F-2
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics
Solving Minor Problems
Problem
Possible Solution
Computer will not turn on.
1. Ensure that the computer is properly connected to an external power
source and the wall outlet is active.
2. A PCI or ISA card that has been installed is defective. Remove any
expansion card that was just installed.
3. Reseat drive power, data, and power supply cables.
4. Disconnect all drive cables and reboot. Add devices back one at a
time to isolate problem/
Computer appears locked
up and wont turn off when
the power button is pressed.
Software control of the power button may not be functional. Press and
hold the button for four seconds, then release. This invokes the
hardware override for the power button.
Computer date and time
display is incorrect.
First, reset the date and time under Control Panel. If the problem
persists, the real-time clock (RTC) battery may need to be replaced.
Refer to the Removal and Replacement Procedures chapter in the
product-specific MSG.
When booting from a network, the PC clock may be reset to that of the
server. The PC clock may also change when using other services
through the server.
Computer powered off
automatically.
1. The unit temperature was exceeded because the unit is in an
exceedingly hot environment or the fan is blocked. Let the unit cool
down.
2. The fan may not be functioning correctly or the air vents are
blocked.
3. The unit temperature was exceeded because the computer was
functioning with the cover or side panel removed. Replace cover or
side panel, and let the computer cool down before turning power
back on.
Insufficient power to the
components.
Ensure that both power supply cables are connected to the system
board (on some workstations).
Computer appears to pause
periodically.
Network driver is loaded and no network connection is established.
Establish a network connection, or use Computer Setup or Windows
Device Manager to disable the network controller.
Cannot remove computer
cover or side panel.
1. Smart Lock, featured on some computers, is locked. Unlock the
Smart Cover Lock using Computer Setup.
2. The Smart Cover FailSafe Key, a device for manually disabling the
Smart Cover Lock, is available from Compaq. Youll need the
FailSafe Key in cases of forgotten password, power loss, or
computer malfunction.
Computer does not boot up
and power and hard drive
LEDs are blinking.
Ensure that the riser board is properly seated .
Computer does not boot up
and Num Lock LED is blinking; you
may hear one short and two long
beeps.
Memory may be improperly installed or may be bad.
Continued