Datatech Enterprises 386/25, User Manual

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5-1 Command Problems
Often what appears to be a big problem is in fact just a matter of a small
oversight. Before taking your computer to the shop for major surgery,
check the following items:
Make sure that all devices (computer and peripherals)
have power and are turned on.
If you encounter a problem while you are working, stop
what you are doing immediately.
On paper, make notes of what is happening. List the
actions you have taken and the responses from the
computer. You may want to print a copy of the screen by
using the <Shift> + <PrtSc> keys combination.
Use the diagnostic software on your computer. Try to
find out the conditions under which the malfunction oc-
curs. Try also to isolate where the problem is occurring.
Is it with a certain software program or with your
hardware? If the problem is with software, you should
probably talk to your software dealer. If the problem is
with the hardware, try to narrow down the source of the
problem. Is it your disks or disk drives? Keyboard?
Printer? Screen?
If some messages appear on the screen, refer to your
MS-DOS manual for an explanation of the message. You
may want to write down the message or print it out with
the <Shift> + <PrtSc> key combination. Problems (ex-
cept blackouts) can be avoided if you run your system on
a dedicated electrical line. That is, ensure that your
computer and peripheral electric cords are not shared by
other appliances such as a refrigerator or air conditioner.
Also, it is highly advisable to purchase a surge suppres-
sor. This is a set of electric sockets enclosed in a single
housing. A surge suppressor prevents sudden pulses of
high electric power (spikes) from damaging the com-
puter. This appliance is inexpensive and can be pur-
chased at any computer or electronic hardware store.
2 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting