Table of Contents
Advertisement
Running New Application Software
Problems that occur when you run new application software are usually related to the software.
Faulty equipment is much less likely, especially if other software runs correctly. Check the
following:
Does the system meet the minimum hardware requirements for the software? See the software
documentation.
Is the software an authorized copy? If not, get one; unauthorized copies often do not work.
If you are running the software from a diskette, is it a good copy?
If you are running the software from a CD-ROM disk, is the disk scratched or dirty?
If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, is the software correctly installed? Were all
necessary procedures followed and files installed?
Are the correct device drivers installed?
Is the software correctly configured for the system?
Are you using the software correctly?
If the problems persist, contact the software vendor's customer service representative.
After the System Has Been Running Correctly
Problems that occur after the system hardware and software have been running correctly often
indicate equipment failure. Many situations that are easy to correct, however, can also cause such
problems. Check the following:
If you are running the software from a diskette, try a new copy of the software.
If you are running the software from a CD-ROM disk, try a different CD-ROM disk to see if the
problem occurs on all disks.
If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, try running it from a diskette. If the software
runs correctly, there may be a problem with the copy on the hard disk drive. Reinstall the software
on the hard disk, and try running it again. Make sure all necessary files are installed.
If the problems are intermittent, there may be a loose cable, dirt in the keyboard (if keyboard input is
incorrect), a marginal power supply, or other random component failures.
If you suspect that a transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout might have occurred, reload
the software and try running it again. (Symptoms of voltage spikes include a flickering video
display, unexpected system reboots, and the system not responding to user commands.)
NOTE
Random errors in data files: If you are getting random errors in your data files,
voltage spikes on your power line may be corrupting them. If you are
experiencing any of the above symptoms that might indicate voltage spikes on
the power line, you may want to install a surge suppressor between the power
outlet and the system power cord.
62
Solving Problems
Advertisement
Table of Contents
