to D-SUB monitor
Connect to RJ-45 ethernet cable
Connect to USB devices
Provide Audio-In/Out and microphone connection
Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support for any OS
with or without notice
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors
Since the audio chip supports High Definition Audio Specification, the function of each audio
jack can be defined by software. The input / output function of each audio jack listed above
represents the default setting. However, when connecting external microphone to the audio port,
please use the Line In (blue) and Mic In (Pink) audio jack.
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1.5 Motherboard Layout
Note: ■ represents the 1st pin.
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CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Step 1: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard
G41-M7
Note: Remove Pin Cap before installation, and make good preservation for future use. When
the CPU is removed, cover the Pin Cap on the empty socket to ensure pin legs won’t be
damaged.
Pin-Cap
Step 2: Pull the socket locking lever out from the socket and then raise the lever
up to a 90-degree angle.
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Motherboard Manual
Step 3: Look for the triangular cut edge on socket, and the golden dot on CPU
should point forwards this triangular cut edge.
Step 3-1:
Step 3-2:
Step 4: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then lower the lever to locked position to
complete the installation.
Note: The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. Do not force the CPU into the socket to prevent damaging the CPU.
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2.2 Install a Heatsink
Step 1: Place the CPU fan assembly on top of the installed CPU and make sure
that the four fasteners match the motherboard holes. Orient the assembly
and make the fan cable is closest to the CPU fan connector.
Step 2: Press down two fasteners at one time in a diagonal sequence to secure
the CPU fan assembly in place. Ensure that all four fasteners are secured.
G41-M7
Note1: Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector.
Note2: For proper installation, please kindly refer to the installation manual of your CPU heatsink.
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2.3 Connect Cooling Fans
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and
connector may be different due to the fan manufacturer. Connect the fan cable to
the connector while matching the black wire to pin#1.
CPU_FAN1: CPU Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 Power
3 FAN RPM rate sense
4 Smart Fan Control
SYS_FAN1: System Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
Note: CPU_FAN1 & SYS_FAN1 support 4-pin and 3-pin head connectors. When connecting
with wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and should be
connected to pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
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G41-M7
2.4 Install System Memory
A. DDR2 module
Step 1: Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM
on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.
Step 2: Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining chip snap
back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
Note: If the DIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it. Pull it all the way out and try again.
This motherboard is equipped with 2 standard PCI slots. PCI stands for
Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it is a bus standard for expansion
cards. This PCI slot is designated as 32 bits.
G41-M7
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Install an Expansion Card
You can install your expansion card by following steps:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the
expansion card into the computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the
computer.
3. Place a card in the expansion slot and press down on the card until it is
completely seated in the slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
6. Power on the computer, if necessary, change BIOS settings for the
expansion card.
7. Install related driver for the expansion card.
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G41-M7
2.6 Jumper Setting
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is “open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Header
Placing the jumper on pin2-3 allows user to restore the BIOS safe setting and
the CMOS data. Please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging the
motherboard.
3
1
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation (Default).
3
1
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
※ Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Reset your desired password or clear the CMOS data.
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2.7 Herders & Connectors
ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
By connecting this connector, it will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.
ATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector allows user to connect 24-pin power connector on the ATX
power supply.
Note1: Before you power on the system, please make sure that both ATXPWR1 and
ATXPWR2 connectors have been plugged-in.
Note2: Insufficient power supplied to the system may result in instability or the peripherals
not functioning properly. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices.
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G41-M7
PANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and
speaker connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front panel switch
functions.
Pin Assignment Function PinAssignment Function
1 +5V 9 N/A
2 N/A 10 N/A
3 N/A 11 N/A N/A
4 Speaker
5 HDD LED (+) 13Power LED (+)
6 HDD LED (-)
7 Ground 15 Power button
8 Reset control
Speaker
Connector
Hard drive
LED
Reset button
12Power LED (+)
14Power LED (-)
16Ground
N/A
Power LED
Power-on button
F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the front audio output cable with the PC front
panel. This header allows only HD audio front panel connector; AC’97 connector
is not acceptable.
PinAssignment
1 Mic Left in
2 Ground
3 Mic Right in
4 GPIO
5 Right line in
6 Jack Sense
7 Front Sense
8 Key
9 Left line in
10 Jack Sense
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F_USB1/F_USB2: Headers for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This motherboard provides 2 USB 2.0 headers, which allows user to connect
additional USB cable on the PC front panel, and also can be connected with
internal USB devices, like USB card reader.
The motherboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE Controller that provides PIO
Mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 33/66/100 functionality.
The IDE connector can connect a master and a slave drive, so you can connect
up to two hard disk drives.
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G41-M7
SATA1~SATA4: Serial ATA Connectors
The motherboard has a PCI to SATA Controller with 4channels SATA interface, it
satisfies the SATA 2.0 spec and with transfer rate of 3Gb/s.
PinAssignment
1 Ground
2 TX+
3 TX4 Ground
5 RX6 RX+
7 Ground
JCOM1: Serial port Connector
The motherboard has a Serial Port Connector for connecting RS-232 Port.
PinAssignment
1 Carrier detect
2 Received data
3 Transmitted data
4 Data terminal ready
5 Signal ground
6 Data set ready
7 Request to send
8 Clear to send
9 Ring indicator
10 Key
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JPRNT1: Printer Port Connector
This header allows you to connector printer on the PC.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 -Strobe 14 Ground
2 -ALF 15 Data 6
3 Data 0 16 Ground
4 -Error 17 Data 7
5 Data 1 18 Ground
6 -Init 19 -ACK
7 Data 2 20 Ground
8 -Scltin 21 Busy
9 Data 3 22 Ground
10 Ground 23 PE
11 Data 4 24 Ground
12 Ground 25 SCLT
13 Data 5 26 Key
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CHAPTER 3: BIOS & SOFTWARE
3.1 BIOS Setup
For better system performance, the BIOS firmware is being
continuously updated. The BIOS information described below in this
manual is for your reference only and the actual BIOS information
and settings on board may be different from this manual
For further information of setting up the BIOS, please refer to the
BIOS Manual in the Setup DVD.
3.2 BIOS Update
There are three ways to update the BIOS:
BIOS Update Utility, BIOS Online Update Utility and BIOS Flasher.
1. BIOS Update Utility
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Download the proper BIOS from www.biostar.com.tw
.
G41-M7
AWARD BIOSAMI BIOS
Clear CMOS function
(Only for AWARD BIOS)
Show current BIOS information
Save current BIOS
to a .bin file
Update BIOS
with a BIOS file
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<Backup BIOS>
Once click on this button, the saving
dialog will show. Choose the position to
save file and enter file name. (We
recommend that the file name should be
English/number and no longer than 7
characters.) Then click Save.
After the saving process, finish dialog
will show. Click on OK to complete the
BIOS Backup procedure.
<Update BIOS>
Before doing this, please download the proper BIOS file from the website.
For AWARD BIOS, update BIOS
procedure should be run with Clear
CMOS function, so please check on
Clear CMOS first.
Then click Update BIOS button, a
dialog will show for asking you backup
current BIOS. Click Yes for BIOS
backup and refer to the Backup BIOS
procedure; or click No to skip this
procedure.
After the BIOS Backup procedure, the
open dialog will show for requesting the
BIOS file which is going to be updated.
Please choose the proper BIOS file for
updating, then click on Open.
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After the BIOS Update process, click on
OK to restart the system.
G41-M7
The utility will update BIOS with the
proper BIOS file, and this process may
take minutes. Please do not open any
other applications during this process.
While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows, press
key to enter BIOS setup.
In the BIOS setup, use the Load Optimized Defaults function and then Save and Exit Setup to exit BIOS setup. BIOS Update is completed.
<Delete>
2. Online Update Utility
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Please make sure the system is connected to the internet before using this
function.
3. Open BIOS Update Utility and
click the Online Update button
on the main screen.
4. An open dialog will show up to
request your agreement to
start the BIOS update. Click
Yes to start the online update
procedure.
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5. If there is a new BIOS version,
the utility will ask you to
download it. Click Yes to
proceed.
6. After the download is
completed, you will be asked
to program (update) the BIOS
or not. Click Yes to proceed.
7. After the updating process is
finished, you will be asked you
to reboot the system. Click
OK to reboot.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press
<Delete> key to enter BIOS setup.
After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the Save & Exit, using the Restore
Defaults function to load Optimized Defaults, and select Save Changes and
Reset to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
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G41-M7
3. BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher is a BIOS flashing utility providing you an easy and
simple way to update your BIOS via USB pen drive.
Note1: This utility only allows storage device with FAT32/16 format and single partition.
Note2: Shutting down or resetting the system while updating the BIOS will lead to system
boot failure.
The BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher is built in the BIOS ROM. To enter the utility, press
<F12> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST) procedure while booting up.
Updating BIOS with BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
1. Go to the website to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard.
2. Then, save the BIOS file into a USB pen
drive or a floppy disk.
3. Insert the USB pen drive or the floppy disk
that contains the BIOS file to the USB port
or the floppy disk drive.
4. Power on or reset the computer and then
press <F12> during the POST process. A
select dialog as the picture on the right
appears. Select the device contains the
BIOS file and press <Enter> to enter the
utility.
5. The utility will show the BIOS files and their respective information. Select
the proper BIOS file and press <Enter> then <Y> to perform the BIOS
update process.
6. After the update process,
the utility will ask you to
reboot the system.
Press <Y> to proceed.
BIOS update completes.
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Motherboard Manual
e
3.3 Software
Installing Software
1. Insert the Setup DVD to the optical drive. The driver installation program would
appear if the Autorun function has been enabled.
2. Select Software Installation, and then click on the respective software title.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Note1: All the information and content about following software are subject to be changed without
notice. For better performance, the software is being continuously updated.
Note2: The information and pictures described below are for your reference only. The actual
information and settings on board may be slightly different from this manual.
Launching Software
After the installation process is completed, you will see the software icon showing on
the desktop. Double-click the icon to launch it.
eHot-Line (Optional)
eHot-Line is a convenient utility that helps you to contact with our Tech-Support system.
This utility will collect the system information which is useful for analyzing the problem
you may have encountered, and then send these information to our tech-support
department to help you fix the problem.
Note: Before you use this utility, please set Outlook Express as your default e-mail client application program.
represent s i mpor tant
*
in forma tio n that you
must provide. Withou t
this information, you may
not be able to send out
the mail.
This block will show
th e info rmat ion w hich
would be collected in
the mail.
Describe condition
*
of your system.
Select your area or
*
the area close to you.
Pro vid e the e- mail
address that you would
like to send the copy to.
Pro vid e the na me of
*
the memory module
manufacturer.
Pro vid e the na me of
the power supply
manufacturer and the
model no.
Send the mail out.
Save these infor ma tion to a .txt fil
Exit this dialog.
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G41-M7
After filling up this information, click “Send”
to send the mail out. A warning dialog would
appear asking for your confirmation; click
“Send” to confirm or “Do Not Send” to cancel.
If you want to save this information to a .txt file, click “Save As…” and then you will see
a saving dialog appears asking you to enter file name.
Enter the file name and then click “Save”.
Your system information will be saved to
a .txt file.
Open the saved .txt file, you will see
your system information including
motherboard/BIOS/CPU/video/
device/OS information. This information
is also concluded in the sent mail.
Note1: We will not share customer’s data with any other third parties, so please feel free to
provide your system information while using eHot-Line service.
Note2: If you are not using Outlook Express as your default e-mail client application, you may
need to save the system information to a .txt file and send the file to our tech support with other
e-mail application. Go to the following web http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/about/contact.php for
getting our contact information.
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Motherboard Manual
BIOScreen Utility (Optional)
This utility allows you to personalize your boot logo easily. You can choose
BMP as your boot logo so as to customize your computer.
Please follow the following instructions to update boot logo:
1. Load Image:Choose the picture as the boot logo.
2. Transform:Transform the picture for BIOS and preview the result.
3. Update Bios:Write the picture to BIOS Memory to complete the update.
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CHAPTER 4: USEFUL HELP
4.1 Driver Installation
After you installed your operating system, please insert the Fully Setup Driver
DVD into your optical drive and install the driver for better system performance.
You will see the following window after you insert the DVD
G41-M7
The setup guide will auto detect your motherboard and operating system.
Note: If this window didn’t show up after you insert the Driver DVD, please use file browser
to locate and execute the file SETUP.EXE under your optical drive.
A. Driver Installation
To install the driver, please click on the Driver icon. The setup guide will list the
compatible driver for your motherboard and operating system. Click on each
device driver to launch the installation program.
B. Software Installation
To install the software, please click on the Software icon. The setup guide will list
the software available for your system, click on each software title to launch the
installation program.
C. Manual
Aside from the paperback manual, we also provide manual in the Driver DVD.
Click on the Manual icon to browse for available manual.
Note: You will need Acrobat Reader to open the manual file. Please download the latest
version of Acrobat Reader software from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
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4.2 Extra Information
CPU Overheated
If the system shutdown automatically after power on system for seconds, that
means the CPU protection function has been activated.
When the CPU is over heated, the motherboard will shutdown automatically to
avoid a damage of the CPU, and the system may not power on again.
In this case, please double check:
1. The CPU cooler surface is placed evenly with the CPU surface.
2. CPU fan is rotated normally.
3. CPU fan speed is fulfilling with the CPU speed.
After confirmed, please follow steps below to relief the CPU protection
function.
1. Remove the power cord from power supply for seconds.
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Plug in the power cord and boot up the system.
Or you can:
1. Clear the CMOS data.
(See “Close CMOS Header: JCMOS1” section)
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Power on the system again.
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4.3 AMI BIOS Beep Code
Boot Block Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Description
1 No media present. (Insert diskette in floppy drive A:)
2
3 Insert next diskette if multiple diskettes are used for recovery
4 Flash Programming successful
5 File read error
7 No Flash EPROM detected
10 Flash Erase error
11 Flash Program error
12 “AMIBOOT.ROM” file size error
13
POST BIOS Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Description
1 Memory refresh timer error
3 Base memory read/write test error
6 Keyboard controller BAT command failed
7 General exception error (processor exception interrupt error)
8 Display memory error (system video adapter)
“AMIBOOT.ROM” file not found in root directory of diskette in
A:
BIOS ROM image mismatch (file layout does not match
image present in flash device)
G41-M7
Troubleshooting POST BIOS Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Troubleshooting Action
1, 3 Reseat the memory, or replace with known good modules.
Fatal error indicating a serious problem with the system.
Consult your system manufacturer. Before declaring the
motherboard beyond all hope, eliminate the possibility of
interference by a malfunctioning add-in card. Remove all
expansion cards except the video adapter.
z If beep codes are generated when all other expansion
6, 7
8
cards are absent, consult your system manufacturer’s
technical support.
z If beep codes are not generated when all other expansion
cards are absent, one of the add-in cards is causing the
malfunction. Insert the cards back into the system one at a
time until the problem happens again. This will reveal the
malfunctioning card.
If the system video adapter is an add-in card, replace or
reseat the
video adapter. If the video adapter is an integrated part of the
system board, the board may be faulty.
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4.4 Troubleshooting
Probable Solution
1. There is no power in the system.
Power LED does not shine; the
fan of the power supply does not
work
2. Indicator light on keyboard does
not shine.
System is inoperative. Keyboard lights
are on, power indicator lights are lit,
and hard drives are running.
System does not boot from a hard disk
drive, but can be booted from optical
drive.
System only boots from an optical
drive. Hard disks can be read,
applications can be used, but system
fails to boot from a hard disk.
Screen message shows “Invalid
Configuration” or “CMOS Failure.”
System cannot boot after user installs a
second hard drive.
1. Make sure power cable is
securely plugged in.
2. Replace cable.
3. Contact technical support.
Using even pressure on both ends of
the DIMM, press down firmly until the
module snaps into place.
1. Check cable running from disk to
disk controller board. Make sure
both ends are securely plugged
in; check the drive type in the
standard CMOS setup.
2. Backing up the hard drive is
extremely important. All hard
disks are capable of breaking
down at any time.
1. Back up data and applications
files.
2. Reformat the hard drive.
Re-install applications and data
using backup disks.
Review system’s equipment. Make sure
correct information is in setup.
1. Set master/slave jumpers
correctly.
2. Run SETUP program and select
correct drive types. Call the drive
manufacturers for compatibility
with other drives.