Hard Disk Drive Problems; Heat Problems - HP Notebook PC Reference Manual

Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Your Computer

Hard Disk Drive Problems

If the computer's hard drive doesn't spin
• Make sure the computer has power. If necessary, connect the AC adapter, and make
sure it is fully plugged into a power source and into the rear of the computer.
• Remove and reinsert the hard drive. See "Replacing the Hard Disk Drive" on page 97.
If the hard disk makes a buzzing or whining noise
• Back up the drive immediately.
• See whether the noise is coming from elsewhere, such as from the fan or a PC Card
drive.
If files are corrupted
• For Windows 98, run the Scandisk surface scan to check the hard disk. From the Start
menu, click Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk.
• For Windows 2000 or XP, open My Computer, select the disk you want to scan, click
File, Properties, and use the Tools tab.
• Run the virus-scanning program. See "To protect against viruses" on page 42.
• Test the hard disk drive with the e-Diagtools diagnostics. See "Testing the Hardware"
on page 125.
• If necessary, you can format the hard disk and reinstall the original factory software.
See "To recover the factory installation of your hard disk" on page 134.

Heat Problems

Your computer normally gets warm during routine operation.
If the computer gets abnormally hot
• Always set the computer on a flat surface, so that air can flow freely around and
underneath it.
• Make sure the air vents on the bottom and right side of the computer are clear.
• Keep in mind that games and other programs that drive CPU usage toward 100% can
increase the computer's temperature.
108 Reference Guide