Problem | Details About Solution |
|---|
Technology | Symptom | Cause | Solution | Page |
|---|
ATA drive | Can't detect drive with BIOS setup program. | Power cable might be loose or missing. | Reattach power cable. | 827 |
ATA drive | Can't detect drive with BIOS setup program. | Missing or reversed ATA data cable. | Reattach ATA data cable and verify pin 1 to pin 1 at both ends of cable. | 821 |
ATA drive | Can't detect either drive on cable with BIOS setup program. | Both drives might be cabled as master or slave. | Change one drive to master and the other drive to slave. | 564, 819 |
ATA drive | Drive doesn't perform reliably. | IDE cable might be longer than 18". | Switch to 18" cable. | 821 |
ATA drive | Need to install an ATA drive on a system with only Serial ATA connectors. | Serial ATA uses a physically different connector from ATA/IDE. | Use an ATA/IDE drive-to-Serial ATA adapter. | 573 |
ATA drive | Need to install an ATA drive more than 18" from the host adapter. | Ultra-ATA has an 18" limit for reliable performance. | Use a Serial ATA host adapter and drive, or a Serial ATA host adapter and ATA/Serial ATA adapter; Serial ATA cables can be 1 meter long. | 569 |
Audio | Your sound card doesn't sound quite right. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Audio | Sound card can't be detected. | Settings already in use by other cards. | Install sound card first. | 400 |
Audio | Can hear music and sounds in Windows but not DOS. | Incorrect settings for Sound Blaster compatibility. | Install emulation settings or run DOS emulation program. | 941 |
Audio | DOS game can't detect sound card correctly. | Inadequate Sound Blaster compliance or missing DOS drivers. | Verify DOS drivers are installed and manually select best emulation. | 951 |
Audio | Game port on sound card conflicts with other game port in system. | Game port uses only a single I/O address range. | Disable sound card's game port or remove other game port from system. | 969 |
Audio | Can't hear any sounds at all. | Various causes, including incorrect connections, mixer setup, power, and so on. | See checklist. | 969 |
Audio | Can hear sound through just one speaker. | Various causes, including incorrect or defective speaker jack/plug, mixer controls, and others. | See checklist. | 970 |
Audio | Volume is low. | Various causes, including mixer controls, volume controls on speakers or sound cards. | See checklist. | 971 |
Audio | Scratchy sound. | Various causes, including interference, ISA sound card, wrong expansion slot. | See checklist. | 972 |
Audio | Computer won't start after installing sound card. | Card might not be installed in slot properly, or Windows IOS might be corrupted. | See checklist. | 972 |
Audio | Speaker or microphone won't work. | Incorrect jacks. | Use correct jack for each device. | 976 |
Audio | Can't use onboard audio. | Audio might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable audio. | 451 |
Audio speakers | Can hear sound through some speakers but not others (4.1 surround and higher audio configurations). | Various causes, including incorrect or defective speaker jack/plug, mixer controls, and others. | See checklist. | 971 |
Audio | Can't use onboard audio. | Audio header cables might be disconnected. | Connect audio header cables to motherboard. | 1230 |
Battery for CMOS/RTC | System can't maintain correct time when turned off. | Battery is about to fail. | Replace battery. | 1216 |
BIOS | Calendar-related and leap-year bugs. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
BIOS | Can't install Flash BIOS update. | BIOS is write-protected. | Disable write-protection. | 434 |
BIOS | BIOS update fails. | BIOS is corrupted. | Enable Flash Recovery feature and restart update process. | 437 |
CD-ROM, DVD | Can't boot from CD-ROM drive. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
CD-ROM, DVD | Can't boot from CD-ROM drive. | CD-ROM not listed first in Boot order. | Adjust boot deivice priority. | 460 |
DirecWAY | Download speeds drop drastically after downloading one or two large files. | DirecPC has enabled FAP (Fair Access Policy) slowdowns on your service. | Download less at one time; take breaks between big downloads, or switch to another service. | 1068 |
DSL | Can't use DSL service after self-install. | Service might not be set up by provider; microfilter might not be installed as needed. | Make sure provider has activated DSL service; make sure all conventional phones and telephony equipment has a microfilter. | 1063 |
DSL | Slower-than-expected service. | Line might be poor quality; RWIN or other Windows Registry settings might not be optimized. | Ask installer to test line; adjust Windows Registry with tools available from DSL Reports. | 1066 |
File transfer | Can't connect two computers with standard parallel cable. | Standard parallel is designed for PC-to-device, not PC-to-PC, connections. | Use a LapLink-compatible parallel cable. | 1007 |
Floppy disk | Can't write data to floppy disk; data can be read. | Floppy disk write protection is enabled in BIOS. | Disable floppy disk write protection. | 454 |
Floppy drive | Disk left in floppy drive prevents system bootup. | Floppy drive has higher boot priority than hard drive. | Adjust boot priority in system BIOS. | 460 |
Floppy drive | Contents of all floppy disks viewed appear to be duplicates of the first disk, although the contents of each disk are different. | Changeline support (which detects disk changes) has failed; this problem is also called the "phantom directory." | Verify BIOS setup for drive is correct and that DC jumper (if any) has been set. | 685 |
Floppy drive | Disks placed on top of a TV or monitor have data errors when read. | Magnetic fields generated by the picture tube can corrupt data. | Store disks away from magnetic fields. | 688 |
Floppy drive | Disk access light stays on continuously after system is started. | One end of floppy cable is reversed. | Change reversed end of floppy cable, verifying pin 1 to pin 1. | 851 |
Hard disk | Can't access full capacity of hard drive over 8.4GB. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Hard disk | Can't access full capacity of hard drive over 8.4GB. | BIOS is out-of-date, and BIOS upgrade is not available. | Install an add-on BIOS card with EDD support. | 592 |
Hard disk | Can't use UDMA drives at full speed. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Hard disk | Can't use UDMA drives at full speed. | Chipset drivers not installed. | Install drivers provided with motherboard. | 1261 |
Hard disk | IDE drive not ready errors during startup. | Drive not spinning up fast enough at startup. | Enable or increase hard disk predelay time. | 452 |
Hard disk | Can't use drive capacity beyond 528MB. | LBA mode not enabled in BIOS. | Enable LBA mode. | 452 |
Hard drive | UDMA/66 or UDMA/100 drive runs at UDMA/33 on systems that support UDMA/66 or UDMA/100. | Incorrect cable might be in use. | Use 80-wire UDMA cable in place of normal 40-wire IDE cable. | 556 |
Hard drive | Can't read contents of IDE drive over 528MB after moving it to a new system. | Drive geometry or translation not set correctly on new system. | Set correct Cyl-Hd-Sectors setting for drive and LBA or Ext CHS translation. | 579 |
Hard drive | BIOS recognizes full capacity of drive over 8.4GB, but operating system will not. | Some operating systems aren't designed to use drives over 8.4GB. | Upgrade or patch your operating system to achieve compliance. | 592 |
Hard drive | Windows 98 FDISK misidentifies the capacity of a drive over 64GB. | FDISK incorrectly reads the disk capacity. | Download an updated version of FDISK from Microsoft's website. | 658 |
Hard drive | Immediately back up your data and replace your hard disk drive. A failure may be imminent. error message is seen. | The drive uses SMART to predict back up failures, and the SMART system has detected a serious problem with the drive. | Follow the onscreen instructions to back up your drive. | 665 |
Hard drive | Hard drive letters above C: are pushed higher when second drive is installed. | New drive was prepared with a primary partition, which takes precedence over drive letters in the first drive's extended partition. | Prepare additional drives with an extended partition. | 832 |
Hard drive | New hard disk letters conflict with removable media drives not connected to system in Windows 2000/XP. | Windows 2000/XP doesn't change existing removable-media or optical drive letters when drives are present. | Use Disk Management to adjust existing and new drive letters as necessary. | 835 |
Hard drive | Invalid Drive Specification error. | Drive has not been partitioned or high-level formatted, or wrong OS is being used to view drive. | Verify drive is empty with recent Windows versions before running FDISK and FORMAT. | 843 |
Hard drive | Invalid Media Type error. | Drive has not been FDISKed, or drive's format is corrupt. | View drive with FDISK's #4 option, and create new partitions as necessary. | 843 |
IDE drives (see ATA drives) | | | | |
Internet | Can't share Internet connection. | Problems with host or client configuration. | See checklist. | 1093 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI deivices. | PCI IRQ steering not enabled. | Enable PCI IRQ steering. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI devices in Windows 98/Me. | PCI IRQ steering not enabled. | Enable PCI IRQ steering. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI devices. | Devices use slots that share same IRQ. | Move one device to a different slot. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between COM ports. | IRQs shared between COM1 and 3; between COM2 and 4. | Disable unused COM port or change IRQ if possible. | 388 |
ISA cards | ISA cards have hardware conflicts with PCI cards. | Resources not reserved for ISA cards. | Reserve resources for ISA cards. | 458 |
Keyboard | Num Lock stays off when starting system. | Num Lock shut off in BIOS. | Turn on Num Lock in BIOS. | 447 |
Keyboard | Intermittent keyboard failures. | Keyboard cable or keyboard jack might be defective. | Test keyboard cable or jack with digital multimeter. | 1029 |
Keyboard | Keys are sticking. | Keyboard might have spilled drink or trapped debris under keys. | Remove keytops and clean under keys, or wash out keyboard. | 1031 |
Keyboard | USB keyboard works in Windows but not in DOS or BIOS setup. | USB Legacy mode is not enabled in BIOS or not present. | Connect a standard keyboard (or a keyboard/USB adapter) and enable USB Legacy mode. | 1027 |
Keyboard | Standard keys on keyboard work, but not multimedia or Internet keys. | The keyboard driver is not installed or is defective. | Install the latest driver for your keyboard. | 1029 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard doesn't work at some angles relative to the computer. | IR sensors in keyboard and on computer are losing line-of-sight. | Reposition IR sensor connected to computer to maintain line-of-sight. | 1048 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard doesn't work at long distances (such as with a Media Center PC and big-screen display). | Conventional wireless devices have a 6-foot range. | Use Bluetooth-enabled keyboard to have a range of up to 30 feet. | 1048 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard stops working after you moved the computer. | The receiver might be disconnected from the USB or keyboard port. | Reconnect the receiver and re-synchronize the keyboard and receiver. | 1052 |
LAN | Can't use onboard LAN. | LAN might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable LAN device. | 451 |
Modem | Internal modem locks up system when trying to make a connection. | Modem might be set to same IRQ as the serial port the mouse is attached to. | Disable the unused COM port on the system, and set the modem to use that COM port number. | 1001 |
Modem | Modem works correctly with Internet access, but computer-to-computer terminal emulation produces garbage screens. | Incorrect bps, word length, stop bit, or terminal emulation settings compared to remote system's requirements. | Determine correct values for remote system and set up HyperTerminal or other connection program accordingly. | 1076 |
Modem | 56Kbps modem connects at 33.6Kbps or less. | Some telephone lines can't provide greater than 33.6Kbps service. | Switch to a broadband service, or use modem bonding to achieve higher speeds. | 1082 |
Modem | Modem drops calls unexpectedly. | You might have call-waiting enabled, which interrupts the modem carrier signal. | Disable call-waiting (ask phone company for details), or upgrade to modems with call-waiting support. | 1088 |
Modem | Can't dial with analog (dialup) modem. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1094 |
Modem | System locks up after installing internal modem. | IRQ conflicts with other ports or devices. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Modem | Computer can't detect external modem. | Wrong cable, port problems, or power problems. | Check cable, port setup, and power. | 1095 |
Motherboard | Damage to motherboard from heatsink clips on socketed processors. | Clips slip and scratch motherboard surface. | Attach plastic tape on motherboard before installing heatsink. | 1271 |
Mouse | Mouse doesn't work. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Mouse | Can't use PS/2 mouse. | PS/2 mouse port might be disabled. | Enable PS/2 mouse port. | 462 |
Mouse | Mouse doesn't work when attached via adapter to a different port type. | Mouse might not be hybrid type (designed for various ports). | Use adapters only with hybrid mice; use adapter packaged with mouse. | 1039 |
Mouse | Mouse pointer jerks onscreen. | Mouse ball or rollers are dirty. | Clean mouse mechanism. | 1040 |
Mouse | Mouse works for basic operations, but extra buttons or scroll doesn't work. | Incorrect or outdated mouse driver is being used. | Download and install correct mouse driver from vendor site. | 1033 |
Mouse | Mouse works in Windows, but not when booted to DOS. | DOS driver must be loaded from AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS. | Install DOS mouse driver, and reference it in startup file(s). | 1042 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse doesn't work at some angles relative to the computer. | IR sensors in mouse and on computer are losing line-of-sight. | Reposition IR sensor connected to the computer to maintain line-of-sight. | 1048 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse doesn't work at long distances (such as with a Media Center PC and big-screen display). | Conventional wireless devices have a range of 6 feet. | Use Bluetooth-enabled mouse to have a range of up to 30 feet. | 1048 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse stops working after you move the computer. | The receiver might be disconnected from the USB or mouse port. | Reconnect the receiver and resynchronize the mouse and receiver. | 1051 |
Network | System locks up after installing network card. | IRQ conflicts with other ports or devices. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Network | Network adapter doesn't work. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Network | Can't connect to other computers on network after installing a new custom-built cable. | Cable might not match prevailing wiring standard on network. | Check wiring of other cables to see which wiring standard is used; build new cable to match. | 1115 |
Network | Distant computer works with 10BASE-T network but not with Fast Ethernet. | Computer might be too far from hub or switch because Fast Ethernet has shorter maximum distance. | Install repeater, or use new switch/hub as repeater. | 1118 |
Network | Can't connect to other users on network, although card diagnostics check out. | Might not have correct network software components installed. | See checklist. | 1138 |
Network | Duplicate computer ID error with Windows 9x/Me. | More than one computer has the same name or IP address on the network. | Adjust computer name or IP address with the Network properties sheet. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't see all the computers on the network with Windows 9x/Me. | Multiple workgroup names are in use. | Adjust workgroup name (must match for all on network) with Network properties. | 1141 |
Network | Duplicate computer ID error with Windows 2000 or Windows XP. | More than one computer has the same name or IP address on the network. | Adjust computer name with the System properties sheet; configure IP address with Network Connections. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't see all the computers on the network with Windows2000/XP. | Multiple workgroup names are in use. | Adjust workgroup name (must match for all on network) with System properties. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't share printers or folders with others. | File/Print sharing might not be installed; folders or printers might not be set to shared. | Install File/Print sharing, and then set shared folders and printers. | 1141 |
Network | Network changes made, but don't work. | Most Windows systems must be rebooted to put network changes into effect. | Reboot system and then try network operations. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | User might not have logged on to network. | Log off system and log on; provide name and password when prompted. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | Loose cables at computer, hub, switch, or wiring closet. | Check all cable connections. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | Password cache might be corrupt or have outdated passwords. | Log on to resources again and give new password when prompted. | 1141 |
Network | Can't access Internet or other TCP/IP-based resources. | Wrong TCP/IP settings. | Open Network properties sheet and adjust TCP/IP settings as needed for your network. | 1142 |
Network | IP Address Conflict error. | Duplicate IP addresses on two or more machines. | Open Network properties sheet and enter correct, unique IP addresses for each system. | 1142 |
Network | IP Address Conflict error. | Duplicate IP addresses on two or more machines. | Open Network properties sheet and enable DHCP to permit automatic IP addressing. | 1142 |
Network | Need to create a NetBEUI network using Windows XP. | Can't select NetBEUI as an option. | Install NetBEUI manually from the Windows XP CD-ROM. | 1138 |
Optical drives | Drive slows down when reading CD with a small paper label attached to the label side. | Drive can't run at full speed due to uneven weight distribution and must slow down. | Use full-size labels that cover the entire CD's top surface, or use a marker instead of small labels. | 772 |
Optical drives | CD-ROM drive can't read multiple-session disc. | Drive is not compatible with Orange Book multisession standard (XA standard). | Replace drive with new CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-R or CD-RW disc on a CD-ROM drive, but only on a CD-R/CD-RW drive. | CD probably was created with packet-writing software and not closed before being removed. | Return CD-R or CD-RW disc to original system and close session. | 757 |
Optical drives | CD-ROM disc can be read by 32-bit Windows but not by DOS. | CD was created using the UDF (packet-writing) standard. | Use standard mastering software instead of packet-writing to create CDs for use with DOS. | 764 |
Optical drives | Drive runs very slowly or has read errors. | CD lens might be dirty or dusty. | Use a CD lens cleaner, or install a drive with a self-cleaning lens. | 783, 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media on an older drive. | Drives that aren't MultiRead compliant can't read CD-RW media (usually slower than 24x speed). | Replace drive with a MultiRead-compatible CD-ROM or DVD drive or a CD-RW drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media on MultiRead CD-ROM drive. | Compatible UDF reader might not be installed. | Install UDF reader from CD-RW disc or by downloading reader from software vendor. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to a 10x or faster CD-RW disc in a 4x CD-RW drive. | 10x and faster media meets the High-Speed or Ultra-Speed ReWritable standard; not supported by 2x and 4x CD-RW drives. | Use 2x or 4x media for interchange between 10x or faster and 2x/4x CD-RW drives. | 789 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media might not be formatted. | Format media with UDF packet-writing software before use. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media formatted with different UDF program. | Use same UDF packet-writing software to format media and write to media. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media might not be correctly identified. | Eject and reinsert media to force redetection. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | UDF packet-writing software might not support drive. | Contact software vendor for an update. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Disc might have been formatted with Windows XP's own CD-writing software. | Erase media with Windows XP's CD-writing software and reformat with preferred UDF solution. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Drive firmware might be out-of-date. | Update firmware. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media in a CD-ROM drive. | Media might be damaged. | Reinsert media in original drive; repair media if necessary with UDF packet-writing software utilities. | 813 |
Optical drives | CD-RW or rewriteable DVD drive writes to some types of media more slowly than others. | Drive firmware might not be fully compatible with media type in use. | Download and install the latest firmware for the drive. | 813 |
Optical drives | DVD-RW drive is not compatible with 4x DVD-RW media. | Drive firmware was designed before 4x media was introduced. | Download and install the latest firmware for drive and use only 2x media until update is installed. | 813 |
Optical drives | Cannot install new drive firmware. | Drive is being controlled by other software. | Disable CD-writing software before performing firmware update. | 815 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media in a DVD. | Drives that aren't MultiRead2 compliant can't read CD-RW or DVD-RAM media. | Replace drive with a MultiRead2 drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't burn a CD-R disc while performing other tasks. | Multitasking operations are causing buffer underruns. | Run only CD-mastering software, slow down burn speed, or upgrade to a drive with buffer underrun protection. | 793 |
Optical drives | Can boot from bootable CD, but can't read contents of CD. | Bootable CD must have CD-ROM driver files and CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT references to them. | Make sure bootable disk used for creating bootable CD can access CD-ROM. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD or CD-R discs in a CD-ROM or DVD drive. | Media might not be compatible. | Try different-colored media. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-R discs in a CD-ROM or DVD drive. | Media might be written with packet-with packet-x software such as DirectCD. | Reinsert media into original drive, eject media, and select Close to Read on Any Drive. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read DVD-RW disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | DVD-RW media might not be finalized. | Reinsert media into original drive and finalize it before ejecting it. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read DVD+RW disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | DVD+RW media might need to be set to compatibility mode. | Reinsert media into original drive and reset media to compatibility mode. | 806 |
Optical drives | Can't read rewriteable DVD disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | Disc contains less than 521MB of data. | Add more data to disc beyond 521MB. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Incorrect media. | Use +R media in DVD+RW drives; use -R media in DVD-RW drives; either type works in dual-mode drives. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Wrong type of project selected in CD/DVD mastering software. | Select DVD project in mastering software. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Wrong drive selected. | Select correct drive. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Media might be bad. | Try different media. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Software might not support recorder. | Get a software update. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | Wrong cache size. | Adjust cache size in Performance tab of System Properties. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | CD-ROM drive on same cable as ATA hard drive. | Move CD-ROM drive to secondary ATA cable. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | UDMA or busmastering drivers might not be installed or enabled. | Install and enable latest UDMA or busmastering drivers. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | Drive might be using MS-DOS Compatibility Mode (BIOS-based) access. | Reinstall drive to use 32-bit Windows drivers. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't boot from bootable CD. | System might not support bootable CD. | Verify CD-ROM listed as bootable device and listed first in boot. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't boot from bootable CD. | Wrong disc format (Joliet or other). | Must use ISO 9660 CD format. | 813 |
Optical | Can't hear music through sound card speakers. | Analog or digital audio cables aren't connected between drive and audio jacks on sound card or motherboard with integrated sound. | Reattach cables to drive and sound card or motherboard; check mixer settings. | 942 |
Parallel port | Can't use onboard parallel port. | Port might be disabled be disabled in BIOS. | Enable port. | 451 |
Parallel port | Conflict between onboard parallel port and other device. | IRQ or I/O port address conflicts with other device. | Adjust IRQ or I/O port address in use, or disable port. | 451 |
Parallel port | Can't use ECP mode. | DMA channel conflicts with another device. | Use alternate DMA channel, or use EPP mode instead. | 451 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear password settings. | 445 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear password settings. | 458 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear CMOS if password settings can't be cleared separately. | 458 |
PCI | IRQ conflicts between PCI cards. | IRQs might be shared between slots. | Move conflicting cards to another PCI slot. | 447 |
PCI | IRQ conflicts between PCI cards. | Auto PCI IRQ Priority might not work for all cards. | Set PCI IRQ priority manually. | 447 |
PnP | Can't install new PnP cards. | PnP/PCI configuration data might be corrupted. | Clear PnP/PCI configuration data and restart system. | 447 |
PnP | Problems with PnP cards and configuration. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Power management | System can't use power management features. | Power management disabled. | Enable power management. | 459 |
Power management | Can't control power management through Windows. | ACPI power management disabled. | Enable ACPI power management. | 459 |
Power management | Can't use ACPI power management. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Power management | System locks up or hardware malfunctions when power management is used. | Some older peripherals are not compatible with power management. | Disable APM power management in the system BIOS; disable ACPI power management with Windows' Power properties sheet. | 1202 |
Power supply | System reboots (cold boots with memory check) spontaneously. | Power Good voltage level out of limits. | Check power supply with DMM; replace power supply if defective. | 1206 |
Power supply | Dell power supply fails and replacement has different-colored wires for connectors. | Dell changed to a non-standard version of ATX for systems built September 19982000; standard power supplies will not work and will fry! | Buy a Dell-brand or Dell-compatible power supply, or replace motherboard and power supply with standard models. | 1182 |
Power supply | System won't start; power is going to system. | Voltage slider on power supply might be set to wrong voltage. | Set power supply to correct voltage level for local current. | 1190 |
Power supply | Power supply fails after additional components are added to system. | New components require more 5V power than old power supply can provide. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1196 |
Power supply | Hard disk or fan won't turn. | Defective or overloaded power supply. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1202 |
Power supply | Electrical shocks on case. | Defective or overloaded power supply. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1202 |
Power protection | Surge suppressor indicates ground fault. | Outlet lacks ground, or it might use a three-prong-to-two-prong adapter. | Use outlet tester to verify proper wiring in outlets used for computers. | 1323 |
Printer | Parallel printer prints very slowly. | Printer might be attached to non-IEEE or non-ECP parallel port. | Set port to use mode recommended for printer and switch to IEEE-1284 cable if necessary. | 1003 |
Printer | Your printer prints gibberish. | Hardware resource conflict if correct driver used. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Processor | Can't overclock multiplier. | Multiplier locked on recent AMD, Intel CPUs. | Adjust bus speed instead. | 462 |
Processor | Can't use FC-PGA processor in PGA-370 socket. | Change in voltages and pinout. | Upgrade motherboard or use third-party PGA/FC-PGA adapter. | 93 |
Processor | Can't use PGA or FC-PGA processor in Slot 1. | Wrong form factor. | Use slot-key adapter. | 93 |
Processor | Poor heat transfer from processor to heatsink. | Gaps between processor and heatsink faceplate. | Attach thermal interface pad or grease to processor before attaching heatsink. | 1271 |
Processor | Pentium miscalculates floating-point math. | Errata 23 in Pentium processor. | Have Intel replace affected processor, or use updated processor. | 130 |
Processor | Improper CPU identification during POST. | Old BIOS. | Update BIOS from manufacturer. | 213 |
Processor | Improper CPU identification during POST. | Board is not configured properly. | Check manual, and set board accordingly with proper bus and multiplier settings. | 213 |
Processor | Can't install newer processors. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | Processor not properly installed. | Reseat or remove and reinstall processor and heatsink. | 213 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | BIOS doesn't support new processor. | Update BIOS from system or motherboard manufacturer. | 213 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | Motherboard can't use a new processor. | Verify motherboard support. | 213 |
Processor | System doesn't recognize Athlon 64 X2 as a dual-core processor. | A BIOS upgrade is necessary for dual-core support on some systems. | Update system BIOS with a BIOS version that's dual-core compatible. | 429 |
RAID | ATA or SATA drives cannot be configured as a RAID array. | RAID function in BIOS might be disabled. | Enable RAID function. | 451 |
RAM | RAM test not detecting any problems and is finishing too quickly. | L1 and L2 memory caches might be enabled. | Disable memory caches before testing memory. | 462 |
RAM | Soft (random) errors occur after adjusting memory timing in BIOS setup. | Refresh rate set incorrectly in BIOS. | Autoconfigure memory timing in BIOS. | 448 |
RAM | Can't determine exact location of bad memory. | Bad memory could be located in any module installed. | Isolate memory defect to find bad module and replace it. | 530 |
RAM | Can't insert 168-pin DIMM into the motherboard. | DIMM might be wrong voltage or type for motherboard. | PCs use unbuffered 3.3V DIMMs; others will not fit. | 501 |
RAM | RIMM-based system won't boot up with some RIMM sockets empty. | All RIMM sockets must have memory or continuity module installed. | Install continuity modules into a RIMM socket without memory. | 507 |
RAM | Can't determine speed or type of memory module. | Some memory modules aren't labeled. | Look up memory chip characteristics to determine module speed and type. | 509 |
RAM | Single 72-pin SIMM not recognized on P5-class system. | Memory must be added in banks of 64 bits on P5-class systems; 72-pin SIMM has 32 bits. | Add pair of identical SIMMs as supported by motherboard. | 512 |
RAM | System won't boot after installing new memory. | Memory might be too slow for system. | Install new memory as fast or faster than previous memory. | 513 |
RAM | System locks up; mixed metals (gold/tin) used in sockets and modules. | Corroded memory sockets result from mixing tin sockets/gold memory or vice versa. | Remove memory, clean sockets, and use memory with same metal as sockets. | 498 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | Power glitches or noise on the line. | Replace power supply if it tests out-of-spec, or install power conditioning equipment. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | Incorrect type or speed. | Use memory that matches recommended type and meets or exceeds recommended speed. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | RF (Radio Frequency) interference. | Move causes of RF away from system. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | ESD (electrostatic discharge). | Use antistatic spray on screen and keyboard and install antistatic mats near system. | 522 |
RAM | Memory parity interrupt error message. | Parity checking has detected an error in RAM. | Shut down the system and restart it; remove and reinstall memory. | 516 |
RAM | Out of memory error after upgrading system with AGP card beyond 512MB of RAM. | Windows 9x/Me can't handle memory addresses beyond 512MB along with AGP aperture addresses. | Use no more than 512MB of RAM with Windows 9x/Me and AGP video. | 899 |
Removable-media drive | Can't boot from SuperDisk LS-120 drive. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Removable-media drive | Can't boot from LS-120 SuperDisk or Zip drive. | ARMD-FDD (ATAPI Removable DeviceFloppy), Zip, or LS-120 drive listed after hard drive in boot order. | Adjust boot priority in system BIOS. | 460 |
Removable-media drive | Zip 750 reads and writes to Zip 250 media very slowly. | Drive must adjust read/write speed to use older media. | Use Zip 750 media for full-speed performance. | 691 |
Removable-media drive | Zip 250 reads and writes to Zip 100 media very slowly. | Drive must adjust read/write speed to use older media. | Use Zip 250 media for full-speed performance. | 691 |
Serial ATA drive | System has no Serial ATA ports. | Most systems need a Serial ATA card to enable Serial ATA support. | Install a Serial ATA card into a PCI slot. | 825 |
Serial ATA | Drives are not recognized by system. | Some systems have disabled Serial ATA ports. | Enable onboard Serial ATA ports. | 451 |
Serial port | Can't use onboard serial port. | Port might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable port. | 451 |
Serial port | Conflict between onboard serial port and other device. | IRQ or I/O port address conflicts with other device. | Adjust IRQ or I/O port address in use, or disable port. | 451 |
Serial port | COM3 and above work in Windows, but not DOS. | DOS can use only COM1 and COM2 due to BIOS limitations. | Use only COM1 or COM2 for DOS applications. | 999 |
Startup | System won't start; no error messages onscreen. | Various fatal errors. | Install POST card; restart system to determine error codes and diagnose problem. | 466 |
Startup | System won't start; various error messages indicating system can't boot. | Hard disk might not be connected to system, partitioned, formatted, or set up correctly in BIOS. | Check drive cabling, drive partitions, and BIOS configuration. | 467 |
Startup | Problems during POST. | Various causes. | Use checklist. | 1347 |
Startup | System beeps several times several times on; doesn't start properly. | Serious or fatal hardware errors. | Count beeps and pattern; determine BIOS used and look up beep code to determine problem. | 1293 |
Startup | System displays error message when turned on; doesn't start properly. | Serious hardware error. | Look up error code in Technical Reference on CD. | 1293 |
Startup | System doesn't start properly; might not beep or display error codes. | Serious or fatal hardware errors. | Install POST diagnostics card and restart system; look up I/O port POST checkpoint code. | 1293 |
Startup | Newly-assembled system won't start. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1257 |
Startup | System can't boot from hard drive. | Configuration problem with system or drive. | See checklist. | 1305 |
Startup | Missing Operating System error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 1354 |
Startup | NO ROM BASIC - SYSTEM HALTED error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 468 |
Startup | No boot device available strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 468 |
Startup | Invalid drive specification error. | No partition on disk. | Use FDISK, Disk Management, or equivalent to partition drive. | 843 |
Startup | Invalid Media Type error. | No valid format on drive. | Use FORMAT or Norton Disk Doctor. | 843 |
System | Problems with adapter cards. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1348 |
System | System unstable when overclocking. | Incorrect voltage to processor. | Use motherboard that allows fine adjustments to processor voltage. | 56 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Power cord failure. | Plug in or replace power cord. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Power supply failure. | Replace power supply with known-good one. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Motherboard failure. | Replace motherboard with known-good one. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Memory failure. | Remove all memory except bank 1 and retest; swap bank 1 if no boot. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, or locks up before POST begins. | All components either not installed or incorrectly installed. | Check all peripherals, especially memory and graphics adapter. Reseat all boards and socketed components. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Improperly seated or failing graphics adapter. | Reseat or replace graphics adapter. Use known-good spare for testing. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Poor heat dissipation. | Check CPU heatsink/fan; replace if necessary; use one with higher capacity. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Improper voltage settings. | Set motherboard for proper core processor voltage. | 213 |
System | System powers up, fan is running, but no beep or cursor. | Processor not properly installed. | Reseat or remove and reinstall processor and heatsink. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during Locks up during after POST. | Wrong motherboard bus speed. | Set motherboard for proper speed. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Wrong CPU clock multiplier. | Set motherboard for proper clock multiplier. | 213 |
System | Device transfers data inaccurately. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
System | System frequently locks up. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
System | System locks up after running for a time. | Overheating. | Check case and processor fans. | 1327 |
System | System locks up when office equipment such as copiers or microwave ovens nearby are operated. | Corrupted power. | Plug computer into a separate circuit from such devices. | 1341 |
System | POST reports system errors. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1347 |
System | Some software doesn't run correctly. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1348 |
System | Hardware and software bugs. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
System | Memory address conflict between devices. | Two devices are using the same upper memory block. | Move one device to a nonconflicting UMB address. | 545 |
System | Intermittent lockups, memory and drive glitches. | Improperly wired outlets might be providing bad power. | Use an outlet tester to check ground and polarity. | 1323 |
System | Intermittent lockups, memory and drive glitches. | Other devices on circuit could be causing problems, such as AC units, coffee makers, and so on. | Move computers to their own circuit. | 1341 |
System | Problems after system startup with hardware. | Various causes. | Use checklist. | 1347 |
Tape drives | Can't run tape backup or restore; bad block errors during restore. | Defective tape cartridge, dirty heads, defective cabling, or incorrect software settings. | Replace cartridge, clean heads, check cabling, and rerun confidence test with blank cartridge. | 719 |
USB | Can't use USB ports on system. | USB ports might be disabled, or your system has the wrong Windows version. | Enable USB ports in BIOS, and verify you are using Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP. | 986 |
USB | USB ports available in BIOS but not visible on system. | USB header cables not installed on motherboard. | Install USB header cables. | 986 |
USB | USB game controller doesn't work with some older games. | USB game controller might not perfectly emulate gameport-based controllers. | Check with software vendor for patches or workarounds. | 1048 |
USB | Can't use USB keyboard and mouse outside of Windows. | USB Legacy support is disabled in BIOS. | Enable USB Legacy support. | 456 |
USB | Can't use USB devices. | USB is disabled or not assigned an IRQ. | Enable USB; assign IRQ to USB. | 456 |
USB | Bus-powered peripherals aren't recognized unless they are removed and reattached. | Power supply might be failing. | Test power supply and replace if voltage levels don't meet specifications. | 1202 |
USB | USB 2.0 ports aren't supporting USB 2.0 devices at top speed. | USB 2.0 ports might not be configured correctly. | Enable USB 2.0 support in system BIOS and install correct drivers. | 987 |
USB | USB keychain drive is not recognized by Windows 98 but is recognized by later versions. | Windows 98 does not have built-in support for USB keychain drives. | Install the correct driver on the Windows 98 system. | 697 |
USB | USB peripherals work when plugged into the computer but not when plugged into a hub. | External hubs that are bus-powered might not provide enough power for some devices. | Use the Power dialog box on the USB hub properties sheet in Device Manager to see the power requirements for a device and the power available. | 981 |
Video | Onscreen icons too small at high resolutions. | High resolutions use more dots onscreen, so each dot takes less screen area and fixed-size icons are smaller. | If you use Windows 98, 2000, or XP, enable Large Icons. | 868 |
Video | Garbage appears on your video screen. | Video, DirectX, or mouse driver problems. | Adjust Hardware Acceleration slider. | 901 |
Video | Can't use AGP card as primary video. | PCI video is set as primary video. | Switch primary video to AGP card. | 445 |
Video | Color depth drops below desired setting when resolution is increased. | Video card doesn't have enough RAM to display the resolution at the same color depth. | Upgrade to a video card with more RAM, or decide whether high resolution or higher color depth is more important. | 895 |
Video | CRT display is steady at lower resolutions but flickers at higher resolutions. | Higher refresh rates are needed at higher resolutions to avoid flicker. | Adjust display adapter properties to higher refresh rate if supported by monitor. | 876 |
Video | Monitor picture is distorted. | Incorrect geometry adjustments; can vary with resolution. | Use digital picture controls to lock in desired picture quality. | 879 |
Video | Windows can't display more than 256 colors. | Windows might have incorrectly identified the video card chipset. | Manually select the correct chipset with the Advanced option on the Display properties' Adapter section. | 895 |
Video | Mouse pointer problems are visible onscreen. | Buggy video or mouse driver. | Upgrade video and mouse driver software; adjust acceleration one notch down. | 901 |
Video | Frequent screen lockups or invalid page fault errors. | Buggy video driver. | Upgrade video driver or adjust acceleration to None. | 901 |
Video | System chooses wrong adapter as primary in a multiple-monitor configuration. | BIOS controls which PCI slot (or AGP) is for primary video. | Adjust BIOS options for primary video, or change slots if both adapters are PCI. | 904 |
Video | Secondary monitor not available on Display Properties Settings tab. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 937 |
Video | Display works in Safe or VGA mode with Windows XP, but is corrupted in other modes. | A Display, DirectX, or mouse driver might be defective. | Update all drivers. | 901 |
Video | 3D acceleration isn't working, but normal business applications work okay. | DirectX drivers might be defective. | Update DirectX. | 901 |
Video | Problems with video capture devices. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 934 |
Video | Monitor picture too dull, bright, dark, or out of focus. | Monitor controls need to be adjusted. | Adjust front, side, or rear controls as needed; focus controls might require a long screwdriver. | 934 |
Video | No picture. | Monitor might be in power-saving mode (flashing or yellow LED), have incorrect contrast or brightness settings (green LED), be receiving no picture data; or be disconnected from power. | Activate system; adjust contrast and brightness; check data and power cables. | 936 |
Video | Jittery picture quality (LCD). | Display not correctly adjusted, or cables might be loose. | Use display-adjustment software to correct problem; check cables. | 936 |
Video | Jittery picture quality (CRT). | Might be caused by incorrect refresh rate settings, loose cable, interference, or bad power supply. | Reduce vertical refresh rate; check cables; eliminate sources of interference; tap on monitor (temporary fix only). | 936 |
Video | Picture displayed in DOS, not Windows. | Wrong video driver or overclocked video card. | Start system in Safe mode, verify correct video driver, or use default setup for video card clock speed. | 937 |
Video | Can't replace built-in video card with add-on video card. | Card might be in wrong slot or not compatible with system, or system might require manual disabling or onboard video. | Check manual for correct procedure for disabling built-in video, or try a different slot. | 937 |
Video | NVIDIA SLI mode isn't working. | Various causes: MIO bridge not installed; SLI driver disabled; incorrect combination of video cards. | See checklist. | 937 |
Video | ATI CrossFire mode isn't working. | Various causes: DMS-to-DVI cable not connected; incorrect combination of video cards; mode disabled. | See checklist. | 937 |
Windows | Virus warning triggered when trying to upgrade Windows. | Virus warning feature enabled in system BIOS. | Disable virus warning or boot sector write-protect feature. | 462 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Poor heat dissipation. | Check CPU fan; replace if necessary; might need higher-capacity heatsink. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Improper voltage settings. | Set motherboard for proper core processor voltage. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Wrong motherboard bus speed. | Set motherboard for proper speed. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Wrong CPU clock multiplier. | Jumper motherboard for proper clock multiplier. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Applications will not install or run. | Improper drivers or incompatible hardware; update drivers and check for compatibility issues. | 213 |
Windows | The PC starts in Safe mode (Windows 9x, Windows Me). | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Windows | Problems with operating system or applications. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1348 |
Wireless input | IR-based wireless mouse or keyboard isn't working. | Direct line-of-sight access to IR receiver might be blocked; batteries might have failed. | Check line-of-sight and move obstacles away from receiver; check and replace batteries as needed. | 1052 |
Wireless input | RF-based wireless mouse or keyboard isn't working. | Batteries might have failed, or interference from other devices might be present. | Check and replace batteries if needed; use different frequencies for nearby RF-based devices. | 1052 |
Wireless network | Wi-Fi 5GHz band device can't connect to other Wi-Fi devices. | Wi-Fi 5GHz is the same as IEEE 802.11a, which is not compatible with other Wi-Fi standards. | Use dual-band devices to connect to all Wi-Fi networks. | 1105 |
Wireless network | Can't connect to network at long distances. | Wireless signals degrade with distance and obstacles. | Add a more powerful antenna to the router or access point. | 1106 |
Wireless network | Can't connect to network at long distances. | Wireless signals degrade with distance and obstacles. | Add a repeater or signal booster to your wireless network. | 1106 |
Wireless network | Some stations can't connect to network. | All stations and router must be set up with same SSID and encryption. | Check SSID, encryption type, and encryption key on router and clients. | 1127 |
