Table of Contents
Advertisement
Troubleshooting scenarios and solutions
This section presents troubleshooting scenarios and possible solutions for a Windows-based system.
Solving minor problems
Problem
Workstation appears frozen and
does not shut down when the
power button is pressed.
Workstation seems to be frozen.
Workstation date and time
display is incorrect.
Workstation appears to pause
periodically.
Cursor does not move using the
arrow keys on the keypad.
Poor performance is
experienced.
Workstation powered off
automatically and the Power
LED flashes red 2 times (once
every second), followed by a 2-
second pause, and then two
simultaneous beeps sounded.
System does not turn on, and
the LEDs on the front of the
computer are not flashing.
54
Chapter 4 Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Cause
Software control of the power
switch is not functional.
Program in use has stopped
responding to commands.
Real-time clock (RTC) battery might
need replacement.
Network driver is loaded and no
network connection is established.
num lock
is on.
Processor is hot.
Hard drive is full.
Processor thermal protection is
activated.
A fan might be blocked or not
turning.
OR
The processor heatsink is not
properly attached to the processor.
System cannot power on.
Possible Solution
1.
Press and hold the power button for at least four seconds
until the computer shuts down.
2.
Disconnect the electrical plug from the outlet.
3.
Restart the computer.
1.
If possible, use the Windows Task Manager to isolate and
terminate the offending process.
2.
Attempt the normal Windows shutdown procedure.
3.
Restart the computer using the power button.
1.
Reset the date and time in the Control Panel.
2.
Replace the RTC battery.
Establish a network connection, or use Computer Setup (F10)
Utility or Microsoft Windows Device Manager to disable the
network controller.
Press
num
lock. The num lock key can be disabled or enabled in
Computer Setup (F10) Utility.
1.
Verify that airflow to the computer is not blocked.
2.
Verify that chassis fans are connected and working
properly. Some fans operate only when needed.
3.
Verify that the processor heatsink is installed properly.
Transfer data from the hard drive to create more space on the
hard drive.
1.
Verify that the computer air vents are not blocked.
2.
Open the access panel and press the computer power
button.
3.
Verify that the system fan is running.
4.
Verify that the processor heatsink fan spins. If the fan is
not spinning, verify that the heatsink fan cable is plugged
into the system board connector and that the heatsink is
properly seated.
5.
Replace the processor heatsink.
Press and hold the power button for less than four seconds. If
the hard drive LED turns green:
1.
To find a faulty device, remove all devices one at a time:
a.
Disconnect AC power to the computer.
b.
Remove a device.
c.
Reconnect AC power and turn on the computer.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
