Troubleshooting Peripherals

Here are some strategies for identifying and fixing problems with peripherals connected to your computer:

• Verify that the operating system recognizes that the device is connected. Use System Profiler's Hardware section of the Contents list to locate the device. If you cannot find the device listed, you probably have a hardware problem, such as a broken device or loose connection.

• Unplug and reconnect the cables, making sure the connections are tight. Be sure the cables are not too long. USB 1.1 cables, for example, should be a maximum of 4.5 meters long. Try a different cable to connect the device to make sure the cable isn't defective.

• Try plugging the device into a different port. If the device doesn't have a power cord and is plugged into another USB device that doesn't have a power cord, try plugging the device directly into your computer or to a USB device that does have a power cord.

• Try unplugging all other devices to make sure that there isn't a conflict between devices.

• Reset parameter random-access memory (PRAM) by pressing Command-Option-P-R during startup until you hear the startup sound twice. When you reset PRAM, all connection buses are reset to their default values.

• If you are able to find the device listed in System Profiler, you probably have a software problem. Check with the manufacturer and install the latest version of the drivers.