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HP dc7900 - Convertible Minitower PC Troubleshooting Manual

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  • Page 1 Troubleshooting Guide Business PCs...
  • Page 2 © Copyright 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services.

  • Page 3: About This Book

    About This Book WARNING! Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life. CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.
  • Page 4 About This Book ENWW...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents 1 Computer Diagnostic Features HP Insight Diagnostics ......................... 1 Accessing HP Insight Diagnostics ..................1 Survey Tab .......................... 2 Test Tab ..........................3 Status Tab ........................... 3 Log Tab ..........................4 Help Tab ..........................4 Saving and Printing Information in HP Insight Diagnostics ..........5 Downloading the Latest Version of HP Insight Diagnostics ..........
  • Page 6 Solving Software Problems ........................ 48 Contacting Customer Support ......................49 Appendix A POST Error Messages POST Numeric Codes and Text Messages ..................51 Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes ..........57 Appendix B Password Security and Resetting CMOS Resetting the Password Jumper ......................

  • Page 7: Computer Diagnostic Features

    Select Create a set of recovery discs (Recommended) and click Next. Follow the instructions in the wizard to create a Recovery Disc Set. Use Windows Explorer to search the Recovery Disc Set for the CD with the compaq\hpdiags directory. While the computer is on, insert the CD into an optical drive on the computer.

  • Page 8: Survey Tab

    Shut down the operating system and turn off the computer. Turn on the computer. The system will boot to the CD. NOTE: If the system does not boot to the CD in the optical drive, you may need to change the boot order in the Computer Setup (F10) utility so that the system attempts to boot to the optical drive before booting to the hard drive.

  • Page 9: Test Tab

    Test Tab The Test tab allows you to choose various parts of the system to test. You can also choose the type of test and testing mode. There are three types of tests to choose from: ● Quick Test—Provides a predetermined script where a sample of each hardware component is exercised and requires no user intervention in either Unattended or Interactive mode except for keyboard and mouse devices.

  • Page 10: Log Tab

    After testing has completed, the Cancel Testing button is replaced with a Retest button. The Retest button will retest the last set of tests executed. This enables you to re-run the set of tests without having to re-enter the data in the Test tab. The Status tab also shows: ●...

  • Page 11: Saving And Printing Information In Hp Insight Diagnostics

    Saving and Printing Information in HP Insight Diagnostics You can save the information displayed in the HP Insight Diagnostics Survey and Log tabs to a diskette or a USB 2.0 flash drive (64MB or higher). You can not save to the hard drive. The system will automatically create an html file that has the same appearance as the information displayed on the screen.

  • Page 12: Hp Backup And Recovery Manager

    HP Backup and Recovery Manager The HP Backup and Recovery Manager is an easy-to-use, versatile application that allows you to back up and recover the primary hard drive on the PC. The application works within Windows to create backups of Windows, all applications, and all data files. Backups can be scheduled to occur automatically at designated intervals, or they can be initiated manually.

  • Page 13: Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

    Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics This chapter provides information on how to identify and correct minor problems, such as diskette drive, hard drive, optical drive, graphics, audio, memory, and software problems. If you encounter problems with the computer, refer to the tables in this chapter for probable causes and recommended solutions. NOTE: For information on specific error messages that may appear on the screen during Power-On Self-Test (POST) at startup, refer to Appendix A,...

  • Page 14: Helpful Hints

    ● Boot the computer to the Safe Mode to see if it will boot without all of the drivers loaded. When booting the operating system, use “Last Known Configuration.” ● Refer to the comprehensive online technical support at http://www.hp.com/support. ● Refer to Helpful Hints on page 8 in this guide.
  • Page 15 ● Check all cable connections for loose connections or incorrect connections. ● Wake the computer by pressing any key on the keyboard or pressing the power button. If the system remains in suspend mode, shut down the computer by pressing and holding the power button for at least four seconds then press the power button again to restart the computer.

  • Page 16: Solving General Problems

    Solving General Problems You may be able to easily resolve the general problems described in this section. If a problem persists and you are unable to resolve it yourself or if you feel uncomfortable about performing the operation, contact an authorized dealer or reseller. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
  • Page 17 Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) There is no sound or sound volume is too low. Cause Solution System volume may be set low or muted. Check the F10 BIOS settings to make sure the internal system speaker is not muted (this setting does not affect the external speakers).
  • Page 18 Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution (Windows Vista) and type msconfig. On the Startup tab of the System Configuration Utility, clear applications that you do not want to launch automatically. Some software applications, especially games, are stressful Lower the display resolution for the current application or on the graphics subsystem consult the documentation that came with the application...
  • Page 19 Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) System does not power on and the LEDs on the front of the computer are not flashing. Cause Solution Check that both power supply cables are properly connected to the system board. Check to see if the 5V_aux light on the system board is turned on.

  • Page 20: Solving Power Problems

    Solving Power Problems Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table. Table 2-2 Solving Power Problems Power supply shuts down intermittently. Cause Solution Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch. models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V).
  • Page 21 Table 2-2 Solving Power Problems (continued) Power LED flashes Red four times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps four times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution the power supply adapter with the HP-supplied USDT power supply adapter.

  • Page 22: Solving Diskette Problems

    Solving Diskette Problems Common causes and solutions for diskette problems are listed in the following table. NOTE: You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. See Solving Hardware Installation Problems on page 33 for instructions.
  • Page 23 Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Diskette drive cannot write to a diskette. Cause Solution Legacy diskette writes are disabled in Computer Setup. Enter Computer Setup and enable Legacy Diskette Write in Storage > Storage Options. Diskette is damaged. Replace the damaged disk. Cannot format diskette.
  • Page 24 Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Cannot Boot to Diskette. Cause Solution Diskette is not bootable. Replace with a bootable diskette. Diskette boot has been disabled in Computer Setup. Run Computer Setup and enable diskette boot in Storage > Boot Order. Run Computer Setup and enable diskette boot in Storage >...

  • Page 25: Solving Hard Drive Problems

    Solving Hard Drive Problems Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems Hard drive error occurs. Cause Solution Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. In Microsoft Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive. Select File > Properties > Tools.
  • Page 26 Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Cause Solution The system is trying to start from a diskette that is not bootable. Remove the diskette from the diskette drive. The system is trying to start from the hard drive but the hard Insert a bootable diskette into the diskette drive and drive may have been damaged.
  • Page 27 Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) Computer seems to be locked up. Cause Solution off the power. To restart the computer, press the power button again. The removable hard drive has no power to the hard drive enclosure. Cause Solution The lock on the enclosure is not turned to the “ON”...

  • Page 28: Solving Media Card Reader Problems

    Solving Media Card Reader Problems Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems Media card will not work in a digital camera after formatting it in Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista. Cause Solution By default, Windows XP and Windows Vista will format any Either format the media card in the digital camera or select FAT media card with a capacity greater than 32MB with the FAT32 file system to format the media card in a computer with...
  • Page 29 Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems (continued) After installing the media card reader and booting to Windows, the reader and the inserted cards are not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution The operating system needs time to recognize the device if the Wait a few seconds so that the operating system can recognize reader was just installed into the computer and you are turning the reader and the available ports, and then recognize...

  • Page 30: Solving Display Problems

    Solving Display Problems If you encounter display problems, see the documentation that came with the monitor and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems Blank screen (no video). Cause Solution Monitor is not turned on and the monitor light is not on. Turn on the monitor and check that the monitor light is on.
  • Page 31 Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Blank screen and the power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution Pre-video memory error.
  • Page 32 Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Blurry video or requested resolution cannot be set. Cause Solution If the graphics controller was upgraded, the correct graphics Install the video drivers included in the upgrade kit. drivers may not be loaded. Monitor is not capable of displaying requested resolution. Change requested resolution.
  • Page 33 Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Vibrating or rattling noise coming from inside a CRT monitor when powered on. Cause Solution Monitor degaussing coil has been activated. None. It is normal for the degaussing coil to be activated when the monitor is powered on. Clicking noise coming from inside a CRT monitor.

  • Page 34: Solving Audio Problems

    Solving Audio Problems If the computer has audio features and you encounter audio problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems Sound cuts in and out. Cause Solution Processor resources are being used by other open Shut down all open processor-intensive applications.
  • Page 35 Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems (continued) Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones. Cause Solution CAUTION: When attempting to resume from standby mode, do not hold down the power button for more than four seconds. Otherwise, the computer will shut down and you will lose any unsaved data.

  • Page 36: Solving Printer Problems

    Solving Printer Problems If you encounter printer problems, see the documentation that came with the printer and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-8 Solving Printer Problems Printer will not print. Cause Solution Printer is not turned on and online. Turn the printer on and make sure it is online.

  • Page 37: Solving Keyboard And Mouse Problems

    Solving Keyboard and Mouse Problems If you encounter keyboard or mouse problems, see the documentation that came with the equipment and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-9 Solving Keyboard Problems Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Keyboard connector is not properly connected.
  • Page 38 Table 2-10 Solving Mouse Problems (continued) Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Cause Solution Mouse may need cleaning. Remove the roller ball cover on the mouse and clean the internal components. Mouse may need repair. See the Worldwide Limited Warranty for terms and conditions. Computer is in standby mode.

  • Page 39: Solving Hardware Installation Problems

    Solving Hardware Installation Problems You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional drive or expansion card. If you install a plug and play device, Windows automatically recognizes the device and configures the computer. If you install a non–plug and play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new hardware.
  • Page 40 Table 2-11 Solving Hardware Installation Problems (continued) Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power cord before...

  • Page 41: Solving Network Problems

    Solving Network Problems Some common causes and solutions for network problems are listed in the following table. These guidelines do not discuss the process of debugging the network cabling. Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems Wake-on-LAN feature is not functioning. Cause Solution Wake-on-LAN is not enabled.
  • Page 42 Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network status link light never flashes. NOTE: The network status light is supposed to flash when there is network activity. Cause Solution No active network is detected. Check cabling and network equipment for proper connection. Network controller is not set up properly.
  • Page 43 Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network controller stopped working when an expansion board was added to the computer. Cause Solution The network controller requires drivers. Verify that the drivers were not accidentally deleted when the drivers for a new expansion board were installed. The expansion board installed is a network card (NIC) and Under the Computer Setup Advanced menu, change the conflicts with the embedded NIC.

  • Page 44: Solving Memory Problems

    Solving Memory Problems If you encounter memory problems, some common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. CAUTION: Power may still be supplied to the DIMMs when the computer is turned off (depending on the Management Engine (ME) settings). To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power cord before attempting to reseat, install, or remove a DIMM module.
  • Page 45 Table 2-13 Solving Memory Problems (continued) Insufficient memory error during operation. Cause Solution Too many Terminate and Stay Resident programs (TSRs) are Delete any TSRs that you do not need. installed. You have run out of memory for the application. Check the memory requirements for the application or add more memory to the computer.

  • Page 46: Solving Processor Problems

    Solving Processor Problems If you encounter processor problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-14 Solving Processor Problems Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution Processor is hot. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked. Make sure the fans are connected and working properly (some fans only operate when needed).

  • Page 47: Solving Cd-Rom And Dvd Problems

    Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems If you encounter CD-ROM or DVD problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table or to the documentation that came with the optional device. Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive.
  • Page 48 Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (continued) Movie will not play in the DVD drive. Cause Solution Movie may be regionalized for a different country. See the documentation that came with the DVD drive. Decoder software is not installed. Install decoder software.
  • Page 49 USDT computer boots too slow after removing a CD-ROM or DVD drive. Cause Solution The system is searching for the drive during boot because the Disconnect the drive cable from the system board. drive cable is still attached to the system board. ENWW Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems...

  • Page 50: Solving Usb Flash Drive Problems

    Solving USB Flash Drive Problems If you encounter USB flash drive problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-16 Solving USB Flash Drive Problems USB flash drive is not seen as a drive letter in Windows. Cause Solution The drive letter after the last physical drive is not available.

  • Page 51: Solving Front Panel Component Problems

    Solving Front Panel Component Problems If you encounter problems with devices connected to the front panel, refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-17 Solving Front Panel Component Problems A USB device, headphone, or microphone is not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Device is not properly connected.

  • Page 52: Solving Internet Access Problems

    Solving Internet Access Problems If you encounter Internet access problems, consult your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems Unable to connect to the Internet. Cause Solution Internet Service Provider (ISP) account is not set up properly.
  • Page 53 Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems (continued) Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Cause Solution Modem is not set up properly. Verify that the modem is connected and communicating properly. Windows XP Select Start > Control Panel. Double-click System. Click the Hardware tab.

  • Page 54: Solving Software Problems

    Solving Software Problems Most software problems occur as a result of the following: ● The application was not installed or configured correctly. ● There is insufficient memory available to run the application. ● There is a conflict between applications. ● Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed.

  • Page 55: Contacting Customer Support

    Contacting Customer Support For help and service, contact an authorized reseller or dealer. To locate a reseller or dealer near you, visit http://www.hp.com. NOTE: If you take the computer to an authorized reseller, dealer, or service provider for service, remember to provide the setup and power-on passwords if they are set. Refer to the number listed in the warranty or in the Support Telephone Numbers guide for technical assistance.

  • Page 56: Appendix A Post Error Messages

    POST Error Messages This appendix lists the error codes, error messages, and the various indicator light and audible sequences that you may encounter during Power-On Self-Test (POST) or computer restart, the probable source of the problem, and steps you can take to resolve the error condition. POST Message Disabled suppresses most system messages during POST, such as memory count and non-error text messages.

  • Page 57: Post Numeric Codes And Text Messages

    POST Numeric Codes and Text Messages This section covers those POST errors that have numeric codes associated with them. The section also includes some text messages that may be encountered during POST. NOTE: The computer will beep once after a POST text message is displayed on the screen. Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages Control panel message...
  • Page 58 Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action for instructions on installing a new battery, or contact an authorized dealer or reseller for RTC battery replacement. 163-Time & Date Not Set CMOS jumper may not be properly installed. Check for proper placement of the CMOS jumper if applicable.
  • Page 59 Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 304-Keyboard or System Unit Error Keyboard failure. Reconnect the keyboard with computer turned off. Ensure that none of the keys are depressed. Replace the keyboard. Replace the system board. 501-Display Adapter Failure Graphics display controller.
  • Page 60 Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 912-Computer Cover Has Been Removed Computer cover was removed since last No action required. Since Last System Startup system startup. 917-Front Audio Not Connected Front audio harness has been detached or Reconnect or replace front audio harness.
  • Page 61 Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action Emulation to IDE, and select File > Save Changes and Exit. Reenter Computer Setup and select Security > Drivelock Security. For each listed Drivelock-capable SATA device, ensure Drivelock is Disabled. Lastly, change Storage >...
  • Page 62 Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action cord, restore the original memory configuration, and reboot the computer. If the error persists, replace the system board. 2204-Inventory error during MEBx execution BIOS information passed to the MEBx Reboot the computer.

  • Page 63: Interpreting Post Diagnostic Front Panel Leds And Audible Codes

    Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes This section covers the front panel LED codes as well as the audible codes that may occur before or during POST that do not necessarily have an error code or text message associated with them. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
  • Page 64 Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Red Power LED flashes four Power failure (power Open the hood and ensure the 4 or 6-wire times, once every second, supply is overloaded). power supply cable is seated into the followed by a two second connector on the system board.
  • Page 65 Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Red Power LED flashes eight Invalid ROM based on bad Reflash the system ROM with the latest BIOS times, once every second, checksum. image. See the “Boot Block Emergency followed by a two second Recovery Mode”...
  • Page 66 Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Check to see if the 5V_aux light on the system board is turned on. If it is turned on, then replace the power button harness. If the problem persists, replace the system board.

  • Page 67: Appendix B Password Security And Resetting Cmos

    Password Security and Resetting CMOS This computer supports security password features, which can be established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu. This computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu: setup password and power-on password. When you establish only a setup password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup.

  • Page 68: Resetting The Password Jumper

    Resetting the Password Jumper To disable the power-on or setup password features, or to clear the power-on or setup passwords, complete the following steps: Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the computer and any external devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. With the power cord disconnected, press the power button again to drain the system of any residual power.

  • Page 69: Clearing And Resetting The Cmos

    Clearing and Resetting the CMOS The computer’s configuration memory (CMOS) stores information about the computer’s configuration. The CMOS button resets CMOS but does not clear the power-on and setup passwords. Clearing CMOS will clear the Active Management Technology (AMT) settings in the Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx), including the password.
  • Page 70 Locate, press, and hold the CMOS button in for five seconds. NOTE: Make sure you have disconnected the AC power cord from the wall outlet. The CMOS button will not clear CMOS if the power cord is connected. Figure B-1 CMOS button NOTE: For assistance locating the CMOS button and other system board components, see the...

  • Page 71: Appendix C Drive Protection System (Dps)

    Drive Protection System (DPS) The Drive Protection System (DPS) is a diagnostic tool built into the hard drives installed in some computers. DPS is designed to help diagnose problems that might result in unwarranted hard drive replacement. When these systems are built, each installed hard drive is tested using DPS, and a permanent record of key information is written onto the drive.

  • Page 72: Accessing Dps Through Computer Setup

    Accessing DPS Through Computer Setup When the computer does not power on properly you should use Computer Setup to access the DPS program. To access DPS, perform the following steps: Turn on or restart the computer. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the key.

  • Page 73: Index

    Index hardware installation CD-ROM or DVD 41 access panel, locked 11 problems 33 diskette 16 audible codes 57 helpful hints 8 flash drive 44 audio problems 28 front panel 45 general 10 Insight Diagnostics 1 hard drive 19 beep codes 57 Internet access problems 46 hardware installation 33 boot problems 43...

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