Preparing The Computer; Clearing The Password; Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics; Checklist For Solving Minor Problems - Compaq DESKPRO 1000 Maintenance & Service Manual

2.2.1

Preparing the Computer

If you encounter an error condition, complete the following steps before starting problem isolation
procedures:
1. Ensure proper ventilation. The computer should have a 3-inch (7.6-cm) clearance at the back of
the system unit.
2. Turn off the computer and peripheral devices.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the power is off before disconnecting or reconnecting the mouse, keyboard,
or any other peripheral devices. Disconnecting or connecting any peripheral devices while the unit power
is on can damage the system board.
3. Disconnect any peripheral devices other than the monitor and keyboard. Do not disconnect the
printer if you want to test it or use it to log error messages.
4. Install loop-back and terminating plugs for complete testing.
5. Run a diagnostics utility.
2.2.2

Clearing the Password

If you have to clear the password before changing any of the CMOS settings, refer to Chapter 7,
"Utilities," for instructions.
2.3

Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

This section describes some simple, preliminary tests and guidelines for troubleshooting the
computer without using diagnostics software.
Diagnostics software is not included with this computer. Compaq diagnostics
software, Version PC 10.25A, is available at www.compaq.com. Third-party
diagnostics software is also available.
2.3.1

Checklist for Solving Minor Problems

If you encounter some minor problem with the computer or a software application, go through the
following checklist for possible solutions before running any of the diagnostic utilities:
„
Is the computer connected to a working power outlet?
„
Is the computer turned on and the power light illuminated?
„
Are all cables connected properly and seated?
„
Is the monitor turned on and the power light illuminated?
„
If the monitor is dim, turn up the brightness and contrast controls of the monitor.
„
Press and hold any key. If the system beeps, then the keyboard should be operating
correctly.
„
Are all of the necessary device drivers installed?
„
Have all printer drivers been installed for each application?
„
Is the CONFIG.SYS file correct?
„
Is the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (MS-DOS) or STARTUP.CMD file (OS/2) correct?
Compaq Deskpro 1000 Series of Personal Computers 2-5