Compaq Armada 3500 series Service Manual

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CONTENTS

preface

USING THIS GUIDE

Symbols............................................................................................................................................. iv

Technician Notes.................................................................................................................................v

Serial Number .....................................................................................................................................v

Laser Safety ....................................................................................................................................v

CDRH Regulations .........................................................................................................................v

Battery Notice............................................................................................................................... vi

Locating Additional Information ..................................................................................................... vii

chapter 1

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Computer Features and Models ............................................................................................... 1-1

1.1.1 Features.............................................................................................................................. 1-2

1.1.2 Models................................................................................................................................ 1-3

1.1.3 Software Fulfillment..........................................................................................................1-3

1.2 Computer Options.................................................................................................................... 1-3

1.2.1 Convenience Base II ..........................................................................................................1-3

1.2.2 System Memory Options ................................................................................................... 1-3

1.2.3 External Battery Charger ................................................................................................... 1-4

1.2.4 External Keyboards and Pointing Devices ........................................................................ 1-4

1.2.5 External Monitors .............................................................................................................. 1-4

1.3 External Computer Components.............................................................................................. 1-5

1.3.1 Left Side Components........................................................................................................ 1-5

1.3.2 Front Components.............................................................................................................. 1-6

1.3.3 Top Components................................................................................................................1-7

1.3.4 Right Side Components ..................................................................................................... 1-8

1.3.5 Rear Components...............................................................................................................1-9

1.3.6 Computer Bottom Components ....................................................................................... 1-10

1.3.7 M35EU Bottom Components .......................................................................................... 1-11

1.3.8 Status Panel Lights........................................................................................................... 1-12

1.4 Design Overview.................................................................................................................... 1-13

1.4.1 System Unit...................................................................................................................... 1-13

1.4.2 Internal Boards.................................................................................................................1-13

1.4.7 Video system.................................................................................................................... 1-14

chapter 2

TROUBLESHOOTING

2.1 Preliminary Steps.....................................................................................................................2-2

2.2 Clearing Passwords.................................................................................................................. 2-3

2.3 Power-On Self-Test (POST)....................................................................................................2-3

2.4 POST Error Messages.............................................................................................................. 2-4

Contents iii

2.5 Compaq Utilities......................................................................................................................2-7

2.5.1 Computer Setup ................................................................................................................. 2-7

2.5.2 Computer Checkup (TEST)............................................................................................... 2-9

2.5.3 Running View System Information (INSPECT) ............................................................. 2-16

2.5.4 Running Compaq Diagnostics ......................................................................................... 2-16

2.5.5 Boot Sequencing.............................................................................................................. 2-16

2.5.6 Factory Default Settings .................................................................................................. 2-17

2.6 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics...................................................................................2-18

2.6.1 Before Replacing Parts .................................................................................................... 2-18

chapter 3

ILLUSTRATED PARTS CATALOG

3.1 System Unit.............................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.2 Mass Storage Devices.............................................................................................................. 3-4

3.3 Cables and Power Cords..........................................................................................................3-5

3.4 Standard and Optional Boards ................................................................................................. 3-6

3.5 Options..................................................................................................................................... 3-7

3.6 Miscellaneous Parts ................................................................................................................. 3-8

3.7 Documentation....................................................................................................................... 3-10

chapter 4

REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PRELIMINARIES

4.1 Tools Required......................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Service Considerations............................................................................................................. 4-1

4.2.1 Plastic Parts........................................................................................................................4-1

4.2.2 Cables and Connectors....................................................................................................... 4-2

4.3 Preventing Damage to Removable Drives............................................................................... 4-2

4.4 Preventing Electrostatic Damage............................................................................................. 4-3

4.4.1 Packaging and Transporting Precautions........................................................................... 4-3

4.4.2 Workstation Precautions.................................................................................................... 4-4

4.4.3 Grounding Equipment and Methods..................................................................................4-5

4.4.4 Electrostatic Voltage Levels and Protective Materials...................................................... 4-6

iv Contents

chapter 5

REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

5.1 Serial Number...........................................................................................................................5-1

5.2 Disassembly Sequence.............................................................................................................. 5-2

5.3 Preparing the Computer for Disassembly................................................................................ 5-3

5.3.1 Disconnecting the AC Power............................................................................................. 5-3

5.3.2 Removing the PCMCIA Card............................................................................................5-6

5.3.3 Removing the Battery Pack ............................................................................................... 5-7

5.4 Memory Board.......................................................................................................................... 5-8

5.4.1 Removing the Memory Module......................................................................................... 5-9

5.4.2 Installing the Memory Module ........................................................................................ 5-10

5.5 Hard Drive............................................................................................................................... 5-11

5.5.1 Removing the Hard Drive Cover.....................................................................................5-11

5.5.2 Removing the Nickel Cadmium Auxiliary Battery ......................................................... 5-12

5.5.3 Removing the Lithium Real Time Clock Battery............................................................ 5-13

5.5.4 Removing the Hard Drive................................................................................................5-14

5.6 Keyboard................................................................................................................................. 5-15

5.7 Display Assembly ...................................................................................................................5-17

5.7.1 Removing the Display Hinge Covers .............................................................................. 5-17

5.7.2 Removing the Switch Cover/Status Panel ....................................................................... 5-18

5.7.3 Removing the Display Assembly ....................................................................................5-20

5.8 Top Cover Assembly...............................................................................................................5-22

5.8.1 Removing the DC-DC Converter..................................................................................... 5-24

5.8.2 Removing the System Board ........................................................................................... 5-25

5.8.3 Removing the Fan............................................................................................................ 5-26

5.9 Removing a MultiBay Device................................................................................................. 5-27

chapter 6

SPECIFICATIONS

6.1 Computer..................................................................................................................................6-2

6.2 Display .....................................................................................................................................6-3

6.3 Hard Drives............................................................................................................................... 6-4

6.4 Diskette Drive ...........................................................................................................................6-5

6.5 Optical Disc Drives................................................................................................................... 6-6

6.6 System Interrupts ...................................................................................................................... 6-8

6.7 System DMA............................................................................................................................. 6-8

6.8 System I/O Address ..................................................................................................................6-9

6.9 System Memory Map..............................................................................................................6-11

appendix A

CONNECTORS ......................................................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B

POWER CORD SET REQUIREMENTS

B.1 3-Conductor Power Cord Set....................................................................................................B-1

B.1.1 General Requirements.......................................................................................................B-1

B.1.2 Country-Specific Requirements........................................................................................B-2

B.1.3 Notes: ................................................................................................................................B-2

Appendix C

CONVENIENCE BASES

C.1 Models and Features................................................................................................................C-1

C.2 Convenience Base Features.....................................................................................................C-2

C.3 Convenience Base II Components ..........................................................................................C-3

C.3.1 Front and Right Side Components ....................................................................................C-3

C.3.2 Rear Components..............................................................................................................C-4

INDEX .....................................................................................................................................................I-1

Contents v

vi Contents

chapte

r

1

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Computer Features and Models

The Armada 3500 Family of Personal Computers is a line of thin and lightweight
notebook computers with superior flexibility and the latest performance features. It is
designed for highly mobile professionals who spend a majority of their time traveling.

Figure 1-1. Armada 3500 Personal Computer with Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit

Product Description 1-1

This full-function, Mobile Pentium II-based family of notebook computers allows full
desktop functionality. It also provides connectivity through the use of an optional
Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit (M35EU) and a Convenience Base.

1.1.1 Features

The computer models have the following standard features:

■ 266- or 300-MHz Mobile Pentium II processors

■ 32- or 64-MB of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) on the

system board, expandable to a maximum of 160 MB

■ 4.0- or 6.0-GB, 2.5-inch internal hard drive mounted in carrier

■ LCD displays:

❏ 12.1 inch SVGA CTFT display
❏ 13.3-inch XGA CTFT display

■ Supports Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack

❏ Li-Ion Battery Pack (6 cell)
❏ Extended Life Li-Ion Battery Pack (9 cell)

■ Internal speaker

■ Internal microphone

■ External 1.44-MB diskette drive

■ Full-size 101 key compatible keyboard including 12 function keys, 8 cursor control

keys, inverted-T cursor control keys, and embedded numeric keypad

■ Four user-programmable keys

■ Multifunctional EasyPoint IV pointing device

■ Operates from a battery pack in the battery bay, an external AC power supply that is

compatible with domestic or international power sources, or from an AC power
supply integrated in the Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit

■ Power management and security features

■ Infrared interface for wireless communication with other IrDA-compliant devices at

data rates up to 4 mb/sec

■ Universal Serial Bus (USB)

■ Two standard device slots that will accommodate two Type II or one Type III PC

2

)

Card, PCMCIA card or CardBus card. Zoomed-Video in the bottom slot

■ When connected to the Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit, a 176-pin expansion connector

provides the interface to the convenience base options. Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit
is required for use with convenience base.

■ Rear-panel ports provide connections for parallel, serial, external monitor,

microphone/Line-In jack, speaker/headphone (Line-Out jack), and keyboard/mouse

1

1

Will support up to a maximum of 192-MB with 64-MB on the system board.

2

Windows 95 supports up to 115-kb/sec. Driver for 4 mb/sec available from www.microsoft.com.

1-2 Product Description

1.1.2 Models

Compaq Armada 3500 computers are configurable, and may contain any or all of the
features listed. All models have 32- or 64-MB of standard memory, and may be
upgraded to a maximum of 192-MB with 64-MB on the system board.

1.1.3 Software Fulfillment

Replacement software may be ordered directly from Compaq Computer Corporation.
Both the model and the serial number of the computer are needed to identify the
specific software available.

1.2 Computer Options

The computer supports the following options:

■ Memory expansion boards

■ Li-ion battery pack

■ External battery charger with AC adapter

■ Hard drive upgrade

■ Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit (M35EU)

❏ CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive for optical disc bay
❏ 6-GB hard drive for MultiBay (requires carrier)
❏ 120-MB LS-120 super drive for MultiBay
❏ 100-MB Zip drive for MultiBay

1.2.1 Convenience Base II

Armada 3500 models support the following convenience base models when attached to
the M35EU:

■ Convenience Base II pass through

■ Convenience Base II with Ethernet

In addition, the computer is compatible with the convenience bases from the Armada
1500 Family of Personal Computers.

1.2.2 System Memory Options

The computer supports optional 16-, 32-, 64-, and 128-MB memory boards. The
memory boards are 66-MHz SDRAM without parity. System memory can be expanded
to up to 192-MB, depending on the model.

Product Description 1-3

1.2.3 External Battery Charger

The external battery charger has the following features:

■ Accepts Armada 3500 battery pack

■ Charges two sizes of battery packs

❏ 6-cell battery pack in 1.5 hours
❏ 9-cell battery pack in 2.0 hours

1.2.4 External Keyboards and Pointing Devices

Supports Compaq or Compaq compatible PS/2 keyboards and pointing devices.
Supports industry standard “Y” connector.

1.2.5 External Monitors

■ Supports all VGA Monitors at resolutions up to 1280 × 1024

■ Supports DDC1 and DDC2b compliant Energy Star monitors

1-4 Product Description

1.3 External Computer Components

The external computer components are illustrated and described in this section.

1.3.1 Left Side Components

The left side external components are shown in Figure 1-2 and are described in
Table 1-1.

Figure 1-2. Left Side Components

Table 1-1

Left Side Components

Item Component Function

1 Cable Lock Secures computer to fixed object
2 Air exhaust vent Provides warm air exit
3 USB port Connects USB devices
4 External diskette port Connects diskette drive
5 Volume up Increases volume
6 Volume down Decreases volume
7 Air inlet vent Provides cool air inlet
8 Battery Powers computer

Product Description 1-5

1.3.2 Front Components

The front external components are shown in Figure 1-3 and are described in Table 1-2.

Figure 1-3. Front Components

Item Component Function

1 Display LCD graphic display
2 Lid latches Secures lid for transport
3 Lid switch Turns display off when lid is closed
4 M35EU slots Secures computer to Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit
5 Hard disk activity LED Indicates hard disk activity - blinks while in standby
6 Power/Standby LED Indicates that the computer is on
7 Battery Powers the computer

1-6 Product Description

Table 1-2

Front Components

1.3.3 Top Components

The top external components are shown in Figure 1-4 and are described in Table 1-3.

Figure 1-4. Top Components

Table 1-3

Top Components

Item Component Function

1 Programmable function buttons User-programmable keys
2 Suspend button Initiates suspend
3 Power switch Turns power on and off
4 Microphone Input for audio recording
5 Lid switch Turns display off when lid is closed
6 Keyboard release latches Releases keyboard from system unit
7 EasyPoint IV Pointing device
8 Click buttons Pointing device click buttons

Product Description 1-7

1.3.4 Right Side Components

The right side external components are shown in Figure 1-5 and are described in
Table 1-4.

Figure 1-5. Right Side Components

Item Component Function

1 Speaker Produces monaural audio when not docked to M35EU
2 PC Card slots Accepts 16- and 32-bit PC Cards
3 DC Connector DC input from external AC adapter

1-8 Product Description

Table 1-4

Right Side Components

1.3.5 Rear Components

The rear components are shown Figure 1-6 and are described in Table 1-5.

Figure 1-6. Rear Components

Table 1-5

Rear Components

Item Component Function

1 External keyboard port Connects external keyboard or PS2 mouse

2 Infrared port Provides wireless communications
3 Parallel connector Connects parallel devices such as a printer
4 Serial connector Connects serial devices such as a mouse
5 Docking connector Provides connection to optional convenience base
6 External monitor connector Connects external monitor
7 Mic in connector Connects external microphone
8 Headphone connector Connects stereo speakers or headphones

(Supports standard “Y” connector)

Product Description 1-9

1.3.6 Computer Bottom Components

The bottom external components are shown in Figure 1-7 and are described in
Table 1-6.

Figure 1-7. Bottom Components

Table 1-6

Bottom Components

Item Component Function

1 M35EU slots Aligns system with M35EU
2 M35EU connector cover Covers M35EU connector
3 M35EU connector Connects system to M35EU
4 Memory cover Covers memory expansion slot
5 Hard drive cover Covers hard drive

1-10 Product Description

1.3.7 M35EU Bottom Components

The bottom external components are shown in Figure 1-7 and are described in
Table 1-6.

Figure 1-8. Bottom Components With M35EU

Table 1-7

Bottom Components With M35EU

Item Component Function

1 Subwoofer Enhances sound reproduction
2 Locking tabs Secures computer /M35EU to Convenience Base II
3 Docking guide Aligns computer /M35EU to Convenience Base II when docking
4 Speakers Produces high-quality sound
5 Optical bay retainer cover Provides access to Optical Disc Bay connector and retainer

Product Description 1-11

1.3.8 Status Panel Lights

The status panel lights are shown in Figure 1-9 and described in Table 1-8.

Figure 1-9. Status Panel Lights

Item Component Function

1 Hard drive activity light Indicates hard drive or CD-ROM access
2 Diskette drive activity light Indicates diskette drive activity
3 Number lock indicator Indicates that numbers lock is on
4 Caps lock indicator Indicates that caps lock is on
5 Scroll lock indicator Indicates that scroll lock is on

1-12 Product Description

Table 1-8

Status Panel

1.4 Design Overview

This section presents a design overview of the computer. The overview is limited to
field replaceable parts. All replacement parts are listed in Chapter 3.

1.4.1 System Unit

The computer is a traditional clamshell design with a display assembly attached to a
system unit. The computer opens to reveal a backlit LCD display and a full-function
keyboard. The display is designed for a continuously adjustable tilt angle. Multimedia
capability and connectivity are enhanced through an optional Mobile 3500 Expansion
Unit.

1.4.2 System Boards

The system electronics are integrated on three printed circuit assemblies: the system
board, the DC-DC converter board, and LED/switch board.

■ The system board integrates the processor, on-board memory, level 2 cache, local

bus video adapter, audio functions, and PCMCIA/CardBus adapter.

■ The DC-DC converter board creates the system voltages (3.3v and 5v) from the

battery or AC/DC input.

■ The LED/switch board integrates the status LEDs and the power and standby

switches.

1.4.2.1 Processor

An Intel 266- or 300-MHz Mobile Pentium II processor is located on the system board.

1.4.2.2 Memory

Base memory is 32- or 64-MB with 16-, 32-, 64-, or 128-MB of optional expansion
memory. Base memory is onboard memory built into the system board. Expansion
memory consists of one memory expansion board available as a user installable option.

1.4.2.3 Cache

Level 2 cache is integrated in the CPU module. It is not user upgradable.

1.4.2.4 PCMCIA/CardBus Controller

The PCMCIA/CardBus adapter is based on the Texas Instrument PCI1220 PC to
CardBus controller unit. Both 16-bit cards and 32-bit CardBus cards are supported.

1.4.2.5 Video Adapter Controller

The local bus video adapter is the Chips and Technologies 69000 controller. This
controller offers improved video performance due to the on-board 2-MB video
memory.

Product Description 1-13

1.4.3 Video system

The standard video subsystem consists of:

■ One of the following LCD displays:
❏ 12.1-in SVGA CTFT display

❏ 13.3-in XGA CTFT display

■ A 2-Megabyte frame buffer integral with the video controller integrated circuit

■ An inverter to supply AC power to the LCD back-light system

■ A standard external VGA connector for use with CRTs and other VGA compatible

displays

■ A 40-KB Video ROM

1-14 Product Description

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2

TROUBLESHOOTING

Follow these basic steps when beginning the troubleshooting process:

1. Complete the preliminary steps listed in Section 2.1.

2. Run the Power-On Self-Test (POST) as described in Section 2.3.

3. Run Computer Setup as described in Section 2.5.

4. Run the Computer Checkup (TEST) as described in Section 2.6.

5. If you are unable to run POST or Computer Checkup or if the problem persists
after running POST and Computer Checkup, perform the recommended actions
described in the diagnostic tables in Section 2.5.

6. Remove non-Compaq devices and components prior to troubleshooting.

Follow these guidelines when troubleshooting:

■ Complete the recommended actions in the order in which they are given.

■ Repeat POST and Computer Checkup after each recommended action until the

problem is resolved and the error message does not return.

■ When the problem is resolved, stop performing the troubleshooting steps and do not

complete the remaining recommended actions.

■ Refer to Chapter 5 for removal and replacement procedures that are recommended.

■ If the problem is intermittent, check the computer several times to verify that the

problem is solved.

The following table describes the troubleshooting actions:

If You Want To: Then Run:

Check for POST error messages POST
Check that computer components are recognized and

running properly
View information about the computer and installed or

connected devices

Perform any of the following:

■ Check the system configuration

■ Set the system power management parameters

■ Return the system to its original configuration

■ Check system configuration of installed devices

Computer Checkup (TEST) under Compaq Utilities

View System Information (INSPECT) under
Compaq Utilities

Computer Setup

Troubleshooting 2-1

2.1 Preliminary Steps

IMPORTANT: Use AC power when running POST, Computer Setup, or Computer

Checkup. A low battery condition could initiate Hibernation and interrupt the test.
Before running POST and Computer Checkup, complete the following steps:

1. Obtain established passwords. If you must clear the passwords, go to Section 2.2.

2. Ensure that the battery pack is installed in the computer and the power cord is
connected to the computer and plugged into an AC power source.

3. Turn on the computer.

4. If a power-on password has been established, type the password and press Enter.

5. Run Computer Setup (Section 2.5). If a Setup password has been established, type
the password and press Enter.

6. Turn off the computer and all external devices.

7. Disconnect external devices that you do not want to test. If you want to use the
printer to log error messages, leave it connected to the computer.

NOTE: If a problem only occurs when an external device is connected to the computer,
the problem could be with the external device or its cable. Isolate the problem by
running POST with and without the external device connected.

9. Use Compaq Utilities and loopback plugs in the serial and parallel connectors if you
plan to test these ports.

Follow these steps to run Compaq Utilities:

a. If you are running Compaq Utilities from the hard drive, turn on or restart the

computer. Press F10 when the cursor appears in the upper right corner of the
screen. If you do not press F10 in time, restart the computer and try again.

If you are running Compaq Utilities from diskette, insert the Compaq Utilities
diskette in drive A. Turn on or restart the computer.

b. Press Enter to accept OK.
c. Select Computer Checkup (TEST).
d. Select Prompted Diagnostics.
e. After “Identifying System Hardware” completes, select Interactive Testing and

follow the instructions on the screen.

2-2 Troubleshooting

2.2 Clearing Passwords

The power-on password prevents use of the computer until the password is entered.
The setup password prevents unauthorized changes to Computer Setup. To clear
unknown passwords, you must remove all power from the system board. If you do not
know the passwords, use the following procedure to clear the password:

1. Remove the battery pack from the battery bay.

2. Disconnect the AC power.

3. Remove the real-time clock battery (Refer to Chapter 5, “Removing the Lithium

Real Time Clock Battery.”)

4. Remove the auxiliary battery (Refer to Chapter 5, “Removing the Nickel Cadmium

Standby Battery.”)

5. Wait five minutes.

6. Reconnect the AC power.

7. Restart the computer. During Power-On Self Test (POST), a “162 System Options

not set” message appears.

8. Turn off the computer, then disconnect AC power again.

9. Replace the real-time clock battery.

10. Replace the auxiliary battery.

11. Install the battery pack.

12. Proceed with the troubleshooting procedures.

Note: Fn + F11 clears the ESCD configuration information. If the Fn + F11 sequence is

pressed very early after powering the machine on (after you see the keyboard LEDs
blink, but before the video is initialized), CMOS memory will be invalidated. The ESCD
is cleared, the machine is reset and boots with the “162 - System Options Not Set”
message. This is a way to clear out configuration information, such as Windows 95’s
knowledge about a docking station. It may help clear up problems if the configuration
information had been corrupted. Timing of this keystroke sequence is critical, as there is
a very narrow window during which the keys will be recognized. These keys are not
documented to users.

2.3 Power-On Self-Test (POST)

The Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a series of tests that run every time the computer is
turned on. POST verifies that the system is configured and functioning properly.

To run POST, complete the following steps:

1. Complete the preliminary steps (Section 2.1).

2. Turn on the computer.
If POST does not detect any errors, the computer beeps once or twice to indicate that

POST has run successfully. The computer boots from the hard drive or from a bootable
diskette if one is installed in the diskette drive.

Troubleshooting 2-3

2.4 POST Error Messages

If the system is not functioning well enough to run POST, or if the display is not
functioning well enough to show POST error messages, refer to the Troubleshooting
tables in Section 2.6.

If POST detects an error, one of the following events occurs:

■ A message with the prefix “WARNING” appears informing you where the error

occurred. The system pauses until you press F1 to continue.

■ A message with the prefix “FATAL” appears informing you where the error

occurred. After the message, the system emits a series of beeps and stops.

■ The system emits a series of beeps and stops.

Warning messages indicate that a potential problem, such as a system configuration
error, exists. When F1 is pressed, the system should resume. You should be able to
correct problems that produce WARNING messages.

IMPORTANT: When a WARNING message includes the prompt to “RUN SCU,” press
F10 to run Computer Setup. (Computer Setup replaces the SCU utility.)

2-4 Troubleshooting

If you receive one of the error messages listed below, follow the recommended action.

s

Table 2-1

Warning Messages

Message Description Recommended Action

CMOS checksum invalid, run SCU CMOS RAM information has

CMOS failure, run SCU CMOS RAM has lost power. Run Computer Setup to reinitialize

Diskette controller error The diskette drive controller

Diskette track 0 failed The diskette drive cannot read

Hard disk controller error The hard drive controller failed

Keyboard controller failure The keyboard failed the self-

Keyboard failure The keyboard failed to respond

No interrupts from Timer 0 The periodic timer interrupt is

ROM at xxxx (LENGTH yyyy) with
nonzero checksum (zz)

Time/Date corrupt - run SCU The time and date stored in the

Hard disk xx failure (or error) A failure or an error occurred

Unsupported memory module An EDO memory module was

been corrupted.

failed to respond to the
recalibrate command.

track 0 of the diskette in the
drive.

to respond to the reset
command.

test command.

to the RESET ID command.

not occurring.
An illegal adapter ROM was

located at the specified
address.

real time clock have been
corrupted, possibly by a power
loss.

when trying to access the hard
drive.

installed in the memory
expansion slot.

Run Computer Setup to reinitialize
CMOS-RAM.

CMOS-RAM.
If there is no diskette drive in the

system, run Computer Setup to
properly configure the CMOS-RAM to
show no diskette drive present. If the
problem persists, or if a diskette drive
is present, complete these steps until
the problems is solved:

1. Check diskette drive connections.

2. Replace diskette drive.

3. Replace system board.
Try another diskette. If the problem

persists, you may need to replace the
diskette drive.

Check the drive parameters. Turn off
the system and check all related
connections.

Replace the system board.

Replace the keyboard. If the problem
persists, replace the system board.

Replace the system board.

Check the external adapter (such as a
video card) to determine if it is
causing the conflict.

1. Run Computer Setup.

2. If problem persists, replace RTC
battery.

3. If problems persists, replace
system board.

1. Run Scan disk.

2. Check disk in DOS and
Windows 95. If problem persists,
refer to Table 2-10.

Remove the EDO memory module
and replace with SDRAM memory
module.

Fatal errors emit a beep and may display a FATAL message. Fatal errors indicate
severe problems, such as a hardware failure. Fatal errors do not allow the system to
resume. Some of the Fatal error beep codes are listed at the end of this section.

Table 2-2

Fatal Error Message

Message Description Beep Code

Troubleshooting 2-5

CMOS RAM test failed A walking bit test of CMOS RAM location 0E

(Hex) - 3F (Hex) failed.

DMA controller faulty A sequential read/write of the transfer count

and transfer address registers within the
primary and secondary DMA controllers failed.

Faulty DMA page registers A walking bit read/write of the 16 DMA

controller page registers starting at location
80 Hex failed.

Faulty refresh circuits A continuous read/write test of port 61h found

that bit 4 (Refresh Detect) failed to toggle
within an allotted amount of time.

Interrupt controller failed A sequential read/write of various Interrupt

Controller registers failed.

ROM checksum incorrect A checksum of the ROM BIOS does not match

the byte value at F000:FFFF.

RAM error at location xxxx RAM error occurred during memory test. None

3

4

0

1

5

2

Table 2-3

Fatal Error Beep Codes

Beep Code Beep Sequence Description Recommended Action

0 S-S-S-P-S-S-L-P The DMA page registers are

faulty.
1 S-S-S-P-S-L-S-P The refresh circuitry is faulty.
2 S-S-S-P-S-L-L-P The ROM checksum is incorrect.
3 S-S-S-P-L-S-S-P The CMOS RAM test failed.
4 S-S-S-P-L-S-L-P The DMA controller is faulty.
5 S-S-S-P-L-L-S-P The interrupt controller failed.
6 S-S-S-P-L-L-L-P The keyboard controller failed.
7 S-S-L-P-S-S-S-P Graphics adapter is faulty.
8 S-S-L-P-S-S-L-P Internal RAM is faulty. Replace memory board or

S = Short, L = Long, P = Pause

Replace system board.

system board if memory on
system board is faulty.

2.5 Compaq Utilities

Compaq Utilities contain several functions that

■ Determine if various computer devices are recognized by the system and are

operating properly.

■ Provide information about the system once it is configured.

Compaq Utilities include the following programs:

■ Computer Setup

■ Computer Checkup (TEST)

■ View System Information (INSPECT)

2-6 Troubleshooting

To access Compaq Utilities:

1. Turn on or restart the computer by clicking Start ⇒ Shut Down ⇒ Restart the

computer.

2. Press F10 when the blinking cursor appears in the upper-right corner of the display.

3. Select a menu option.

2.5.1 Computer Setup

Computer Setup contains utilities that give you an overall picture of the computer
hardware configuration and aid in troubleshooting. These utilities also allow you to set
custom features such as security options, power conservation levels, and startup
preferences.

If you are running Windows 95, the computer automatically recognizes and configures
the system for new devices. If you have a configuration problem or want to view or
reset configuration settings, you can use Computer Setup.

NOTE: In Windows 95, you should use Computer Setup only to adjust system features

such as the power-on password or battery conservation level. Windows 95 may
override other configuration changes.

In Windows NT, the computer does not automatically recognize new devices added to
the system. All devices ordered with your system have been configured for you. Use
Computer Setup to view settings for a new device you have added or to reset
configuration settings for preinstalled devices.

Computer Setup provides two methods of viewing the computer configuration: by type
(factory setting) or connection.

Troubleshooting 2-7

Categories by type:

■ System Features—security, power, boot management

■ Communication—port, modem, and other communication devices

■ Storage—storage-related devices such as hard drive, CD-ROM drive, diskette drive

■ Input Devices—keyboard, mouse, and other input devices

■ Network—network adapter or other network-related devices

■ Audio—sound properties and audio device settings

■ Video—display timeouts and video device resources

■ Other—miscellaneous devices

Categories by connection:

■ System Features—security, power, boot management

■ System Devices—keyboard, mouse, parallel and serial ports

■ ISA—ISA bus and connected devices

■ PCI—PCI bus and connected devices

■ PC Card—PC Card devices

2.5.1.1 Running Computer Setup

1. Turn on or restart the computer by clicking Start ⇒ Shut Down ⇒ Restart the

computer.

2. Press F10 when the blinking cursor appears in the upper-right corner of the screen.

NOTE: If you a setup password is enabled, it must be used to access Computer Setup.

3. Click a language and press Enter.

4. Click Computer Setup and press Enter.

5. When you are finished, click Exit.

2-8 Troubleshooting

2.5.1.2 Exiting Computer Setup

1. Click Exit.

2. Select one of the following Exit options:

■ Save—Saves the new settings and exits Computer Setup.

NOTE: Some settings may not take effect until the computer is restarted.

■ Ignore—Exits Computer Setup and restores previous settings.

■ Cancel—Returns to Computer Setup.

2.5.2 Computer Checkup (TEST)

Computer Checkup (TEST) determines whether the various computer components and
devices are recognized by the computer and are functioning properly. You can display,
print, or save the information that Computer Checkup generates.

NOTE: Compaq Utilities are intended for testing only Compaq-supplied components.
Testing of non-Compaq components may be inconclusive.

2.5.2.1 Running Computer Checkup (TEST)

1. Plug the computer into an external power source. A low battery condition can
interrupt the program.

2. Connect a printer if you want to print a log of error messages.

3. Turn on the external devices that you want to test.

4. Turn on or restart the computer.

5. Access Compaq Utilities by pressing F10 when the blinking cursor appears in the
upper-right corner of the display.

6. Click Computer Checkup ⇒ View the Device List.

■ If the list of installed devices is correct, click OK.

■ If the list is incorrect, ensure that any new devices are installed properly.

7. Select one of the following from the Test Option menu:

■ Quick Check Diagnostics

■ Automatic Diagnostics

■ Prompted Diagnostics

8. Follow the instructions on the screen as the devices are tested.

9. Click Exit Diagnostics ⇒ Exit from this utility.

Troubleshooting 2-9

2.5.2.2 Computer Checkup (TEST) Error Codes

s

Computer Checkup (TEST) error codes occur if the system recognizes a problem while
running Computer Checkup. These error codes help identify possible defective
assemblies. Table 2-4 through Table 2-14 list Computer Checkup error codes, a
description of the error condition, and the recommended action for resolving the
condition. For removal and replacement procedures, refer to Chapter 5.

IMPORTANT: Run Computer Checkup each time you complete a recommended action
step. If the problem is resolved when POST and Computer Checkup are rerun (i.e.,
with no error codes), do not perform the remaining recommended action steps.

NOTE: The error codes in the following tables are listed in an “AYE-XX” format,
where:

A or AA = Number that represents the faulty assembly

YY = Test or action that failed
XX = Specific problem

Table 2-4

Processor Test Error Code

Error Code Description Recommended Action

101-xx CPU test failed. Replace the processor board and retest.
103-xx DMA page registers test failed. Replace the system board and retest.
104-xx Interrupt controller master test failed.
105-xx Port 61 error.
106-xx Keyboard controller self-test failed.
107-xx CMOS RAM test failed.
108-xx CMOS interrupt test failed.

109-xx CMOS clock test failed.
110-xx Programmable timer load data test failed.

113-xx Protected mode test failed.

2-10 Troubleshooting

Table 2-5

s

Memory Test Error Codes

Error Code Description Recommended Action

200-xx Memory machine ID test failed. The following steps apply to error codes 200-xx
202-xx Memory system CMOS checksum failed.
203-xx Write/Read test failed. The following applies to error codes 203-xx
204-xx Address test failed. Remove and replace the SODIMM memory board

211-xx Random pattern test failed.
214-xx Noise test failed.

215-xx Random address test failed.

and 202-xx:

1. Flush the system CMOS and retest. See note.

2. Replace the system board and retest.
through 215-xx:
or system board (if the memory on the system

board is faulty) and retest.

Table 2-6

Keyboard Test Error Codes

Error Code Description Recommended Action

300-xx Failed ID Test.
301-xx Failed Self test/Interface Test.
302-xx Failed Individual Key Test.

1. Reseat the keyboard connector.

2. Replace the keyboard and retest.

3. Replace the system board and retest.

304-xx Failed Keyboard Repeat Test.

Table 2-7

Parallel Printer Test Error Code

Error Code Description Recommended Action

401-xx Printer failed or not connected.
402-xx Failed Port Test.
403-xx Printer pattern test failed.

1. Connect the printer.

2. Check power to the printer.

3. Install bi-directional printer cable and retest.

4. Install the loopback connector and retest.

5. Check port and IRQ configuration.

6. Replace the system board and retest.

Troubleshooting 2-11