■ chapter 2 trouble shooting
CHAPTER▼ FIVE
TROUBLE SHOOTING
In this chapter, you will learn how to
solve common hardware and software
problems.
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Your computer has been fully tested and complies with the
system specifications before shipping. However, incorrect
operations and/or mishandling may cause problems.
This chapter provides a reference for identifying and correcting
common hardware and software problems that you may encounter.
When you encounter a problem, you should first try to go through
the recommendations in this chapter. Instead of returning the
computer and waiting for repair, you may easily solve the problems
by considering the following scenarios and possible solutions. If the
error continues, contact your reseller for service information.
Before taking further actions, consider the following
suggestions:
Check to see if the problem persists when all the external
devices are removed.
Check to see that the green light indicator on the AC adapter
is lit.
Check to see the power cord is properly plugged to the wall
outlet and to the computer.
Check to see the power indicator of the computer is on.
Check to see if your keyboard is operational by pressing and
holding any key.
Check for any incorrect or loose cable connections. Make
sure the latches on the connectors latch securely on to the receptor
end.
Be sure you have not performed an incorrect setting on the
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hardware devices in the BIOS Setup utility. A faulty setting may
cause the system to misbehave. If you are not sure of the changes
you made, try to restore all the settings to factory defaults.
Be sure all the device drivers are installed properly. For
example, without the audio driver properly installed, the speakers
and microphone will not work.
If external devices such as USB camera, scanner, printer do
not function correctly when connected to the system, it is usually
the device’s own problem. Consult the device’s manufacturer first.
Some software programs, which have not gone through
rigorous coding and testing, may cause problems during your
routine use. Consult the software vendor for problem solving.
Legacy peripheral are not plug-and-play capable. You need
to restart the system with these devices powered up and connected
first.
Be sure to go to BIOS SETUP and load DEFAULT SETTING
after BIOS re-flash.
Be sure the Quick Key Lockout Switch on the bottom of the
computer is not engaged; otherwise the quick keys will not work.
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Audio Problems
No speaker output -
Turn up the volume dial located at the right edge of the
computer. See Chapter 1 for it s location.
Software volume control is turned down in Microsoft
Sound System or is muted. Double-click the speaker icon on
the lower right corner of the taskbar to see if the speaker has
been muted or turned down all the way.
Most audio problems are software-related. If your
computer worked before, chances are software may have been
set incorrectly.
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click
the Sounds and Audio Devices icon. In the Audio page, make
sure that Intel Integrated Audio is the default playback device.
Sound cannot be recorded -
Double-click the speaker icon on the lower right corne r of
the taskbar to see if the microphone has been muted.
1. Click Options and select Properties.
2. Select Recording and click the OK button.
3. After Click OK button, the recording volume control panel
will appear.
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click
the Multimedia icon (or Sounds and Audio Devices icon). In the
Volume or Audio page, make sure that Intel Integrated Audio is
the default recording device.
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Hard Disk Problems
The hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable -
If you had just performed a hard disk upgrade, make sure
the hard drive connector is not loose and the hard disk drive is
also correctly seated. Remove it and reinsert it firmly, and
restart your PC. (Refer to Chapter 4 for details.)
The new HDD may need to be partitioned and
reformatted. O/S and drivers will need to be re-installed as well.
Check the hard disk indicator LED. When you access a
file, the LED lamp should light up momentarily.
The new HDD may be defective or is not compatible.
If your computer has been subjected to static electricity
or physical shock, you may have damaged the disk drive.
The hard drive is making abnormal whining noises -
You should back up your files as soon as possible.
Make sure the source of noise is indeed from the hard
drive and not the fan or other devices.
The hard disk drive has reached its capacity -
Run Disk Cleanup utility in Windows. [Start > All
Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup] The
system will prompt you for what to do.
Archive files or programs that you had no longer used by
moving them to an alternative storage medium (floppy disk,
optical record-able disk, etc.) or uninstall programs that no
longer use.
Many browsers store files in the hard drive as a cache to
speed up the performance. Check the program’s Online Help
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for instructions on decreasing the cache size or on removing
temporary Internet files.
Empty the Recycle Bin to create more disk space. When
you delete files, Windows saves them to the Recycle Bin.
The hard disk takes longer to read a file -
If you have been using the drive for a period, the files
may be fragmented. Go to [Start > Programs > Accessories >
System Tools > Disk Defragmenter] to perform a disk
defragmentation. This operation may take a while.
Interrupt requests or problems with other hardware
devices may have occupied the CPU and therefore slows down
the system performance.
The files are corrupted -
Run the Error-checking utility in Windows to check the
HDD. Double-click My Computer. Right-click C: and select
Properties. Click Check Now in Error-checking in Tools.
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CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, Combo Drive or
DVD±R/±RW Problems
The CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Combo drive does not work -
Try rebooting the system.
The disk is damaged or files are not readable.
After you have inserted a CD-ROM disk, it may take a
moment before you can access its content.
The drive dose not read any disks -
The CD may not be properly seated in the tray. Make
sure the disk is firmly seated onto the spindle.
The disk is damaged or not readable.
The disk cannot be ejected -
Normally, it takes a few seconds to eject the disk.
If the disk cannot be ejected, it may be mechanically
jammed. Straighten out a paper clip and insert it to a tiny hole
next to the eject button. This should reject the disk tray. If not,
return the unit for repair. Do not forcefully pull on the disk tray.
The CD-RW drive (optional device) cannot record -
You need to purchase and install a burner utility program
to record files to a blank media.
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Display Problems
The display panel is blank when the system is turned on -
Make sure the computer is not in the Standby or
Hibernate suspend modes. The display is turned off to
conserve energy in these modes.
The screen is difficult to read -
The display resolution should at least be set to at
least1024x768 for optimal viewing.
1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click
the Display icon.
2. Under the Settings page, set screen resolution to at least
1024x768 and choose at least 256 colors.
The screen flickers -
It is normal if the display flickers a few times during
shutting down or powering up.
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Keyboard and Mouse Problems
The built-in touch pad performs erratically -
Make sure there is no excess perspiration or humidity on
your hand when using the touch pad. Keep the surface of the
touch pad clean and dry.
Do not rest your palm or wrist on the surface of the touch
pad while typing or using the touch pad.
The built-in keyboard accepts no input -
If you are connecting an external keyboard to the system,
the built-in keyboard may not work.
Try restarting the system.
The characters on the screen repeat while I type.
You may be holding the keys down too long while you’re
typing.
Keep the keyboard clean. Dust and dirt under the keys
could cause them to stick.
Configure the keyboard to wait longer before the auto
repeat feature starts. To adjust this feature, Go to [Start >
Settings > Control Panel], and double-click the Keyboard icon.
A dialogue box shows up with the adjustable settings for the
keyboard.
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CMOS Battery Problem
A message “CMOS Checksum Failure” displays during the
booting process or the time (clock) resets when booting -
Try to reboot the system.
If the message “CMOS Checksum Failure” appears
during the booting procedure even after rebooting, it may
indicate failure of the CMOS battery. If so, you need to replace
the battery. This battery normally lasts two to five years. The
battery is of type CR2032 (3V). You may replace it by yourself.
The battery is located next to the DDR DRAM socket. See
Chapter 4 on how to access the DDR DRAM socket. If you are
not sure how this is done, return the notebook to the dealer.
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Memory Problems
The POST does not show an increased memory capacity
when you have already installed additional memory -
Certain brands of memory module may not be
compatible with your system. You should ask your vendor for a
list of compatible DIMM.
The memory module may not be installed properly. Go
back to Chapter 4 to review the details of this operation.
The memory module may be defective.
The O/S issues an insufficient memory error message
during operation -
This is often a software or Windows-related problem. A
program is draining the memory resources.
Close the application programs you’re not using and
restart the system.
You need to install additional memory module. For
instructions, go to Chapter 4 Upgrading Your Computer.
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Modem Problems
The built-in modem does not respond -
Make sure the modem driver is loaded properly.
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Phone and
Modem Options] and go to Modems tab. Make sure SmartLink
56K Voice Modem or Uniwill V.90 Modem is listed. Otherwise,
click the Add button to add the modem d rive, which is located in
the factory CD-ROM (or floppy diskette).
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System] and
click Device Manager button in the Hardware page to check for
possible resource or driver conflict. See Windows on-line help
or manual for how to handle such problems.
Make sure the phone line, which the computer is
connected to, is working.
Connection difficulties -
Be sure to disable Call Waiting on the phone line.
Be sure to have the correct country setting where your
computer is used. [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Modem
Settings > Configuration] In the Country/Area pull-down menu,
select the appropriate country setting.
Excessive line noise might cause the connection to be
dropped. To check this, put the regular phone handset on the
line and placing a phone call. If you do hear abnormal noise, try
to make the modem connection with a different line or contact
your local telephony company for service.
Make sure the cable connection is firm.
Try a different receiver number and see if the problem
persists.
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Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems
The Ethernet adapter does not work -
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager]. Double-click on Network
Adapters and check if SiS PCI 10/100M Fast Ethernet Adapter
appears as one of the adapters. If it does not exist, Windows
has not detected the National Semiconductor Fast Ethernet
adapter or the device driver has not been installed properly. If
there is a yellow mark or red-cross on the network adapter, it
may be a device or resource conflict. Replace or update the
device driver from the factory CD-ROM disk or consult
Windows manual on how to solve the resource conflict
problem.
Make sure the physical connections on both ends of the
cable are good.
The hub or concentrator may not be working properly.
Check to see if other workstations connected to the same hub
or concentrator is working.
The Ethernet adapter does not appear to operate in the
100Mbps transmission mode -
Make sure the hub you are using supports 100Mbps
operation.
Make sure that your RJ-45 cable meets the 100Base-TX
requirements.
Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected to the hub
socket that supports 100Base-TX mode. The hub may have
both 100Base-TX and 100Base-T sockets.
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PC Card / PCMCIA Problems
Some system may not have the PC Card Slot option.
Note:
PC Cards do not function-
Make sure you have properly installed the driver for the
card.
Consult the card’s manual or contact the vendor for
trouble-shooting.
The PC card cannot be recognized -
Windows NT4.0 does not support PCMCIA (PC Card)
function. You may need an external program for this.
Make sure the card is fully inserted; the outer end of the
card should be even with the edge of the computer.
Remove and insert the PC card again.
Make sure there is no IRQ conflict with the card. See
Windows on-line help for solving IRQ conflicts.
Reboot the computer and see if the problem persists.
The card may be defective. Try the card on another
system, if possible.
Windows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC
card-
Make sure you have <Stop> the PC card before
removing it. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon at
the lower right corner of the task bar and select the card you
wish to stop. When you click <Close>, in f ew second s Windows
will prompt you to remove the card.
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Performance Problems
The computer becomes hot -
In a 35
computer’s back case are expected to reach 50 degrees.
Make sure the air vents are not blocked.
If the fan does not seem to be working at high
temperature (50 degrees Celsius and up), contact the service
center.
Certain programs that are processor-intensive may
increase the computer temperature to a degree where the
computer automatically slows down its CPU clock to protect
itself from thermal damage.
The program appears stopped or runs very slowly -
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to see if an application is still
responding.
Restart the computer.
This may be normal for Windows when it is processing
other CPU-intensive programs in the background or when the
system is accessing slow-speed devices such the floppy disk
drive.
You may be running too many applications. Try to close
some applications or increase system memory for higher
performance.
The processor may have been overheated due to the
system’s inability to regulate its internal heat. Make sure the
computer’s ventilation grills are not blocked.
o
C environment, the certain areas of the
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Printer Problems
The printer does not print -
Make sure the cable connection is secured and the
printer is powered up, if the printer is connected via the parallel
port. and make sure the parallel port setting in CMOS is
correct.
Run the printer self-test to see if it reports any problem.
Check if the printer displays any error m essages. A paper
jam may have occurred.
Make sure you have already installed the printer driver.
Try rebooting the system with the printer powered up and
connected first.
The printer does not print what’s on the screen -
The information displayed on the screen may not exactly
be the same as what is printed.
If the printer prints extra and strange symbols, it is the
result of the cache (garbage) in the printer memory buffer.
Cancel all the printer tasks and toggle off the printer power
switch to clear up the memory buffer. Then, turn the printer
back online and print again.
Make sure you install the correct printer driver.
The printer does not respond to infrared communication -
See Infrared Problems listed elsewhere in this chapter.
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Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB2.0 Problems
The USB device does not work -
Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB protocols
Check the settings in the Windows Control Panel.
Make sure you have installed the necessary device
drivers.
Contact the device vendor for additional support.
The IEEE1394 port does not work -
Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager]. You should see an entry which
reads “IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers”. If it does not exist,
Windows has not detected the host controller or the device
driver has not been installed properly. If there is a yellow mark
or red-cross on the 1394 host controller, it may be a device or
resource conflict. Replace or update the device driver from the
factory CD-ROM disk or consult Windows manual on how to
solve the resource conflict problem.
Make sure the cable is fully connected.
Make sure you have installed the necessary device
drivers.
Contact the device vendor for additional support.
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