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This chapter describes locating and solving problems that you may encounter while using your computer.
Locating a Problem
Problems with your computer can be caused by something as minor as an unplugged power cord – or as major as a damaged hard disk. The information in this chapter is designed to help you find and solve minor problems. If you try all the suggested solutions and you still have a problem, make a list of what steps you have taken to correct the problem and contact your dealer.
Successful troubleshooting is the result of careful observation, deductive reasoning, and an organized approach to solving the problem.
The problems that you will encounter can be divided into two basic categories: hardware problems and software problems. Hardware problems can be further divided into electrical and mechanical problems. You will know you have a hardware problem if the screen is dark, the computer cannot read the disk drives, or you get an error message during the Power-On
Self Test (POST).
Software errors can occur at several levels. The ROM BIOS and the operating system can give you a large number of error messages. On top of this, each application software package has its own set of error messages. It is important to determine whether the software error message you are getting is from the application or the operating system. Once you know this, you can look in the respective manual for a solution to the problem.
Checking Cables and Connections
Start by performing a careful visual inspection of the exterior of the computer. If no LEDs are illuminated, make sure that your computer and its peripherals are getting power and communicating with each other properly.
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Table of contents
- 13 Chapter 1: Before you Start
- 14 Conventions of This manual
- 20 Things you must remember before working on your computer
- 20 Let your computer acclimate itself
- 21 Heat, Cold, Humidity, and Glare
- 21 Suitable place to work
- 23 Chapter 2: Introduction
- 24 Welcome to the Notebook PC
- 24 Unpacking the Notebook
- 24 Features
- 27 Getting to Know Your Computer
- 27 Opening the LCD Panel
- 33 The Front
- 33 The Left Side
- 34 The Right Side
- 36 The Rear
- 37 The Bottom Panel
- 39 Chapter 3: Getting Started
- 40 Connecting to a Power Source
- 40 Connecting the AC Adapter
- 41 Turning On Your Notebook Computer
- 42 Operating on Battery Power
- 42 Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack
- 44 Charging the Battery Pack
- 45 Chapter 4: Using the Notebook Computer
- 46 Adjusting the LCD Screen Display
- 46 LCD Care
- 46 External CRT Display
- 47 A Tour of the Notebook’s Keyboard
- 48 The Notebook’s Hot Key Controls
- 48 The TouchPad
- 49 TouchPad Precautions
- 49 Connecting an External Tracking Devices
- 50 Data Storage and Retrieval
- 50 The CD/DVD-ROM
- 50 Features of the CD/DVD-ROM Module
- 50 Precautions for Handling CD/DVD-ROM/Combo Discs
- 51 Loading a Disc
- 51 Power Saving Modes
- 52 The Battery Power System
- 52 Removing the Battery Pack
- 52 Preparing the Battery Pack for Use
- 53 Automatic Battery Pack Charging Function
- 53 Battery Status
- 53 Battery Low Warning
- 54 Small Battery for the Real Time Clock
- 54 Resetting the System
- 55 Adjusting the Brightness
- 57 Chapter 5; Desktop Operation
- 58 Audio
- 58 The Multimedia Sound System
- 58 Audio Volume Control
- 59 Audio Software
- 59 Sound Recording
- 59 Playing Sound Files
- 59 External Microphone
- 59 Connecting Peripheral Devices
- 59 Installing the External monitor
- 60 Installing the Printer
- 60 Installing USB Devices
- 60 Connecting to the network
- 60 Installing the modem
- 63 Chapter 6: Configuring & Maintaining Your System
- 64 Introduction
- 64 Navigating through BIOS Setup
- 64 Accessing the BIOS Setup Program
- 64 Item Specific Help
- 65 The Legend Bar
- 65 Save Changes and Exit the Setup Program
- 65 The Standard CMOS Setup
- 66 The Advanced CMOS Setup
- 69 The Peripheral Setup
- 73 Chapter 7: The Software Utilities Disks
- 74 AutoRun Installation
- 75 Installing the VIA Service Pack
- 75 Installing VGA Display Drivers
- 76 Intalling the Audio Driver
- 76 Intalling the LAN Driver
- 76 Installing the USB 2.0 Driver
- 77 Installing the TouchPad Driver
- 77 Manual Installation
- 77 Installing the AC97Modem Driver for Win2K/XP
- 78 Installing the AC97 Modem Driver for WinME
- 79 VGA Utilities
- 80 S3Display
- 81 S3Gamma Plus
- 82 S3Overlay
- 83 Chapter 8: Troubleshooting
- 84 Locating a Problem
- 84 Checking Cables and Connections
- 85 The Power-On Self Test
- 86 General Hardware Problems
- 89 Contacting Your Dealer
- 91 Chapter 9: How do I expand my Notebook
- 92 Upgrading your Memory
- 94 Easy to Upgrade HDD Module
- 94 How to upgrade your Hard Drive
- 97 Appendix A: Specification
- 98 Detailed Notebook Specifications
- 98 General
- 101 Video System
- 101 Electrical
- 102 Dimensions
- 102 Operating Environment
- 102 Options
- 102 Accessories
- 103 Software Specifications