This section covers troubleshooting information for Compaq Presario 1700 Series Portable
Notebook Computers. The basic steps in troubleshooting include:
1. Preliminary Steps
2. The Power-On Self–Test (POST)
3. The recommended actions described in the diagnostic tables in case you are unable to
run POST, or if POST displays an error message.
When following the recommended actions in the Sections on Power-On Self–Test (POST)
and Diagnostic Error Codes
, perform the steps in the order listed above. Rerun POST after
each recommended action until the problem is solved, and if no error message occurs.
Once the problem is solved, do not continue with any recommended actions remaining.
Note: If the problem is intermittent, check your computer several times to verify that
the problem is solved.
Preliminary Steps
Before running Power-On Self–Test (POST), complete the following steps:
1. If a Power-on password is established, type the password and press the Enter key. If
you do not know the password, clear the password (See Clearing the Power-On
Password).
2. Run Compaq Diagnostics
3. Turn off the computer and its external devices.
.
4. Disconnect any external devices that you do not want to test. Do not disconnect the
printer if you want to test it or use it to log error messages.
Important: If the problem only occurs when an external device is connected to the
computer, the problem may be related to the external device or its cable. Verify this by
running POST both with and without the external device connected.
7. To clear the password, remove the RTC battery for 10 seconds and (or
simultaneously make contact with the two pads located at R37 on the system board
using a conductive piece of material such as a piece of wire or tool).
8. Reassemble the Notebook.
9. Turn on the Notebook to verify that the Power-on password has been cleared. If it has
not been cleared, repeat Steps 1 through 7.
Turn off the Notebook, then turn it on again. As soon as the Compaq logo appears press the
ESC key to clear the logo and display the POST messages as they occur.
If the Notebook does not beep, POST has successfully completed its test and detected no
errors. POST then re-boots from the hard drive, or from a bootable diskette if one is
installed in the diskette drive.
However, if POST detects errors, they are indicated by displayed messages and/or audible
messages. A list of the POST error codes and what they mean is shown in the table below.
Note: 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
Compaq Diagnostics is installed on the hard drive of the Notebook. Run the Diagnostic
utilities when you want to view or test system information and if you have installed or
connected devices. If you run Compaq Diagnostics from a diskette, ensure that the
diagnostic program is version 10.11 or later.
The Diagnostics menu includes the following utilities:
If you have a problem you cannot solve, run the Diagnostics utilities before calling for
support. Run Computer Checkup and select to save the device list to a file and to print or to
save the log of errors. Run the View System Information (INSPECT) utility and select to
print or to save that information. Have the files or the printed information available when
you call for support.
Computer Checkup (TEST) determines if the various computer components and devices are
recognized by the system and are functioning properly. You can display, print, or save the
information generated by Computer Checkup.
Follow these steps to run Computer Checkup:
1. Plug the Notebook into an external power source. (A low–battery condition could
interrupt the program.)
2. Turn on the external devices that you want to test. Connect the printer if you want to
print a log of error messages.
3. Insert the Compaq Diagnostics diskette in drive A.
4. Turn on or restart the Notebook. The Notebook starts from drive A, and the
Diagnostics Welcome screen is displayed.
5. Press Enter to continue. The Diagnostics menu is displayed.
6. Select Computer Checkup from the Diagnostics menu. A Test Option menu is
displayed.
7. Select View the Device List from the Test Option menu. A list of the installed
Compaq devices is displayed.
8. If the list of installed devices is correct, select OK. The Test Option menu is displayed.
Note: If the list is incorrect, ensure that any new devices are installed properly.
Select one of the following from the Test Option menu:
•Quick Check Diagnostics. Runs a quick, general test on each device with a
minimal number of prompts. If errors occur, they display when the testing is
complete. You cannot print or save the error messages.
•Automatic Diagnostics. Runs unattended, maximum testing of each device with
minimal prompts. You can choose how many times to run the tests, to stop on
errors, or to print or save a log of errors.
•Prompted Diagnostics. Allows maximum control over testing the devices. You
can choose attended or unattended testing, decide to stop on errors, or choose to
print or save a log of errors.
9. Follow the instructions on the screen as the devices are tested. When testing is
complete, the Test Option menu is displayed.
10. Exit the Test Option menu and the Diagnostics menu.
The View System Information (INSPECT) utility provides information about the Notebook
and installed or connected devices. You can display, print, or save the information.
Follow these steps to run View System Information (INSPECT) from the Compaq
Diagnostics diskette:
1. Turn on the external devices that you want to test. Connect the printer if you want to
print the information.
2. Insert the Compaq Diagnostics diskette in drive A.
3. Turn on or restart the computer. The computer starts from drive A, and the
Diagnostics Welcome screen is displayed.
4. Press Enter to continue. The Diagnostics menu is displayed.
5. Select View System Information (INSPECT) from the Diagnostics menu.
6. Select the item you want to view from the following list:
SystemMemory
ROMAudio
KeyboardOperating system
System portsSystem files
System storageWindows files
Graphics
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to cycle through the screens, return to the list and
choose another item, or print the information.
Diagnostic error codes are displayed if the system recognizes a problem while running the
Compaq Diagnostic program. These error codes help identify subassemblies with possible
damage or defects.
The following tables list error codes, a description of the error condition, and the action
required to resolve the error condition.
Important: Retest the system after completing each step. If the problem is resolved, do
not proceed with the remaining steps.
For the removal and replacement of a particular subassembly, see Removal and
This section provides information about how to identify and correct some common
hardware, memory, and software problems. It also explains several types of common
messages that may be displayed on the screen. The following pages contain
troubleshooting information on:
AudioMemory
BatteryPC Card
CD or DVD DrivePower
Diskette DrivePrinter
DisplayTouchPad
Hard DriveKeyboard/Numeric Keypad
Hardware Installation
Since symptoms can appear to be similar, carefully match the symptoms of the computer
malfunction against the problem description in the tables to avoid a misdiagnosis.
WARNING: To avoid a potential shock hazard during troubleshooting procedures,
Å
disconnect all power sources before removing the keyboard cover or the display
bezel.
Before Replacing Parts
Verify that cables are connected properly to the suspected defective parts.
•Run Computer Setup after connecting external devices.
•Verify that all required device drivers are installed.
•Verify that all required changes have been made to the CONFIG.SYS file.
•Verify that all required changes have been made to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
•Verify that all printer drivers have been installed for each application.
Some minor problems and possible solutions are outlined in the following tables. If the
problem appears related to a software application, check the documentation provided with
the software.
Solving Audio Problems
Some common audio problems and solutions are listed in the following table.
Solving Audio Problems
ProblemProbable CauseSolution
Computer does not
beep after the PowerOn Self-Test (POST).
Solving Battery Pack/Gauge Problems
This is typical; it indicates
successful completion of the
Power-On Self-Test (POST).
No action is required.
Some common causes and solutions for battery pack problems are listed in the following
table. The "Solving Power Problems" section in this chapter may also be applicable.
Solving Battery Pack/Gauge Problems
ProblemProbable CauseSolution(s)
Computer won’t turn
on when battery pack
is inserted and power
cord is unplugged.
Battery pack is discharged.• Connect the computer to an
external power source and
charge the battery pack.
OR
• Replace the battery pack with a
fully charged battery pack.
Check the battery connectors on
the system board to verify they
are evenly spaced and that they
are not bent or broken.
This section lists some common causes and solutions for computer display and external
monitor problems.
You can perform a monitor self-test on an external VGA color or monochrome monitor by
disconnecting the monitor from the Notebook, then completing the following steps:
1. Turn off the monitor.
2. Turn off the Notebook.
3. Disconnect the monitor signal cable from the Notebook.
4. Turn on the monitor and allow it to warm up for one minute.
The display should be white. A narrow black border may also appear on the left and right
sides of the display. Either of these displays indicates that the monitor is working properly.
Solving Display Problems
ProblemProbable CauseSolution(s)
Screen is dim.Control for brightness (if
applicable) is not set properly.
Computer screen is in direct
light.
Screen is blank.Screen save was initiated by
Power Management due to
lack of user activity.
Display has overheated.If the Notebook is in direct
Display is blank and
System is in Suspend mode.Press any key or touch the
the Suspend icon is
flashing.
Internal display is
blank and the screen
Display function was switched
to the external monitor.
on an external monitor
displays information.
Adjust the Brightness of the
display by using Fn+F7 or
Fn+F8.
Internal display flashes
or has garbled
characters when
Notebook is connected
to external monitor.
The light tubes on the
edge of the display
panel do not light up at
all and the Power-On
Self-Test (POST)
completes when the
unit is powered up.**
The light tubes on the
edge of the display
panel do not light up at
all and Power-On SelfTest (POST) does not
complete when the unit
is powered up.**
Backlight (brightness)
cannot be adjusted
with Fn+F7 or Fn+F8.
Using 1024 x 768 or higher
resolution on external
monitor, and have toggled
back to internal display,
which supports up to 800 x
600.
Improper backlight or display
cable connections.
Defective inverter board.Replace the display assembly.
Defective display cable.Replace the display assembly.
Defective display panel.Replace the display assembly.
Defective system board.Replace the system board.
Defective system board.Replace the system board.
Improper display cable
connections.
Defective inverter board.Replace the display assembly.
Defective display cable.Replace the display assembly.
Defective system board.Replace the system board.
Restart the Notebook.
Replace the display assembly.
1. Reseat the display cable to the
system board.
2. Replace the display assembly.
**This problem indicates that the backlight or its power circuitry has failed. If the backlight
is not functioning, the POST result cannot be observed. Connect the unit to an external
monitor before powering up the unit. If an external monitor is not available,verify that POST
is complete by opening and closing the display, and listening for the single or double beep.
The display panel has
a continuous pattern
across it (e.g.,
“jailbars” pattern), has
a single color on it, or
has garbled graphics
across the entire
panel. This failure is
for patterns across the
entire panel (not just
on one section).
A single line, small
group of lines, or block
appears on the display
panel. This failure
occurs in only a
section of the display
panel.
Improper display cable
connections
Defective display cable.Replace the display assembly.
Defective inverter board.Replace the display assembly.
Defective system board.Replace the system board.
Defective display panel.Replace the display assembly.
Reseat the display cable to the
following until the problem is
solved:
1. System board
2. Display assembly
Note: When you perform a "self-test" on an external VGA color or monochrome monitor,
the screen should be white. A narrow black border may also appear on the left and right
sides of the display. Either of these displays indicates that the monitor is working
properly.
If you experience problems printing, run a printer self-test. Refer to the documentation
provided with your printer for instructions. If the self-test fails, it is a printer-specific
problem. Also refer to the printing section of your application documentation.
Solving Printer Problems
ProblemProbable CauseSolution(s)
Printer will not turn on. The signal cable may not be
connected properly, or the
printer is unplugged.
Printer will not print.Printer is not turned on or is
offline.
The device drivers for the
application are not installed.
Printer that is set up for a
network is not connected to
the network.
Printer cable is too long,
unshielded, or defective.
Paper tray is empty.Fill the paper tray with paper and
Obtain the following information before contacting Compaq Reseller Support:
•Product name
•Product serial number
•Purchase date
•Conditions under which the problem occurred
•Any error messages that have occurred
•Hardware configuration
•Type of printer connected
•Hardware/software installed
•Printed result of Computer Checkup (TEST)
•Printed copies of CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, if possible.
Shipping Preparation
To ship the Notebook, complete the following steps:
1. Back up the critical hard drive files. Ensure that backup tapes/diskette are not
exposed to electrical or magnetic fields while stored or in transit.
2. Turn off the Notebook and external devices.
3. Disconnect the external devices from their power sources, then from the Notebook.
Important: Ensure that there is no diskette in the diskette drive and that there are no
PC Cards in the PC slots.
4. Close the display and all exterior doors of the Notebook.
5. Pack the Notebook with sufficient packing material to protect it. Use the original
packing box or similar packaging.
P
RESARIO NOTEBOOK MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE GUIDE
1700XL S
ERIES
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
35
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