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COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING

I. Troubleshooting Methodology
- Get in the right frame of mind
o Relax
o Do no harm
§ Make a backup
§ Make sure you can undo your work
- Try a quick fix
o Eliminate user error
§ Make sure you are following the correct procedures
§ Make sure the results really are an error
o Check the inventory – make sure everything is plugged in and turned on
o Turn everything off and back on again (after you have saved your information)
- Use the scientific method

Identify the problem Gather Information Propose Solution

No

Problem
Test Solution
Solved?

Yes
Document Solution

- Identify the problem

o Describe symptoms as completely and accurately as possible
§ Date and time
§ Scope of the problem
§ What you were doing when problem occurred.
- Gather Information
o Is the problem reproducible?
o Recent changes
o Current configuration
o Assemble resources
- Troubleshooting Resources
o Plan ahead.
§ Get copies of software, etc
§ Find vendor sites for your hardware or software
§ Find internet support communities
- Propose a solution
o Easiest solution
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o Most likely solutions

o Use a strategy:
§ Process of elimination
§ Divide and overcome
- Test the Solution
o Test only one thing at a time!
- Problem Solved?
o Yes
§ Congratulate yourself
§ Document the solution
o No
§ Undo the solution
§ Gather more information
§ Propose and test another solution
- Methodology Summary
o Get in the right frame of mind
o Try a quick fix
o Use the scientific method
o Use your internet resources
o Use the right strategy
- Safety note
o Protect yourself
§ Power off
§ “One Hand Rule”
§ Don’t open a monitor
o Protect the equipment
§ Power off
§ Grounding strap
II. Hardware Basics
- Take It Apart
o Motherboard overview
o Hard drive/CD/DVD
o NIC/expansion cards
o Memory
- Put It Back Together
III. Software Basics
- Software Problems
o Isolate the problem
§ Document
§ Application
§ Operating system
- Document Problems
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o Try opening a backup copy

o Try opening on another machine
o Try opening with a different version of the program
- Application Programs
o Try another document
o Uninstall any new items
o Apply vendor updates
- Operating System
o Try a different application
o Check disk drive space
§ Use scan disk and defragment for maintenance
o Try a Window troubleshooting wizard
o Apply vendor updates.

IV. Printing Basics

- Install a new printer
o Get correct cable and driver
- Troubleshoot printing
o Start at printer and use process of elimination
- Network printing
o Things to look for

V. Networking Basics
- Common Network Problems
o Internet Problems
§ Bad URL
Case
§ Server down
§ Missing or old plug-in
o Network Problems
§ Cable
§ Software/client
§ Server

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

I. Computer hardware
- Case
- Power switch
- Reset switch
- Hard drive
Motherboard
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- Floppy
- CD/DVD
- Zip drive
- Serial ports
- Parallel port
- USB port
- Keyboard/mouse
- Network card
- Modem
- Sound card
- Video card
- RAM
- Motherboard
- Bus
- Fan
- Cables

II. Cabling
- For items in or attached to a system to
work properly, they must be securely
connected.
- Be sure to carefully connect the cables

III. Basic operations

- Power cord plugged in
o If plugged into a power strip, turn it
on. Includes peripherals
- Cables to peripherals secure
- Power on peripherals
- Power on the system
- Observe the system for proper operation
- FYI: Disk Capacities
o Floppy (Double Sided, Double
Density): 1.4 MB
o Zip Cartridge: 100 MB – 250 MB
o CD: 650 MB
o DVD
§ Single Sided, Single Layered:
4.7 GB
§ Double sided, Double
Layered: 17 GB

CABLING
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§ 1 GB = 1000 MB
- Three most important words in computing:
o Backup
o Backup
o Backup
§ You should backup when you do not want to reenter everything you have
entered since your last backup. (Schedules can range from every item to
months.)
§ You should regularly check that your backups work.
§ Multiple backups and off-site backups are often required.
- Other good ideas:
o Anti-virus software.
o Regularly updated virus definitions for the anti-virus software. (Automated if
available.)
o Current security patches applied to operating system and applications.
o Scrutinize any unexpected attachments that are e-mailed to you. (Particularly “.vbs”
and “.exe” files.)

IV. Troubleshooting
- Fast and Furious Troubleshooting “Before you call...”
o “Is it plugged in? Is it turned on?” (Also, “Is the power on in your building?”, etc…
o “Have you tried rebooting the system.” (Exiting correctly and physically powering
down the entire system including peripherals.)
o Can you reproduce the problem on-demand?

COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING BASICS

I. Illegal Operations
- Memory conflicts (bad memory?)
- Dirty CD or corrupt files on a floppy
- Highly fragmented hard drive
- Corrupt files (Windows or another program)
- Virus or spyware
- New hardware (possible driver issue or setting conflict)
II. Slow Computer
- Check free space on your hard drive
- Run scandisk (possibly corrupt files)
- Too many processes (possibly spyware) running in the background
- Computer overheating (check fans)
- Recently installed hardware, software or updates?
III. Program Not Responding
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- Bugged software
- Conflicts between hardware or software
- Lack of system resources (memory, hard disk space, too many active programs)
IV. Computer Lock Up?
- No mouse control? Do you have keyboard control?
o You can check by pushing the caps lock or num lock keys on your keyboard and
seeing if the corresponding lights respond.
- Have keyboard control, push CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the same time to access the task manager.
- End the program that is “not responding” in the task manager.
- Save anything you are working on and reboot the computer.
- No keyboard control? Hold the power button in for a few seconds.
V. Use the Tools Available:
- Check Disk or Scandisk
- Disk Cleanup
- Defragment Drive
- System Restore (OS)
VI. Backup
- Keep the files you want to backup in a central location.
- Be aware that if you want to backup your entire system you’ll need a large capacity storage
device.
VII. Common Spyware/Adware Symptoms
- Computer suddenly slow.
- Unknown icons in your windows system tray (the lower right corner)
- Modem lights blinking when you aren’t doing anything online.
- Pop up windows when you don’t have any programs running.

Source: http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

Computer POST / beep codes

I. POST Error Beeps and Codes

Sounds Problem Indicated

Repeating short or continuous beeps
One long and one short beep
One long and two short beeps
One short beep and blank display
One short beep and prompt for disk
Power supply or system board
System board, display board, or power supply
System board or power supply
System board or power supply
Disk drive, disk controller or cable, system board, or power
supply

II. POST
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- tests the computer to make sure it meets the necessary system requirements and that all
hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process.
- If the computer passes the POST the computer will have a single beep (with some computer
BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer will
continue to start normally.
- If the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not beep at all or will generate a
beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem.
- This is intended to help end-users who are experiencing issues with the POST and may have
any of the below symptoms:
o Computer beeps irregularly when the computer is turned on.
o Computer turns on but does not boot or do anything.
o Computer reboots every few seconds.

III. POST Troubleshooting

- Make sure the computer turns on, if nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans, etc.)
the computer has a power related issue.

- Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer.
While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ElectroStatic Discharge
(ESD) and its potential hazards.

1. Remove new hardware

If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer, remove that
hardware to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If after removing the new
hardware your computer works it's likely the computer is either not compatible with
the new hardware or a system setting needs to be changed to work with the new
hardware device.

2. Remove any disks or USB devices

Remove any disks, CD's, DVD's that are in the computer and if any USB devices
(ipods, drives, phones, etc) are connected disconnect all of them as well. Reboot the
computer and see if anything changes.

3. Disconnect external devices

Remove everything from the back of the computer except the power cable.
Turn on the computer and see if it beeps normally. If the computer has never beeped
keep the monitor or display connected to see if any change occurs.

4. Identify beep code

If you are receiving a sequence of beeps refer to the beep codes identity for a
listing of different beep codes and their explanation or your motherboard or computer
documentation.
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These beep codes are meant as a method of quickly identifying what computer
component is failing or bad. If your beep code is not listed, continue troubleshooting.

5. Check all fans

Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially the
heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating or detecting the fan
failure causing the computer not to boot.

6. Check all cables

Verify that all the cables are properly connected at that there are no loose
cables by firmly pressing in each cable.

• All disk drives should have a data cable and power cable connected to them.
• Your power supply should have at least one cable going to the motherboard. Many
motherboards may also have additional cables connected to them to supply power to
the fans.

7. Disconnect all expansion cards

If the above recommendations still have not resolved the irregular POST,
disconnect the riser board (if applicable) and each of the expansion cards. If this
resolves the issue or allows the computer to POST connect one card at a time until you
determine what card is causing the issue.

8. Disconnect all drives

If you were unable to determine by the beep code what is failing or do not have
a beep code disconnect the IDE, SATA, SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface), or
other data cables from the CD-ROM, hard drive, and floppy drive from the
Motherboard.

If this resolves your irregular POST or generates error messages re-connect each
device until you determine what device or cable is causing the issue. In some situations
it can also be a loose cable connection that causes the issue.

9. Remove the RAM

If you continue to receive the same problem with all the above hardware
removed, disconnect the RAM from the Motherboard and turn on the computer. If the
computer has a different beep code or if your computer was not beeping and is now
beeping turn off your computer and try the suggestions indicated below:

a. Re-insert the memory into the same slot.

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b. If you have more than one stick of memory remove all but one stick of memory,
try rotating through each stick.

c. Try one stick of memory in each slot.

Caution: Make sure to turn off the computer each time you're adding and removing the
memory and then turn the computer back on to see if the suggestion resolves the
issue.

If you're able to get the computer to boot with one or more of the sticks of
memory it's likely you're dealing with some bad memory. Try to identify what stick of
memory is bad and replace it.

If you're able to get memory to work in one slot but not in another slot. You're
motherboard is defective you can either workaround the issue by running the memory
in a different slot or replace the motherboard.

10. Power cycle the computer

A computer may have power related issues often caused by either the power
supply or the motherboard. To help determine if this is the cause of your issue try
turning the computer on, off, and back on as fast as possible, making sure the computer
power light goes on and off each time.

This should only be used as a temporary workaround if you're able to get this to
work. Often this is good for users who may have not done a backup and need to get the
computer up one more time to copy files before starting to replace hardware.

11. Disconnect and reconnect the CPU

For users who are more comfortable working with the inside of their computer
or who have built their computer one last recommendation before assuming hardware
is bad is to reset the CPU by removing it and putting it back into the computer.

12. Bad motherboard, CPU, RAM, or power supply

If after doing all of the above recommendations you continue to have the same
issue unfortunately it is likely that you have bad Motherboard, PSU, CPU, or RAM. The
next step would be either to replace these components or have the computer serviced.
If you plan on doing the repairs yourself or you have a repair shop it is suggested that
you replace the Motherboard first, RAM, CPU, and then power supply in that order or
try swappable parts from other computers.

Source: http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/award.htm

IV. AMI (American Megatrends Inc.) BIOS beep codes

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Descriptions
Question: Computer has three short beeps as it starts.
Cause: Computer RAM (memory) related issue.
Answer:
1 short
Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer.
While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential
hazards.
Remove added memory
If you've recently added or tried to add additional memory to the computer and
have started getting these beeps. Remove all new memory you've added to the
computer. If the computer works fine after removing the new memory you're
encountering either an incompatibility or defective new memory.
Open computer and reset memory
Sometimes when the computer is moved or over time a memory stick can become
loose causing the computer to be unable to read the memory or get errors as it's reading
it. Try fixing this issue by opening the computer removing each of the memory sticks you
have in the computer and then placing them back into the computer.
Swap memory location
If reseating the memory did not resolve the issue try swapping the location of the
memory. If you have only one stick of memory in the computer try moving it to another
slot and then boot the computer.
If you have more than one stick of memory try removing all but one stick of
memory and boot the computer. If this does not resolve the issue try removing that stick
of memory and try one of the other sticks of memory.
Try another computers memory
If you have access to another computer that uses the same memory, try using its
known good memory in your computer.
If another computers memory works you know that you have bad memory. If
another computers memory does not work and it is compatible with your computer
unfortunately your motherboard or the slots on the motherboard are defective causing it
to be unable to properly read the memory, which means the motherboard will have to be
replaced.
Replace memory
If it is determined the memory in the computer is bad we suggest that you replace it.
2 short Parity circuit failure
Explanation: The parity circuit is responsible for generating and checking the parity bit on
the system memory when parity checking is used. This circuitry is not working properly.
Diagnosis: This code usually means a problem with either the system memory or the
motherboard.
Recommendation:
• Treat as an apparent memory failure.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard.

3 short Base 64K RAM failure

Explanation: There is a failure of some sort within the first 64 KB of system memory.
Diagnosis: The first bank of memory probably has a bad memory chip in it somewhere. It
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is possible that there is a failure related to the motherboard or a system device as well.

Recommendation:
• Treat as an apparent memory failure.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard.
4 short System timer failure
Explanation: There is a problem with one or more of the timers used by the system to
control functions on the motherboard.
Diagnosis: This is usually a motherboard failure.
Recommendation: Troubleshoot the motherboard.
5 short Processor failure
Explanation: The system processor is generating an error condition indicating a problem
with it.
Diagnosis: There is a problem related to the processor or motherboard. Note that this
doesn't mean that the processor is necessarily dead; with a dead processor the system
won't boot at all (it runs the BIOS code that is used to start up the PC.)
Recommendation:
• Troubleshoot the processor.
• If the processor is not at fault, troubleshoot the motherboard.
6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
Explanation: The keyboard controller is a chip on the motherboard that communicates
with your keyboard. It also controls the A20 gate that provides access to the high memory
area (HMA) - The high memory area (abbreviated HMA) is the first 65,520 bytes (64 KB
less 16 bytes) of extended memory. This component is indicating a failure.
Diagnosis: This is usually a problem with either the keyboard or the motherboard.
Recommendation:
• Troubleshooting the keyboard is relatively easy; try that first.
• Troubleshoot the keyboard controller.
• Troubleshoot as a motherboard failure.
7 short Virtual mode exception error
Explanation: Virtual mode is one of the different modes that the processor can run in. The
system is reporting an error when testing this mode.
Diagnosis: There is a problem related to the processor or motherboard. Note that this
doesn't mean that the processor is necessarily dead, since the system won't boot at all
with a dead processor.
Recommendation:
• Troubleshoot the processor.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard.
8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure
Explanation: The BIOS is unable to write to the frame buffer memory - Video Memory
Function and Speed
The memory on the video card is one of its most important components, especially
from a performance standpoint. Much the way having enough of the right kind of main
system memory will allow you to make the most of your system processor, having enough
of the right kind of video memory will make your video card perform to its full potential.
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This section takes a look at the video memory and what it is used for, as well as looking at
the subject of video memory speed.
Video
ideo Memory Usage
The main use of the video memory is as the frame buffer.. This is the place where the
information is stored about the video image itself. Each pixel on the screen has associated
with it typically 4 to 32 bits of data that represent its color and intensity.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the video card, or the memory on the
video card. It can also be a motherboard issue.
Note: Unlike the other AMI b beep codes, this one is "non-deadly".
deadly". The system may
continue to boot despite this error.
fatal
Recommendation:
• Troubleshoot the video card card.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard
motherboard.
9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure
Explanation: The read
read-only memory (ROM) containing the BIOS program (which is what is
running when you turn on the PC and what generates this error) uses a checksum value as
a double-check
check that the ROM code is correct. This checksum is compared against the
values in the ROM each time the PC is bbooted
ooted and if there is a mismatch, this code is
generated.
Note: This error is not the same as a CMOS Checksum Error, which refers to
corrupted values of the CMOS settings. This error means the contents of the BIOS
code itself are damaged.

Diagnosis: The BIOS ROM chip on the motherboard is probably faulty. It could also be
another component on the motherboard.

Recommendation: Troubleshoot the motherboard

motherboard.. It is possible to replace just the
t BIOS
ROM chip but often replacing the motherboard will make more sense for cost and
simplicity reasons.
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
Explanation: A component of the motherboard is producing an error interacting with the
CMOS memory that holds the BIOS settings
settings.
Diagnosis: There is likely a problem with the motherboard.
Recommendation: Troubleshoot the motherboard
motherboard.
11 short Cache Memory error
Explanation: The system has attempted to verify the operation of the secondary (level 2)
cache and has encountered an error.
Diagnosis: This usually means a problem with the system cache. It may also be a more
general problem with the motherboard.
Recommendation:
• Troubleshoot the secondary cache
cache.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard
motherboard.
A CPU cache is a cache used by the central processing unit of a computer to
reduce the average time to access memory.. The cache is a smaller, faster memory which
stores copies of the data from the most frequently used main memory locations. As long
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as most memory accesses are cached memory locations, the average latency of memory
accesses will be closer to the cache latency than to the latency of main memory.
When the processor needs to read from or write to a location in main memory, it
first checks whether a copy of that data is in the cache. If so, the processor immediately
reads from or writes to the cache, which is much faster than reading from or writing to
main memory.
Continuous Memory or video problem
Beeping Explanation: The system is producing constant beeping in no specific pattern, or a fast
"ringing" sound.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the system memory, or possibly the
video card. The memory is more likely--the system complains long and loud if it can't find
any usable memory, as there is no way to even start the boot process when this is the
case. The motherboard itself could also be the problem.
Recommendation:
• Troubleshoot the system memory.
• Troubleshoot the video card.
• Troubleshoot the motherboard.

Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of
different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
V. AWARD BIOS beep codes

Beep
Description
Code
1 long, 2 Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to
short display any additional information
Any other
RAM problem.
beep(s)

If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.

1 Long Beep: Memory problem

Explanation: There is a failure of some sort related to the system memory.

Diagnosis: The first bank of memory probably has a failure of some sort; this is usually just a physical
problem such as an incorrectly inserted module, but may also mean a bad memory chip in a module. It is
possible that there is a failure related to the motherboard or a system device as well.

Recommendation:

• Treat as an apparent memory failure.

• Troubleshoot the motherboard.
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1 Long, then 3 Short Beeps: Video error

Explanation: The BIOS is unable to access the video system in order to write any error messages to the
screen.

Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the video card, or the memory on the video card. It
can also be a motherboard issue.

Recommendation:

• Troubleshoot the video card.

• If the video card is not at fault, troubleshoot the motherboard.

VI. IBM BIOS beep codes

Beep Codes Description

Issue: No power or computer does not turn on.
No Beeps Cause: No power from the computer can be caused by any of the below possibilities.
1. Connections not connected properly.
2. Third-party hardware.
3. Bad power cable.
4. Incorrect power supply.
5. Bad battery.
6. Bad power supply, power button, or power board or inverter.

Solution:
Note: If the computer is turning on but is not posting (beeping) or giving any picture on
the display, refer to the POST troubleshooting. This solution does not cover a laptop
computer that is not turning on.
If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be easily checked by
locating any fans in the computer or visible from the outside of the computer. If these
fans are spinning, the computer is receiving power and this document may not apply to
your issue.
Connections not connected properly
Verify that the power connection is connected properly
to the wall and the back of the computer. If the
connections appear to be connected properly,
disconnect and reconnection both ends of the power
cord to make sure the cable is not loose.
If you have a power strip (surge protector) or switch
used to turn everything on at once, temporarily
disconnect the computer from that switch and connect
that cable directly to the wall. This will help verify that the strip or switch is not bad.
Verify that the outlet works by connecting a different component to that switch.
Third-party hardware
If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer it is recommend
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that you temporarily disconnect that device or devices from the computer to verify they
are not preventing your computer from turning on.
Note: If the computer was working fine before you added the new hardware, removing
the third-party hardware did not resolve the issue, and the computer is not beeping but
is turning on, refer to the POST troubleshooting steps.
Bad Power cable
Verify that the cable supplying your computer is not bad or damaged by using
another power cable. If you have a standard CRT monitor, this cable can be used in
place of the computer power cable.
If you have a portable computer or laptop, when the cables are plugged into the
laptop you should see a power light or battery charge light. If this light is seen, this is a
good indication that the power cable is good.
Incorrect power supply
If you are building your own computer or if the computer has never turned on
since you purchased it, it is possible you are using a power supply that does not supply
enough power or the incorrect power supply. Verify your power supply meets the
requirements of your motherboard and processor.
Bad battery
If your computer is a laptop or portable computer that utilizes a battery for mobility it is
possible that the battery may be causing your issue.
• If your computer powers on when the cable is connected to the portable
computer but not when it is disconnected, we recommend you purchase a new
battery.
• If your computer does not power on when the battery is connected and when
the power cable / charger cable is connected, try removing the battery and
seeing if the computer can power on with only the power cable connected. If
no power is still received, skip to the final section.
Bad Power Supply, power button, or power board or inverter
If, after following the above sections, your computer still receives no power, it is likely
that a hardware component in the computer has failed. It is most likely that the power
supply has failed. If you do not plan on replacing the power supply yourself or if you
have a portable computer, we recommend having the computer serviced by your
computer manufacturer or a local computer repair shop.
If you have a desktop computer and plan on trying to repair the computer yourself, we
recommend you replace the components in your computer in the below order.
1. First open the computer and verify the power connections. You may also wish
to consider disconnecting the main power cable and reconnecting the power
cable to make sure it has not become loose. Also verify the power button cable
is correctly connected to the Motherboard.
2. Replace the power supply with a new power supply.
3. Replace the motherboard.
1 Short Beep Normal POST, computer is ok.
2 Short Beep POST error, review screen for error code.
Continuous
No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
Beep
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Repeating
No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
Short Beep
One Long and
one Short Motherboard issue.
Beep
One Long and
Two Short Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.
Beeps
One Long and
Three Short Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.
Beeps.
Three Long
Keyboard / Keyboard card error.
Beeps
One Beep,
Blank or
Video Display Circuitry.
Incorrect
Display

POST Troubleshooting Steps

Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common procedure of
the POST:
1. The first step of POST is the testing of the Power Supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it
releases its reset signal.
2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.
3. BIOS must be readable.
4. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
5. CMOS be accessible for reading.
6. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
7. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and
memory module.
8. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to
and from, and capable of containing the POST code.
9. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.
10. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM.

Section 1

- Cause: an issue can be caused by any of the below situations:

o New hardware conflicting with old hardware
o Bad or failing hardware device.
o Other hardware issue.
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- Answer:
o If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer, remove that
hardware to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If after removing the new
hardware your computer works it's likely the computer is either not compatible with
the new hardware or a system setting needs to be changed to work with the new
hardware device.
o Remove everything from the back of the computer except the power cable. Turn on
the computer and see if it beeps normally. If the computer has never beeped also
connect a monitor to the computer to see if any change occurs.
o If you are receiving a sequence of beeps, refer to the reference of different beep
codes and their explanation and/or your motherboard or computer documentation.
These beep codes are meant as a method of quickly identifying what computer
component is failing or bad.
o Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially the
heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating and/or detecting the
fan failure causing the computer not to boot.
o If you were unable to determine by the beep code what is failing or do not have a
beep code disconnect the IDE cables from the CD-ROM, Hard Drive, and Floppy
drive from the Motherboard. If this resolves your irregular post attempt to connect
each device one at a time to determine which device and or cable is causing the
issue.
o If the above recommendations still have not resolved the irregular POST attempt to
disconnect the Riser board (if applicable) and/or each of the expansion cards. If this
resolves the issue or allows the computer to post connect one card at a time until
you determine which card is causing the issue.
o If you continue to receive the same problem with all the above hardware removed,
attempt to disconnect the CPU and RAM from the Motherboard. Once done insert
the CPU and RAM back into the computer to see doing this resolves your issue.
o If after doing all of the above recommendations you continue to have the same
issues unfortunately it is likely that you have bad Motherboard, CPU, and or RAM.
The next step would be either to replace these components and it is suggested that
you replace the Motherboard first, RAM, and then the CPU in that order and/or try
swappable parts.

Section 2.

- Issue: My computer does not start unless I restart it multiple times.

- Cause: if a computer is able to successfully startup if it is restarted several times, it is likely
that the computer is encountering one of the below issues:
o Bad power supply or inadequate power supply
o Bad hard disk drive
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o Other hardware issue

- Answer:
o Bad power supply or inadequate power supply
§ A bad, failing, or inadequate power supply is often the cause of this issue. If
the hard disk drive is not getting enough power during the first time the
computer starts, it will be unable to spin the hard disk platters fast enough
to start the computer.

However, if you restart the computer two, three, or more times, because
the platters are already spinning, it is able to get the drive up to speed and
able to boot off the drive.
§ If you're encountering this issue after installing new hardware in the
computer, it's also possible the power supply in the computer is not
supplying adequate power to the computer. For most computers it is
recommended that you have at the least a 300-watt power supply.
§ The first recommendation is to replace or upgrade the power supply in the
computer.
o Bad hard disk drive
§ This issue can also be caused by a failing or bad hard disk drive. Similar to
the above issue, if there is a failure within the hard disk drive that is causing
the disk platters to not spin up fast enough during the initial power up, you
may also encounter this issue.
§ If after replacing the power supply you continue to experience the same
issue, it's likely that the hard disk drive is at fault and we suggest the hard
disk drive be replaced.
o Other hardware issue
§ Although not as likely as the above two causes (bad power supply or hard
drive), other hardware can potentially cause this issue to occur. Below are
some other possibilities that may cause this issue.
o Cable
§ Replace the IDE/EIDE interface cable connected from the motherboard to
the hard disk drive. If the cable is defective it could cause various issues with
your hard disk drive.
o Motherboard
§ Finally, if the computer continues to exhibit the same issue after following
all of the above steps, it's likely that the motherboard is defective and that it
should be replaced.

Section 3.

- Issue: No power from the computer can be caused by any of the below possibilities.
- Cause:
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o Connections not connected properly.

o Third-party hardware.
o Bad power cable.
o Incorrect power supply.
o Bad battery.
o Bad power supply, power button, and/or power board or inverter.
- Solution: If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be easily checked
by locating any fans in the computer or visible from the outside of the computer. If these
fans are spinning, the computer is receiving power.
o Connections not connected properly
§ Verify that the power connection is connected properly to the wall and the
back of the computer. If the connections appear to be connected properly,
attempt to disconnect and reconnection both ends of the cable.
§ If you have a power strip (surge protector) or switch used to turn everything
on at once, temporarily disconnect the computer from that switch and
connect that cable directly to the wall. This will help verify that the strip or
switch is not bad.
§ Verify that the outlet works by connecting a different component to that
switch.
o Third-party hardware
§ If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer it is
recommend that you temporarily disconnect that device or devices from the
computer to verify they are not preventing your computer from turning on.
o Bad Power cable
§ Verify that the cable supplying your computer is not bad or damaged by
using another power cable. If you have a standard CRT monitor, this cable
can be used in place of the computer power cable.
o Incorrect power supply
§ If you are building your own computer or if the computer has never turned
on since you purchased it, it is possible you are using a power supply that
does not supply enough power and/or the incorrect type of power supply.
Verify your power supply meets the requirements of your motherboard and
processor.
o Bad Power Supply, power button, and/or power board or inverter
§ If, after following the above sections, your computer still receives no power,
it is likely that a hardware component in the computer has failed. It is most
likely that the power supply has failed. You can send the power supply for
service repair or replace a new one.